Abstract: Viewing apparatus is disclosed for use with an automatic sewing machine in digitizing patterns that are to be sewn. The viewing system includes a high intensity light projection device mounted close to the head of the sewing machine. The mounting of the projection device includes adjustment capabilities which allow a projected image to be centered on a point having a predefined relationship with respect to the sewing needle of the automatic sewing machine.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for selectively assigning stitch patterns that are to be automatically sewn by a sewing machine. The system displays size information relative to stitch patterns which may be sewn by the sewing machine. The operator selects a displayed size from the thus displayed size information. This system is operative to identify a stored stitch pattern which corresponds to the selected size. The thus identified stitch pattern may be thereafter automatically sewn each time a workpiece of that size is presented to the sewing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for processing workpieces prearranged within pallets in an automatic sewing machine system. The apparatus includes an automatic release of a pallet containing a sewn workpiece. The front of the pallet drops onto shock absorbing members located within inclined chutes. The chutes contain slides which allow the dropped pallet to slide downwardly following impact with the shock absorbing members. The chutes are mounted in such a manner that they may be easily removed from the automatic sewing machine system.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for processing workpieces prearranged within pallets in an automatic sewing machine system. The apparatus is displaceable from fixed positions wherein the pallets are normally processed from an input location to a sewing location and hence to an output location. The displaced apparatus allows access to various portions of the automatic sewing machine system.

Abstract: A pattern selection system having a relatively small number of pattern selection switches is disclosed. Each pattern selection switch is assigned a particular stitch pattern that is stored in a memory. The assigning of the stitch patterns occurs in a series of communications between the operator and the pattern selection system. These communications include the displaying of the stitch pattern assignment that is being made. The pattern selection system thereafter displays the stitch pattern assignment each time the pattern selection switch is activated.

Abstract: A sewing machine system possesses an interactive communication capability allowing for the assignment of stitch patterns with respect to workpieces to be sewn. The workpieces are arranged within pallets having binary codes impressed thereon. The stitch pattern assignments are made in conjunction with the sensing of the binary codes. The workpieces are automatically processed from a location wherein the binary codes are sensed, to a location wherein the pallets are attached to an automatic positioning system. The workpieces are furthermore processed through to an output position when the respectively assigned stitch pattern has been sewn.

Abstract: A system for processing workpieces prearranged within pallets that are to be sewn by a sewing machine. The system includes apparatus for automatically processing a pallet from an input location to a location wherein the pallet can be automatically attached to a positioning system. The positioning system moves the attached pallet into position underneath the sewing machine head for subsequent sewing of a stitch pattern. The sewn workpiece is returned to a location where the pallet can be detached from the positioning system. An ejector mechanism automatically moves the detached pallet to a location which does not interfere with the automatic processing of another pallet loaded at the input location.