Abstract: Electrical connector systems and methods create an electrical connection between a flexible circuit (FC) and a metal terminal of another connector. A reliable electrical connection is achieved with a low-cost tin contact plating, by an automatic FC to metal terminal wiping action with contact force, during the connector to FC assembly process. The connector to FC assembly process is also well suited for automated robotic assembly, which can save costs compared to manual assembly/installation.

Abstract: A fabric repairing tool is provided with a cylindrical sheet metal cutter having a helically extending sharp cutting edge. The cutter is affixed to an arbor which moves the cutter into a die mounted within a stationary sleeve wherein the arbor is slidably supported to cut out a piece from fabric held in the path of the cutter.

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided with a double pointed looper and actuating mechanism therefore including a double tracked cam, an actuator operable on the cam tracks, and a gate with a resiliently movable portion for controlling movement of the actuator between the cam tracks.

Abstract: A lighted display device having an array of discrete reflective surfaces each of which is associated with a visual display. The reflectivity of each of the surfaces is established so that the light reflected to, and illuminating, each associated visual display is of equal intensity independent of the distance of the reflective surface from the light source.

Abstract: A button attaching tool is provided with a base, a pair of needles which have collapsible and expandable thread receiving eyes and which project from the base for use in penetrating a layer of material and the holes of a button to be attached to the material, and a member for stripping the material and button from the needles.

Abstract: A sewing machine cabinet is provided with a cradle which may be latched in a horizontal position, a mounting platform for a sewing machine, linkage means upon which the platform is suspended from the cradle in a lowered working position, and a manually operable lever for operating the linkage means to move the platform between the lowered working position and a raised working position.

Abstract: A linear motor construction in which a plurality of parallelpiped shaped permanent magnets are retained within an easily molded spool having an axial bore formed through the axis thereof. A coil which may be electrically excited is wound about the spool and produces a magnetic field when excited, which reacts with the field produced by the permanent magnets to cause linear motion in a ferro-magnetic, cylindrical armature which is slidably contained within the axial bore.

Abstract: A mount system for mounting sewing machines provided with hinge pin sockets adjacent an edge of the work supporting surface, comprising a pair of elongated equal height mounting brackets having pins adapted to be inserted into and locked within the hinge pin sockets, the brackets being adapted at their other end to be mounted to a machine supporting surface or shelf, together with a machine rest also adapted to be mounted with the machine supporting surface to sustain the front of the sewing machine bed, the system thereby locating the work supporting surface at the desired height independent of the machine bed height or depth through the fixed hinge pin socket distance relationship, and the fixed height of the bracket pin on the bracket.

Abstract: A pneumatic needle threading assist is disclosed which has a thread collecting chamber in which, due to the air flow therethrough, thread having passed through the eye of a sewing needle, is therein deposited in a series of spiral loops limiting the amount of thread in the vacuum line and preventing the vacuum source from being contaminated with the thread.

Abstract: A pump 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. The pump fits within the frame of a sewing machine and creates an air vacuum for assisting in needle threading.

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 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 vibration dampening member for a sewing machine cabinet having metallic hinges for supporting a work surface in a raised position. The hinges are fastened so that they contact a resilient compound exhibiting magnetic properties which attracts the hinges to prevent the transmission of vibration between adjoining surfaces.

Abstract: A low bobbin thread supply alarm in which a bobbin case is fitted with lever pivoted thereon and carrying a permanent magnet for travel to the hub of the bobbin. An arm overhanging the bobbin case and bobbin carries a Hall generator in a portion thereof overlying the hub of the bobbin. The lever and permanent magnet carried thereby is urged by an electromagnet supported externally of the looptaker toward and away from the hub of the bobbin at suitable intervals. When the lever pivots greater than a given amount due to depletion of thread on the hub of the bobbin the permanent magnet on the lever will trigger a voltage change on the Hall generator which may cause an appropriate alarm to provide a warning of a low thread condition.

Abstract: A pump actuating mechanism which allows a sewing machine motor to be used for operating a pneumatic pump. The mechanism utilizes two oppositely arranged, single direction, overrunning clutches, one connected to the sewing machine drive and the other connected to a pump linkage. An electrical switch is used to reverse the direction of the motor rotation thereby disengaging the motor from the sewing machine drive and engaging the motor with the pump linkage.

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 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: The present disclosure relates to zig-zag sewing machines including means for controlling the bight stops in order to produce ornamental patterns. In particular, the disclosure relates to electronically controlled sewing machines having storage means for storing stitch information and wherein logic means are used to select and release stitch information in timed relation with the operation of the sewing machine. The disclosure of the invention has particular application in those sewing situations wherein it is desired to use more than one needle in a single needle holder of the needle bar which therefore necessitates a limitation on the magnitude of the jogging or swinging of the needle bar in order to accommodate the multiple needles in the aperture of the needle plate. In accordance with the disclosure of the present invention, whenever more than one needle is used switch means responsive to the presence of more than one needle automatically puts the machine into a multiple needle mode of operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to zig-zag sewing machines including means for controlling the bight stops in order to produce ornamental patterns. In particular, the disclosure relates to electronically controlled sewing machines having storage means for storing stitch information and wherein logic means are used to select and release stitch information in timed relation with the operation of the sewing machine. The disclosure of the invention has particular application in those sewing situations wherein it is desired to use more than one needle in a single needle holder of the needle bar which therefore necessitates a limitation on the magnitude of the jogging or swinging of the needle bar in order to accommodate the multiple needles in the aperture of the needle plate. In accordance with the disclosure of the present invention, whenever more than one needle is used switch means responsive to the presence of more than one needle automatically puts the machine into a multiple needle mode of operation.