Abstract: A continuous, automated method and apparatus for manufacturing pillowcases in which a hem is continuously formed along one longitudinal edge of an indeterminate length fabric, and the fabric is thereafter successively cut to length and folded, with the folded pieces being sewn along the side and end thereof to form successive completed pillowcases. The versatile method and apparatus of this invention is adapted for manufacturing pillowcases of the conventional folded hem style, as well as pillowcases of the attached hem and mock attached hem styles.

Abstract: A continuous, automated method and apparatus for manufacturing pillowcases in which a hem is continuously formed along one longitudinal edge of an indeterminate length fabric, and the fabric is thereafter successively cut to length and folded, with the folded pieces being sewn along the side and end thereof to form successive completed pillowcases. The versatile method and apparatus of this invention is adapted for manufacturing pillowcases of the conventional folded hem style, as well as pillowcases of the attached hem and mock attached hem styles.

Abstract: An electrical heating apparatus such as an electrically heated bedcover protected against an overheating condition by an overheat protective circuit which utilizes a pair of solid state switching devices in the heating element circuit. The solid state switching devices are so connected that should one switching device fail in a shorted or closed mode, a second switching device will be in the circuit to control the heating element and provide normal protection against an overheating condition. The solid state switching devices are employed in a manner which permits the use of relatively small light weight temperature sensors in the form of positive temperature coefficient devices such as PTC resistors, which avoids the need for using relatively bulky bimetallic thermostatic switches as are conventionally employed for sensing overheating conditions.

Abstract: A percale sheeting fabric of polyester and cellulosic fiber construction which more effectively utilizes the beneficial properties of the cellulosic fiber as compared to conventional polyester and cotton blend sheeting fabric constructions so as to provide a greatly increased moisture absorbency rate for enhanced comfort, and with enhanced cover, bulk and opacity. The fabric is formed of warp and filling yarns of corespun construction having a yarn count of about 34/1 to 37/1 cotton count, with the yarns being interwoven to form a woven fabric construction of at least about 180 threads per square inch. Each of the corespun warp and filling yarns has a core portion formed of multifilament polyester of a total denier of about 45 to 50, and a sheath portion formed of cellulosic fibers helically wrapped about the multifilament core portion to substantially surround and encase the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a longitudinal hem along one edge of a fabric using a hot melt adhesive for securement of the hem. The fabric is advanced along a predetermined path of travel while one longitudinal edge portion of the fabric is directed through an elongate heating chamber and heated to an elevated temperature. The heated edge portion of the fabric then passes through a folding station and the fabric is folded to form a hem. A stream of molten hot melt adhesive is deposited between the overlying fabric layers which define the longitudinal hem and pressure is applied to the hem to cause the molten adhesive to spread and penetrate into the fabric layers and to also prevent relative movement between the fabric layers until the adhesive is sufficiently cooled to secure the hem together.

Abstract: A method of making tufted pile fabrics wherein first and second sets of pile yarns are shogged laterally to form respective rows of pile tufts on one surface of a base material, with the pile yarns of the respective sets crossing the rows of pile tufts formed of the pile yarns of the other sets on the reverse side of the base material from the pile tufts.

Abstract: Pile wires extending longitudinally of the fabric being formed and are arranged in side-by-side cooperating pairs of first and second pile wires, with only the first pile wires having cutting blades so arranged as to cut loops previously formed over both pile wires of each cooperating pair while they occupy a first position. Means imparts relative longitudinal movement to each cooperating pair of pile wires, and cooperating means on the pile wires is responsive to such relative movement of the pile wires to a second position for diverting the first pile wire laterally away from the second pile wire of the respective pair so that loops of pile yarn are formed over only the second pile wire and thus form uncut pile loops in the fabric.

Abstract: Tightly woven colored fabrics such as twills, denims, sateens, and poplins are provided with pattern areas thereon simulating the appearance of a printed design and wherein the pattern areas are of a color tone contrasting with the color of adjacent pattern areas and have a discernible softer texture imparting further contrast with the non-pattern areas. The contrasting tone colored pattern areas may either have a lighter color tone appearance than the non-pattern areas or a darker color tone appearance or the pattern areas may appear to change in color tone with respect to the background areas when the fabric is viewed at different angles.

Abstract: A method of making pile fabrics in which a compacted block of strands of pile forming material is incrementally discharged from an open end of a container in successive increments of an amount equal to the desired length of pile and, following each discharge of the block from the container, a pile slice is severed from the block while being deposited directly onto and secured to an advancing layer of adhesive carried by a release surface to form a pile fabric of cut pile tufts secured to an adhesive substrate which is then removed from the release surface.