Abstract: A bedding foundation is manufactured with a cover having a welt cord extending upwardly to create a seal when a mattress is placed on the foundation. The cover is made using a two stage process. During the first stage a sewing machine is used to join a welt cord to a web of border material. In the second stage a second sewing machine sews a piece of non-skid decking to the border assembly. Fullness may be incorporated into the border material to enable the cover to fit around the corners of the bedding foundation with the welt cord being spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the foundation.

Abstract: A tucking attachment for a sewing machine having a tucking blade with one end positioned adjacent material and a tucking blade drive with an output shaft mechanically coupled to the tucking blade. A control, connected to the tucking blade drive, is operable to command the tucking blade drive to move the tucking blade through a programmable displacement to form a tuck in the material adjacent a presser foot of the sewing machine. Thereafter, the sewing machine is operated to sew a number of stitches in the tuck, and the tucking blade is then retracted. Repeating the above cycle of operation permits successive tucks of different lengths to be formed in the material.

Abstract: A tucking attachment for a sewing machine having a tucking blade with one end positioned adjacent material and a tucking blade drive with an output shaft mechanically coupled to the tucking blade. A control, connected to the tucking blade drive, is operable to command the tucking blade drive to move the tucking blade through a programmable displacement to form a tuck in the material adjacent a presser foot of the sewing machine. Thereafter, the sewing machine is operated to sew a number of stitches in the tuck, and the tucking blade is then retracted. Repeating the above cycle of operation permits successive tucks of different lengths to be formed in the material.

Abstract: A bedding foundation is manufactured with a cover having a welt cord extending upwardly to create a seal when a mattress is placed on the foundation. The cover is made using a two stage process. During the first stage a sewing machine is used to join a welt cord to a web of border material. In the second stage a second sewing machine sews a piece of non-skid decking to the border assembly. Fullness may be incorporated into the border material to enable the cover to fit around the corners of the bedding foundation with the welt cord being spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the foundation.

Abstract: A sewing machine comprises a presser foot; a drive shaft operably connected to the presser foot which imparts periodic upward movement to the presser foot; and a biasing mechanism operably connected to the presser foot which normally biases the presser foot into a downward position, the biasing mechanism comprising a toggle link having a pivot, a resilient element operably connected to the toggle link on one side of the pivot and the presser foot operably connected to the toggle link on the other side of the pivot.

Abstract: A tucking attachment for a sewing machine having a tucking blade with one end positioned adjacent material and a tucking blade drive with an output shaft mechanically coupled to the tucking blade. A control, connected to the tucking blade drive, is operable to command the tucking blade drive to move the tucking blade through a programmable displacement to form a tuck in the material adjacent a presser foot of the sewing machine. Thereafter, the sewing machine is operated to sew a number of stitches in the tuck, and the tucking blade is then retracted. Repeating the above cycle of operation permits successive tucks of different lengths to be formed in the material.

Abstract: A clamping system for a sewing machine used to sew first and second materials together. The clamping system has a plurality of clamps mounted adjacent an opening in a frame. Each of the clamps has a stationary member, a movable member and an actuator. The actuator is connected to the movable member and operates to move the movable member in a clamping relationship with the stationary member to clamp the first material in the clamp. The clamp is powered by a cylinder with a linear stroke, and the clamp has a driving member that transfers the linear motion of the cylinder into a pivoting motion of the movable member. Further, the movable and fixed members have forward ends shaped so that they hold the first material but do not interfere with a sewing of the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A clamping system for a sewing machine used to sew first and second materials together. The clamping system has a plurality of clamps mounted adjacent an opening in a frame. Each of the clamps has a stationary member, a movable member and an actuator. The actuator is connected to the movable member and operates to move the movable member in a clamping relationship with the stationary member to clamp the first material in the clamp. The clamp is powered by a cylinder with a linear stroke, and the clamp has a driving member that transfers the linear motion of the cylinder into a pivoting motion of the movable member. Further, the movable and fixed members have forward ends shaped so that they hold the first material but do not interfere with a sewing of the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sewing flange material to a fabric panel, preferably the top or bottom panel of a mattress sack. The apparatus includes a sled which pulls the fabric panel to and through the sewing machine. The apparatus also includes an edge guide that guides one edge of the panel to the sewing machine as well as provides a thickness measurement of the panel and smooths the fabric panel prior to sewing. The apparatus also includes a moveable dolly which carries the sewing machine find the flange material, and a wheel which engages the fabric panel during movement of the sewing machine away from the fabric panel to prevent movement of the fabric panel. The apparatus also includes apparatus for automatically removing the fabric panel from the table after completion of the sewing operation, as well as a cutter for cutting the trailing flange material and the sewing threads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stitching a label to material in which the material and label are joined face side down rather than face side up. The label is held face side down with a clamp and a panel is held over the label by a clamp. The label and panel are joined by a sewing machine. Further, a mechanism is provided for activating a thread knife of the sewing machine at such a time that the bobbin thread only is cut. A masking mechanism is provided for masking electronic signals of the sewing machine that would otherwise cause the machine to reset at a normal needle height, so that a sewing operation can be stopped with a needle at a maximum clearance position. Pneumatic cylinders and linkage are provided for raising the needle and presser foot at the end of a stitching operation.

Abstract: Sewing apparatus for joining a first panel and a second panel and having an arm that is rotated about an axis normal to the surface of the first panel to rotate the first panel, a shoe biased to follow an edge of the first panel as the first panel is fed to the sewing machine, a detector to monitor the shoe and provide a signal indicative of a longitudinal orientation of the edge of the first panel, and means for adjusting the longitudinal orientation of the first panel with respect to a true feed direction in response to the longitudinal orientation signal. An edge flattener including a generally cylindrical component is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sewing a cloth handle to the side panel of a mattress or box spring. The apparatus includes a modified X-Y programmable sewing machine which can sew both ends of a handle to the side panel in sequence without the necessity of removing the handle and side panel from the clamp and manually adjusting the position of the side panel. The apparatus also includes a folding jig, and a clamp with an upper lip to retain the handle in a desired position. The method includes the steps of folding the handle and placing it within the clamp on the sewing machine, and thereafter sequentially stitching each end of the handle to the side panel automatically without removing the handle from the clamp or without manual movement of the side panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maniuplating and sewing first and second panels together is disclosed including a rotatable arm for rotating a first panel and control means for reducing the stitching speed in response to detection of a comer of the first panel.

Abstract: A sewing machine apparatus and method for sewing a label to a thick, puffy, or quilted mattress is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of clamps attached to a carriage, a cutter and nipper disposed above the carriage, and a controller for controlling the sewing machine and carriage.

Abstract: Edge guiding apparatus for a sewing machine that controls the position of a fabric ply edge relative to a reference line. A friction wheel feeds a fabric ply toward a sewing station. If the fabric ply edge displaces from the reference line, control circuitry energizes a drive motor that displaces the friction wheel along an axis perpendicular to the reference line. Simultaneously the friction wheel pivots about a support axis that is orthogonal to a plane containing the reference line and displacement axis. Pressure apparatus holds the friction wheel against a fabric ply with a substantially constant force.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning fabric as it is advanced in a prescribed direction toward a sewing machine such as a double overlock seamer for stitching pants. Photosensitive devices sense displacement of edges of upper and lower fabric plies relative to a desired alignment line. Error signals are produced when either ply edge is displaced from the desired alignment line. Friction wheels responsive to the respective error signals guide each ply toward the desired alignment line as it is advanced toward the sewing machine. Each friction wheel pivots about an axis perpendicular to the ply and is controlled by a stepper motor. Each friction wheel is movable between an operating position in which it is biased against the respective fabric ply, and a retracted position for insertion or removal of fabric. The pressure applied to the fabric ply by the friction wheel is adjustable.