Abstract: A method of manufacturing a configured cut-out in a sheet of material by arranging a pair of dies to support a sheet of material therebetween, pushing a punch shaft through one die, then through the sheet of material and then through the other die, then retracting the punch shaft to effectuate initiation of a nibbling operation to produce a cut-out in the sheet of material to correspond to a cut-out in a template, which template is traced by a pilot finger during common motion of the template and the sheet of material.

Abstract: A machine for punching and nibbling a piece of sheet material, preferably metal, for subsequent manufacture into a pallet, said machine comprising a pair of dies disposable on each side of the sheet material, a punch shaft being pushable through one die, then through the sheet material, then through the other die, which punch shaft also begins a nibbling operation on the return stroke, because of a shoulder cut into the shaft itself. The punch shaft is empowered by a pressurizable cylinder and an electric motor on the initial punch stroke, and just the electric motor during the reciprocable nibbling function.

Abstract: A multiple needle sewing machine having a shiftable needle mechanism wherein threaded needles may be shuttled from an active to an inactive position and vice versa. A thread wiping mechanism, comprising an arrangement of articulated fingers is disposed adjacent the needles' inactive positions. Upon a proper signal, the fingers extend to a position to await the inactive needle, whereupon, the fingers will be retracted, catching only the thread of the inactive needle holding it out of the way of the needle in the active position. The thread wiping mechanism may be actuated by reciprocable means attached to the fingers, which actuation occurs upon receipt of a proper signal during operation of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A sewing machine having two needles supported in a needle holder, which needle holder is horizontally displacable, to present one needle to an active workstation in a prethreaded manner and simultaneously shift the other needle which has a different thread therein, into an adjacent inactive position. As the needles are being shifted, the needle moving to inactive status has its thread clamped against the needle holder by a wheel, to secure the thread from being pulled therefrom or straying. A vacuum tube arranged at each respective inactive position or station sucks the tail of the thread therein. A pair of thread guides, one for each thread, are arranged for vertical movement, to pullback on the dangling thread of the inactive needle, to prevent the thread from whipping during its inactive status. Each thread passes around a thread engaging wheel comprising a dual bobbin monitor arranged on a single axis.

Abstract: A method and machine are provided for controlling the orientation of one or more sewing instrumentalities with respect to a workpiece while also controlling the path of movement of the workpiece. The one or more sewing instrumentalities are preferably rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane in which the workpiece is moved. The invention furthermore provides for separate and independent control of each sewing instrumentality so as to thereby render one or both needles inoperative at various times during continuous operation of the machine. The invention still further provides for separate manipulation of the thread associated with each respective sewing instrumentality so as to allow for a pullback of this thread. In principle the invention is also applicable to other than sewing machines wherein one or more operative tools may, for example, perform such functions as marking, folding, pinking, or perforating.

Abstract: A rigid, lightweight positioning system is disclosed for use with a high speed sewing machine. The positioning system includes a rigid, lightweight frame that is slidably mounted in a predefined plane. The frame is driven within the plane by a remotely located motor. A carriage is slidably mounted on the frame so as to move in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the frame itself. This carriage is driven along its axis by a second remotely located motor. The overall arrangement of the elements within the positioning system is such as to minimize the introduction of vibration at the point of sewing.

Abstract: An automatic sewing machine is provided wherein the clamps for holding the workpiece can be used to define at least two different sewing patterns. The sewing pattern which is particularly defined by a given arrangement of clamps is indicated to a digital control system within the sewing machine. The control system is operative to subsequently implement an automated stitching of the particular sewing pattern which has thus been indicated thereto. This automatic stitching is accomplished through a sequential reading of a set of instructions previously stored within a memory associated with the control system. The set of instructions remain the same for at least two different sewing patterns. These instructions are altered upon read out by certain control logic which takes note of which pattern has been defined by the given arrangement of clamps. The automated stitching is completed by an automatic ejection of the clamped workpiece.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for holding and securing a workpiece within a sewing machine. The mechanism includes a plurality of clamping elements which may be arranged in different configurations so as to accommodate different sewing patterns. The different arrangements of clamping elements are inserted into a carriage which defines the positions of the clamping elements relative to each other as well as with respect to the bed of the sewing machine.