Auxiliary sewing machine feed mechanism for large articles - has perforated moving belt on which articles are held by suction

Sewing machine has a feed mechanism in addition to the usual intermittent feed-dogs, for carrying articles of large surface-area through the sewing zone, comprising an endless belt having an array of apertures through which air can pass, which travels over a stationary suction-box having in its upper surface a series of air-inlet slots. The belt is driven by an independent electric motor whose speed may be adjusted either to synchronize with the intermittent feed-dogs or to maintain a fixed speed differential with the dogs. Suction device enables the articles being sewn to be held against the feed-belt without abscuring them from sight. No extra manipulations are required to engage the workpiece with the feed mechanism, and it can be easily released at a pre-determined position.