Abstract: A thread changer for an embroidering machine, having a plurality of needles for different threads, comprises, a driving shaft, a plurality of thread levers loosely mounted on the driving shaft, a coupling element for each thread lever connected to the driving shaft and rotatable therewith, and a clutch member connected between the drive shaft and the thread levers for coupling a selected one of the thread levers to the drive shaft to move the selected thread lever into association with a selected one of the needles.

Abstract: A needle bar coupling in an embroidering machine which has a plurality of needle bars driven by separate cranks operated by a drive shaft, comprises a crank which is connected to the needle bar and to the drive shaft to move the needle bar upon rotation of the shaft. For this purpose a coupling or collar is engaged on the shaft and it carries the crank. A pawl is pivoted on the crank and it includes a tooth portion which engages in a groove of the coupling so that the coupling drives the crank when the shaft is rotated. In order to disengage the crank and the needle bar drive a contact member is provided adjacent the pawl which is shifted to engage the pawl and dislodge the tooth of the pawl from the coupling.