Abstract: Impedance measurement of battery cells within a battery system comprising at least one string of battery cells is accomplished by dividing each of the strings into at least two portions. A loading current for measurement purposes is only imposed on a portion of one of the strings at any given time and battery cell voltage measurements are made only within this string portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the total internal resistance of a multicell battery having positive and negative terminals employs a first transistor device having an input and an output and having mutually exclusive conductive and non-conductive electric states. An arrangement of resistances is connected in series with the device to form a network. The network is connected between the positive and negative terminals. An operational amplifier has an output connected to the input of the device and first and second inputs. The first input is connected to the network at a point connected to both of the device and the arrangement. A square wave signal alternating between a positive voltage and ground on alternate half cycles is applied to the second input. The device is in the conductive state when the alternating voltage is positive and is in the non-conductive state when the alternating voltage is at ground.

Abstract: An electronic sewing machine storing information concerning a string of different stitch patterns includes a central processor responsive to an operator entered parameter for effecting unique modification of certain stored stitch patterns thus creating a compound stitch pattern useful, for instance, as a mending stitch pattern for repairing various length fabric tears.

Abstract: A speed controlling circuit for an alternating current powered blower motor is disclosed in which rectified direct current voltages are manipulated, regulated responsive to ambient temperature, and compared so as to provide reliable and cost effective blower speed control in proportion to ambient temperature and low blower speed cut off.

Abstract: A method of producing a buttonhole is disclosed in which individual legs thereof are composed of stitches alternately extending parallel to the length of the buttonhole and substantially transversely of said length. The stitches extending parallel to said length are formed at twice the stitch length and in the opposite direction of work feed from the transversely extending stitches.

Abstract: A method of forming an eyelet end buttonhole pattern having two spaced apart rows of zig zag stitches joined at one end by a generally circular pattern of zig zag stitches includes first forming a single stitch in the eyelet end, then feeding the fabric in the forward direction until the stitch forming point is at the other end of the buttonhole pattern from where the initial stitch was placed. A side bar is then stitched, beginning in reverse, proceeding around the eyelet end, then in a forward direction to the other end of the pattern. The feeding is then reversed and the stitching retraces the buttonhole pattern in the opposite direction. Barring stitches are then sewn, to close and finish the buttonhole pattern with a square end.

Abstract: An electronically controlled sewing machine includes an arrangement for utilizing the feed override control to effect a feed balancing function for a pattern having both directions of feed. To effect the balancing function, those patterns which have both forward and reverse feed are "flagged" for recognition by the sewing machine control system. When such a pattern is being sewn, the function of the feed override control is changed to perform the balancing function. Accordingly, when the feed override control is enabled, a fixed increment is added to all forward feeds in the pattern and the feed override control is utilized to attenuate only the forward feeds, to effect a balanced condition.

Abstract: An SCR motor speed control system having a capacitor for triggering the SCR into conduction is provided with circuitry for limiting the top speed of the motor by sensing the armature back EMF generated during the non-conducting period of the SCR to determine the motor speed. When the speed is above a predetermined threshold value, a transistor is turned on to short circuit the charging path of the capacitor.

Abstract: An electronically controlled multiple pattern sewing machine is provided with the capability of sewing a repetitive sequence of patterns. The sewing machine operator selects, one by one, the patterns desired to be sewn and these are stored in a temporary memory in the order of their selection. In addition, each of the patterns may be modified such as by providing double feed, bight mirror, feed mirror, bight override and/or feed override. The arrangement also allows the operator to replace a previously selected pattern in a string with a different pattern at the same place in the string.

Abstract: An electronically controlled multiple pattern sewing machine is provided with an arrangement which senses when the buttonhole paddle and buttonhole presser foot are not properly positioned at the time a buttonhole pattern is selected to be sewn. Under these circumstances, an alarm is activated and stitches are not formed even though the operator may attempt to sew.

Abstract: An arrangement for utilizing a single lead for communication and control between a controller and a switch-indicator pair. The switch and indicator are connected and the single lead is connected at a junction point of the switch and the control input of the indicator so that when the switch is closed the lead carries thereon a signal indicative of switch closure and the controller may utilize this same lead to provide a signal for controlling the energization of the indicator.

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: A sewing machine is disclosed wherein the positional coordinates for successive stitch penetrations are stored in a memory having addressable locations corresponding to a plurality of operator selectable patterns. Means are provided for operator initiation of an override command to selectively alter the operation of the feed and bight actuators to an amount of motion different from that dictated by the stored pattern information. An operator influenced control provides a digital signal corresponding to a desired alteration value. Override memory locations are provided for storing bight and feed actuator motion alteration values. These locations are addressed in accordance with the selected pattern and the digital override signal provided by the operator. The alteration values are utilized for control of the appropriate feed and bight actuators.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed wherein the positional coordinates for successive stitch penetrations are stored in a memory having addressable locations corresponding to a plurality of operator selectable patterns, one of which is a buttonhole pattern. The buttonhole pattern includes two parallel rows of zig-zag stitches forming a pair of buttonhole side bars, the inner stitches of the side bars defining a cutting space therebetween and the outer stitches of the side bars defining the width of the buttonhole pattern. Means are provided for operator initiation of an override command to selectively alter the operation of the bight actuator to selectively control the position of only the inner side bar stitches so as to selectively vary the width of the cutting space while maintaining constant the overall buttonhole pattern width.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed in which electromechanical actuators are incorporated. By selectively supplying power to position the electromechanical actuators, the stitch forming instrumentalities of the sewing machine may be operatively controlled. In order to reduce heat dissipation within the sewing machine under abnormal conditions where the actuators are locked for long periods of time, the sewing machine main drive motor motion is monitored. After a predetermined period of inactivity of the sewing machine main drive motor, the power which can be supplied to the actuators is limited.

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: A twin needle memory device for an electronically controlled sewing machine having a variety of patterns and sewing condition capabilities selectable by means of proximity switch devices. A non-volatile external storage having a one bit capability is provided to retain information as to the last state of the sewing machine, relative to twin needle, upon power interruption; and to provide for proportionate reduced amplification of the bight analog signal in the event that the twin needle mode of operation is selected. Upon reinitiation of power, the state of the external storage is ascertained and used to determine the state of a twin needle flip flop part of the electronic control system of the sewing machine. Subsequent change in twin needle condition is implemented through the proximity switch devices and an additional one second delay count to alter the state of the twin needle flip flop.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed wherein positioning of the work feeding mechanism and/or needle is controlled by a respective actuator responsive to stitch pattern signals applied thereto. To enable the actuator to complete its positioning for the next stitch prior to repenetration of the needle, the power supplied to the main drive motor of the sewing machine is interrupted until the actuator has completed its task.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed in which the pattern of successive needle penetrations during stitching is influenced in accordance with pattern information stored within the machine in a static memory. This pattern information is retrieved and utilized electronically to control, among other factors, the magnitude and direction of feed of the work fabric being stitched. Manually operable electric feed reversing switch means is provided which is effective, while it remains closed, to interrupt utilization of this pattern information to the stitch forming instrumentalities both as to needle bight and work feed motion and to substitute in its place information from auxiliary static memory for use electronically to influence uniform work feed in a reverse direction with the needle maintained in one predetermined lateral position.

Abstract: A contact-free electrical pulse generator, that utilizes a Hall effect device and a permanent magnet to generate lines of flux and provides two stable output states when cooperating with a flux conducting cam having a stepped peripheral circumference mounted on a rotating shaft is disclosed. The flux conducting cam enhances the flux density imposed upon the Hall effect device when the high portion of the cam becomes proximate the Hall device. The concentrated flux lines flowing through the Hall device changes the state of the device in accordance with the preselected angular positions of the rotary shaft.