Abstract: A flow rate control apparatus includes an adjustable valve receiving a flow of a gas. A conduit has a first end coupled to the valve. The conduit includes a translucent or transparent portion thereof whose longitudinal axis is adapted to be aligned with a force of gravity with a visual scale being disposed on the translucent/transparent portion. The visual scale is indicative of gas flow rates moving through the conduit. A ball disposed in the translucent/transparent portion has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the translucent/transparent portion. A tube support, coupled to the second end of the conduit, is adapted to hold a gas detection tube wherein the gas flow flowing around the ball is introduced into the gas detection tube from the second end of the conduit.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus and method for forming a V-top shirt pocket or similar article with a folded region, sewing a stitch to hold the fold, and stacking a plurality of same with distributed hem build-up. An unfolded ply of material is provided to a folding station, which forms a tucked edge fold in the material. The ply is then held at the tucked edge, and the opposite end is folded over a folding rod with an air jet. Holding fingers descend to hold the fold in the ply. A transport carriage arrives at the folding station to retrieve the folded, edge-tucked ply. The transport carriage includes a clamp, which clamps on the folded, edge-tucked ply to hold the fold and edge tuck as the folding station elements retract. The transport carriage carries the folded, edge-tucked held ply through a sewing station in synchronization with a sewing machine, where a V-shaped hem is sewn.

Abstract: An automatic and operator-unattended apparatus and method for forming a stitched coin pocket in a ply of material. A continuous length of material is provided to a folding station, which imparts a generally Z-shaped fold in the material by moving parallel plates along paths substantially parallel to each other, while the material is held by holding plates. A carriage with gripping fingers holds the fold in place while moving the length of material out to a predetermined length. A cutter cuts the material into a predetermined length. The carriage then pulls the ply of material through a sewing station where the fold is stitched. The carriage then places the sewn folded ply atop a stack of similarly formed articles by positively depositing same on the top of the stack. An improved stacking apparatus presents a substantially flat stacking surface for the article by allowing tilting of the stacking table to compensate for the increased thickness at one end of the ply due to the presence of the folded region.