Abstract: A scanning system for supermarket check-out counters or the like, in which a package bearing the universal product code symbol is passed over a scanning window where the code symbol is scanned by a laser-generated and galvanometer-deflected light beam. The complex saw toothed laser scanning pattern, produced by a programmable read-only memory controlled galvanometer system, intercepts the coded symbol, regardless of its orientation, at high symbol speeds and permits higher than normal instantaneous laser power while conforming to safety standards prescribed by the Federal Bureau of Radiological Health. The beam reflected from the coded symbol is collected via a low-cost fiber optic bundle in a photomultiplier, and the video signal is processed in simple circuitry into a square wave signal suitable for subsequent digital computing equipment.

Abstract: A home knitting machine is provided with a reader for reading out patterning instructions on a programmed card, an electronic memory for storing signals read from the card, means enabling an operator to select a needle to knit a particular column of a design unit and to thereby fix the overall position of a design in a width of fabric to be knit, and means for recalling the stored signals from the memory in synchronization with movement of the carriage during knitting and for causing the operations of needle selectors on the carriage in accordance with the recalled signals.

Abstract: A pattern selection system for a sewing machine is provided by which operator influenced closure of a single electric switch can effect the selection of any one of a multiplicity of stitch patterns stored in an electronic memory in the sewing machine. Pattern selection can be effected either by repeated closure of the single switch, by a scanning system rendered effective by continuous closure of the single switch, or by a combination of both of these modes. This system is compatible with the provision of additional individual pattern selection switches for selecting special or frequently utilized individual patterns.

Abstract: A heat sink arrangement for a circuit board in a sewing machine which supports the circuit board for ready disassembly therefrom, and makes use of the sewing machine frame as an additional heat sink. The circuit board is riveted to an aluminum heat sink member which carrys the power transistors in a manner to provide good thermal conductivity thereto but electrically isolated therefrom by mica laminae. An aluminum bracket firmly affixed to the sewing machine frame for good thermal conductivity has a large area planar surface thereof contiguous a similar large area planar surface of the heat sink member. A clamp member which extends through a slot in the bracket has a pair of upstanding arms with reentrant angles which touch the surface of the heat sink member opposite the large planar surface. The surface of the bracket opposite the large planar surface is formed with a cylindrical surface at an angle to coact with a cone pointed screw carried by the clamp member.

Abstract: A wire matrix printhead having a plurality of wire styli wherein each stylus is capable of being actuated by an electromagnetically actuated hammer. Each of the wire styli has an input end which is impacted by the armature of an electromagnet and has an output end which is used to impact a recording medium for printout purposes. The impact or input ends of each of the wire styli are arranged or configured along the periphery of an ellipse while the output or printout ends of the wire styli are arranged in a straight line configuration. Each of the wire styli are of equal length to the others and they all reside in a straight line longitudinal elongation. The output or printing ends of each of the wire styli are held in a jeweled bearing which is capable of being retracted to expose the printing ends of the wire styli for grinding and polishing and other corrective actions. This permits the wire matrix printhead to have its life extended three to four times its normal usage period.

Abstract: A cushion cam is provided in association with an adjustable stitch cam and is rendered adjustable with the stitch cam such that a constant gap is maintained between the stitch and cushion cams regardless of the position selected for the stitch cam.

Abstract: A low friction absolute pressure continuous integrator having a vacuum pressure chamber carried by a frame and in which a pressure sensing means is mounted. The pressure sensing means is adapted to expand or contract in a straight line responsive to changes in the line pressure of the fluid flow of the meter. Either the chamber or the pressure sensing means is in communication with the absolute line pressure of the fluid flow, with the other one being evacuated to substantially zero absolute pressure. A link transfer assembly interconnects the pressure sensing means with a continuous integrator assembly whereby variations of the absolute line pressure are converted to a standard pressure to permit totalizing of the standard volume at a corrected counter. An uncorrected totalized volume is simultaneously taken at an uncorrected counter. The working pressure for a device embodying the present invention is in the range of 0-45 psig.

Abstract: A needle bar reciprocation interrupting device is disclosed in which the interruption is effected by a solenoid at any lateral position of a needle in an arrangement wherein an upper end of the needle bar is swung in an arc with an intermediate portion of the needle bar supported in a ball and socket joint structure to result in lateral positioning of the needle. An unlatching frame is carried by bearings within which the needle bar undergoes endwise reciprocation thereby to move laterally with the needle bar. A solenoid supported on a bracket affixed to the sewing machine frame has its armature connected with a fork extension of the unlatching frame closely adjacent the ball and socket joint structure. When the solenoid is activated the unlatching frame is pivoted to swing a ramp portion thereof into engagement with a needle bar carried latch at the end of upward needle bar travel thereby to separate the needle bar from its endwise reciprocating drive mechanism when its velocity is close to zero.

Abstract: A latch needle is disclosed with a sliding bolt of unique construction which is easily manufacturable and which serves with particular effectiveness in accordance with this invention in carrying out blindstitch sewing.

Abstract: A transformer comprising a stack of sheet metal laminations; an insulating plastic bobbin on which a primary coil is wound; an insulating plastic bobbin on which the secondary coil is wound; and two interengaging insulating plastic covers which enclose the primary coil and provide additional insulation between the primary coil and the laminations and between the primary and secondary coils, while also providing a strain relief for the primary leads from the primary coil. The plastic components are formed to provide two mms of insulation between the primary and secondary coils, and between the primary coil and the laminations. The plastic components are arranged to provide at least 10 mms of "creepage" distance between primary and secondary coils and at least 8mms between the primary coil and the laminations. The insulation provided is sufficient to permit the steel laminations to be mounted directly on the metal frame of an appliance.

Abstract: A method of manufacture is disclosed by which punched holes in mass produced parts, such as sewing machine needles and yarn guiding elements for textile machines, can be readily shaped, deburred and polished using die-shaping procedures only.

Abstract: A knitting machine is disclosed in which measurements are made reflecting the output characteristics such as the forces incident to the operation of the knitting needles relatively to operating cam means therefor, and a system is provided for influencing one or more of the operating characteristics of the knitting machine such as speed of operation, rate of lubrication, or the like, in response to such measurements.

Abstract: A multiple needle tufting machine having a multiplicity of yarns and a high tension detector for detecting when the tension of any yarn between the tufting machine and a yarn supply deviates from a predetermined normal and for identifying the particular yarn that so deviates. The detector includes a yarn contacting member for each yarn urged into engagement with the yarn for reacting to tension variation and to close a switch when the tension is excessive. Two electrical circuits for identifying the particular switch, and therefore yarn, are disclosed.

Abstract: A wire matrix print head comprised of a plurality of impact print wires or styli, each having an input end for receiving an impact and an output end for delivering an impact to a record medium through an inking ribbon. The impact end of said wires or styli are arranged in a specialized elliptical format while the output end of the wire styli are formed into a planar straight line configuration, thus providing for a minimal amount of bending arc along the length of the styli. This configuration permits direct transmission of the impact forces to the output end and permits each stylus to be of equal length to the other styli. Efficacious provision is made for adjusting the stroke length of each stylus even though a uniform electromagnet for each stylus is used to provide the activating or impact impulse.

Abstract: A bobbin thread depletion signal for lock stitch sewing machines or the like. The bobbin, which is constructed so that one of the end flanges is free to slide axially along the hub, is horizontally mounted in the machine bobbin carrier. When thread is wound on the bobbin, the slideable flange is forced outward against a stop and is positioned in the field of an electronic sensor, such as an oscillator coil, the inductance of which is altered by a proximity of the slideable flange.When the thread is removed from the hub, the slideable end flange will drop from the environment of the sensor toward the stationary flange thereby producing an inductance change that is detected by electronic sensor circuitry that signals the sewing machine operator.

Abstract: A home knitting machine is provided with electronic control means which function pursuant to patterning instructions on a program card and in response to the operation of control devices by an operator causing needle actuators on the carriage of the machine to be selectively operated and fabric knitted in a prescribed manner on the machine.

Abstract: A backplane motherboard which mounts a plurality of printed circuit boards and which provides microstrip transmission lines to interconnect the components of an inserted PC board with any of the other inserted PC boards. All transmission lines are terminated at both ends with the characteristic impedance, and the plane of the motherboard is made of a sandwich construction having a ground plane, a Mylar insulating plane, a voltage plane, and outer epoxy surface insulators. The plane sandwich also carries terminal pins for holding additional printed circuit boards.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to spool holders for supporting a spool of thread on a sewing machine and particularly relates to a detachable spool holder having spaced depending leg-like portions formed of resilient material for insertion into associated spaced apertures in the cover of the sewing machine so that the spool holder may be readily assembled onto the sewing machine frame and held in relatively tight fitting relationship therein while giving the appearance of a unitary structure.

Abstract: In a sewing machine in which any one of a variety of stitch patterns, each of which may have a different number of successive needle penetrations, may be produced repetitively, an operator influenced control is disclosed capable of limiting the operation of the sewing machine to the stitching of a single execution of any selected stitch pattern. After the stitching of the single pattern has been completed, further operation of the sewing machine is inhibited by suspension of needle reciprocation, needle jogging and work feed motion.

Abstract: A method of sewing a blindstitch hem is disclosed in which the plain hem fold in a garment is introduced wrong side up to a sewing machine of the type having a loop taker moving on a vertical axis located in front of the stitching point and with a thread carrying needle and a latch needle arranged side-by-side laterally of the line of feed of the sewing machine. Sewing machine fittings are disclosed which serve particularly advantageously in producing the blindstitch hem of this invention, including a throat plate fitted with a thread manipulating device for assisting in the concatenation of thread from the thread carrying needle of the latch needle on each stitch, and a latch needle which is easily manufacturable and serves with particular effectiveness in carrying out the method of this invention.