Abstract: Disclosed is an embroidering system comprising several embroidering machines of known type which will be operated under the operation mode peculiar thereto, and a control unit, to which one or more of the embroidering machines can be connected by a coupling means, adapted to electronically control operation of the embroidering machines connected thereto. When an embroidering machine is electrically connected to the control unit, a signal representing its operation mode is generated from the embroidering machine. The control unit includes a discriminator operated responsive to the signal to discriminate the operation mode of the embroidering machine now electrically connected, whereupon the control unti will be operated to control operation of said embroidering machine in such manner as to conform to the operation mode thereof.

Abstract: A method of setting visually balanced spacing between characters to be embroidered by an embroidering sewing machine in which character forming information which is stored with a preset reference size is successively read out and the characters are displayed and aligned between two parallel line segments. The aligned characters are first arranged in such a manner that the contours of consecutive characters contact each other at least at one point. Then the space areas between characters are calculated and a maximum area of the calculated space areas is set as a reference space area; then increasing the distances between the characters such that the other space areas between the characters become equal to the reference space area; and finally arranging the characters at spacings which have been increased by a computed minimum distance.

Abstract: Sewing apparatus is provided having a plurality of connected sewing stations, each of which includes a sweing head with needles for stitching, and a cylinder arm which is raised from the sewing table. The raised posture of the cylinder arm makes for an efficient operation in stitching or sewing large garments such as sweat shirts, jackets or the like within framing hoops since the excess material of the garment can be maintained beneath the cylinder arm and out of the way. The sewing table may extend laterally for use by two (2) or more such sewing stations and a device is provided to drive the framing hoops simultaneously and to control the sewing machines to duplicate the sewing operations from station to station. The framing hoops are configured to easily mount in receivers at the sewing stations.

Abstract: An embroidering system comprises a plurality of embroidering machine each connectable to a single control unit. Various characters or patterns are stored in a floppy disc installed in the contol unit, from which pattern data designating a desired pattern combination can be read out and transferred to a memory in the control unit responsive to key entry operation. By repeated key entry operation, plural series of stitch control data including the pattern data are in a lump stored in the memory. Among them, a specific series of the stitch control data can be read out in response to a pattern renewal signal which is generated by manual depression of a corresponding key arranged on the embroidering machine each time when the preceding embroidering operation has been completed.

Abstract: An automatic pattern sewing machine includes a memory for storing blocks of data for controlling the sewing of an applique piece on a base cloth. A separate sheet of paper is printed with a set of patterns corresponding to different sizes of an applique pattern of one type and with corresponding identification marks. The applique piece is prepared in conformity with the printed pattern of the selected size and the assigned printed identification mark is entered into the machine by a selecting key to activate a coordinate transforming means which adjust the stored data to the selected size of the pattern. The applique piece is then stitched along its perimeter onto the base cloth according to the adjusted information.

Abstract: Desired individual letter codes indicative of letter to be stitched on a piece of cloth by a sewing machine are selected and entered in relation to the character stitching sequence through a keyboard. Then, character identification codes are constructed according to a predetermined stitching sequence based on the entered individual letter codes and stored outer profiles. Stitch pattern data corresponding to the constructed character identification codes are read out from a memory, and used to control the sewing machine to produce the desired letters having different outer profiles.

Abstract: Alphanumeric characters are stitched along a curve produced by the R-X coordinate transformation wherein the X-coordinate is curved in relation with a radius while the Y-coordinate remains straight. The characters to be stitched on a fabric are arranged within concentric curves which are determined by a position of the center of the arc with respect to a frame of the alphabetic or numeric character, the height of the frame and the radius of the arc.

Abstract: A device and method for positioning an outer embroidery hoop on a framing table includes a hoop attachment having a hoop receiver which is adjustably mounted on a framing table. The hoop receiver can be released and slid along the upper table top surface and rotated as desired for infinite positioning. A side hoop attachment is also provided for jacket hoops and the framing table top can be removed and replaced with smaller or larger table tops as needed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed relating to a control system of an embroidering machine controlled by a microcomputer for stitching names or other patterns.

Abstract: A data processing device for a sewing machine stores basic pattern data indicating the relative position between a needle and a material holding unit and including X and Y components of an X-Y coordinate. After setting a reference point on the X-Y coordinate plane and two angles (.alpha.i, .beta.i) based on an X-axis and a Y-axis around the reference point, the data processing device rotates the X and Y components of the basic pattern data on the basis of the two angles (.alpha.i, .beta.i) to form a transformed pattern, and stores the transformed pattern data. The processes such as rotation, inversion and inclination are executed by a single operation by designating the angles (.alpha.i, .beta.i).

Abstract: An embroidery frame supporting device includes a frame member having either a fixing screw or a ferromagnetic plate, a driving mechanism for travelling in a two dimensional plane, a carriage member for supporting the frame members and for transmitting the movement of the driving mechanism to the frame member, a yoke member fixed to the carriage member, a magnetic member fixed to the yoke member, and a recess provided on the carriage member and engaging with the fixing screw. When a large or heavy frame member is fixed to the carriage member, the fixing screw is inserted into the recess. Thus, the large frame member is fixed to the carriage member with a suitable supporting force. Further, when a small frame member is fixed to the carriage member, the small or light frame member is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet member. Thus, the small frame member is fixed to the carriage member with suitable supporting force.

Abstract: An embroidery frame having generally rectangular shaped side members and front and back members that define the perimeter of the frame, a clamp that is integrated with and extends across the front member of the frame having ends that attach to the respective side members. A cross member extends across the approximate mid-section of the frame, has ends that attach to the respective side members and includes a plurality of vertically oriented teeth that penetrate and hold a section of the fabric of the hat to assist in drawing taut the working area that is to be embroidered or monogrammed. The cross member is slideably adjusted along the length of the frame and is adapted to be fixed securedly to the side members when the hat is being monogrammed or embroidered. Incorporated in the frame and mounted at the approximate mid-section of the front member is a curved rod member, which is attached to a lever assembly that permits the rod to be lowered and lifted from the working area.

Abstract: An embroidery system is disclosed having an X-Y movable frame directed according to embroidery data that includes a flag designating a pattern, pattern data indicating the contour of individual pattern blocks, dimension data further defining the pattern and auxiliary dimension data.

Abstract: An electronic controlled stitch pattern sewing machine for sewing a desired pattern in a predetermined sewing region by automatically adjusting the size of the pattern by a simple keyboard operation. The pattern sewing machine includes first calculation means for calculating a size of a stitch pattern area, a sewing region designation means, a second calculation means for calculating a ratio of the size of the sewing region to that of the pattern area, modification means for modifying the stitch pattern data based on the ratio and control means for controlling drive means to cause relative movement between a needle and workpiece holder based on the modified stitch pattern data.

Abstract: A method of controlling an embroidery machine (3) using a stitch processor (1) by interpreting a low level language program containing stitch commands and varying the stitch commands to vary certain parameters of the design. The parameters which may be varied in any combination thereof include any of the following stitch density, stitch length, size of the design independent of the stitch density, stitch spacing as a function of stitch length, orientation of the design, mirror image of the design and removing irregularities in the design. The parameters to be varied are entered by a keyboard/display (2). The program may be read from a paper tape reader (4), directly from a computer system (5) used to generate the original stitch commands or any other input device. The modified stitch commands may be fed directly to an embroidery machine or stored in any of the usual methods for communicating to an embroidery machine at a later date.

Abstract: In a device for detecting a type of an embroidering frame used, an infrared reflection detecting sensor is positioned on the base fixed to the table of the sewing machine and a movable member having pins is provided to move the embroidering frame in the X and Y coordinate directions. A supporter has holes provided at positions corresponding to the infrared reflection sensor which detects the number and positioning of said holes whereas the detected values are inserted into data indicative of the size of the embroidering frame.

Abstract: A ruler device for setting a fabric to be stitched on an embroidering frame and held between an outer frame and an inner frame comprises a ruler attached to the inner frame and provided with a gauge having marks corresponding to coordinate directions and provided on the transparent bottom of the ruler.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a data processing system for a sewing machine, which system comprises: a needle adapted to be moved upward and downward; holding means for holding a material to be stitched; and means for causing a relative movement between said needle and said holding means on the basis of a pattern data indicating a positional relationship therebetween.

Abstract: An embroidery machine is presented which automatically executes the embroidery designs stored on a storage medium by electronic and mechanical means; and which records the movements of an embroidery specialist, who executes as a model, the embroidery design to be produced automatically by the machine.

Abstract: An automatic embroidery machine operated according to stitch data stored in a memory device provides a secondary central processing unit, a secondary random access memory, and a secondary code input means such that subsequent stitch data may be input during current stitch work thereby increasing the work efficiency of the embroidery machine.

Abstract: Templates for use with embroidering machines for embroiding material held within an embroidery hoop. The embroidery machine includes at least one working head and a platform located thereunder. The template is arranged to be disposed on the platform to hold a pair of embroidery hoops beside each other so that one of the hoops in the template is located under the working head while the other of the hoops is located laterally, whereupon material located in the hoop under the head can be embroidered while the other hoop can either be unloaded or loaded with material. The template is a generally planar panel which is arranged to be moved across the platform either alone or in combination with similar templates, in the case of use with a multihead embroidery machine, by a frame. Each template includes a pair of aligned openings, each configured to releasably hold an embroidery hoop with material therein. Releasable securement means are also provided to secure the templates to the frame means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing sewing data for an automatic sewing apparatus which embroiders an embroidery pattern on cloth using a zigzag chain stitch while moving one or both of a cloth retainer and a sewing machine relative to each other. When a pattern corresponding to a basic sewing data group stored in a memory device is to be embroidered either magnified or reduced in size, in order to set a desired stitch density (P), which is the pitch of the stitches, three items of basic sewing data are read out from the memory device as one processing unit. After these items of data have been multiplied by a specified magnification to obtain sewing data (A,B,C), a pattern range which corresponds to the sewing data is divided by a particular stitch density in order to calculate correction data ( .circle.1 to .circle.21 ).

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for detecting the position of an embroidery machine after power failure. A position encoder is connected to each frame drive actuator on each axis of the embroidery machine. The computer which controls the actuators is equipped with a non-volatile memory. The encoders indicate to the computer the current position of the actuators and thus the frame. When power returns, the current position value from each encoder is compared with the required position value in the computer memory. If the values are not equal, machine start-up is inhibited and the computer commands the actuators to cause the frame to be moved to its proper position.

Abstract: A device for clamping a multiplicity of emblems to be monogrammed or embroidered receives and positions the emblems in an assembly comprising a base plate, an emblem insert plate, and a clearance plate. A clip plate and a cover plate are hingedly attached to the base plate and the emblem insert plate. Aligned apertures are provided in all of the plates permitting access by the sewing needle to the emblem held within the device. A plurality of projections is provided around the periphery of each aperture in the clip plate to grippingly engage the edge of each emblem to be monogrammed or embroidered. The cover plate is formed so as to apply a substantially constant pressure across the clip plate and to the projections provided therein.

Abstract: A quilting machine for quilting mattress, bedspreads, comforters, and the like comprises a carriage on which an article to be quilted is held stretched. The carriage is guided by horizontal rails along which it is moved back-and-forth by a drive unit. Said carriage is overlaid by another carriage which is guided in an orthogonal direction to that of said first-mentioned carriage and carries one or more sewing heads. The latter carriage is driven by a unit which determines, in cooperation with the drive unit of said first-mentioned carriage, the relative movement of the sewing heads and cloth in accordance with a preset pattern for the seam line.

Abstract: A curved cloth stretch frame device for an embroidery sewing machine comprises a substantially cylindrical frame body with an embroidery window, a reciprocation transmission to transfer the frame body axially and a rotation transmission to rotate the frame body. A curved cloth workpiece, such as the arm of a shirt, is put into the frame tightly. The frame is driven axially and in rotation and a wide curved area of the workpiece can be embroidered continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing and releasing an embroidery frame to a clamping rail comprises a connecting piece guide with a bore therethrough and a rod extending through the bore and extending along the clamping rail and guided in the bore for movement in the connecting piece guide bore. The rod carries a pressure piece which is movable with the rod. The clamping rail has a plurality of spaced apart embroidery frame pin receiving openings and embroidery frames are secured by inserting the pins of the frame into the openings. Each pin has a side with a cutout and each pin receiving opening has a fixed spacer plate adjacent the opening which carries a resilient holder which may be engaged in a cutout of the embroidery frame pin when it is inserted into the associated opening.

Abstract: An embroidery hoop fixture for releasably retaining a fabric swatch between a base member having an opening with a beveled edge on which a fabric swatch is supported in cooperation with a pair of clamping sectors positioned on the base member and fabric swatch for releasably retaining the fabric swatch with the sectors forming a coincident opening with the base member opening. The sectors are provided with depending base member beveled lugs for cooperative releasable engagement with the base member beveled edge. The pair of sectors is yieldably connected together for releasable clamping engagement of the sectors to the base member by means of the depending lugs.

Abstract: A system is provided for improving frame adjustments of automatic embroidery machines. Groupings of holes are punched in an elongated tape corresponding to binary numbers. The tape is read by an electro-optical reader which converts the information on the tape to electrical pulses which, in turn, control a drive system for causing the embroidery frame to move predetermined discrete distances.

Abstract: An embroidery machine comprising: stitch forming means to form stitches on a fabric; fabric holding means to hold the fabric; driving means to regulate the relative position between the fabric holding means and the stitch forming means; pattern determining means having a display unit for two-dimensionally displaying a pattern and an input unit for feeding data of a pattern to be displayed on the display unit; and control means to control the operation of the driving means in accordance with a pattern produced by the pattern determining means and to control the operation of the stitch forming means in synchronism with the action of the driving means.

Abstract: An automatic embroidery frame drive device used in an automatic embroidery sewing machine which produces embroidery stitches on a fabric held by an embroidery frame comprising a 1st, a 2nd and a 3rd electromagnetic actuator which is disposed at a stationary side of the embroidery frame drive device and a plurality of wires for transmitting movement of said electromagnetic actuators, so that the embroidery frame is controlled in X and Y directions.

Abstract: An embroidery frame or fixture having a generally rectangular shape, side members and front and back members that define the perimeter of the frame, a clamp that extends across the frame having ends that attach to the respective side members and a cross member that extends across the approximate mid-section of the frame having ends that attach to the respective side members. The cross member includes a plurality of vertically oriented teeth that penetrate and grab a portion of the back of the hat to assist in drawing taut the working area on the front portion that is to be embroidered or monogrammed. The clamp and the cross member are slidably adjustable along the length of the frame, but are fixed securely to the side members when the hat is mounted to the frame and in the process of being monogrammed or embroidered. The frame is constructed so as to be easily mountable to the pantograph.

Abstract: For a method to control an automatic embroidery machine, the individual picture elements are copied from a motif carrier at hand and are transferred as an embroidery program to a storage element.

Abstract: In a seam forming method and device for a sewing machine for embroidery, wherein a contour of a figure to be embroidered is converted into positional co-ordinates and read, data is calculated for alternately setting needle location points on opposing portions of the contour in such a manner that embroidery seams is formed in the contour corresponding to the positional co-ordinates thus read, and the data are read out and a needle is vertically moved to form the embroidery seams, with a taboret being moved in directions X and Y, with a figure including at least one side having a circular arc-shaped contour out of two opposing sides, needle location points are set at regular intervals circumferentially on a circular arc-shaped side, and needle location points on a side opposed to the circular arc-shaped side are set at points of intersections of the side opposed to the circular arc-shaped side with radial lines from the center of the circular arc passing through the midpoint of the needle location points on the

Abstract: A programming device for an automatic sewing machine wherein a succession of stitches defining a stitch pattern are formed through relative movements between a needle and a work holder according to a batch of sewing instructions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making aesthetically pleasing and novel quilting including intricate artistic stitching-patterns. The quilting results from a preferably tri-laminar layup having a resiliently-compressible foam layer sandwiched between relatively thin facing and base fabric sheets. The method utilizes a tabletop for supporting the layup, at least one sewing machine head overlying and associated with the tabletop, and gripper means for frictionally engaging non-peripheral areas of the layup for shifting same along the tabletop relative to the sewing head according to successive command means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an embroidery machine having a table on which a cloth is spread to be fed, and a plurality of heads disposed above the table in parallel relation to each other, each of the heads having a needle for forming embroidery stitches on the cloth, the needle having an axis of rotation which is the origin of the X and Y axes of the Cartesian coordinates with respect to the table, including a frame placed on the table and horizontally movable in the directions of the X and Y axes in response to signals produced by a control unit for feeding the cloth; a feed plate provided horizontally under the cloth and adapted to move horizontally in the direction where the frame is moved and to return independently to its original position; and a cloth-pressing member vertically movably surrounding the needle for cooperating with the feed plate so as to tightly hold the cloth around the needle location therebetween, the cloth-pressing member being adapted to move horizontally in any direction around the needle

Abstract: A hoop for holding a piece of textile and a backing web for embroidery on the textile piece comprises outer, intermediate and inner rings. The outer ring is generally rigid, formed of a limitedly elastically deformable synthetic resin, and has a generally polygonal inner periphery generally centered on an axis. The intermediate ring is formed of a limitedly elastically deformable synthetic resin and has an outer periphery generally complementary to and axially fittable with limited play within the inner periphery of the outer ring and a generally polygonal inner periphery. Thus the intermediate ring can be elastically deformed and snapped into the outer ring with the backing web gripped between the inner periphery of the outer ring and the outer periphery of the intermediate ring. The inner ring is formed of a limitedly elastically deformable synthetic resin and has an outer periphery generally complementary to and axially fittable with the limited play within the inner periphery of the intermediate ring.

Abstract: A multi-head embroidering machine comprises a work carrier to which movements relative to the embroidering heads and corresponding to the embroidery pattern are imparted by a coordinate control device. The work carrier is provided with guide rails which can be engaged directly, through a clutch mechanism, to the output sides of the coordinate control device. Each clutch mechanism comprises at least one guide roller which is connected to the output side of the coordinate control device, and a back-up roller which is mounted on a coupling lever, with the two rollers engaging the respective guide rail of the work carrier from opposite sides. This makes it possible to exchange a work carrier for a new one in standby position outside the embroidering machine, in a simple way and within a shortest time.

Abstract: A continuous monogrammer utilizing a peripheral frame to support therein a pair of rollers and drive mechanism therefor to transport a continuous strip of material laterally beneath the sewing machine needle. A bridge straddles the rollers and is slidingly supported on a pair of shafts on opposite sides of the peripheral frame. The bridge is affixed to the sewing machine presser bar so as to elevate the frame and rollers thereby. A second drive mechanism is carried by the bridge and provides an operative connection between the bridge and the peripheral frame so as to move the peripheral frame and the work fabric upon which it rests in the longitudinal direction beneath the sewing needle.

Abstract: An embroidering apparatus for use with a sewing machine has a body supported on a bed and movable back and forth and laterally along guide rails extending perpendicularly to each other. A table and a support frame to which an embroidery frame is attachable are mounted on the body for movement therewith. A fixed tracing needle is oriented to the table on which an original pattern is to be placed. In operation, the table can be manipulated to permit the tracing needle to follow the original pattern on the table while the latter is being moved around. For certain pattern configurations locking or stop devices are employed for selectively locking the table and support frame against rotation or for constraining the frame to only rectilinear movement.

Abstract: An embroidering apparatus for use with a sewing machine has a body supported on a bed and movable back and forth and laterally along guide rails extending perpendicularly to each other. A table and a support frame to which an embroidery frame is attachable are mounted on the body for movement therewith. A fixed tracing needle is oriented to the table on which an original pattern is to be placed. In operation, the table can be manipulated to permit the tracing needle to follow the original pattern on the table while the latter is being moved around.

Abstract: An embroidery frame for an automatic or programmed embroidery machine includes an outer frame member, an intermediate frame member and an inner frame member, all of circular configuration. The intermediate frame member is cut and provided with an adjusting or clamping screw so that it can be clamped around the inner frame member with a cloth held therebetween. The outer frame member is similar to the intermediate frame member and provided with an adjusting or clamping screw so that it is clamped around intermediate frame member. Further, the outer frame member is mounted on the traveller of the embroidery machine.

Abstract: An embroidery attachment for a sewing machine having electronic controls influencing the stitch forming instrumentalities. The attachment work holding frame is shifted by operative connections with the stitch forming instrumentalities. Alternative constructions are disclosed utilizing electronically controlled sewing machine needle bar and feed dog movements to drive the embroidery attachment.

Abstract: A sewing machine provided with a needle capable of vertically reciprocating as well as laterally oscillating, a workholder so disposed as to be movable, in an X-Y coordinate plane which is in substantially right-angled relation with the needle, in the direction of the X axis and the Y axis, and memory means for storing data for controlling the oscillation movement amount of the needle and the shift amount of the workholder. The workholder is disposed in such a posture that each movement direction of X axis and Y axis thereof intersects the oscillation movement direction of the needle, whereby embroidery or stitch patterns of letters, symbols, and other patterns can be formed on the workpiece held on the workholder exclusively with slant stitches at a predetermined angle against a horizontal reference line of the letters, etc.

Abstract: A monogram sewing system comprising a monogram sewing machine capable of needle feeding as well as underbed feed dog feeding of the work piece, an articulated presser foot, and a work holding frame for constraining feeding motion of the work piece to translatory motion.

Abstract: A control system allows an automatic parallel operation of a plurality of embroidery sewing machines each in accordance with individual pattern sewing control data. The control system essentially comprises a group of random access semiconductor memories capable of storing a plurality of sets of pattern sewing control data, each of which permits a single pattern sewing to be completed, a plurality of branch electronic controllers each associated with a different one of the sewing machines, and a single main electronic controller for reading one or several blocks of pattern sewing control data from the semiconductor memory and supplying it to the branch controller. The branch controller feeds a request for data supply to the main controller in timed relationship with the operation of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A control apparatus for the embroidery sewing machine which comprises at least two D.C. servomotors for providing controlled power output for driving an embroidery frame, one pair of sensors responsive to rotation of the servomotors for providing detect signals in the form of feedback signals, a presettable counter located at pre-stage to a servomotor drive output amplifier circuit and having an input of the feedback signals in the form of up/down signals, the presettable counter containing a preset value for one stitch operation and counting up or down toward making the preset value zero according to the feedback signal resulting in a residual value if the servomotors are incompletely actuated, and correcting means for superposing the residual value in the counter with a value to be set therein for the next succeeding stitch operation, whereby integral accumulation of errors due to incomplete actuation of each servomotor for each stitch operation can be effectively eliminated.

Abstract: Small fabric pieces to be embroidered are secured to the undersurface of an adapter member by tape strips or the like. The adapter member is then received in a female receiving seat in a fixture or frame secured to the conventional machine frame displacing device which presents the fabric pieces to one of the embroidery heads of a multi-head embroidery machine according to a prescribed pattern.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for stitching selected characters on material along a desired arc. A plurality of characters are stored in a character memory. The character memory communicates with a microprocessor which controls the operation of the apparatus. The microprocessor executes predetermined instructions stored in an EPROM while a RAM temporarily stores data required for proper apparatus operation. The characters selected for stitching along the arc are provided to the apparatus by the user. The radius of the arc along which the selected characters are to be stitched is also provided to the apparatus by the user. Each selected character has a reference position and is defined by a plurality of stitch locations having x, y coordinates. The mircroprocessor, in conjunction with the EPROM and RAM, rotates the stitch locations of the selected characters from the reference position to a rotated position using known and determined parameters of the selected characters and the inputted radius.