Abstract: A sewing machine automatically sews a seam which ends at a desired point. The last n stitches, preferably the last two stitches, are of substantially equal length. A counter counts pulses while the work is being fed to the needle. The machine detects when the trailing edge of the work passes by a predetermined location ahead of the needle. Upon such detection, the contents of the counter are used to calculate the proper stitch pitch for the last two stitches. The stitch pitch is varied as necessary during sewing of the last two stitches in the seam.

Abstract: An automatic stitch pitch adjusting apparatus for a sewing machine allows the last stitch point to be terminated at a pre-set point. Three workpiece-end sensors are positioned respective a needle hole position to precisely calculate the required actual stitch line length. Reference signals generated by rotation of a main shaft are used to calculate both the required number of stitchings and the adjusted stitch pitch to terminate stitching at the pre-set point. Where the workpiece end line is not normal against the feeding line, the pre-set margin distance is adjusted to calculate the actual required stitching line length to the last pre-set point.

Abstract: A sewing machine capable of multiple functions including terminating stitches at a predetermined point, carrying out predetermined stitch patterns, automatic stitch pitch adjustment, stopping at preset points and thread cutting without operator intervention. These operations are controlled by means of a computer interface with the sewing machine and can carry out labeling, pocket attachment, collar attachment, cuffs etc. at preset intervals.

Abstract: Synthetic fiber-containing fabrics are post-treated by impregnating the fabrics with an aqueous solution or dispersion of a thermally reactive blocked isocyanate group-containing polysaccharide derivative and then baking the impregnated fabrics. The blocked isocyanate group-containing polysaccharide derivative is produced by reacting a hydroxy-alkylated natural polysaccharide with a polyisocyanate compound to form a urethane polymer having at least one free isocyanate group, and then blocking the free isocyanate group with a blocking agent. The hydroxyalkylate natural polysaccharide may be directly reacted with a polyisocyanate compound having at least one blocked isocyanate group.

Abstract: A process for improving the abrasion resistance of textile belts without decreasing the flexibility and with a good workability, which comprises applying an aqueous composition comprising a water soluble or dispersible, thermally reactive blocked urethane prepolymer to textile belts, and then subjecting the textile belts to heat treatment, thereby converting the blocked urethane prepolymer into a high molecular weight urethane resin.

Abstract: A thread feed device in a sewing machine is disclosed herein. The device comprises a thread paying-out member positioned in the thread path between the bobbin and needle, a pair of holding means positioned upstream and downstream of the paying-out member in the thread path and a control circuit for controlling of the operation of the holding means.

Abstract: A thread feed mechanism in a sewing machine for paying-out thread in a predetermined amount necessary for forming one seam. The thread feed mechanism comprises a first signal generation device for producing feed amount and needle bar amplitude signals, a second signal generation device for producing a workpiece thickness signal, first means for adding square values of feed amount and amplitude signals, second means for multiplying a square root of the first means by a coefficient, third means for producing a signal varying depending upon the operation mode thereof, fourth means for multiplying a workpiece thickness signal by the output of the third means, and fifth means for adding the outputs of the second, third and fourth means.

Abstract: A thermally reactive water-soluble urethane prepolymer having a plurality of masked isocyanate groups capable of regenerating free isocyanate groups at an elevated temperature, said urethane prepolymer having the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is an organic bridging group having a valency from 3 to 5,X is the residue of an active hydrogen compound having 2 to 4 active hydrogen atoms with removal of said active hydrogen atoms,Y is a masking group for isocyanate group,Z is the residue of a compound having at least one active hydrogen atom and at least one ionizable group with removal of said active hydrogen atom,a is an integer from 2 to 4, andb and c are such that the sum of b+c equals 2 to 4 and the products of ab and ac are at least 2 and at least 1, respectively.

Abstract: A hydrophilic and thermoreactive urethane composition having improved properties such as stability in solution, non-tackiness, water resistance and strength and useful in treating and finishing fibrous products prepared by forming a urethane prepolymer containing free isocyanate groups from (a) (1) a compound containing at least 2 active hydrogen atoms, containing an oxyethylene chain, and having a molecular weight of about 200 to 20,000, or (2) a compound containing at least 2 active hydrogen atoms, not containing an oxyethylene chain, and having a molecular weight of about 200 to 20,000 and a compound containing at least 2 active hydrogen atoms, containing an oxyethylene chain and having a molecular weight of about 200 to 200,000; and (b) an excess of a polyisocyanate; and if desired, (c) a chain extender containing at least 2 active hydrogen atoms; whereby the prepolymer has an oxyethylene chain content of 10 to 40% by weight, and then reacting the prepolymer or a solution thereof with not more than 3 time