Abstract: An automated sewing system and method for overedge sewing a cuff edge of a knit glove to inhibit the glove cuff edge from unraveling is disclosed. The present invention permits an oversew pattern to be sewn into the seam thereby locking the stitches. The oversew pattern length and run-off angle is maintained consistent between workpieces and is predetermined. A length of thread chain extending from the sewn cuff edge and the length of thread chain remaining on the finished glove is automatically controlled by the present invention. Additionally, the present invention permits a label to be automatically inserted at a predetermined location into the sewn seam on the glove. Moreover, the present invention permits a tensioned elastic strip to be conjointly inserted into the sewn cuff edge thereby elasticizing the cuff edge of the glove.

Abstract: A sewing machine in combination with a work piece control and advancing mechanism and a microprocessor for setting sleeves in shirt bodies. A sleeve and shirt body are manually loaded on the work piece control and advancing mechanism and placed under the presser foot and the individual edge guides. An automatic sew cycle is then actuated that is under the control of the microprocessor. During the automatic sew cycle the sewing machine operator is free to prepare to load the next product.

Abstract: A machine for automatically producing apparel sleeves that includes a station at which the sleeve blank is trimmed, folded and hemmed. Another station is provided at which the hemmed sleeve blank is folded and turned inside out. The sleeve blank must then be stopped at a position at which it is aligned with a seaming sewing machine and then transported to the sewing head of the seaming sewing machine. A curve generating mechanism then controls the sleeve blank as it is fed through the seaming sewing machine.

Abstract: A machine for automatically aligning cut sleeve blanks after they are manually placed on the conveying surface by the operator. A material presence sensor is provided that recognizes the leading edge of the cut sleeve blank as it is being fed toward the hemming machine. Recognition of the leading edge of the sleeve blank causes an edge guider and blowers to be activated. An edge sensor is provided that senses the location of the marginal edge of the sleeve blank relative to the stitch line and sends signals that are conveyed to the edge guider. The edge guider maintains the marginal edge of the sleeve blank a predetermined distance from the stitch line. Air jets are directed on the upper surface of the sleeve blank to maintain it flat during the aligning process. The leading edge of the cut shirt blank is captured by a driven top belt conveyor which functions to maintain control of the sleeve blank.

Abstract: A sewing machine in combination with a work piece control and advancing mechanism and a microprocessor for setting sleeves in shirt bodies. A sleeve and shirt body are manually loaded on the work piece control and advancing mechanism and placed under the presser foot and the individual edge guides. An automatic sew cycle is then actuated that is under the control of the microprocessor. During the automatic sew cycle the sewing machine operator is free to prepare to load the next product.

Abstract: A work station for an operator using two sewing machines that have automatic sew cycles and work piece control and advancing mechanisms for setting sleeves in shirt bodies. Sleeves and shirt bodies are presented to the operator at the work station in a manner that they can be easily and quickly grasped which enables the operator to load the work piece components on one machine while the automatic sew cycle of the other machine being performed. The sewn products in both the intermediate and final stage are automatically removed from the sewing machines and discharged to a completed product tray.

Abstract: A machine for automatically producing apparel sleeves that includes a station at which the sleeve blank is trimmed, folded and hemmed. Another station at which the hemmed sleeve blank is folded and turned inside out. The sleeve blank must then be stopped at a position at which it is aligned with a seaming sewing machine and then transported to the sewing head of the seaming sewing machine. A curve generating mechanism then controls the sleeve blank as it is fed through the seaming sewing machine.

Abstract: A sewing machine in combination with a workpiece control and advancing mechanism for automatically forming a coverstitch over an existing overedge stitch. The workpiece control and advancing mechanism includes an edge sensor and an edge guider and a feed roller for stretching the garment to place the garment in a condition that it can be automatically processed.

Abstract: The current invention involves a vacuum latchtack throat plate with a vacuum generating system. The throat plate includes a body having a first internal bore beginning at a front edge of the body and extending longitudinally therethrough, and a channel formed in the lower surface of the body. The throat plate further includes a stitch tongue having a front edge and back edge, where the stitch tongue is integrally formed with the body. The stitch tongue has a second internal bore beginning at the back edge and extending longitudinally through the stitch tongue to the body where the channel couples the second internal bore to the first internal bore.The vacuum generating system includes a source of positive pressure gas, a vacuum generator having an input port, an outlet port and a vacuum port, and a valve for coupling the source to the input port of the vacuum generator. The valve is controllable.

Abstract: A sewing machine in combination with a workpiece control and advancing mechanism for automatically forming a seam along the aligned edges of a two ply waist band and a shirt body. The mechanism includes edge guiders, that are controlled by sensors, for individually controlling each workpiece edge such that the marginal edges of all layers are aligned.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for attaching a collarette, display, and label incorporating the use of a sewing machine having a sewing head a collarette feeder, a display feeder, a label feeder synchronized with the sewing head, a garment detector, a seam detector, a stitch counter, and a controller to control each device and perform necessary calculations is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device that provides the operator with an unrestricted view of the stitch forming area of a sewing machine when binding a fabric edge and applying an elastic tape within the bound edge. The elastic tape is secured to the undersurface of the garment where it cannot become exposed or visible on the outside of the garment.

Abstract: A device for aligning a garment for a sewing machine provided with a device for moving the garment towards the sewing machine, and a device for aligning the garment to a lateral window along the moving device to obtain precision in alignment of the garment.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for attaching a collarette, display, and label to a garment body incorporating the use of a first sewing machine having a sewing head for sewing the collarette, display, label and garment body into a sewn assembly. The device includes a collarette feeder, a display feeder, a label feeder synchronized with the sewing head, a garment detector, a seam detector, a stitch counter, and a controller to control each device and perform necessary calculations. A conveyor system is provided to transport the sewn assembly to a second sewing machine for sewing the display in place to cover the overedge seam affixing the components. A collarette unfolded and a display unfolded are disposed along the path of the sewn assembly to position the collarette and display for processing at the second sewing machine. A cutter assembly is also provided to sever the collarette once the display has been sewn in place.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for attaching a collarette, display, and label incorporating the use of a sewing machine having a sewing head a collarette feeder, a display feeder, a label feeder synchronized with the sewing head, a garment detector, a seam detector, a stitch counter, and a controller to control each device and perform necessary calculations is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for aligning the margin and leading edges of plies of material to be sewed and locating the aligned edges at the stitch forming location of a sewing machine. A first sensor for detecting the presence of the work piece and actuating a power driven gripper wheel in response to sensing the work piece. The power driven gripper wheel moves the work piece toward a second sensor that detects the work piece's margin edge and stops the power driven gripper wheel and actuates a power driven feeding wheel that feeds the work piece toward the stitch forming location. A third sensor detects the leading edge of the work piece as it approaches the stitch forming location. Control mechanisms are provided for commencing the sewing operation when the work material is at the stitch forming location.

Abstract: A device for picking up, turning over, folding and aligning a sleeve cloth that is continuously carried by a moving conveyer. The device comprises a jaw located above the upper surface of the moving conveyer and a lifting blade located below the bottom surface of a moving conveyer. The leading edge of the sleeve cloth is detected by a sensor that triggers the lifting blade to push a front portion of the cloth up and into the jaw which holds the cloth as the conveyer continues to move. The cloth is folded and aligned by the action of the conveyor belt and a first blower, which blows air on a top side of the cloth, and a second blower, which blows air on a bottom side of the cloth.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of attaching an elastic band to the body of a garment is provided. The workpieces are monitored and aligned during the attachment process by sensors and guide mechanisms, electrically coupled to a controller that facilitates the activities, while a tensioning mechanism maintains the workpieces in a desired configuration. The use of the apparatus and method results in an efficient and automatic process of attachment that eliminates the need for an operator to manually align and guide the workpieces through the sewing instrumentality.

Abstract: A device for picking up, turning over, folding and aligning a sleeve cloth that is continuously carried by a moving conveyer. The device comprises a jaw located above the upper surface of the moving conveyer and a lifting blade located below the bottom surface of a moving conveyer. The leading edge of the sleeve cloth is detected by a sensor that triggers the lifting blade to push a front portion of the cloth up and into the jaw which holds the cloth as the conveyer continues to move. The cloth is folded and aligned by the action of the conveyor belt and a first blower, which blows air on a top side of the cloth, and a second blower, which blows air on a bottom side of the cloth.

Abstract: A sleeve loader having a table for positioning trays container either a stack of folded or unfolded sleeves at a processing position, a device for lifting up an upper ply of a garment in the stack of sleeves, a device for picking up the upper ply of the sleeves in the stack, a device for assuring the correct orientation of the sleeve for sewing, a device for alignment of the sleeves in a correct position for sewing, and a device for rejecting sleeves having an undesirable characteristic or orientation.