Abstract: A metering device for a sewing machine for supplying a predetermined length of material to the stitch forming instrumentalities. Movement is imparted to the metering device by a series of one way clutch assemblies, one of which is operably connected to a drive mechanism of the machine. A motion transfer mechanism provides for opposite movement in unison of the clutch assemblies so that any movement of the drive mechanism results in a feeding displacement of the metering device. A brake assembly applies a symetrical frictional force to one of the feed rollers so as to prevent overthrow of the device.

Abstract: Device includes a fabric carrying and feeding means, fabric tensioning means, fabric orientating means, particular means which aid in performing the sewing function and the sewing machine.

Abstract: A cylinder bed machine provided with a thread cutting device having a retractable and laterally movable assemblage which includes a thread seizing member, a knife and a thread clamp. Upon actuation the assemblage cooperatively moves forwardly and laterally to a predetermined distance from the stitching area whereat the knife and thread clamp are held. The thread seizing member continues forward movement to a position for seizing the threads situated about the looper. Upon return, the seizing member carries the threads to the knife and thread clamp position whereat they are cut and clamped. Once the threads are cut and clamped the assemblage is returned to its initial position. An adjustable guide directs the seizing member through the thread loops formed about the looper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and continually feeding workpieces, one after another, to a sewing machine. The continuous feeding is imparted to the workpiece by a plurality of connecting links which connect the trailing edge of one workpiece with the leading edge of the following workpiece at a point in front of the sewing instrumentalities. The workpiece that is being fed into and through the machine automatically draws the succeeding workpiece towards and through the machine due to the connecting link fastening these two together. Motion is imparted to the connecting links by the feed device associated with the sewing machine. The connecting links are guided through a predetermined path by a rail system which automatically returns the connecting link to a staging area after same has been released from the workpiece. A sewing machine fastens together the continguous ends of the workpieces and a cutter cuts the chain formed therebetween.

Abstract: An automatic button feeder is disclosed including a lifting mechanism arranged for facilitating disengagement of the orientating mechanism associated therewith. The lifting mechanism includes a slideably supported member means which is connected to the orientating mechanism of the button feeder by means of a curved leaf spring. An actuator, which is responsive to movement of the button clamp lifting mechanism, moves the slideable member, and thus the orientating mechanism connected thereto, whereby facilitating disengagement of the latter in timed relation to the sewing cycle.

Abstract: A thread chain cutting mechanism for a sewing machine which includes a swingable blade which is actuated by means independent from the mechanical workings of the machine. The actuating mechanism includes a cantilevered resiliently urged member which carries at its free end the swingable cutter blade. A pneumatically operated plunger oscillates said resilient member and thus the blade carried thereby between a cutting position and a non-cutting position at a frequency which is adjustable. Means for providing a section in the cutting area so as to draw the thread chain into the path of the blades.

Abstract: Frame including at least one: gripper, sensor and an orientating device. In response to the sensor, the gripper selectively secures independent material sheets. The orientating device then positions the material sheets in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A sewing machine thread trimming mechanism for severing both the needle thread and bobbin thread close to the workpiece at the end of a stitching operation and for providing a sufficient length of bobbin thread after trimming so that stitching on a succeeding seam may proceed. The thread trimming mechanism includes a trimming device having two pivotly connected moveable blades which are swingably mounted beneath the sewing machine throat plate. One of the blades is mounted for movement into the needle thread and bobbin thread path whereby engaging and carrying the same into severing engagement with the second moveable blade. The second moveable blade is eccentrically pivoted relative the first blade and is provided with a floating fulcrum which controls the movement of the second blade so as to produce a true scissor like action between the two blades.

Abstract: The throat slot, arranged in the needle plate for the passage of the needle, has in the right front portion thereof a groove. It is designed to retain the previously formed thread chain and prevent the formation of the overlock stitch until displaced by the passage of a fabric.

Abstract: A spindle brake mechanism for a milling machine which includes a plurality of brake shoes that are pivotally mounted about the machine spindle. The brake shoes are pivoted for movement into and out of frictional braking contact with the machine spindle and are circumferentially encompassed by a freely rotatable ring which carries thereon a plurality of actuating members that associate with each of the brake shoes. At the completion of the work cycle, the driving force is removed from the spindle and the ring is rotated thus causing the actuating members to forcibly cam the brake shoes into contact with the spindle thus applying a frictional braking effect thereon.

Abstract: A button guide assembly for delivering and guiding buttons to a rotatable sewing machine button indexer. The assembly includes a guide track and mounting means for securing the assembly to the sewing machine button clamp. The mounting means are adjustable to allow movement of the guide track assembly forwardly or backwardly with respect to the rotatable indexer in a direction parallel and in alignment with the button feed path. The assembly further includes means for adjusting the width of the guide track opening. The adjustment means cooperate with the mounting means in maintaining a tangential relationship between the receiving opening in the rotatable button indexer and the guide track assembly.

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.

Abstract: An automatic brake mechanism for a milling machine which applies a braking effect upon the machine drive pulley. The automatic brake system includes an actuating device which is responsive to the de-energization of the machine drive motor. The actuating device is effective to forcibly drive a braking element into frictional braking contact with the maching drive pulley whereby preventing the same from continued rotation.

Abstract: A hem folding attachment for forming an S-shaped fold in the edge of a flexible sheet prior to the stitching of the folded edge by a sewing machine. The attachment includes first and second movable guides cooperably associated for forming the fold on the workpiece. The first movable guide has integrally formed thereon a hem fold control finger portion which extends parallel to the direction of feed and is interposed within the fold for effecting the movement of the fold to the sewing machine. The hem fold control finger portion is positioned within a cutout located on the top side of the throat plate whereas to maintain the presser foot in its normal operating position during the sewing operation.

Abstract: Sensor including a non-contact proximity sensor, proportional change detector system and a sample gate. The machine logic program of the Automatic Sewing System generates a signal which enables the sample gate, at given times during the work cycle. The sample gate also receives a signal indicating fabric discontinuities which is generated by the sensor element. When such input signals are present, at the sample gate, an output is generated thereby to overcome the fabric discontinuities problem.

Abstract: a sewing machine apparatus for aligning one side of a series of fabric panels in a predetermined position. The apparatus includes measuring devices which associate with and continually monitor the position of one side of the fabric panels with respect to each other. A control means, responsive to the output of the measuring means, selectively advances or retards the top feeding mechanism engaging with the top layer or fabric or the bottom feed mechanism engageable with the bottom layer of fabric, as may be necessary, whereby aligning one side of the fabric panels at the completion of the sewing operation.

Abstract: A sewing machine attachment for inserting a preselected size label to the underside of the garment which is to be sewn. A predetermined length of ribbon is cut from a label storage area, engaged and folded upon itself by an inserter band which advances the label to a transporter assembly. The label is presented above the feed dog and below the material by the transporter assembly, which maintains a parallel relationship with the work support of the machine during its path of movement, whereby insuring accurate delivery of the label into close proximity with the sewing area. The label is removed from the transporter by the feed mechanism, which advances the label, along with the garment to be sewn, to the sewing area. A pneumatic control system sequences the label insertion operation.

Abstract: A bearing transducer assembly for measuring the dynamic load applied to a bearing by an oscillating or rotating member. The apparatus includes a shaft journaled within a thin walled bearing, a support member, a plurality of transducer assemblies mounted between the support member and the bearing for supporting the bearing and shaft and for detecting the dynamic load placed thereupon by the oscillation or rotation of the shaft, and an electrical circuitry for cancelling the bearing distortion components and measuring the dynamic load component representative of the dynamic load applied to the bearing.

Abstract: An improved sewing machine needle provided with tapered flat surfaces on both sides of the needle, beginning at a point slightly rearward of the needle's eye and converging towards the point of the needle.

Abstract: Fabric lengths are monitored during and/or prior to sewing by sensing means in conjunction with a logic system. Differences in fabric ply lengths are compensated for by the logic systems control via stepping motors of the differential feed assembly located above and below the fabric plies.