Abstract: An expandable modular housing is adjustably positioned with its open entrance side adjacent the output end of a conveyor feeding one or more lanes of parts. Affixed to the undersurface of the top of the housing are a pair of normally open jaws aligned with each lane. Each pair of jaws is movable along guide rails, in the direction of conveyor movement, between a first position where the jaws are opened and situated to receive a part from the conveyor, the presence of which is sensed to close the jaws and cause movement of the jaws through a second position, wherein the jaws are caused to open to release the part, to a third position, spaced from the second position, along the same direction. Below the path of movement of each pair of jaws is a position adjustable stacking table having interchangeable surfaces of different shapes onto which each part is placed in succession. The second position of the jaws is adjustable with respect to the first position to accommodate different length parts.

Abstract: Pieces of cuff material are affixed to a continuous band of linear material as the band passes through a sewing machine. A vacuum force is used to hold material in place on the continuous band as the band is moved. The pieces of material are individually manually placed on the band in a manner such that initially only a small portion thereof is attracted by the vacuum force thereby facilitating correct relative positioning of the piece and band such that the edge of the piece overlaps the edge of the band. Folding of the overlapping edge of the piece over the edge of the band is also achieved through use of the vacuum, which pulls the overlapping edge of the piece around the edge of the band and into a slot in the vacuum enclosure, immediately underneath the edge of the band. The folded edge of the material is creased and passed through the sewing machine for stitching. The band is then cut to form the cuff portions which are thereafter stacked.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having a continuous band of material passing through the stitching means of a sewing machine. Pieces of material are manually placed individually on the band and hemmed to it at a side which has been folded under the band by a mechanical folder. A sensing means senses the passage of an end of each piece which has had a portion raised from the band and in response activates a cutter which cuts away a strip of the band to which the piece was hemmed. A removal means for moving the strip away from the band and into a stacker is activated after the strip has been cut away from the band. The stacker has a base supporting two spaced, upwardly extending sidewalls defining a passage therebetween. Each of the sidewalls supports a ledge protruding into the passage. A portion of the base is vertically movable and adapted to fit within the space between the ledges.