Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning and controlled advancing of tube-like articles includes at least one stationary roller and a non-stationary roller which is movable by a slider in order to tension the waist of an article pulled over the rollers. Depending on the position of the slider when having tensioned the article, the speed of one of the rollers is controlled to allow the sewing of belt loops in controlled distances onto the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding tubular goods for stitching at the station of a sewing machine has a support adjacent the sewing station, a drive for rotating the support about a horizontal support axis, and at least three arcuate segment plates displaceable radially of the support axis on the support and together forming a segmented drum centered on the axis. The plates are displaceable between inner positions defining a circumference smaller than that of the smallest tubular goods to be sewn and outer positions defining a circumference larger than that of the largest tubular goods to be sewn. The plates can be radially spread on the support to change the diameter of the drum. Thus when a tubular workpiece is fitted over the drum it is tensioned thereover. The support can also be displaced vertically adjacent the station to align the uppermost segment plate generally with the stitch plate.

Abstract: A sewing machine having an edge guide for producing a stitched seam along an edge of a workpiece terminating at another edge forming an angle with the first has an optical device for directing a pencil or beam of light toward a reflective surface which underlies the workpiece and is covered thereby until the movement of the workpiece exposes the reflective surface at this other edge. The optical detector then produces a signal for initiating a control function, e.g. the change of stitch pattern to tie off the end of the previously sewn seam or to lodge the needle in the fabric so that the workpiece may be turned to bring the other edge into contact with the edge guide. The control system can include a programmer for the successive stitching operations which are initiated in succession in response to the optical sensor.

Abstract: A sewing station in which lengthy material, e.g. sleeve or trouser-leg fabric workpieces, can be provided with a seam in substantially automated operation. The material to be sewn is advanced from a loading station, where it is initially held by a fixed clamp, to the sewing machine. While the material is advanced past the sewing machine by the fabric transport, it is guided by a moving or trailing clamp which trails along with the material holding it in lightly stretched relation to the sewing machine transport mechanism. The clamps are provided with pneumatic pistons which actuate or perform the clamping functions. The pistons are controlled by switches and valves to alternatingly open and close the clamps as required by the seaming operation. The station provides for a simplified operation requiring monitoring by an operator only for the initial positioning and initial seaming.

Abstract: A pair of tracks are pivotal and alignable with a stitching station of a sewing machine. Carried on each track is a clip which is normally biased away from the sewing machine but displaceable against the biasing force toward the stitching station. Each clip has a lower jaw swingable between an upper operative position and a lower return position and an upper jaw pivoted on the lower jaw and swingable between an upper open position, a lower operative position, and a third return position. In the return positions both of the jaws are below the plane of the support table adjacent the sewing machine. The trailing edge of a workpiece is clipped in one clip and the leading edge of the workpiece is fitted to the sewing station. As the clip approaches the sewing station it first automatically opens, then is automatically swung into the return position so that a workpiece whose trailing edge is held in the other clip can then pass over the returning clip to the sewing station.