Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for registering and clamping the vamp portion of a boot relative to a flat boot shaft. Each side of the vamp portion of the boot is substantially folded in order to achieve registration with the previously registered and clamped boot shaft. Clamping of each substantially folded side of the vamp occurs in such a manner as to not distort the fold. The folded vamp is otherwise securely clamped so as to permit an automatic join and sew operation with respect to the registered and clamped flat boot shaft.

Abstract: A multiple needle sewing machine having a shiftable needle mechanism wherein threaded needles may be shuttled from an active to an inactive position and vice versa. A thread wiping mechanism, comprising an arrangement of articulated fingers is disposed adjacent the needles' inactive positions. Upon a proper signal, the fingers extend to a position to await the inactive needle, whereupon, the fingers will be retracted, catching only the thread of the inactive needle holding it out of the way of the needle in the active position. The thread wiping mechanism may be actuated by reciprocable means attached to the fingers, which actuation occurs upon receipt of a proper signal during operation of the sewing machine.

Abstract: Presser-foot apparatus is disclosed which is capable of automatically adjusting to various levels of sewing. The presser-foot is slidably held within a housing affixed to a needle bar. The presser-foot is biased against the housing so as to move in conjunction therewith until contact is made with the workpiece. The presser-foot exerts a steady, unvarying pressure on the workpiece while the needle associated therewith continues downwardly. The presser-foot is ultimately lifted from the workpiece during the upward retraction of the needle from the workpiece.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for holding and securing a workpiece within a sewing machine. The mechanism includes a plurality of clamping elements which may be arranged in different configurations so as to accommodate different sewing patterns. The different arrangements of clamping elements are inserted into a carriage which defines the positions of the clamping elements relative to each other as well as with respect to the bed of the sewing machine.