Abstract: A fixed speed sewing machine is disclosed having only start and stop control capability for the actual running of the machine. An arrangement is provided for controlling the acceleration of the sewing machine drive motor so that it is gradual, rather than abrupt.

Abstract: An electronically controlled sewing machine having the capability for lateral feeding in addition to longitudinal feeding is provided with an arrangement for effecting closed path pattern stitching. Selector switches having indicia thereon representative of the direction of sewing effected by operation of the respective switches are positioned so that the indicia visually simulates the closed path pattern.

Abstract: A pump for needle threading is disclosed having a housing with a recess therein, an elastomeric diaphragm stretched across said recess forming a pump cavity in which the medium being pumped is circulated, and inlet and outlet valves. An electronically controlled linear actuator is attached to the diaphragm within the pump cavity thereby allowing compactness in the construction of the pump and improved heat dissipation from the linear actuator.

Abstract: A circuit which limits the maximum permissible speed of a sewing machine motor when specific stitch patterns are selected. Electronic signals from a means for sensing the selected stitch pattern are analyzed by the circuit to control the operation of a relay which connects a resistance in series with the sewing machine motor to reduce the maximum speed at which the drive motor may be operated.

Abstract: A mechanism for detecting the depletion of bobbin thread in a sewing machine. A bobbin is formed with a polygonal core having a plurality of light reflecting surfaces contained thereon. A light source transmits a beam of light toward the polygonal core of the bobbin and the light reflected therefrom is intercepted by a photodetector. The polygonal reflecting surfaces contained on the bobbin core do not begin to reflect light until a sufficient quantity of bobbin thread has been consumed in the sewing process to expose a part of the reflective surface portion of the bobbin core. The rotation of the bobbin thereafter results in flashes of light being received by the photodetector. An electronic circuit analyzes the output of the photodetector and distinguishes between the flashes and steady ambient light to signal the impending depletion of bobbin thread.

Abstract: An electronically controlled sewing machine having buttonhole capability and a reverse stitch actuating switch wherein actuation of the reverse switch during a buttonholing operation will initiate the second step of the buttonhole. Signals characteristic of selection of a buttonhole mode of operation are used in a logic combination to enable reverse selecting means to be used to initiate the second step of the buttonhole while inhibiting its use to implement reverse stitching. Absence of these characteristic signals will permit the reverse selecting means to be used to implement reverse stitching.

Abstract: An operator manipulating means for a programable electronically controlled sewing machine. The operator manipulating means provides an array of switch points, each related in a row, to discrete needle positions attainable by the electronically controlled sewing machine; and in a column, to the least feed increment attainable thereby. The switch array is fabricated using a pair of printed circuits, one of which must be flexible and each having spaced, parallel conductors, and arranged with respect to each other so that the conductors of one are substantially perpendicular to the conductors of the other and are in facing relationship. The printed circuits are separated in a first embodiment by a pair of insulating sheets, each having an array of apertures in spaced registry with each other and aligned in rows and columns with the conductors on the printed circuits. The pair of insulating sheets are separated by a flexible conducting sheets which may be used as a common conductor.

Abstract: A controller to permit a sewing machine operator to control a sewing machine drive motor from control members located in close proximity to the needle bar. Means are provided to permit the operator to select the sewing speed and the needle stop position prior to commencing the sewing process. The operator may thereafter control the sewing process by light finger pressure applied to the control members without attention being distracted from the work feeding area. The operator may suspend the sewing process by removing pressure from the control members. The sewing machine will thereafter stop with the needle bar in the selected position. A reset circuit is provided to prevent the operator from unintentionally actuating the sewing machine drive motor.

Abstract: Means are disclosed for permitting entry of operator selected stitch points in a switch array which exceeds the capacity of the switch array. In a switch array for a programmable memory of a sewing machine, the columns of switches are representative of the needle position and the rows of switches are representative of fabric position determined by accumulation of feed increments. Each required feed increment is determined by the change of the present stitch position coordinate for feed over the just prior stitch position coordinate for feed. In order to provide for feed increments in the forward direction beyond the number of rows provided, an artificial signal is generated for the just prior stitch position coordinate for feed representative of the first row of switches. To provide for feed increment in the reverse direction, an artificial signal is generated for the just prior stitch position representative of the last row of switches.

Abstract: An electronically controlled household sewing machine capable of effecting ornamental stitches by selective needle feed and needle positioning, in conjunction with reversible work feed. Means are provided for storing and returning needle jogging instructions intended to be accomplished not only while the needle is out of the work to provide zig zag stitches, but also intended to be accomplished while the needle is in the work to provide for lateral needle feed of the work. An arrangement is disclosed whereby combinations of zig zag, needle feed and longitudinal feed of the work may be influenced between successive needle penetrations. In this manner, in addition to the longitudinal work feed motion, the work material may be moved laterally by the sewing needle in the formation of ornamental patterns having unlimited width as well as longitudinal extent for which the stitch coordinate information is stored and applied to the stitch forming instrumentalities electronically.

Abstract: An electronically controlled sewing machine which, in addition to the capability to stitch in the longitudinal direction, may selectively feed a work material in a selected right or left lateral direction. Additionally, bight pattern information may be taken from a memory means of the sewing machine and applied to the feed system thereof in order to obtain lateral patterning. In order to obtain lateral feeding, a straight stitch pattern is selected from the memory means in order to provide null or zero bight signal indicative of center needle position. Simultaneously, the signal from the arm shaft position sensor is applied to the bight actuating circuit, this arrangement providing for motion of a sewing needle in one lateral direction while in a work material, and in the other lateral direction while out of a work material.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to electronically controlled sewing machines and in particular to the combination of such a machine with a re-programmable static memory with which an operator can program in input data representative of a stitch position coordinates for selected patterns, which input data will be encoded into digital form, stored and decoded into input signals for initiating operation of the sewing machine stitch position actuating means to produce patterns corresponding to the operator selected pattern. The re-programmable memory can be located remote from the machine or can be built in as an integral part of the structure of the machine itself. The machine may also contain a static read-only-memory (ROM) having fixed patterns for operation of the machine with or without a re-programmable memory and includes switching means for disconnecting the read-only-memory when the re-programmable memory is connected to the machine.

Abstract: A transformer comprising a stack of sheet metal laminations; an insulating plastic bobbin on which a primary coil is wound; an insulating plastic bobbin on which the secondary coil is wound; and two interengaging insulating plastic covers which enclose the primary coil and provide additional insulation between the primary coil and the laminations and between the primary and secondary coils, while also providing a strain relief for the primary leads from the primary coil. The plastic components are formed to provide two mms of insulation between the primary and secondary coils, and between the primary coil and the laminations. The plastic components are arranged to provide at least 10 mms of "creepage" distance between primary and secondary coils and at least 8mms between the primary coil and the laminations. The insulation provided is sufficient to permit the steel laminations to be mounted directly on the metal frame of an appliance.