Abstract: Method and apparatus for edge location analysis preliminary to sewing on a separate computerized sewing apparatus including scanning an object to be sewn by moving it under a scanning assembly in accordance with a predetermined sewing path to provide true edge location data, comparing the true edge location data with the expected edge locations to determine any deviations, and sewing the object using the predetermined sewing path as modified by the true edge locations data.

Abstract: A sewing machine bobbin includes a mini-spool rotatably mounted on the bobbin for receiving a predetermined length at the inner end of the thread such that when the bobbin stops rotating, the mini-spool may continue to rotate to pay out a part of a predetermined length of thread in order to finish a stitching operation.

Abstract: Sewing apparatus includes a manipulator for manipulating the workpiece comprising a pressure member having a sheet of friction material pressable against the workpiece for sliding it over the work table. The manipulator includes a vertically-mounted stand, three pivotal links, and three rotary drives mounted on the stand and coupled to their respective links. The apparatus further includes an optical detector and a lamp illuminating the workpiece obliquely in order to emphasize its edges by the shadows produced.

Abstract: Computerized sewing apparatus having incorporated therein edge position sensing apparatus and the capability to modify, in real time, a pre-programmed sewing path in accordance with the actual position of the piece being sewn. The apparatus comprises a sewing head, a workholder, a microprocessor coupled to the workholder for moving the workholder relative to the sewing head, apparatus for sensing the edge position of an object on the workholder and arranged to provide an output signal corresponding thereto to the microprocessor, comparator apparatus in the microprocessor to compare the actual edge position with the programmed expected edge position and to determine any deviation, and apparatus coupled to the microprocessor for modifying the sewing path during sewing to compensate for any such deviation.