Pattern Cutting Patents (Class 700/134)
  • Patent number: 11919188
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for cutting cut parts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18), wherein the cut parts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) produce a cutting pattern (7), said method having the following method step: cutting (106) the cut parts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18), wherein the cut parts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) are arranged in a rectangular, repeating portion (9, 9?) of an endless single ply material web (19), wherein the portion (9) at least one cut part (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) or at least one cutting pattern (7) is contained in part (10, 11). The method additionally comprises a computer program product and a device for cutting by means of a cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: HEFA Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Gunnar Held, Achim Zinke
  • Patent number: 11718114
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for templated pattern-based self-directed garment assembly. In an embodiment of the invention, a self-directed garment assembly method includes loading into memory a template of patterns forming a garment and retrieving from memory, at least one data record specifying at least one assembly instruction for assembling the garment from the patterns of the template. Thereafter, the assembly instruction may be embedded in the template adjacent to at least one of the patterns. Finally, the template is printed on a large format printer with the at least one assembly instructions onto fabric selected as a basis for the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Resonance Companies LLC
    Inventor: Christian Georghe
  • Patent number: 11712904
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods that couple effective nesting of fabric, as part of a textile cutting process, in which designs and/or graphic elements are directly printed on the nested elements, instead of on the entire textile sheet. Embodiments of the invention can address issues of waste and redundant printing, such as by starting with a blank textile roll, and printing only in the geometry areas of the patterns. Embodiments of the invention can increase fabric yield, because there are no constraints between the pattern geometries and the textile sheet print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventors: Asaf Landau, Ron Grinfeld, Ghilad Dziesietnik
  • Patent number: 11639069
    Abstract: A process for mounting a printing plate on a carrier sheet, including disposing registration indicia on the plate, placing the carrier sheet on a cutting table of a cutting system, mounting the plate to the carrier sheet, detecting absolute coordinates of the registration indicia; and cutting the carrier sheet along a cut line having absolute coordinates generated based upon the detected absolute coordinates. A related system includes the cutting system with the cutting table, a camera for detecting the registration indicia, a processor, a cutter, a controller, and a computer memory programmed with instructions for instructing the controller to detect the indicia, calculate the absolute coordinates for the cut line based upon the detected absolute coordinates and stored relative coordinates for the cut line, and cutting the carrier sheet along the cut line. Computer readable media containing such programmed instructions is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Esko-Graphics Imaging GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Scheele, Nils Kay, Jan Buchweitz, Pascal Thomas
  • Patent number: 11542190
    Abstract: A glass sheet processing apparatus includes a first gantry assembly that extends across a glass sheet in a cross-machine direction. The first gantry assembly includes a processing head that moves along a length of the first gantry assembly and includes a laser comprising an optical arrangement positioned in a beam path of the laser providing a laser beam focal line that is formed on a beam output side of the optical arrangement. A second gantry assembly extends across the glass sheet in the cross-machine direction. The second gantry assembly includes a processing head that moves along a length of the second gantry assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank Fabian Herrnberger, Michael Klein, Albert Roth Nieber, Florian Spaeth, Marco Wolfert
  • Patent number: 11259872
    Abstract: A method and system are provided to intraoperatively adjust the dimensions of a pre-operatively planned implant cavity to improve implant fit in a bone. The method includes obtaining a preoperative image data set of the bone. A surgical plan is generated using the image data set and/or a three-dimensional (3-D) bone model of the patient's bone generated from the image data set. Intraoperatively, the patient's bone is exposed and registered to the surgical plan and a computer assisted surgical system. The computer assisted surgical system having a cutting tip and a force sensor for sensing actual forces exerted on the cutting tip as an initial cut is created on the bone at a first bone region. Based on the difference between the actual cutting force and the expected cutting force in the plan, the dimensions of the cavity are adjusted accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Think Surgical Inc.
    Inventor: Micah Forstein
  • Patent number: 10894332
    Abstract: A system and method utilizes strategies, priority rules, specifications, and comparisons to calculate the fewest number of cuts to separate individual instances from an imaged media sheet. Embodiments of the systems and methods may produce an optimal or more efficient arrangement of the media instances on an imaged media to minimize a total number of cuts to separate the instances, and thus reduce an overall cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Rohan John Holt, James Michael McBride
  • Patent number: 10795333
    Abstract: A position correcting system, method and tool for guiding a tool during its use based on its location relative to the material being worked on. Provided is a system and tool which uses its auto correcting technology to precisely rout or cut material. The invention provides a camera which is used to track the visual features of the surface of the material being cut to build a map and locate an image on that map used to reference the location of the tool for auto-correction of the cutting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Shaper Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Alec Rothmyer Rivers, Ilan Ellison Moyer
  • Patent number: 10589383
    Abstract: A laser cutting machine includes at least one galvo having a galvo field of view in which the galvo can cut a material moving with a speed past the galvo. A display in the machine provides an image of at least one pattern to be cut from a material, the pattern comprising of a plurality of objects with each object having a position on the material and each object comprising at least one cut. An optimizer in the machine receives the position on the material of each object of the pattern and assigns a start locations for each cut of each object and a trigger distance for each object to maximize the speed at which the material moves past the galvo while ensuring that each object is cut by the galvo at the object's respective position on the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: PRECO, INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Roffers, Daniel B. Miller
  • Patent number: 10580185
    Abstract: Techniques for generating and using digital markups on digital images are presented. In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at an electronic device, a digital layout image that represents a form of a product for manufacturing a reference product; generating a digital markup layout by overlaying the digital markup image over the digital layout image; based on the digital markup layout, generating one or more manufacturing files comprising digital data for manufacturing the reference product; receiving a digital reference image of the reference product manufactured based on the one or more manufacturing files; identifying one or more found markup regions in the digital reference image; based on the found markup regions, generating a geometry map and an interactive asset image; based on, at least in part, the geometry map, generating a customized product image by applying a user pattern to the interactive asset image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Zazzle Inc.
    Inventor: Young Harvill
  • Patent number: 10275722
    Abstract: A method of machining a cellular core (14) includes mounting the core (14) atop a table (12) in a multi-axis Computerized Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine (10). The machine (10) is operated to self-scan the core (14) and self-recognize individual cells (30) arranged laterally in columns and longitudinally in rows. A machining path (E) is self-generated from the pre-recognized cells (30), and the core (14) is then machined along the self-generated machining path (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: The NORDAM Group, INC.
    Inventors: David Ross White, Jason Adam Dickey
  • Patent number: 10195682
    Abstract: A system and method for cutting a workpiece utilizing a plasma cutting tool of fixed cut width into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts using a tool of fixed cutting width; utilizing this cut contour of fixed width as part of the contour on an adjacent part fully overlapping the cut width. The process is repeated until all the required parts are cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew Fagan
  • Patent number: 10152045
    Abstract: In a machining system that conducts nesting to arrange parts over a workpiece and machines the workpiece with a machine tool according to a result of the nesting, there is an automatic programming device for preparing a nesting machining program for the machine tool, wherein nested workpiece information relating to the workpiece nested is acquired according to the information relating to the parts and the information relating to the workpiece, sections that require no re-nesting in the nested workpiece information are locked according to the operator's designation, re-nesting is conducted on sections other than the locked sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: AMADA HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Nakata, Chitra Malini Thanapandi, Ravindran Dhanabalan
  • Patent number: 10071525
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing apparatus and methods. An exemplary apparatus for fabricating components via additive manufacturing may include a programmable CNC machine. The CNC machine may comprise a first worktable extending in a first plane and a second worktable extending in a second plane, wherein the second plane is oriented at an angle relative to the first plane. At least one conveyor belt may be operably coupled to the first worktable. A printing gantry may be displaceable along a first axis of the CNC machine. The CNC machine may also comprise an applicator having a nozzle configured to deposit material on the second worktable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, Jonathan I. Fuquay
  • Patent number: 9851702
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for steering machine tools and in particular to systems that display information to an operator of the machine tool. Such a system comprises a manually controlled cutting tool. The system receives data that defines a model of a desired cut to be made on a workpiece by the cutting tool. The system receives further data related to the current position of the cutting tool in, at least, two dimensions. A processor generates from the received data a display. The display shows the desired cut to be made and a cutting tool icon at the current position of the cutting tool relative to the desired cut. The display also shows an indication of the current error between either the current position, or direction of travel, of the cutting tool and the desired cut. An operator does not need to look at the workpiece, a drawing and the Digital Read Out simultaneously as with existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: INTERACTIVE MACHINE SYSTEMS PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Louis Carli
  • Patent number: 9852533
    Abstract: Techniques for generating and using digital markups on digital images are presented. In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at an electronic device, a digital layout image that represents a form of a product for manufacturing a reference product; generating a digital markup layout by overlaying the digital markup image over the digital layout image; based on the digital markup layout, generating one or more manufacturing files comprising digital data for manufacturing the reference product; receiving a digital reference image of the reference product manufactured based on the one or more manufacturing files; identifying one or more found markup regions in the digital reference image; based on the found markup regions, generating a geometry map and an interactive asset image; based on, at least in part, the geometry map, generating a customized product image by applying a user pattern to the interactive asset image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Zazzle Inc.
    Inventor: Young Harvill
  • Patent number: 9782906
    Abstract: Aspects of on demand apparel manufacturing are described. A system of on demand apparel manufacturing includes a textile cutter and a computing device. The computing device is configured to perform a process including capturing an image of a textile sheet on the textile cutter, where the textile sheet includes a panel for a product. The process further includes identifying cut control factors using the image of the textile sheet, to account for a textile thread, weave, nap, or knit pattern of the textile sheet, a textile print pattern alignment on the textile sheet, or panel deformation of the textile sheet on the textile cutter. The process also includes generating cut control instructions to cut the textile sheet based in part on the image and the cut control factors, and instructing the textile cutter to cut the panel out from the textile sheet based in part on the cut control instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rouzbeh Safavi Aminpour, Aaron Takayanagi Barnet, Nancy Yi Liang, Adam N. Alexander, James Richard Wilson, Javier Govea Mata
  • Patent number: 9665086
    Abstract: A method of producing a set of parts which may be assembled to form a product generally consisting of programming a CNC machine to selectively execute a first routine to form a set of parts from a first panel of material, and generate a map of the layout of the parts on the first panel, provided with identifying indicia, and a set of labels each provided with machine readable indicia identifying the part and operator readable indicia permitting the operator to identity the part on the map, and a second routine to form selected ones of the set of parts from a second panel of material, loading the first panel on the machine, operating the machine to execute the first routine, attaching each of the generated labels to its corresponding formed part, matching identifying indicia on generated labels and map, removing the set of labeled parts from the worktable, identifying labeled parts deemed defective, machine scanning the machine readable indicia on the labels of produced parts deemed defective, loading a second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Jason P. Susnjara
  • Patent number: 9443261
    Abstract: A method and system for optimizing surface coverings having user input representative of a construction project, floor plans representative of the project including optional configurations of the plans, user input for selection from a plurality of the plans and options and creating data points representative of one of the plans, merging the plan and options into a set of data points representative of a final plan set, determining room surface selections from user input, deriving contiguity data from the surface areas representative of the surface selections; and optimizing price of floor materials for selected criteria based on pre-determined rules. The system and method weights traffic flow based on room configurations and determines optimal cuts of materials to minimize seams. Further, the system packs the cut materials optimally to fit standard sheet material such as carpet and vinyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Richard Gladstone, Adam Sills, John McPherson
  • Patent number: 9345280
    Abstract: This invention is a method for automating the generation of manufacturing patterns for apparel and accessories directly from designs created on a 3-dimensional (3D) model. This differs from existing models in which users design “2D slices” of a 3D image created at various pre-defined angles. This invention includes the steps of: 1) Making the UV map of the 3D model exactly match the manufacturing pattern in shape and scale; 2) Positioning the various components in the UV map to facilitate the desired image or text flow; and 3) Using a UV unwrap method to produce the manufacturing patterns with the exact art and text on each component. Images and text are thereby allowed to span across seams and be accurately manufactured. Automation of this process ensures that the images and text on the manufacturing patterns are the exact same as that which the user designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: v Personalize Inc.
    Inventor: Balamurugan Selvarajan
  • Patent number: 9068287
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store a plurality of cut length data items and a computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to execute steps comprising acquiring pattern data, setting, as a plurality of first needle drop points, a plurality of points on the pattern line at predetermined intervals, setting a cut angle corresponding to each of the plurality of first needle drop points, determining a plurality of second needle drop points among the plurality of first needle drop points, consolidating, based on the plurality of cut length data items, at least some of the plurality of second needle drop points into at least one third needle drop point, identifying a cutting blade corresponding to each of a plurality of fourth needle drop points among the plurality of cutting blades based on the plurality of cut length data items, and generating cut data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Harumi Kato
  • Publication number: 20150122165
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a cloth thickness detection device, a storage device, and a control device. The cloth thickness detection device detects a cloth thickness of a work cloth. The storage device stores cut data that include a plurality of needle drop points for a cutting needle. The control device modifies a distance between adjacent ones of the needle drop points in the cut data in accordance with the cloth thickness that has been detected by the cloth thickness detection device. Then control device performs cut work on the work cloth using the cutting needle, in accordance with the cut data in which the distance between the adjacent needle drop points has been modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Ryutaro MAKI
  • Patent number: 9020628
    Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and hence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Fagan
  • Patent number: 9014837
    Abstract: Method for creating a crystal/rhinestone template utilizing a sewing/embroidery machine to perforate a medium in a desired pattern. In the case of a multiple-needle sewing/embroidery machine, the machine's needle is replaced by a perforator blade and perforator blade holder which are attached to machine's needle bar. Machine's needle plate is replaced by perforator plate and waste holder. With a single-needle sewing/embroidery machine, machine's needle is replaced by a pressing tool attached to the machine's needle bar. A contact point, a spring, and an arm are attached to machine's presser foot. Machine's needle plate is replaced by perforator plate. A template medium is placed on a work surface of machine. Machine is operated by software that reads a user-specified pattern/motif outline for filling stones in vector form, using innate rules to move machine frame and control hole placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Ioannis Doukakis, Miltiadis Vasileiadis, Konstantinos Angelakis
  • Patent number: 8924002
    Abstract: A method and programmed apparatus for cutting graphics from substantially-identical sheets with graphics and registration marks printed thereon using a plotter and controlled cutter and sensor movable over the sheets, including: (1) sensing work-surface positions of the marks of a sheet and calculating an expected work-surface position for each such mark based on the work-surface positions of other marks of the sheet; (2) classifying each mark as active or inactive based on a first error criterion and applying the classification to corresponding marks of a subsequent sheet, the active marks being fewer than the total number of printed marks; (3) sensing the work-surface positions of the active marks of the subsequent sheet; and (4) cutting the graphics from the subsequent sheet based on the sensed positions of the active marks, thereby reducing the time for accurate cut-processing of the subsequent sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: i-cut, Inc.
    Inventors: Geo Andersen, Steen Mikkelsen
  • Publication number: 20140288691
    Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and thence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Fagan
  • Patent number: 8761919
    Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and hence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Fagan
  • Patent number: 8626338
    Abstract: Implementations of a public use tag marking kiosk. Aspects associated with particular implementations of a tag marking kiosk comprise, among others, automatically marking two sides of a tag within the kiosk, receiving the tag to be marked from the customer, providing a closeable door between the marking implement and the customer while the tag is being marked, ejecting the tag from a tag holder after the tag is marked, and aligning the tag so that a desired tag side is required to be initially facing up on the tag holder. Housing for the kiosk may surround all of the system parts or may be split into a housing shell and a marking unit that fits inside the shell. Marking implements may be laser, mechanical stylus, paint, or others. Tags may be suspended in a cantilevered manner during marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: George Lynn Hagen, Beth Cooperrider, Ronald E. Mundt, Darren L. Kessner, Steven J. Gardner, Adrian Spucces, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 8554355
    Abstract: A computer obtains user input from an input to control a cutter and a conveyor to cut a substrate. The control module of the computer calculates a total number of cuts of the substrate and a distance that the substrate moves before each cut of the substrate according to user input. A conveyer control module of the computer controls the conveyer to move the substrate, where a reminder signal is sent out after the substrate has moved the distance. A cutter control module of the computer controls the cutter to cut the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Heng Sheng Electronical Technology (HuaiAn) Co., Ltd, Zhen Ding Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao-Bin Wu
  • Publication number: 20130144424
    Abstract: A system for producing a garment on demand according to a selected garment design and a wearer's measurements. The system can cut garment pieces from material according to the selected garment design, and can couple the garment pieces together to assemble the garment. Transport mechanisms can manipulate the garment pieces during cutting and assembly of the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Stephane Jarbouai
  • Publication number: 20130116815
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to execute steps comprising acquiring pattern data, identifying needle drop points on a pattern line, identifying, as a corresponding cutting needle for each of the plurality of needle drop points, one of cutting needles configured to be attachable to needle bars of a multi-needle sewing machine in a state in which directions of cutting edges are different from each other, storing needle drop point data and cutting needle data in association with each other in the memory, identifying an extending direction of fibers of the work cloth, replacing the cutting needle data in which an angle between the extending direction and the direction of the cutting edge does not satisfy a predetermined relationship, with other data indicating another cutting needle in which the angle satisfies the predetermined relationship, and generating cut data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Yukiyoshi MUTO, Tomotaka KATANO
  • Patent number: 8433435
    Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and then to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Fagan
  • Patent number: 8428767
    Abstract: A method for cutting out a panoply of parts. This cutting-out method includes producing data relating to points defining the contour of each part and to the position of each part in a Cartesian frame of reference of the panoply, grouping the parts together into at least one subset, each subset embodied by a box being considered as a single part; grouping the subsets into at least one set, each set embodied by a box being considered as a single part; establishing an order in which to cut out the parts from the subsets and sets defined respectively a cutting-out step in which the cutting-out tool moves from part to part in the cutting-out order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Laurent Tremoureux, Jean-Christophe Hamann
  • Publication number: 20130054000
    Abstract: Method for creating a crystal/rhinestone template utilizing a sewing/embroidery machine to perforate a medium in a desired pattern. In the case of a multiple-needle sewing/embroidery machine, the machine's needle is replaced by a perforator blade and perforator blade holder which are attached to machine's needle bar. Machine's needle plate is replaced by perforator plate and waste holder. With a single-needle sewing/embroidery machine, machine's needle is replaced by a pressing tool attached to the machine's needle bar. A contact point, a spring, and an arm are attached to machine's presser foot. Machine's needle plate is replaced by perforator plate. A template medium is placed on a work surface of machine. Machine is operated by software that reads a user-specified pattern/motif outline for filling stones in vector form, using innate rules to move machine frame and control hole placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Ioannis Doukakis, Miltiadis Vasileiadis, Konstantinos Angelakis
  • Patent number: 8209047
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a control device for handling mobility elements of a cutting tool (1) and/or a carrier device of a flat printing medium (2) whereon an inscription has been previously printed. The device includes teaching elements (9) for reading information (10) transmitted via reading means (5) which are associated with elements (14, 18) for comparing between the reading information (10) and the instruction information (15, d, D, C) previously stored in memory relating to the definition of the inscription (3, 4) from a density of pixels and/or the framing of the inscription (3, 4) from a relative position between two (3, 4) at least.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Didier Dubesset, Eric Vilain, Bart Vanhauwaert
  • Patent number: 8099185
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and device for making garment. One embodiment, for example, includes a system that comprises a processing device and a sewing module that sews garment material to facilitate making the garment. The system further comprises memory that includes a thread count manager having instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executed by the processing device and include logic configured to instruct the sewing module to sew the garment material based on counting threads of the garment material rather than using the geometric shape of pieces of garment material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Lang Dickerson
  • Patent number: 7912571
    Abstract: The shape of a leather sheet is inputted though a digitizer. The shape of the leather sheet is disposed inside a rectangle, and dummy parts are arranged around the leather sheet. Assuming the dummy parts as arranged parts, other parts are blocked and other parts are arranged inside the shape of the leather sheet. Attributes such as the orientation and presence/absence of the scratch are added to the shape data on the leather sheet, and parts are so arranged as to match the orientation and scratch allowability suited to the parts. Even a patterning device which handles only a rectangular shape can produce patterns on a sheet of irregular shape such as a leather sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunari Hama
  • Publication number: 20100174400
    Abstract: A garment manufacturing method edits an original drawing having the style of an artistic aesthetic color pattern that goes through the processes of removing background and changing colors, and adopting a designer's fashion design sketch to impose a new pattern from the original drawing to a new fashion design drawing. The style of the fashion is designed by computer pieces, wherein front pieces and back pieces of a garment are arranged to retrieve a new pattern of the original drawing, and computer template pieces are patterned to print a newly created digital graphic file on a blank fabric, and the fabric is cut and sewed according to the template to achieve the effect of fixing the template pieces at desired positions to show the overall expression of lines and patterns of the garment and manifest the visual aesthetic design of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Henry Lai
  • Publication number: 20090099683
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for the computer-aided design of a garment occupying a virtual surface represented by data stored in a memory of a computer including the following steps: generating base patterns (11a) on said virtual surface (13a), adding at least one style effect (17, 17a) on at least one base pattern (11a) transforming said at least one base pattern into at least one stylised base pattern (13b), and forming a stylised virtual surface (11b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Juan Jose Lastra, Ramon Yepes
  • Publication number: 20080228312
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and device for making garment. One embodiment, for example, includes a system that comprises a processing device and a sewing module that sews garment material to facilitate making the garment. The system further comprises memory that includes a thread count manager having instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executed by the processing device and include logic configured to instruct the sewing module to sew the garment material based on counting threads of the garment material rather than using the geometric shape of pieces of garment material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Lang Dickerson
  • Patent number: 7194327
    Abstract: A computer supported system especially configured for users to easily coordinate or harmonize apparel before making a purchasing decision. The embodiments include a body profile generating, encoding and decoding system. The system defines a display region configured for displaying the personalized real human facial image of a user combining the visual image of a selected garment. The shape and size of the garment is faithfully adjusted in accordance to the body profile coding parameters of the garment. The database representing the facial images of users is shared by different stores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Ar-Fu Lam
  • Patent number: 7140283
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing finishing operations on at least one graphics area on a graphics sheet, the graphics sheet having a graphics side, an opposite process side, and reference features, the graphics side bearing the graphics area(s) and registration marks in predetermined positions with respect to the graphics area(s). The method comprises positioning the graphics sheet on a sheet-receiving surface, sensing from the graphics side the positions of the registration marks, determining the coordinates of the graphics area(s) with respect to the sheet-receiving surface as if viewable from the process side, and performing finishing operations on the process side of the graphics sheet based on such determination, whereby such process-side finishing operations compensate for variations of the graphics area(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering
    Inventors: Peter Alsten, Steen Mikkelsen, Geo Andersen
  • Patent number: 7054708
    Abstract: A system and/or method for cutting designs of text and/or shapes out of sheet material, such as paper, vellum, and other materials used in, for example, the scrapbooking and card making industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Mary Aamodt, Olinda Jane Kober
  • Patent number: 7040204
    Abstract: A method for preparing a graphic on a sheet of material which also includes at least one registration mark at and about the graphic in predetermined positions. The method involves the steps of applying the graphic and at least one registration mark on a sheet of material in positions according to layout data, transferring the layout data to a processing controller, placing the sheet of material on a sheet-receiving surface, sensing the position of the registration mark on the sheet of material, and utilizing the layout data and the position of the registration mark to precisely narrow-path-process around the graphic on the sheet of material. Certain embodiments use either (a) a subset of marks which is applied on one side of graphic or certain reference features, such as edges and corners of the sheet and elements of the graphic, to ascertain the position and orientation of the sheet on the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering
    Inventors: Steen Mikkelsen, Peter Alsten, Geo Andersen, David G. Jansson
  • Patent number: 6950720
    Abstract: A preset controller which performs preset control, which allows, in the case of updating and correcting a print operational condition for a print pattern number, another print operation for a different print pattern number to reflect the updated and corrected compensator set value. A preset controller of a compensator in a rotary press is provided. The rotary press includes a compensator for use in a paper leading course extending from a printing unit to a folding unit and a movement device for moving the compensator, and controls the movement device so that the compensator is moved to a preset location suitable for cutting a printed web at an optimum position thereof. The preset controller includes a set value reader for reading, based on a paper leading course number read by a data reader, a compensator number and a compensator set value corresponding to the paper leading course number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kunio Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6947807
    Abstract: A method for improving garment generation which includes the steps of measuring raw shrinkage values for the garment (106), then calculating an enlarged garment specification, being larger than a desired garment specification, based on the raw shrinkage values. Next fabrics are cut based on the enlarged garment specification (112), and stitches are formed into a garment which meet the enlarged garment specifications. The garment is then bulk washed (116), such that after said bulk wash, the garment will meet the desired garment specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Esquel Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Albert Panebianco
  • Patent number: 6934598
    Abstract: A method of generating pattern via laser cutting process, comprising the step of: 1) Inputting the designed pattern into a computer system; 2) Putting a material beneath a laser beam; 3) Under the control of the computer system, moving the laser beam over the material or moving the material beneath the laser beam in accordance with the pattern input into the computer system so as to cut and generate the pattern with hollow and penetrated shape. On the cloth or fabric material made by this method, the pattern with hollow shape is clear and regular and the fiber threads can't be shed by the laser-sheared edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Merit Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Kam Fuk Derek Ip
  • Patent number: 6856843
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring image data of a plurality of portions of a sheet material calibrating the acquired image data of each portion to address any pincushioning distortions, aligning the calibrated images to form a composite and displaying the composite image to an operator. The system employs a camera that is translated with a cutting assembly and a program for calibrating acquired image data to provide for tiling of captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Gerber Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Herman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6843155
    Abstract: A method of cutting pattern pieces from a continuous roll of material comprising the steps of unrolling said material unto a rotating cylindrical cutting surface, and then cutting said material while said material is in rolling contact on said cylindrical surface during rotation of said cylindrical surface. Furthermore this invention describes a method and apparatus for producing vinyl pool covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: William J. Slyne
  • Patent number: 6836694
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for guiding a laser beam over a series of identical objects which can have varying arrangement relative to conveying and cutting apparatus. The present invention uses image position data to calculate deviations in position between a reference image and subsequent images, and to correct the cutting instructions based upon same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Horst Kind GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Podubrin