Abstract: A guide for directing two pieces of fur to the stitching instrumentalities of a sewing machine for joining one to the other. The guide includes a funnel shaped element having channels formed adjacent its narrowest end that are separated by a depending guide plate. A source of compressed air is directed into the channels and serves to maintain the fur on the upper portion of the two pieces in a position where it had been folded inwardly and downwardly between the pieces by the upper surfaces of the funnel shaped element and the depending guide plate.

Abstract: A device for automatically guiding a workpiece, having a profile of pronounced curved configuration, to the sewing instrumentalities of a sewing machine. The device includes a first channel for guiding the edge of the workpiece in which a seam is to be formed, and a second channel communicating with the first for receiving, retaining and guiding that portion of the workpiece subjected to puckering during seaming so as to prevent such puckering from being incorporated into the seam.

Abstract: A workpiece guide for a sewing unit for guiding pieces of fabric having accessories such as pockets, belts or the like to the stitching instrumentalities of a sewing machine. The guide is movable from a loading position to an operating position along the sewing axis by means of a gripping device carried by the guide which temporarily clamps the workpiece in an area devoid of accessories. In timed sequence with the work cycle, control devices automatically release the workpiece and return the guide to the loading position in readiness for the next work cycle.

Abstract: A workpiece guide for a sewing machine which comprises a guide made up of a pivotably mounted body having a plurality of integrally formed and outwardly extending plates that define vertical walls on the end adjacent the main body and means to rotate the entire guide about an axis located to the right of the sewing axis.

Abstract: An improved upper roller feeding mechanism for a sewing machine which mechanism is contained entirely within the head of the frame of the sewing machine and wherein the roller is driven by a drive mechanism supported by the frame which includes a rotary shaft and means for converting the rotating movement of the shaft into an oscillating movement. A one way clutch is utilized to translate the oscillating motion into incremental rotary movement which is in turn transmitted to the roller.

Abstract: An improved feeding mechanism for a sewing machine for producing shaped belts in which two needles are used to effect simultaneous stitching of each side of the belt to be formed and which utilizes separate feeding means for advancing the fabric to the needle area, the feeding means being adapted to effect different rates of advancement of the fabric in the sewing zone.

Abstract: An improved feed adjusting apparatus for sewing machines having a control device which reduces to a minimum the displacement between the actual path and the optimum path of travel of a slider during its intended function of transforming the oscillating movement of the feed advance shaft to reciprocating movement of the bar that supports the machine's feed dogs.

Abstract: A garment stacking device in which a plurality of garments are stacked in a vertical position over a stacking bar in which a thrust element is provided to cooperate with the other elements of the stacking device to hold the lower ends of the stacked garments free of the zone where a newly inserted end is to fall from each succeeding garment being stacked.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for cutting and inserting a strip of elastic material or the like beneath the presser foot of a sewing machine in which guide means is provided which automatically adjusts its position relative to the presser foot regardless of the height of the presser foot and which feeds the elastic material into position for stitching beneath the presser foot.

Abstract: A workpiece feeding device for presenting a workpiece to a sewing units traveling gripper for each sewing cycle having a sensing element for detecting the presence of the gripper in its starting position. The device includes actuating mechanisms operatively associated therewith for pivoting the gripper to a position to engage the workpiece and for closing the gripper so that it will grip and tension the workpiece during the sewing cycle as it is advanced along the sewing surface by the sewing machine during the sewing operation.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a U-shaped base one portion of which defines a unitary tubular element within which the lower stitching instrumentalities and the driving members therefor are housed. The unitary tubular element is formed so as to prevent any possible leakage of lubricant therefrom and includes guides for the feed dog support bars which are externally accessible for the purpose of locating the support bars in their most advantageous operating position as well as to permit simplified replacement thereof.

Abstract: A machine for automatically sewing the opposite non-parallel edges of a piece of fabric which includes first and second sewing stations spaced on opposite sides of a work bed in which means is provided at the exit end of the first sewing station to grip and to rotate the fabric into a position where the second edge to be sewn is parallel to the direction of stitching to be performed at the second sewing station and further including means to translationally move the work fabric from the first sewing station to the second upon completion of sewing at the first station.

Abstract: A device for selectively displacing sewing machine hooks to a position whereat they are readily accessible to an operator for threading purposes. The device includes a lever member pivotably mounted on the shaft which supports the hooks and an arm in the form of a cylindrical seat fixed on the shaft which carries a spring biased pin that is continuously urged into driving engagement with the lever member to effect oscillating movement of the shaft. A manually operable member is provided for disengaging the pin from driving engagement with the lever which permits the shaft to be rotated to a position that places the hooks carried thereby in an accessible position.

Abstract: A closure cover for the opening in the base of a sewing machine which provides access to the thread control members for the lower hook. The cover is carried on a rod which is vertically slidable and rotatably carried in the base and includes a combined spring biased locking and release arrangement the first of which maintains the cover in operating position on the base, and the second which releases the cover. Upon release the cover is automatically raised by a spring member and can be pivoted to a position to facilitate access to the members within the opening.

Abstract: A device carried by the presser foot of a sewing machine for severing a chain of stitches extending between a sewn workpiece and the needle of the machine which includes a gripping element for retaining the severed end of the chain extending from the needle and a guide means for aligning the chain with the needle axis in a manner whereby it would be incorporated into the seam of stitches formed in the following workpiece.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a needle plate with an integrally formed tongue on which a chain of stitches is formed. The tongue includes an internal bore pneumatically connected to a vacuum unit which is selectively activated to draw a chain of stitches severed from the previously seamed workpiece into the bore. The suction created by the vacuum is sufficient to hold the chain of stitches and permit their release during advance of the next workpiece so as to be incorporated in the seam formed therein.

Abstract: A guide for guiding elastic bands in a sewing machine for attachment to garments having a pair of opposed elements mounted on pivotable support members individual thereto. The combination of the internal surfaces of the opposed elements define a shaped channel for folding and maintaining the bands in the desired configuration for and during attachment to a garment. A control device is operatively connected to the opposed elements to permit selective movement of the latter in opposite directions. The elements can be moved between positions of contiguous relation, which serves to guide the bands and a spaced apart inclined position that serves to complete the final stages of each sewing operation and to facilitate insertion of a new band for the next sewing operation.

Abstract: An improved workpiece guide for sewing machines comprising a vertical wall which is substantially at a right angle to the support surface of the work, wherein is positioned in the right-hand side of the sewing station, one or more separating plates movable between operative and inoperative positions, which plates project beyond the vertical wall parallel to the work support surface and are positioned to project over the sewing axis both on the right-hand side and the left-hand side thereof when in the operative position, and means to elevate the separating plates when in the inoperative position to locations vertically above the positions they occupy when in the operative position.

Abstract: A fabric gripping member for a sewing and assembly unit movable along the work surface of the unit while gripping and holding the ends of pieces of cloth under tension as they are being sewn and advanced along the work surface by a sewing machine. The gripping member includes a device operatively associated therewith for releasing its grip on the pieces of cloth and for returning it to its starting position and in readiness to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A device for selectively controlling the cover thread in sewing machines at the completion of the formation of a series of stitches which includes a cover thread positioning member for holding and accurately locating the cover thread for forming additional stitches in continuation of those previously formed or for cutting the thread while it is being held in preparation for forming a different series of stitches.