Abstract: Apparatus for forming a groove in a glass tube without contacting the glass tube in the groove region. The apparatus includes a pair of chucks for holding opposite ends of the glass tube. The chucks are coupled to a motor for rotating the glass tube about its longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes one or more torches for noncontact heating of the groove region of the glass tube sufficiently to soften the glass tube in the groove region. The chucks which hold the glass tube are axially movable for stretching and then compressing the glass tube along its longitudinal axis, when the glass tube has been softened in the groove area. The chucks are rotated during heating, stretching and compressing of the glass tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for aligning one or more plies of material moving in a predetermined direction, and preferably through a desired path of travel, prior to stitching in a sewing machine. A friction wheel or other guide element is provided for applying a force to the ply having a component in a direction transverse to the direction of travel and sensors are provided for sensing the transverse position of the ply at the point where the sensor is located relative to the desired transverse position at that point. The sensor outputs are weighted, and where two or more sensors are provided, the sensor outputs are combined in a predetermined manner. The combined and weighted outputs are then utilized to control the transverse force applied by the guide element to the ply. The operating speed of the sewing machine may be utilized either as an additional input to control transverse force or to control the rate at which adjustments are made to the transverse force.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a groove in a glass tube without contacting the glass tube in the groove region. The apparatus includes a pair of chucks for holding opposite ends of the glass tube. The chucks are coupled to a motor for rotating the glass tube about its longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes one or more torches for noncontact heating of the groove region of the glass tube sufficiently to soften the glass tube in the groove region. The chucks which hold the glass tube are axially movable for stretching and then compressing the glass tube along its longitudinal axis, when the glass tube has been softened in the groove area. The chucks are rotated during heating, stretching and compressing of the glass tube.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning fabric as it is advanced in a prescribed direction toward a sewing machine such as a double overlock seamer for stitching pants. Photosensitive devices sense displacement of edges of upper and lower fabric plies relative to a desired alignment line. Error signals are produced when either ply edge is displaced from the desired alignment line. Friction wheels responsive to the respective error signals guide each ply toward the desired alignment line as it is advanced toward the sewing machine. Each friction wheel pivots about an axis perpendicular to the ply and is controlled by a stepper motor. Each friction wheel is movable between an operating position in which it is biased against the respective fabric ply, and a retracted position for insertion or removal of fabric. The pressure applied to the fabric ply by the friction wheel is adjustable.

Abstract: In a sewing machine, a clamp-type work feeder includes an articulated, rotatable, telescoping tube carriage which can move in either direction parallel to the lower arm and rotate about the axis of the cylindrical end of the lower arm in accordance with a stored stitch program. A cylinder actuated clamp mechanism pivotally attached to the carriage allows simple work insertion and full peripheral stitching without unduly obstructing the operator's view or access to the stitching area.

Abstract: A die arrangement is provided for use in apparatus for the application of relatively thin overlay designs on suitable plastic sheet material. The die comprises a sharp cutting edge in the shape of the design, the edge being beveled away from the overlay, the overlay area of the die inside the cutting edge having a metal filler covered by a resilient material which extends beyond the die edge to compress the overlay during the simultaneous heating and cutting operation.