Abstract: A predetermined force is applied to the waistband of a hosiery article to determine the waistband's maximum elongation, for the predetermined force and the band subsequently is relaxed to a preset dimension and the compression force exerted by the band is measured and recorded. The apparatus includes a stationary and a displaceable finger over which the waistband is stretched. A fluid cylinder moves the displaceable finger away from the stationary finger, producing the application of a predetermined force. Once the distance between fingers is measured, the cylinder moves the displaceable finger to position it a predetermined distance from the stationary finger and the compressive force applied by the waistband is measured and recorded. In order to insure that the displaceable finger is stopped with the exact predetermined distance between fingers, a calibration stop is first conducted to determine the distance the displaceable finger moves before it actually stops after receiving a stop signal.

Abstract: In a system for measuring the cross stretch along selected areas of a tubular portion of a hosiery article to determine whether the degree of stretch falls within selected parameters, a pair of arms having designated arcuate portions over which a selected area of the article to be tested is positioned. A fluid cylinder displaces a first arm relative to a second arm to stretch the selected area of the article and therefore apply a force to the second arm. When a prescribed force is reached, a control means, in response to a signal from a load cell coupled to the second arm, records the linear displacement of the first arm and reverses the operation of the fluid cylinder.