Patents Assigned to Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft
  • Patent number: 6871606
    Abstract: A method and device for regulating the transport of material in a sewing or embroidery machine (1) that uses information from a position or movement sensor (33) located underneath the throat plate (21). The controls for the sewing machine (1) calculate deviations of the actual feeding increments of the article to be sewn from the corresponding target values from the periodically read sensor signals. With this information, the feeding increments are regulated in such a way that the deviations are cancelled out by averaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft BERNINA-Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Manfred Schweizer
  • Patent number: 6863007
    Abstract: From a light source (51), light beams (57) are directed tangentially through the hook body (17), the hook base (27), and the bobbin case (28), onto a light receiver (53). Using the time (t) or the position of angular rotation of the hook body (17) at the impingement of the first light beam (57), the diameter of the bobbin packing on the lower thread bobbin (29) can be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina-Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hans Flückiger
  • Patent number: 6810824
    Abstract: Monitoring of the rotation speed and stationary state of the lower thread bobbin in a sewing machine is performed using a light emitter and two reflected light receivers. The light rays reflected at the surface of the front flange of the bobbin are incident in a sequence which differs in time on the reflected light receivers. These data are evaluated by a computer, which can be the computer of the sewing machine, and are used to stop the machine or the sewing process before the thread end leaves the stitch plate of the sewing machine. It can also be determined from the observed direction of rotation of the bobbin whether the bobbin is correctly placed in the bobbin housing. From the relationship of kind of stitch, stitch speed, and bobbin rotation speed, the bobbin thread supply can also be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft BERNINA-Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Gérard Durville
  • Patent number: 6701858
    Abstract: A device to introduce the upper thread into the eye of the needle (7) of a sewing machine which includes two guide clips (49, 51) having two inlet sections (53, 55) ending in a narrow point. The two guide clips (49, 51) are generally identical and can spread evenly when encountering the needle. The grasping hook (57) that lies in a plane in the center of the two guide clips (49, 51) is always guided exactly centered into the eye (25) of the needle (7). In addition, the two guide clips (49, 51) are mounted for tilting movement about a horizontal axis (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina-Nähmaschienenfabrik
    Inventor: Niklaus Wacker
  • Publication number: 20040040482
    Abstract: From a light source (51), light beams (57) are directed tangentially through the hook body (17), the hook base (27), and the bobbin case (28), onto a light receiver (53). Using the time (t) or the position of angular rotation of the hook body (17) at the impingement of the first light beam (57), the diameter of the bobbin packing on the lower thread bobbin (29) can be calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft BERNINA-Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hans Fluckiger
  • Publication number: 20030221601
    Abstract: Monitoring of the rotation speed and stationary state of the lower thread bobbin in a sewing machine is performed using a light emitter and two reflected light receivers. The light rays reflected at the surface of the front flange of the bobbin are incident in a sequence which differs in time on the reflected light receivers. These data are evaluated by a computer, which can be the computer of the sewing machine, and are used to stop the machine or the sewing process before the thread end leaves the stitch plate of the sewing machine. It can also be determined from the observed direction of rotation of the bobbin whether the bobbin is correctly placed in the bobbin housing. From the relationship of kind of stitch, stitch speed, and bobbin rotation speed, the bobbin thread supply can also be calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft BERNINA- Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Gerard Durville
  • Publication number: 20030131773
    Abstract: A method and device for regulating the transport of material in a sewing or embroidery machine (1) that uses information from a position or movement sensor (33) located underneath the throat plate (21). The controls for the sewing machine (1) calculate deviations of the actual feeding increments of the article to be sewn from the corresponding target values from the periodically read sensor signals. With this information, the feeding increments are regulated in such a way that the deviations are cancelled out by averaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft BERNINA- Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Manfred Schweizer
  • Patent number: 6568337
    Abstract: Identification elements for identifying the size, shape, and kind of embroidery frame (37) are installed on the embroidery frame (37) for a sewing or embroidery machine with an embroidery module (33). Furthermore, at least one reference cam (44) is provided on the embroidery frame (37), and by means thereof the precise position of the embroidery frame (37) relative to the embroidery module (33), and thus also relative to the needle (27), can be derived. By a comparison of the actual position of the embroidery frame (37) with the desired position, a fault can be detected and a new positioning of the embroidery frame (37) can be performed in the case, for example, that switching steps of the drive element in the embroidery module (33) have been lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina-Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Gerard Durville
  • Patent number: 6553926
    Abstract: A device for detachable fastening of an embroidery frame (27) with one or more embroidering fields on an embroidery frame support (25) of a program-controlled sewing or embroidering machine. On the embroidery frame (27), two sliding interlocks (61) are fastened which guarantee a play-free latching in the x and y direction and which, for sliding the embroidery frame (27) in relation to the embroidery frame support (25), move a latching element temporarily out of a latching slot (51). The latching element is configured as a pivotable lever with a downward-projecting detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina-Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: André Stucki
  • Publication number: 20020195034
    Abstract: A device for detachable fastening of an embroidery frame (27) with one or more embroidering fields on an embroidery frame support (25) of a program-controlled sewing or embroidering machine. On the embroidery frame (27), two sliding interlocks (61) are fastened which guarantee a play-free latching in the x and y direction and which, for sliding the embroidery frame (27) in relation to the embroidery frame support (25), move a latching element temporarily out of a latching slot (51). The latching element is configured as a pivotable lever with a downward-projecting detent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft BERNINA- Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Andre Stucki
  • Publication number: 20020157586
    Abstract: A device to introduce the upper thread into the eye of the needle (7) of a sewing machine which includes two guide clips (49, 51) having two inlet sections (53, 55) ending in a narrow point. The two guide clips (49, 51) are generally identical and can spread evenly when encountering the needle. The grasping hook (57) that lies in a plane in the center of the two guide clips (49, 51) is always guided exactly centered into the eye (25) of the needle (7). In addition, the two guide clips (49, 51) are mounted for tilting movement about a horizontal axis (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft BERNINA-Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Niklaus Wacker
  • Patent number: 6168284
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a sewing machine having a lamp holder, which retains at least one lamp, is arranged on the underside of the head of a sewing machine, and within the range of the needle bar and the presser foot bar. The lamp is constructed to loop around the needle bar and the presser foot bar over an angular range of more than 180°. The type of lamp used is, preferably, a cold-light-cathode florescent lamp, which radiates little, if any, heat, while emitting a pleasant light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Niklaus Wacker, Andreas Spring, Christian Anderegg
  • Patent number: 6019052
    Abstract: A method for embroidering tubular material and the use of an embroidering apparatus therewith, in which the embroidering apparatus includes an embroidering device which is attachable to a free-arm sewing machine. The embroidering device has an embroidering frame, which is horizontally displaceable above the free arm of the sewing machine by a first drive in the X-direction and by a second drive in the Y-direction. An intermediate space is formed, permitting the introduction of a tubular material between the embroidering device and the free arm of the sewing machine. By forming an intermediate space between the free arm and the embroidery device, it is becomes possible to clamp tubular textiles and the like, without obstruction, in an embroidery frame and to pull such materials across the free arm of the sewing machine in order to provide the material with embroideries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andre Stucki, Erwin Hilber
  • Patent number: 5515797
    Abstract: A presser foot for a sewing machine includes a presser foot with a shank. The end of the presser-foot shank is articulated with a presser-foot sole having a stitching opening for a needle, which is attached to a needle bar. The presser-foot sole is capable of being swung relative to an upper-part of a housing therefor about the axis of the needle. In a preferred embodiment, the presser foot of the invention, which is connected to the sewing machine in a manner so that it is capable of being swung at least 180.degree., makes it possible for the operator of the sewing machine to adjust the presser foot and/or the presser-foot sole so as to make it essentially parallel to the sewing direction and, in this fashion, to allow the sewing-over of thickenings, hemmed borders and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Janouschek, Lorenz Reber
  • Patent number: 5497721
    Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed having an arrangement for guiding a fabric to be sewn at an adjustable distance with respect to a stitch-forming sewing needle and having a guide rail in which the guide rail is capable of being removably affixed to the working surface. The guide rail is provided with a retaining part, which is C-shaped in its cross-section, and has a rib-shaped guide cam. The retaining part is preferably provided at a front-side end of the guide rail of the sewing machine and at a right angle to its guide beams. The retaining part is constructed so that the rib-shaped guide cam can engage a slot which is formed underneath the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rene Sulser, Franz Rapold
  • Patent number: 5233277
    Abstract: The electric motor and the needle locating device of a sewing machine are adjusted by a pivotable treadle controlling a radiation directing member which is located in the path of radiation issuing from one end of one or more first optical fibers the other end or ends of which receive radiation from a suitable source, and the member controls the amount of radiation entering the adjacent end or ends of one or more second optical fibers which convey the radiation to an optical detector. The latter selects the speed of the motor in dependency on the amount of radiation which is transmitted into the second optical fiber or fibers and selects the position of the needle when the motor is off. The radiation directing member can constitute a glass plate which is rotatable or performs translatory movements between the first and second optical fibers and includes portions of different radiation transmissivity or reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Rudiger Kasig, Peter Weber
  • Patent number: 5168822
    Abstract: Elementary patterns are sewn in a sewing machine wherein the work can be fed by increments T. The making of a pattern involves repeatedly moving the work in and counter to the feed direction between starting the final needle penetration points which are spaced apart a distance nT wherein n is a whole number exceeding one. This results in the making of several continuous thread legs each having a length nT which can exceed, at least slightly, the maximum bight range of the needle and each extending all the way between the starting and final penetration points. In order to form a second elementary pattern which intersects the first pattern, the work is fed to move the needle to an intermediate penetration point, for example, midway between the starting and final penetration points, and the work is then fed to position the needle at the starting penetration point of the second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina-Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Karl Nufer, Lorenz Reber
  • Patent number: 5131338
    Abstract: A regulating mechanism for needle thread between a standard thread tensioning device in the head of the upper arm of a sewing machine and the eye of the reciprocable needle employs a lever-shaped takeup member which is oscillated in the head in synchronism with the movements of the needle, and a wire spring which is mounted directly on the takeup member. The spring has a U-shaped thread engaging portion which surrounds and cooperates with a hook-shaped arm of the takeup member to define a passage for needle thread. The spring tensions the thread during certain stages of each stitch forming step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hanspeter Vogel, Nicklaus Wacker
  • Patent number: 5111758
    Abstract: A row of at least two coherent cruciform elementary patterns of stitches is formed in a zig-zag sewing machine by first making a first series of at least two zig-zag stitches and by thereupon making a second series of at least two zig-zag stitches which are mirror images of the stitches of the first series and each of which crosses a different stitch of the first series of stitches. The needle is caused to penetrate into the work in the middle of the first or last stitch of the first series of stitches prior to making the second series of stitches. Each stitch of the first and second series of stitches includes at least one uninterrupted length of thread. Only one crossing point of the stitches which form the first and second series is located at a needle perforation point. The first row of at least two cruciform elementary patterns can be followed by any desired number of additional rows in any desired orientation to form ornamental or other arrays of rows of cruciform patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Karl Nufer, Lorenz Reber
  • Patent number: D474482
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sabina Melzer-Müller