Apparatus for automatically controlling movement of material with

Abstract

Apparatus for automatically controlling movement of an area of material with respect to a work point in a machine in which revolvable control means continuously engages the region of the material in front of the work point and in close proximity to that point. An exemplification of the invention is in a sewing machine in which pressure exerting means urges revolvable control means into guiding engagement with that front region in the fabric as the material advances over the support toward the work point, for guiding and smoothing the fabric material and enabling a wide variety of stretchable as well as stiff fabrics to be guided quickly, accurately and effectively. Reversible drive means moves the revolvable control means laterally toward the right or left for lateral guidance of said front region of the fabric material in front of the work point to produce the desired stitching path, and control means are provided for operating the apparatus which may follow a contrasting portion of the workpiece such as its edge. The revolvable control means may be arranged to exhibit a differential frictional action so as to exert a greater frictional engagement with the fabric workpiece with respect to movement laterally, i.e. to the right or left, as compared with the effect of the control means upon advancing workpiece.