Abstract: A combining and binding conveyor system which combines a first fabric piece and a second fabric piece to form a combined fabric piece, such as a men's brief and applies binding to the fabric piece. The apparatus includes an unique combining fixture for receiving and securing the first fabric piece, the second fabric piece, and the combined fabric piece. A conveyor transports the combining fixture to at least one sewing machine work station having means for operating on the first and second fabric pieces. A transfer station removes the combining fixture from the conveyor when the operations are completed and places the fabric piece on an unique binding fixture for engaging, positioning and securing the fabric piece. The conveyor transports the binding fixture to at least one sewing machine work station for operating on the fabric piece while the same is being held by the binding fixture.

Abstract: An improved assembly for facilitating the closing of an end portion of a tubular hosiery blank positioned upon a support assembly includes a tubular unit having a metallic hollow core provided with a molded urethane coating covering the outer portion of the core, and having diametrically opposed urethane fins defining guide slots for supporting and freely slidably receiving therein reciprocable blades. The radially extending urethane fins are tapered outwardly and extend substantially the full length of the core member.

Abstract: A system for automatically closing the toe portions of tubular hosiery blanks includes an automatic loader assembly for receiving, supporting and spreading open an end portion of a hosiery blank, for transporting the blank to a toe closing machine, and for carrying the opened end of the blank over a loading tube of a toe closing machine while everting the blank.

Abstract: A portable, compact, unitized device for transferring articles by pneumatic means from a processing machine to a collection receptacle includes a chamber divided into two compartments by a perforated plate, and having a releasable closure cap at one end and a trap door at the opposite end. A port in one compartment is coupled to a vacuum source, and a work inlet port in the other compartment communicates with a work processing means. An actuator, completely encompassed within one compartment and mounted upon the releasable closure, includes a shutter moveable axially of the vaccum source port for controlling air flow through the compartments.

Abstract: A pair of aligned stocking materials having hip portions are severed a prescribed distance, and a pair of template assemblies spread the stockings until the severed edges of each of the stocking materials define generally straight lines. A gusset is positioned adjacent the stretched severed edges and seamed sequentially along the edges of each of the pair of stocking materials by sewing machines to form a panty hose garment.