Abstract: This invention is based on an idea of an electronic sewing machine where most controls in earlier machines have been replaced by a combined control (11,13) consisting of an arrangement for guiding a cursor on a graphic screen (10) built into the machine as well as an activation device (13). The graphic screen is the unit talking to the operator by means of pictures or texts on different menus (complete screen pictures) and describing the functions performable by the machine. The graphic screen also functions as a listener. The operator guides the cursor so that it points at a field which e.g. consists of a picture or a text and simultaneously he activates the activation device. Then the operation, particular for this very field, is carried out. Via software an arbitrary number of menus are created which consist, in their turn, of activation fields by which the operator communicates with the machine.

Abstract: Modern sewing machines comprise an automatic control of cloth feeding in a form of a guide mechanism or a link mechanism. This invention solves the problem of the several points of play in the guide and link mechanisms by substituting a linear driving motor (12) for these mechanisms, which motor drives the feeder directly in a linear movement without intervening mechanical transmission. The number of parts has been essentially reduced by this solution. The vertical movement of the feeder is brought about by a curve disc (22) driven by the sewing machine motor or by a separate motor for the vertical movement. The longitudinal and the vertical movements are synchronized to the other functions in other units of the sewing machine in an electrical or combined electronical/mechanical way.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to rotate an arm shaft of a sewing machine without a mechanical clutch between the hand wheel and the arm shaft. The position of the hand wheel which previously was very dependent on the mechanical system, can now be chosen so that the best possible ergonometry is obtained. Output of an electronic sensor of the rotation of the hand wheel and another sensor of the movement of the arm shaft are compared in an electronic unit, and as long as there is a difference in the outputs of the sensors the electronic unit will cause driving of the sewing machine motor so that the difference will be zero. The movement of the hand wheel is thus repeated on the arm shaft.

Abstract: A sewing machine in which the bed shaft and the arm shaft have been replaced by a synchronous belt and the plane of rotation of the synchronous belt is perpendicular to the cloth feeding direction. All function units which drive or are driven by the synchronous belt and the belt itself are mounted on the same side of the sewing machine body. A number of backing rollers guide the synchronous belt in the plane of rotation. These backing rollers are on shafts which are either stationary or driving. The shafts are supported by the sewing machine body in rotation or stationary manners. The backing rollers can be smooth or toothed wheels which drive or are driven by the synchronous belt. Some toothed wheels can drive several function units of the sewing machine. By changing the diameter of the toothed wheels in relation to each other the time relation between the several function units of the sewing machine can be controlled.

Abstract: In a speed control arrangement for a sewing machine, a control is provided for setting a comfortable cloth feeding speed, and the speed control arrangement controls the speed of the sewing machine motor directly as a function of the set cloth feed and inversely as a function of the seam length.

Abstract: A thread take-up lever in a sewing machine in which the driving cam disc of the take-up lever is mounted on the crankshaft driving the needle bar up and down. The driving cam disc is supported on one side while the spacing on the other side can be optimally utilized. This enables a correct position of the thread take-up movement.

Abstract: A signal arrangement for supplying a signal as a prewarning to the operator of a sewing machine, when the bobbin thread is about to run out. The bobbin has a reflective center, and a radiation source and detectors are mounted in the loop-taker. A friction clutch may be provided between the bobbin and the loop-taker, so that the bobbin rotates in one direction when thread is wound thereon, and the other direction when all of the thread has unwound therefrom.

Abstract: The cloth feeder of a sewing machine is formed of an elongated plate having rows of teeth extending parallel to the direction of feeding movement of the cloth feeder. The cloth feeder and stitcher plate have slot-and-pin guides arranged to guide the feeder for movement in the feeding direction.

Abstract: A feeding module in the base on an electronic mechanical sewing machine is driven by an input shaft having two cam surfaces, one of which is arranged to drive a guide element in an oscillating movement. A block journalled on a shaft secured to a slide is displaceable in the guide by a mechanical or computer controlled electrical setting device. The slide is journalled in the feeder and displaceable perpendicularly to the working surface of the feeder. Upon a displacement of the slide the block will move into a corresponding position in the guide thereby effecting an adjustment of the feeding. The other cam surface is arranged to act upon a link connected to the transferring device to the feeder and is coordinated with the cam surfaces to guide the feeder in rectangular movements.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the distance of feed of cloth in a sewing machine, comprising a wheel driven by the cloth without slippage and located at the presser foot. A plurality of slits on the wheel are arranged to cooperate with two slits in the bracket of the wheel, and thereby form two light gates producing two output signals in the form of a two bit binary code. This light is detected by photo transistors or photo diodes positioned to receive light through the slits from light emitting diodes or lamps. The output signals from the unit are applied to a data unit connected to compute a positive or negative feed of the cloth. The invention is especially useful when a buttonhole is to be sewn totally automatically.