Abstract: A method and apparatus for indexing the waistband of trousers into belt loop attachment positions at the stitching station of a sewing machine is disclosed. A stepper motor is drivingly engaged to an indexer clamp, which engages the end portion of the waistband. The stepper motor drives the indexer clamp and pulls the waistband through the stitching station. A detector comprising dual rollers is pivotally connected to respective lever arms. Signal generators detect the presence of a waistband seam and signals a controller which correlates the position of the side seam as a reference point with the desired attachment positions of belt loops. The controller signals the stepper motor to stop when each of successive belt loop attachment positions move into the stitching station. The controller operates a belt loop delivery system which feeds a belt loop to the stitching station. Work holding clamps secure the belt loop onto the waistband.

Abstract: The invention is a readily adjustable work station. The invention includes a manual or machine driven linkage for adjusting the vertical position of a work station top surface in a level manner. This linkage includes rack and gear sets associated with movable supporting columns that support the work station top surface and a rotational transfer means that ensures that rotational energy from a driving means is evenly imparted to the rack and gear sets. Alternatively, the mechanical linkage may comprise ball plunger screws rather than rack and gear sets.The invention also includes an apparatus for manually adjusting the angular orientation of the work station top surface, and an apparatus for adjusting the clearance between the stationary support structure and the movable support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indexing the waistband of trousers into belt loop attachment positions at the stitching station of a sewing machine is disclosed. A stepper motor is drivingly engaged to an indexer clamp, which engages the end portion of the waistband. The stepper motor drives the indexer clamp and pulls the waistband through the stitching station. A detector detects the presence of a waistband seam and signals a controller which correlates the position of the side seam as a reference point with the desired attachment positions of belt loops. The controller signals the stepper motor to stop when each of successive belt loop attachment positions move into the stitching station. The controller operates a belt loop delivery system which feeds a belt loop to the stitching station. Work holding clamps secure the belt loop onto the waistband. The belt loops are stitched onto the waistband as each successive belt loop attachment position enters the stitching station.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for a sewn workpiece, adapted for clamping, draping such workpiece as is one-sidely thicker which is buttoned or buttonholed by a button sewing machine or buttonholing machine. The apparatus is capable of stacking the workpiece in parallel with the horizontal, thus ensuring stability of the workpiece as stacked even if a multiple of the one sidedly thicker workpieces are stacked.

Abstract: A plurality of workpieces, hanging from a sewing machine, are stacked on a workpiece stacking panel in such a manner that the lower end each of the workpiece is clamped on a workpiece draping cylinder by a first swingable clamping member and the intermediate portion thereof is thrown by a workpiece throw-over member and turned over the draping cylinder. A second swingable clamping member is provided under a working table to clamp the topmost workpiece on the stacking panel. The stacking panel is adapted for gradual downward movement according to quantity of the workpieces to be stacked on the panel.