Importance

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Abstract

Circumferential stitching of a tubular workpiece is assisted by means of a moving support and feed system which includes a rotatable drum of smaller diameter than the workpiece having an upper end surface positioned adjacent to a stitching station with a conventional stitching mechanism. The workpiece is prepared for stitching by pulling it axially onto the drum like a sleeve. The portion of the workpiece to be stitched is then advanced transversely through the stitching station by a puller which engages the top of the workpiece while the drum is rotated synchronously to keep the workpiece from twisting. A portion of the drive system for the stitching mechanism runs through the interior of the rotating drum. A blind cutter next to the stitching station enables the operator to cut excess thread inside the workpiece after stitching simply by moving the workpiece in a certain manner. The apparatus is particularly designed for sewing a series of spaced reinforcing rings on a long flexible tube of fireproof fabric.

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First Claim