Abstract: A computerized reed fabrication system having an X-Y-Z axes computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine capable of holding a tool bit. The CNC machine operates under the control of CNC software commands. The reed fabrication system further includes a tool bit held by the CNC machine and a reed holder located adjacent that tool bit. Non-transitory computer readable media stores CNC software commands. A computer reads those stored CNC software commands and sends them to the CNC machine. The CNC software commands cause the CNC machine to move the tool bit relative to the reed holder as required to fabricate a double reed from a cut piece of reed cane.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing thread from an entraining aft flow is provided, wherein the entraining airflow is selectively created in response to a location of the user relative to the device. The entraining airflow is sufficient to entrain an anticipated length of the thread, wherein the entraining airflow then passes through a grill. The grill shape, the airflow rate and the airflow velocity are selected to retain the entrained thread on the grill. The airflow is then terminated without requiring user intervention. Upon retention of a number of threads on the grill, the grill is separated from the housing and the retained threads are simultaneously disposed of in a desired container.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming the edges of a fabric panel. The apparatus includes a holding fixture for holding the panel such that the edges to be trimmed hang freely in the holding fixture. A trimming apparatus is insertable into the holding fixture for trimming the edges of the panels together while the panels are held in the holding fixture. The trimming apparatus includes a frame having a movable slide and at least one trimming assembly attached to the slide. A fixture drive engages the holding fixture holding the edges of the panels to be trimmed and repositions the holding fixture prior to trimming the edges of the panel.

Abstract: A fabric clipping guide installed in an overlock machine for guiding fabric clippings to a fabric clipping collector, the fabric clipping guide including a hopper for receiving fabric clippings from the overlock machine, the hopper having a sloping bottom guide tube, the guide tube having a bigger first guide hole connected to the fabric clipping collector and a smaller second guide hole reversed to the first hole, a nozzle having an outlet at one end connected to the second guide hole on the guide tube of the hopper, a suction hole at an opposite end, a threaded collar on the middle, a neck between the collar and the suction hole, a plurality of oblique through holes spaced around the neck and extended from one side of the, threaded collar to the inside of the nozzle, a socket threaded onto the threaded collar and defining an annular air chamber, a connector mounted on the socket for guiding high pressure air into the air chamber and the inside of the nozzle through the oblique through holes on the threaded

Abstract: An automated sewing system including a loading unit, a seam folding unit and a sewing unit which are mounted on a support table. The automated sewing system further includes a control system for monitoring and controlling the loading unit, seam folding unit and sewing unit. The loading unit includes a loading assembly for receiving the two articles and a conveying assembly for advancing the two articles to the seam folding unit. The seam folding unit includes a seam folder for receiving the edges of the articles therethrough to interlock the edges of the articles and a conveying assembly for advancing the two articles to the sewing unit. The sewing unit includes a sewing machine which sews the two articles together at the seam to produce a sewn product.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cutting off thread formations in sewing machines having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The apparatus includes: a needle plate having a surface defining a support plane; a transport plate disposed adjacent the needle plate, the transport plate being displaceable in a plane parallel to the support plane in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction; a cutting device disposed adjacent the needle plate for cutting off a thread formation from the sewn item, the cutting device including a stationary lower blade connected to the needle plate and an upper blade connected to the transport plate, the upper blade defining a first recess therein; and a hold-down device disposed adjacent the needle plate and defining a second recess therein and being configured for holding down a sewn item on the needle plate.

Abstract: A tape waste collector assembly is suited for use with a belt loop sewing machine having a tape cutter for cutting a length of tape placed on a tape receiving plate into pieces of a predetermined length so that each of the pieces of tape may be sewn on a garment to form a belt loop. The tape waste collector assembly includes an air source, one or more air pipes pneumatically connected to the air source for blowing compressed air supplied from the air source towards the length of tape placed on the tape receiving plate, and a plurality of tape waste collecting elements such as, for example, a hose, a waste box and the like for collecting tape wastes produced when the length of tape is cut by the tape cutter. A controller controls a plurality of solenoid valves to operate the air pipes and the plurality of tape waste collecting elements so that the tape wastes blown off by the air pipes are appropriately collected by the plurality of tape waste collecting elements.

Abstract: The current invention involves a vacuum latchtack throat plate with a vacuum generating system. The throat plate includes a body having a first internal bore beginning at a front edge of the body and extending longitudinally therethrough, and a channel formed in the lower surface of the body. The throat plate further includes a stitch tongue having a front edge and back edge, where the stitch tongue is integrally formed with the body. The stitch tongue has a second internal bore beginning at the back edge and extending longitudinally through the stitch tongue to the body where the channel couples the second internal bore to the first internal bore.The vacuum generating system includes a source of positive pressure gas, a vacuum generator having an input port, an outlet port and a vacuum port, and a valve for coupling the source to the input port of the vacuum generator. The valve is controllable.

Abstract: A thread cutting knife assembly for an automatic sewing machine cuts leading and trailing threads during the stitching of garments so that very little tail is left. The body member of the assembly has an open top cavity and first and second ends spaced from each other in a first dimension, which includes a first direction in which the thread passes with respect to the assembly under the influence of the sewing machine feed dogs. A top plate covers the body member cavity open top, and a movable cutting element is disposed between the top plate and the body member and is reciprocated to effect cutting of the thread. Air flow within the cavity from the first end of the body toward the second end in the first direction is effected by supplying air under pressure to an opening at the body first end. Another opening at the body first end can also be provided into which atmospheric air is drawn to provide a Venturi effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating an overlock or 504 stitch wherein the excess thread chain (65) extending from the sewing machine needles (19) and the hollow chaining (32) to the previously sewn garment part (60) is stretched and is cut by thread chain cutter (70) to create a leading thread chain of predetermined length extending form the sewing machine needle and the hollow chaining tongue. When cut, the thread chain recoils toward the hollow chaining tongue, and a stream of air draws the free end of the thread chain into the hollow chaining tongue. When the next work piece is moved through the sewing area, the thread chain in the hollow chaining tongue is attached to the work piece and is progressively drawn out of the hollow chaining tongue and oversewn in the overlock stitch.

Abstract: A chaining thread sew-in device for sewing a chaining thread produced consecutively in the seams of a preceding cloth and in the seams of a next cloth when forming seams by an overlock sewing machine. The free end of the chaining thread (Ch) cut off from the preceding cloth is inserted into an insertion hole (H) opening on a sewing machine working face (1a), and the inserted chaining thread (Ch) is pinched beneath the sewing machine working face (1a), so that the chaining thread to be sewn into the seams of the next cloth is set at specified position on the sewing machine working face (1a). The chaining thread set at a specified position is moved to a cutter (40) installed side of the machine by driving a sub-pinching plate (72, 272), and is cut off from the pinched part by this cutter (40).

Abstract: An adjustable inlet including two members which act together to define an opening through which the stitch chain enters a stitch chain cutting assembly to be cut. Each member contains a top and a front side substantially perpendicular to each other. The members are adjustably mounted at the entrace to the stitch chain cutting assembly by a combination of a screw and a pin, which fit through holes located in the front side of each member. The holes are elongated to allow adjustment of one or both members upon loosening of the screw, which adjustment would result in the narrowing or enlargining of the inlet.

Abstract: A sewing machine capable of automatically severing a thread chain between successive pieces of sewing material includes a cutting device provided behind a sewing needle in a feed direction of the sewing material, a suction device for sucking the thread chain toward the cutting device, and a feeder and a cooperating pressure plate of a presser foot which each have a projection extending in the feed direction such that the cutting device and the ends of the feeder and the presser plate lie substantially in one plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing socks is disclosed which utilizes a boarding or blocking machine of the type having a plurality of sock boarding (blocking) forms which are movable within a track. Socks to be block (boarded) are applied to the boarding forms with a free yarn end or string still attached to each sock. Clipping assemblies are mounted on either side of the track in position to automatically sever the extending string as each boarding form moves past the clipping assemblies. A vacuum system is associated with each clipping assembly to continuously remove the severed strings and other loose materials resulting from the clipping operations. By employing the clipping asemblies in combination with and in association with the boarding machine, the previously required, separate, string severing operations can be eliminated.

Abstract: A thread end disposal unit in a thread cutting sewing machine has a thread end suction unit including a first suction tube having an open end positioned at the length of the starting end of a needle thread held by a thread end holder. A second suction tube is connected at a base end thereof to a base of the first suction tube via a suction device generating negative pressure for allowing the first suction tube to suck cut lengths of the needle thread. The device includes a Venturi-tube and an air compressor and a container storing the cut lengths as waste thread.

Abstract: A CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) automatic sewing device comprises a sewing head and a workpiece holder movable in two co-ordinate directions perpendicular to one another for holding a workpiece to be sewn. A thread trimming device is provided adjacent to the stitch forming place and stationary relative to the latter and directly below the workpiece holder.

Abstract: A chaining thread sew-in device of an overlock sewing machine is related having a first pinching plate and a second pinching plate which form a part of the working face of the sewing machine on the operator side of a needle drop point. The plates are capable of opening an insertion hole into which a free end side of a chaining thread linked to the sewing machine side can be inserted in the working face by driving the first pinching plate, capable of pinching the chaining thread between itself and the second pinching plate, toward the second pinching plate. By returning the first pinching plate to the initial position while the chaining thread is inserted into the insertion hole a cutter 30 capable of crossing the chaining thread cuts the chaining thread by moving the second pinching plate 71 to the first pinching plate 71 side in when the chaining thread is inserted into the insertion hole.

Abstract: A hemmer seamer assembly comprising an apparatus for positioning a chain of stitches for stitching onto fabric having a needle and a throat plate, including a device for positioning the chain of stitches forwardly of the needle, and a device for moving the fabric to the throat plate for sewing the chain onto the fabric.

Abstract: A residual thread chain back tacking device for stitching a residual thread chain in the proper position of a succeeding sewn cloth material has a thread chain cutting device which initially cuts most of the thread chain off, and then blows the remaining thread chain in the back tacking direction and horizontally. A thread chain suction pipe moves adjacent the back tacking position and sucks the remainder of the thread chain thereinto and holds it by means of a thread chain press cylinder while back tacking is completed. An air nozzle then blows the remaining thread chain against a cutter, and the suction in the thread chain suction pipe sucks the cut-off end away.

Abstract: A sewing machine has a trimmer and a waste container for trimmed waste fed to it through a guide groove. The waste container that needs little space and also enlarges the workpiece support surface for the sewing material is designed and arranged so that the trimmed waste reaches it over short transport paths. For this purpose, a portion of the sewing machine includes the waste container located beside the trimmer and reaching directly to it, whose top is aligned with a base top plate covering the rest of the base of the sewing machine and together with it forms a support surface for the sewing material.

Abstract: Waste fabric and lint generated by the cutter knives of a sewing machine are removed as generated by a collection box, the top edges of which are shaped to conform to the contour of a sewing machine frame in a location immediately beneath the cutter knives. The collection box is connected to a source of suction in a waste removal system.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated thread cutter includes a cutter housing with a stationary blade and a movable blade which is moved by a pneumatic motor. A cutter housing has a chamber in which the movable blade is disposed and which is connected to a venturi mechanism which is receptive of a high pressure air input for creating a suction in the cutting housing chamber to draw a loose thread into the blades for cutting same.

Abstract: Cloth stitching apparatus and method for forming a rectangular cloth having stitched rounded corners, such as a wash cloth. Blank pieces of rectangular cloth material are aligned with an overlock sewing machine on the table of the apparatus. The sewing machine trims the cloth edges, folds over the trimmed edge and sews or stitches along one side of the cloth. Each piece of cloth is moved along X and Y axes. Thus, as the cloth is moving along an X axis at a predetermined surface speed, the sewing machine trims, folds and sews along one side of the cloth. When the cloth is moved along its X axis to a point where the sewing machine is adjacent a corner of the cloth, a switch is activated which starts turning the sewing machine. The cloth stops while the sewing machine turns at the same surface speed of the cloth on the actual radius of the corner of the cloth. The cloth then starts and goes in the opposite perpendicular direction Y while the sewing machine continues at the same surface speed.

Abstract: A thread-cutting device for a sewing machine comprises a rigid casing fixed on one edge of the working surface of the sewing machine in a position adjacent to the fabric being sewn. A discharge tube extends from one end of the casing to a suction mouth located on the other end of the casing and faces the fabric being sewn. A blower apparatus is supplied with compressed air and comprises at least one vent located in the mouth and is designed to direct the compressed air along the discharge tube. A pivotable cutting element is mounted in the region of the suction mouth. A control element is fixed to the casing and has a rod shaped portion passing across the suction mouth which can be positioned in a plurality of reference notches located on the outside of the casing. The reference notches are arranged in accordance with the types of fabric to be sewn and are designed to position the rod-shaped portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the fabric being sewn.

Abstract: A thread cutting device for industrial sewing machines having an elongated, unitary body, a compressed air passage, a simple vent hole and a cutting blade aligned parallel to the elongated body and pivotally mounted for cooperation with a fixed cutter blade.

Abstract: A thread trimming mechanism including a pair of knives for severing thread disposed therebetween. The knives are magnetically attracted to each other such that a cooperative cutting relationship is maintained therebetween.

Abstract: A cutting assembly allows efficient automatic cutting of synthetic thread, and also allows manual cutting thereof. A guide block has a bottom surface past which cloth is adapted to move in a direction A, and a narrow channel is formed in the block substantially parallel to the direction A. A vacuum cut-thread removal passageway is formed in the block at the channel leading end and in operative communication with the channel, the passageway being elongated in a dimension intersecting the channel. A notch is formed in the block adjacent, but spaced from, the channel leading end and vacuum passageway. A wire of electrically conductive material is mounted so that it extends through the notch and channel and cuts thread moved into contact with it. An integral block having particular passageways formed therein provides a venturi arrangement adjacent the vacuum passageway to provide the vacuum source.

Abstract: A thread trimming mechanism which includes a fixed blade arranged adjacent the stitch forming area of the sewing machine and a resiliently biased movable blade adapted to cooperate in a scissor-like action with the fixed blade. The movable blade is mounted such that varying degrees of contact pressure may occur between the blades during the thread trimming cycle of the mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which loose thread ends are drawn by air flow into a tube adjacent the needle of a sewing machine, at least between sewing operations.

Abstract: A device for orienting a chain of stitches severed from a completed workpiece to a position where the end is taken by a gripping apparatus and the intermediate portion placed in a predetermined location where it cannot be displaced by the next workpiece while incorporating the chain into the initial stitches of the seam being formed thereon.

Abstract: A continuous, automated method and apparatus for manufacturing pillowcases in which a hem is continuously formed along one longitudinal edge of an indeterminate length fabric, and the fabric is thereafter successively cut to length and folded, with the folded pieces being sewn along the side and end thereof to form successive completed pillowcases. The versatile method and apparatus of this invention is adapted for manufacturing pillowcases of the conventional folded hem style, as well as pillowcases of the attached hem and mock attached hem styles.

Abstract: A device for orienting a chain of stitches severed from a completed workpiece which includes a suction intake element for aligning the chain with the sewing axis, a clamping device for holding the chain in alignment with the sewing axis and a cutting means for severing that portion of the chain protruding from the clamping device so as to control the length of the chain to be incorporated into the initial stitches of a seam.

Abstract: A device for orienting a chain of stitches severed from a completed workpiece to a position where the severed chain will be taken and sewn with the initial stitches into the seam formed on the following workpiece.

Abstract: A cutter for severing work pieces chained together and for removing thread in close proximity to the work piece, such as on leading and trailing edges. The cutter of the invention permits close proximity of adjacent work pieces during the process of sewing but is still able to cut and remove free thread without necessitating undue slack as normally required with a shear type cutter (unlike a guillotine type cutter), or similarly can remove trailing thread between the work piece and the sewing machine.

Abstract: There are provided improvements relating to sewing machines for use in the textile field where two or more layers of material are to be sewn together with a conventional sewing head. In the sewing apparatus, there is provided a positioning member for positioning the layers of fabric to be sewn in which one layer passes above and the other below the positioning member; the positioning member includes first means for displacing a pressurized gaseous flow along one major surface of the positioning member to position the first layer of material and a second source of a gaseous flow along the other of the major surfaces of the positioning member to position the other layer of material.

Abstract: Stocking toe end closing apparatus of the type having a series of horizontal stocking turning tubes mounted on a rotatable base for indexing to a position for spreading stocking toe ends carried on the supports, and for further indexing to a seaming position where the stocking toe ends are closed. The turning tubes are connected to a suction source at index positions before and after the spreading and closing positions for everting stockings thereat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which removes from the stitching area of a sewing machine a continuous strip of material which has been severed from the marginal edge of a workpiece being sewn. The apparatus includes a tubular member having an inlet end positioned above the work support and in front of the material severing mechanism of the machine. The other end of the tube is connected to a source of reduced pressure whereby creating a suction at the inlet end of the tubular member for drawing the continuous severed strip away from the material trimming mechanism and the stitching area.

Abstract: An apparatus for stitching a pair of parallel spaced seams on a workpiece, such as a cuff, is disclosed. A rotatable workpiece clamp is provided for holding the workpiece. The clamp is reciprocated between a forward and a rearward position. A means for stitching a seam, such as a sewing machine, is provided. The stitching means sews along an edge of the workpiece while the clamp is moving in one of the forward and rearward directions. A means is also provided for rotating the clamp after a seam has been stitched along an edge of the workpiece.

Abstract: A device on a sewing machine for severing thread chains comprises a driven movable cutting knife which has a cutting edge disposed to move in a path in which it is spaced from a stationary counterknife. The driven knife is continuously rotated during the ordinary sewing operation, and when cutting is to be effected, the thread chain is directed so that it is moved over the counterknife to place it in a deflection position in the path of movement of the movable cutting knife and cause the movable cutting knife to move in a path in which it comes into the range of cooperative interengagement with the stationary counterknife.

Abstract: A thread chain cutting mechanism for a sewing machine which includes a swingable blade which is actuated by means independent from the mechanical workings of the machine. The actuating mechanism includes a cantilevered resiliently urged member which carries at its free end the swingable cutter blade. A pneumatically operated plunger oscillates said resilient member and thus the blade carried thereby between a cutting position and a non-cutting position at a frequency which is adjustable. Means for providing a section in the cutting area so as to draw the thread chain into the path of the blades.