Abstract: A sewing machine having a U-shaped base one portion of which defines a unitary tubular element within which the lower stitching instrumentalities and the driving members therefor are housed. The unitary tubular element is formed so as to prevent any possible leakage of lubricant therefrom and includes guides for the feed dog support bars which are externally accessible for the purpose of locating the support bars in their most advantageous operating position as well as to permit simplified replacement thereof.

Abstract: A machine for automatically sewing the opposite non-parallel edges of a piece of fabric which includes first and second sewing stations spaced on opposite sides of a work bed in which means is provided at the exit end of the first sewing station to grip and to rotate the fabric into a position where the second edge to be sewn is parallel to the direction of stitching to be performed at the second sewing station and further including means to translationally move the work fabric from the first sewing station to the second upon completion of sewing at the first station.

Abstract: An improved fabric cutting machine for cutting tubular fabric into strip form having simplified and manually controllable adjustment devices for selectively controlling the rate of withdrawal of the tubular fabric from its source, the desired width of the strip to be cut and for synchronizing the rate of rotation of the feed means for advancing the fabric to the cutting apparatus with the rate of rotation of that portion of the machine which supports the source of tubular fabric.

Abstract: A device for selectively displacing sewing machine hooks to a position whereat they are readily accessible to an operator for threading purposes. The device includes a lever member pivotably mounted on the shaft which supports the hooks and an arm in the form of a cylindrical seat fixed on the shaft which carries a spring biased pin that is continuously urged into driving engagement with the lever member to effect oscillating movement of the shaft. A manually operable member is provided for disengaging the pin from driving engagement with the lever which permits the shaft to be rotated to a position that places the hooks carried thereby in an accessible position.

Abstract: A device carried by the presser foot of a sewing machine for severing a chain of stitches extending between a sewn workpiece and the needle of the machine which includes a gripping element for retaining the severed end of the chain extending from the needle and a guide means for aligning the chain with the needle axis in a manner whereby it would be incorporated into the seam of stitches formed in the following workpiece.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a needle plate with an integrally formed tongue on which a chain of stitches is formed. The tongue includes an internal bore pneumatically connected to a vacuum unit which is selectively activated to draw a chain of stitches severed from the previously seamed workpiece into the bore. The suction created by the vacuum is sufficient to hold the chain of stitches and permit their release during advance of the next workpiece so as to be incorporated in the seam formed therein.

Abstract: A guide for guiding elastic bands in a sewing machine for attachment to garments having a pair of opposed elements mounted on pivotable support members individual thereto. The combination of the internal surfaces of the opposed elements define a shaped channel for folding and maintaining the bands in the desired configuration for and during attachment to a garment. A control device is operatively connected to the opposed elements to permit selective movement of the latter in opposite directions. The elements can be moved between positions of contiguous relation, which serves to guide the bands and a spaced apart inclined position that serves to complete the final stages of each sewing operation and to facilitate insertion of a new band for the next sewing operation.

Abstract: An improved workpiece guide for sewing machines comprising a vertical wall which is substantially at a right angle to the support surface of the work, wherein is positioned in the right-hand side of the sewing station, one or more separating plates movable between operative and inoperative positions, which plates project beyond the vertical wall parallel to the work support surface and are positioned to project over the sewing axis both on the right-hand side and the left-hand side thereof when in the operative position, and means to elevate the separating plates when in the inoperative position to locations vertically above the positions they occupy when in the operative position.

Abstract: A fabric gripping member for a sewing and assembly unit movable along the work surface of the unit while gripping and holding the ends of pieces of cloth under tension as they are being sewn and advanced along the work surface by a sewing machine. The gripping member includes a device operatively associated therewith for releasing its grip on the pieces of cloth and for returning it to its starting position and in readiness to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A device for selectively controlling the cover thread in sewing machines at the completion of the formation of a series of stitches which includes a cover thread positioning member for holding and accurately locating the cover thread for forming additional stitches in continuation of those previously formed or for cutting the thread while it is being held in preparation for forming a different series of stitches.

Abstract: An improved top roller-carriage for use on sewing machines having a bottom roller and on which superimposed layers of material are to be joined, the roller-carriage including an elongated torque transmitting shaft connected through intermediate mechanisms to the main drive and including means for mounting the torque shaft on the machine in such a way that it can be pivoted about both a horizontal and a vertical axis so that the roller while it is connected on one end of the torque shaft can be completely removed from its operative position adjacent the machine needle and can adjust vertically to accommodate different material thicknesses.

Abstract: A device for inserting a ribbon beneath the presser foot of a sewing machine for application to a workpiece and for cutting off said ribbon to predetermined length cyclically by automatic or semiautomatic means. The ribbon is fed continuously to the sewing machine during the stitching operation.