Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved thread control mechanism for chain-stitch sewing machines. The present invention is adapted to apply a quick and effective clamping action to the sewing thread of the machine in timed relation with the rotary or oscillatory movements of the stitch forming instrumentalities. The mechanism's clamping force magnitude may be selectively regulated to exceed the tensile strength of the particular thread being used and is effective to break the thread should it become wound about an operable rotary shaft of the machine. The present invention includes a rotary actuating member for moving a thread engaging member between two extreme positions so as to entrap and intermittently clamp the thread at a location interposed between the stitch forming instrumentalities and the thread supply source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a presser foot attachment adapted for use with a sewing machine for stitching an upper material to a base material and simultaneously trimming the edge of the base material along a line closely adjacent the row of stitches. The presser foot attachment includes a main section and an auxiliary section. The main section of the foot terminates just forward of the sewing machine needle so as to allow the juxtaposed edges of the upper and lower materials to be placed in close proximity to the needle at the onset of the sewing operation. The auxiliary section is movable between two positions and aids in guiding and separating the upper material over the base material and to the sewing station of the machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feed mechanism for a blindstitch sewing machine including a stitch shortening and tacking mechanism. Elliptical feeding movement is imparted to the feed dog by a fulcrumed lever driven off an eccentric on the main shaft of the machine. An operator controlled eccentric actuator is operatively connected to mechanism which changes the fulcrumed position of the feed lever to vary the elliptical path of the feed dog whereby effecting the advancement of the workpiece during the sewing operation without effecting needle reciprocation. An auxiliary thread tensioning assembly is provided to control the amount of thread utilized during the stitch tacking operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a four motion feed mechanism for sewing machines that is adapted to advance a work piece past the stitch forming point of the machine. Orbital movement is imparted to the feed dog by a drive mechanism including first and second linkage assemblies driven off a common eccentric arranged on the sewing machine bed shaft. A feed lift regulatory assembly is operatively connected to one of the linkage assemblies and is provided to selectively modify the amplitude of lift that is imparted to the feed dog of the machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a needle guard which is adapted to position the needle relative the lower stitch forming mechanism and further serves to minimize skipped stitches during the sewing operation. The needle guard is positioned beneath the work supporting surface of the machine and during the sewing operation is disposed proximate the needle path. Upon completion of the sewing operation the needle guard is retracted from the path of the needle. Adjustable means are provided so as to accomodate the needle guard to needles of various sizes and to permit positioning of the needle guiding surface with respect to the path of the needle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device that is adapted to individually and simultaneously guard and cool each needle of a sewing machine. The device includes an apertured member that is adjustably secured to the frame of the machine in a position below the work support of the machine. The apertured member is adapted to receive the needle or needles during the lower portion of its stroke. The diameter of the needle receiving aperture or bore provides a camming or guarding surface against which the needle may impinge, in the event that on its downstroke the needle is deflected or bent in any direction away from its recipricatory path. A passageway, formed in the member, allows for the transmission of a cooling medium to the needle receiving bore so as to cool the eye area and point of the needle as it passes therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus which aligns, preliminarily clamps, clamps and then sews hook or eye tape portions to a brassiere, in combination with a computer controlled sewing machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a presser mechanism for sewing machines which includes a pair of independently tandemly mounted presser foot soles arranged to cooperate with the feed mechanism of the machine in advancing the workpiece along a directed path of travel. Different selectively variable pressures may be applied to the presser foot soles such that both a firm heavy pressure and a resilient lesser pressure is applied to the workpiece as it travels along its directed path of travel.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an auxiliary feed mechanism adapted to maintain an edge of a workpiece in substantial registration with a predetermined path along which the workpiece edge is moved. The invention includes a motor driven auxiliary feed device which is operatively associated with a unique servosystem. The invention further includes sensing elements arranged to monitor the position of the workpiece edge and devices operatively associated with the sensing elements and the servosystem for automatically adjusting the feed rate of the auxiliary mechanism according to the characteristics of the work being sewn and for effecting the speed of the auxiliary mechanism relative to the velocity of the workpiece whereby maintaining the desired alignment of the workpiece edge relative its predetermined position or path during the sewing operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a sewing machine lubrication system including positive displacement mechanisms adapted to transmit lubricant under pressure to the operating mechanisms of the machines and for transferring lubricant collected in non-drainable areas of the machine to the lubricant reservoir. Arranged in combination with the displacement mechanisms is a filtering/distribution assembly which serves to individually and selectively supply a relatively small, but sufficient quantity of lubricant to the operating mechanisms according to the requirements thereof. The present invention further provides a pressure relief valve assembly for selectively regulating the pressure in the lubrication system.

Abstract: A bobbin thread tension for a closed end cylindrical body bobbin thread case of a horizontal axis type rotary hook for a lockstitch sewing machine consisting of a diagonally slotted thread aperture in the wall of the bobbin case partially covered by a bobbin thread control that is adjustably mounted on the wall of the bobbin case by a pivot screw at one of its ends and inward a clamp screw passing through an enlarged hole in the bobbin thread control allowing the control to be pivoted to cover an effective amount of the thread aperture thereby increasing or decreasing the bobbin thread tension.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for controlling the edge of a tubular fabric. More particularly, this invention relates to a tubular fabric edge control device which controls the edge so that it can be hemmed by itself or in conjunction with an elastic tape.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming an overedge stitch adapted to join a plurality of material workpieces along their edge. The overedge stitch of the present invention is formed with four threads. Two of the four threads are formed into material penetrating needle loops which project through the workpiece at spaced intervals. The first needle loop is interlooped at the lower point of penetration with the third or lower looper thread whereby uniting the workpieces. The looper thread, together with the second needle loop, is laterally spread beneath the lowermost workpiece to a point whereat they are interlooped with the fourth or upper looper thread. The loops of the upper looper thread shall be extended for subsequent penetration by one of the needle loops on the uppermost workpiece whereby forming an overedge stitch along the edge of the workpiece.

Abstract: The disclosed invention describes an automatic sewing machine having a linear compensating system for moving a workholder relative to a fixed point. The driving power for the workholder is provided by a pair of stepping motors, each of whose mechanical output is operably connected by the linear compensating system to the workholder. A mechanical feed back means is associated with the system so that the workholder may be moved in a coordinate system which has been modified so that the movement of the workholder relative to the needle closely approximates a rectangular coordinate system.

Abstract: A thread separating finger used in combination with a knife assembly adapted for cutting thread utilized in a sewing machine with said assembly having first and second levers, each lever having first and second end portions and a medial portion therebetween, said first end portion of said second lever defining a first cutting blade portion, first means at said second end portion of said second lever for mounting said second lever for pivotal movement, a link having first and second end portions and a medial portion therebetween, said first end portion of said link defining a second cutting blade portion cooperative with said first cutting blade portion for cutting a thread therebetween upon relative pivoting motion between said link and said second lever, second means pivotally connecting together said medial portions of said link and second lever, and third means pivotally connecting together the first end portion of said first lever and the second end portion of said link whereby motion imparted to the seco

Abstract: An auxiliary feed mechanism adapted for use with a sewing machine including a feed roller for advancing the workpiece through the work station and a mounting structure adapted to move the feed roller between two positions in one of which the feed roller is operative to aid in feeding the workpiece through the workstation and in the other of which the feed roller is rendered ineffective to transmit motive power to the workpiece. A plurality of flexible couplings drive the feed roller in timed relation to the actuation of a variable speed drive motor which is coupled in a unique electric circuit relationship with the main drive motor of the machine so as to vary the feeding rate of the feed roller in accordance with the machine cycle rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which removes from the stitching area of a sewing machine a continuous strip of material which has been severed from the marginal edge of a workpiece being sewn. The apparatus includes a tubular member having an inlet end positioned above the work support and in front of the material severing mechanism of the machine. The other end of the tube is connected to a source of reduced pressure whereby creating a suction at the inlet end of the tubular member for drawing the continuous severed strip away from the material trimming mechanism and the stitching area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming an overedge stitch adapted to join a plurality of material workpieces along their edge. The overedge stitch of the present invention is formed with four threads. Two of the four threads are formed into material penetrating needle loops which project through the workpiece at spaced intervals. The first needle loop is interlooped at the lower point of penetration with the third or lower looper thread whereby uniting the workpieces. The looper thread, together with the second needle loop, is laterally spread beneath the lowermost workpiece to a point whereat they are interlooped with the fourth or upper looper thread. The loops of the upper looper thread shall be extended for subsequent penetration by one of the needle loops on the uppermost workpiece whereby forming an overedge stitch along the edge of the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stacker mechanism for removing flexible work pieces from the working area of a machine. The stacker mechanism of the present invention includes a frame, an arm, and a support member having first and second pivotal connections. The first pivotal connection serves to rotatably secure the support member to the frame and allows the arm carried thereby to be vertically rotated. The second pivotal connection allows pivotal movement of the arm in a horizontal direction. The end of the arm opposite the second pivotal connection carries a wiper mechanism for engaging and moving the work piece. A driver is employed for pivotally moving the arm. A motion retarding assembly is provided at the second pivotal connection for applying frictional restraint to the horizontal turning movement of the arm whereby a higher coefficient of friction is maintained at the second pivotal connection relative the first pivotal connection.

Abstract: A sewing machine provided with a fan which is formed as an integral part of the handwheel and drive pulley and serves the purpose of drawing air there through for cooling. A shroud and a baffle cooperate to direct the air drawn in by the fan downward and over the bottom cover of the sewing machine which is provided with heat dissipating fins.