Abstract: An improved torsion bar and socket system for a motor vehicle is provided. The socket includes a main hexagonal shaped opening having a plurality of scalloped openings extending therefrom. The socket includes a contact wall that defines a portion of the main hexagonal opening and an extending wall extending therefrom at an angle. The contact wall is adapted to contact the torsion bar and either apply rotational force thereto or receive rotational force therefrom. The extending wall is formed tangent to a circular wall which is also tangent to another contact wall. The circular wall and extending wall form a scalloped opening which is used during insertion of the torsion bar into the socket.

Abstract: An optical low bobbin thread detector is disclosed utilizing particularly cost effective matrixed light emitting diodes for bobbin thread detection and alarm, and virtually eliminating false alarms by employing a system requiring detection of a predetermined number of successive valid low bobbin thread detections to justify actuation of the alarm.

Abstract: An electronic sewing machine storing information concerning a string of different stitch patterns includes a central processor responsive to an operator entered parameter for effecting unique modification of certain stored stitch patterns thus creating a compound stitch pattern useful, for instance, as a mending stitch pattern for repairing various length fabric tears.

Abstract: A demand responsive sewing machine thread take-up construction is disclosed accommodating a shortened thread introduction path which facilitates operator interface and reduces construction costs while providing for improved reliability and uniformity of thread manipulation by the take-up.

Abstract: A solar cell powered detecting and indicating system applicable to mechanically controlled sewing machines without D.C. power supplies connected to regular A.C. house mains, and detecting and indicating circuits minimizing power consumption for compatability with solar generated power supply.

Abstract: A flexible light pipe fixed at one extremity to admit light from the lamp illuminating the stitch forming area is shiftably supported at the other extremity to illuminate representation of the selected stitch pattern, and an expandable coil in the light pipe is constrained within a mechanism free compartment within the sewing machine.

Abstract: A speed controlling circuit for an alternating current powered blower motor is disclosed in which rectified direct current voltages are manipulated, regulated responsive to ambient temperature, and compared so as to provide reliable and cost effective blower speed control in proportion to ambient temperature and low blower speed cut off.

Abstract: A needle thread end holder for a sewing machine having bobbin thread replenishing mechanism in which an annular groove formed in the presser securing screw accomodates a stretched rubber "O" ring so as to apply only a limited frictional resistance to a thread introduced beneath the "O" ring insufficient to abort a bobbin thread replenishing operation.

Abstract: A composite feed dog for a sewing machine comprises a zinc die cast body portion having a toothed surface region covered by a layer of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A needle looper assembly for a lockstitch sewing machine wherein the upper thread is retrieved by a sewing needle extending through a work material, which sewing needle has an extensible hook portion for catching an upper thread and drawing the same down through the work material to a looptaker in the bed of the sewing machine. The needle looper assembly is supported on the end of a lever pivotally carried in the sewing machine bed to extend transversely thereof. The lever has the needle looper assembly attached to one end thereof, and may be actuated by a cam so as to drive the needle looper assembly to an elevated thread catching position or to a retracted thread releasing position. Retaining means are provided associated with the needle looper to permit an upper thread to be caught and held during passage through a work material and to be released when in a retracted position adjacent the looptaker.

Abstract: A method of producing a buttonhole is disclosed in which individual legs thereof are composed of stitches alternately extending parallel to the length of the buttonhole and substantially transversely of said length. The stitches extending parallel to said length are formed at twice the stitch length and in the opposite direction of work feed from the transversely extending stitches.

Abstract: A bed slide for a sewing machine having a frame fabricated of a synthetic resin material, the bed slide extending beyond the throat plate on both sides thereof, and thereby beyond the cavity accommodating the looptaker, and two embodiments of devices attachable to the synthetic resin material spaced from the cavity for slidably retaining the bed slide therein. The first embodiment, a headed stud having a transverse slot therein for receiving a turned back edge of the bed slide is retained in an aperture molded in the synthetic resin material, with a resilient member exerting a pull on the stud for imparting a drag to the bed slide and retaining the same to the bed. In the second embodiment, a Z-shaped member has its lower bar fastened to the sewing machine bed and its upper bar inserted between the bed slide and a turned back end thereof. A portion of the upper bar is bent downwardly to provide for a drag resisting free motion of the bed slide.

Abstract: A needle guard for an industrial zigzag sewing machine designed to provide support for the sewing needle in all lateral positions of the needle. The needle guard provides a lead in surface to return an already deflected needle to a supporting surface which in a first embodiment lies in a plane immediately adjacent a plane including the circular path traversed by the loop seizing beak. In a second embodiment a supporting surface is provided which compensates for the point of contact variations due to the cone pointed end of the sewing needle.

Abstract: A sewing machine having feed control linkage spring biased in one direction and manual selector cams effecting feed control linkage settings in buttonhole stitch formation, one selector cam including a projection effecting abnormal control linkage position from which the control linkage shifts to final setting in the spring bias direction.

Abstract: A sewing machine frame and cover construction and fastening means for securing a warped cover in place over a frame opening without imparting frame distorting stresses. To obviate imparting stresses to the sewing machine frame as result of clamping a warped cover thereto, surfaces are provided at locations on the frame and cover chosen so that the surfaces engage simultaneously in spaced localized areas when the warped cover is positioned loosely over the frame opening. Fastening means located within the localized areas of engagement of these surfaces clamp the cover securely in place without disturbing the warp.

Abstract: An axial flow valve has its cage bolt replaced by a sonic nozzle. This device may then be permanently installed in a pipeline in series with a meter to provide the facility for on site calibration of the meter.

Abstract: A low inertia presser bar carries a retaining plate which slidably extends through an enlarged slot in a hollow main presser bar that slidably receives the main presser bar. The lowered position of the main presser bar may be adjusted to position the clearance between the slot and retaining plate above the plate, or with a selected portion of this clearance below the plate for adjustable travel of the low inertia presser bar before initiating motion of the main presser bar.

Abstract: A solenoid valve of the type having a molded one-piece plastic valve body including a housing for a flow rate control member, a guide tube for the solenoid armature and a valve seat. A molded plastic insert is provided which functions to retain the flow rate control member and limit the armature stroke to prevent chattering when the solenoid is energized with no liquid present.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming and securing by stitching articles with mitered corners such as bed sheets or the like in which the mitered corner is contorted into a substantially flat configuration capable of being secured by a straight line of stitching.