Abstract: A mining installation includes a self-advancing roof support unit with which is associated a forward base part which is independent of the floor-engaging member of the unit. The forward base part is connectible to the floor-engaging member and movable relative thereto. An elevated track is carried on the forward base part and in use supports a mining machine which can travel reciprocally therealong.

Abstract: A Cardan gear assembly having an output centerpoint means which moves along an elliptical path. A force transfer means connects the output centerpoint to a means operative to carry a work performing means. The major axis swept out by the means operative being skewed with respect to the major axis of the ellipse which is swept out by the output centerpoint. As a result, the work performing means will be swept along a curve which is of a portion of a helix as well as part elliptical. This curve takes the form of a partial helix wherein the outgoing path is different from the return path.

Abstract: A Cardan gear assembly wherein rotary input of the main shaft is converted to elliptical output at the output centerpoint. A force transfer means connects the output centerpoint to a means supporting a work performing instrumentality. Thus during operation the work performing instrumentality is driven through an elliptical like curve.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the passage of workpiece ends through a sewing machine. The device includes a photosensitive apparatus adapted to produce a signal in response to the passage of the workpiece ends past the end of a fiber optic light source.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a scissor-like cutting device for severing a continuous strip of tape or the like immediately subsequent to its exit from beneath the presser foot assembly of the machine. The operation of the cutting device is influenced by a control system which includes a fiber optic light source for detecting the passage of work through the sewing area of the machine.

Abstract: A thread trimming mechanism which includes a fixed blade arranged adjacent the stitch forming area of the sewing machine and a resiliently biased movable blade adapted to cooperate in a scissor-like action with the fixed blade. The movable blade is mounted such that varying degrees of contact pressure may occur between the blades during the thread trimming cycle of the mechanism.

Abstract: A button clamp assembly having an unalterable pivot and provided with interchangeable turret assemblies which cooperate with other universal assemblies in controlling the planar displacement of the articles being delivered to the machine's sewing station. The interchangeable assemblies are mounted in a manner permitting a consistent clamping relationship to be maintained between the turret assembly and the machine's work support regardless of the article's thickness or ligne/diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved thread control mechanism for chain-stitch sewing machines. The present invention is adapted to apply a quick and effective clamping action to the sewing thread of the machine in timed relation with the rotary or oscillatory movements of the stitch forming instrumentalities. The mechanism's clamping force magnitude may be selectively regulated to exceed the tensile strength of the particular thread being used and is effective to break the thread should it become wound about an operable rotary shaft of the machine. The present invention includes a rotary actuating member for moving a thread engaging member between two extreme positions so as to entrap and intermittently clamp the thread at a location interposed between the stitch forming instrumentalities and the thread supply source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a presser foot attachment adapted for use with a sewing machine for stitching an upper material to a base material and simultaneously trimming the edge of the base material along a line closely adjacent the row of stitches. The presser foot attachment includes a main section and an auxiliary section. The main section of the foot terminates just forward of the sewing machine needle so as to allow the juxtaposed edges of the upper and lower materials to be placed in close proximity to the needle at the onset of the sewing operation. The auxiliary section is movable between two positions and aids in guiding and separating the upper material over the base material and to the sewing station of the machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feed mechanism for a blindstitch sewing machine including a stitch shortening and tacking mechanism. Elliptical feeding movement is imparted to the feed dog by a fulcrumed lever driven off an eccentric on the main shaft of the machine. An operator controlled eccentric actuator is operatively connected to mechanism which changes the fulcrumed position of the feed lever to vary the elliptical path of the feed dog whereby effecting the advancement of the workpiece during the sewing operation without effecting needle reciprocation. An auxiliary thread tensioning assembly is provided to control the amount of thread utilized during the stitch tacking operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a four motion feed mechanism for sewing machines that is adapted to advance a work piece past the stitch forming point of the machine. Orbital movement is imparted to the feed dog by a drive mechanism including first and second linkage assemblies driven off a common eccentric arranged on the sewing machine bed shaft. A feed lift regulatory assembly is operatively connected to one of the linkage assemblies and is provided to selectively modify the amplitude of lift that is imparted to the feed dog of the machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a needle guard which is adapted to position the needle relative the lower stitch forming mechanism and further serves to minimize skipped stitches during the sewing operation. The needle guard is positioned beneath the work supporting surface of the machine and during the sewing operation is disposed proximate the needle path. Upon completion of the sewing operation the needle guard is retracted from the path of the needle. Adjustable means are provided so as to accomodate the needle guard to needles of various sizes and to permit positioning of the needle guiding surface with respect to the path of the needle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device that is adapted to individually and simultaneously guard and cool each needle of a sewing machine. The device includes an apertured member that is adjustably secured to the frame of the machine in a position below the work support of the machine. The apertured member is adapted to receive the needle or needles during the lower portion of its stroke. The diameter of the needle receiving aperture or bore provides a camming or guarding surface against which the needle may impinge, in the event that on its downstroke the needle is deflected or bent in any direction away from its recipricatory path. A passageway, formed in the member, allows for the transmission of a cooling medium to the needle receiving bore so as to cool the eye area and point of the needle as it passes therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus which aligns, preliminarily clamps, clamps and then sews hook or eye tape portions to a brassiere, in combination with a computer controlled sewing machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a presser mechanism for sewing machines which includes a pair of independently tandemly mounted presser foot soles arranged to cooperate with the feed mechanism of the machine in advancing the workpiece along a directed path of travel. Different selectively variable pressures may be applied to the presser foot soles such that both a firm heavy pressure and a resilient lesser pressure is applied to the workpiece as it travels along its directed path of travel.

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: This disclosure relates to a sewing machine lubrication system including positive displacement mechanisms adapted to transmit lubricant under pressure to the operating mechanisms of the machines and for transferring lubricant collected in non-drainable areas of the machine to the lubricant reservoir. Arranged in combination with the displacement mechanisms is a filtering/distribution assembly which serves to individually and selectively supply a relatively small, but sufficient quantity of lubricant to the operating mechanisms according to the requirements thereof. The present invention further provides a pressure relief valve assembly for selectively regulating the pressure in the lubrication system.

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.

Abstract: A sewing machine provided with a fan which is formed as an integral part of the handwheel and drive pulley and serves the purpose of drawing air there through for cooling. A shroud and a baffle cooperate to direct the air drawn in by the fan downward and over the bottom cover of the sewing machine which is provided with heat dissipating fins.