Abstract: A support structure is provided for a sewing machine needle. The structure includes a simplified needle bar 14 having a solid end 34 with a transverse, threaded hole 36. A die cast needle clamp 11 is precision-formed with a hollow cylinder 13 that fits over the end of the bar and is attached by a screw 16. A needle channel 19 is cast in the clamp to hold the shank 22 of a needle with the flat surface of the shank against a flat surface 21 of the channel and the round part of the shank captured between another flat surface 32 and the conical end of a screw 23. The cross section of the channel 19 is large enough to receive standard needles but not so large as to receive the shank of the smallest standard needle improperly oriented.

Abstract: A modular upper thread tension device utilizing an end of a tension beam to press together at least a pair of opposed thread engaging discs, and a raised helix form track on an end cam to provide a variable pivot point for the beam, all the components of the tension device being arranged to provide a compact form of construction. The entire tension assembly is supported on a sheet metal bracket which is attachable to the sewing machine frame with the thread engaging discs thereof lying beneath a slot in a top cover. A bell crank is fulcrummed on a pin attached to the support bracket, and has one leg thereof pivotably attached to a first end of the tension beam, which is arranged to lie as an extension to that leg. A mandrel is supported, by lugs of the support bracket, parallel to the tension beam, and has one end thereof extending through the second leg of the bell crank.

Abstract: A control system for the work feeding mechanism in a cam controlled pattern sewing machine wherein a manual forward feed biasing spring is bypassed when cam control is selected. The control system also features a quick reverse linkage, operable in the manual mode, which may be lockably engaged for hands-off reverse sewing.

Abstract: A zig-zag sewing machine is disclosed which can be controlled by various special cam units for producing special patterns of zig-zag stitches, zig-zag stitch patterns combined with patterned work feed control, or closed stitch groups such as buttonholes. A cam unit for buttonholing is also disclosed in which a clutch is used for selective engagement of the cam unit. This clutch uses axially shiftable ball bearings for selectively engaging notches in a driving plate, coupling the driving plate to the rest of the buttonhole cam unit.

Abstract: Thread tension discs for sewing machine thread tension devices which urge thread in toward the center of the device. Complimental indentations in the surface of the discs at the point of entry of thread into the device so change the angle of the edge of the discs at the point of entry that the thread has a tendency to work its way into as opposed to out of the device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to electronically controlled sewing machines having logic circuitry to provide input signals corresponding to stitch position coordinates for selected patterns and actuator means responsive to selected ones of said signals for positioning the needle means and a cam controlled feed means responsive to said signals for controlling the feed of a fabric relative to the needle means.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to threading apparatus for sewing machines and in particular to a movable thread engaging means disposed in proximity to a disc-type tension device which thread engaging means is operative during movement of the tension discs towards one another for guiding the thread between and in operative relationship with the tension discs so as to ensure that the thread will be properly threaded through the tension device.