Abstract: A workpiece is supported by work support means (40; 40'; 40"; 44'; 142, 144) for movement in a first direction by co-operating workpiece clamping and feeding means (46; 142, 144), both said means being supported on a carriage (16) for movement in a second direction normal to the first to move a workpiece relative to a sewing machine head. Both of said means are arranged on both sides of an elongated aperture (42) extending in the second direction in alignment with a needle penetration point (N). Stepping motors (24; 60) are provided for moving the carriage (16) and operating the workpiece clamping and feeding means (46; 142, 144) under programmed control. A camera (70) is also provided aligned with the aperture 42, for detecting the peripheral outline of a workpiece fed therebeneath.

Abstract: A numerically controlled motor provides a drive at a rate which is proportional to rotation of an independently driven shaft. In addition, the ratio of such rate to such rotation can be varied by a control circuit by which, in response to each pulse supplied by an encoder on said shaft, an incremental value, corresponding to an analogue signal supplied by a potentiometer to an A-D converter, which converts said signal to said value, is supplied to an accumulator, which sums the successively supplied increment values and, at a predetermined cumulative value, "overflows", such "overflow" supplying a drive signal to the n.c. motor. The potentiometer is manually set by an operator to vary the increment value and thus the frequency of "overflow" in relation to shaft rotation. The control circuit also enables "reverse" and "fast forward" drive to the motor independently of the shaft.

Abstract: A computer-controlled machine for progressively roughing marginal portions of shoe bottoms comprises a tool support arm, on which two rotary roughing brushes are carried side-by-side, and a shoe support between which and the arm relative movement takes place lengthwise, widthwise and heightwise of the shoe bottom. The relative lengthwise movement is fore-and-aft, and the left hand tool is arranged to operate along the right hand side of the shoe bottom as relative movement takes place in one direction, and vice versa in the opposite direction. For effecting such relative lengthwise movement, furthermore, the shoe support is mounted for movement along an arcuate path about an axis extending transversely of the shoe bottom. Conveniently, two shoe supports are provided, arranged side-by-side, the tool support arm being aligned alternately with each shoe support.