Abstract: A mechanism for releasably securing a workholder to the automatically controlled carriage of a sewing machine during the sewing machine cycle. The mechanism includes a pair of coacting connector means operative to fixedly couple the workholder and the automatically controlled carriage together along with mechanism for automatically uncoupling the coacting connectors and propelling the workholder from the carriage at the completion of the sewing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus operable in cooperation with the logic circuitry of an automatic sewing machine for positioning a movable workholder in a predetermined position relative the sewing machine needle. The apparatus includes a workholder position sensor assembly and workholder direction sensor assembly operable in timed relation relative to one another and in positional synchronization with the movement of the workholder. Electrical circuitry is adapted to read the signals of both sensor assemblies and position the workholder at a predetermined location.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improvement to spring type flexible chutes provided for delivering disk-like objects from a supply source to an attaching machine. The improvement includes a resilient, elongated spacer which may be inserted into the guideway of the chute for changing the space constraints thereof to maintain a uniform planar orientation of the disk-like objects between the supply source and the machine whereby allowing one chute to be used for multiple purposes.

Abstract: A differential feed mechanism is provided for a high speed industrial sewing machine. The differential mechanism includes separate driving mechanisms for each of the two feed dogs mounted on separate feed bars, both mechanisms being driven from a common input shaft. Separate adjusting devices are provided for each of the feed dog driving mechanisms to adjust individually, rapidly and at will, the length of the horizontal feed stroke of each feed dog.

Abstract: Mechanism on a sewing machine for engaging and withdrawing a severed sewing machine needle thread end from a workpiece at the completion of a sewing operation. The thread wiper mechanism includes a thread engaging element which is reciprocally movable along and about an axis extending generally parallel with the needle's path of travel with the element sweeping beneath the needle, across the needle's path and returning to its initial position at the completion of the sewing operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cold forming process wherein a consistent stitch tongue profile is swaged into a planar throat plate blank. Thereafter, excess material resulting from the cold forming process is removed and the required needle holes and thread slots are provided in the blank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning fabric edges which includes a microprocessor, a photocell array, A/D converter and multiplexer. Various readings of the photocell array are made during the cycle. These readings are recorded and in conjunction with others made during the fabric edge alignment step, are employed to determine when the fabric edges are aligned.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a four motion feed mechanism for sewing machines that is adapted to advance a workpiece past the stitch forming point of the machine. Orbital movement is imparted to the feed dog by a drive mechanism including first and second linkage assemblies driven off a common eccentric arranged on the sewing machine bed shaft. A feed regulating assembly including a single feed regulator control knob is operatively associated with one of the linkage assemblies to selectively pre-set the stitch length of the machine.

Abstract: Two carriage systems, X and Y, are provided with the X carriage system being carried by the Y carriage system. Each system includes a carriage which via two sets of rollers is capable of movement along a guide rail set. Flex hinges are provided in each carriage to seat the rollers in the guide rails. The hinges are generally rigid in a first plane and flexible in a second such that the carriage is stiff yet the distance between the rollers can vary to compensate for absolute distance changes in the rails, due, for example, to high or low spots in the roller contacting surface.

Abstract: An elastic metering device including a plurality of individual tape feeding and tensioning mechanisms having a common drive shaft, with each mechanism being adapted to independently act on one of a plurality of tapes as they advance toward the machine. Each tape feeding and tensioning mechanism includes an operator controlled variable speed drive mechanism for selectively affecting the manner in which each mechanism acts on each tape.

Abstract: The output centerpoint of a Cardan gear mechanism is connected via a ball and a pin slideable therethrough to a lever which in turn carries a looper. Because the major axis of the lever and the axis swept out by the output centerpoint are skewed the lever is reciprocated back and forth along its own major axis while being rotated therearound. This results in the looper being swept back and forth along part of a generally helical-like path.

Abstract: A combination of a thread carrying upper looper and a thread carrying lower looper which along with a thread carrying needle cooperate together in an overedge industrial sewing machine in which the thread carrying upper looper has its thread carrying groove located closer to the bottom edge of the blade face than to the upper edge of the blade face and has its point located above the thread carrying groove and is closer to the upper edge than to the lower edge. The blade of the thread carrying lower looper has a generally flat bottom surface having a 2.degree. rise starting 3/8" from its point and extending to the point.

Abstract: A Cardan gear assembly having an output centerpoint means which moves along an elliptical path. A force transfer means connects the output centerpoint to a means operative to carry a work performing means. The major axis swept out by the means operative being skewed with respect to the major axis of the ellipse which is swept out by the output centerpoint. As a result, the work performing means will be swept along a curve which is of a portion of a helix as well as part elliptical. This curve takes the form of a partial helix wherein the outgoing path is different from the return path.

Abstract: A button clamp assembly having an unalterable pivot and provided with interchangeable turret assemblies which cooperate with other universal assemblies in controlling the planar displacement of the articles being delivered to the machine's sewing station. The interchangeable assemblies are mounted in a manner permitting a consistent clamping relationship to be maintained between the turret assembly and the machine's work support regardless of the article's thickness or ligne/diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a presser foot attachment adapted for use with a sewing machine for stitching an upper material to a base material and simultaneously trimming the edge of the base material along a line closely adjacent the row of stitches. The presser foot attachment includes a main section and an auxiliary section. The main section of the foot terminates just forward of the sewing machine needle so as to allow the juxtaposed edges of the upper and lower materials to be placed in close proximity to the needle at the onset of the sewing operation. The auxiliary section is movable between two positions and aids in guiding and separating the upper material over the base material and to the sewing station of the machine.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a four motion feed mechanism for sewing machines that is adapted to advance a work piece past the stitch forming point of the machine. Orbital movement is imparted to the feed dog by a drive mechanism including first and second linkage assemblies driven off a common eccentric arranged on the sewing machine bed shaft. A feed lift regulatory assembly is operatively connected to one of the linkage assemblies and is provided to selectively modify the amplitude of lift that is imparted to the feed dog of the machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a needle guard which is adapted to position the needle relative the lower stitch forming mechanism and further serves to minimize skipped stitches during the sewing operation. The needle guard is positioned beneath the work supporting surface of the machine and during the sewing operation is disposed proximate the needle path. Upon completion of the sewing operation the needle guard is retracted from the path of the needle. Adjustable means are provided so as to accomodate the needle guard to needles of various sizes and to permit positioning of the needle guiding surface with respect to the path of the needle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device that is adapted to individually and simultaneously guard and cool each needle of a sewing machine. The device includes an apertured member that is adjustably secured to the frame of the machine in a position below the work support of the machine. The apertured member is adapted to receive the needle or needles during the lower portion of its stroke. The diameter of the needle receiving aperture or bore provides a camming or guarding surface against which the needle may impinge, in the event that on its downstroke the needle is deflected or bent in any direction away from its recipricatory path. A passageway, formed in the member, allows for the transmission of a cooling medium to the needle receiving bore so as to cool the eye area and point of the needle as it passes therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus which aligns, preliminarily clamps, clamps and then sews hook or eye tape portions to a brassiere, in combination with a computer controlled sewing machine.