Importance

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Abstract

Sheet material (30) is cut into rectangular segments (35). The segments are then moved in sequence parallel to their cut edges (26) rapidly away from the cutting station (34) into a slower operating first sewing station (40) where elastic bands (20, 21) are sewn to the cut head and foot edge portions (26, 27) of the segments. The rapidly moving trailing portion of each segment (35) of sheet material is temporarily accumulated at the accumulation station (39) and progressively fed at a lower rate from the accumulation station to the first sewing station (40). The head and foot edge portions (26, 27) of each segment are folded into overlying relationship with respect to the main body portion by passing the main body portion through a U-shaped turn (49) and at the same time passing the head and foot edge portions through a pair of reverse 90 degree turns (50 and 53). Sewing machines (164, 165) are moved inwardly and then outwardly across the folded edge portions of the segment, thus forming the sewn line of chain stitching (25) diagonally across the corners of the bedsheet (10).

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First Claim