Abstract: A workpiece guide device for sewing machines, especially for the edge-true seaming of at least two workpiece (fabric) pieces, e.g. trouser parts, on a sewing machine, comprises a vertically disposed linear-guide element on the sewing table for alignment of the edges of the pieces to be guided horizontally, and a three-plate stack extending generally transversely to the plane of the linear edge guide and mounted upon a slide for movement toward and away from the stitching location. Preferably clamping means is provided to engage the fabric pieces between the plates.

Abstract: A feed device for flexible workpieces comprises a clamp for securing two workpieces together. The clamp is movable along a guide in line with the displacement of the workpieces past a sewing station by the sewing machine feed. A retarding force is continuously applied to the clamp to maintain a tension on the workpieces as they are drawn through the sewing station preferably by a turbine driven by compressed air. The retarding force is a continuously applied restoring force which can be switched between a relatively substantial force designed to return the clamp to its starting position and a tension force which can be reduced to substantially a zero value.

Abstract: A controlled braking device for the gripper-thread bobbin of a double lock-stitch sewing machine has a braking element which, by means of a brake piston or plunger in the axial bore of the spindle carrying the bobbin, is shiftable to engage the latter. The plunger is engaged by a rod reaching upwardly through an opening in the bottom of the spindle. The brake element is displaced laterally into engagement with the core of the bobbin or axially thereagainst.

Abstract: A pair of tracks are pivotal and alignable with a stitching station of a sewing machine. Carried on each track is a clip which is normally biased away from the sewing machine but displaceable against the biasing force toward the stitching station. Each clip has a lower jaw swingable between an upper operative position and a lower return position and an upper jaw pivoted on the lower jaw and swingable between an upper open position, a lower operative position, and a third return position. In the return positions both of the jaws are below the plane of the support table adjacent the sewing machine. The trailing edge of a workpiece is clipped in one clip and the leading edge of the workpiece is fitted to the sewing station. As the clip approaches the sewing station it first automatically opens, then is automatically swung into the return position so that a workpiece whose trailing edge is held in the other clip can then pass over the returning clip to the sewing station.

Abstract: A workpiece is held down against a support surface by a holddown foot. Then a feed foot is brought into engagement with this workpiece with its displacement speed decreasing continuously and uniformly until the feed foot comes to a stop against the workpiece, pressing it against the support surface. Thereafter the holddown foot is raised away from the workpiece and the feed foot slides the workpiece a predetermined distance along the surface toward the sewing station. The holddown foot then is brought into engagement with the workpiece on the surface, again with its speed decreasing uniformly and continuously until it comes to a stop on the workpiece. The feedfoot is lifted away from the workpiece and brought back into a position to advance it again.