Abstract: A device for loading a garment for a sewing machine having a first device for moving the garment toward the sewing machine, a second device downstream of the first moving device for moving the garments towards the sewing machine, and a device for changing the speed of the first and second moving devices relative to each other to change the distance between adjacent moving garments according to programmed distance values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and transporting workpieces from a pickup location to a seaming location on a worksurface. Workpieces are rotated through a user-determinable seaming angle so as to re-position the workpiece for sewing a pure straight/angled seam at the seaming location. The device includes a self-compensation system wherein seaming of the workpiece will commence at the leading edge thereof regardless of the initial position of the workpiece at the pickup location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flipping and folding a pliable workpiece, such as a pre-hemmed sleeve blank, along a desired fold axis. A workpiece is conveyed past a flipping roller and down against a clamp bar wherein it is clamped at a predetermined time by a lower hem guide. The flipping roller is sped to impart linear momentum to the unclamped, trailing portion of the workpiece. The flipping action serves to re-orient the workpiece from a right side-up orientation to an inside-out orientation so as to properly present the workpiece for subsequent seaming or stitching operations. A sensor is provided to determine the length of the workpiece so as to enable the device to clamp the workpiece about any desired fold axis.

Abstract: A hemmer seamer assembly comprising an apparatus for positioning a chain of stitches for stitching onto fabric having a needle and a throat plate, including a device for positioning the chain of stitches forwardly of the needle, and a device for moving the fabric to the throat plate for sewing the chain onto the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for stitching material in a sewing machine having a throat plate having a stitch tongue, a stitch forming instrumentality for forming an overedge stitch having a needle, an upper looper, and a lower looper. The apparatus has first plates for applying tension to a first thread passing to the upper looper, second plates for applying tension to a second thread passing to the needle, third plates for applying tension to a third thread passing to the lower looper, fourth plates for selectively applying tension to the first thread, fifth plates for selectively applying tension to the second thread, and sixth plates for selectively applying tension to the third thread.

Abstract: A sleeve handling device comprising, a first moving conveyor, a second moving conveyor disposed at an angle to the first conveyor, and a device for picking up a cloth on the first conveyor at a central portion thereof. The sleeve handling device has a device for moving the picking up device to a location above the second conveyor and dropping off the folded cloth onto the second conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a chain of stitches for stitching onto material in a sewing machine having a cutting device, and a first blower for positioning the chain of stitches forwardly of the needle. The apparatus has a second blower for placing the chain in the path of the cutting device.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an auxiliary feed mechanism adapted to maintain an edge of a workpiece in substantial registration with a predetermined path along which the workpiece edge is moved. The invention includes a motor driven auxiliary feed device which is operatively associated with a unique servosystem. The invention further includes sensing elements arranged to monitor the position of the workpiece edge and devices operatively associated with the sensing elements and the servosystem for automatically adjusting the feed rate of the auxiliary mechanism according to the characteristics of the work being sewn and for effecting the speed of the auxiliary mechanism relative to the velocity of the workpiece whereby maintaining the desired alignment of the workpiece edge relative its predetermined position or path during the sewing operation.

Abstract: An auxiliary feed mechanism adapted for use with a sewing machine including a feed roller for advancing the workpiece through the work station and a mounting structure adapted to move the feed roller between two positions in one of which the feed roller is operative to aid in feeding the workpiece through the workstation and in the other of which the feed roller is rendered ineffective to transmit motive power to the workpiece. A plurality of flexible couplings drive the feed roller in timed relation to the actuation of a variable speed drive motor which is coupled in a unique electric circuit relationship with the main drive motor of the machine so as to vary the feeding rate of the feed roller in accordance with the machine cycle rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which removes from the stitching area of a sewing machine a continuous strip of material which has been severed from the marginal edge of a workpiece being sewn. The apparatus includes a tubular member having an inlet end positioned above the work support and in front of the material severing mechanism of the machine. The other end of the tube is connected to a source of reduced pressure whereby creating a suction at the inlet end of the tubular member for drawing the continuous severed strip away from the material trimming mechanism and the stitching area.

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.