Work Sensing Patents (Class 112/272)
  • Patent number: 11926943
    Abstract: Provided with a cloth movement detection device and a sewing machine capable of precisely detecting a movement of a cloth. A cloth movement detection device includes: a light detection portion configured to detect a light for detecting a movement of a cloth; a body portion configured to be detachably attached to a presser bar of a sewing machine, the light detection portion being installed in the body portion; and a pressing support portion configured to be detachably attached to the body portion, a cloth pressing portion capable of contacting with the cloth being formed on the pressing support portion, wherein a window portion capable of transmitting the light is provided on a bottom surface of the body portion, and the cloth pressing portion is located lower than the bottom surface of the body portion in a state that the pressing support portion is attached to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: JANOME Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuo Takei, Ayuko Hayasaka, Kentaro Akahane
  • Patent number: 11904363
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for textile items sorting comprising a reception station; a textile items recognition station; a pick-up and transferring device including grippers configured to grab individual pieces of textile items, and moving members configured to convey the gripper from the reception station to the textile items recognition station; and a sorting and separating station. The present invention also discloses a method for automatic sorting of textile items comprising the steps of: accumulating textile items within a reception station; picking up textile items from the reception station and transferring them to a textile items recognition station; identifying the textile items in the textile items recognition station; and conveying identified textile items to a sorting and separating station for textile items including several deposits for receiving different kinds of sorted textile items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventors: Eudald Bover Capdevila, Jose Antonio Perez Gracia, Jaume Simonet Comas
  • Patent number: 11015276
    Abstract: Multi-sensor sewing machine with automatic needle speed adjustment. In some embodiments, a sewing machine may include a frame, a needle bar, a motor, a first sensor configured to emit first electromagnetic radiation at a first frequency in order to sense relative movement of the fabric and the frame, a second sensor configured to emit second electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency, that is different from the first frequency, in order to sense relative movement of the fabric and the frame, and a processor. The processor may be configured to control a speed of the motor, determine a translational relative movement of the fabric and the frame based on the sensed relative movement of the first sensor and/or based on the sensed relative movement of the second sensor, and, in response to the determined translational relative movement, alter the speed of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: HANDI QUILTER, INC.
    Inventor: Gary J. Konzak
  • Patent number: 10870938
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a movement amount detector which is configured to detect a movement amount of a workpiece, a motor which is a rotation driving source of an upper shaft configured to provide a vertical motion to a needle bar, and a control device which is configured to control the motor based on detection of the movement amount detector to maintain a constant stitch length. The movement amount detector is supported to be capable of being raised and lowered around a stitch position. The sewing machine includes a pressing unit configured to provide an upward elastic force such that a detection surface of the movement amount detector protrudes from an upper surface of a throat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: JUKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Shiraishi, Naofumi Fukuba, Daishi Kuramashi
  • Patent number: 8633982
    Abstract: A monitoring system for use with a sewing machine. The monitoring system includes a camera assembly mounted to a base of the sewing machine with a camera that collects images from a bottom side of the fabric. The camera assembly delivers images of the back side of the fabric to a monitor assembly that includes a display device. The display device displays the images collected by the camera. The monitor can be mounted to an upper or arm portion of the sewing machine for convenient viewing by the operator during use of the sewing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: A Quilter's Eye, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Gylling, Ren Livingston
  • Publication number: 20120312213
    Abstract: A device controls the speed of needle movement in a sewing machine and thus the stitch length based upon the movement of a motion detection device relative to a reference surface. The formation of stitches by the sewing machine is controlled by detected changes in position of the detection device relative to the reference surface in connection with a predetermined stitch length setting and starting speed, set on either the detection device, an adapter or as part of the sewing machine control. The detection device may move together with the article being sewn while the sewing machine and reference surface remain stationary, or the detection device may move with the sewing machine while the article that is being sewn and reference surface remain stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Handi Quilter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Konzak, Richard K. Eich, Bryan K. Ruggles
  • Patent number: 7889090
    Abstract: A sewing machine including a maintenance information storage that stores maintenance information; an alert element that communicates maintenance information; a cumulative data storage that stores cumulative data of at least either of a sew time or a stitch count; a determiner that determines whether or not a predetermined timing for communicating the maintenance information has been reached based on the cumulative data; an alert count storage that stores an alert count of the maintenance information communicated; and an alert controller that, when determined by the determiner to have reached the predetermined timing for communicating the maintenance information, controls the alert element to communicate the maintenance information for a predetermined number of times based on the alert count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuneo Okuyama, Motoshi Kishi, Hirokazu Hirose
  • Patent number: 7849807
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle bar to which a sewing needle is attached, a sewing machine motor that drives a needle bar mechanism for vertically driving the needle bar via a drive shaft, an information reading device, and a control device. The information reading device is disposed in the vicinity of a needle drop position of the sewing needle and reads out sewing information relating to sewing conditions for the sewing machine each time a mark attached to a work cloth enters into a communication range as the work cloth is moved, the sewing information being stored in an RFID tag included in the mark. The control device controls sewing based on the sewing information read out by the information reading device from the RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Motoshi Kishi, Yoshio Sugiura, Shoichi Taguchi, Masayuki Iwata
  • Patent number: 7620472
    Abstract: A sewing machine executing a free-motion capable of sewing while a workpiece cloth is manually moved by an operator includes a needlebar having a lower end to which a sewing needle is attached, a needlebar driving mechanism vertically driving the needlebar via a main shaft, a presser foot pressing the workpiece cloth manually moved by the operator, an imaging device imaging at least an area of the workpiece cloth near to the sewing needle, a movement amount operating device obtaining by operation a movement amount of the workpiece cloth based on image data from the imaging device, a setting device setting a stitch pitch on the workpiece cloth, a comparing device comparing the obtained movement amount of the workpiece cloth and the set stitch pitch, a cloth movement limiter limiting movement of the workpiece cloth by the manual operation, and a control device controlling the cloth movement limiter according to a result of comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiichi Hamajima
  • Patent number: 7373891
    Abstract: A frame is provided for mounting a fabric layer stack and retaining it in a substantially taut condition. The frame is supported for manually guided movement beneath a fixedly located stitch head and a detector is provided to produce signals representing the magnitude of frame translation, and thus the magnitude of stack translation. The detector signals are applied to control circuitry to actuate the stitch head at a rate related to stack translation speed. The frame is supported by bearings; wheels, slides, etc, which permit the frame to be freely manually guided across a frame supporting surface beneath the stitch head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Ralph J. Koerner
  • Patent number: 7325502
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling movement of the needle in a sewing machine (1) based on a detection device (27), which detects the movements of the visible surface of the manually displaceable article to be sewn (3) is provided. The stitch formation of the sewing machine (1) is controlled by detected changes in positions of the article to be sewn (3) in connection with a predetermined stitch length. The detection device (27) can be integrated into a sewing foot (23) entirely or partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina-Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Michael König, Gérard Durville, Wolfgang Zesch
  • Patent number: 6959657
    Abstract: An optical stitch regulator system for efficiently regulating the stitch length and stitch frequency of a sewing machine. The optical stitch regulator system includes at least one optical sensor within or external of the sewing platform of a sewing machine for sensing the motion of the fabric being sewn. The motion data is communicated to a control unit which communicates with the sewing machine for controlling the stitch length and frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Richard J. Duval
  • Patent number: 6883446
    Abstract: A quilting apparatus for enabling a user to freely move a stack of fabric layers across a planar bed relative to an actuatable stitch head. The apparatus includes a motion detector which detects the movement of the stack and controls the actuation of the stitch head. Consequently, the apparatus functions to synchronize the delivery of stitch strokes by the head with the manually controlled movement of the quilt material stack. This frees the user to move the stack over a wide range of speeds, to start or stop movement at will, and to guide the stack in any direction across the planar bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Ralph J. Koerner
  • Patent number: 6725792
    Abstract: A placket sewing machine attaches a placket patch to a fabric part of a garment in overlying relation to form a multiple layer placket assembly. The placket sewing machine includes a base defining a working surface of the sewing machine. A reciprocating needle chuck has first and second needle openings formed in a staggered forward and rearward arrangement. First and second sewing needles are positioned within respective needle openings of the chuck. The sewing needles are adapted for carrying respective ends of thread into and through the overlaid placket patch and fabric part to form first and second parallel lines of stitches in the placket assembly. The first line of stitches extends a greater distance along the length of the overlaid placket patch and fabric part than the second line of stitches. A sewing motor is operatively connected to the needle chuck for actuating the chuck during operation of the sewing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: John E. Fox, Inc.
    Inventor: Billie W. Hartsell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6715435
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sewing machine for positioning a line of stitches a predetermined distance from an edge of a workpiece. The edge tracing sewing machine includes a machine body with a reciprocable needle mounted therein. The needle is reciprocated between an upward and a downward position at which it pierces a moving workpiece, passing a thread therethrough. The edge tracing sewing machine also includes a plurality of illuminable units that communicate stitch positioning to a machine operator, allowing the operator to manually adjust the lateral position of the workpiece, maintaining the stitch positioning within a predetermined tolerance from specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Wieczorek, Patricia M. Woollcott
  • Patent number: 6527403
    Abstract: A sewing machine with a light barrier used to detect the edge of a workpiece has an optical light guide (17) connected to the light source (15). The optical guide (17) is arranged in the thread guide hook (12). The thread guide hook (12) is fastened to the front side of the head (4) of the housing and is designed as a small tube for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pfaff Industrie Maschinen AG
    Inventor: Karl-Ludwig Manuel
  • Patent number: 6415726
    Abstract: A placket sewing machine attaches a placket patch to a fabric part of a garment in overlying relation to form a multiple layer placket assembly. The placket sewing machine includes a base defining a working surface of the sewing machine, and including a fabric moving feed dog for moving the overlaid placket patch and fabric part downstream through the sewing machine. A reciprocating needle chuck has first and second needle openings formed in a staggered forward and rearward arrangement. First and second sewing needles are positioned within respective needle openings of the chuck. The sewing needles are adapted for carrying respective ends of thread into and through the overlaid placket patch and fabric part to form first and second parallel lines of stitches in the placket assembly. The first line of stitches extends a greater distance along the length of the overlaid placket patch and fabric part than the second line of stitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: John E. Fox, Inc.
    Inventor: Billie W. Hartsell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6336417
    Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention comprises a sensor and a control circuit. The sensor is disposed near a needle drop portion of a needle plate and detects the quantity of light transmitted through cloths passing over the needle plate. The control circuit determines defective sewing from increase and decrease of said light quantity. The control circuit comprises means for storing the averaged value of the light transmitted in a few stitches of initial sewing operation, and means for determining defective sewing continuously from the initial sewing operation by comparing the average value with the value of the light transmitted and detected each time. Thus, it is possible to immediately start the practical sewing operation without taking time for test sewing or other extra jobs even when every cloth to be sewn is different in properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Pagasus Sewing Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Kawahito, Masahito Saito
  • Patent number: 6308647
    Abstract: An interlock stitch sewing machine for blindstitch hemming with a slippage preventing device is provided which is so constructed as to prevent slippage that is likely to occur due to a position error of a lower fabric portion of the fabric portions stacked by a top-stitching at the fabric end, or a locally deformed portion due to a cutting error, in the blindstitch hemming of a tubular article such as T-shirts or underwear. A top-stiching width guide and a fabric edge guide are oppositely disposed in front of a needle location. A slippage detecting sensor that detects the edge position of the lower fabric portion to detect the presence of slippage, is attached to the fabric edge guide. When the slippage quantity detected by the sensor exceeds a permissible slippage quantity, it is determined there is possibility of slippage, and an informing means is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Yamato Sewing Machine Seizo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Okabe, Norio Nakata, Hiromichi Kurata, Takayoshi Masaoka, Itsuo Sakai
  • Patent number: 5868090
    Abstract: A placket sewing machine is provided for attaching a placket patch to a fabric part of a garment. The placket patch and fabric part are positioned in overlying relation to form a multiple layer placket assembly. The placket patch has a leading end for being fed together with the fabric part through the sewing machine, and a trailing end. A sewing head is mounted above the base of the machine, and includes at least one reciprocating sewing needle. The sewing head is operatively connected to a motor for actuating the sewing needle. A controller controls operation of the sewing motor. A throat plate supports the overlaid placket patch and fabric part on the working surface of the machine base in an area of the sewing needle. The throat plate includes a side extension located outside of the area of the sewing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: John E. Fox, Inc.
    Inventor: Billie W. Hartsell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5862767
    Abstract: A placket sewing machine is provided for attaching a placket patch to a fabric part of a garment. The placket patch and fabric part are positioned in overlying relation to form a multiple layer placket assembly. The placket patch has a leading end for being fed together with the fabric part through the sewing machine, and a trailing end. A sewing head is mounted above the base of the machine, and includes at least one reciprocating sewing needle. The sewing head is operatively connected to a motor for actuating the sewing needle. A controller controls operation of the sewing motor. A throat plate supports the overlaid placket patch and fabric part on the working surface of the machine base in an area of the sewing needle. The throat plate includes a side extension a located outside of the area of the sewing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: John E. Fox, Inc.
    Inventor: Billie W. Hartsell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5782192
    Abstract: An automated sewing system including a loading unit, a seam folding unit and a sewing unit which are mounted on a support table. The automated sewing system further includes a control system for monitoring and controlling the loading unit, seam folding unit and sewing unit. The loading unit includes a loading assembly for receiving the two articles and a conveying assembly for advancing the two articles to the seam folding unit. The seam folding unit includes a seam folder for receiving the edges of the articles therethrough to interlock the edges of the articles and a conveying assembly for advancing the two articles to the sewing unit. The sewing unit includes a sewing machine which sews the two articles together at the seam to produce a sewn product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: VMW Automated Apparel Equip.
    Inventors: Jerry S. Kear, Larry C. Dulaney, Douglas H. Capps
  • Patent number: 5769017
    Abstract: The sewing apparatus of the invention is applied, for example, in sewing of a tape-form circular rib to the end portion of a tubular cloth such as the waist portion of briefs. A cutter 19 disposed in front of the needle drop point 5 of the sewing machine cuts the tubular cloth C along the direction matching with the cloth feed direction. A cloth end correcting device guides the end portion of the set tubular cloth C in a direction crossing the cutting line of the cutter 19. A cloth end detector 26 detects the end portion of the tubular cloth C at a first position on the cutting line parallel to the cloth feed direction passing through the cutter 19 and a second position remote from the cutting line in a direction crossing the cloth feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Pegasus Sewing Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 5562060
    Abstract: A waist band (18) is placed in straddling relationship about spindles (11-14). The waist edge (24) of the garment body (19) is telescoped about the waist band (18), also in straddling relationship about the spindles (11-14). The garment parts are advanced by the rotation of the spindles (11-14) past a sewing needle (17) that forms a line of stitching at the aligned edges of the shirt body and waist band. In the meantime, the end spindles (11 and 13 and 14) move longitudinally along the sewing path to adjust the position of the waist band in response to the position of the folded edges (22, 23) of the waist band (18) as detected by band sensor 128, and the star wheels (119) engage and urge the waist band (18) and the garment body (19) toward or away from the sewing path (16) as controlled by band and body edge sensors (112, 129).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Atlanta Attachment Company
    Inventors: Elvin C. Price, Preston B. Dasher, Gerald C. Valentine
  • Patent number: 5215020
    Abstract: An optical sensor (22) for an evaluating device on a sewing machine has a light transmitter (4) and a light receiver (21), which is separate from the light transmitter (4), and is arranged in a needle plate (17) in the path of the beam from the light transmitter (4). The transition (24) between the needle plate (17) and the support (15) is designed as an interface (25) with predescribed positions for transferring electronic signals and predescribed positions being fitted as contacts (26,27) and counter-contacts (28,29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Union Special GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Pordzik
  • Patent number: 5213052
    Abstract: A sewing machine is provided with an adjusting device for hem projection length sensors that can be moved relative to a cutting device, wherein the first hem projection length sensor is provided for sending a signal that brings about a cutting process for the front hem projection length, and the second of the sensors is provided for sending a signal that brings about a cutting process for the rear hem projection length. The length of the respective hem projection length and the width of an associated seamless fabric edge shall be able to be set depending on each other with minimum operator effort by the adjusting device both at the beginning and the end of the fabric. The adjusting device has a stop that is movable in the direction of feed for the front edge of the fabric for presetting the width of a seamless front fabric edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: G. M. Pfaff Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Wilke
  • Patent number: 5211120
    Abstract: A programmable sewing machine is disclosed in which, by means of input elements associated with a control device, the program parts predetermining the operation are selected, connected together and/or linked, the sewing machine being controlled accordingly, and the seams or seam lengths being predetermined by sewn stitches between two points of a material to be sewn and in which as a function of the performance of the stitches predeterminable outputs associated with the control unit are switched. Stitch elements, defined by sewn stitches, and time elements, defined as the time connections between two points of the operation, are interconnected in a random order preselectable by the operator in accordance with the operation. When performing both stitch elements and time elements, outputs can be switched in controlled by the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Marcelo S. de Oliveira
  • Patent number: 5188047
    Abstract: For the production of circular seams with overlapped ends on a workpiece, a sewing machine driven in a controlled manner and provided with a marker for applying a mark, and a sensor for detecting the mark after marking the workpiece with a mark. The workpiece is sewn until the mark is effectively detected by the sensor which is disposed in a predetermined relationship to the marker, and thus initiates a control operation which initiates the end of the sewing operation in dependence upon a particular number of oversewn stitches. The mark may be applied and detected on the work material in one operating cycle. Thus, for example, circular workpiece openings may be sewn in such a way that the seam end is matched to the start of the seam in spite of different diameters of the work piece opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Union Special GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Rohr, Wolfgang Norz
  • Patent number: 5159874
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and transporting workpieces from a pickup location to a seaming location on a worksurface. Workpieces are rotated through a user-determinable seaming angle so as to re-position the workpiece for sewing a pure straight/angled seam at the seaming location. The device includes a self-compensation system wherein seaming of the workpiece will commence at the leading edge thereof regardless of the initial position of the workpiece at the pickup location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Union Special Corporation
    Inventors: Maximilian Adamski, Jr., Stephen Ruderman, Robert G. Tegel
  • Patent number: 4974535
    Abstract: By means of this method and apparatus for sewing a seam, it is possible to end a seam exactly at a predetermined location. When the predetermined location is reached, the forward movement of the sewing material is interrupted, and only the stitch that had been begun at the time of the interruption is completed. In this way, on the one hand, visually attractive seams can be produced and, on the other hand, it is possible to sew a small part onto a main part with a seam which does not extend past the small part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Durkoppwerke GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Plassmeier, Heinz Goldbeck
  • Patent number: 4967676
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a stepped portion between an upper cloth and a lower cloth on which the upper cloth is mounted, including a light-emitter for transmitting light to a light receiver. The stepped portion is detected based on a decrease in light received by the light receiver. In order to assure detection of the stepped portion, an optimum amount of light to be emitted from the light-emitter is determined so that a deviation between a transmissivity of the lower cloth and a transmissivity of both cloths arranged in a layered configuration may be maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiichiro Hagino, Tsukasa Ando
  • Patent number: 4958579
    Abstract: A device for sewing the edges of a mattress contains a movable supporting face, a sewing mchine, and a swingable arm cooperating with holding means for swinging the mattress around one of its corners. Furthermore, sensors for sensing the position of the mattress are provided, as well as a control device for activating the swingable arm, dependent on the signals issued by the sensors. The control device also contains counting devices and memory elements for automatically stitching one complete edge of a mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Antonius M. De Weers
  • Patent number: 4947771
    Abstract: A sewing machine for making a threefold hem in each of the legs of a pair of trousers has a folding guide member for turning a bottom edge of the trouser leg inwardly of the trouser leg, a revolving roller positioned below the folding guide member for rocking motion in a direction rightwards and leftwards, and a detecting plate positioned above the folding guide member for the detection of the passage of at least one seam in the trouser legs over the folding guide member and movable up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Hams Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuji Miyachi, Keniti Miyake
  • Patent number: 4924790
    Abstract: A sewing machine with a cloth-edge detector has a light source for casting light on a sensing point on a cloth, and a light receiver for generating an intensity signal according to the intensity of the received light. Before sewing, a reference signal is set at an average of two intensity signals that are gauged before and after a cloth edge. The cloth edge can be detected by comparing the intensity signal from the light receiver with the reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ikuzo Kondo, Tsutomu Makihara
  • Patent number: 4911092
    Abstract: A hemmer seamer assembly comprising an apparatus for positioning a chain of stitches for stitching onto fabric having a needle and a throat plate, including a device for positioning the chain of stitches forwardly of the needle, and a device for moving the fabric to the throat plate for sewing the chain onto the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Union Special Corporation
    Inventors: Maximilian Adamski, Jr., Robert L. Kosrow, Stephen Ruderman
  • Patent number: 4858541
    Abstract: An apparatus for terminating the last stitch at a predetermined point including two workpiece-end detectors, one working to reduce the stitching speed and the other working to terminate the last stitch at the predetermined point with reduced speed. Where the number of stitches (D) to be conducted at the reduced speed exceeds number of stitches (R) necessary to reduce the speed, stitching without reducing speed continues and the number of stitches is operated as (D-R), and then the speed is reduced. Thus, stitching speed is increased. The above processes are automatically conducted through a CPU (Central Processing Unit) by input of the necessary data, namely, the original stitch pitch (P), the margin distance (a), the number of stitches (R) necessary to reduce speed, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Tokyo Juki Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Ozawa
  • Patent number: 4848256
    Abstract: A workpiece detector for a sewing machine including a rotatable detecting lever in which small angular displacements at the end of the detecting lever, caused by differences in workpiece thickness, are multiplied mechanically causing the rotation of an electrical converter. Detectable output signals are generated such that overlapping of workpieces or the end of a workpiece may be detected during stitching. The length of the detecting lever is adjustable such that the detecting point may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Tokyo Juki Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Torao Ohchi
  • Patent number: 4817542
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the terminus of cloth being sewn by a sewing machine. A plurality of sensors are disposed on a path along which the cloth is fed and at positions upstream of the needle, and they each consist of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion paired and disposed in opposition. A detector electrically detects a set cloth feed amount, and a selection circuit operates to electrically select one of the sensors which is positioned at the optimum position with respect to the set cloth feed amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsukasa Ando, Seiichiro Hagino
  • Patent number: 4800830
    Abstract: A hemmer seamer assembly comprising an apparatus for positioning a chain of stitches for stitching onto fabric having a needle and a throat plate, including a device for positioning the chain of stitches forwardly of the needle, and a device for moving the fabric to the throat plate for sewing the chain onto the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Union Special Corporation
    Inventors: Maximilian Adamski, Robert L. Kosrow, Stephen Ruderman
  • Patent number: 4796305
    Abstract: A garment has a collar/lapel which is produced by folding a part of the boundary area between a body piece and a flyback. A first expansible and contractible interfacing member is fitted to an area of the body which becomes the rear side of the collar/lapel when it is folded but no interfacing is fitted to the area of the flyback which becomes the front side of the collar/lapel when it is folded. A second expansible and contractible interfacing member is fitted to the area of the flyback which becomes a rear side of the collar when it is folded. A stitch by means of which the first expansible and contractible member is sewn to the body is provided in the proximity of the position where the first expansible and contractible interfacing member fitted to the body is folded as a collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Mitsuru Itoh
  • Patent number: 4748922
    Abstract: In order to mechanically prefabricate fitted elastic bedsheets of such dimensions that the manual work steps still required for completion of the fitted elastic bedsheets can be carried out efficiently in a short time, a device is provided which includes a first conveyor device for a strip of cloth, from which the individual fitted elastic bedsheets are cut. The first conveyor device intermittently draws lengths of the strip corresponding to the cut lengths of the fitted elastic bedsheets from a supply. A cutting device is provided at the end of the first conveyor device. At a right angle to first conveyor device is arranged a second device for the pieces of cloth which are cut by cutting device from strip of cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Texas Arbter Mashinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Joe Bierbaum, Siegfried Henze, Karl Mussig, Hans Ziegler
  • Patent number: 4732095
    Abstract: A sewing machine automatically sews a seam which ends at a desired point. The last n stitches, preferably the last two stitches, are of substantially equal length. A counter counts pulses while the work is being fed to the needle. The machine detects when the trailing edge of the work passes by a predetermined location ahead of the needle. Upon such detection, the contents of the counter are used to calculate the proper stitch pitch for the last two stitches. The stitch pitch is varied as necessary during sewing of the last two stitches in the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Tokyo Juki Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Saito, Sumio Goto, Jiro Ishibashi, Masakazu Nemoto
  • Patent number: 4732096
    Abstract: A sewing station has a sewing machine and a feed device with a holder for the product being stitched that is driven by at least one drive mechanism to execute a predeterminable course of motion. To prevent damage or destruction of components of the stitching area from deviations of the holder for the produce being stitched from the predetermined course of motion, the stitching station has a monitor that includes a marking and a sensor conforming to the form of stitch to be made. These are movable relative to one another as a function of the motion of the holder for the product being stitched. The sensor is connected to a control circuit to emit a switching signal after the occurrence of an error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Pfaff AG
    Inventor: Gunther Mall
  • Patent number: 4729329
    Abstract: A device for detecting the passage of the edge (4a) of a piece of material (4), not parallel to the advancing direction (A) of the material for a sewing machine including a presser foot (2), a needle (1) and a needle plate (3). The device comprises a sensor (7) for generating a magnetic field and a sensor (10) responsive to this magnetic field. A magnet is coupled to the presser foor (2) so that it is on the one hand, applied to the piece of material (4) at a point situated at a distance and in front of the needle (1) of the sewing machine relatively to the advancing direction (A) of the material, and on the other hand, is moved with respect to the presser foot (2) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the needle plate (3). The sensor is mounted opposite the magnet and fixedly in the sewing machine, under the needle plate (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Prouvost S.A.
    Inventor: Charly Leclaire
  • Patent number: 4722291
    Abstract: An automatic stitch pitch adjusting apparatus for a sewing machine allows the last stitch point to be terminated at a pre-set point. Three workpiece-end sensors are positioned respective a needle hole position to precisely calculate the required actual stitch line length. Reference signals generated by rotation of a main shaft are used to calculate both the required number of stitchings and the adjusted stitch pitch to terminate stitching at the pre-set point. Where the workpiece end line is not normal against the feeding line, the pre-set margin distance is adjusted to calculate the actual required stitching line length to the last pre-set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Tokyo Juki Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sumio Goto
  • Patent number: 4696246
    Abstract: A device for detecting an overlapping edge of material on a sewing machine has, in combination, a signal-level discriminator and an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide has a light-receiving end on the sewing machine for receiving light through the overlapping edge of the material. The optical waveguide may be an optic fiber which, because of its small, flexible size can be accommodated easily even in the crowded sewing head or bed of an industrial sewing machine. The other end of the optical waveguide is remote from the light-receiving end for providing the received light to the signal-level discriminator which, therefore, is also remote from the crowded sewing head or bed of the sewing machine which, in addition, could interfere with its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Frankl & Kirchner GmbH
    Inventors: Gustav Rohr, Gerd Nohl
  • Patent number: 4696244
    Abstract: A bag closing container device applies a strip of closure tape to a container, and sews stitches through the tape and container walls, as the container is moved past a closure station. A first sensor, located near an encoder disc driven by the container transport motor, generates a signal proportional to the container transport speed. An idler roller frictionally engaged with the closure tape carries an indicator wheel, which generates in a second sensor a signal proportional to the tape speed. The thread used in stitching the containers is wrapped around a detector wheel on its way to the closure station, and is frictionally engaged with the wheel. Wheel rotation generates in a third sensor a signal proportional to thread speed. The device includes a microprocessor which receives the signals as inputs, continually compares container transport speed and thread speed, and generates a thread fault indication if the thread and container speeds deviate from a preselected ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Doboy Packaging Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Sampson, Marvin E. Rosen
  • Patent number: 4693460
    Abstract: A garment portion loader utilizes a plurality of photo-electric sensors to determine the positions of garment portions at selected stations including a delivery assembly which supplies garment portions for loading, a pick-up assembly which removes garment portions from the delivery assembly and places them on an alignment conveyor, and an alignment assembly which aligns the garment portions with a pre-established standard relative to the alignment conveyor. A rejection assembly is provided to remove garments which are not properly aligned. The loader may be controlled by a microprocessor receiving input from the sensors and controlling the various assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Russell Corporation
    Inventors: Fletcher D. Adamson, James M. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 4691652
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for automatically carrying out an end portion of stitching so that this latter is finished at a constant distance from the edge of the material whose passage in front of a fixed point is detected by a sensor (20, 21). In accordance with the invention, during a recording operation, the number of pulses (33) counted on the appearance of the signal delivered by the sensor (20, 21) as well as the final number of pulses are recorded and during reproduction, the number of pulses recorded (33) when the signal appears from the sensor (20, 21) is substituted for the number of pulses (37) counted and the number of pulses thus reinitialized are compared with the final number of pulses (35) for controlling the sewing machine (10) forming complete stitches and possibly a last reduced stitch depending on the results of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Prouvost S.A.
    Inventor: Charly Leclaire
  • Patent number: 4674422
    Abstract: A method of sewing and an automatic sewing apparatus for accurately aligning fabric pieces and continuously fed zipper chain at a sewing station and sequentially thereafter sewing the chain into the fabric in zipper-closed condition, cutting the chain to a length determined by the length of the fabric, cutting the sewing thread upon completion of the sewing operation and stacking the assembled fabric and zipper combination for subsequent removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Boser