Abstract: A sewing machine having a free arm which is provided with free arm sensors 5 and 6 for detecting a contact between the free arm and a cylindrical work during embroidery stitching operation, the cylindrical work being held by an embroidering frame 23 and placed on the free arm as covering the same so as to be embroidered thereon. The contact as detected is indicated to the machine user or the sewing machine is stopped. Further, the contact detection may be used to seek an area where the work may be allowed to be embroidered. The area as sought is discriminated prior to initiation of stitching operation if the work may be embroidered in the area.

Abstract: In a time-saving machine embroidering method, an auxiliary frame, having clamped therein an auxiliary backing material, is placed in the frame of an embroidering machine. A motif is then embroidered onto the auxiliary backing material, and the auxiliary frame together with the auxiliary backing material is removed from the frame. The material to be embroidered is fixed in the frame, and subsequently the auxiliary frame with the embroidered auxiliary backing material positioned above the material to be embroidered is again fixed in the frame. Subsequently, the motif embroidered already is only fixed on the material by means of embroidering or sewing stitches. Finally, the auxiliary frame and the material provided with the motif are removed from the frame and the auxiliary backing material is removed.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining and optimizing a pre-draft value on a draw unit for slivers. The draw unit has a feed roll pair, a center roll pair and a delivery roll pair, a pre-draft zone between the feed roll pair and the center roll pair, and a main draft zone between the center roll pair and the delivery roll pair. The device has a center roll drive motor for driving a lower roll of the center roll pair, a sensor for measuring values of a variable indicative of draft forces at the center roll drive motor, and means for controlling the drive motor in accordance with a function defining a relationship between the measured value and the pre-draft value. The function indicates an optimum region having at least one of an increase end point and an increase end region, the optimum region providing a parameter that is usable for optimizing the pre-draft value for the draw unit.

Abstract: In a method of sewing at least one supplementary part on a workpiece, a workpiece identification is fed into a computer and a program is activated thereby, which indicates, on the display screen, the respective supplementary part that is to be sewn on next, and which permits a sewing operation only when the supplementary part is placed on in a correct arrangement and, possibly, in the correct position on the workpiece.

Abstract: An embroidery machine technical support system includes at least one technical support server and a plurality of embroidery machines communicating with the technical support server through a public network. Each embroidery machine has an emulator in order for the embroidery machine to establish connection to the technical support server through the public network, receive a technical support page from the technical support server, send a technical information request signal to the technical support server using the technical support page, and receive corresponding technical information from the technical supporter server. The technical support server sends the technical support page when the embroidery machine establishes connection with the technical support server and sends technical information in response to the technical information request signal from the embroidery machine.

Abstract: A needle module contains a plurality of needles having a shank and an eye at a first end and a mounting portion at the second end mounted in a module body. A rod is mounted on and spaced apart from the module body transversely to the needles. Yarn stands pass over the rod and are directed through the eyes of the needles.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting through a mattress tufting straps having a frame for locking said mattress, a device for inserting the tufting straps through the mattress, supported by the frame, and actuators for actuating the device to move above the mattress. The inserting device includes a magazine for tufting straps, a needle with a tip receptacle for receiving and transferring a clip through the mattress, a transfer element, with a seat for receiving the clip, and a pusher, movable transversely to the needle for engaging the clip and inserting the clip in the tip receptacle.

Abstract: An embroidery production system having a plurality of single-head embroidery sewing machines determines the number and the layout of the single-head embroidery sewing machines based on production items, production volume per item and the size of the factory floor of the embroidery supplier, and makes a production plan operating each single-head embroidery sewing machine based an the item, production volume and a due date of an article which should be completed for embroidering by a predetermined period.

Abstract: An apparatus especially configured for users to easily coordinate or harmonize apparel before putting the clothing on. The embodiments include a frame member defining a display region configured for displaying the personalized real human facial image of a user. In a first embodiment, the display region is positioned on top of a garment supporting device. In a second embodiment, the display region comprises a computer monitor. In a third embodiment, the facial or garment image is retrieved from a remote computer.

Abstract: Disclosed are surface-modified medical metallic materials and preparation thereof. The medical metallic material is prepared by coating a gold or silver thin layer onto a base metal, adsorbing a polyfunctional sulfur compound onto the gold or silver thin layer, and chemically bonding a biologically active material such as heparin or estradiol to the functional group of the sulfur compound. The biologically active material is firmly bonded to the base metal via the sulfur compound. Being significantly improved in antithrombogenicity and biocompatibility, the metallic materials are suitable for use in various implants, including stents, artificial cardiac valves and catheters.

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding a human eye of a patient while allowing the human eye contact with the air. A lens of the apparatus is fashioned to one or both of the eyes and is optically clear and optically correct in that it does not distort the patient's vision. The optically correct aspect of the lens is achieved by either polishing a mold for the lens or alternatively, by die-cutting the lens from an optically correct material. The lens may be held in place by an adjustable strap. A plurality of vents to allow the eye contact with the air are a plurality of apertures in the lens or a plurality of spaces or holes in a cushioning structure, where the cushioning structure is coupled to the perimeter of the surface of the lens facing the eye.

Abstract: A device for designing knit products to be manufactured on a knitting machine includes at least one storage device for storing data required for the production of the knit products on the knitting machine; at least one display device for displaying design images for the knit products; and at least one input device for altering the design images. Data to be exchanged between the storage, input and display devices is processed to generate at least one knit image presentation and at least one corresponding thread course presentation for display as the design images on the display device, and one of the presentations is simultaneously correspondingly altered as the other is being altered by using the input device.

Abstract: A system for providing pierced-ear instruments. The invention provides an earring cartridge carrying a stud having a post in a stud post holder assembly and a nut in slidably aligned, spaced apart, and oppositely opposed placement so that an ear part may be placed between the post and the nut for piercing wherein a torque-like force is produced on the stud post holder assembly causing the assembly to rotatably open when the earring cartridge is compressed to bring the stud towards the nut for engaging the post with the nut. The rotatable opening of the stud post holder assembly facilitates the disengagement of the assembly from the earring stud after the stud has connected to the nut, eliminating the need to touch the ears of the customer to confirm the stud-nut connection or to remove the assembly after the ear piercing is completed. A vertically stackable packing box maintains a sterile environment in which an earring cartridge with a pierced-ear earring stud may be transported and stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to that of an incorporated cooling system that is incorporated into headgear that would be worn by a user. The cooling system of the present invention comprises a plurality of hollow plastic tubes all interconnected to one another. The plastic tubes serve both as a means in which an even distribution of air flow occurs over a user's head and also serves as a skeletal framework for the particular piece of headgear which the present invention is associated with. Air flow through the present invention occurs throughout the plastic tubes by the presence of air compressor unit, which is mounted on the particular piece of headgear in an inconspicuous place. The air compressor unit is powered by a power means. The plastic tubes of the present invention have inwardly facing air outlet holes that solely but steadily blow air onto the head of an individual wearing a piece of headgear with the present invention.

Abstract: A software program, method and system for analyzing and dividing an embroidery design into multiple regional designs. An embroidery machine then uses the regional designs to create an embroidered fabric. The software separates the embroidery design into regional designs such that each regional design fits within a predefined region having a size which can be handled by the hoop and the attachment points of the embroidery machine. For each separate regional design, one or more files of executable instructions is created. The instructions are used by the embroidery machine to sew the embroidery design. In one form, region software analyzes the stitch data for its ability to exist in multiple, overlapped regions. Grid software divides the embroidery design to be analyzed into a plurality of grid sections. Identifying software identifies each grid section having a stitch that is partially or completely underlying another stitch.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and apparatus that can enhance the security of a suture knot by annealing a portion of the suture knot. Such a suture knot is less likely to fail by slippage. Advantageously, the methods and apparatus can operate in a liquid environment, such as the inside of a body. Conventional knots made from monofilament sutures exhibit an unfortunate tendency to slip or untie. A surgeon can tie a conventional monofilament suture using standard knot tying techniques and anneal the suture. The annealing can fuse the tails of the suture together, thereby preventing failure by slippage. In one embodiment, the annealing textures the surface of the monofilament tails, thereby increasing friction and resistance to slippage. In another embodiment, the annealing is applied to the last throw in the knot.

Abstract: A pair of tension discs is disposed on a tension stud fixed in part of a sewing machine main body. A pneumatic cylinder has a drive rod. The drive rod moves at least one of the tension discs to other tension disc so that one tension disc is pressed to other tension disc. An air regulator is interposed between the pneumatic cylinder and an air supply source, being composed in an electropneumatic system for converting between voltage and air pressure. By controlling the applied voltage to the electropneumatic air regulator on the basis of an instruction from a microcomputer, the set pressure of the air supplied to the pneumatic cylinder is adjusted. Thereby the pressure to the thread held between the pair of tension discs, that is, the thread tension is controlled. As a result, without having to stop the operation of the sewing machine, the thread tension can be adjusted promptly and appropriately.

Abstract: A hazard monitor for surgical tourniquet systems comprises: pressure transducing means for detecting a pressure in a pneumatic tourniquet cuff; power switch means for enabling an operator in initiate an interruption in the supply of electrical power required by pressure regulator means, wherein the tourniquet instrument is connectable pneumatically to the tourniquet cuff to supply pressurized gas to the cuff, thereby producing a pressure in the cuff; pneumatic connector means for enabling an operator to connect an inflatable cuff to the pressure regulator means, and hazard detection means communicating pneumatically with the pneumatic connector means for detecting pressurized gas having a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure level when an interruption in the supply of electrical power is initiated by the operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of head and spine protection conceptually different from, and superior to, the traditional free-floating helmet concept, for use in high impact physical activities, such as such as football, hockey, lacrosse, motorcycling, downhill skiing, bobsledding/luge, cycling, snowmobiling, race car driving, factory/construction activities, firefighting, skydiving, and training/battlefield activities by the military and law enforcement officers. The head dome and connection system provides a clear or tinted, impact-proof, projectile-proof bubble over the head and neck, which is secured firmly to the wearer's shoulders and torso via a connection system of straps to a harness, or to the waistline/upper thighs. The head is protected from impact against the inside of the dome by a cushioned cap, secured in place with a chin strap.

Abstract: An intrasaccular device particularly adapted for treating body lumens. The intrasaccular device includes structure that provides a strong framework as well as improved covering across an opening to an aneurysm sac. The intrasaccular device is intended to retain foreign bodies within the aneurysm sac and includes members for accomplishing this objective. The intrasaccular device is also provided with structure that facilitates the alignment of a plurality of devices deployed within the sac.