Abstract: Single sheets of garment material are spread on work tables for cutting by a computer controlled cutter to provide all pattern pieces for assembly into a particular garment. The pieces are selectively picked up for transport in pairs to first stage sewing stations where they are joined to provide subassembled garment pieces. Robotic devices are used for this transfer and/or joining steps and the process is repeated successively until a finished garment is produced.

Abstract: Three dimensional garment pieces are formed with a computer generated mold produced from pregathered numerical data describing the object or person to be clothed.

Abstract: A method of making signs in multiple colors employs an automatically controlled sign making machine and a multi-ply layup of sign material in which the different plies have different colors. The sign making machine has a cutting tool that is moved in the cutting relationship with the layup to cut sign characters defined in the machine memory. The cutting tool is adjustable in depth of cut into the layup so that signs having characters and background of different colors can be prepared.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for indexing a strip of sheet material in fixed amounts along the support surface of a table enable an instrument supported from a carriage spanning the support surface to work on the material in precisely controlled segments and utilize one or two stops fixed in the table and movable engagement means operatively associated with the stops to limit the advancement of the sheet material as the material is indexed. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism connected for movement with the engagement means, and the sheet material is coupled to the transport mechanism for movement along the support surface. The stops define limits of travel of the engagement means and the transport mechanism to precisely fix the amount of advancement of the sheet material between work positions.

Abstract: A sewing machine, or similar machine which consumes thread at a work station, has combined with it a thread color device located between the work station and a thread supply. The color device causes the thread issuing from it to have any one of a number of available colors, allowing stitches of different color to be made at the work station without changing the thread or rethreading the needle. The timing of a change in thread color at the color device with respect to the schedule of work performed at the work station, and the movement of the thread from the color device to the work station, are controlled so that a change in thread color occurs at the work station at substantially the same time as such change is desired in the work schedule performed at that station.

Abstract: An eyeglass apparatus having a variable focal length lens and an associated method for varying the focal length of the lens uses a lens having a focal length which is variable as pressure along the lens is varied. Focal length adjusting mechanisms carried by the eyeglass frames provide for manual or automatic adjustment of the lens focal length.

Abstract: A photoplotter for use in exposing graphics or artworks on a photosensitive surface by directing a small beam of light onto the surface and moving it relative thereto has an output beam which is repetitively flashed as it is moved over the surface to expose a line. The flashing light beam is produced by intercepting a stationary beam with a cyclically moving mirror to periodically sweep it across a light accepting window, the light energy received by which is directed to the photosensitive surface. The cross-sectional size of the output light beam may be varied to vary the size of the light spot which it creates on the photosensitive surface and to therefore vary the width of the exposed line, and changes in the character of the output beam may be made in accordance with changes in the size of the spot and with changes in its speed relative to the photosensitive surface in order to obtain a desired exposure of all portions of the exposed lines.

Abstract: A motor driven plotter has a plotting head which is translated in two coordinate directions over the work surface of a plotting table. The plotting head is mounted on a first carriage which moves in one coordinate direction and a second carriage is mounted on the first for movement in the second coordinate direction. The limits of both carriages in each coordinate direction are directed by means of a pull cord suspended in a rectangular pattern from the first carriage. A cord portion or segment is intersected and extended by a contact at each limit of travel in the coordinate directions. A switch connected to the cord produces a limit signal when the cord is extended.