Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for fastening composite structures, and more particularly, to a sewing machine for stitching composite materials which is capable of automatically and continuously stitching the composite structures by using a high-rigidity fiber in order to laminate and join the composite materials. The sewing machine for stitching composite materials according to the present invention automatically and continuously performs a stitching operation for joining composite materials by using a high-rigidity composite fiber for joining the composite materials, and as a result, it is possible to reduce process time for joining the composite materials and improve productivity.

Abstract: A two-needle overlock sewing machine comprises a throat plate and a middle tongue. The throat plate has an opening needle hole and an outer tongue. The middle tongue is disposed parallel to the outer tongue, a thread chain is formed so as to envelop both tongues. The presser foot is disposed so as to press the cloth to the throat plate by a spring. A push-up lever lifts up the presser foot by handling. The push-up lever and the middle tongue are coupled together by a transmission mechanism. By raising the presser foot by manipulation of the push-up lever at the finish of sewing operation, the middle tongue draws back simultaneously and retreats from the needle hole. As a result, the manipulation for drawing back the middle tongue during the process of thread chain handling is not needed, and the operation is simplified.

Abstract: A unitary double-acting piston thread cutter assembly having a housing including an integrated cutter section and drive section forming a single unitary device. The thread cutter assembly includes a universal tension mount for releasably securing the thread cutter assembly to the top plate of a variety of different types and models of sewing machine. A V-shaped moveable blade has two sides with a pivot point defined at the intersection of the sides. Along one side of the moveable blade is disposed a cutting or knife edge. A double-acting piston and drive link are disposed longitudinally in the housing and connected so that they are both displaced at the same time.

Abstract: An automated sewing system and method for overedge sewing a cuff edge of a knit glove to inhibit the glove cuff edge from unraveling is disclosed. The present invention permits an oversew pattern to be sewn into the seam thereby locking the stitches. The oversew pattern length and run-off angle is maintained consistent between workpieces and is predetermined. A length of thread chain extending from the sewn cuff edge and the length of thread chain remaining on the finished glove is automatically controlled by the present invention. Additionally, the present invention permits a label to be automatically inserted at a predetermined location into the sewn seam on the glove. Moreover, the present invention permits a tensioned elastic strip to be conjointly inserted into the sewn cuff edge thereby elasticizing the cuff edge of the glove.

Abstract: An auxiliary device (6) for sewing up the starting end of a thread chain (F) in a chain stitch sewing machine (1) having a platform (2), a needle plate (3) and an edge cutter (4) comprises a suction and separating device (5) disposed subsequent to the needle plate (3) in sewing direction (N) for taking in and cutting off the thread chain (F) upon sewing a workpiece, a returning device for turning round the remaining end piece of the thread chain against the sewing direction (N), and a clamping and deflecting device disposed before the needle plate (3) in sewing direction for retaining the end piece of the thread chain turned round, and for laterally deflecting the same into the cutting area of the edge cutter (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for sewing a thread chain into a seam by an overlock sewing machine, particularly an apparatus for providing a specified length of thread chain remaining in a side of the sewing machine. A cutting device cuts a thread chain formed consecutively with a trailing end of a workpiece at the first operation. In a working face in the vicinity of the cutting device in a fabric feeding side, an air suction nozzle is provided for drawing a separated thread chain remaining in a side of the sewing machine after the first operation of the cutting device. An air injection pipe is provided in a position opposite to an internal bore of a tongue. The air injection pipe blows air toward the internal bore so that the separated thread chain is moved into the internal bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for a less costly and more reliable latchtacking technique that produces a finished work piece that is esthetically superior to the work piece that is produced by the current technique. A chain cutter has miniaturized cutting blades located at the back edge of the chaining tongue such that a relatively short unstretched chain is cut. The chain is not stretched because, stitch Also at the time the chain is cut, the vacuum in the hollow chaining tongue has been turned off. The tension on the needle thread is adjusted when chaining begins such that a short pliable balanced chain is produced which results in a more reliable technique and a latchtack that is esthetically superior to prior art latchtacks.

Abstract: Obtained is a thread cutter for a sewing machine which can further readily and reliably cut a needle thread, a looper thread or a chain loop by pushing down a knob without driving the sewing machine. In this thread cutter for a sewing machine, a long groove is formed in a needle plate which is positioned behind a presser foot, and a fixed blade is so provided that its cutting edge is along an edge of the long groove. A movable blade which is pressed against the fixed blade by a plate spring is mounted on a spindle, and the spindle is rotated to vertically move the movable blade when the knob frontwardly projecting from the sewing machine is operated. The thread or the chain loop is cut by the vertical movement of the movable blade in association with the fixed blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for a chain stitch sewing machine, for automatically shifting a thread chain from the stitching area to its opposite side and holding it there, and for stitching the thread chain neatly onto the initial seam on a fabric supplied successively to the sewing machine. A nozzle for blowing the thread chain forwardly is provided behind a presser foot of the sewing machine. In front of the needle hole of the presser foot, an opening vertically penetrates the presser foot located backwardly of a double chain stitch needle relative to the direction of movement of the material for guiding the thread chain, and a groove is formed on the lower surface of the presser foot from the hole toward the opening. A thread chain suction tube is provided above the opening. The thread chain is precisely aligned on the sewing line by the groove.

Abstract: A thread chain back-tacker for an overlock sewing machine eliminates defective back-tacking. The back-tacker includes a thread chain cutter, an adjuster for adjusting the length of free thread chain after the end of back-tacking, a presser foot, an air nozzle, a thread drawing nozzle, a thread clamp cylinder, a nozzle swing cylinder, a nozzle pulling cylinder, a cylinder retainer coupling the nozzle swing cylinder and nozzle pulling cylinder together, a position adjuster bolt provided on the cylinder retainer for adjusting a stop position of the thread drawing nozzle, a speed setting/releasing unit, a venturi unit, an air breaking valve, and a solenoid for on-off operating the air breaking valve. The presser foot includes a presser body, a presser foot chain shield secured to the rear end of the presser body, and a presser foot stitch tongue secured to a central portion of the presser body.

Abstract: A mechanical latch tacking device carried by the toe of the sewing machine presser foot that will allow the operator to produce a relatively short stitch chain at the end of a seam and in a single smooth ergonomical motion cause the chain to be severed and the end of the chain that extends from the needle retained in a location where the next workpiece is started the retained chain will be sewn into the seam.

Abstract: In a trimming sewing machine a chain (16) is formed on a workpiece (5) at the end of a stitching, which chain must be then cut and reversed over the needle plate (2) before starting of new stitching. The chain (16) is formed on a primary tab (12) provided on a side edge (11) of the needle plate (2) and an auxiliary tab (13) disposed parallel to and in side by side relation with the primary tab (12). A chain-cutting member (17) draws the chain (16) in, disengaging it from the auxiliary tab (13) and separates it from the sewn workpiece (5). A first nozzle (20) oriented perpendicular to the sewing direction reverses the cut chain (16) over the needle plate (2). Simultaneously, a second nozzle (22) is activated and it projects an air blow towards the end (13a) of the auxiliary tab (13) so that the chain (16) on reversal is prevented from stepping over the auxiliary tab (13).

Abstract: An electronically controlled multi-needle quilting machine including linking cylinder arranged between an eccentric integral with a rotating spindle and a lever, to drive in an oscillating motion a number of loopers which, in combination with a number of corresponding needles, perform stiching operations by double chain stitches on a layered material interposed between said members, said linking cylinder comprising a pneumatic cylinder controlled to change the extension of its rod during the various operational steps, whereby the link length is changed and the loopers may reach a position in which, by being provided with a blade they perform a cutting operation on thread of respective needle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a "serging", "overlock" or "504" stitch wherein the excess thread chain (44) extending from the sewing machine needle to the previously sewn garment part (54) is cut in a manner to create a leading thread chain of a predetermined length extending from the sewing machine needle, and the free end of the leading thread chain is drawn off by a stream of air flowing into a hollow member (31) acting as a chaining tongue (29). The leading thread chain is subsequently progressively withdrawn from the chaining tongue and oversewn into the stitching of a succeeding garment. The hollow member (31) acting as the chaining tongue (29) is integrally formed with the throat plate (21) of the sewing machine (20). A vacuum reservoir (81) is connected to the hollow member (31) to create the air flow through the hollow member to draw the leading thread chain therein.

Abstract: A thread cutting knife assembly for an automatic sewing machine cuts leading and trailing threads during the stitching of garments so that very little tail is left. The body member of the assembly has an open top cavity and first and second ends spaced from each other in a first dimension, which includes a first direction in which the thread passes with respect to the assembly under the influence of the sewing machine feed dogs. A top plate covers the body member cavity open top, and a movable cutting element is disposed between the top plate and the body member and is reciprocated to effect cutting of the thread. Air flow within the cavity from the first end of the body toward the second end in the first direction is effected by supplying air under pressure to an opening at the body first end. Another opening at the body first end can also be provided into which atmospheric air is drawn to provide a Venturi effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating an overlock or 504 stitch wherein the excess thread chain (65) extending from the sewing machine needles (19) and the hollow chaining (32) to the previously sewn garment part (60) is stretched and is cut by thread chain cutter (70) to create a leading thread chain of predetermined length extending form the sewing machine needle and the hollow chaining tongue. When cut, the thread chain recoils toward the hollow chaining tongue, and a stream of air draws the free end of the thread chain into the hollow chaining tongue. When the next work piece is moved through the sewing area, the thread chain in the hollow chaining tongue is attached to the work piece and is progressively drawn out of the hollow chaining tongue and oversewn in the overlock stitch.

Abstract: An overlock sewing machine having a loop spreading member which provides a retracted position and an operative position. In the retracted position, the loop spreading member is moved away from one side of needle hole slots, which one side being positioned farther from an edgeline of a workpiece. In the operative position the loop spreading member is engageable with a chain and the chain is insertable over the outer tongue upon shifting of the chain portion located at its needle side toward a workpiece feed-in side. The sewing machine further includes drive means connected to the loop spreading member for moving the loop spreading member from its retracted position to the operative position prior to a shifting operation of the chain toward the workpiece feed-in side with respect to positions of the needles.

Abstract: An overlock stitch is formed by sewing machine (11) (FIG. 1) into a work product (34) and the work product is accelerated away from the sewing machine so as to stretch the thread chain (FIG. 5). The stretched thread chain is cut by cutter (40), and the leading thread chain (43) recoils back toward the hollow chaining tongue (21) and is drawn into the chaining tongue by the stream of air (26) created by vacuum canister (52) (FIG. 6). The next work product draws the leading thread chain out of the hollow chaining tongue and the sewing machine captures the leading thread chain in the stitch. Transfer conveyor (15) (FIG. 1) moves the work product (34) into alignment with everter tube assembly (106), grippers (109) and (110) grip and open one end of the work product (FIGS. 9-14), and air drawn through the everter tube assembly everts the work product. The gripper tube assembly opens along its lower portion (FIG. 16) and drops the work product.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for severing the needle and looper threads of a chain stitch formed by a cylinder bed sewing machine having an in-line looper system is disclosed. The cylinder bed sewing machine has a needle plate and a needle carrying the needle thread through the material and the needle plate to form a needle loop of needle thread therebelow that has a needle side running to the needle. The apparatus comprises a device operating as a dual needle plate holder and knife slide base, a stationary knife positioned below the needle plate, a spring positioned below said stationary knife, a movable knife positioned on the knife slide base and slidably mounted between the stationary knife and the spring for yieldingly urging the movable knife thereagainst. The movable knife has one penetrating end with a pair of axially offset barbs, a lagging barb and a leading barb closer to the penetrating end of the movable knife than the lagging barb.

Abstract: A taped chaining thread sewing device is designed to sew by operation of an overedge sewing machine a tape into the upper surface of the fabric sent into the needle location of the sewing machine, and also sew the chaining thread cut off from the preceding fabric into the lower surface of the fabric. The tape is cut off together with the unnecessary edge portion of the fabric by a cutter at the start of sewing of the leading end from the sewing part on the fabric. Before the final end of the fabric passes the cutter, a tape guide of the taped chaining thread sewing device moves, and therefore the unsewn portion of the tape is cut off together with the unnecessary edge portion of the fabric from the sewn part by the cutter. By the chaining thread sewn into the beginning part of sewing of the fabric, it is not necessary to perform any particular bar tacking job at the beginning of sewing in a separate process.

Abstract: A chaining thread sew-in device for sewing a chaining thread produced consecutively in the seams of a preceding cloth and in the seams of a next cloth when forming seams by an overlock sewing machine. The free end of the chaining thread (Ch) cut off from the preceding cloth is inserted into an insertion hole (H) opening on a sewing machine working face (1a), and the inserted chaining thread (Ch) is pinched beneath the sewing machine working face (1a), so that the chaining thread to be sewn into the seams of the next cloth is set at specified position on the sewing machine working face (1a). The chaining thread set at a specified position is moved to a cutter (40) installed side of the machine by driving a sub-pinching plate (72, 272), and is cut off from the pinched part by this cutter (40).

Abstract: A chaining thread sew-in device for sewing a chaining thread produced consectively in the seams of a preceding cloth and in the seams of a next cloth when forming seams by an overlock sewing machine. The free end of the chaining thread (Ch) cut off from the preceding cloth is inserted into an insertion hole (H) opened on a sewing machine working face (1a), and the inserted chaining thread (Ch) is pinched beneath the sewing machine working face (1a), so that the chaining thread to be sewn into the seams of the next cloth is set at specified position on the sewing machine working face (1a). The chaining thread set at a specified position is moved to a cutter (40) installed side of the machine by driving a sub-pinching plate (72, 272), and is cut off from the pinched part by this cutter (40).

Abstract: An adjustable inlet including two members which act together to define an opening through which the stitch chain enters a stitch chain cutting assembly to be cut. Each member contains a top and a front side substantially perpendicular to each other. The members are adjustably mounted at the entrace to the stitch chain cutting assembly by a combination of a screw and a pin, which fit through holes located in the front side of each member. The holes are elongated to allow adjustment of one or both members upon loosening of the screw, which adjustment would result in the narrowing or enlargining of the inlet.

Abstract: A sewing machine capable of automatically severing a thread chain between successive pieces of sewing material includes a cutting device provided behind a sewing needle in a feed direction of the sewing material, a suction device for sucking the thread chain toward the cutting device, and a feeder and a cooperating pressure plate of a presser foot which each have a projection extending in the feed direction such that the cutting device and the ends of the feeder and the presser plate lie substantially in one plane.

Abstract: A thread chain guiding device provides a needle-thread-guide plate which extends underneath a throat plate by energizing a solenoid as needed. Thus, the needle-thread-guide plate pushes the needle threads twined around a lower looper outwardly away such that the thread chain is prevented from hanging on an inner chain-off finger when it is rotated counter clockwise. The needle-thread-guide plate is retracted during a normal stitching process by de-energizing the solenoid.

Abstract: A composite sewing machine has a lock stitch mechanism and an over-lock stitch mechanism. A switching mechanism is connected to the stitching mechanisms for switching the operation of the sewing machine between a lock stitch operation and an over-lock stitch operation. The machine has a single needle carrying element, a needle position converter for changing the position of the needle carrying element laterally of the stitching direction and including a needle bar connecting stud engaging the needle carrying element and a fulcrum shaft on which the stud is rotatably mounted for pivotal movement to change the vertical orientation of the needle carrying element between a lock stitch position and an over-lock stitch position which are adjacent to each other and juxtaposed laterally on the sewing machine.

Abstract: A CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) automatic sewing device comprises a sewing head and a workpiece holder movable in two co-ordinate directions perpendicular to one another for holding a workpiece to be sewn. A thread trimming device is provided adjacent to the stitch forming place and stationary relative to the latter and directly below the workpiece holder.

Abstract: A chaining thread sew-in device of an overlock sewing machine is related having a first pinching plate and a second pinching plate which form a part of the working face of the sewing machine on the operator side of a needle drop point. The plates are capable of opening an insertion hole into which a free end side of a chaining thread linked to the sewing machine side can be inserted in the working face by driving the first pinching plate, capable of pinching the chaining thread between itself and the second pinching plate, toward the second pinching plate. By returning the first pinching plate to the initial position while the chaining thread is inserted into the insertion hole a cutter 30 capable of crossing the chaining thread cuts the chaining thread by moving the second pinching plate 71 to the first pinching plate 71 side in when the chaining thread is inserted into the insertion hole.

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: A thread chain cutting device has a lower knife which has an obtuse-angled edge fixed at the rear of a presser foot and an upper knife which is movable up and down and has a flat plane opposite to the obtuse-angled edge of the lower knife, whereby a thread chain is pressed and cut by the upper and lower knives.

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 cutting and positioning a chain of stitches for stitching onto material in a sewing machine having a needle and a throat plate, comprising, a cutting knife adapted to sever the chain of stitches after the chain has been sewn onto the material, a device adapted to move the severed chain to a position forwardly of the needle, and a gripping device adapted to be positioned at a level below the throat plate during sewing of the chain stitches onto the material, and to rise up and grip the thus positioned severed chain, and return to below the level of the throat plate to hold the chain, to effect incorporation of the chain during the initial stitches into the seam being formed.

Abstract: A thread cutter for an interlock sewing machine wherein the sewing machine has a small diameter cylindrical arm and the cloth being sewn is fed along the axis of the arm. A plurality of needles are disposed along a line orthogonal to the axis of the arm and an arcuated, movable member having a hook at its tip is pivotably supported ahead of feed dogs on the sewing machine relative to the line of feed. The arcuated, movable member is turned by means of an operative plate disposed along the axis of the arm and, in cooperation with a fixed blade, cuts threads after the cloth has been sewn.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of positioning and holding a thread chain for sewing onto successively fed workpieces, a thread chain which had been sewn beyond the rear edge of a workpiece and had been cut off flush with the rear edge of the workpiece, is sucked into the suction aperture of a suction tube. The suction tube is movable in a path parallel to the stitch plate of the sewing machine first in a catch position behind the needle and then the tube is moved into a delivery position before the needle aligned with a seam line (N). The chain is clamped there under a tensile stress in such a way that complete inclusion of the thread chain into the next following seam is possible. The suction tube extends parallel to the stitch plate and has a suction aperture into which the severed thread chain is sucked. The tube is moved to a delivery position in which the thread chain is pressed against an elastic abutment.

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: In a two-needle overedge sewing machine, a thread chain guide recess is formed for positioning the thread chain at a given position on the throat plate so that the thread chain is spaced apart from the outer needle descending point. The thread chain guide recess may be made at a tip portion of an outer finger of the throat plate or at a tip portion of an outer finger of a presser foot. Furthermore, the thread chain guide recess may be formed by the combination of the outer finger of the throat plate and the outer finger of the presser foot. In an improved embodiment, a thread chain guide groove is formed in an upper surface of the outer finger of the throat plate so that the thread chain is substantially fully received therein.

Abstract: A residual thread chain back tacking device for stitching a residual thread chain in the proper position of a succeeding sewn cloth material has a thread chain cutting device which initially cuts most of the thread chain off, and then blows the remaining thread chain in the back tacking direction and horizontally. A thread chain suction pipe moves adjacent the back tacking position and sucks the remainder of the thread chain thereinto and holds it by means of a thread chain press cylinder while back tacking is completed. An air nozzle then blows the remaining thread chain against a cutter, and the suction in the thread chain suction pipe sucks the cut-off end away.

Abstract: An attachment for a semi-automatic sewing machine ensures that any excess thread chain extending from the leading or trailing edge of a garment during an operation on the garment with the sewing machine, is stitched directly to the garment so that no loose or free ends of thread chain are provided. The completion of stitching by the sewing machine of a first garment is sensed and the first garment is engaged in response to the sensing by a rubber wheel which moves the garment away from the stitching needle more quickly than the sewing machine stitches the stitch chain. The excess thread chain is automatically severed by a movable plate rotating with respect to a stationary plate, and the excess severed thread chain is automatically positioned by an air blower in association with a rotatable thread catcher so that excess thread chain is stitched to the second garment by the sewing machine. The rotatable thread catcher comprises a tapered wheel with a serrated ring catching thread blown onto the wheel.

Abstract: A cutting device for a sewing machine is provided with a cutting instrument associated to a cutting zone. The cutting instrument is formed with a blade movable towards the cutting zone. Furthermore, a protective guard is provided with a blade cover surrounding the blade, movable from an inoperative position spaced apart from the cutting zone to a position in front of the cutting zone. The blade and the blade cover are drivable in such a manner that the blade is only movable towards the cutting zone after the blade cover has been moved in front of the cutting zone. In order to reliably position the blade cover in front of the cutting zone prior to the movement of the blade to the cutting zone for performing the cutting operation, a mechanical locking mechanism is provided for the blade, which is only released when the blade cover is positioned in front of the cutting zone. The blade cover is non-positively connected to its drive in order to prevent injuries by the blade cover.

Abstract: Cloth stitching apparatus and method for forming a rectangular cloth having stitched rounded corners, such as a wash cloth. Blank pieces of rectangular cloth material are aligned with an overlock sewing machine on the table of the apparatus. The sewing machine trims the cloth edges, folds over the trimmed edge and sews or stitches along one side of the cloth. Each piece of cloth is moved along X and Y axis. Thus, as the cloth is moving along an X axis at a predetermined surface speed, the sewing machine trims, and sews along one side of the cloth. When the cloth is moved along its X axis to a point where the sewing machine is adjacent a corner of the cloth, a switch is activated which starts turning the sewing machine. The cloth stops while the sewing machine turns at the same surface speed of the cloth on the actual radius of the corner of the cloth. The cloth then starts and goes in the opposite perpendicular direction Y while the sewing machine continues at the same surface speed.

Abstract: An attachment for a semi-automatic sewing machine ensures that any excess thread chain extending from the leading or trailing edge of a garment during an operation on the garment with the sewing machine, is stitched directly to the garment so that no loose or free ends of thread chain are provided. The completion of stitching by the sewing machine of a first garment is sensed with an electric eye, and the first garment is engaged in response to the sensing by a rubber wheel which moves the garment away from the stitching needle more quickly than the sewing machine stitches the stitch chain. The excess thread chain is automatically severed by a movable plate rotating with respect to a stationary plate, and the excess severed thread chain is automatically positioned (by a blower, a catcher and a block of rubber) so that excess thread chain is stitched to the second garment by the sewing machine.

Abstract: A thread-chain separating head, in particular for a double chainstitch sewing machine, comprising a heating wire for thermically separating the thread chain and comprising a suction tube for leading the thread chain towards the heating wire. Said heating wire is arranged laterally and outside of the suction tube in order to achieve advantageous conditions during the heating and separating operation.

Abstract: Efficient stacking of sheets, such as garments, is practiced utilizing a stacker which includes a number of rods slidably received in parallel through-extending openings in an elongated support, the openings being generally perpendicular to the dimension of elongation of the support. The support is rotated about an axis coincident with the dimension of elongation in 180.degree. increments. The support is positioned so that the rods move in an arcuate path through spaces between parallel slats which support a garment, to move the garment from being supported by the slats and to stack it in a pile adjacent the slats. Once the rods have been moved to a position stacking the garment, they are powered by a roller so that they move linearly with respect to the support, through the openings in the support, until they are again positioned below the slat openings and await the next garment.

Abstract: A thread chain sewing apparatus for use in overedge sewing machines has a thread chain catcher with a cutter for cutting a thread chain formed to extend from an end of a fabric and suctionally engaged against a suction opening. A presser foot having a guide groove for insertion of the thread chain is movable up and down, and a thread chain carrier is aligned with the thread chain catcher and has a suction nozzle for suctionally receiving the cut-off thread chain to carry it over the presser foot. An air blow tube running under the throat plate can be provided, an aperture thereof blowing the chain toward the suction opening. A thread chain presser mechanism has a holding plate movable up and down over the presser foot for pressing the thread chain into the guide groove of the presser foot.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting the thread chain, or the like, between successive sewn parts moving along a path through a sewing machine. The sewing machine includes a needle. A holder downstream of the needle includes a horizontal cutout. A hook for lifting the thread chain between adjacent sewn parts on the path is movable up through the cutout for raising the thread chain. A scissors moves across the sewn part path and cuts the upraised thread chain. The holder holds the upstream sewn part from shifting while permitting the downstream sewn part to shift slightly upstream as the hook rises and prior to the cutting, whereby a single cut cuts the thread chain adjacent both sewn parts. A sensor senses the trailing edge of a sewn part and activates a stitch counter to cause the needle to apply a predetermined number of stitches before halting sewing so that the cutting can thereafter take place.

Abstract: A stitch chain cutting device includes a fixed blade disposed in a horizontal plane and adjacent the suction inlet of a suction housing downstream of the needle and the feed dog of a sewing machine. A movable knife blade is supported for cooperation with the fixed knife blade and the movable knife blade is adjustably biased into cutting engagement with the fixed knife blade to thereby adjust the amount of pressure contact of the movable blade against the fixed blade. A cam is supported on the feed dog and engages and moves the movable knife blade in a cutting movement relative to the fixed knife blade with each reciprocation of the feed dog. The cam is supported for adjustment on the feed dog so as to vary the position of the cutting movement of the movable knife blade against the fixed knife blade when the knife blades become worn or dull in one cutting position.

Abstract: A device for incorporating the leading edge of material such as threads or stitches in the initial stitches of a workpiece is provided by the utilization of a pneumatically activated clamp and cutting knife mounted forward of the throat plate and presser foot assembly of a sewing or stitching machine. The device for clamping, cutting and incorporating the leading edge of threads or chain stitches in the initial stitches of the workpiece is achieved by clamping, severing and thereafter adjustably releasing the threads or stitches after a predetermined number of needle penetrations.

Abstract: A combined pump and oil reservoir and oil delivery apparatus directs oil to the internal chambers of a portable sewing machine where oil is distributed by pump pressure, gravity flow, capillary action, wicking, misting and movement of machine components. Oil is pumped into a manifold leading to upper and lower main drive shaft bearings and to the needle driving assembly for subsequent dispersion during rotation and reciprocation of machine parts to fling such oil outwardly within the internal chambers to oil machinery both directly and by misting.

Abstract: An automated thread trimming apparatus is provided for use with a sewing machine having a plurality of needles. The apparatus is mounted on the side of the sewing machine away from the sewing machine operator. A pair of blades is provided for each needle of the sewing machine. The blades are adjustably mounted on blade mounting bars. Upon actuation, the blades are positioned to straddle each array of stitches produced by the sewing machine needles. The blade mounting bars are then moved slidably relative to one another so that each pair of blades severs an array of stitches. The blade mounting bars are then moved away from the work table of the sewing machine allowing the next workpiece to be sewn.

Abstract: A combined pump and oil reservoir and oil delivery apparatus directs oil to the internal chambers of a portable sewing machine where oil is distributed by pump pressure, gravity flow, capillary action, wicking, misting and movement of machine components. Oil is pumped into a manifold leading to upper and lower main drive shaft bearings and to the needle driving assembly for subsequent dispersion during rotation and reciprocation of machine parts to fling such oil outwardly within the internal chambers to oil machinery both directly and by misting.