Abstract: A hook and bobbin locator apparatus and method consisting of a mounting plate and more than one hook and bobbin combination. Each of the more than one hook and bobbin combinations is connected with a stepper motor and each of the more than one hook and bobbin combinations are removably connected with the mounting plate. A stepper motor is also connected with the mounting plate and a controller is connected with the mounting plate stepper motor and the hook and bobbin combination stepper motors such that movement of the mounting plate and the hook and bobbin combinations are controlled by the controller.

Abstract: Bobbin case containing a lower thread bobbin mounted in a rotary hook of a sewing machine is exchanged for a new bobbin case by the bobbin case being transferred between the rotary hook and a bobbin stock section provided apart from the rotary hook. Transfer mechanism reciprocatively transfers a bobbin grasping device, grasping a bobbin case at a distal end portion of a chuck section, between the rotary hook and the bobbin stock section. In a predetermined position of a transfer stroke of the bobbin grasping device, an orientation change mechanism changes the orientation of the chuck section, being transferred toward the rotary hook, so that the chuck section faces toward the rotary hook, and changes the orientation of the chuck section of the bobbin grasping device, being transferred toward the bobbin stock section, so that the chuck section faces toward the bobbin stock section.

Abstract: A device or tool having a protrusion, shaft or nubbin in a pre-determined size appropriate to be inserted into a hole of a bobbin, that when inserted presses against the walls of the hole, whereby which pressure is enough to allow the protrusion, shaft or nubbin to lift up the bobbin.

Abstract: A device for operating several sewing functions is provided with a single control disk with curved paths arranged peripherally and facially on the control disk for acting radially and axially. The control disk is driven by a stepper motor and allows individual or several functions to be executed during the rotary movement as well as temporarily stopping others.

Abstract: Bobbin case containing a lower thread bobbin mounted in a rotary hook of a sewing machine is exchanged for a new bobbin case by the bobbin case being transferred between the rotary hook and a bobbin stock section provided apart from the rotary hook. Transfer mechanism reciprocatively transfers a bobbin grasping device, grasping a bobbin case at a distal end portion of a chuck section, between the rotary hook and the bobbin stock section. In a predetermined position of a transfer stroke of the bobbin grasping device, an orientation change mechanism changes the orientation of the chuck section, being transferred toward the rotary hook, so that the chuck section faces toward the rotary hook, and changes the orientation of the chuck section of the bobbin grasping device, being transferred toward the bobbin stock section, so that the chuck section faces toward the bobbin stock section.

Abstract: A hook (15) of a sewing machine (1) is pivotably mounted on a hook carrier (25). The hook (15) is moved from a working position (X) into a bobbin case withdrawal position by a pivoting movement of the hook carrier (25). The pivoting movement displaces the hook (15) and the bobbin case (17) towards or above the opening which is opened by the flap (13) in the lower arm (13). In this way, the withdrawal of the bobbin case (17) or the bobbin is significantly simplified.

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided having an automatic bobbin loader. The automatic bobbin loader includes a hook assembly mounted beneath the sewing plane having a bobbin receiver. The hook assembly is driven by a drive shaft, and is moveable from a first, operating position, to a second, loading position. A bobbin loader is mounted adjacent to the hook assembly in the second position. The bobbin loader includes a suction tube that removes any remaining bobbin core. The bobbin loader then loads a replacement bobbin from the bobbin loading assembly into the bobbin receiver, prior to the hook assembly being returned to the operating position. Additionally, in order to sew through thick material, the needle is carried by a needle carriage which moves in time with the material being sewn to maintain the needle generally vertical throughout the time it is in the material being sewn.

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided having an automatic bobbin loader. The automatic bobbin loader includes a hook assembly mounted beneath the sewing plane having a bobbin receiver. The hook assembly is driven by a drive shaft, and is moveable from a first, operating position, to a second, loading position. A bobbin loader is mounted adjacent to the hook assembly in the second position. The bobbin loader includes a suction tube that removes any remaining bobbin core. The bobbin loader then loads a replacement bobbin from the bobbin loading assembly into the bobbin receiver, prior to the hook assembly being returned to the operating position. Additionally, in order to sew through thick material, the needle is carried by a needle carriage which moves in time with the material being sewn to maintain the needle generally vertical throughout the time it is in the material being sewn.

Abstract: In a remote control bobbin case exchanger device (1), a rotary bobbin (K) is to be placed in a position that is not easily accessed, and an exchangeable position (&agr;) is provided in a position that is readily accessed in a bobbin case providing member (3). A chuck driving member (6) moves a chuck member (5) toward the rotary bobbin (K) to clutch a bobbin case (2) along a line connecting the rotary bobbin (K) to the exchangeable position (&agr;).

Abstract: A sewing machine has needles reciprocally movable in a first direction through a fabric web and shuttles reciprocally movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The used shuttles accommodating an empty bobbin is replaced with the new shuttle accommodating a full bobbin. The needles and the shuttles cooperate to form stitch patterns on the fabric web. A device is provided for the automatic replacement of the used shuttle with the new shuttle.

Abstract: In a lower thread automatic supply device, the delivery means 19 and other devices 12, 13 of a bobbin replacing device 14 are mounted through a support plate 22 so disposed as to be shifted outwardly of a sewing machine in the axial direction of a hook 15, thereby eliminating the possibility that cloth, dust, and oil dropping down from the hook 15 and feed dog can attach directly to the delivery means 19 and other devices 12, 13, so that the respective devices 19, 12 and 13 can be kept clean. Also, the delivery means 19 and other devices 12, 13 are disposed spaced apart from a sewing machine operator to thereby be able to eliminate the danger that, when handling the sewing machine, the operator can touch the delivery means and other devices.

Abstract: The apparatus allows to automatically change bobbin cases in quilting machines. The apparatus comprises a pick-up element which is mounted on a carriage which can move between a magazine which contains full cases and a hook assembly of a sewing machine in which an empty case is to be replaced. The pick-up element extracts the empty case and deposits it into a specifically provided container. It is further positioned at the magazine, from which it removes a full case and transfers the case into the hook assembly.

Abstract: An under thread bobbin exchange device for an industrial embroidery machine or sewing machine of a type having a hook shaft adapted for driving a shuttle, includes a carriage having at least two coupling shafts in parallel disposition to the hook shaft, each of said coupling shafts having a hook shaft distal end and a hook shaft proximal end, with the hook shaft proximal end capable of being coupled to the hook shaft such that the carriage is positioned at a right angle to the hook shaft when the hook shaft is at a standstill and capable to reciprocate in parallel disposition to a throat plate plane by the distance of the coupling shafts, and with each one of the hook shaft distal ends carrying a shuttle.

Abstract: A bobbin thread winding apparatus which can reliably twine a bobbin thread around the bobbin within the bobbin case. With the reliable twining of the thread, the thread is not cut and also will never be forced out of the bobbin case, thereby forming a good seam. Since the thread is not wound around a shaft other than the bobbin shaft, no manual operation is required for resetting the thread to the clamping mechanism, improving the reliability of the bobbin thread winding apparatus. The bobbin thread winding apparatus can accurately detect an effective thread winding amount of the bobbin thread irrespective of the yarn count of the thread used, and does not apply an excessive load to the thread winding mechanism, causing any adverse effect on the stitching quality. The bobbin thread winding apparatus allows a lower thread to be drawn out of the thread supply source and is then securely twisted around the bobbin shaft without a thread draw-out mechanism.

Abstract: With planned sequential movements a mechanical pliers (1) is coaxially aligned with seat (5) of capsule (13) wherein the empty bobbin (14) of the lower thread of a sewing machine engages, caused to move forward until it engages with said capsule and to move backward, taking the same out from its seat, aligned with a collection basket (19) wherein capsule (13) and the empty bobbin (14) are unloaded, shifted and aligned coaxially with a loading cartridge (21) of capsules (13) containing bobbins (14) loaded with wound thread, caused to move forward until it engages and hooks on to the first of said capsules with loaded bobbins, then to move backward with said capsule with the bobbin, realigned coaxially with seat (15) of the sewing machine, caused to move forward up to the engagement of the capsule with the loaded bobbin in seat (15), and lastly is caused to move backward and placed in resting position, on prior release of the capsule with the loaded bobbin in the aforementioned seat.

Abstract: In a thread exchanger device for a sewing machine, a rotary cassette has a plurality of bobbin casings along a circumferential direction thereof. A cassette driver is provided to rotationally drive the rotary cassette to select one of the plurality of bobbin casings so as to move it to an exahangeable position. A chuck is provided to take the bobbin casing off the rotary cassette on the one hand, and attaching to the rotary cassette on the other hand. A chuck driver is provided to alternately move the chuck toward a rotary bobbin frame, and move it toward the exchangeable position.

Abstract: An automatic bobbin exchanger, to be incorporated into a sewing machine, automatically replaces a bobbin case having a bobbin with a small amount of remaining lower thread, with a bobbin case having a fully wound lower-thread bobbin. The automatic bobbin exchanger includes a pair of two dummy shafts and a rotary arm having a grip mechanism for releasably holding a bobbin case. The dummy shafts are provided at positions opposable to a moving path of the rotary arm. One of the dummy shaft holds a fully wound bobbin and the other holds a bobbin with a small amount of the remaining lower thread. Preferably, a remaining-thread mover unit which completely removes the small amount of remaining lower thread around the bobbin and a lower-thread winder which winds lower thread around the empty bobbin may be provided at positions opposable to a moving path of the rotary arm.

Abstract: An under thread supply apparatus for a sewing machine comprises a bobbin case, a bobbin exchange device, a thread removal device and a winding device. The bobbin case is removably set to a shuttle of the sewing machine and accommodates a bobbin with the thread wound thereon. The bobbin exchange device takes the bobbin case out of the shuttle, and set the bobbin case accommodating the bobbin with the thread wound anew therearound to the shuttle. The thread removal device removes the thread from the bobbin accommodated in the bobbin case which is taken out. The winding device winds a preset amount of thread around the bobbin after the thread is removed therefrom.

Abstract: An under thread supply apparatus for a sewing machine comprises a bobbin case, a bobbin exchange device, a thread removal device and a winding device. The bobbin case is removably set to a shuttle of the sewing machine and accommodates a bobbin with the thread wound thereon. The bobbin exchange device takes the bobbin case out of the shuttle, and sets the bobbin case accommodating the bobbin with the thread wound anew therearound to the shuttle. The thread removal device removes the thread from the bobbin accommodated in the bobbin case which is taken out. The winding device winds a preset amount of thread around the bobbin after the thread is removed therefrom.

Abstract: An under thread supply apparatus for a sewing machine comprises a bobbin case, a bobbin exchange device, a thread removal device and a winding device. The bobbin case is removably set to a shuttle of the sewing machine and accommodates a bobbin with the thread wound thereon. The bobbin exchange device takes the bobbin case out of the shuttle, and sets the bobbin case accommodating the bobbin with the thread wound anew therearound to the shuttle. The thread removal device removes the thread from the bobbin accommodated in the bobbin case which is taken out. The winding device winds a preset amount of thread around the bobbin after the thread is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A bobbin thread removing device includes a bobbin rotatably supported on the bobbin thread removing device; pull-out apparatus for pulling out a thread wound on the bobbin; bobbin rotation detecting device for detecting the rotation of the bobbin from which the thread is being removed; and control device receiving a signal from the bobbin rotation detecting devices, for driving the pull-out apparatus to pull the thread out again when the control device detects that the bobbin is not turning in accordance with the signal from the bobbin rotation detecting devices.

Abstract: A sewing device (13) consists of a basic unit (13) comprising the main motor, the needle bar (27), and the take-up lever (31), and a shuttle block (24) detachably mounted thereto which comprises the shuttle (35) with the thread bobbin (36) for the lower thread. For changing an empty thread bobbin, the sewing machine mounted to a robot arm is inserted into a reception unit (21) in which the shuttle block (24) remains, whereas the basic unit (23) is moved to another shuttle block with full thread bobbin (36a) and receives it. The sewing machine does not require a time-consuming manual change of the thread bobbin for the lower thread.

Abstract: Sewing apparatus comprises a sewing needle, a bobbin for feeding thread to the sewing needle, a rotary housing containing the bobbin and its case a sensor for sensing the non-feeding of thread to the sewing needle; an extraction-reloading device automatically effective, upon sensing the non-feeding of the thread to the sewing needle, for first extracting the bobbin and its case from the rotary housing, then extracting the bobbin from its case, then reloading the case with another bobbin having a supply of thread thereon and then returning the case with its reloaded bobbin into the rotary housing.

Abstract: A bobbin run-out detector for a lockstitch sewing machine is responsive to thread tension for sensing when the bobbin is empty of thread. The thread tension is sensed by a hook member (168; 332) engageable with the thread extending from the bobbin, the hook member (168; 332) being moved by a resilient bias as a result of loss of thread tension consequent on emptying of the bobbin. The hook member (168; 332) is linked to a shutter (174; 334) which moves with the hook member (168; 332) in order to influence a light beam, light receiving means (202) being responsive to such influence to produce a signal indicative of bobbin run-out. The signal may stop the machine and/or actuate an alarm. Alternatively, the signal may actuate a bobbin change device (2, 4, 14, 16) for removing the empty bobbin and for inserting a previously wound bobbin, to permit sewing to resume.

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided with a spring biased platform and bobbin which are movable by the throat plate of the machine into a position wherein the bobbin is disposed to receive the lower limb of a loop of needle thread and to effect an operative connection between the bobbin and drive shaft providing for rotation of the bobbin as required for bobbin winding. An electrical switch operable by the thread of a full bobbin is provided to discontinue rotation of the bobbin drive shaft.

Abstract: Thread-loading apparatus for loading a bobbin spool with a predetermined length of thread between sewing operations wherein there is a reciprocal loading tube arranged to receive and draw thread from a package of thread, deliver its leading end to the bobbin and project it onto the bobbin while the latter is being rotated at a high speed so as to be caught thereby and wound onto the bobbin; a slack-producing device for drawing a slack length of thread from the package of thread preparatory to a loading operation to thus eliminate the inertial resistance of the package of thread to giving up thread; a precisely-controlled thread measuring device employed to control the length of thread delivered to the bobbin; and a bobbin having peripherally-spaced flexible fingers on its hub for entraining the leading end of the thread delivered to the bobbin.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically substituting a fully threaded bobbin assembly for a used bobbin assembly in a thread shuttle of a sewing machine having the bobbin assembly latched to the thread shuttle. A pivoted hook unlatches the spent bobbin assembly from the thread shuttle and then a plunger extracts the spent bobbin assembly and places it in a magazine. The magazine carries a new and full thread bobbin assembly and the plunger transfers the full thread bobbin assembly into latched engagement with the thread shuttle. An electric control system including an automatic counter counts the number of sewing operations and after a predetermined number of sewing operations causes the automatic exchange of bobbin assemblies.

Abstract: In a sewing device for sewing fabric cuts on workpiece parts, which are moved by means of a workpiece clamping plate relatively to the needle of a sewing machine, a tiltably arranged and easily accessible vertical axis rotary looptaker for allowing replenishment of thread supply.

Abstract: An automatic color bobbin changer for attachment to a sewing machine, the automatic color bobbin changer having first and second grasping fingers to cooperate together and detach a first bobbin case from a sewing machine and deliver the first bobbin case to a storage area for further use or discarding. The first and second grasping fingers also function in the preferred embodiment to pick up a second bobbin case having thread of the same or different color from the storage area and deliver the second bobbin case into operative engagement with the sewing machine.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the automatic refilling of a bobbin spool, in a lock stitch type sewing machine, in the interval between the loading of work units. After sewing of a predetermined work unit, consisting of a single workpiece, or several workpieces, a premeasured thread length on the bobbin spool is exhausted. While the machine operator places a new work unit in position for sewing, the mechanism of the invention refills the empty bobbin spool, in situ, with a precisely measured length of bobbin thread, drawn from an effectively continuous supply source. The mechanisms provided for this purpose, in and of themselves generally known, are arranged in an improved, simplified and more compact arrangement, suitable for incorporation in a variety of commercial lock stitch type sewing machines available to the trade.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to automatic bobbin rewinding for sewing machines. A two-station mechanism is provided enabling bobbins to be transferred from a winding position to a sewing position, with one bobbin being at all times in each position. When a bobbin is exhausted, that bobbin and its case are removed from the sewing machine and, simultaneously, a filled bobbin is removed from the winding position and combined with its case. The bobbin positions are then reversed, enabling the filled bobbin and its case to be inserted in the sewing machine, while the just-removed bobbin is separated from its case and inserted in the winding position. The filled bobbin remains attached to the main thread supply until it is inserted in the sewing position, enabling the thread to be guided and controlled until picked up by the sewing mechanism, thus avoiding the need for manual intervention.