Abstract: Apparatus for separating moving superposed fabric layers includes structure defining upper and lower spaced-apart, opposed surfaces between which the superposed fabric layers are conveyed. Provision is made for directing jets of gaseous fluid along the surfaces generally in the direction of movement of the superposed fabric layers. Portions of the surfaces diverge away from the layers and from the direction in which the jets are moving, and are located downstream of the locations from which the jets issue. As a result, a vacuum is created between the superposed fabric layers and the upper and lower surfaces adjacent the diverging portions thereof causing the layers to separate. Because of their direction, the jets also impart a forward force on the separated fabric layers generally in the direction of movement of the fabric preventing the fabric from flapping, curling or bunching up between the plates during separation.

Abstract: An edge steerage apparatus for steering an edge of a moving web to correct for misalignment of the edge in the direction of travel. The apparatus includes one or more edge steerage units, each unit having a pair of pivotally supported, spaced-apart wheels adjacent to the edge of the web for contacting the moving web. For each of the wheels of the steerage unit, a spherical ball is provided which rotates freely omni-directionally so that the web is engaged between the wheels and the spherical ball. The two wheels of a steerage unit have a slight toe-out so that the web between the wheels is maintained in a taut condition. The position of the edge is monitored in relation to a fixed position and a steerage drive orients the wheels to introduce lateral movement in the cloth between the wheels and at the edge to steer the edge toward the fixed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for feeding and securing a fabric tape enclosing a wire to a sheet of fabric, such as a mattress pad, along a predetermined circuitous path. The pad is supported in a generally planar configuration and is movable through a plane under the needle of a sewing head so that the needle traverses the circuitous path on the pad. The tape and enclosed wire are supplied to a guide rotatably mounted on the sewing head for guiding the tape and enclosed wire onto the pad towards the needle from locations circumferentially disposed about a vertical axis of the needle. Provision is made for moving the guide about the sewing head as the pad moves in the circuitous path under the needle so that the tape and enclosed wire move towards the needle generally along the circuitous path.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transferring a sheet of deformable material such as cloth on a first conveyer to a second conveyer at a right angle to the first conveyor. The apparatus includes a full-length clamp having an elongated support surface for grasping and supporting the sheet along a side edge adjacent to the second conveyor and aligned with the direction of movement of first conveyor. The clamp is supported on a carriage which is movable in the direction of movement of the second conveyer and means are provided to move the carriage between a clamping location where the clamp grasps the sheet and a release location spaced from the first conveyor.