Abstract: An air control switch set for a switching machine, including a base frame, an air control valve fixedly mounted on the base frame to guide air from an air source to an air nozzle and thread suction device, a switch controlled to close/open the air control valve, a control bar vertically slidably coupled to the base frame and reciprocated by a pedal, a pull rod having a bottom end fixedly fastened to the base frame and a top end coupled to a motor through a link, a stop member fixedly mounted on the control bar, and a rocker arm turned about a pivot at the base frame and forced by the stop member to press on the switch in opening the air control valve upon a down stroke of the control bar before the base frame is lowered with the control bar to move the link in turning on the motor.

Abstract: A cutting system for a sewing machine is disclosed. The cutting system may include a pattern cam that does not have a stopping lug or a stopping groove. The pattern cam may have two faces having substantially equal circumferences. The cutting system may comprise a pneumatically actuated, computer-controlled means for activating and positioning the moveable cutting blade which cuts both the upper needle and lower bobbin threads of a sewing machine. The pattern cam may have a stopping signal device to achieve existing timings of the sewing machine's hook and to determine the home position of the pattern's first stitch. Microprocessor-based signals may be used to count programmed stitches and pulses while reading the signals from the cam to send signals to control a manifold which opens solenoids in a series of synchronized controlled air flow forces to activate and position the moveable cutting blade which cuts both the upper needle and lower bobbin threads of sewing machine.

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: A sewing machine which performs a stitching operation using multiple kinds of threads has: a plurality of thread supplies; a thread selection device which selects and extracts an arbitrary thread from the plural threads supplied from the thread supplies; a stitching needle; and means for nipping a front end portion of the thread extracted by the selection device, and for bringing the front end portion to the needle. The thread extracted and selected by the selection device is brought to the needle while the front end portion is mechanically nipped.

Abstract: A fabric feed mechanism that includes a forward feed roller located forward of the stitch forming area and a rear feed roller located to the rear of the stitch forming area. The drive to the forward and rear feed rollers is synchronized such that the fabric is fed to the stitch forming instruments in a relaxed and unstretched condition. There is a independently applied downward pressure to forward and rear feed rollers and the forward feed roller is raised along with the presser foot. The front feed roller has sections that are located on opposite sides of the presser foot toe to thus ensure that the top layer of fabric is fed under the presser foot rather than riding up the front roller.

Abstract: An automatic industrial sewing machine which increases productivity and improves quality in the sewing of linings to facing material in the manufacture of jackets. The machine automatically inserts a plurality of different rates of fullnesses at predetermined locations in the seam between the lining and the facing, for a preset number of stitches for each fullness. It also provides positive feeding for piping sewn into the seam which eliminates stretching or bunching of the piping. Finally, the material is held in position after release of the drag clamp by the use of a jet stream of air impinging on the material. The operation of the machine is automatic in that the operator need only place the facing and lining into the drag clamp and into the air guide and depress a switch.

Abstract: This invention is a dual foot pedal control for a sewing machine consisting of a foot activated tiltable pedal assembly mounted on a base member which is attached to a stabilizing mat. The stabilizing mat is positioned between the legs of a sewing machine table, on which a sewing machine is mounted. The tiltable pedal assembly is connected by rod to a sewing machine control arm which activates the sewing machine. In addition, the sewing machine is speed controlled by the counter-clockwise pressure on the pedal assembly which is transmitted by rod to the sewing machine control arm. The pedal assembly, when foot-tilted clockwise, activates an air control valve which directs compressed air to an air cylinder which is connected to and opens the presser foot of the sewing machine. When tilted counter-clockwise the air control valve dissipates air to the air cylinder allowing the presser foot to lower and clamp the material to be sewn.

Abstract: A pneumatic sewing machine having a housing mounting a presser foot and needle bar for reciprocatory movement and a bobbin for rotary movement, a rocker arm pivotably mounted on the housing having one end attached to the needle bar and the other attached to a pneumatically actuated piston, a rack and pinion operatively connected to the rocker arm for rotating the bobbin, and valve means for controlling delivery of pressurized air from a source to the piston to bring the needle bar proximate the bobbin to perform a stitching operation.

Abstract: An automatic needle threader, which uses compressed air to thread the needles of sewing machines, has means for imparting a rotational or swirling motion to the air which smooths out the frayed ends of the thread for easier and more positive threading. The compressed air is directed into an air chamber in which a spiral shaped baffle is mounted to impart the swirling motion. The threader can be permanently mounted on a sewing machine with a hinge connection allowing the threader to be moved out of position when not in use and to be moved into position so that the exiting end of the air chamber is located adjacent and opposite the eye of the needle. Alternatively, the threader may be removably mounted to a sewing machine using straps connected to the hinge.

Abstract: A process is described for producing garments or individual parts thereof from at least one top fabric, from which the cuts belonging to a garment are cut out in a cutting device and are fed to further processing, wherein, if desired, cuts of a predetermined type are provided with coated lining parts and are attached thereto, wherein during the cutting of the cuts, at least those cuts which will subsequently be provided with lining parts are provided mechanically with marks, and during the attachment of cuts to lining parts, at least one of the parts to be attached is provided with a mark immediately before, during or after the attachment. Separate marking in an operation intended especially for this purpose is thus avoided.

Abstract: An improved tufting machine (10) having an individual needle control system. The tufting machine (10) is designed for inserting yarns (26) into stitching in a base fabric (20). The tufting machine comprises a needle bar (28) mounted on a carrier (14) which is reciprocated in a plane which is substantially transverse to the plane of the base fabric (20) into which the yarn (26) is inserted. Insertion of the yarn is accomplished by needles (32 and 34) carried by the needle bar or bars (28). These needles penetrate the fabric (20) as the carrier (14) imparts reciprocating movement to the needles and their operatively associated needle bars. In a preferred embodiment, a locking device is provided for securing the needle in its sewing position. A control system is provided for adjusting the distal position of the individual needles during reciprocating movement such that the needles selectively penetrate the fabric (20) while the carrier (14) and the needle bar (28) are reciprocally operated.

Abstract: A chain stitch sewing machine has a movable stitch eccentric shaft for switching between a bunch stitch and a long stitch and a rotatable main drive shaft. A mechanism is mounted on the main drive shaft for rotation therewith to move the eccentric shaft to effect the switching from the switch to the other while the machine is in operation.

Abstract: A pocket cloth folding device of a pocket setter in which a flow controller is provided on a folding-pieces support member such that the amount of working fluid through a fluid pressure driver for movement of the folding-pieces support member is controlled. The flow controller is constructed to be connected to either a flow supply path or a flow exhaust path via connectors. The flow amount of the flow controller is regulated in advance according to the type of the folding-pieces support member. Therefore, the pocket cloth folding device can fold the peripheral edge of the pocket cloth, immediately after the folding-pieces support member is attached to support blocks. The amount of supply air and exhaust air of the fluid pressure driver does not need to be adjusted each time a different type of pocket cloth is to be folded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for pairing up at least two flexible sheets, in particular the front and rear panels of an article such as a T-shirt. The process comprises forming a stack of each type of sheets and arranging these stacks on two plates (2, 3), picking up along a line, at least one sheet of each stack by means of two gripper assemblies (7, 8) displaceable above the plates (2, 3) between a lower sheet gripping position and an upper position in which the gripped sheets are suspended above the plates, moving a deposit member (15) above the plates (2, 3) along a trajectory in which the deposit member comes into contact with the gripped sheets while sliding therealong to a position intermediate their height, and actuating the gripper assemblies (7, 8) so as to release the sheets on the deposit member (15).

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: An apparatus for stitching material in a sewing machine having a throat plate having a stitch tongue, a stitch forming instrumentality for forming an overedge stitch having a needle, an upper looper, and a lower looper. The apparatus has first plates for applying tension to a first thread passing to the upper looper, second plates for applying tension to a second thread passing to the needle, third plates for applying tension to a third thread passing to the lower looper, fourth plates for selectively applying tension to the first thread, fifth plates for selectively applying tension to the second thread, and sixth plates for selectively applying tension to the third thread.

Abstract: A thread control device for the looper thread of a chain stitch sewing machine having a rotating thread take-up disc and a cover plate containing a slot for the thread take-up disc. To prevent broken thread being wound up on a main shaft, a tube carrying a pressure medium, such as a stream of air, is disposed between the thread take-up disc and a looper eye. Tension is thereby mantained in the looper thread even if the thread breaks downstream of the thread take-up disc.

Abstract: A guide device for the workpieces on a sewing machine comprises driven guide wheels arranged one above and one below the workpiece, and revolving in a plane extending crosswise to a sewing direction for the workpieces. The guide wheels are each mounted on a low-mass rocker which are, in turn, mounted on a support. Due to the low-mass construction of the rockers, they form together with the respective guide wheels, vibratory systems uncoupled from the respective supports, whereby a uniform frictional contact between the guide wheels and the workpieces is achieved.

Abstract: A pneumatic tensioning device (10) maintains a desired tension in a thread (18) as it is fed from a spool to a knitting or fabric weaving machine. A first tubular member (40) has an inner passageway (42) extending the length of the tube (40) that permits thread advancement therethrough. A second tubular member (46) surrounds the first tubular member (40) so that the inner walls of the second member and the outer walls of the first member define an outer passageway (48). An airflow is directed through the outer passageway in a direction that is the same as the direction of thread advancement. An orifice (54) communicates the airflow from the outer passageway (48) into the inner passageway (42) in a manner so that the direction of the airflow is reversed. The airflow thus flows in a direction that is opposite to thread advancement, wherein such opposing airflow causes a certain amount of tension in the thread.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the needle thread loop in the area of the looper in sewing machines and, in particular, in sewing machines having a plurality of needles, is provided wherein a compressed air stream flows substantially transverse to the movement path of the part which contains the needle thread loop. Two compressed air nozzles are provided for each needle which are positioned at the side of the needle facing away from the needle thread loop in such a manner that the compressed air streams meet in the area of the needle thread loop.

Abstract: An auxiliary needle is supported by a shiftable and rotatable slide rod which extends in a slightly inclined position relative to the vertical and is guided by an extension in a guide slot. The upper portion of the guide slot extends at an angle relative to the slide rod. Therefore, if moved from its rest position downwardly into its working position, the auxiliary needle performs first a combined rotary and translational motion, and then, upon penetrating a workpiece, only a straight longitudinal motion.

Abstract: A device for interrupting the formation of stitches in a sewing machine having at least two needles and a looper for each needle which are arranged to be actuated in tandem. The needles are phased to perform their functions simultaneously with a first having an elongated thread opening, and the second a conventional opening. The first needles' looper is slightly elevated and if no lack of phasing exists between the needles and their loopers, the elevated looper will cooperate with its needle adjacent the upper end of the thread hole and the other looper cooperates with its needle in a conventional manner. Should there be a lack of phasing, the elevated looper cooperates with its needle midway between the length of the thread hole which causes the other looper to pass beneath the hole of its needle thus interrupting the formation of stitches by the latter needle.

Abstract: A tufting machine having a lint removal system in which supply air under full shop pressure is supplied to a conduit extending the width of the machine. The conduit has a plurality of pilot air controlled valves for communicating the air in the conduit to a respective spray manifold extending across a section of the machine width. Control air is bled from the shop air and directed to a control air manifold and thence to the pilot control valves through control air valves sequenced by a stack of cams. The cams are driven in timed relationship with the tufting machine and each cam acts against a follower connected to the respective control air valve. In this manner air under full supply pressure in the conduit may be supplied to each manifold section and full supply pressure may be directed on to the gauge parts of each section.

Abstract: A pneumatic apparatus used in combination with a sewing machine thread take-up mechanism. The apparatus includes a device for directing a stream of air away from the machine's operating components and against the thread passing over the take up mechanism for preventing broken ends or loose thread from becoming entangled with the machine's operating components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a hem in fabric flat goods is disclosed. The method includes the steps of folding the border of the fabric flat goods back over to form a major hem, holding the major hem in place by vacuum, folding the free edge of the major hem back into the fold of the major hem to form a minor hem, clamping the major and minor hems in a movable clamp and moving the clamped together hems to a sewing machine. The apparatus includes a table having a longitudinally extending vacuum slot parallel to one of its sides, a major hem forming plate movable to a position over the table top for forming the major hem, a minor hem forming plate also movable to a position over the table top for forming the minor hem, and a movable clamping device for clamping the hems together and delivering the hems to a sewing machine which stitches the hems.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for top stitching parallel to the edge of a garment panel in which edge is a corner, there are provided means for detecting the approach of the corner and thereupon reducing the speed of movement of the panel through the machine and means acting on the underside of the panel to impart a turning motion thereto.

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: Method and apparatus for electro-pneumatic control of a stitching machine, operable either in the automatic or semiautomatic mode. Following initiation of a stitching operation through actuation of the present control system, the system internally of itself develops a plurality of interlocks that require the existence of selected conditions for continuation of normal machine operations and which respond to abnormal conditions by precluding machine operation past preselected termination points. Thread conservation is a principal benefit.

Abstract: An air passage is formed in the weft yarn grasping means to permit the passage of air therethrough upon weft yarn releasing action of the grasping means, so that any yarn waste and miscellanea gathering in the grasping means are removed by the passing air.