Abstract: A twin needle memory device for an electronically controlled sewing machine having a variety of patterns and sewing condition capabilities selectable by means of proximity switch devices. A non-volatile external storage having a one bit capability is provided to retain information as to the last state of the sewing machine, relative to twin needle, upon power interruption; and to provide for proportionate reduced amplification of the bight analog signal in the event that the twin needle mode of operation is selected. Upon reinitiation of power, the state of the external storage is ascertained and used to determine the state of a twin needle flip flop part of the electronic control system of the sewing machine. Subsequent change in twin needle condition is implemented through the proximity switch devices and an additional one second delay count to alter the state of the twin needle flip flop.

Abstract: A dual mode backtack control system for a sewing machine is disclosed which permits an operator to select either a latched or non-latched backtacking mode of operation utilizing a single non-latching switch. The backtacking operation is initiated under operator command by closure of the switch. In the first mode of operation, the sewing machine is operating when the switch is closed, and the backtacking operation will continue only as long as the switch is held in the closed position. In the second mode of operation, the switch is closed before the machine commences the sewing operation, and the machine may then be operated in its backtacking mode without the operator maintaining the switch in its closed state. The backtacking mode may thereafter be terminated by a second momentary closure of the switch. An indicator lamp is provided to advise the operator when the machine is in the backtack mode.

Abstract: A carriage drive is provided for a flat bed home type knitting machine. Such carriage drive includes a reversible electric motor, a pair of motor driven capstans, and wire rope which winds on one capstan and unwinds on the other when the motor rotates, the rope being connected to opposite ends of the carriage of the machine.

Abstract: A sewing machine wherein the needle stitch position coordinates are controlled electronically is provided with mechanical means for controlling feed stitch position coordinates, and with means for prescribing combined needle stitch position and feed stitch position coordinates enabling various predetermined patterns to be produced on the machine.

Abstract: A contact assembly which includes a contact holder having means integral therewith for electrically terminating a lead wire. A contact element is slidably disposed in the contact holder and includes an outwardly protruding tang for engaging a closed slot in the contact holder thereby retaining the contact element in the contact holder.

Abstract: A modular feed regulating stitch length and reverse feed selector, and a modular assembly including feed regulating control linkages and a plastic support therefor are provided for use in a sewing machine. Each module is readily assembled apart from the machine and may thereafter be affixed for cooperative interrelationship in the machine bed.

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided with bobbin case restraining means including a pivoted member to engage and restrict movement of the bobbin case, and including a latch for the pivoted member, the pivoted member and latch being movable into a bobbin case restraining position during movement of a bed slide plate toward a closed position.

Abstract: Means are disclosed for permitting entry of operator selected stitch points in a switch array which exceeds the capacity of the switch array. In a switch array for a programmable memory of a sewing machine, the columns of switches are representative of the needle position and the rows of switches are representative of fabric position determined by accumulation of feed increments. Each required feed increment is determined by the change of the present stitch position coordinate for feed over the just prior stitch position coordinate for feed. In order to provide for feed increments in the forward direction beyond the number of rows provided, an artificial signal is generated for the just prior stitch position coordinate for feed representative of the first row of switches. To provide for feed increment in the reverse direction, an artificial signal is generated for the just prior stitch position representative of the last row of switches.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to electric motor/actuators and in particular to an electric motor/actuator for driving a sewing machine and operating sewing machine controls regulating, for instance, the position coordinates of the resulting stitches formed by the sewing machine. The electric motor includes multiple non-magnetic armatures having commutated windings rotatable in a single air gap formed between opposing permanent magnets having their opposed polarized poles facing said armatures and wherein individual ones of said armatures are capable of different output functions free of significant interaction with others of said armatures.

Abstract: A control system for the work feeding mechanism in a cam controlled pattern sewing machine wherein a manual forward feed biasing spring is bypassed when cam control is selected. The control system also features a quick reverse linkage, operable in the manual mode, which may be lockably engaged for hands-off reverse sewing.

Abstract: Sewing machines of the type having electronic pattern control means are provided with circuitry which upon the selection of any pattern by the pattern selector means causes the needle to initially go to a central position and the first stitch formed to be a straight stitch in every case.

Abstract: A lock stitch sewing machine having a rotary loop taker adapted to carry a loop of thread about a stationary bobbin thread case. The bobbin thread case is restrained from rotation by a finger which is disposed between abutments in the bobbin thread case for opening a passage to allow the needle thread loop past the bobbin thread case rotation restraining means, the rotation restraining finger is vibrated at a frequency greater than four cycles per rotation of the loop taker.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to thread tensioning apparatus for sewing machines of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,414, issued June 6, 1972, and in particular has for its purpose a simplification of such a mechanism by providing a novel tension transmission means including a leaf spring for transmitting spring pressure to the thread tensioning discs of said mechanism, an adjustable abutment means positioned against one side of said spring means provides for presetting the initial minimum tension on the leaf and a slidable fulcrum member bearing against the other side of said spring member is adjustable for varying the pressure exerted on the discs. The relationship of fulcrum positions, which may be adjusted by means of a dial or the like, with respect to resulting tension applied to the thread may be caused to occur in an advantageous non-linear manner by choice if the proper contour of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for actuating an underbed thread trimmer in a post-type sewing machine. The unit is selectively controlled by a solenoid and actuated by two cams located on the hook shaft of the feeding post. Rotary motion of the shaft and cams is converted into translational motion for the trimmer by a pivoting swivel lever and cam follower combination.

Abstract: An electronic sewing machine with pattern selecting means is provided with control circuitry operable to increase stitch lengths in the work feeding direction by a predetermined integral multiple in a selected pattern by providing for pattern data retention and the discontinuance of endwise needle reciprocation during work feed operations corresponding in number to the said predetermined integral multiple.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed wherein a plurality of stitch patterns encoded as digital data are stored in a static memory. A graphic pattern display element having pattern images corresponding to the plurality of stitch patterns is mounted on a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is mounted on the output shaft of a stepping motor. Rotation of the stepping motor causes the pattern images to travel past a display window through which they may be viewed by a machine operator. Control elements are provided for the machine operator to cause the stepping motor to be rotated until a desired stitch pattern image is visible in a predetermined position through the display window. A stepping motor shaft position sensor is coupled to provide signals indicative of the angular position of the stepping motor shaft, which angular position corresponds to the pattern visible in the predetermined position.

Abstract: An electronically controlled household sewing machine capable of effecting ornamental stitches by selective needle feed and needle positioning, in conjunction with reversible work feed. Means are provided for storing and returning needle jogging instructions intended to be accomplished not only while the needle is out of the work to provide zig zag stitches, but also intended to be accomplished while the needle is in the work to provide for lateral needle feed of the work. An arrangement is disclosed whereby combinations of zig zag, needle feed and longitudinal feed of the work may be influenced between successive needle penetrations. In this manner, in addition to the longitudinal work feed motion, the work material may be moved laterally by the sewing needle in the formation of ornamental patterns having unlimited width as well as longitudinal extent for which the stitch coordinate information is stored and applied to the stitch forming instrumentalities electronically.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to zig-zag sewing machines including means for controlling the bight stops in order to produce ornamental patterns. In particular, the disclosure relates to electronically controlled sewing machines having storage means for storing stitch information and wherein logic means are used to select and release stitch information in timed relation with the operation of the sewing machine. The disclosure of the invention has particular application in those sewing situations wherein it is desired to use more than one needle in a single needle holder of the needle bar which therefore necessitates a limitation on the magnitude of the jogging or swinging of the needle bar in order to accommodate the multiple needles in the aperture of the needle plate. In accordance with the disclosure of the present invention whenever more than one needle is used in the sewing machine the electronic control of the bight stops is automatically put into effect whenever such multiple needle mode is selected.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to zig-zag sewing machines including means for controlling the bight stops in order to produce ornamental patterns. In particular, the disclosure relates to electronically controlled sewing machines having storage means for storing stitch information and wherein logic means are used to select and release stitch information in timed relation with the operation of the sewing machine. The disclosure of the invention has particular application in those sewing situations wherein it is desired to use more than one needle in a single needle holder of the needle bar which therefore necessitates a limitation on the magnitude of the jogging or swinging of the needle bar in order to accommodate the multiple needles in the aperture of the needle plate. In accordance with the disclosure of the present invention, whenever more than one needle is used switch means responsive to the presence of more than one needle automatically puts the machine into a multiple needle mode of operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to means for preventing the reciprocating needle of a sewing machine from operating in a zig-zag mode when a straight stitch throat plate means is positioned on the work bed surface. A latching means is provided for selective interconnection between the zig-zag jogging mechanism and the needle mechanism with said latching means being responsive to movement of the presser mechanism for unlatching the latching means. A locking mechanism is also provided to lock the latching mechanism in an unlatched position.