Abstract: A condensing and alignment device for preparing cloth elements to be joined together. The device comprises a base and a support on the base for a row of needle blocks in side-by-side relationship. At least two fabric engaging needles extend vertically upwardly on each needle block. A resilient O-ring is mounted on each needle block facing and abutting an adjacent needle block in the row, the needle blocks of the row being spaced from each other by the O-rings. A condensing cylinder is located at one end of the needle block row and is operatively attached to at least that needle block at the opposite end of the row. The needle blocks of the row are shiftable by the condensing cylinder from their normal position determined by the O-rings to a condensed position against the action of the O-rings. A press is mounted above the needle block row and is shiftable between an upper retracted position above the needle block row and a lower extended position abutting the needle blocks of the row.

Abstract: An improved head and buck for a fabric pressing machine, each comprising a hollow casting. The head has an upper steam chamber and a lower spray chamber. A cowling surrounds the head steam chamber, having air intake holes at one end and an air valve near its other end directly connecting the cowling to the spray chamber. The head has a resilient peripheral sealing element engaging a peripheral rim on the buck when the head is closed thereagainst. The buck has a vacuum valve connecting the buck to a source of vacuum. With the head sealed about the buck, air in heat exchange with the head steam chamber within the cowling can be drawn through the workpiece during the drying step of the pressing cycle by opening the buck vacuum valve. The buck is provided with a grid plate, pad and cover assembly which is divided longitudinally into front and rear halves.

Abstract: A cloth condensing unit is disclosed capable of forming a condensed portion of a piece of cloth, the condensed portion having a central area which is more condensed than the ends of the condensed portion, and a system for permanently maintaining the cloth in the condensed form. The cloth condensing unit can comprise different embodiments, for example, a plurality of spring loaded plates having a plurality of pins projecting vertically upward, wherein the plates are capable of being condensed in a vice. In another embodiment, the cloth condensing unit can consist of a rubber sponge having a gripping surface formed of embedded emery or a plurality of very small pins. When the surface is compressed into a specified area, the cloth positioned upon the surface of the semioval sponge is condensed. In another embodiment of the present invention, a semioval balloon-type device could be employed having an exterior gripping surface.

Abstract: A machine for spreading and severing cloth from a roll, the machine including an expansible perforated endless belt for conveying the cloth from the roll, a vacuum system for drawing a vacuum through said perforated endless belt, the perforated endless belt having a cloth carrying and return flight, said cloth carrying flight capable of condensing said cloth, and cutter knife means to sever said cloth as desired. The cutter means may be a cutter knife or a cutter hot wire.

Abstract: A machine for spreading cloth from a roll upon an elongated table having a frame with wheels mounted on the table for longitudinal movement thereon, a cloth supply feed mechanism mounted on the frame and including an expansible perforated endless belt for conveying the cloth from the roll, means to support the roll of cloth, means for drawing a vacuum through said first belt to maintain alignment of the cloth thereon, the endless first belt having a portion capable of condensing the cloth and a spreader unit mounted on the frame for receiving the cloth from the cloth condensing portion of the first belt and depositing the cloth on the table.

Abstract: A cutter head mounted upon a cloth spreading machine for longitudinal movement widthwise of the cloth spreading machine for transversely cutting cloth laid upon a cutting table. An elongated handle member is swivelly connected to said cutter head for manual movement of the cutter head over the entire width of the cloth spreading machine by an operator standing on one side of the spreading machine.The cutter head may be removed from the spreading machine and the handle member may be rendered rigid with respect to the cutter head, so that the cutter head may be manipulated for cutting cloth independently of the cloth spreading machine.