Abstract:
An automated quilting and tufting system for application of tufts at selected locations along a web of material, including a sewing head receiving a series of tufts or rosettes from a supply. The tufts are removed from their supply and are placed at selected locations on the web of material for attachment to the web of material by the sewing head. Thereafter, the web of material can be cut to form a panel of a desired size.
Abstract:
A method of forming a mattress, with a reduction in the number of sewing operations required, in which a border and gusset or an extended portion of the border will be integrally formed and attached to a mattress panel, with a flanging material also being attached as needed, to form a mattress cover or sleeve. A tape edge also can be applied for providing a more decorative appearance. Thereafter, the mattress cover or sleeve can be applied over a mattress spring set.
Abstract:
A presser foot control system for a sewing station for sewing heavy gauge or thick materials includes an actuator for selectively applying and relieving an additional compression force to the presser foot of the sewing station for compressing and feeding the material being sewn to enable engagement and pickup of the threads carried by the needle by a looper of the sewing station.
Abstract:
A proportional flow control valve having at least one pinch jaw that is movable between open and closed positions for engaging a fluid flow line passing through the valve. The valve includes a valve actuator generally formed from a shape memory alloy that engages and moves at least one movable pinch jaw. As an electrical current is applied to the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy exerts a moving force on the pinch jaw so as to move the pinch jaw into or out of engagement with a flow tube for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.
Abstract:
A hemming and seaming machine (5) having a hemming conveyor (16) on which a workpiece is moved along a path of travel toward and through a hemming station which sews a hem in the workpiece is disclosed. The hemmed workpiece is then moved downstream to a folding station (25) where a spaced series of first air jets (61) selectively emit streams of air between a folding plate (26) and clamping plate (55) to create a vacuum therebetween to draw the leading edge of the workpiece off of the hemming conveyor and between the folding plate and the clamping plate. The leading edge of the workpiece is held between the clamping and folding plates while the workpiece continues to move along the path of travel. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the detection of the leading edge of the workpiece, or in response to the detection of the trailing edge of the workpiece, the leading edge of the workpiece is released from between the folding and clamping plates. The workpiece is then moved to a downstream seamer station (175), which sews a seam in the workpiece, and then to a downstream workpiece stacking station (177).
Abstract:
A shirring attachment includes a rotatable feed wheel 51 positioned over a stripper blade 60 and normally positioned in spaced relationship above the work surface of and in front of the sewing needle 45 of a sewing machine. A first ply of material 78 is extended over the work surface and beneath the stripper blade to the feed dogs 68 of the sewing machine, and a second ply of material 80 is extended over the stripper blade to the sewing needle. The rotatable feed wheel is driven with a peripheral velocity that corresponds to the speed of the sewing machine motor, usually at a higher velocity that the feed dogs, and the feed wheel is moved by an air-actuated cylinder 54 at the command of the machine operator down toward the stripper blade into engagement with the upper ply of material so as to feed the upper ply of material to the sewing needle at a faster rate than the movement of the lower ply of material. The upper ply of material is gathered at the needle of the sewing machine and sewn in its gathered condition to the lower ply of material.
Abstract:
An automated quilting and tufting system for application of tufts at selected locations along a web of material, including a sewing head receiving a series of tufts or rosettes from a supply. The tufts are removed from their supply and are placed at selected locations on the web of material for attachment to the web of material by the sewing head. Thereafter, the web of material can be cut to form a panel of a desired size.