John R Keys

US Patent:

56032706, Feb 18, 1997

Filed:

May 15, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/441607

Inventors:

M. Burl White - Coral Springs FL
John Keys - Hallandale FL
Roland Bulnes - Margate FL
James T. Frazer - Coral Springs FL

Assignee:

L&P Property Management Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

D05B 1100

US Classification:

112117

Abstract:

A quilting method and apparatus in which ticking or facing material changes are effected, preferably under the control of a programmed computer or controller, by automatically retrieving, and preferably also splicing onto a web, selected materials from a facing material supply. The controller preferably also controls a quilter in the stitching of selected patterns along a web, and coordinates the positions of the patterns and material splices between the patterns, in response to measurements and calculations of dimensional changes between infeed webs, quilted tensioned web and cut untensioned panels. Storage compartments are provided for a variety of facing materials, preferably rolls thereof. A retrieval mechanism moves webs selected by the programmed controller to a feed position adjacent the quilter. Preferably, the storage compartments are moveable and suspended from an endless conveyor, and the retrieval mechanism also includes a two holder transfer arm that can exchange webs between the conveyor and a quilter feed position.