Abstract: A yarn monitoring system for textile machine uses sensors to indicate yarn over tensioning and breakage. The sensors are contained within, or adjacent to, eyelets and monitor, sending signals to the controller, the speed of the yarn. The eyelets, each with a sensor, are within a body that also contains a circuit board which is in constant communication with the eyelets and software contained within a controller. The controller, in turn, is in constant communication with the textile machine. The software is preprogrammed by a user with an acceptable signal range for passage of the yarn past the sensors and a predetermined time period for the signal to remain outside the acceptable signal range. To prevent unnecessary shut down of the textile machine, the software averages the signal and, when the averaged signal remains out of the acceptable signal range for the preprogrammed time initiates communication to the textile machine.

Abstract: A needle bar stud having a break away region to induce part failure in the needle bar stud and not in the reciprocating slide block in an embroidery machine. The improved needle bar stud with the break away region features a replaceable insert to allow quick and easy repair of the embroidery machine when a jam occurs and the needle bar stud is damaged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sewing machine which evaluates sewing quality using a stitch tightness index. During sewing operation, a used length of an upper thread per stitch is detected, and a stitch tightness index per sewn stitch is calculated on the basis of a stitch length per stitch defined by sewing pattern data, a fabric thickness of a sewing workpiece, and detected data of the used length of the upper thread. Then, notification is made which corresponds to the calculated stitch tightness index per sewn stitch (such as a visual display of the stitch tightness index). After that, acceptability/non-acceptability of the thread tightness per sewn stitch can be determined by comparing the calculated stitch tightness index per sewn stitch against a reference value, and a result of the determination can be notified.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a vertical shuttle and a middle shuttle presser disposed at a front side of the vertical shuttle. The sewing machine includes a presser frame, an optical upper thread detector and a stitch skipping detection processor. The presser frame is movably supported between a pressing position at which the middle shuttle presser is pressed and a retract position separated from the pressing position. The optical upper thread detector is provided at the presser frame and is configured to detect passage of an upper thread using detecting light which passes through passage portions formed in the middle shuttle presser and which crosses a front side of a bobbin case of the vertical shuttle. The stitch skipping detection processor is configured to determine whether the passage of the upper thread is present based on an amount of received light of the detecting light from the upper thread detector.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling sewing machine stitch length based on thread usage are provided. The techniques include a sewing machine computer storing a stitch length setting and using a thread movement sensor to sense the movement of thread as the thread is drawn from a spool due to the user moving an object relative to a sewing machine needle and thereby drawing thread from the needle and the spool. The techniques also include a sewing machine computer receiving information from the thread movement sensor and determining a length of thread drawn from the spool after formation of a previous stitch, comparing the length of thread with the stitch length setting, and operating a sewing machine motor to create a stitch when the length of thread drawn from the spool after formation of the previous stitch corresponds to the stitch length setting.

Abstract: A thread gauge inspection apparatus includes a receiving member to hold a reference thread gauge and a motor to bi-directionally rotate the reference thread gauge. A counter counts a number of turns the reference thread gauge is rotated by the motor, and a torque monitoring device monitors the torque produced by the motor as the reference thread gauge is rotated. A controller, when the monitored torque exceeds a predetermined value, causes the motor to stop rotating the reference thread gauge and causes the counter to stop counting the number of turns the reference thread gauge is rotated. The controller compares the count produced by the counter with an inputted specific turn count and indicates the thread quality of threaded hole or a threaded stud passed inspection when the count produced by the counter is equal to the inputted specific turn count.

Abstract: A stitchwork status checking apparatus includes a stitchwork data receiver unit that receives stitchwork data on a stitchwork pattern selected and currently stitched by a sewing machine, a converter unit that converts the received stitchwork data into a unique code, a status data receiver unit that receives a unique code converted based on the stitchwork data currently stitched by the sewing machine, and a code comparator unit that compares a code converted by the converter unit with a code received by the status data receiver unit. The stitchwork data receiver unit receives the stitchwork data through a transmission protocol that surely transmits data to a transmission destination. The status data receiver unit receives the code through a transmission protocol that transmits data to a transmission destination within a short time.

Abstract: In an automated skip checker device for sewing machine 1, a detector device 8 detects a slack portion 3a of a predetermined length D. The slack portion 3a definitely corresponds to a skip of a stitch or a disconnection of a sewing thread so as to unerringly carry out the detection with a high accuracy. The detector device 8 of the skip checker device has an air stream provider 19 which transfers a tension to an upper thread 3 as a pneumatic pressure to energize an optoelectronic switch 23 so as to make the detector device 8 structurally compact and cost-saving.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use with a sewing machine. The monitoring system includes a camera assembly mounted to a base of the sewing machine with a camera that collects images from a bottom side of the fabric. The camera assembly delivers images of the back side of the fabric to a monitor assembly that includes a display device. The display device displays the images collected by the camera. The monitor can be mounted to an upper or arm portion of the sewing machine for convenient viewing by the operator during use of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A sewing machine that includes a sewing device that includes a needle bar configured to attach a sewing needle, and a transport device configured to move a work cloth, a processor, a plurality of detection devices that are configured to detect ultrasonic waves, and a memory that is configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the sewing machine to execute steps comprising specifying, when an ultrasonic wave transmitted from a transmission source of the ultrasonic wave is detected by the detection devices, a position of the transmission source of the ultrasonic waves, based on the detected ultrasonic waves, specifying a sewing position on the work cloth based on the specified position of the transmission source, and moving the work cloth by the transport device in accordance with the specified sewing position.

Abstract: A bobbin thread monitor includes a rotatable thread pulley together with a rotation sensing counter and numeric count display. During bobbin loading, the thread supply is looped about the pulley in a first direction resulting in rotation of the thread pulley in a corresponding first direction. The rotation of the thread pulley in the first direction produces an accumulated account within the rotation sensing and display apparatus. During sewing operations, the thread supply is looped about the thread pulley in a second opposite direction loop resulting in opposite direction rotation of the thread pulley during the sewing process. The opposite direction rotation of the thread pulley during the sewing process produces a downcount of the number accumulated during the bobbin loading process. This down count is indicative of bobbin supply remaining and may be used to activate additional alarm apparatus.

Abstract: A low cost and easy-to-use sewing machine is provided which is capable of performing free motion sewing. The sewing machine includes a needle bar to which a needle can be mounted, a needle bar vertical moving mechanism, a needle bar swing mechanism causing the needle bar to swing in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal direction along which a feed dog operates for straight stitch, and a control portion for adjusting a swing amount of the needle bar which is brought into swing movement in the lateral direction by the needle bar swing mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-needle sewing machine includes a plurality of needle bars having lower ends to which needles are attached, respectively, a needle bar selecting unit selectively switching one of the needle bars to a needle location, a stitch number obtaining unit and an allotting unit. An embroidery pattern including a plurality of partial patterns is sewn by the use of needle threads of colors differing per partial pattern, while the needle bars are selectively switched. The stitch number obtaining unit obtains the number of stitches necessary for sewing the partial patterns for every partial pattern. The allotting unit allots the needle threads to the needle bars so that the needle bars are prevented from being one-sided in the number of stitches, based on the obtained number of stitches, in order that one of the needle bars to be used for the sewing of each partial pattern may be determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting the ending-point of a bobbin thread for a sewing machine using a bar code, which is capable of alerting a sewing operator of his/her desiring bobbin thread remains when they are left enough to finish sewing under operation. The present invention of the apparatus for detecting the ending-point of a bobbin thread for a sewing machine using a bar code so as to sense the ending-point of a bobbin thread during a sewing operation, comprises a bobbin to wind a bobbin thread therearound and at least one bar code to indicate a position in the surface of a bobbin, of which the bar code is printed on one or both side(s).

Abstract: An electronic sewing machine includes a sewing machine motor that vertically drives a sewing needle via a rotation of a main shaft; a stitch-pitch setting unit that sets a stitch-pitch in sewing manually fed workpiece cloth; a consumed thread amount detection unit that detects consumed thread amount of at least either of a needle thread or a bobbin thread consumed in each ongoing sewing cycle; a consumed thread amount calculation unit that calculates consumed thread amount based on an output from the consumed thread amount detection unit; and a speed control unit that controls rotational speed of the sewing machine motor based on calculated result of the consumed thread amount calculation unit so that an amount of manual cloth feed equals the stitch-pitch set by the stitch-pitch setting unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bottom thread supply device for sewing machines. The bottom thread supply device of the present invention includes a light source (500) and a light receiving sensor (110). When the light source (500) radiates light onto a bobbin (300), around which a bottom thread is wound, if there is no remaining thread, the light receiving sensor (110), which is disposed in a central portion of a rotary hook (100), detects the light, thus generating a signal to let a user know that there is no remaining thread. As such, when there is no remaining thread, the present invention automatically lets the user know this thanks to the operation of the light receiving sensor, thus preventing unproductive or defective sewing, thereby increasing productivity and preventing economic loss.

Abstract: A stitching apparatus with thread tension control is provided. Tension in a thread is monitored during stitching apparatus operations, and remedial action is taken in response to the detection of an anomaly in the thread tension profile. The remedial action can include altering a feed rate of the thread in order to adjust the thread tension, and/or repeating a previous operation. Anomaly detection can be performed with respect to stitching or sewing operations, and also with respect to trim operations performed in connection with moving between elements and/or thread color changes.

Abstract: An embroidering system includes a central control device and a plurality of embroidering machines. The plural embroidering machines are synchronously operated by a command from the central control device. The central control device individually adjusts embroidering speeds of the plural embroidering machines.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a supporting plate portion and a needle. The supporting plate portion contacts sewing fabric that is moved in a predetermined direction during a sewing operation. The needle is vertically moved between a top dead center above the supporting plate portion and a bottom dead center below the supporting plate portion. The supporting plate portion has a needle hole through which the needle passes. The lower end opening of the needle hole is larger than the upper end opening.

Abstract: A sewing machine capable of preventing formation of no first stitch (skipping stitch), which is readily caused immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate, is obtained. In this sewing machine, a motor is so stopped as to locate a thread engaging part of a balance in the vicinity of a forward movement starting point leftward beyond a thread receiving opening of a thread guide plate. Thus, the thread engaging part of the balance reliably captures and pulls a needle thread immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate. Consequently, formation of no first stitch (skipping stitch), which is readily caused immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate, is prevented.

Abstract: A monitor is provided for a bobbin thread on double thread lockstitch sewing machines. This is preferably a sewing machine with a rotating hook with a bobbin housing accommodating the lower thread reserve. The monitor includes a revolution sensor which sends a pulse per revolution of the main shaft of the machine to a microcomputer. An infrared laser light transmitter sends a detection beam directed toward a bobbin. The beam is reflected by the bobbin or by the roll of a residual thread length to a receiver and is sent by the latter to the microcomputer in the form of signals for processing, evaluation and/or forwarding. The microcomputer is adapted to compare the different signal patterns with a detection threshold (DS) to generate signals for controlling the sewing machine. A controllable power source is connected to the microcomputer for the occasional, stepwise reduction of the output of the infrared laser light transmitter.

Abstract: A monitor is provided for a bobbin thread on double thread lockstitch sewing machines. This is preferably a sewing machine with a rotating hook with a bobbin housing accommodating the lower thread reserve. The monitor includes a revolution sensor which sends a pulse per revolution of the main shaft of the machine to a microcomputer. An infrared laser light transmitter sends a detection beam directed toward a bobbin. The beam is reflected by the bobbin or by the roll of a residual thread length to a receiver and is sent by the latter to the microcomputer in the form of signals for processing, evaluation and/or forwarding. The microcomputer is adapted to compare the different signal patterns with a detection threshold (DS) to generate signals for controlling the sewing machine. A controllable power source is connected to the microcomputer for the occasional, stepwise reduction of the output of the infrared laser light transmitter.

Abstract: A sewing machine capable of preventing formation of no first stitch (skipping stitch), which is readily caused immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate, is obtained. In this sewing machine, a motor is so stopped as to locate a thread engaging part of a balance in the vicinity of a forward movement starting point leftward beyond a thread receiving opening of a thread guide plate. Thus, the thread engaging part of the balance reliably captures and pulls a needle thread also immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate. Consequently, formation of no first stitch (skipping stitch), which is readily caused immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate, is prevented.

Abstract: A monitor and malfunction detector for the thread feed of a textile machine. The monitor combines electronic information and mathematical analysis of the movement of the thread, including speed, tension and fiber and consistency, thereby permitting the determination of: 1) presence of knots and inconsistencies in the thread 2) the operating status of the textile equipment and thread feed; 3) the prediction of problems based upon the change of operating characteristics including speed, tension, draw and duty cycle patterns; 4) the control of the textile machine being monitored; 5) the diagnosis of mechanical faults; 6) production accounting; and 7) needle burr detection. The monitor also employs a unique signal comparison incorporating differential circuitry, pattern recognition, and averaging functions to achieve these goals efficiently and reliably as well as means to reduce or eliminate the effect of undesirable electromagnetic transients on the operation of the textile machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damage detection apparatus for use in a sewing machine including a bobbin having a conductive wire wound thereon, and a sewing mechanism having a metal needle, which sews the conductive wire drawn from the bobbin to an object with thread by means of the metal needle. The damage detection apparatus includes a terminal to be electrically connected to part of the conductive wire, and an indicator electrically connected to both of the terminal and the metal needle and arranged to indicate the occurrence of contact of the metal needle with the conductive wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting thread breakage in a sewing machine. The sewing machine comprises a looper reciprocating laterally across a leading end of a needle, a thread-controlling cam fixed on a rotary shaft interlocked with the reciprocal motion of the looper and varying in the extent of projection from the thread take-up stand along with rotation of the shaft, and thread guides disposed on the thread take-up stand at both sides of the thread-controlling cam. Said thread guides have thread eyelets for inserting the looper thread. Other thread guides having thread pass eyelets for inserting the looper thread are fixed and disposed on the looper thread route between the thread-controlling cam and the looper. A thread breakage-detecting member detects presence or absence of vibration of looper thread inserted in the thread pass eyelets of other thread guides between the other thread guides.

Abstract: A multi-head embroidery machine includes a plurality of embroidery machines each of which includes thread cutting means, sewing means, thread breakage detecting means, needle bar jumping means and a cloth holder frame, a sewing motor for driving the sewing means of the embroidery machines in common, a frame holder for holding the cloth holder frames of the embroidery machines in common, cloth feeding means for moving the frame holder, stop control means for stopping the sewing motor to interrupt a sewing operation of the sewing means, step-back control means for stepping back via the cloth feeding means the frame holder to an actual or estimated position of occurrence of a thread breakage, re-sewing control means for executing a re-sewing operation approximately to a sewing interruption position in the embroidery machine in which thread breakage has occurred, while the cloth feeding means is being operated, thread-cutting command means for commanding to cut at least one of a needle thread and a bobbin thread

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a plurality of needle bars for performing stitching with multiple needle threads. The needle threads have diameters, tenacity, and stretchability different from one another. Sewing parameters inherent to each of the needle threads are beforehand determined. The parameters are maximum sewing speed, thread breakage sensitivity, thread residual amount, needle-rotary hook meet angle, workpiece fabric feed timing, and feed pitch. A spindle motor, a thread cutting motor, a rotary hook drive motor, an X-axis motor, and a Y-axis motor are controlledly driven based on the selected parameters inherent to the just used needle thread.

Abstract: A sewing machine according to the invention has a display for displaying sewing data as an image corresponding to the sewing positions on a material. A material mover is controlled to move the material relative to a head without causing a needle to vertically move, and thereby the stitch position defined by the head is moved to an arbitrary point indicated on the image on the display. As a result, the material can be moved quite quickly compared with a case where the material is moved stitch by stitch. In addition, since the position to which the stitch position is moved can be confirmed on the screen, designation of that point is performed quite easily.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a weft in a circular loom where the weft is drawn-off from a bobbin of the weaving shuttle rotating along a circular path formed by a circular reed. The device includes a magnetic sensor stationarily arranged in a zone of the circular path of the weaving shuttle for generating an electronic control signal to turn off the loom when there is a fault in the weft creating an operative connection between the magnetic sensor and a permanent magnet. The magnet is carried by the weaving shuttle. The device has a pivoting lever having the permanent magnet arranged thereon. The device also includes a return spring that displaces the pivoting lever as well as the permanent magnet attached thereon towards a position where the operative connection between the magnetic sensor and the permanent magnet is made.

Abstract: An automated sewing system including a loading unit, a seam folding unit and a sewing unit which are mounted on a support table. The automated sewing system further includes a control system for monitoring and controlling the loading unit, seam folding unit and sewing unit. The loading unit includes a loading assembly for receiving the two articles and a conveying assembly for advancing the two articles to the seam folding unit. The seam folding unit includes a seam folder for receiving the edges of the articles therethrough to interlock the edges of the articles and a conveying assembly for advancing the two articles to the sewing unit. The sewing unit includes a sewing machine which sews the two articles together at the seam to produce a sewn product.

Abstract: An automatic lower-thread winder for use with a sewing machine which automatically rewinds lower thread around a bobbin loaded into the bobbin case, strings the bobbin case with the lower thread, and cuts the lower thread after the bobbin case is strung. The lower-thread winder removes slacks of the lower thread created during the stringing operation. The lower-thread winder is programmed to retry a predetermined number of automatic retrials of the stringing operation, and checks if it has succeeded in the stringing operation. As a consequence, even if it fails in the stringing operation, it repeats the stringing operation automatically or warns the operator. Thus, the lower-thread winder effectively prevents malfunctions caused by defective stringing operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an aberrational stitch, normally a skipped stitch, in real time in a sewing apparatus. Movement of thread is detected, and a signal is generated if the thread is moving. At the same time, revolution of the handwheel of the sewing machine is detected, and pulses representative of the revolution are generated. The pulses are accumulated so long as the thread is moving, and the accumulated pulses are compared with a minimum number of pulses for a period of time. After one revolution of the sewing machine handwheel, representative of one stitch, the results of the comparisons are used to determine an aberrational stitch, and if a malformed stitch is detected., the sewing apparatus is stopped.

Abstract: A detection of a broken embroidering thread is repeated several times, and an erroneous detection is prevented by repeatedly detecting an actual breaking. An embroidering operation is re-started from a position a few stitches apart from the thread breaking position, so that a sightly embroidering continuation may be formed. When a first breaking is detected, reading-out of new embroidering data is stopped, and the repeated detections at several times are made by moving a needle vertically at the same position or a slightly displaced position.

Abstract: A process and device for monitoring the bobbin thread on stitch-forming machines, on the bobbin of which a residual amount of thread is wound in a winding direction opposite the direction of winding of the principal amount of thread, is to ensure that a first control function will be generated at the beginning of consumption of the residual amount of thread, and a second control function is generated nearly without delay in the case of thread end or thread break. To achieve this, two signal patterns are received with a phase shift from a bobbin acting as a signal generator, and the first signal function is generated in the case of a deviation of the actual phase shift from the desired phase shift. If only one signal pattern is received, this first control function is also generated if its signal sequence deviates from a reference signal sequence. The second control function is generated if a stoppage of the bobbin lasts longer than a predeterminable number of stitches.

Abstract: A stitch forming machine is provided including a transducer for determining the tension present in a thread, wherein the thread tension assumes a higher value during stitch formation and the transducer provides a signal representing the tension level. The control is provided for evaluating the signal corresponding to the tension level. The control includes a comparator device for comparing a peak of the signal representing the tension level, which peak can be used to detect a malfunction, with a limit signal, corresponding to a limit tension. The comparator sends a signal to a switching device when a signal peak drops below the limit signal. The switching device may be connected to a shut-off device of the drive motor of the machine as well as one or more display elements. In this way, the machine may be stopped and the display element associated with a limit tension, below which the tension dropped by a switching device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting skipped stitches for chainstitch sewing machines having a looper assembly using a needle thread movement sensor and/or a looper thread movement sensor in combination with a shaft rotation sensor. Needle thread movement is correlated with needle shaft rotation per stitch cycle to detect instances when there is no needle thread movement during a stitch cycle. Similarly, looper thread movement may be correlated with needle shaft rotation per stitch cycle to detect instances when there is no looper thread movement during a stitch cycle. The invention includes methods for detecting needle loop and triangle skips by detecting instances of substantially no needle thread or looper thread movement during certain respective portions of the stitch cycle.

Abstract: Stitch data of a plurality of partial patterns constituting a continuous pattern are stored in a predetermined order in a memory. The continuous pattern is sewn by changing the needle thread for each partial pattern. When it is desired to start sewing from a desired position, a head search key is operated to change a pointer P and store a head address of a partial pattern designated by the pointer P into another pointer I and a help key is depressed to cause a help screen to be displayed. An advancing key can then be operated and a stitch number key or keys operated to input a desired number of stitches to advance or retreat. Consequently, the address of the pointer I is displaced by the thus set number of stitch distances in the advancing direction or the retreating direction. When the help screen is the cancelled and a start switch is operated, sewing is started from the needle position indicated by the address of the pointer I.

Abstract: Stitch data of partial patterns constituting a continuous pattern are stored in a memory in the sewing order with each partial pattern separated from the next. When a trouble occurs, such as a break of the needle thread or the consumption of the bobbin thread, or the user depresses a start/stop switch during sewing of the continuous pattern, the sewing machine is stopped. When the user corrects the trouble and subsequently operates a head search key, sewing is resumed, in response to a starting instruction, from the head of the partial pattern at which the sewing was interrupted.

Abstract: A thread monitoring arrangement for monitoring sewing thread at different areas along the path of the thread inducing a switching process for signalling or stopping the sewing process upon the occurrence of thread disturbance. The thread monitoring arrangement includes first sensor units positioned in an area between a thread reserve and an associated tensioning device. Second sensor units are provided in the area between the tensioning device and the associated stitch formation site for sending signals in the case of thread disturbance. A monitoring switching arrangement is provided, evaluating signals from the sensor units differently to induce different switching processes, either alerting the operator or stopping the sewing process, after a predetermined time or immediately.

Abstract: An automatic sewing machine capable of executing a stitch back operation forms a nonfraying, aesthetically pleasing stitch in an embroidery pattern when resuming a stitching operation after thread breakage. The machine includes a movable needlebar holding a needle, a movable workpiece holder, storage for stitch data representing stitch positions, a control mechanism for controlling the needlebar and workpiece for executing a sewing operation based on the stitch data, a thread breakage detector, a stopping mechanism for stopping the sewing operation upon detection of thread breakage, a stitch back positioner for setting the stitch back position corresponding to the last complete stitch, a nonfraying stitch forming a positioner for setting the nonfraying stitch position, and a sewing operation resuming mechanism.

Abstract: A sewing machine bobbin includes a mini-spool rotatably mounted on the bobbin for receiving a predetermined length at the inner end of the thread such that when the bobbin stops rotating, the mini-spool may continue to rotate to pay out a part of a predetermined length of thread in order to finish a stitching operation.

Abstract: A processing and sewing machine arrangement for preparing a seam which is uninterrupted on a seam side facing the needle of the sewing machine. The arrangement includes a shuttle thread disturbance detection arrangement and a control arrangement activating a stopping arrangement for stopping the sewing machine after the shuttle thread disturbance has been detected and after a stitch formation cycle which has been begun is completed. A regulating mechanism for setting stitch length is set into a reverse stitching mode by the control arrangement while the fabric being sewn is moved backward by one stitch length. After the shuttle thread has been fed in, thread is knotted by at least one stitch with the needle thread in the same insertion hole in which the old shuttle thread is located such that the old shuttle thread is correctly knotted with the needle thread.

Abstract: A tight end detector for tufting machines is disclosed which includes a modular switch bar assembly, a switch contact forming PC board thereon having a conductive stripe, insulating strip, a leaf-metal electrical contact member having parallel contact finger formations overlying the conductive stripe of the PC board and a thin cover layer overlying the bar, PC board, insulating strip, and electrical contact member to provide a wear surface against which yarn ends of the tufting machine may bear.

Abstract: A sewing machine for forming stitch patterns on a fabric comprising a select key, an input key, a cessation signal generator, and a controller. Stitch pattern data for desired stitch patterns are chosen from a large number of stitch pattern data stored in a memory by the select key, and arrangement data, comprising arrangement direction data, arrangement number data, and margin space data, for the stitch patterns are entered via the input key. The sewing machine forms arranged stitch patterns on a fabric by relative movement between a needle and a fabric holder. When some accident, such as thread breakage and needle breakage, occurs, during the stitch pattern formation, the signal generator issues a cessation signal and the controller stops the sewing machine in response to the cessation signal. The controller further recommences the sewing machine in accordance with the arrangement data of the stitch patterns and the stitch pattern data for the next stitch pattern.

Abstract: The control circuit of a catch thread device has a counter for the main shaft of the swing machine. The counter counts the number of revolutions of the main shaft 26 during the reception of one of at least two signal intensities and is reset to its initial value when this signal intensity changes to the other signal intensity. When a predetermined maximum number of revolutions is reached, the counter emits a signal indicating a thread fault.

Abstract: A method of supplying a thread to a sewing machine from a reel wherein the thread is supplied by carrying on a hanger a loop produced between the reel and the sewing machine by twisting the thread two to three times. The hanger used in supplying the thread comprises a case body, a cylindrical dial partly exposed on the surface of the case body, and a hook projecting from the case body to catch the thread. The hook is coupled through gearing to the dial and is rotatable in response to rotation of the dial.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a timing pulse generator, a thread feeding device, thread sensor, and microcomputer. The timing pulse generator generates a timing pulse when a main shaft is rotated by a predetermined rotational increment by a main motor. The thread feeding device feeds out a needle thread toward a needle. The thread sensor is disposed in a path of the needle thread between the thread feeding device and the needle, and generates a thread breakage signal when the needle thread is out of the path. The microcomputer drives the thread feeding device based on the timing signal generated by the timing pulse generator if the thread breakage signal is not generated by the thread sensor. The microcomputer counts the timing pulses after the thread breakage signal has been generated by the thread sensor. The microcomputer stops the main motor when a count value has reached first predetermined value.

Abstract: A tufting machine having a broken yarn detector including a multiplicity of yarn engaging fingers mounted in a support block secured to the frame of the tufting machine. Each finger has an eyelet at one end for receiving a strand of yarn and is pivotably mounted on a rod externally of the mounting block so that the fingers may be supported by the yarn in a raised position during normal operation, but pivotably drops when the yarn is broken. The rod is secured in position by a number of clamping blocks attached to the mounting block, the clamping blocks also having slots aligned with the slots in the mounting block at the location where the clamping blocks are secured for receiving the external ends of the fingers so as not to impede the pivotable movement. A light generator and a photoconductive receiver are mounted for detecting when a finger drops, the finger interrupting the transmission of the light beam to provide a signal which may be used to stop the tufting machine.

Abstract: A detecting electrode is mounted on the path of a thread in a sewing machine. When a cloth is sewn in the sewing machine, a bobbin thread or a needle thread moves spatially against the detecting electrode. An electric signal is obtained on the detecting electrode in response to such movement of the thread. On the other hand, a timing signal generator generates a timing signal synchronous with the vertical movement of the needle in the sewing machine. A discriminator receives the electrical signal from the detecting electrode and the timing signal from the timing signal generator. The discriminator compares the electric signal with a reference signal when it receives the timing signal and outputs a discrimination signal in accordance with the result of the comparison.