US3329116A - Method and means for automatic stitching of natural and synthetic fabrics - Google Patents

Method and means for automatic stitching of natural and synthetic fabrics Download PDF

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Publication number
US3329116A
US3329116A US46495665A US3329116A US 3329116 A US3329116 A US 3329116A US 46495665 A US46495665 A US 46495665A US 3329116 A US3329116 A US 3329116A
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Prior art keywords
fabric
para
liquid
workpiece
workpieces
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English (en)
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John G Attwood
James J Matias
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Union Special Machine Co
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Union Special Machine Co
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Publication date
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Priority to US46495665 priority Critical patent/US3329116A/en
Priority to FR44564A priority patent/FR1462684A/fr
Priority to DE1966U0012570 priority patent/DE1685059B2/de
Priority to GB2716766A priority patent/GB1154382A/en
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Publication of US3329116A publication Critical patent/US3329116A/en
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Assigned to BT COMMERCIAL CORPORATION reassignment BT COMMERCIAL CORPORATION SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: UNION SPECIAL CORPORATION
Assigned to UNION SPECIAL CORPORATION reassignment UNION SPECIAL CORPORATION RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BT COMMERCIAL CORPORATION
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D05—SEWING; EMBROIDERING; TUFTING
    • D05B—SEWING
    • D05B23/00—Sewing apparatus or machines not otherwise provided for
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06B—TREATING TEXTILE MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS, GASES OR VAPOURS
    • D06B1/00—Applying liquids, gases or vapours onto textile materials to effect treatment, e.g. washing, dyeing, bleaching, sizing or impregnating
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D05—SEWING; EMBROIDERING; TUFTING
    • D05D—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES D05B AND D05C, RELATING TO SEWING, EMBROIDERING AND TUFTING
    • D05D2207/00—Use of special elements
    • D05D2207/02—Pneumatic or hydraulic devices
    • D05D2207/04—Suction or blowing devices
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D05—SEWING; EMBROIDERING; TUFTING
    • D05D—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES D05B AND D05C, RELATING TO SEWING, EMBROIDERING AND TUFTING
    • D05D2305/00—Operations on the work before or after sewing
    • D05D2305/02—Folding
    • D05D2305/04—Folding longitudinally to the sewing direction
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D05—SEWING; EMBROIDERING; TUFTING
    • D05D—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES D05B AND D05C, RELATING TO SEWING, EMBROIDERING AND TUFTING
    • D05D2305/00—Operations on the work before or after sewing
    • D05D2305/22—Physico-chemical treatments
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D05—SEWING; EMBROIDERING; TUFTING
    • D05D—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES D05B AND D05C, RELATING TO SEWING, EMBROIDERING AND TUFTING
    • D05D2305/00—Operations on the work before or after sewing
    • D05D2305/22—Physico-chemical treatments
    • D05D2305/26—Heating
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06C—FINISHING, DRESSING, TENTERING OR STRETCHING TEXTILE FABRICS
    • D06C2700/00—Finishing or decoration of textile materials, except for bleaching, dyeing, printing, mercerising, washing or fulling
    • D06C2700/13—Steaming or decatising of fabrics or yarns
    • D06C2700/135—Moistening of fabrics or yarns as a complementary treatment
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T83/00—Cutting
    • Y10T83/04—Processes
    • Y10T83/0405—With preparatory or simultaneous ancillary treatment of work
    • Y10T83/041—By heating or cooling

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method and means for treating fabrics and the like for sewing on a sewing machine and, more particularly, to a method and means for treating the fabric with a stiffening agent prior to a sewing or stitching operation and subsequent removal of the stitfening agent from the material.
  • the fabric if it is in -its initial flexible condition, has a tendency to, and frequently does, fold over its edge, or otherwise fold improperly, upon contact with the guides, with the result that many of the pieces in the succession of workpieces being advanced to the sewing machine, are folded in an undesirable or different position, whereas it is necessary for uniform sewing of successive workpieces that each successive piece in the production line of successive pieces, be presented t-o the sewing machine in the same relative folded shape and position, so that the pieces, after sewing them, will be uniform from piece to piece.
  • This object is accomplished by treating the initially flexible fabric with a stiffening agent to give the workpiece to be sewn, or subjected to other operative steps, a temporary rigidity or stiffness ⁇ and then advancing the workpieces while in stiffened condition through the sewing machine operation, or through other ice N manipulated operations, and thereafter removing the stitfening agent so that the fabric, after being sewn or otherwise worked upon, will be freed of the stiffening agent and then will have its initial flexibility;
  • the stilfening agent being a substance or agent which in liquid form may be applied to the fabric, then its phase changed to solid to stilfen the fabric and permitting the sewing or other manipulation of the fabric while in stiifened condition and thereafter permitting removal from the fabric by changing the solidified substance to vapor phase.
  • the substance should be one which will not cause unwanted damage to the fabric; which can be safely used by workmen; which is readily changed from solid to liquid phase at a temperature which will not cause unwanted damage to the fabric when it is applied thereto in. its liquid phase; which is readily changed from liquid to solid phase after the liquid is applied and which upon solidification, will stiffen the fabric where it is applied so that the fabric will remain rigid or stiffened to hold its shape during the sewing or other desired operation on the fabric; and which may be readily removed from the fabric by changing its phase from solid to vapor phase, all without the need for additional solvents for the substance at any stage of the operations.
  • the agent imparting rigidity or stiffness to the fabric to accomplish the object of the invention be one that is readily available at low cost, stable, not harmful to humans or machines and. not harmful to fabrics which are in common use, such, for example, as woven, knitted or felted fabrics; fabrics Imade of natural fibers such as cottons, and fabrics made of synthetic fibers, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers and fabrics made of other types of fibers, such as paper. It should ⁇ be one that is easy to apply, for rendering the fabric sufficiently stiff for uniform sewing operations from piece to piece or for uniform handling from piece to piece in other similar operations and which is easily removed from the fabric. Preferably, it should be one that may be recovered for reuse over and over after serving its function as the fabric stiifening agent.
  • other objects of the invention are to provide a method and an automatic system for -applying a stiifening agent in its liquid phase to the fabric, subjecting the fabric to conditions which solidify the stilfening agent to render the workpiece stiff, advancing the stilfened workpiece to the sewing machine or other machine for working on the workpiece and then advancing the sewn or worked on piece through suitable apparatus under conditions which cause the stilfening agent to be removed for recovery and reuse.
  • para-dichlorobenzene is admirably suited as a stiffening agent for accomplishing the primary object of the invention-
  • Other organic compounds having similar characteristics may in certain instances be employed.
  • Naphthalene has been used in certain instances to carry out the invention; and also, tetrabutyl alcohol. Mixtures of these substances may be empl-oyed.
  • para-dichlorobenzene has been found to have those characteristics which make it particularly suited for carrying out the invention.
  • Para-dichlorobenzene is hereinafter sometimes referred to as para-deb, it being more convenient to use this abbreviated designation than to repeat the full name numerous times.
  • Para-deb. melts at approximately 127 F. and has a sharp melting point. Its boiling point is approximately 345 F. It can be kept in liquid form (liquid phase) for an extended period by maintaining it in containers under suitable conditions at slightly higher temperature than its melting point. Also it may be maintained for considerable time in its solid phase at room temperature and for an extended period of time in closed containers. It has a relatively low latent heat of fusion, a relatively low latent heat of vaporization, and relatively low specific heat. It sublimes at 50 F. and above and therefore exerts a vapor pressure of at least one atmosphere at that temperature. At higher temperatures its vapor pressure is c-onsiderably higher than one atmosphere.
  • the fabric may be dipped into a body of molten para-d.c.b., although it is likely in most instances that dipping will be less desirable than the other methods of application because the fabric might absorb more of the compound than is needed for the intended purpose.
  • it may be applied in comminuted solid form, heated while on the fabric, to change the solid phase to liquid phase so that it will impregnate the fabric after which it may be cooled to stilien the fabric for the sewing operation.
  • para-deb. in its liquid phase maintained at a temperature above its melting point temperature, for example, about 3 to 5 F. above its melting point, is applied to a piece of fabric.
  • the liquid wicks very quickly, that is, it travels or permeates through the fabric quickly and impregnates it. It is believed that this wicking is brought about by capillary action through the interstices between the threads of the fabric and into pores of the fibers in a manner analogous to the rising of kerosene through the woven wick of a conventional kerosene lamp. Or it may be by absorption or adsorption or a combination of these actions.
  • the fabric treated with the liquid para-d.c.b. becomes impregnated with it and upon being cooled to below its -melting point it is changed to solid phase and the fabric becomes quite stiff in the area or areas which are impregnated with the para-d.c.b. If a sufficient amount of the compound in liquid phase is impregnated into the fabric material, and the fabric is then suiiiciently cooled,
  • the material may be rendered as rigid as a stiff board.
  • the stiffness of the fabric may be adjusted to the degree best suited for carrying out the various operations.
  • the workpiece Upon cooling the para-deb. in the workpiece sufficiently to change it from liquid phase to its solid phase, the workpiece will retain the conformation that it was placed in prior to the solidification; it being understood -that the workpiece is in desired conformed or folded shape and in stiffened conditions when it is advanced to the sewing machine.
  • the workpiece may be guided very easily against an edge guide as it is adv-anced to the sewing machine for the sewing operation so that it is an easy matter to guide successive pieces and position them in proper alignment as successive stiffened pieces are presented successively to the sewing machine for sewing so that each workpiece or unit in the production line is uniformly sewn, as it passes through the sewing machine.
  • the stiffened fabric as it is presented to the sewing machine, contains solidified para-dcb., or equivalent stiffener having similar characteristics
  • suitable means may be provided for heating it to avoid interference with the sewing operation which may be caused by the needle contacting the solidified para-deb.
  • the needles In normal sewing operation, at the usual operating speed of a sewing machine commonly used in the industry, the needles generally heat to between 400 and 500 F. which, in normal sewing operations in accordance with the method herein disclosed,
  • the needle in its reciprocating movement picks ⁇ and finds its way through the fabric by pushing the fibers aside. If the needle punches through the cloth where it is impregnated with stiffener in solid state, the needle is inhibited from pushing aside the fibers with the result that the fibers are cut. Manifestly, such a result is undesirable.
  • the workpieces may be heated, if desired, in advance' of the needle of the sewing machine in the line of stitching so that if stiffener agent is present in solid state at that locus, its solid phase may be changed to liquid or vapor phase and removed, if desired, thus to avoid having the needle punch through the stilfener in its solid phase.
  • a heating means which may be in the form of a heated rod which may be positioned near and in advance of the needle so as to soften the parad.c.b. impregnated fabric in the line of stiching and, if desired, the para-deb.
  • the finished pieces in the succession of pieces that is, the ⁇ successive sewn pieces in the production line
  • the sewn workpieces may be stored under suitable conditions -to maintain the stiifener agent impregnated in the fabric in its solid phase for a period of time and removed later, as described in further detail hereinafter.
  • the sewn pieces, as they are passed from the sewing machine operation are promptly subjected to heat under conditions which cause the stiifener to be removed from the fabric.
  • This may be accomplished by subjecting the impregnated fabric to conditions such that the vapor pressure of the stif- -fening agent is sufficient to cause the stiffener agent to vaporize and pass out of the fabric.
  • the vaporization or distilling or subliming off of the stiffener agent may be speeded up by heating the fabric and the temperature employed may be as high as desired so long as it does not exceed a temperature at which the fabric would be damaged. It has been found that most cotton fabrics may be heated up to a temperature of 345 F. without harm, and dacrons, rayons and nylons will withstand temperatures up to 290 F. without damage.
  • the fabric after the sewing operation, is passed immediately into and through a heating zone which may be in the fo-rm of a substantially closed chamber which is contrived to heat the fabric impregnated with the para-d.c.b.
  • the heat causes the para-deb. to become vaporized and it passes off from the fabric in the form of vapor.
  • the vapor is condensed and changed back to liquid phase and collected for reuse, the liquid being transported under suitable conditions back to the applicator device for impregnating new workpieces that are to be cooled and passed to the 'sewing operation in the production line.
  • a heating zone which may be in the fo-rm of a substantially closed chamber which is contrived to heat the fabric impregnated with the para-d.c.b.
  • the heat causes the para-deb. to become vaporized and it passes off from the fabric in the form of vapor.
  • the vapor is condensed and changed back to liquid phase and collected for reuse, the liquid being transported under suitable conditions back to
  • stiffening agent and other compounds having similar characteristics when used as the stiffening agent lend themselves to cycle operation wherein -the stiffening agent travels in a cycle in which only its physical condition is changed into solid phase, liquid phase, or vapor phase, but in a chemical sense it is not changed, and no chemical solvent for the stiffening agent is required since it is necessary only to change the phase of the stiifener compound.
  • Suitable apparatus for practicing the invention is described in greater detail later on herein.
  • FIG. 1 is ⁇ a view in elevation and primarily diagrammatic illustrating apparatus and system for sewing pieces in a continuous production line, wherein para-dichlorobenzene is used as stiffening agent, the stiffening agent moving in a circuit adapted for cyclic operation;
  • FIG. 2 is a view in perspective showing ⁇ a folding device for folding workpieces introduced into the production line;
  • FIG. 3 is a view in perspective partly broken away of mechanism for moving the workpieces in the production line to the sewing machine and also showing a guide and means .for heating the fabric in the area of the stitching line in advance of the sewing machine needle;
  • FIG. 4 is a view in perspective, partly broken away showing a different form of folding device
  • FIG. 5 is a view in elevation, partly diagrammatic to illustrate a modified form of heating arrangement for removing the stiffening agent from the sewn workpieces, by vaporization, condensing it and collecting it in liquid form;
  • FIG. 6 is a view in elevation, partly diagrammatic, to illustrate a modified form of apparatus for receiving the stiffening agent in liquid form and applying it to the work pieces;
  • FIG. 7 is a view in elevation, partly diagrammatic, to illustrate a modied form of apparatus for applying stiffener agent in liquid form to the workpieces;
  • FIG. 8 is a view in perspective, to illustrate another example of apparatus for folding workpieces and applyling the stilener agent in liquid form by means of a porous applicator to limited areas of the workpieces, more particularly to the edge areas;
  • FIG. 9 is a view in section on line 9-9 of FIG. 8.
  • FIG. l the system illustrated in FIG. l comprises an endless carrier belt 11 having a horizontally disposed upper run 12, and a lower run 13, the belt 11 being mounted for continuous traveling on rollers 14, 15, 16, 17.
  • Roller 14 is rotated by a prime mover, such as electric motor 18, to drive the carrier belt in the direction of arrow 19.
  • a prime mover such as electric motor 18
  • the belts, rollers, and other equipment shown in the drawings are suitably mounted on a frame or other structural members of conventional character (not shown).
  • Various devices and mechanisms are mounted along the upperrun 12 of the main carrier belt 11. These devices and mechanisms, as shown in FIG.
  • l comprise, in general, a folder 21 for folding workpieces introduced at the head end of the upper run 12 of the main carrier belt 11, an applicator 22 for applying parad.c.b. 30, in liquid form, to the workpieces; a feeder 24 for feeding the folded workpieces to the applicator; a cooling device 23 for solidifying the para-deb.; a feeder 24a for feeding workpieces from the applicator to the cooling device; a sewing machine 25 for sewing the 6 stiffened workpieces, a heating and condensing device 26 for heating the para-deb. carried by thel fabric to vaporize it and for condensing and collecting it in liquid form; and a pump 27 and conduit 28 for returning the condensed para-deb. 30a in liquid form to the applicator device 22.
  • the cloth workpieces 20 are placed in succession on the moving upper run 12 of the main carrier belt at its head end. For convenience of description, these workpieces, as they progress through the system as a production line, are designated 20 (a to h). As the workpiece 20 moves forwardly on the main carrier belt, it is folded in folder 21.
  • the folder 21 as shown to larger scale in FIG. 2, comprises a thin plate 33 shaped to have an empty portion, forming a funnel-like throat 34 and trailing portion 35.
  • the plate is formed to a shape to provide a tunnel 36 through which the side edge portion 37 of the workpiece 20a passes to produce a folded edge 38 when the workpiece is passed through the folder.
  • the side portion or panel 39 of the workpiece then lies in superimposed fashion on the main panel 40 of the workpiece.
  • the workpiece is thus folded for stitching a seam, for example, through the double thickness of the cloth, along the line indicated by broken line 41. It will be understood, of course, that the workpiece may be otherwise folded and the stitching may be in other lines, as desired, depending on the particular workpieces that are be stitched, or other work that is to be done in the production line.
  • the folded piece, now designated 20a, is then moved on the carrier belt into the feeder 24.
  • This feeder as shown, comprises an endless flexible belt 42, trained over rollers 43, 44, suitably mounted for rotation on a supporting frame (not shown).
  • the lower run 45 of belt 42 is sufficiently close to the upper run 12 of the main carrier belt that when the leading edge 46 of the workpiece enters the bite 47 between the feeder and main carrier belts, the workpiece, now designated 2Gb, is carried forward and it passes in its folded condition under the applicator 22.
  • the applicator as shown in FIG. l, comprises an enclosed chamber 49 in the form of a supply tank 50 mounted above the upper run 12 of the carrier belt 11.
  • the supply tank maintains an adequate supply of molten para-d.c.b. 30.
  • a float switch 51 controls the liquid level in the tank, as described in further detail later on.
  • Means are provided to supply such heat as is necessary to maintain the temperature of the para-d.c.b. in the tank at any desired temperature above its melting point; to insure that the para-deb. is maintained in its liquid phase and in a condition to obtain the desired wicking.
  • the heating means comprises infra-red heating lamps 52.
  • Other heating means may be used to control the temperature of the para-deb. in liquid form in tank 50, such, for example, as hot water or steam coils or electric resistance heaters.
  • the melting point of para-dichlorobenzene is 53 C. (approximately 127 F.) and the melting point is sharp; the para-deb. at atmospheric pressure being solid at temperatures below 126 F. Ordinarily, it will be satisfactory to maintain the temperature of the liquid para-d.c.b. in tank 50 at about 5 F. above its melting point; but, in any event, it should be maintained at a temperature at which the molten para-deb. will readily wick in the cloth being processed so that a good penetration and impregnation of the cloth is obtained, when the liquid is applied to the workpiece.
  • means connected with thesupply 30 of liquid para-deb., in the form of drip nozzle 53 having a control valve 54 in tank 50, are provided for applying the desired quantity of the stifener agent to the workpieces.
  • a control valve 54 in tank 50 is provided for applying the desired quantity of the stifener agent to the workpieces.
  • any suitable number arranged in suitable position may be employed so as to impregnate the workpieces in the area or areas that are to be impregnated with the molten parad.c.b.
  • liquid para-d.c.b. for automatically controlling the discharge of liquid para-d.c.b. from the supply 36 so that it is applied only while a workpiece is passing under the drip nozzle 53 and the discharge is shut off at times when there is no workpiece under the nozzle.
  • other means for applying the liquid para-deb. maybe employed such, for example, as spray nozzles or other spray means, or roller means, or daubing means.
  • liquid para-d.c.b. drips through nozzles, such as nozzle 53, to the workpiece in the area or areas where impregnation is wanted.
  • nozzles such as nozzle 53
  • the feeder device 24a which comprises a-n endless flexible belt 56 trained over rollers 57, 58 mounted for rotation on suitable frame supporting members (not shown); the lower run 59 of the lbelt 'being close enough to the upper run 12 of the main carrier belt so that when the leading edge of the workpiece enters the Ibite 55, the workpiece, in folded condition, is carried forward on the main carrier belt.
  • the melting point of para-deb. is less than a degree F. higher than 127 F., and it will solidify at a temperature of 126 F. because it has a sharp melting point, and does not go through a wide plastic temperature range before it reaches its freezing point.
  • the latent heat of fusion of para-d.c.b. is relatively low and the amount of heat required to be removed from liquid para-d.c.b. when near its freezing point in order to change it to its solid phase is relatively low.
  • the chill plate may readily be kept sufficiently cool to change the para-d.c.b. to its solid form.
  • the plate 60 preferably made of a good heat conductor metal, is supported on and forms the top wall of a liquid cooled tan-k 61; the liquid 62 in the tank being in contact with the cooler plate 60.
  • Heat from the cooler plate 60 entering the cooling liquid 62 is carried away by circulating a cooling medium or other suitable medium, maintained at desired cooling ltemperature, through coils 63; the temperature being maintained sufficiently low to quickly solidify the para-deb. in the workpieces passing over cooling plate 60. Enough heat must be carried awa to insure 1solidification of the parafd.c.b. in the workpieces in the time required for a workpiece to pass through the cooler device 23.
  • This roller 64 may, if desired, be designed for circulating cooler medium therethrough if more cooling of the workpiece is desired.
  • the sewing machine driven by an electric motor, shown conventionally in FIG. 1, comprises the usual head, reciprocating needle 66, presser foot 67 and other elements required for stitching.
  • the workpiece is introduced to the stitching mechanism in such fashion that the workpiece, where the line of stitching is to be made, is
  • the sewing machine is equipped with means for starting and stopping its operation in response to movement of the workpiece 20d through the sewing machine station.
  • Such means are known. See, for example, Kosrow U.S. Patent No. 3,116,705.
  • a beam of light from a Ilight source 68 below the path of travel of the workpieces is cast upon a photoelectric cell 69, positioned above said path.
  • the photoelectric cell is connected in a suitable circuit with relays in known manner to control the operation of the sewing machine.
  • the sewing machine When the lig-ht beam is interrupted, as by the passage of the workpiece through the path of the light beam, the sewing machine is caused to operate to stitch the workpiece and after passage of the workpiece from the sewing machine, the light beam striking the photoele-ctric cell 69 is restored and the sewing machine is stopped in response to restoration of the light beam.
  • 4the sewing machine may be provided with a thread cutting device, such device-s being known in the art. (See, for example, Kosrow U.S. Patent No. 3,116, 705.)
  • a heater device 70 mounted on the sewing machine is a heater device 70 in the form of an electrically heated rod 71 mounted adjacent to the sewing machine needle 66, and having a portion 72 at its extremity which is positioned close to or in contact with the upper surface of the workpiece 20a', and in the line of stitching to be made by the sewing machine.
  • the heating devi-ce will function to change the phase of the solid para-d.c.b. to soften it to liquid, or, if desired, to vaporize it in Xa confined area along the stitching line.
  • the apparatus for doing this comprises a substantialy closed chamber 75 in which are positioned heater devices 76 and the apparatus is so designed that the vapor formed by evaporation or sublimation of the solid para-d.c.b. is condensed to liquid form 30a, for recovery and reuse.
  • the chamber 75 is bounded by a top wall 76a and jacketed side walls 77, 78 through which a cooling medium is circulated.
  • the top run 12 of the carrier belt passes through an entry opening or port 79 and an exit opening or port 80 in the side walls of the heating and condensing chamber 75.
  • coil 76 mounted above the conveyor belt and adjacent to it is coil 76, through which a heating medium, such 'as steam, is circulated. If desired, electric heaters or other suitable heating means may be employed.
  • Mounted be- I low the belt is a cooling coil 81 through which cooling water or other suitable cooling mediums are circulated.
  • the temperature of the heating coil 76 is maintained suciently high to cause the solid para-deb. in the Workpieces, now designated 201, 20g, to vaporize or sub lime at a rate to remove the para-dcb. from the workpieces by the time they pas-s through the exit port 80.
  • the sewn workpieces, now designated 20h, are carried on the belt in succession from the heating zone and removed frorn the belt for such further operations as may be desired, and ⁇ the fabric is in its initial flexible condition, freed of para-d.c.b. except perhaps for an insignificant residual Iamount which may linger for a while and then ybecome dissipated.
  • the chamber 75 is provided with a hood 88 connected to a vent stack 89. This is desirable to remove excess vapor or fumes which may escape from the system and carry them away for dissipation into the outside atmosphere. Although the vapor which may escape is not dangerous, it is desirable to avoid an unnecessary amount of vapors or fumes in the work area.
  • the portion of the chamber 75 below the conveyor belt is kept cool enough to cause the para-deb. vapors, generated by heating the workpieces, to be condensed to liquid form. Para-deb. vapor has a vapor density greater than the ambient air. Being heavier than air the para-d.c.b.
  • water may be circulated through the jacket 85 which surrounds the condenser portion 75a of the chamber 75. It will ordinarily be satisfactory to maintain the temperature of the liquid 30a at about 5 F. above the melting point of the para-d.c.b.
  • the walls of the lower portion of chamber 75 converge and terminate in a conduit 86, connected to the suction side of a suitable pump, such as rotary pump 27, which is driven by an electric motor 18.
  • a suitable pump such as rotary pump 27, which is driven by an electric motor 18.
  • the discharge side of the pump is connected to an insulated conduit 28 which may, if desired, be provided with an electrical resistance heater c-oil 86a or other suitable heating means to maintain para-deb. in liquid form as it is pumped through conduit 28.
  • the conduit 28 is connected to applicator tank 50 so that the liquid para-deb. 30a may be pumped from the condenser chamber 75a and return to the applicator 22 for reuse.
  • Means are pr-ovided for automatically maintaining a desired amount of liquid para-d.c.b. in the applicator tank 50.
  • the electric float switch 51 which is connected through an electrical ciscuit with suitable switches and relays arranged in a manner well known, is adjusted so that when the liquid level falls to a predetermined point the float switch functions to supply electric power to operate motor 28 to pump more liquid int'o the tank, and when the liquid in tank 50 rises to a predetermined level, the float switch 51 functions to cut olf the power supply to motor 18 and stop it, and hence the ow of liquid para-d.c.b. from chamber 75a to tank 50 is stopped.
  • the pressure in tank 50 is maintained within such range as will maintain the para-d.c.b. in liquid phase at the ternperature employed.
  • means are provided for automatically opening and closing the applicator valve 54, see FIG. 1) so that liquid para-deb. is dipped through applicator nozzle 53 (or a plurality of nozzles if additional ones are needed) on to the workpieces only at such times as a workpiece is passing under the drip nozzle.
  • the means as shown in FIG. 1, comprising a light source 90, positioned below the path of travel of the workpieces 20 as they are carried on the conveyor belt, which casts a beam of light through said path of travel on to a photoelectric cell positioned above the upper run 12 of the conveyor belt.
  • the photocell is connected in a suitable circuit with relays in known man ner to operate a solenoid valve.
  • the valve 54 shown conventionally in FIG. 1, is a solenoid operated valve and is operated in response to the action of the light sensitive photoelectric cell in known manner, to open the valve 54 when the light beam from light source to photoelectric cell 91 is interrupted and to close the valve when the light beam to the cell is restored.
  • the mechanism is adjusted so that para-d.c.b. Aflows on to a workpiece only when a workpiece is passing under the drip nozzle 53.
  • FIG. 3 An edge guide is illustrated in FIG. 3, which may be mounted along the upper run 12 of the conveyor belt in advance of and adjacent to the sewing machine 25, together with an endless feed belt 101 trained over rollers 102, 103, mounted for rotation on suitable frame members (not shown).
  • the lower run 104 of the feed belt is close enough to the main conveyor belt 12 to engage the workpiece as it passes through the sewing machine station.
  • the edge guide comprises a plate 105 adjustably secured to a suitable table 107 carried on a supporting frame (not shown).
  • the plate 105 has an upstandin-g guide rail or ange 106 which the workpiece 20d engages in its forward movement, to properly align the workpiece so that the stitching will ybe made along a stitch line 41 which is in a predetermined location.
  • the plate 105 has slots 108, 109, through which threaded set screws 110 extend, thus providing means whereby the guide flange 106 may be adjusted to any position toward and away from the conveyor belt for locating the stitch line, as desired.
  • a heater in the form of an electrically heated rod 112 which is mounted on a bracket 113, secured to a plate 114, is provided.
  • This plate has a slot 115 through which threaded set screws 116 extend into bracket 107, thus providing means for adjusting the position of the heater rod 112 so that its bent terminal end portion 117 will be close to, or engage, the workpiece at the stitch line 41.
  • the rod is so adjusted that the heat emitted therefrom will heat the para-dab in the workpiece along .the stitch line and just in advance of the needle, so that the stilfener agent (parad.c.b.) will be softened or, if desired, evaporated off along the stitch line.
  • the needle does not have to penetrate or punch through solidied para-deb.
  • FIG. 4 Another type of operation that may kbe performed within the contemplation of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • two pieces may be held together in overlapped relation for purposes of making a lap seam.
  • the applicator such, for example, as applicator 22 (see FIG. 1), or other suitable applicator, the two pieces of fabric 120,
  • a forming guide 122 which comprises a right hand plate 123 having an offset guide passageway 124 formed lby a panel 125 of the plate folded back on itself and a left hand plate 126 having a guide passageway 127 formed by a panel 128 of the plate folded back on itself; the guide passages being superimposed one above the other.
  • Fabric piece 120y is passed through lguide passage 124 with its side edge 129 engaging its curved side wall and fabric piece 121 is passed simultaneously through guide passage 127 with its side edge 130 engaging its curved side wall, so that the two fabric pieces emerge aligned with their edge portions overlapped.
  • the plates may be arranged to provide an overlap of any desirable width.
  • the fabric pieces in overlapped condition and aligned position are then passed through the applicator station where liquid para-deb, may be applied in successive narrow areas of desirable length, to impregnate the two thicknesses of the overlapped panels of the fabric, such, for example, as the area 131 indicated by broken lines.
  • the application of the liquid para-d.c.b. may be in a continuous line along the entire length of the overlapped fabric pieces, or the line of impregnation may be interrupted to form spots of irnpregnated para-deb. which penetrate both thicknesses of the fabric.
  • the impregnated fabric pieces in conformed position are then passed from the applicator device through the cooling device and the para-d.c.b. is frozen.
  • FIG. 5 A modied form of arrangement for heating workpieces containing para-deb. for removing it therefrom and recovering it in liquid form is illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • Such an apparatus may be used in place of the heating and condensing apparatus 26 disclosed in the system illustrated in FIG. l; or it may be used as a separate piece of apparatus for removing para-deb. from workpieces that have, for example, been previously sewn and the sewn pieces stored for a time under conditions which maintain the para-deb. in solidified form.
  • fabric which has lbeen stifened by impregnating it with liquid para-deb. and changing the para-d.c.b.
  • the para-deb. may be stored in closed containers or conned chambers and thereby the para-deb. may be maintained in its solid phase in the fabric at ordinary room temperature. This may be done by providing an excess or an added amount of crystalline para-d.c.b. in the closed or substantially closed container because the nature of evaporation of the para-d.c.b. is such that as the molecules of the para-deb. leave the surface of the solid phase, the ambient space around it becomes saturated with molecules of vaporous para-deb., and at any given temperature, conditions are attained ultimately in which the number of molecules escaping from the solid phase is balanced by the number of molecules returning to the surface of the solid phase. Assuming the container will withstand the vapor pressure of the para-deb. at the storage temperature, the impregnated fabric will retain the para-deb. in solid phase.
  • the arrangement illustrated in FIG. for removing solidified para-deb. from the workpieces comprises a jacketed tank 135 mounted under the upper run 136 of an endless carrier belt 137 trained over roller 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143 mounted for rotation; roller 138 being rotated by a motor 144 to drive the carrier belt in the direction of arrow 145.
  • roller 138 being rotated by a motor 144 to drive the carrier belt in the direction of arrow 145.
  • the illustration is somewhat diagrammatic and suitable means such as a sprocket chain and driven sprocket gear, known in the art, may be connected with the carrier belt for driving it.
  • the workpieces 20j which have been sewn and which contain the para-deb.
  • the para-deb. removed 0r driven off as vapor ⁇ from the workpieces, flows downwardly and is condensed in the condenser chamber 151 provided by the ⁇ downwardly converging jacketed walls 149, 150, These walls :are maintained at a temperature which will condense the para-d.c.b. vapor to liquid phase and maintain the condensed liquid 30a .a few degrees, say about 3 to 5 F., 'above its smelting point. Water or other suitable heat exchange medium is circulated through the jacket 152 of the condenser tank. As the para-deb. in vapor phase ⁇ flows downwardly, it comes in contact with the surface of the liquid para-deb.
  • a heated rotary pump 27a driven by a motor 18a, is connected to the tank in the same manner as described in connection with the system illustrated in FIG. 1 and the liquid may be pumped through an insulated, heated discharge pipe 28a by the heated pump 27a in similar manner as in that system or to storage, if desired.
  • hood 88a cnnected to a stack 89a to carry fumes outside the building which houses the work iarea.
  • Additional heating lamps 146:1 are mounted under the hood 88a to drive olf any significant amount of residual para-deb. that may be present in the workpieces, now designated 20p.
  • An exhaust fan 152' may be provided, if desired, to insure sufficient draft to carry any fumes up and out of the stack.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an applicator device 155 for spraying liquid para-deb. on to the workpieces 20 (q to s).
  • This applicator may be used instead of the :applicator illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • An enclosed tank 156 contains a supply 30e of liquid para- ⁇ d.c.b. under pressure and maintained at la temperature a few degrees higher than the melting point of the parad.c.b., by suitable heating means, such as heater coils 157 through which a heat exchange medium at suitable temperature is circulated.
  • a spray nozzle 158, openable and closeable, by means of a solenoid valve 159 is connected to the spray nozzle, communicates with the liquid supply 30C.
  • the spray nozzle is located above the upper run 12 of main conveyor 11. Only one spray nozzle 158 is shown but additional controlled spray nozzles, positioned to spray liquid para-deb. over any desired area or areas of the workpieces, may be employed. Means for automatically opening and closing valve 159 are provided.
  • a source of light 90a is positioned below the upper run 12 of the car-rier belt. It casts a beam of light upon photoelectric cell 91a. These devices are connected into an electrical circuit with relays and switches in known manner with the solenoid valve 159 and the arrangement is lsuch that liquid para-deb. is sprayed through nozzle 158 only at such times as a workpiece is passing under the spray nozzle.
  • a source of liquid para-deh. such as liquid 30a in tank 75a, or other source, maintains a substantially constant and suitable pressure on the liquid in tank 156.
  • a des'ired pressure is automatically maintained in the tank, for example, by means of a press-ure responsive switch 164 connected to be responsive to change in pressure of the 'liquid 30C in the tank.
  • the pressure responsive switch 164 is connected to an electrical circuit with relays ⁇ and other necessary elements, in known manner, to start and stop the motor 161 in response to change in pressure in tank 156.
  • the pressure responsive switch 164 is set to maintain such pressure in the tank as is required to obtain in proper spray from applicator nozzle 158.
  • the sWich is operated to cause the motor 161 to operate to produce more pressure and when the preset pressure is reached, the switch operates to stop motor 161.
  • the para-deb. is sprayed on to the workpieces, they are carried on the main conveyor, tothe 'cooling device, and the para-deb. is then changed to its solid phase and thereafter the workpieces are sewn and processed as previously described.
  • liquid para-deb. may be applied to the workpieces by roller means.
  • roller means 165 are illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • a tank 166 in which is maintained liquid parad.c.b. 30d at constant level, is positioned under a stationary ta-ble 167, the surface of which lies inthe same horizontal plane as the upper run 168 of an endless feeder belt 169, the latter being trained over rollers 170 and 171, one of which is a driven roller.
  • a slot 172 is provided in the upper wall of tank 166 and a slot 173 is provided in the table 167.
  • a driven applicator roll 174 is mounted for rotation so that the lower segment 175 of the cylindrical surface of the roll dips into the liquid para-deb.
  • a driven presser feeder roll 179 mounted for rotation above the roll 174, with its lower cylindrical surface located in such manner that a workpiece introduced into the bite of the rolls 174 and 179 is moved between the rolls in the -direction of arrows 19a.
  • applicator roll 174 Upon rotation of applicator roll 174, a film of liquid para-d.c.b. of substantial thickness is picked up on the surface of the roll and the liquid para-d.c .b.
  • the carrier belt is trained over suitable rollers, one of which 16a is shown in FIG. 7, and the upper run 12a of the carrier belt is positioned in the plane of the table 167.
  • Suitable means such as heater coils 178 in tank 166, are provided for maintaining the para-deb. 30d in liquid form at the desired temperature.
  • the para-deb. may be applied by a daubing method whereby liquid para-d.c.b. is daubed on the workpiece by means of a porous applicator, such as a porous felt or other similar porous material.
  • a porous applicator such as a porous felt or other similar porous material.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 A device of this general ⁇ character is useful in preparing workpieces, such as shirt pockets that are to be sewn on shirts, and the like.
  • the upper and lower plates have cut out portions 186 and 187, respectively, one above the other.
  • a cam disc 190 is pivotally mounted on a stud pin 191 threaded into the shoulder portion 182 of the bottom plate.
  • Fixed to the pivoted cam 190 is a handle 192 pivoted. at its inner end on the pivot provided by the stud pin 191.
  • the cam disc 190 engages the top surface of the upper plate ⁇ 183 and applies a force on the upper presser plate toward the lower plate 181.
  • the cam disc 19.0 is rotated so that it does not lie over the upper plate, then the -upper plate may be swung on hinges 184, and lifted up.
  • a folded workpiece 20w is placed on the lower plate when the upper plate is in its upward or lifted position with the folded edge portion 193 of the workpiece 20w extending beyond the edges 194, 195 ofthe upper and lower chill plates 183, 181.
  • the upper plate is then swung on the hinges 184, 185 to closed position and clamped by turning cam disc and the workpiece 20w is thus clamped in and held in pressed condition with the folded edge portion 193 exposed at the cut out portions 186, 187 at the hinged end of the chill plates.
  • a heated elongated trough 196 Mounted below the upper chill plate and within the cut out portion is a heated elongated trough 196, having a slot opening 197 along its upper wall.
  • a porous felt dauber 198 fits into the slot 197 with a snug fit, with its lower portion 199 extending into the trough and its upper portion 200 extending above the top wall 201 of the trough.
  • a heated conduit 202 communicates with the interior space of the trough 196.
  • the conduit 202 is connected with a source of liquid para-deb. and it is passed through the conduit into the trough in the space surrounding the lower portion 199 of the dauber felt 198. Liquid para-d.c.b.
  • the chill plates will ca-use liquid flowing in the fabric toward the chill plates to be sufficiently cooled to set up a solidified barrier or dam to prevent the liquid from working its way or working into the main body portion of the workpiece lying between the chill plates.
  • the trough 196 is mounted on means for lifting it, together with the dauber, so that the dauber engages the exposed folded edge portion 193 of the workpiece and for lowering it out of contact with the workpiece and to permit opening and closing of the chill plates 183, 181.
  • the trough 196 is mounted on the outer end 203 of a mounting plate 204 which is hinged at its opposite end to a hinge 205 fixed to a suitable support.
  • a wedge member 206 is mounted to be slidably reciprocated in a guide 207 thus to move the wedge inwardly under the trough mounting plate 204 and to move it outwardly to retract it.
  • Means are provided to cool the para-d.c.b. impregnated in the foldedl edge portion 193, to change it to solid phase.
  • the cooling may be done by a flow upon the workpiece of cooled air or water mist or other gaseous medium or even water, if desired.
  • a blower 210 is provided to force cooled air through yconduit 211 having a nozzle or jet 212 to divert the flow of cooling medium on to the workpiece at the place where it is desired to freeze the para-d.c.b. v
  • the foregoing disclosure will suggest other ways, such as the use of solid carbon dioxide, refrigerated air or other gaseous rnedia.
  • the parad.c.b. may be applied in solid c-omminuted form, to desired areas, of the workpieces then -being heated under conditions to melt it so that it will wick in the fabric after which it may be cooled to render it in solid phase and then the workpieces may be sewn and processed as described in the foregoing.
  • the workpieces containing the para-d.c.b. may be passed between tw-o traveling heated endless belts made of a material in which the interstices or pores therein provide a high capillary attraction for the liquid para-deb. so that when the para-d.c.b. is heated a little above its melting point by the belts and squeezed therebetween, this w1ll cause the liquid parad.c.b. to wick off from the workpieces on or into the traveling belt. It is possible to remove approximately 90% of the parad.c.b. by this method.
  • the para-d.c.b. deposited on the belts may be reclaimed by causing them to travel through a zone of higher temperature whereby to vaporize the para-d.c.b., the vapor being recoverable by condensation.
  • para-deb. may be applied to a piece of fabric and, while it is in molten condition, the clothy folded and cooled.
  • a Ipiece of fabric may be stiffened with the para-d.c.b. in solid phase, a hot wire or other suitable heater device applied to the fabric along a straight line, and the fabric then folded at the line made in the fabric by the hot wire.
  • Several pieces of cloth may be temporarily joined together by means of spot welding or line welding of the parad.c.b.
  • the para-deb. may also be applied to prematched plies of cloth, the cloth folded in any desired shape or in any desired number of folds and caused to hold their preformed shape during the stitching or sewing operation.
  • the temperature must 'be maintained atleast a few degrees higher than its'melting point and the workpiece cooled suciently to change the naphthalene from liquid to solid phase for stiffening the fabric which may then be sewn as describedin the foregoing. And after the sewing operation, the stiffener may be removed by heating it to change the naphthalene to vapor which may be condensed and recovered for reuse ⁇
  • naphthalene because of some of its characteristics, is not as well suited for carrying out the inventions, as is parad.c.b.
  • naphthalene vapor is considered to be toxic and special precaution to avoid its toxic effect upon the workmenmust be taken.
  • Para-dichlorobenzene vapors are considered to be harmless to persons under normal conditions.
  • Tetra-butyl alcohol may also be used in practicing the method of the invention. It has a melting point approximately 79 F. and a boiling point 185 F. so the temperatures at which the various steps are conducted must be adjusted accordingly. It is not as desirable for use as a fabric stiffener for purposes of the invention as is parad.c.b.
  • downstream means the direction of travel ⁇ of the conveyor; that is, the direction of travel of the upper run 12 of the conveyor belt 11; i.e., in the direction of arrows 19; and upstream means the opposite direction.
  • the stiffeniug agent suitable for practicing the invention should be a substance which, at the temperatures employed, will not be damaging to the fabric to be sewn. It should have a melting point which is not so high that the fabric would be damaged when it is applied in liquid form and it should be a substance which develops a vapor pressure considerably higher than one atmosphere at temperatures below a temperature which would be damaging to the fabric because this facilitates subliming off or evaporating the substance from the fabric, after the fabric has been sewn, in order to restore the fabric to its initial flexible condition. And preferably the substance should be one which has a melting point higher than room temperature to avoid the necessity of cooling or refrigerating the work area. In order to have a frame of reference, normal room temperature may be taken to be 68 F.
  • the method disclosed herein may be used.
  • the stiffening agent for example, paradichlorobenzene, may be applied in liquid phase simply and quickly to the folded edge portions of the workpieces, such as pockets, cuffs, collars, and the like, when placed in the folding machine or device so that the liquid impregnates the folded edge portions.
  • the impregnated portions are subjected to a cooling step to cool the liquid to below its melting ⁇ point to change the stiffening agent to its solid phase thereby stiffening the fabric whereby the folded portions are maintained in fixed, flat, stiffened condition, and the thus stiffened workpieces will maintain a fixed folded condition for the subsequent sewin-g operations; whereas, when using the conventional pressing and folding machines or devices which ydepend on steam or heat pressing, the folds have a tendency to open, requiring the workman or operator to use particular care in attaching and sewing the workpieces to the garment.
  • the folds of the workpieces may be maintained in stiffened condition without tendency to open during handling and thus the sewing of the workpieces to the garment in proper position is much simplified. And subsequently the 17 fabric may be restored to its initial flexible condition as disclosed herein.
  • a method of preparing a workpiece of initially ifexible fabric to stiffen it and manipulating the workpiece for performing work on it in stiffened condition and thereafter restoring the fabric to flexible condition which comprises supplying an organic stiffening agent having a melting point at a temperature which does not damage the fabric, app-lying said agent in its liquid phase to said fabric to impregnate it with said liquid, changing said agent in the fabric to its 4solid phase by cooling it to below its melting point, thereby to stiffen the impregnated fabric, then performing work on the stiffened fabric, and thereafter subjecting the impregnated fabric to a temperature below that which damages the fabric but sufficiently high and under -conditions to change the stiffening agent to vapor phase without damage to said fabric thereby to remove the stiffening agent and restore the fabric to its initial flexible condition.
  • a methodof preparing a workpiece of initially exible fabric to stiffen it and performing lwork on it in stiffened condition and thereafter restoring the fabric t-o ffexible condition which comprises providing a supply of an organic stiifening agent having a melting point at a temperature which does not damage the fabric and which has a vapor pressure greater than one atmosphere when heated to a temperature up to but not exceeding a temperature damaging to the fabric, applying said agent in its liquid phase to said fabric to impregnate it with said liquid, changing said agent in the fabric to its solid phase by cooling it to below its melting point, thereby to stiffen the impregnated fabric, then performing work on the stiffened fabric, and thereafter subjecting the impregnated fabric to a temperature below that which damages the fabric but sufficiently high and under conditions to change the stiffening agent to vapor phase without damage to said fabric thereby to remove the stiffening agent and restore the fabric to its initial flexible condition.
  • a method of preparing a'workpiece of initially iiexible fabric by stiffening it, then sewing it in stiffened condition and thereafter restoring the fabric to exible condition which comprises providing a supply of an organic substance harmless to the fabric which has a solid, a liquid and a vapor phase and which has a melting point at a temperature above normal room temperature and which can be caused to develop a vapor pressure greater than one atmosphere at a temperature below the temperature at which the fabric would be damaged, applying said substance in its liquid phase to said fabric to impregnate it with said substance in its liquid phase, changing the substance in said fabric from its liquid to its solid phase by cooling it to below its melting point, thereby to stiifen said fabric, sewing the stiffened fabric and thereafter subjecting the fabric to a temperature sufficiently high to 4cause said substance to be changed to its vapor phase but at a temperature below that which would damage the fabric thereby to remove said 'substance from said fabric and restore it to its initial ifexible condition.
  • a method accordingto claim 3 which includes heating the substaance inthe workpiece after it is sewn to a temperature substantially higher than its meling point but lower than its boiling point thereby to remove said substance from said workpiece as vapor, and condensing the vapor to liquid form for reuse.
  • a method of preparing a workpiece of initially flexible fabric to stiifen it and sewing it in stiffened condition and thereafter restoring the fabric to flexible condition which comprises applying para-dichlorobenzene to said fabric and causing said para-di-chlorobenzene to wick in said fabric in its liquid phase, changing said liquid para-dichlorobenzene in said fabric from its liquid to its solid phase by cooling it to below its melting point, thereby to stiifen the impregated fabric, sewing the stiffened fabric, and thereafter subjecting the falbric containing the para-dichlorobenzene to conditions to change the para-dichlorobenzene to vapor phase without damage to said fabric thereby to remove the para-dichlorobenzene and restore the fabric to its initial flexible condition.
  • a method according to claim 5 in which said workpiece is folded prior to application of said liquid paradichlorobenzene to form, at least two plys of fabric, and said liquid para-dichlorobenzene is applied in an area where there are at least two -plys of fabric, prior to cooling the para-dichlorobenzene.
  • a method of preparing a workpiece of initially .flexible fabric to stiffen it and sewing it in stiffened condition and thereafter restoring the fabric to flexible condition which comprises applying para-diclhlorobenzene in its liquid form to a selected area of the workpiece and causing said para-dichlorobenzene to wick in liquid form solid phase, and thereafter removing the para-dichlorobenzene wicked in said area sufficiently to change said liquid para-dichlorobenzen to its solid phase, sewing the workpiece while the para-dichlorobenzene is maintained in solid phase, and thereafter removing the para-chlorobenzene from -said workpiece by subjecting it to conditions which heat the ⁇ para-dichlorobenzen sufficiently to change it to vapor phase, thereby to remove the para-dichlorobenzene and restore the fabric to its initial flexible condition.
  • a method in which the liquid para-dichlor-obenzene is applied to a succession of moving workpieces in a production line and the para-dichlorobenzene is removed in vapor form from said succession of workpieces after the sewing operation, the vapor condensed to liquid form and collected andthe collected liquid reused by applying it to initially flexible workpieces in said production line in cyclic fashion.
  • a method according to claim 9 in which said paradichlorobenzene is applied to said workpieces in a plurality of separate areas on each of the workpieces.
  • a method according to claim 9 in which said sewing is performed by a power driven sewing machine having a reciprocating needle, and the solidified para-dichlorobenzene in said workpieces is heated in a narrow area slightly in advance of the needle, thereby to ,soften said para-dichlorobenzene in said workpieces in the line of stitching.
  • a method according to claim 9 in which said sewing is performed by a power driven sewing machine having a reciprocating needle and the para-dichlorobenzene in said workpieces is heated sufficiently in a narrow area slightly in advance of said needle to vaporize the paradichlorobenzene in the line of stiitching and thereby remove it from said succession of moving workpieces in the line of stitching prior to the sewing of the workpieces.
  • liquid para-dichlorobenzene applied to the workpiece is applied by ⁇ rolling it on to the workpiece from a cylindrical roll.
  • a method of treating a workpiece of initially flexible material to stifen it and performing work on said workpiece in stitfen condition and thereafter restoring the material to its initial flexible condition which comprises applying para-dichlorobenzene to said material and causing said para-dichlorobenzene to wick in said material in its liquid phase and thereby impregnate it with said liquid para-dichlorobenzene, changing said liquid para-dichlorobenzene in said material to its solid phase by cooling it to below its melting point thereby to stitfen the impregnated material, thereafter performing work on said material while in stiffened condition, and after said work is performed on said stifened material subjecting the material containing the para-dichlorobenzene to conditions which change the para-dichlorobenzene to vapor phase without damage to said material thereby to remove the para-dichlorobenzene and restore the material to its initial exible condition.
  • Apparatus for automatically sewing fabric workpieces in a production line of successive workpieces which comprises a travelling conveyor means for moving a succession of workpieces in a fixed path of travel, an applicator means mounted adjacent said path for applying a stiffener agent in liquid phase form for impregnating with said liquid the workpieces moved in succession by said conveyor in said path, a cooling means adjacent said path of travel for cooling the impregnated workpieces moved in said path in succession by said conveyor means for changing the stiffener agent from its liquid to its solid phase thereby to stiffen said workpieces, a power driven sewing machine mounted adjacent said path for sewing said workpieces in stiffened condition while said workpieces are moved by said conveyor means in said path and stiffener agent removing means to remove the stiffener agent from the sewn workpieces by vaporization of the stiffener agent.
  • Apparatus according to claim 18 in which said applicator means comprises a chamber in which to maintain a supply of stiffener agent in its liquid phase, discharge means connected to said chamber and positioned above and adjacent to said path in which said workpieces travel in succession, heat supplying means associated with said chamber for maintaining the stiffener agent therein in liquid form at a predetermined temperature above its melting point, and control means operative to control discharge of liquid from said discharge means on to workpieces moving in said path under said discharge means.
  • control means comprises a solenoid valve operative to open and close said discharge means in response to acti-on of a photoelectric cell mounted on one side of said path, said cell in turn being operative in response to interruption and restoration of a light beam cast upon said cell by a light source positioned on the other side of said path of travel of said workpieces.
  • Apparatus according to claim 19 in which said discharge means comprises nozzle means connected to said chamber for dripping stiffener agent in liquid form on to workpieces moving in said path of travel.
  • Apparatus according to claim 18 in which said applicator means comprises a liquid supply chamber maintaining a supply of stilfener agent in liquid form mounted beneath the path of travel of said workpieces, an applicator roll having a cylindrical peripheral surface, said roll being mounted for rotation with a lower portion of its peripheral surface rotatable beneath the surface of the liquid supply and its upper portion in contact with workpieces moving in said path.
  • cooling means comprises a cooling plate made of heat conductor material mounted adjacent the path of travel of said workpieces over which said workpieces pass for transferring heat from said workpieces to cool the stilfener agent therein to a temperature below its melting point and means to carry away the transferred heat from said plate.
  • Apparatus according to claim 18 in which said sewing machine has at least one reciprocating needle and which apparatus has a heater element ⁇ mounted adjacent said needle and positioned to heat the stiffener agent on said workpiece in its path of travel in advance of said needle.
  • said stiffener agent removal means comprises a heater device mounted to supply a heat zone through which said workpieces pass in their movement in said path of travel to change said stiffener agent to vapor phase.
  • Apparatus according to claim 23 which includes condenser means for condensing said vapor to liquid phase, and a collector chamber in which said condensed liquid is collected.
  • Apparatus according to claim 26 which includes a conduit connected to said collector chamber and to said applicator means, and pump means for transporting thestiffener agent in liquid form from said collector chamber to said applicator means.
  • Apparatus according to claim 27 in which said applicator means includes a supply chamber for temporarily holding a supply of the stiffener agent in liquid form and control means connected with said supply chamber operative in response to a change of liquid level in said chamber to maintain a predetermined supply of stiffener agent in said supply chamber.
  • Apparatus according to claim 27 in which said applicator means includes a supply chamber for temporarily holding a supply of the stitfener agent in liquid form and pressure responsive control means connected to said supply chamber operative in response to change in pressure in said supply chamber for maintaining a predetermined pressure on the liquid in said supply chamber.
  • Apparatus according to claim 18 in which said travelling conveyon means comprises an endless belt trained over rotatable rollers having a run which travels in said fixed path and said applicator means, said cooler means and said sewing machine is mounted adjacent the path of travel of said run and which apparatus includes heating, cooling and condensing devices which heating device has a heating Zone through which said sewn workpieces pass, and heating means in said zone, to heat the stiffener agent in said pieces sufficiently to remove said stiffener agent from said pieces in vapor state, and which condensing device has a chamber in which to collect said agent in its liquid phase and cooling means in said chamber to cause said stitfener agent removed from said pieces in vapor state to be condensed to liquid phase.
  • a device for preparing a workpiece to be sewn and stiffening the workpiece along a folded edge which comprises a Ibase plate, a pressing and clamping plate hinged at one end to said base plate permitting opening and closing of said plates with the folded edge portion of the workpiece extending beyond the edges of said plates, a trough mounted adjacent said end of the base plate, a porous dauber element mounted in said trough, means supplying liquid stitfening agent to said trough, and means to move said trough from its normal position to cause said dauber element to engage the folded edge portion of the workpiece when said workpiece is clamped between said plates and to move said trough back to normal position so that said dauber element is not 21 in engagement with said folded edge portion and means for supplying a cooling fluid to said folded edge
  • a pressing and chill plate device which comprises a pair of cooperating plates movable toward each other to closed position and away from each other to open position and between which the fabric work piece may be pressed with at least one folded edge portion extending beyond the confines of said pair of plates when said plates are moved to closed position, thereby exposing said folded edge portion; means for applying said agent in liquid phase to said exposed folded edge portion to impregnate said folded edge portion with said liquid; means mounted adjacent said plates supplying cooling medium to said exposed edge portion for solidifying the liquid agent in said exposed portion by cooling it to below its melting point thereby to stiien Ithe impregnated fabric; said device, when

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US46495665 1965-06-18 1965-06-18 Method and means for automatic stitching of natural and synthetic fabrics Expired - Lifetime US3329116A (en)

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US46495665 US3329116A (en) 1965-06-18 1965-06-18 Method and means for automatic stitching of natural and synthetic fabrics
FR44564A FR1462684A (fr) 1965-06-18 1965-12-31 Procédé et appareil servant à traiter une étoffe pour la raidir avant de la coudre
DE1966U0012570 DE1685059B2 (de) 1965-06-18 1966-04-01 Verfahren zur vereinfachung des naehvorganges bei automatischen naehanlagen
GB2716766A GB1154382A (en) 1965-06-18 1966-06-17 Improvements in and relating to methods and means for Stitching or Sewing Flexible Fabrics

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DE (1) DE1685059B2 (fr)
FR (1) FR1462684A (fr)
GB (1) GB1154382A (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3663962A (en) * 1970-09-24 1972-05-23 Kimberly Clark Co Process for producing panties
US3690273A (en) * 1969-08-27 1972-09-12 Rudolph Reich Machine installation for forming on successive fields of continuous flexible ribbon complemental parts of decorative patterns
US3694815A (en) * 1970-09-25 1972-10-03 Kimberly Clark Co Method for applying elastic ribbon to fabrics
US3879169A (en) * 1973-04-17 1975-04-22 Us Agriculture Introduction of a temporary stiffness into knitted cotton for stability during patterning
US3921368A (en) * 1973-03-05 1975-11-25 James A Hanley Method of adhesion of surfaces especially as applied to corrugated paper boards

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2203937A (en) * 1938-05-18 1940-06-11 Barco Corp Method of punching or cutting impregnated fabrics
US2630519A (en) * 1947-01-31 1953-03-03 Armstrong Cork Co Method and apparatus for heating material in predetermined areas only preparatory tofurther processing, e. g., shearing
US2992626A (en) * 1956-03-22 1961-07-18 Sucker Gmbh Geb Regulation of nipping pressure of pressure rollers in impregnating machines
US3036537A (en) * 1957-04-09 1962-05-29 Marcus I Breier Materials handling method
US3056691A (en) * 1958-06-11 1962-10-02 Zartl Josef Method for producing an impregnated insulating tape with diagonally positioned threads and tape so produced
US3176643A (en) * 1963-06-26 1965-04-06 Pepperell Mfg Company Method of making a napped fabric

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2203937A (en) * 1938-05-18 1940-06-11 Barco Corp Method of punching or cutting impregnated fabrics
US2630519A (en) * 1947-01-31 1953-03-03 Armstrong Cork Co Method and apparatus for heating material in predetermined areas only preparatory tofurther processing, e. g., shearing
US2992626A (en) * 1956-03-22 1961-07-18 Sucker Gmbh Geb Regulation of nipping pressure of pressure rollers in impregnating machines
US3036537A (en) * 1957-04-09 1962-05-29 Marcus I Breier Materials handling method
US3056691A (en) * 1958-06-11 1962-10-02 Zartl Josef Method for producing an impregnated insulating tape with diagonally positioned threads and tape so produced
US3176643A (en) * 1963-06-26 1965-04-06 Pepperell Mfg Company Method of making a napped fabric

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3690273A (en) * 1969-08-27 1972-09-12 Rudolph Reich Machine installation for forming on successive fields of continuous flexible ribbon complemental parts of decorative patterns
US3663962A (en) * 1970-09-24 1972-05-23 Kimberly Clark Co Process for producing panties
US3694815A (en) * 1970-09-25 1972-10-03 Kimberly Clark Co Method for applying elastic ribbon to fabrics
US3921368A (en) * 1973-03-05 1975-11-25 James A Hanley Method of adhesion of surfaces especially as applied to corrugated paper boards
US3879169A (en) * 1973-04-17 1975-04-22 Us Agriculture Introduction of a temporary stiffness into knitted cotton for stability during patterning

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1685059B2 (de) 1976-04-08
FR1462684A (fr) 1966-12-16
DE1685059A1 (de) 1971-05-06
GB1154382A (en) 1969-06-04

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