Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for detecting the position of an embroidery machine after power failure. A position encoder is connected to each frame drive actuator on each axis of the embroidery machine. The computer which controls the actuators is equipped with a non-volatile memory. The encoders indicate to the computer the current position of the actuators and thus the frame. When power returns, the current position value from each encoder is compared with the required position value in the computer memory. If the values are not equal, machine start-up is inhibited and the computer commands the actuators to cause the frame to be moved to its proper position.

Abstract: A system is provided for improving frame adjustments of automatic embroidery machines. Groupings of holes are punched in an elongated tape corresponding to binary numbers. The tape is read by an electro-optical reader which converts the information on the tape to electrical pulses which, in turn, control a drive system for causing the embroidery frame to move predetermined discrete distances.

Abstract: A counter for counting the dents of a loom reed including a housing having a relatively smooth bottom surface for allowing the housing to be manually slid over the dent of a reed for counting the dents. A light beam is directed by means of a fiber optic member onto the dent and is reflected back through a fiber optic bundle carried coaxially of the first fiber optic member to trigger a transistor responsive to each reflected signal. Operational amplifiers produce pulses responsive to the triggering of the transistor which are counted by a counter and displayed by a light display member.