Abstract: An electromechanical needle bar engaging device having a latch release member normally urged by biasing means into engagement with a coupling member, to unlatch the coupling member from a needle bar drive member. The latch release member sewing machine frame supports a solenoid adjacent the latch release member, which, when activated, rotates a lever supported on the latch release member, into the path of motion of the needle bar drive member. Movement of the needle bar drive member against the lever will move the lever and the latch release member on which it is supported out of engagement with the coupling member to permit the coupling member to relatch itself with the needle bar drive member. Means are provided utilizing the solenoid as an electromagnet to retain the latch release member out of engagement with the coupling member.

Abstract: A polarized reversible direction solenoid having a rectangular sheet of flexible permanently magnetized material wrapped around the armature. This magnetized flexible sheet permits the construction of very small reversible solenoids at a reasonable cost.