Abstract: A thread monitor particularly for a sewing machine having a needle, the monitor comprising a control device operable for stopping the operation of the machine, a thread feeler engageable with the thread supplied to the needle, and a bracket mounting the feeler for movement between a retracted position with respect to the control device and an operative position for actuating the control device for stopping the operation of the machine. The feeler is biased toward its operative position, the bias being greater than the frictional force present between the feeler and its mounting as the machine vibrates during the operation thereof but less than the frictional force present between the feeler and its mounting when the machine is not in operation, so that, upon thread breakage when the machine is in operation, the feeler will move to its operative position for stopping the operation of the machine and, when the machine is not in operation, the feeler remains in retracted position.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for processing run-stitched collars, in which the points of the collars are trimmed, and the collars are everted and pressed. In the pressing operation, the collars are given a wiping action.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding work through a sewing machine in which the work, as it is fed through the machine, is biased laterally into engagement with an edge guide by a vacuum-induced flow of air. The apparatus is particularly useful for guiding superposed plies of material as they are fed through the machine and aligning the edges of the plies along which they are stitched by the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically sewing workpieces along edges of each workpiece extending in different directions, in which a workpiece is automatically turned when it has been stitched along one edge for stitching it along the next edge, by blowing air on the workpiece to swing it around, using the needle of the sewing machine as a pivot, and in which workpieces are automatically entered in the sewing machine for being stitched and automatically removed after they have been stitched.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing pants from heat-settable textile material, with molding of the material for a good fit, in which two flat tubes of such material are assembled, seamed to form a crotch seam, applied to a mold shaped to impart appropriate form to the tubes for a better fit, and heated to set the tubes in the form of the mold; and the molds used in carrying out said methods. According to a first embodiment, the material in the crotch section of the tubes is left intact until after molding, being then cut out. According to a second embodiment, the material in the crotch section of the tubes is cut out before molding.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing pants from heat-settable textile material, with molding of the material for a good fit, in which two flat tubes of such material are assembled, seamed to form a crotch seam, applied to a mold shaped to impart appropriate form to the tubes for a better fit, and heated to set the tubes in the form of the mold; and the molds used in carrying out said methods. According to a first embodiment, the material in the crotch section of the tubes is left intact until after molding, being then cut out. According to a second embodiment, the material in the crotch section of the tubes is cut out before molding.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining together two plies of material such as textile fabric comprising a sewing machine, contour guide means for shifting the plies as they are fed forward through the sewing machine to effect contour seaming of the plies, and a feed control clamp for clamping the trailing ends of the plies as they are fed forward. This clamp, clamped on the trailing ends of the plies, moves forward with the plies as they are fed forward. It is also automatically shifted from side to side as it moves forward to maintain the edge of the plies being sewn aligned with the contour guide means. The apparatus further comprises loading means which is adapted, while a pair of plies is being sewn, to receive the next pair to be sewn and, upon completion of sewing the first pair, to enter the next pair in the sewing machine and in the feed control clamp.

Abstract: Molding thermoformable textile fabric (knit, woven or otherwise), and particularly stretch fabric, into a permanent three-dimensional shape by vacuum-molding in a cavity in a vacuum mold, wherein flow of air through the fabric is blocked to enable it to be vacuum-formed by means of a layer of substantially air-impervious thermoformable sheet plastic material applied over the fabric. The plastic is heated to thermoforming temperature, the plastic and fabric are vacuum-formed in the mold, the molded plastic layer with the molded fabric thereon being removed from the mold and the molded plastic layer being utilized as a form for holding the molded fabric in its molded shape for a sufficient period of time to stabilize the fabric in its molded shape. The molded plastic layer is cooled within the mold via a flow of cooling air.