Abstract: A pallet drive system is provided that is operable for use on a sewing system. The pallet drive system has a pallet that is configured to hold a work-piece in position. A pair of alignment posts is coupled to the pallet. In exemplary aspects, each alignment post has a shape with surfaces extending in three dimensions along x, y and z axes. A corresponding pair of gripping fingers is coupled to a sewing machine, corresponding to each alignment post, that are moveable between an open position, allowing the alignment post to be positioned between the gripping fingers, and a closed position where the gripping fingers surround the alignment post. The gripping fingers define a cavity in the closed position to surround the alignment post in the x, y and z axes.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing portion, a switching frame, a movement mechanism, a processor, and a memory. The sewing portion is configured to perform sewing on a sewing workpiece. The switching frame is configured to hold the sewing workpiece. The movement mechanism is configured to move the switching frame mounted thereon. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include acquiring first pattern data used to sew a first pattern, acquiring second pattern data used to sew a second pattern, causing the movement mechanism to move the switching frame and the sewing portion to sew the first pattern, causing the movement mechanism to move the switching frame to an escape position, and causing the movement mechanism to move the switching frame and the sewing portion to sew the second pattern.

Abstract: This invention provides a lifting apparatus which holds a work by clamping the work vertically, and lifts the work. The lifting apparatus includes upper and lower clamping units, a guide mechanism which guides lifting movements of the upper and lower clamping units, a driving mechanism which drives the lower clamping unit to lift along the guide mechanism, and a stopper which is set so that the upper clamping unit is stopped before the lower clamping unit reaches a downward movement lower limit during the downward movement of the units, and which defines a downward movement lower limit of the upper clamping unit.

Abstract: A single bead-shaped piece fed from a storage pipe storing therein a large number of bead-shaped pieces is carried not on a bearing plate but on a support member provided independently from the bearing plate. The support member is arranged movable on the bearing plate in conjunction with forward and backward movement of a feeding member, and also arranged to be moved relative to the feeding member at the time of the forward or backward movement thereof. The support member is provided with a clamping section for clamping the bead-shaped piece, which is adapted to clamp the bead-shaped piece in conjunction with the relative movement of the feeding member and the support member. This permits the bead-shaped piece to be delivered properly from the storage pipe to the sewing position in a stable manner, and hence a sewing machine can reliably sew the bead-shaped piece on a sewing material.

Abstract: A guide is mounted to a rotary member which is freely rotatable about the axis of a needle bar, and guides a sewing material to a needle drop position of the sewing needle. A cutter device is mounted to a side of the rotary member opposed to the guide in such a manner that the cutter device is rotatable together with the rotary member for cutting the sewing material, having been paid out from the guide, at a predetermined cutting position. A retention mechanism is incorporated in the cutter device for retaining an end portion of the sewing material, at a position closer to the guide than the predetermined cutting position and in interlocked relation to cutting, by the cutter device, of the sewing material. Thus, upon restart of sewing of the sewing material, the retention mechanism retains an end portion of the sewing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of manual sewing comprising using solid or hollow shapes, that is planar surfaces, to stabilize and display the area being worked on and using both hands to accomplish the sewing tasks. The area to be worked on is spread out and stabilized on a planar surface, and the planar surface itself is stabilized in space with a holding device or by the surroundings. Both hands are then free to do the actual sewing. Pincers and needle holders designed to assist the use in proper use are employed to optimize visualization and to facilitate the actual sewing. The use of eyeless needles with pre-attached thread, preferably swaged-on threads, eliminates the need for threading. Use of curved needles with needle holders facilitates sewing in small spaces. Kits are also contemplated that comprise a variety of sewing crafts of the present invention.

Abstract: An automatic sewing machine comprises a folding device and a guiding and feeding device for a folded workpiece and a main workpiece on which to sew the folded workpiece. The folding device comprises an outer frame with creasing modules which have folding bars. The creasing modules are mounted on the outer frame in a manner adjustable in their direction of extraction and approximately crosswise thereto.

Abstract: A preparation station including a fabric support plate, a folding plate and a positioning support for a flap of a flap pocket. The fabric part to which the pocket is to be connected, is supported by the fabric support plate. The flap, and possibly the pocket cut are lined at the preparation station. The pocket cut can also be placed into its folded position by the preparation station. The fabric part, with the pocket cut, if present, and the pocket flap are then moved by a fabric holder to a sewing machine with a sewing position. There, the pocket cut can be sewn onto the fabric part if desired. The pocket flap is in a rotated position, which is angularly spaced by approximately 180.degree. from a final position of the pocket flap. The pocket flap can then be connected to the fabric part by a fastening seam. A turning strip turns over the flap, in cooperation with a folding strip, and another seam connects the flap to the fabric part in its final position.

Abstract: A work-sheet folding apparatus including a table having a hole; a support plate which is provided above the table and on which the work sheet is placed; a first folding member which cooperates with the support plate to fold an outer peripheral portion of the work sheet in a first direction perpendicular to the support plate; a first moving device which moves the first folding member in the first direction; second folding members which cooperate with the support plate to fold back the outer peripheral portion of the work sheet in a second direction parallel to the support plate; second moving devices which move the second folding members in the second direction; a support member which surrounds an outer peripheral portion of the support plate and which supports the second folding members; a pressing device which presses the support plate and the support member on the table; a movable member which is provided in the hole of the table such that the movable member is movable upward and downward; and a supporting

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 presser unit for a bar tacking sewing machine comprises four separate clamp feet 15, 16, 17 and 18 which conform in outer appearance to the U-shaped stitches I--I, II--II and III--III to be formed at the tip end of the waist band portions of pants and a pressing mechanism 60 for elastically press each clamp feet 15, 16, 17 and 18 against a workpiece A with a given pressure thereby to elastically press the workpiece A.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp for use in a sewing machine is disclosed. The adjustable clamp comprises a template clamp which is slidably and adjustably fastened to a plurality of pins extending from a clamp support. The clamp support and template clamp have a first template and a second template, respectively. The adjustable clamp permits the distance between the first and second templates to be slidably adjusted to a predetermined distance, for example, in order to accommodate a change in the distance between a first predetermined stitch pattern and a second predetermined stitch pattern. In another embodiment, the clamp comprises spacer clamps which may be mounted onto the pins to provide a third template. The spacer clamps may also be provided in predetermined shapes so that, when they are mounted between the clamp support and template clamp, they cooperate to define a fourth template.

Abstract: A clamping device for use in a sewing machine. The clamping device includes a clamping plate having a downwardly facing clamping surface for clamping a first workpiece to a sewing surface of a sewing machine wherein the clamping plate is supported for vertical movement beneath a sewing head for the sewing machine. The clamping plate is provided with a vacuum aperture which is in fluid connection with a vacuum source wherein the vacuum source draws a second workpiece into engagement with the clamping plate. A support plate is provided for supporting the second workpiece beneath the clamping plate and a feed mechanism is provided for feeding the second workpiece onto the support plate.

Abstract: A semiautomated sewing station sets a pocket blank and a pocket flap on a shirt panel in an integrated operation. The pocket blank is handled and sewn in a conventional manner. A transfer clamp used to move the shirt panel and pocket blank includes a holder for a pocket flap. After the pocket blank is sewn to the shirt panel, a shirt holder fixes the shirt panel relative to the sewing needle and the transfer clamp is moved by a conventional x-y positioner to place the pocket flap in its customary position over the top of the open pocket. The shirt panel is then released for movement relative to the sewing needle as the transfer clamp again moves the shirt panel relative to the sewing needle for stitching the pocket flap to the shirt panel. In this manner, the x-y positioner is used to place the pocket flap rather than a separate mechanism.

Abstract: The instant invention concerns an industrial sewing machine of the type comprising a double clamp for gripping and transporting the patch and the fabric on the work surface, this clamp being applied to the front of a trolley, connected both to the first slide of a cross shaped table, activated by a motor by means of a toothed belt, and to the rack rod of a rack and pinion, activated by a motor; this sewing machine is characterised by the fact that the aforementioned cross shaped table is positioned above the trolley and fixed below a support plate, the support plate being below the projecting arm of the sewing machine.

Abstract: An interchangeable clamp having a plurality of interchangeable members which can be secured together to provide a clamp frame having a predetermined configuration. The predetermined configuration and clamp area of the clamp frame can be changed by substituting the interchangeable members with other interchangeable members having different shapes or sizes. The interchangeable members may be selected from a set of interchangeable members which make it easy for a user to change the configuration of the interchangeable clamp.

Abstract: A garment is clamped against a frame-like feed plate of a computer controlled sewing machine by a clamping frame defining a set of openings of different sizes, and corresponding different size emblems or other patches are held against the garment within the openings by a corresponding set of clamping pads. Stitching gaps are defined within the openings around the pads, and the pads are supported within the openings by corresponding laterally projecting U-shaped inversion arms. The arms carry corresponding pinions which engage a rack operated by a fluid cylinder to provide for simultaneously rotating the inversion arms in opposite directions through 180.degree. to provide for automatically and successively stitching the patches to the garment completely around each clamping pad.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dual clamping system for a sewing machine. The dual clamp system comprises a first clamp and a second clamp which may be used to clamp a first workpiece and a second workpiece, respectively, at a sewing station of the sewing machine. The first and second clamps are preferably of different shapes and dimensions so that different shaped workpieces can be clamped at the sewing station. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second clamps are adjustable inner clamps for clamping an inner portion of the first and second workpieces, respectively. The dual clamping system also comprises a peripheral clamp for clamping at least a portion of the periphery of either or both of the first and second workpieces at the sewing station. The dual clamping system permits an operator to either separately or simultaneously clamp and sew a plurality of workpieces having the same or different shapes.

Abstract: So as to sew a pocket-flap to a workpiece, the pocket-flap and a cut-out pocket are positioned relative to each other at a predetermined distance, in which they do not overlap, and relative to the workpiece. The workpiece, the cut-out pocket and the flap are conveyed to a sewing position without being displaced one in relation to the other. In the sewing position the cut-out pocket and the workpiece are joined together by means of a seam. The pocket-flap is then moved from a first position into a second position, in which it partially overlaps the cut-out pocket. It is then connected with the workpiece by a fastening seam.

Abstract: In a button-holder for a button-sewing machine, two clamp parts (8,9) for the button (7) are guided in a parallel guide holder (28) so as to be movable by a pneumatic cylinder (34) in opposite directions. The parallel guide holder (28) is swingable horizontally by a pneumatic cylinder (17) to displace the clamp parts (8,9) from a sewing position (A) to a resting position (B).Thus, the button-holder does not require adjustment for different sized buttons and the button can be inserted away from the sewing region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a detachable sewing template clamp for sewing a workpiece, like a label, on an article using a programmable sewing machine. The detachable sewing template clamp comprises a generally U-shaped frame member which is detachably mounted to the programmable sewing machine. The template clamp has a support which is capable of removably securing a sewing template to the generally U-shaped frame member. The sewing template defines a predetermined stitch pattern corresponding to the shape of the workpiece, and the template clamp permits the sewing template to be easily removed and changed whenever the predetermined stitch pattern changes. The template clamp permits the sewing template to be detachably secured thereto so that the sewing machine can stitch the predetermined stitch pattern in the workpiece.

Abstract: In addition to a sewing machine, a sewing unit has a workpiece holder, which has two workpiece bearing plates displaceable relative to each other, a holding bar, a folding, bar, a thrower device, a cloth slider and a folding device. By these devices, first and second trouser parts having rim strips are faced and overlapped inside-out onto a zipper. The front inseam is sewn, then the rim strip of the second trouser part is folded over and a first zipper seam is sewn. The second trouser part is folded over right-side out and the j-seam is sewn. The rim strips of the first and second trouser parts can be folded before sewing, seam locks can be provided, and a lower covering strip can be provided to the zipper as well. Thus, all three seams can be sewn with a single sewing arrangement.

Abstract: A workpiece fabric holding device for producing neatly folded pocket pieces for attachment to an article clothing. When a peripheral edge of a patch pocket P put on a gage plate at an operational position is folded back under the gage plate, a folded portion around the edge with a double folded portion formed at the corners of the patch pocket P. Then the gage plate is moved downward and the folded portion and the double folded portion are depressed to a cloth W positioned on a machine table. A hollow is formed on the machine table which opposes and receives the double folded portion. A stopper is arranged in the hollow to prevent the cloth of the folded portion or the double folded portion from being drawn out beyond the periphery of the patch pocket P.

Abstract: A main-presser driving apparatus for an automatic binding sewing machine including two sewing needles for carrying out a binding sewing operation and a pair of main pressers for pressing a base cloth on which a binding cloth is to be sewn, the main pressers being supported by a frame of the sewing machine such that the two pressers are opposed to each other and are movable independently of each other along a directional line in which the two pressers advance toward, and retract away from, each other, the driving apparatus including a pair of drive devices each of which includes an actuator for displacing a corresponding one of the main pressers in the above-indicated direction independently of the other of the main pressers, each actuator being controllable to be stopped at a desired operational position; a needle distance specifying device specifying a distance between the two sewing needles; a control command producing device producing, based on the specified needle distance, a control command for each of t

Abstract: An adjustable clamp for use in a sewing machine. The adjustable clamp has a plurality of adjustable clamp members which are slidably and adjustably fastened to a support, thereby enabling the adjustable clamp to be adjusted to a predetermined clamp size or pattern so that the adjustable clamp can clamp workpieces of different shapes against a clamping surface of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A workpiece fabric folding device having a label clamping mechanism. The device is operated for folding back an outer end portion of a first workpiece fabric and for stitching the folded back portion to a second workpiece fabric by a sewing machine. In the folding back operation, a label piece is also positioned at the folded back portion for simultaneously stitching the label to the second workpiece fabric. The folding device includes a gauge plate whose outer contour defines a folding-back line of the first workpiece fabric, a bending depression member positioned above the gauge plate for bending the outer edge portion, and a plurality of folding segments for urging the bent outer edge to a position below the gauge plate. The label clamping mechanism is disposed on the bending depression member at a position adjacent the folded-back position. The mechanism includes a label clamping unit which holds one portion of the label, and moving unit for angularly moving the clamping unit to the folded-back position.

Abstract: A programmable sewing head including a work controlling clamping mechanism is automatically loaded with air bag material or the like, together with a reinforcement strategically placed thereon, for automatic attachment (by a predetermined stitching pattern) of the reinforcement to the bag material. A table having a loading station supports material orienting an aperture and the reinforcement, and extends to a transfer station at the sewing head. A locator aperture and a retractable locator head are in the table surface at the loading station for receiving the sheet and reinforcement. Placement of the reinforcement and the sheet over the locator pad aligns the reinforcement with respect to the hole in the sheet.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a clamp frame and a clamp foot is disclosed wherein a quick-release mechanism includes a plurality of guide means which extend parallel to the sewing surface and a holding means bearing against at least one of the guide means holds and releases the clamp frame relative to the clamp foot. The holding means is operable by hand pressure alone, to release the clamp frame from the clamp foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a programmable sewing machine having a sewing needle and an arch clamp assembly for moving a label and a product relative to the sewing needle to effectively attach the label to the product. In one emboiment, the present invention includes an outer clamping device, effectively connected to the arch clamp assembly, which engages the product and moves the product and label in the desired pattern, a clamping plate, also effectively connected to the arch clamp assembly, which firmly secures the label down upon the product, a movable connector between the clamping plate and, effectively, the arch clamp assembly, and a positioning mechanism attached to the programmable sewing machine which mechanically moves the connector between two positions to allow the sewing needle of the programmable sewing machine to "travel" around the entire perimeter of the clamping plate and label. One embodiment of the movable connector assumes a substantially U-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A sewing machine, having a device for centrally cutting a piping strip at both of its ends. At least one knife is arranged in a piping strip gripper between the parallel rows of oblique gripping needles. Before the start of the sewing process, a piping strip which has been placed at a predetermined position on a resting plate is held clamped between said plate and the gripper, which is lowered onto the resting plate. By actuation of the knife by an external force such as a pressure fluid, a blade of the knife penetrates into the piping strip and, by horizontal displacement of the knife, the piping strip is incised centrally at its end. Preferably there is a blade for each end of the piping strip.

Abstract: A workpiece fabric holding or clamping device having a lower plate for holding a major part of the workpiece and a plurality of upper plates movable in a horizontal direction above the lower plate for selectively holding the workpiece in combination with the lower plate. The lower plate is formed with an opening whose area covers at least two sewing loci, and the upper plates are each respectively formed with needle slits having two sides. Each side is provided with downwardly extending fabric clamping portions extending into the opening of the lower plate. Through horizontal movements of the plurality of upper plates, at least two sewing loci are defined by the combination of the needle slits. If the slits are positioned spaced away from each other, an auxiliary pressure plate is positioned in the space to hold the spaced portion of the workpiece. Further, the upper plates are vertically movable. The horizontal movements of the upper plates are performed at ascent positions of the upper plates.

Abstract: A patterned cloth holding apparatus for an automatic sewing machine, which apparatus comprises a cloth holder for holding a generally rectangular piece of fabric at a position spaced from a position where the rectangular piece of fabric is to be sewed on a cloth having a patterned right face. The piece of fabric has a patterned right face, and respective patterns on the piece of fabric and the cloth are, when the piece of fabric is held by the cloth holder, oriented upwards.

Abstract: A method and sewing unit for folding a strip of cloth and then transporting it to a sewing machine together with a sewing material blank to which it is to be sewn. In accordance with this invention, the sewing material blank 109, which has been laid out in accordance with markings at a layout point 101 of the sewing unit, together with the strip of cloth 110, are transferred by a feed device 8 to a transfer point 106 beneath the sewing-material holder 9, which has previously been raised. A pivotable and displaceable folding-plate 94 provided on the sewing-material holder, together with a counterplate 54 of the feed device 8, carries out the folding of the strip of cloth 110. Then the folding-plate 94 is pulled forward and the counterplate 54 backward, and the feed device 8 is placed in its raised position. The sewing-material holder 9 moves the folded strip of cloth 110 and the blank 109 lying under it to the sewing point 108 at the sewing machine 3.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding lengths of tape to a sewing location to be sewn onto other material is disclosed. In particular, it relates to apparatus that may be set to accept and feed tape that has any width within a predetermined range. The feeding operation includes holding the tape and cutting off an end portion of selectable length from the forward end of the tape being fed toward the sewing location and then feeding the cut-off portions, which may be patches, farther forward toward the sewing location.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic sewing machine exclusively used for sewing a zipper on a workpiece and its related art. The automatic sewing machine exclusively used for sewing a zipper on a workpiece comprises a sewing machine (10, 20) capable of at least sewing linearly, a drive device movable in two axes right angles to each other in a plane vertical to the movement direction of the needle (11, 21) of the sewing machine and a zipper setting device (12, 22) attached to said drive device for gripping said zipper (33) and workpiece (1) in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A programmable sewing machine that has a work holder and X-Y actuators to move the work holder about on the bed of the machine is provided with a clamping structure to grasp a workpiece to move it about to form a programmed pattern of stitches in it. The clamping structure includes a clamp and a first quick-release connector to connect the clamp to a clamp foot on the work holder, and it also includes a cloth plate and a second quick-release connector to connect the cloth plate to the work holder under the clamp so that both the clamp and the cloth plate are firmly held by the work holder to move in unison but are both quickly releasable from the work holder to be easily replaced.

Abstract: A folding device for an automatic sewing machine has a carrier plate for a first workpiece, a sword which is movable in the longitudinal direction thereof to receive a second workpiece and an outer frame having creasing devices for folding the second workpiece around the sword. The outer frame is pivotable into a total of three different working positions. In addition, it is movable out of its working positions into a retracted position. The purpose of this measure is to improve the field of vision for the operator while at the same time reducing the risk of an accident.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for setting a workpiece on a zipper sewing machine including a workpiece presser arm having surface projections which contact with internal micro-switches of a ring-like side plate which receives and faces the workpiece presser unit. The presence or absence of the surface projections in relation to the micro-switches creates variations in signals which are effective to select the required sewing pattern.

Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus for setting a workpiece correctly on a skirt-zipper sewing machine provides a pair of pressing plates which are positioned at the center of a zipper when the plates are lowered and which press the material of the workpiece and the zipper to be sewed to it.Each pressing plate works as a guide to set the to-be-sewn section of the workpiece at the center line of the zipper. The plates are then rasied and again lowered to press the workpiece so that shrink marks that occur in bias curved sections of the workpiece are stretched. In this manner, a zipper is sewed to the workpiece without shrink marks.

Abstract: An automatic button sewing machine for stitching buttons in series on a fabric includes a working table for supporting the fabric and a back-up plate movably disposed on the working table to back-up the fabric during button sewing operations. A button holder is provided for picking up a button and placing it at a desired position on the fabric. A cloth holding and shifting arm is provided for shifting the fabric from one button to the next. The cloth back-up plate, the button holder and the cloth holding and shifting arm are moved together, thereby placing the buttons at appropriate positions on the fabric during button sewing operations.

Abstract: Improved work holding means including work clamp frames having quick disconnect means whereby the clamp frames can be quickly changed without loss of rigidity, accuracy, or holding power of the clamping structure.

Abstract: In a sewing machine, a clamp-type work feeder includes an articulated, rotatable, telescoping tube carriage which can move in either direction parallel to the lower arm and rotate about the axis of the cylindrical end of the lower arm in accordance with a stored stitch program. A cylinder actuated clamp mechanism pivotally attached to the carriage allows simple work insertion and full peripheral stitching without unduly obstructing the operator's view or access to the stitching area.

Abstract: A machine for automatically forming a placket on a garment, for example on a front of a child's shirt, makes use of a clamping and straightening apparatus which has a pair of clamp members which engage the garment piece along a segmented edge, straighten the edge and then transport the edge past a sewing machine which attaches a strip of lining material.

Abstract: In a sewing machine, particularly one useful for producing piped pockets, wherein the pieces to be sewn to a workpiece include a slide fastener or zipper, a transfer device for transferring the slide fastener containing sewn pieces to the workpiece is provided. The transfer device includes a grip-fold stamp which is vertically movable toward the piece to be sewn which is held over a plate by vacuum, with the slide fastener held in a pocket of the plate. The grip-fold stamp is moved down to the plate and holds the area of the sewn piece adjacent to the slide fastener. A clamping strap on the grip-fold stamp is movable by an appropriate servoelement, either electromagnetic or air pressure cylinder, into the pocket in the plate and beneath the slide fastener for holding the sewn piece at the slide fastener at the underside of the grip-fold stamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting a zipper and a front cloth to sew in correct position providing a pair of set-plates which perform three dimensional motion: vertical swing to clamp a workpiece and horizontal swing to form a "V" shape to receive a slitted front cloth and forming parallel lines to locate the zipper and the front cloth in the correct position. The motion of the set-plates is driven by air cylinders actuated by a pedal switch.

Abstract: A button sewing machine has a sewing needle reciprocatingly movable in response to rotation of a main shaft and a button gripping assembly having gripping portions for gripping and releasing a button and movable across the path of reciprocating travel of the sewing needle, the sewing needle and the button gripping assembly being operable together for sewing the button to a fabric. The button sewing machine includes a detector for detecting whether the button is gripped by the gripping portions. After it has been confirmed that the button is gripped by the gripping portions, the main shaft is driven by a control assembly for enabling the sewing needle to sew the button to the fabric.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for assembling fastening elements to fabric pieces including sewing separated fastener stringer tapes to respective fabric pieces pulling the sewn element downstream as the sewing proceeds, and partially combining the separated stringer tapes by pulling the slider downstream through a portion of the length of the fastener elements while retarding movement of the stringer tapes at their upstream ends.

Abstract: A device for guiding a concealed slide fastener to a sewing machine includes a pair of spaced track bodies mounted on a slanted guide plate and each comprising a block fixedly mounted on the guide plate and a cover member movably mounted on said block. The block and the cover member jointly define a guide channel for guiding an element assembly of the slide fastener therethrough while the slide fastener is fed down the guide plate toward a sewing position on the sewing machine. The guide channel includes a recess for accommodating coupling heads of the element assembly at an inlet end thereof, the recess being shaped for automatically erecting the element assembly from a horizontal position to a vertical position as the element assembly is moved progressively through the guide channel. The guide plate supports a means for sensing an end of the concealed slide fastener.

Abstract: A jig for holding an accessory having at least two sets of thread holes while being stitched on a sewing machine includes an attachment plate attachable to the sewing machine in predetermined relationship with respect to the needle of the sewing machine and includes a sliding bar held in slidable relationship with the attachment plate. Also included is a first location-determining device to secure the sliding bar in at least two predetermined positions, a holding device attached to, and extending from, the sliding bar to a location below the needle of the sewing machine, permitting the alignment of at least two sets of thread holes on the accessory with the needle of the sewing machine when the sliding bar is moved to a desired location, and an alignment system having a guide template affixed to the holding device. An indicator arm is affixed to the attachment plate which is aligned with a desired location on the guide template in order to indicate alignment of the needle of the sewing machine.

Abstract: The cloth clamp comprises a pivot arm provided with a clamp foot, which arm can automatically assume a closed position through a toggle lever drive, a setting lever connected therewith, and an extension spring acting on the setting lever counter to the force of a leaf spring packet acting on the toggle lever drive. An actuating mechanism is needed only for opening the cloth clamp.