Abstract: The disclosure relates to new methods and means for removing fabric plies one at a time from a stack, transporting the individual plies to a secondary location, precisely orienting and aligning the plies for a subsequent operation and, in some cases assembling one ply with another in preparation for a sewing operation. In one of its advantageous forms, the equipment specifically illustrated herein is especially useful for picking individual shirt cuff and liner plies from separate supply stacks, transporting them to a load station, and assembling the plies one on top of the other, in proper alignment and orientation for sewing. In a secondary mode, the equipment of the invention may be used to transport individual fabric plies, such as entire short sleeve shirt sections, to a sewing or other processing station.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to new methods and means for removing fabric plies one at a time from a stack, transporting the individual plies to a secondary location, precisely orienting and aligning the plies for a subsequent operation and, in some cases assembling one ply with another in preparation for a sewing operation. In one of its advantageous forms, the equipment specifically illustrated herein is especially useful for picking individual shirt cuff and liner plies from separate supply stacks, transporting them to a load station, and assembling the plies one on top of the other, in proper alignment and orientation for sewing. In a secondary mode, the equipment of the invention may be used to transport individual fabric plies, such as entire short sleeve shirt sections, to a sewing or other processing station.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to method and apparatus for orienting a limp ply of fabric, in preparation for delivery to a sewing operation, for example. The ply is separated from a ply stack and deposited on a flat shutter plate, which transports the ply to a predetermined discharge or deposit position. The trailing edge of the ply is then engaged at spaced points by orienting lugs extending downward from a pair of pivotally supported sweep arms. As the flat shutter plate is withdrawn, the edge of the ply is engaged by the orienting lugs, retaining the ply in the deposit position. At the same time, the sweep arms are pivoted to move the orienting lugs outward along the edge of the ply, which serves to rotationally orient the ply, as necessary, so that the edge is properly engaged by both of the spaced lugs. When the shutter plate is completely withdrawn the now-oriented ply drops onto a conveyor for transport to a further operation, such as folding and sewing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a novel apparatus for lowering and lifting a ply picking unit into controlled pressure contact with the top ply of a stack of limp plies. The picking unit is supported by a lifting lever, which is pivotally mounted on a frame. An actuator, operable through a predetermined stroke, is interconnected with the lifting lever by a slideable connector, with an adjustable spring acting between the actuator and the slideable connector. The apparatus of the invention further includes means independent of the actuator for effectively, substantially balancing the lifting lever. The novel combination of a balanced lifting lever, actuator, slideable connector and adjustable spring results in an improved lever action, for lowering and lifting the ply picking unit, that is positive in operation and accurately adjustable to meet the particular requirements of an overall apparatus to nip and lift limp plies from a stack thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a single ply of limp material, such as fabric from a stack of such plies, and transporting the separated ply to a predetermined destination. The apparatus includes a rotatable ply gripping wheel, cooperating with a ply holding shoe. By rotating the wheel in contact with the ply, while restraining an adjacent area, the ply is buckled into a wave, nipped and then picked off of the stack. The gripping wheel and pressing shoe maintain a predetermined geometric relation, while being capable of independent yieldable contact with an uneven ply stack. The gripping wheel and holding shoe are operable in conjunction with an insertable flat plate, which is effective to progressively free the remainder of the ply. Thereafter, the flat plate is utilized to transport the freed ply to a desired destination, while the picking unit independently returns to the ply stack to commence its engagement with the next subsequent ply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a single ply of limp material, such as fabric from a stack of such plies, and transporting the separated ply to a predetermined destination. The apparatus includes a rotatable ply gripping wheel, cooperating with a ply holding shoe. By rotating the wheel in contact with the ply, while restraining an adjacent area, the ply is buckled into a wave, nipped and then picked off of the stack. The gripping wheel and pressing shoe maintain a predetermined geometric relation, while being capable of independent yieldable contact with an uneven ply stack. The gripping wheel and holding shoe are operable in conjunction with an insertable flat plate, which is effective to progressively free the remainder of the ply. Thereafter, the flat plate is utilized to transport the freed ply to a desired destination, while the picking unit independently returns to the ply stack to commence its engagement with the next subsequent ply.