Claims
- 1. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article; and
- (f) an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder.
- 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from said control means for controlling the movement of said positioner.
- 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 14. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (f) support means located between said first gripper means and said second gripper means for supporting the body of said textile article as the edge of said textile article is moved toward said sewing machine; and
- (g) an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 19. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 20. The apparatus according to claim 14, further including an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 22. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder.
- 23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from said control means for controlling the movement of said positioner.
- 24. The apparatus according to claim 14, further including a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 25. The apparatus according to claim 14, further including an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 27. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article; and
- (f) support means located between said first gripper means and said second gripper means for supporting the body of said textile article as the edge of said textile article is moved toward said sewing machine, said support means including: (i) a cable having one end connected to one of said feed means and said gripper means for supporting the body of said textile article; and (ii) retracting means connected to the other end of said cable and mounted adjacent to the other of said feed means and said gripper means, whereby said cable is retracted into said retracting means as the edge of said textile article is moved.
- 28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 30. The apparatus according to claim 29, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 32. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 34. The apparatus according to claim 32, further including an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 35. The apparatus according to claim 32, further including an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 37. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder.
- 38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from said control means for controlling the movement of said positioner.
- 39. The apparatus according to claim 27, further including a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 40. The apparatus according to claim 27, further including an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 42. The apparatus according to claim 27, further including a source of compressed air directed at the body of said textile article for stretching out said textile article as said textile article is moved toward said sewing machine.
- 43. The apparatus according to claim 27, further including a guide rail located between said feed means and said gripper means for guiding the lower portion of the body of said textile article.
- 44. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said cable includes a flexible plastic outer sheath.
- 45. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said retracting means is mounted to an actuator for moving said retracting means and the other end of said cable between a first operable position and a second inoperable position adjacent to the other of said feed means and said gripper means.
- 46. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein said actuator is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 47. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the one end of said cable is mounted to an actuator for moving said one end of said cable between a first operable position and a second inoperable position adjacent to the other of said feed means and said gripper means.
- 48. The apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said actuator is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 49. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article; and
- (f) an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 52. The apparatus according to claim 51, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 53. The apparatus according to claim 51, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 54. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 55. The apparatus according to claim 49, further including an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 56. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 57. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder.
- 58. The apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from said control means for controlling the movement of said positioner.
- 59. The apparatus according to claim 49, further including a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 60. The apparatus according to claim 49, further including an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 61. The apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 62. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (f) support means located between said first gripper means and said second gripper means for supporting the body of said textile article as the edge of said textile article is moved toward said sewing machine; and
- (g) an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 63. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 64. The apparatus according to claim 63, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 65. The apparatus according to claim 64, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 66. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 67. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 68. The apparatus according to claim 62, further including an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 69. The apparatus according to claim 68, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 70. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder.
- 71. The apparatus according to claim 70, wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from said control means for controlling the movement of said positioner.
- 72. The apparatus according to claim 62, further including a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 73. The apparatus according to claim 62, further including an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 74. The apparatus according to claim 73, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 75. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder and wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from a control means for controlling the movement of said positioner; and
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 76. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 77. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 78. The apparatus according to claim 77, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 79. The apparatus according to claim 77, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 80. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 81. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 82. The apparatus according to claim 80, further including an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 83. The apparatus according to claim 80, further including an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 84. The apparatus according to claim 83, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 85. The apparatus according to claim 75, further including a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 86. The apparatus according to claim 75, further including an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 87. The apparatus according to claim 86, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 88. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder and wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from a control means for controlling the movement of said positioner;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article; and
- (f) support means located between said first gripper means and said second gripper means for supporting the body of said textile article as the edge of said textile article is moved toward said sewing machine.
- 89. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 90. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 91. The apparatus according to claim 90, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 92. The apparatus according to claim 90, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 93. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 94. The apparatus according to claim 93, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 95. The apparatus according to claim 93, further including an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 96. The apparatus according to claim 93, further including an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 97. The apparatus according to claim 96, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 98. The apparatus according to claim 88, further including a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 99. The apparatus according to claim 88, further including an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 100. The apparatus according to claim 99, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 101. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article; and
- (f) a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 102. The apparatus according to claim 101, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 103. The apparatus according to claim 102, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 104. The apparatus according to claim 103, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 105. The apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 106. The apparatus according to claim 101, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 107. The apparatus according to claim 106, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 108. The apparatus according to claim 106, further including an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 109. The apparatus according to claim 106, further including an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 110. The apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 111. The apparatus according to claim 101, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder.
- 112. The apparatus according to claim 111, wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from said control means for controlling the movement of said positioner.
- 113. The apparatus according to claim 101, further including an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 114. The apparatus according to claim 113, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 115. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (f) support means located between said first gripper means and said second gripper means for supporting the body of said textile article as the edge of said textile article is moved toward said sewing machine; and
- (g) a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 116. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 117. The apparatus according to claim 116, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 118. The apparatus according to claim 117, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 119. The apparatus according to claim 117, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 120. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 121. The apparatus according to claim 120, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 122. The apparatus according to claim 120, further including an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 123. The apparatus according to claim 120, further including an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 124. The apparatus according to claim 123, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 125. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder.
- 126. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from said control means for controlling the movement of said positioner.
- 127. The apparatus according to claim 115, further including an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 128. The apparatus according to claim 127, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 129. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article; and
- (f) an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 130. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 131. The apparatus according to claim 130, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 132. The apparatus according to claim 131, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 133. The apparatus according to claim 131, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 134. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 135. The apparatus according to claim 134, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 136. The apparatus according to claim 134, further including an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 137. The apparatus according to claim 134, further including an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 138. The apparatus according to claim 137, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 139. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder.
- 140. The apparatus according to claim 139, wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from said control means for controlling the movement of said positioner.
- 141. The apparatus according to claim 129, further including a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
- 142. An apparatus for automatically feeding one edge of a textile article to a sewing machine, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first gripper means adjacent to said sewing machine for gripping the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (b) feed means adjacent to said first gripper means for advancing the edge of said textile article with respect to said sewing machine;
- (c) second gripper means for gripping the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (d) positioner means supporting said second gripper means for moving said second gripper with respect to said feed means;
- (e) control means for controlling the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article in response to the movement of the leading portion of the edge of said textile article;
- (f) support means located between said first gripper means and said second gripper means for supporting the body of said textile article as the edge of said textile article is moved toward said sewing machine; and
- (g) an edge sensor for providing an edge input signal to said control means indicative of the position of the edge of said textile article whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to guide the edge of said textile article laterally to the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine, wherein said edge sensor includes an array of infrared LEDs and detectors mounted on one side of said textile article along the path of movement of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine and a reflective surface on the other side of said textile article, whereby the position of the edge of said textile article is determined as the edge of said textile article moves through the path of the reflected light directed towards the detectors.
- 143. The apparatus according to claim 142, wherein said first gripper means is attached to said sewing machine.
- 144. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein said first gripper means is a presser foot attached to said sewing machine.
- 145. The apparatus according to claim 144, further including means for automatically actuating said presser foot to engage the leading portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 146. The apparatus according to claim 144, wherein said feed means is a feed dog adjacent to said presser foot.
- 147. The apparatus according to claim 144, wherein said second gripper means includes a pair of opposed jaws and an actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws to grip the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 148. The apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said actuator means for opening and closing said pair of opposed jaws is a pneumatic cylinder.
- 149. The apparatus according to claim 147, further including an edge detector for detecting the presence of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article and for providing a control signal to close said pair of opposed jaws in response to detection of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article.
- 150. The apparatus according to claim 147, further including an edge guide adjacent to said jaws for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws.
- 151. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein said edge guide for aiding the insertion of the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article into said jaws includes an actuator for moving said edge guide from a first operable position adjacent to said jaws to a second inoperable position disposed from said jaws.
- 152. The apparatus according to claim 142, wherein said positioner means supporting said second gripper means includes an X-Y feeder.
- 153. The apparatus according to claim 152, wherein said X-Y feeder is servo controlled in response to a control signal from said control means for controlling the movement of said positioner.
- 154. The apparatus according to claim 142, further including a stitch counter for providing a stitch input signal to said control means proportional to the number of stitches sewn by said sewing machine whereby said control means controls the movement of said positioner to advance the trailing portion of the edge of said textile article towards said sewing machine.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a division, of application Ser. No. 08/042,547, filed Apr. 5, 1993 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,998.
This application is related to Applicants' applications Ser. Nos. 07/711,315, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,545 and 07/711,659, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,946, both filed Jun. 6, 1991, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
US Referenced Citations (4)
Divisions (1)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
42547 |
Apr 1993 |
|