Abstract: Aspects of on demand apparel manufacturing are described. A system of on demand apparel manufacturing includes a textile cutter and a computing device. The computing device is configured to perform a process including capturing an image of a textile sheet on the textile cutter, where the textile sheet includes a panel for a product. The process further includes identifying cut control factors using the image of the textile sheet, to account for a textile thread, weave, nap, or knit pattern of the textile sheet, a textile print pattern alignment on the textile sheet, or panel deformation of the textile sheet on the textile cutter. The process also includes generating cut control instructions to cut the textile sheet based in part on the image and the cut control factors, and instructing the textile cutter to cut the panel out from the textile sheet based in part on the cut control instructions.

Abstract: The invention provides a sewing device which can precisely and evenly carry out a great variety of sewing works further with a good productivity. The sewing device has a sewing machine (2), and a dual-arm robot (7) having a first arm (5) and a second arm (6) which can operate an object to be sewn (4) supplied to a sewing motion portion (3) of the sewing machine. The duel-arm robot is provided with a camera which can image the sewing motion portion. Further, the sewing device is provided with an image processing portion which processes an image information acquired by the camera, and a command transmitting portion which transmits commands to an arm control portion controlling the first arm and the second arm on the basis of a processing result of the image processing portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for converting one or more rolls of material into a pillow sham. In one embodiment, three rolls of material are overlapped and fed to a sewing and cutting system. The materials are sewn along their vertical edges and then cut to a determined size. After being cut, the three pieces of fabric are shifted and fed to further sewing heads for sewing the horizontal edges in producing a pillow sham. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the system converts a single roll of material into a pillow sham.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a pillow or blanket case from a textile strip has a vertically movable gripper engageable with one of the end edges of the strip, a support surface generally below the movable gripper, a conveyor defining a horizontal transport direction opening at an upstream end generally at the support surface, and a vertically and horizontally movable plate above the support surface. Respective actuators connected to the gripper and plate are operated by a controller also connected to conveyor for, after securing the one end edge in the gripper with the other end edge secured underneath the plate and with the strip extending from the movable gripper between the plate and the support surface, first pressing the plate downward against the support surface and thereby pressing the other end edge down against a central region of the strip. Then the plate is pushed into the upstream end of the conveyor to form a fold in the central region and press this fold into the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for sewing has a sewing head with a stitching station at which stitching occurs on material fed therethrough. A turntable holds material to be stitched in its position adjacent to the sewing head. The turntable has an outer perimeter with a portion of the outer perimeter extending through the stitching station. Fabric material is held along the perimeter and stitched as the turntable rotates so that during stitching the turntable rotates and feeds material into the stitching station of the sewing head. In a preferred embodiment, the turntable includes upper and lower platens and magnets positioned on the upper platen for locking upper and lower platens together and holding fabric material therebetween.

Abstract: A perimeter sewing system for manufacture of a self-inflating vehicle air bag includes: a base structure and a rotatable lower platter mounted in said base structure. A rotatable upper platter is mounted to a support arm attached to said base. The lower platter and the upper platter have a common axis of rotation. A primary motor is also included. A sewing machine is positioned for perimeter sewing of fabric placed on the lower platter. The sewing machine is mechanically synchronized with the primary motor. Drive structure is provided for driving the lower platter at a user-variable rotational speed which is synchronized with the said primary motor. This drive structure includes a forward/reverse transmission. A sensor means is provided for detecting a position of said lower platter. A processor receives inputs from a control panel and the sensor to control the primary motor, the platter reverse motor, and the forward/reverse transmission means.

Abstract: A presser foot for sewing machines including a body portion formed with a recess at a lower end thereof and a threaded hole above the recess, a knob having a cylindrical member having a large diameter at a first end and a small diameter at a second end, the knob being formed with a concaved portion between the ends and an axial through hole with a counter sink at the first end, the knob being rotatably mounted on the body portion by a countersunk bolt which extends through the axial through hole into the threaded hole thereby forming a generally semi-circular cavity, whereby the feeding of a workpiece through the presser foot can be facilitated.

Abstract: A machine and process for producing bags from roll stock of bag material are disclosed. The machine includes four subassemblies, a folding and cutting subassembly, a transport and first sewing subassembly and a second transport and sewing subassembly and a stacking subassembly. The folding and cutting subassembly, preferably includes a drum or reel with a plurality of peripheral clamps which are successively opened to receive the bag material and a blade positioned to force the bag material into an open clamp to define a fold. The adjacent closed clamp holding folded bag material tensions the bag material. A cutter severs adjacent folds between the adjacent clamps. Transfer and transport means are present to advance the folded cut bag blank past two sewing machines and then to the stacker subassembly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sealable cloth pouch having an opening on one side and consisting of two cloth parts to be sewn together uses several piping segments corresponding in number and length essentially to the edges of the cloth pouch which is to be stitched. The seams of the cloth pouch runs substantially linearly along the edges of the pouch into the corners thereof but not around the corners. The piping segments overlap each other in the corner areas to create substantially rounded edges. The apparatus for manufacturing the cloth pouch includes a device to feed the cloth parts together, a device to insert the various piping segments, a device to stitch the piping segments and a device to create an incision to facilitate overlapping the piping segments.

Abstract: A restraint cushion is comprised of first and second fabric panels. Each of the two fabric panels is folded and interleaved with the other to form the restraint cushion. A single continuous seam interconnects the mating edges of the two panels. The restraint cushion has a generally cubic shape defined by top, bottom, forward, rearward, left, and right side. Each of the two fabric panels is a generally elongate continuous strip folded to a U-shape and interleaved with the other to form the cubic shape of the restraint cushion. The restraint cushion minimizes the number of panels used in forming the restraint cushion and minimizes the number of seams sewn to interconnect the panels so that the assembly costs of the restraint cushion are reduced.

Abstract: A collapsible bulk bag which when filled with material has a generally cubical configuration with a pair of end walls and rectangular sidewalls extending between them with all of the walls being of a flexible material. Bowing and bulging of the sidewalls from a planar configuration is retarded and restrained by loops of cord operably connected with the sidewalls. Preferably the loops of cord having portions inside the bag extending obliquely between adjacent sidewalls when the bag is filled. Method and apparatus for making the bag with the double knotted loops of cord are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for holding a plurality of pieces of fabric a preferred orientation to enable adjacent pieces to be sewn together along pre-determined sew lines (47) comprising: a plate (62) including a plurality of slits (66a-i), the positions of each slit corresponds to the location of the desired sew lines. An outer frame (64) is secured about the periphery of the plate (62) with the fabric to be sewn being laid upon the plate (62) with edges of an adjacent pieces overlaying a corresponding slit (66a-i). A plurality of pins and blocks are placed upon the plate (62) for locating certain pieces of fabric relative to the plate (62) in a pre-determined orientation. The device additionally includes at least one positioning frame (80,82,84) movably secured relative to the outer frame (64); the positioning frame including specified sets of bars (98; 100; 110), positioned adjacent a corresponding slit (66a-i) and above the location of the overlaid fabric pieces.

Abstract: A sewing machine, capable of at least partial automatic operation, performs a second stitched seam, e.g. a deck seam, about joined ends of a pair of fabric panels which are components of an air bag. The machine features a vertically extended pedestal supporting the sewing head and a corresponding veritcally extended post supporting the plate beneath the head. The post supports the joined bag panels draped around it with the joint of the draped panels located between the sewing head and plate for stitching the edges of the panels to one of the panels while the remainder of the panels hang vertically around the post. A fixed lower guide plate and retractable upper guides are provided which will move a previously made stitched perimeter joint in the panels into precise spaced relation with a sewing head, so as to stitch the materials outside the first seam to each other and to one of the panels, forming the deck seam.

Abstract: Sheet material 30 is taken from a supply 32 and is cut by cutter 36 into segments 35. The segments are moved rapidly parallel to their cut edges into a slower operating first sewing station 40 where elastic bands are sewn to the side edges of the segments. The rapidly moving trailing portion of the segment 35 of sheet material is temporarily accumulated at the accumulation station 39 and progressively fed at a slower rate through the first sewing station 40. The side edges are folded into overlying relationship with respect to the main body portion at folding station 42. Sewing machines 64 and 165 are moved inwardly of the sewing path to simultaneously cut and sew diagonal corners at the trailing and leading edges of the segments, with the sewing machines pivoting so as to face the relative movement of the sheet material, and the removed corners 25 and elastic banding 21 are pulled away from the work product by a vacuum system 186.

Abstract: A fabric holding frame consists of a bed plate and a presser frame connected to the bed plate for vertical movement relative to it. The bed plate is provided with a positioner to locate a fabric and plural windows. The presser frame is provided with strap holders at positions where the strap holders face the respective windows. The fabric is put and located on the bed plate and the presser frame is lowered to fix the fabric. The both end portions of plural straps are loaded into the respective plural strap holders. Thus the both end portions of every strap become located at prescribed sewing positions on the fabric. When the bed plate is horizontally moved on a table of a multi-head sewing machine and the sewing machine is operated, the end portions of the straps are sewn on the fabric through the windows of the bed plate.

Abstract: A sewing apparatus is provided for sewing vehicular air bags. Each air bag includes first and second side panels and a main body panel extending therebetween. First and second sewing machines are provided for sewing the seams between the respective first and second side panels and the main body panel. The sewing apparatus comprises at least one rotatable template to which the air bag side panels are mounted. Rotation of the templates advances peripheral portions of the side panels into proximity to the sewing machine, while longitudinal side edges of the main body panel are simultaneously advanced into the sewing machine. The apparatus includes motors and/or air cylinders for moving the first and second sewing machines and the templates towards or away from one another, and for adjusting the relative elevation of the templates and air bag side panels relative to the sewing machines.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for constructing pillowcases, upper and lower layers of fabric are conveyed along separate paths with their obverse surfaces facing upwardly. Cuffs are formed along one longitudinal edge of each layer. The upper layer of fabric is then reversed to an obverse-side down orientation, and the upper and lower layers of fabric are superimposed with their obverse surfaces mutually facing and their cuffed lateral edges mutually corresponding. The superimposed upper and lower layers of fabric are then stitched together along the lateral edge opposite the cuffed lateral edge. Next, a length of the superimposed upper and lower layers of fabric is cut to a length equal to the desired width of a finished pillowcase. The resulting rectangular workpiece comprises upper and lower panels of fabric stitched together along one transverse edge and cuffed at their opposite transverse edge.

Abstract: Sheet material (30) is cut into rectangular segments (35). The segments are then moved in sequence parallel to their cut edges (26) rapidly away from the cutting station (34) into a slower operating first sewing station (40) where elastic bands (20, 21) are sewn to the cut head and foot edge portions (26, 27) of the segments. The rapidly moving trailing portion of each segment (35) of sheet material is temporarily accumulated at the accumulation station (39) and progressively fed at a lower rate from the accumulation station to the first sewing station (40). The head and foot edge portions (26, 27) of each segment are folded into overlying relationship with respect to the main body portion by passing the main body portion through a U-shaped turn (49) and at the same time passing the head and foot edge portions through a pair of reverse 90 degree turns (50 and 53).

Abstract: Sheet material (30) is cut into rectangular segments (35). The segments are then moved parallel to their cut edges rapidly away from the cutting station into a slower operating first sewing station (40) where elastic bands are sewn to the cut head and foot edge portions of the segment. The rapidly moving trailing portion of the segment (35) of sheet material is temporarily accumulated at the accumulation station (39) and progressively fed at a lower rate from the accumulation station to the first sewing station. The head and foot edge portions are folded into overlying relationship with respect to the main body portion by passing the main body portion through a U-shaped turn and at the same time passing the head and foot edge portions though a pair of 90 degree turns. Sewing machines are moved first inwardly and then outwardly across the folded edge portions of the segment, thus forming the sewn line of chain stitching at the corners of the bedsheet.

Abstract: With the carcass of a mattress or with the aid of a template and the use of beaders, the cover or sheath is formed with transit and dwelles; on at least a loading bench; in at least a first beader, in order to bead a perimetral valance to a sheath bottom; in at least an overturning device; in at least a second beader; on at least a bench for the unloading and possible withdrawal of template.

Abstract: Pattern printed textile products, such as pillow cases and items of apparel, are produced in such a manner that the pattern is always properly positioned on the final product. The pattern is printed on a fabric web while it moves in a first direction, and in synchronization with the pattern printing a magnetic mark is disposed (e.g. jet printed) on the web in a known position adjacent the pattern in the direction of fabric movement. A number of marks may be printed, which define the perimeter portions of the fabric if cut into fabric panels. Subsequently, the magnetic marking on the fabric is detected, the fabric is stopped, and rough cut is made at a known position with respect to the mark. A fine cut later severs the mark from the rest of the fabric. Automatic hemming can take place during fine cutting, and after fine cutting and hemming, other steps are performed to turn the fabric into a final textile product.

Abstract: A cloth pickup device comprising, first and second elongated jaws. The pickup device has a device for pivotally mounting the jaws about first and second axes substantially parallel to each other and spaced so that the jaws are pivotable from a first position wherein they are in operative clamping position with respect to each other to clamp a piece of cloth therebetween, to a second position wherein they are in an unobstructive open position to allow a piece of cloth to freely pass into a position between the jaws. The pickup device has an overcenter spring device acting directly on the jaws for maintaining the jaws in either the first or second position thereof once moved to that position. The pickup device has a device for moving the jaws from the first position to the second position, and a device for actuating the jaws and moving them from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for feeding a cylindrical piece of fabric to a sewing portion of a sewing machine whereby a hem is set at the edge portion of the fabric as a twice-folded, three-layered band. The apparatus has parallel supports for the cylindrical fabric both secured to the sewing portion, and a plurality of pairs of clamp plates disposed to the left and right of the supports at forward and backward positions and movable to the left and right and back and forth. The cylindrical piece of fabric is supported around the supports and four pairs of clamp plates are moved in such a manner that the fabric portions are appropriately stretched and the fabric has a twice folded portion.

Abstract: To produce pillow cases, bed sheets or like covers 10 fully automatically, a first transporting device 17 for the sections 24 cut off a supply of fabric 16 is provided in a sewing arrangement which supplies the sections 24 to a folding station 28. There each section of fabric 24 is folded over an aligning plate 32 by means of a folding bar 29 which can be moved back and forth. Above said aligning plate 32, a device 36 for the edge alignment of each folded section of fabric 24 is provided which is controllable in respect to the respective offset of the two layers 31, 33 of the folded section of fabric 24. A second transporting device 60 takes up the folded and aligned sections of fabric 24 and transports them to a first sewing station 61 where the two layers 31, 33 of the sections of fabric 24 are sewn together along two aligned edges.

Abstract: The fitted bed sheet (22) and mattress pad (30) are connected together along the side edges (47 and 48) of the pad by stitching (49). The length of the pad and bed sheet are the same so that the foot and head portions (32 and 33) of the pad extend into and form a part of the foot and head skirts (25 and 26) of the pad-sheet (20). An elastic hem (35 and 36) is formed about the edges of the skirt at the foot and head of the pad-sheet.

Abstract: A looper assembly for a two thread bag closing sewing machine in a simple arc within a single plane on one side of a moving needle, the plane being parallel to the needle axis and intersecting the line of movement of the bags at an angle of less than 45 degrees to reduce thread wear and breakage. A process of stitching the bags utilizing looper movement within a single plane is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an automatic sewing device for sewing together tubular workpieces such as sleeves, and pocket-shaped workpieces, such as cuffs, there are provided an inner clamp, a central clamp and an outer clamp. These clamps are associated with an inner sleeve clamp and an outer sleeve clamp, the latter being associated with a folding device for gathering up a material fullness of the tubular workpiece. Devices are also provided for opening the pocket-shaped workpiece in order that the border of the tubular workpiece may be inserted and positioned. The associated sewing machine can be moved in a straight line relative to the parts described. A part of the border of the tubular workpiece is positioned in the pocket-shaped workpiece and sewn to the latter by means of a straight-line seam. Subsequently, the clamping in this area is released and the positioning of the border of the tubular workpiece in the pocket-shaped workpiece is carried out and clamping is effected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for successively fabricating pillowcases from a continuous open width textile fabric and in which the leading end portion of the textile fabric is folded over onto an adjacent trailing portion before the fabric is transversely cut. The folding of the leading end portion of the textile fabric over and above the adjacent trailing portion provides positive and accurate control and positioning of the corresponding edges of the upper and lower layers of the pillowcase blank. This accurate alignment of the edges of the upper and lower layers of the pillowcase blank is maintained while respective side and bottom seams are formed along the corresponding edges of the pillowcase blank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for successively fabricating pillowcases and the like from a continuous open width textile fabric with each of the successively produced pillowcases including correctly aligned and stitched together hemmed open ends, and side and bottom edges. The fabric is withdrawn from a supply source and successively cut to form individual blanks of predetermined length. The blanks are moved along a substantially rectangular path of travel with the completed pillowcases being deposited in a position adjacent the supply source of the open width fabric. A folding station is provided for successively folding the hemmed blanks along a fold line extending longitudinally along the medial portion with the opposite side edges and the hem end in substantial overlying alignment with one another.

Abstract: An automatic sewing machine installed with a sewing head and a feeding device is disclosed for successively sewing workpieces which are flexibly connnected to one another by a thread chain. The feeding device is arranged with a workpiece holder for receiving the workpiece and guiding the latter according to the extension of a seam situated in the workpiece.In order to simplify automatic sewing processes in front of the sewing head, there is arranged a reel carrying workpieces still to be provided with the seam. Behind the sewing head there is arranged a reel for receiving the sewn workpieces. The reel installed in front of the sewing head is stationarily arranged in a position relative to the workpiece holder. Between the sewing head and the reel arranged behind the sewing head there is installed a further feeding device.

Abstract: An automatic sewing apparatus capable of blind stitching an S-shaped hem in the marginal edge of a tubular workpiece. The sewing apparatus is provided with a tensioning device including a pair of roller supports which arrange an open end of the workpiece in a closed loop formation. The roller support, arranged on the downstream side of the sewing machine, is provided with a guiding portion adapted to receive and controllably guide the sewn and hemmed edge of the tubular workpiece.

Abstract: A sewing unit for withdrawing web material, of the knitted type, from a source, folding it and then seaming one side to place it in tubular form. The apparatus includes a triangle unit for folding the web material as it is received from its source and then advancing it into operative association with a tentering member about which it extends. From the tentering member the folded material is advanced to the sewing zone of a sewing machine and then advanced to a position whereat the tubular material is wound onto a take-up roll. An elongated bar member being selectively adjustable relative to positions inclined from a horizontal plane is adapted to engage and raise the lowermost portion of the folded material whereby it is caused to be displaced toward the machines line of sewing.

Abstract: A web of fabric material is fed flat along a substantially horizontal table. The web is continuous and is marked and then partly cut just short of its edges while in the feeding plane. The edges of the web are then gripped, moved together, and overlapped as the web is moving, and the edges are sewn. A moving gripper pulls the web through the apparatus to an off the arm sewing machine, and a puller roll downstream of the sewing machine assists pulling of the web and maintains the seam tensioned during sewing.

Abstract: A filter, and apparatus and methods using the filter, in the form of a knitted fabric having particular characteristics and effective for separating materials from flowing fluid streams.

Abstract: A continuous, automated method and apparatus for manufacturing pillowcases in which a hem is continuously formed along one longitudinal edge of an indeterminate length fabric, and the fabric is thereafter successively cut to length and folded, with the folded pieces being sewn along the side and end thereof to form successive completed pillowcases. The versatile method and apparatus of this invention is adapted for manufacturing pillowcases of the conventional folded hem style, as well as pillowcases of the attached hem and mock attached hem styles.

Abstract: A continuous, automated method and apparatus for manufacturing pillowcases in which a hem is continuously formed along one longitudinal edge of an indeterminate length fabric, and the fabric is thereafter successively cut to length and folded, with the folded pieces being sewn along the side and end thereof to form successive completed pillowcases. The versatile method and apparatus of this invention is adapted for manufacturing pillowcases of the conventional folded hem style, as well as pillowcases of the attached hem and mock attached hem styles.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a sewing machine having a frame for supporting a tubular workpiece that is movable between a workpiece loading station and the sewing area of the machine. The workpiece is supported under tension on the frame which includes a positioning element for locating it thereon and a folding element for folding one of its ends over an elastic band placed on the workpiece at a predetermined distance from the positioning element. Movement of the frame to the sewing area places the workpiece in position to receive a seam of stitches in the folded portion within which the elastic band is located.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for controlling the edge of a tubular fabric. More particularly, this invention relates to a tubular fabric edge control device which controls the edge so that it can be hemmed by itself or in conjunction with an elastic tape.