Patents by Inventor Dale Alan Zoetewey

Dale Alan Zoetewey has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Computerized stitching including embroidering
    Patent number: 6871605
    Abstract: A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Melco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Zesch, Peter Kern, Michael E. Dickeson, Jurg Henz, Jeffrey T. Block, Dale Alan Zoetewey, Victor Justin Rhodes, Dean Gerald Pearson
  • Computerized stitching including embroidering
    Patent number: 6823807
    Abstract: A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Melco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Zesch, Peter Kern, Michael E. Dickeson, Jurg Henz, Jeffrey T. Block, Dale Alan Zoetewey, Victor Justin Rhodes, Dean Gerald Pearson
  • Computerized stitching including embroidering
    Publication number: 20030140831
    Abstract: A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Zesch, Peter Kern, Michael E. Dickeson, Jurg Henz, Jeffrey T. Block, Dale Alan Zoetewey, Victor Justin Rhodes, Dean Gerald Pearson