Abstract: An automated quilting and tufting system for application of tufts at selected locations along a web of material, including a sewing head receiving a series of tufts or rosettes from a supply. The tufts are removed from their supply and are placed at selected locations on the web of material for attachment to the web of material by the sewing head. Thereafter, the web of material can be cut to form a panel of a desired size.

Abstract: A system for quilting fabric materials includes a quilter unit having a reciprocating needle bar with a series of needles spaced therealong and carrying a series of threads for forming quilted patterns in fabric materials passing below the needles. The quilted fabric materials then can be collected on a supply roll or fed to a panel cutter downstream from the quilter unit. The panel cutter can include a panel cutting blade for cutting the quilted material in different panel lengths or sizes, as well as a series of slitting blades that can be moved into engagement with the quilted material for forming strips of the quilted material in desired widths.

Abstract: A tape edge applicator workstation including a conveyor for moving a mattress or foundation along a sewing path through a tape edge applicator. The tape edge applicator applies a tape edge material about the peripheral side edges of the mattress, with the mattress generally being rotated as the tape edge material is applied about the corners thereof.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a mattress. A border material is fed through a sewing station to form a hem. The same material is fed through the sewing station again, at a different elevation to form a second hem and an attachment gusset. The hemmed gusset and border material then is preferably subjected to a ruffling process to form a series of pleats about the corners of the mattress border. The perimeter of the border is then closed, and the finished border is placed over a set of mattress springs and fixed in place.

Abstract: A childproof gate latch for an enclosure such as a fence is provided with a latching member attached to a gate. The latching member is received through a lock opening in a fence support as the gate is closed. A latching sleeve is moveable into engagement with the latching member as the latching member enters the lock opening. Thereafter, as the latching sleeve is raised and the latching member released from engagement, a pawl moves to a lowered position supporting the latching sleeve in a ready to engage arrangement.

Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging a product. The machine has a frame for supporting the product and a source of packaging material for supplying packaging material into a position to be engaged by and at least partially surround the product. At least one upper sealing assembly is adapted to move between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. The upper sealing assembly comprises at least one sealing element for forming a seal along adjacent edges of the packaging material. At least one lower sealing assembly is adapted for cooperating engagement with the upper sealing assembly in its actuated position. The at least one upper and lower sealing assemblies are positioned for clamping engagement of the packaging material therebetween for forming the seal when the upper sealing assembly is moved to its actuated position in engagement with the lower sealing assembly.

Abstract: A tape edge applicator workstation including a conveyor for moving a mattress or foundation along a sewing path through a tape edge applicator. The tape edge applicator applies a tape edge material about the peripheral side edges of the mattress, with the mattress generally being rotated as the tape edge material is applied about the corners thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a gusset to a panel includes a gusset folder that receives and folds a gusset material to form the gusset. The panel is supported by a sewing table. A sewing machine is positioned relative to the sewing table so as to be able to sew the gusset to the panel. A gusset guide guides the gusset toward a selected edge of the panel so that the gusset is held in substantial alignment with the edge of the panel. An edge detector detects when a next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine. A turning mechanism is positioned along the sewing table and is moveable into engagement with the panel. The turning mechanism turns the panel relative to the sewing machine when the edge detector detects the next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine.

Abstract: A tape edge applicator workstation including a conveyor for moving a mattress or foundation along a sewing path through a tape edge applicator. The tape edge applicator applies a tape edge material about the peripheral side edges of the mattress, with the mattress generally being rotated as the tape edge material is applied about the corners thereof.

Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging a product. The machine has a frame for supporting the product and a source of packaging material for supplying packaging material into a position to be engaged by and at least partially surround the product. At least one upper sealing assembly is adapted to move between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. The upper sealing assembly comprises at least one sealing element for forming a seal along adjacent edges of the packaging material. At least one lower sealing assembly is adapted for cooperating engagement with the upper sealing assembly in its actuated position. The at least one upper and lower sealing assemblies are positioned for clamping engagement of the packaging material therebetween for forming the seal when the upper sealing assembly is moved to its actuated position in engagement with the lower sealing assembly.

Abstract: An improved spring construction for mattresses, box springs, furniture and other applications is provided. The application of such springs in mattresses, box springs, furniture and other applications is also provided. In one aspect of the invention, the spring construction is a spring including a series of spring segments, each having a flattened, irregular configuration where the spring varies in compression strength and deflection from a top portion thereof to a bottom portion thereof.

Abstract: A system for forming and attaching pillowtop attachment gussets and borders to panels, with the gusset or border material being fed from a supply into a sewing station. The gusset or border material is passed through a folder assembly that directs the gusset or border material into a sewing zone where it is attached to the panel. A ruffler mechanism engages and forms a series of ruffles in the gusset or border material as it is sewn about the corners of the panel.

Abstract: A method of forming a mattress, with a reduction in the number of sewing operations required, in which a border and gusset or an extended portion of the border will be integrally formed and attached to a mattress panel, with a flanging material also being attached as needed, to form a mattress cover or sleeve. A tape edge also can be applied for providing a more decorative appearance. Thereafter, the mattress cover or sleeve can be applied over a mattress spring set.

Abstract: A presser foot control system for a sewing station for sewing heavy gauge or thick materials includes an actuator for selectively applying and relieving an additional compression force to the presser foot of the sewing station for compressing and feeding the material being sewn to enable engagement and pickup of the threads carried by the needle by a looper of the sewing station.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a gusset to a panel includes a gusset folder that receives and folds a gusset material to form the gusset. The panel is supported by a sewing table. A sewing machine is positioned relative to the sewing table so as to be able to sew the gusset to the panel. A gusset guides the gusset toward a selected edge of the panel so that the gusset is held in substantial alignment with the edge of the panel. An edge detector detects when a next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine. A turning mechanism is positioned along the sewing table and is moveable into engagement with the panel. The turning mechanism turns the panel relative to the sewing machine when the edge detector detects the next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine.

Abstract: A proportional flow control valve having at least one pinch jaw that is movable between open and closed positions for engaging a fluid flow line passing through the valve. The valve includes a valve actuator generally formed from a shape memory alloy that engages and moves at least one movable pinch jaw. As an electrical current is applied to the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy exerts a moving force on the pinch jaw so as to move the pinch jaw into or out of engagement with a flow tube for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: A machine for automatically producing a mattress border with handles sewn to the border material. Border material is pre-fed from a selected spool, screened for splice avoidance and measured. Handle material is fed from a selected spool mounted in a multiple handle material spool magazine mounted on rails, fed into a handle folding assembly, and cut to length. Ends of the handle material are folded under by the handle folding assembly and the handle then transferred in a folded condition from the handle folding assembly to a correct position on the border material. A double frame handle press holds each folded end of the handle material in place as each end is maneuvered under a sewing head needle to apply a stitch pattern to secure the folded ends to the border material. The double frame handle press is translated separately from the carriage assembly which travels in the sew pattern, to position the other end of the handle under the sewing needle.

Abstract: A machine for automatically producing a mattress border with handles sewn to the border material. Border material is pre-fed from a selected spool, screened for splice avoidance and measured. Handle material is fed from a selected spool mounted in a multiple handle material spool magazine mounted on rails, fed into a handle folding assembly, and cut to length. Ends of the handle material are folded under by the handle folding assembly and the handle then transferred in a folded condition from the handle folding assembly to a correct position on the border material. A double frame handle press holds each folded end of the handle material in place as each end is maneuvered under a sewing head needle to apply a stitch pattern to secure the folded ends to the border material. The double frame handle press is translated separately from the carriage assembly which travels in the sew pattern, to position the other end of the handle under the sewing needle.

Abstract: A sewing system (10) includes a tension adjustment spindle assembly (30) constructed and arranged to move a spindle (26) laterally toward and away from a sewing head (16) of the sewing machine to adjust the tension in the looped end of a work piece (28). A tension roller (70) engages a bottom run (29) of the work piece (28), so that when proper tension is applied to the work piece at the beginning of the cycle of operation by the lateral shifting of the tension adjustment spindle assembly (30), a proximity switch (88) detects the upward movement of a tension arm (72) and initiates the operation of the sewing system.

Abstract: A hemming and seaming machine (5) having a hemming conveyor (16) on which a workpiece is moved along a path of travel toward and through a hemming station which sews a hem in the workpiece is disclosed. The hemmed workpiece is then moved downstream to a folding station (25) where a spaced series of first air jets (61) selectively emit streams of air between a folding plate (26) and clamping plate (55) to create a vacuum therebetween to draw the leading edge of the workpiece off of the hemming conveyor and between the folding plate and the clamping plate. The leading edge of the workpiece is held between the clamping and folding plates while the workpiece continues to move along the path of travel. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the detection of the leading edge of the workpiece, or in response to the detection of the trailing edge of the workpiece, the leading edge of the workpiece is released from between the folding and clamping plates.