Abstract: Dual-motor sewing machine with automatic timing adjustment. In some embodiments, a sewing machine may include a frame, a needle bar configured to have a needle, a first motor configured to cause the needle bar to linearly reciprocate the needle with respect to the frame and into and out of a fabric, a first sensor configured to continuously sense a current position of the needle, a bobbin hook configured to function in connection with a bobbin, a second motor configured to cause the bobbin hook to rotate with respect to the frame, a second sensor configured to continuously sense a current position of the bobbin hook, and one or more motor controllers. The one or more motor controllers may be configured, based on the current positions sensed by the first sensor and the second sensor, to continuously and automatically adjust and synchronize timing of the first motor and/or the second motor.

Abstract: Dual-motor sewing machine with automatic timing adjustment. In some embodiments, a sewing machine may include a frame, a needle bar configured to have a needle, a first motor configured to cause the needle bar to linearly reciprocate the needle with respect to the frame and into and out of a fabric, a first sensor configured to continuously sense a current position of the needle, a bobbin hook configured to function in connection with a bobbin, a second motor configured to cause the bobbin hook to rotate with respect to the frame, a second sensor configured to continuously sense a current position of the bobbin hook, and one or more motor controllers. The one or more motor controllers may be configured, based on the current positions sensed by the first sensor and the second sensor, to continuously and automatically adjust and synchronize timing of the first motor and/or the second motor.

Abstract: Fabric suspension frame pole ratchet mechanism. In some embodiments, an example fabric suspension frame may include a pole support side arm, a pole configured to have fabric spooled thereon, and a pole ratchet mechanism. The pole may be configured to be manually rotated in a first rotational direction and a second opposite rotational direction. The pole ratchet mechanism may include a ratchet sleeve attached to the pole, a ratchet slider configured to be positioned in a receiving slot of the pole support side arm, and a ratchet shifter attached to the pole. The ratchet sleeve may define a first set of teeth, and the ratchet slider may define a second set of teeth configured to selectively engage with the first set of teeth. The ratchet shifter may be configured to be manually shifted between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: Fabric suspension frame pole ratchet mechanism. In some embodiments, an example fabric suspension frame may include a pole support side arm, a pole configured to have fabric spooled thereon, and a pole ratchet mechanism. The pole may be configured to be manually rotated in a first rotational direction and a second opposite rotational direction. The pole ratchet mechanism may include a ratchet sleeve attached to the pole, a ratchet slider configured to be positioned in a receiving slot of the pole support side arm, and a ratchet shifter attached to the pole. The ratchet sleeve may define a first set of teeth, and the ratchet slider may define a second set of teeth configured to selectively engage with the first set of teeth. The ratchet shifter may be configured to be manually shifted between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: Dual-motor sewing machine with automatic timing adjustment. In some embodiments, a sewing machine may include a frame, a needle bar configured to have a needle, a first motor configured to cause the needle bar to linearly reciprocate the needle with respect to the frame and into and out of a fabric, a first sensor configured to continuously sense a current position of the needle, a bobbin hook configured to function in connection with a bobbin, a second motor configured to cause the bobbin hook to rotate with respect to the frame, a second sensor configured to continuously sense a current position of the bobbin hook, and one or more motor controllers. The one or more motor controllers may be configured, based on the current positions sensed by the first sensor and the second sensor, to continuously and automatically adjust and synchronize timing of the first motor and/or the second motor.

Abstract: Vibration reduction mechanism for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a vibration reduction mechanism for a sewing machine includes a rotational counterweight and a reciprocating counterweight. The rotational counterweight is configured to be coupled to a driveshaft of a sewing machine and is configured to be rotated by rotation of the driveshaft. The reciprocating counterweight is coupled to the rotational counterweight. A first portion of the reciprocating counterweight is configured to be rotated by the rotation of the rotational counterweight. A second portion of the reciprocating counterweight is configured to be substantially reciprocated along a length of a structure by the rotation of the rotational counterweight.

Abstract: Motorized thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a motorized thread tensioner for a sewing machine may include a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a shaft having threads on a distal end, a nut threaded onto the threads of the shaft, and an electric motor. The shaft may be through the first disk, the second disk, and the spring. The electric motor may be coupled to the nut and configured to rotate the nut in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction. The rotation of the nut in the first rotational direction may cause the shaft to travel toward the electric motor. The rotation of the nut in the second rotational direction may cause the shaft to travel away from the electric motor.

Abstract: Thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a thread tensioner for a sewing machine includes a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a mechanism, and a sensor. The second disk is positioned next to the first disk. The spring is configured to apply tension to a thread positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk. The spring defines a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end. The mechanism is configured to cause the length of the spring to shorten and to allow the length of the spring to lengthen. The sensor is configured to track a current length of the spring by measuring a dimension of at least a portion of the spring.

Abstract: Motorized thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a motorized thread tensioner for a sewing machine may include a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a shaft having threads on a distal end, a nut threaded onto the threads of the shaft, and an electric motor. The shaft may be through the first disk, the second disk, and the spring. The electric motor may be coupled to the nut and configured to rotate the nut in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction. The rotation of the nut in the first rotational direction may cause the shaft to travel toward the electric motor. The rotation of the nut in the second rotational direction may cause the shaft to travel away from the electric motor.

Abstract: Vibration reduction mechanism for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a vibration reduction mechanism for a sewing machine includes a rotational counterweight and a reciprocating counterweight. The rotational counterweight is configured to be coupled to a driveshaft of a sewing machine and is configured to be rotated by rotation of the driveshaft. The reciprocating counterweight is coupled to the rotational counterweight. A first portion of the reciprocating counterweight is configured to be rotated by the rotation of the rotational counterweight. A second portion of the reciprocating counterweight is configured to be substantially reciprocated along a length of a structure by the rotation of the rotational counterweight.

Abstract: A device controls the speed of needle movement in a sewing machine and thus the stitch length based upon the movement of a motion detection device relative to a reference surface. The formation of stitches by the sewing machine is controlled by detected changes in position of the detection device relative to the reference surface in connection with a predetermined stitch length setting and starting speed, set on either the detection device, an adapter or as part of the sewing machine control. The detection device may move together with the article being sewn while the sewing machine and reference surface remain stationary, or the detection device may move with the sewing machine while the article that is being sewn and reference surface remain stationary.

Abstract: Thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a thread tensioner for a sewing machine includes a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a knob, and a sensor. The second disk is positioned next to the first disk. The spring is configured to apply tension to a thread positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk. The spring defines a length between a first end and a second end. The knob is configured, when rotated in one direction, to travel along a threaded shaft toward the spring and thereby cause the length of the spring to shorten. The knob is configured, when rotated in another direction, to travel along the threaded shaft away from the spring and thereby allow the length of the spring to lengthen. The sensor is configured to track a current length of the spring.

Abstract: A device controls the speed of needle movement in a sewing machine and thus the stitch length based upon the movement of a motion detection device relative to a reference surface. The formation of stitches by the sewing machine is controlled by detected changes in position of the detection device relative to the reference surface in connection with a predetermined stitch length setting and starting speed, set on either the detection device, an adapter or as part of the sewing machine control. The detection device may move together with the article being sewn while the sewing machine and reference surface remain stationary, or the detection device may move with the sewing machine while the article that is being sewn and reference surface remain stationary.

Abstract: A louver rotating mechanism for louvers of a sectional covering for architectural openings is adapted to rotate the louvers between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the louvers are in generally parallel planes, and in the closed position, the louvers are generally in a common plane. The rotating mechanism includes a slot and gate system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring motor and control for use especially with window blinds. The motor comprises a storage drum having a first axis, an output drum mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A spring member is connected to and between the storage drum and the output drum to form a spring motor. The spring motor has laterally extending, spaced apart drum supports on opposite sides of the drums to support them for rotation. A coupled drive is connected to the storage and output drum whereby rotation of one of the drums in a first direction about its axis effects rotation of the other of the drums about its axis and in an opposite direction to cause winding and unwinding of the spring member between the drums.

Abstract: An expandable and contractible cellular panel 10 comprises a plurality of parallel, aligned, elongated tubular sections 12 secured together at the median region of their adjacent longitudinal margins to form the panel 10. The adjacent tubular sections 12 of the panel 10 are made of a pair of substantially identical separate strips of sheet material from those forming the other adjacent tubular sections 12. The various adjacent pairs of strips are laminated together along their confronting longitudinal margins. Each strip is made of at least two separate flexible substrate sheets 18,20 having completely different appearances, and are secured together by welding together their longitudinal margins.

Abstract: A covering for window or doors includes a plurality of vanes mounted horizontally or vertically, the vanes being light in weight and longitudinally rigid. The vanes may be foam filled or may include a vane shell made from a polymer matrix, and in either case may optionally include a decorative fabric covering. In the hollow vane embodiment, the vane shell preferably includes a polymer matrix at least partially enveloping fibers, and in the most preferred embodiment is prepared from a fibrous batt including two different thermoplastic resin fibers, one having a lower melting point than the other. The vane shell is formed by thermally treating the batt to at least partially melt the lower melt fibers to at least partially envelope the higher melt fibers.

Abstract: Foam core vanes useful with door or window coverings and which may be hung vertically or horizontally include an outer fabric cover and an inner foam core. Preferably, the vanes are shaped to have a blunt forward edge, gently curving sides and a pointed rear edge, resembling an air foil. A method of preparing the vanes includes injecting foam producing chemicals into a fold of the outer fabric as the fabric enters a mold section comprised of upper and lower molds moving along tracks. The foam expands to press the fabric into the mold and cures during travel through the mold section. A rotary knife cuts the foam core vanes to the desired length. Preferred foams are urethane and polyisocyanurate foams.

Abstract: A method of relieving stress in a window covering or other fabric composite by providing a fabric composite including first and second sheets of sheer material coupled to each other by a plurality of vanes. The fabric composite is fed along a pathway, and tension is applied to the fabric composite in directions both substantially perpendicular and substantially parallel to the pathway. The tensioned fabric composite passes adjacent to a plurality of heating units which apply heat to the window covering, removing creases and imperfections from the fabric composite. The tension is then removed from the fabric composite in the directions both parallel and perpendicular to the pathway.

Abstract: A light-control window covering includes a first sheet of sheer material, and a second sheet of sheer material spaced apart from the first sheer sheet of material. A plurality of vanes having a first face and a second face, a center region and a first and a second longitudinal margin, the first face of each vane being ultrasonically welded to the first and second sheets of sheer material along the respective first and second longitudinal margins. The vanes are welded to the first and second sheer sheets of material, while the first and second sheer materials are spaced apart and parallel to one another. The welded first and second sheets of sheer material and vanes are then shifted from a light-passing position to a light-blocking position and heat set.