Abstract: A thread is passed through a dyeing apparatus before the thread is supplied to a sewing machine as an upper thread. The dyeing apparatus has a cylinder containing a plurality of coloring members, each coloring member containing a coloring liquid of a different color. The cylinder is rotated by a manually operated dial to select one of the coloring members in accordance with a stitch to be sewn with a sewing machine. A coloring section of the selected coloring member is exposed to the outside of the cylinder for establishing contact between the thread and the coloring section. A heat-set roller is adapted to come into contact with the thread for heat-setting the coloring liquid applied thereto. The contact between the thread and the coloring member and the heat-set roller is actuated in response to operation of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A needle position detector for a sewing machine includes a pair of disk-like members axially mounted on a rotary shaft coupled to the armshaft of the sewing machine. Each of the disk-like members is provided with an optically nonreflective portion occupying a greater area of its circumference and an optically reflective portion occupying a smaller area of the circumference. The disk-like members are adjusted so that the angular positions of the respective reflective portions correspond to the upper and lower needle positions. A light emitting element is associated with each of the disk-like members to emit light in a radial direction thereto. A light sensitive element is also associated with each disk-like member to receive light reflected from the reflective portion of the associated disk-like member to generate a needle position signal.

Abstract: An electronic sewing machine with a computer (10) for the sewing of a selected fancy seam has electronic circuits to bring about a breaking of a control circuit of the motor (11) of the machine, when the selected seam is completed, and further to detect the "O"-position of a motor control (16) and in this position to re-engage the control circuit and initiate starting codes in the computer for repetition of the selected fancy seam, when the motor is restarted.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for top stitching parallel to the edge of a garment panel in which edge is a corner, there are provided means for detecting the approach of the corner and thereupon reducing the speed of movement of the panel through the machine and means acting on the underside of the panel to impart a turning motion thereto.

Abstract: A system that automatically scans the shape of a flat object located in a viewing field, recognizes the shape by identifying at least one moment (e.g., the first moment, area; the second moments, products of inertia; or a higher moment), calculates the centroid and angle of inclination of a principal axis, and then moves the object to a desired location and into a desired orientation.

Abstract: In a sewing machine having an upper presser (6), a work feed (8) disposed below and aligned with the upper presser (6), and a work support (9) about the feed mechanism (8), the feed mechanism (8) and the work support (9) are movable in unison to a raised position adjacent the upper presser and into a lowered position in which the feed mechanism is spaced further from the upper presser, the feed mechanism and the work support being resiliently loaded upwardly. In another aspect, a drive for a thread take-up element includes a rotary axially-acting cam (15,23), and a cam follower (24) coupled to the thread take-up element (25,29).

Abstract: An industrial sewing machine system having a thread trimmer is provided with an arrangement which generates a signal when the thread is 180.degree. from the needle. At this time, the thread picker is actuated and during the time required for the picker to be properly positioned, the control circuitry for the system is disabled.

Abstract: An adaptive semiautomatic sewing system (10) comprises a sewing machine (12), a drive unit (42) including a variable speed motor and encoder for counting stitches sewn, at least one material edge sensor (40) mounted ahead of the needle (22) of the sewing machine, and a microprocessor controller (51) coupled to the sewing machine controls. The system (10) has manual, teach and auto modes of operation. In the teach mode, control parameters for each seam are stored as the operator sews the initial piece. Accurate control of seam lengths and end points is achieved by initiating countdown of a variable number of final stitches responsive to detection of the material edges by the sensors (40). In one embodiment, a window is set up around the stitch count at which terminal countdown initiates to avoid spurious signals. In another embodiment, momentary toggles of the sensors (40) are ignored so that an even wider range of sizes can be sewn with the same taught program.

Abstract: An electric sewing machine driving apparatus includes a clutch coil of an electromagnetic clutch for transmitting a driving motor torque to a sewing machine, a brake coil of an electromagnetic brake for braking the sewing machine, a needle position signal generator for generating a signal indicative of a position where a needle of the sewing machine is to stop, a DC power supply for energizing the clutch coil and the brake coil, voltage generating means for generating a DC voltage higher than the supply voltage of the DC power supply and a capacitor disposed to be charged by the voltage generated by the voltage generating means, whereby an electric charge stored in the capacitor discharges through the brake coil in response to the needle position signal from the needle position signal generator, thereby improving the needle positioning accuracy of the sewing machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sewing machine and more particularly relates to a cyclic pattern stitching device of a sewing machine which is automatically stopped with the needle detained at a predetermined position when a pattern is stitched up in accordance to one cycle rotation of a selected pattern cam.

Abstract: A light sensing device for a sewing machine with a sensing circuit which automatically compensates for the work fabric being utilized so as to be able to detect a ply change event in any fabric without requiring an operator adjustment for the type of fabric being stitched upon. Being able to detect a ply change event without the necessity for adjustment also permits automatic operation of certain sewing machine components, further facilitating operation of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A sewing machine with a presettable counter for sewing a predetermined number of stitches to the end of a stitch seam. According to the invention the counter is provided with a correction unit responsive to at least two sectors of a rotary machine member, each revolution of which corresponds to the sewing of a stitch of normal length. A sensor is responsive to the different sectors and, upon detection of one of these sectors, produces a signal which an evaluating unit can pass to a count resetting unit to set back the stitch counter by one stitch unit. As a consequence, the overrun or underrun of the stitch seam is at most one half of the normal length of a stitch.

Abstract: A sewing machine (100) having a needle bar (120,122) and feed means (131,132,602,603) in which actuators (124,130) adjust the transverse position of the needle bar (120,122) and the positional displacement of the feed means (131,132,602,603) in response to control signals provided thereto, and a rotatable main shaft (104,204,205) operatively connected to the needle bar (120,122) for enabling transverse oscillation thereof which shaft (104) is driven by a main motor (201), includes an arrangement for generating synchronizing timing control signals to the actuators (124,130) and a stop control signal to the motor (201) to stop the shaft (104,204,205) in a predetermined arc of rotation in which a common magnet (208,508) mounted in a holder (207,507) for rotation with the shaft (104,204,205) interacts with a pair of spaced apart magnistors (211,213) to provide the timing control signals to the actuators (124,130) and a separate magnet means which may be either a single magnet (509) or a pair of spaced apart magne

Abstract: A semiautomatic sewing system (10) comprises a sewing machine (12), a drive unit (42) including a variable speed motor and encoder for counting stitches sewn, material edge sensors (40) mounted in spaced relationship in front of the needle (22) of the sewing machine, and a microprocessor controller (51) coupled to the sewing machine controls. Accurate control of seam lengths and end points is achieved by initiating countdown of a variable preprogrammed number of final stitches responsive to material edges detected by the sensors (40) only when the stitch count falls within a predetermined window of values so that inaccuracies from stitch counting are limited to a small portion of the overall seam length. If the sensors (40) do not detect a material edge within the window of stitch values, the sewing system (10) reverts to pure stitch counting to determine seam length.

Abstract: In an electronically controlled sewing machine having an arm shaft position sensor signalling release of feed data and of needle position data at opposite extremes of endwise reciprocation of a needle bar, depression of a needle up or needle down position button will implement a slow speed drive circuit, and a fast stop brake circuit will stop the needle bar immediately upon the occurrence of a signal from the arm shaft position sensor corresponding to the selected needle position button.

Abstract: An electric sewing machine has an A.C. driving motor controlled by a triac; a controlling circuit for the triac includes a thyristor powered by a lower-voltage battery via an adjustable RC-circuit; the controlling circuit is electrically insulated from the A.C. power-supply circuit by an optoelectric coupler, the optical part of which is connected to the A.C. circuit and the electric part of which controls the gate of the thyristor in synchronism with the A.C. voltage; the thyristor in the controlling circuit is coupled to the triac by means of an insulating pulse transformer.

Abstract: An automatic placket shirt front forming machine and method for sewing placket shirt fronts is provided which utilizes an apparatus and method to automatically position, sew, mitre cut and remove a sewn placket shirt front and stack the placket shirt front. The method and apparatus requires the operator to only master the task of properly layering the material which may be facilitated by utilizing a set of guides. Once the material is layered and aligned, the operator has only to activate a start or reset button to clamp, transfer and position the placket shirt front and automatically start the sequential operation of sewing and mitre cutting, thread cutting and stacking of the finished placket shirt front.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a torsion spring coupling between drive and machine shaft. An engageable catch pawl acts on a stop element connected to the drive, which stop element is connected to the drive side of the coupling spring of the drive. If the catch pawl is engaged with the machine in operation and the stop element is blocked, the coupling spring is released and hence the coupling disengaged. The motor may then run down while the motor shaft is stopped resiliently in a predetermined position via the coupling spring which simultaneously the coupling spring prevents excessive forces from occurring due to inertia and excess stressing. Hence this construction permits the motor to be stopped rapidly from full operation with simple means.

Abstract: A cycle stitching device for a sewing machine includes a switch automatically operated to deenergize the drive motor of the machine and simultaneously energize a solenoid for activating a stopping device that stops the sewing machine with the needle located at a predetermined position, and pattern cam means stopped at a predetermined position thus permitting the stitching of the subsequent pattern exactly from the initial stitch coordinate.

Abstract: A cloth feeder for sewing machine comprises a reciprocatively movable needle arranged so as to sew the cloth on the bed, a pulse generator for generating the electric pulses in order to feed the cloth during the needle stays away from the cloth, a step motor actuated by the pulses from the pulse generator, and a rotator driven by the step motor and arranged in pressed contact with the cloth so as to feed it.

Abstract: An embroidery machine for embroidering a predetermined pattern on fabric includes a sewing head, a cloth frame for supporting fabric to be embroidered with the predetermined pattern for movement relative to the sewing head, first and second drives for moving the cloth frame segmentally in first and second coordinate directions, respectively, and a sewing pattern memory for storing a plurality of signals each of which is representative of an incremental coordinatal displacement of the cloth frame corresponding to individual segments of the predetermined pattern to be embroidered. The embroidery machine further includes a control responsive to the plurality of signals from the sewing pattern memory for actuating the first and second drives and a scaler for modifying the size of the predetermined pattern by modifying the number of segments occasioned in the predetermined pattern by each of the plurality of signals.

Abstract: A position indicating unit of sewing machines, and more particularly a position indicator installed in sewing machines, having a magnet, pole plates, Hall effect ICs, amplifying actuating circuits and a visual signaling device to indicate and monitor the operation of automatic needle position control system, and to cause a conventional needle braking mechanism or the like to stop the sewing machine at a given position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric sewing machine provided with a button hole sewing device which comprises a plurality of cams each individually bearing information of tacking stitches, left side stitches of a button hole and right side stitches of the button hole, means for instructing button hole stitching operation and an electric control circuit arrangement which operates to select the cam for tacking stitches upon operation of the instructing means and to select the cam for one of the side stitches automatically after a predetermined number of the tacking stitches are perfected.

Abstract: A sewing machine wherein a single operable button is capable of selectively performing a plurality of actions depending on the length of duration of the operation time. The machine is provided with a needle positioning device for arresting the needle at a certain predetermined position and a stitch forming system for forming a specific stitch pattern, and either of the two is actuated according to the length of duration of the operation time of the operable button. Furthermore, a forthcoming action of the machine can be varied in response not only to the length of duration of the operation time mentioned above but also to the state of the machine which can be in operation or stationary. The machine is thereby capable of performing a plurality of different actions by means of fewer operable buttons.

Abstract: A mechanism disposed in a sewing machine for sequentially performing, in regard to an operation of a single manually operable member while the needle being penetrated through a work fabric, shifting of a needle to a predetermined position above the work fabric due to a temporary slight rotation of the main shaft, retracting or withdrawal of a cam follower from tracking on a pattern cam, and transferring of the cam follower from one pattern cam to another. This mechanism virtually assures that during the pattern selection the needle never jogs laterally while the needle is penetrating through the work fabric, whereby the work damage and the needle breakage can surely be prevented.

Abstract: This invention concerns a machine for making a textile product comprising a needle carrier shaft, reciprocation means for reciprocating said shaft, yarn feeding means for feeding yarn to a needle carried by said shaft, and control means for ensuring that the needle carrier shaft can be stopped only at an end of its reciprocation.

Abstract: An electric motor-driven sewing machine which includes a drive mechanism for driving the machine by an electric motor, a mechanism for stopping operation of the machine by a brake, an automatic thread trimmer mechanism, a wiper mechanism for removing the trimmed thread, command switches for providing command signals to the sewing machine and control circuit means for controlling the various operations of the sewing machine in accordance with electrical signals. Apparatus is provided for detecting an abnormal state in which input signals which are not to take place simultaneously occur simultaneously, and to invalidate the operations of the various mechanisms of the sewing machine to protect the user from danger due to erroneous operations of the sewing machine.

Abstract: An adjunct control system for electronically controllable sewing machines which increases the flexibility of the sewing system by providing the functions of mechanically programmable stitch counting for each of a predetermined number of stitching sequences, programmable needle positioning, reverse stitching, thread trimming and wiping, and manually selected program interruption for selected conditions. A micro-processor auxiliary control system is utilized which is interfaced with a standard commercially available sewing machine control system in such manner that the sewing machine may be used in either its standard mode of operation without the micro-processor control, or may be used under micro-processor control. The micro-processor includes a central processing unit, a program memory, read/write storage, a control decoder and input/output devices for accessing the CPU and for interchanging control signals between the micro-processor and the standard sewing machine control system.

Abstract: A device for a sewing machine for making functional and ornamental stitches permits locking the needle bar according to signals that are given from a pulse transmitter, which monitors the rotational position of the top shaft, to a control system which actuates the drive motor of the sewing machine in coincidence with a foot starter. The sewing machine possesses a manually adjustable stitch selector and a device controlled by the needle bar drive for monitoring the relative position of the end of an ornamental stitch pattern. With both the stitch selector and the monitor device are operatively connected respective reversing switches adapted to be brought each into one of two change-over positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an electric sewing machine has a mechanism for transmitting the driving torque of a motor to the sewing machine to drive the same, a mechanism for imparting braking power to the sewing machine to stop the same, a mechanism for stopping the needle of said sewing machine at desired positions in its stroke and controlling means adapted to control these mechanisms. At least a part of the controlling means is constituted by a microcomputer. The signal input to the microcomputer is provided in synchronization with a synchronizing clock signal, and only such input signals as required in respective periods of operation are checked in each of the periods, so that the checking of the input signals is facilitated and accidents due to erroneous operation are avoided.

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

Abstract: A motor control system for a sewing machine is disclosed in which motor drive thyristors, a trigger phase control circuit for the thyristors, a comparator circuit for generating a trigger phase indication signal to accelerate or decelerate the motor to an indicated speed which corresponds to force downward on a foot controller, needle position detector means, a brake command circuit, and a predetermined constant trigger phase command circuit are employed. The predetermined constant trigger phase command circuit, which is energized by a stop signal from the foot controller, supplies a predetermined trigger phase indication signal to the trigger phase control circuit to lower the motor speed. The brake command circuit generates, at the time when the needle position detector means detects the sewing needle at a predetermined halt position, a brake command signal. The brake command signal is supplied to a brake means, e.g., dynamic brake means, mechanical brake means, etc.

Abstract: A motor control system for sewing a machine is disclosed in which motor drive thyristors, a trigger phase control circuit for the thyristors to control motor speed, and a dynamic brake control circuit means are employed. The dynamic brake control circuit means includes a shunt thyristor connected in parallel with the armature winding of the motor, and a brake command circuit which triggers the shunt thyristor so as to stop the motor by dynamic braking force. The brake command circuit is energized and triggers the shunt thyristor when a stop command signal and a deceleration detection signal are supplied. Thus dynamic braking of the motor of a sewing machine can be accomplished at a predetermined lower speed. To use the motor as a dynamo for dynamic braking stop control of the motor, a trigger phase clamp circuit is employed. To stop the motor at predetermined halt positions, a timer circuit, a predetermined constant trigger phase command signal generator circuit, and needle position detectors are employed.

Abstract: A motor control system for one stitch sewing control of a sewing machine is disclosed. Motor speed is controlled by controlling the trigger phase of motor drive thyristors. Two needle position detectors are employed to detect the arrival of the sewing needle at predetermined halt positions. A pair of motor speed indication signal generator circuits, a pair of memory circuits and a start pulse generator circuit are employed. When the one stitch sewing mode is selected and the foot controller is forced down, the first memory circuit memorizes the start of one stitch sewing and energizes the first motor speed indication signal generator circuit so as to drive the motor of the sewing machine at a predetermined sewing speed.

Abstract: A stitch counter is disclosed for use on a sewing machine to count a predetermined number of stitches before stopping the machine and actuating the thread cutting mechanism. The counter is used in conjunction with existing control circuitry which includes a light beam generator and receiver located in front of the needle. The cloth being sewn interrupts the light beam, which allows the operator to select any sewing speed. The completion of the light beam after the end of the cloth passes, shifts the machine to a pre-set sewing speed and activates the stitch counter. The counter counts a number of pulses from a pulse generator on the machine, which are indicative of the number of stitches, before stopping the machine and actuating the thread cutter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for eliminating the formation of stop marks during the tufting of carpets by stopping the needle bar at substantially the same position each time the machine is stopped by varying start-up procedures in order to remove any looseness in the yarn feed system and for providing an initial overfed supply of yarn and employing means for providing a soft start for the main tufting machine drive motor. By restarting the tufting machine in a slow, even manner and by having the starting of the yarn feed system precede the restarting of the main drive motor for the tufting machine yarn feed can be controlled thereby producing in phase, synchronized start-ups which do not cause a loss of pile height in the last tufted row or rows of pile loops.

Abstract: A controller to permit a sewing machine operator to control a sewing machine drive motor from control members located in close proximity to the needle bar. Means are provided to permit the operator to select the sewing speed and the needle stop position prior to commencing the sewing process. The operator may thereafter control the sewing process by light finger pressure applied to the control members without attention being distracted from the work feeding area. The operator may suspend the sewing process by removing pressure from the control members. The sewing machine will thereafter stop with the needle bar in the selected position. A reset circuit is provided to prevent the operator from unintentionally actuating the sewing machine drive motor.

Abstract: An improved speed controlling system for an electric motor, mainly used in a sewing machine includes a motor connected to a power supply, a speed controlling circuit or circuits for operating the motor at variably controlled speeds, and an electrical braking circuit or circuits for braking the motor upon receiving deceleration command from the speed controlling circuit(s) to transfer the motor from a high speed running state to a low speed running one. Electromechanical braking means are provided for acting on the motor, during at least a part of the braking period, the braking means being controlled by the electrical braking circuit(s). A low speed setting circuit is disposed in the speed controlling circuit(s) for maintaining the low speed running state caused by the electromechanical braking means and the electrical braking circuit(s).

Abstract: A support carrying a cloth clamping member is moved in the X and Y directions of rectangular coordinates by a pair of pulse motors which are controlled by a control system to perform a profile sewing of a predetermined pattern. Reciprocation and stopping of the needle at the upper or lower dead center are also controlled by the control system which comprises a memory device for storing information regarding the numbers of pulses required to drive the pulse motors for moving the support in the X and Y directions by one sewing pitch and regarding repeated numbers of the sewing pitch in the X and Y directions, the pulses being produced by converting the profile into the amounts of movements in the X and Y directions, and information which commands the starting of the sewing operation, thread cutting, vertical reciprocation of the needle and the stopping of the needle at a upper or a lower dead center, in the form of binary codes and according to the predetermined sequences of the sewing operation.

Abstract: A programmable industrial sewing machine adapted to learn and store, in Automatic Learn or Key Learn Modes of operation, a series of sewing machine operations for later automatic duplication. In both modes of operation provision is made for an operator to select the number of initial and final locking stitches prior to commencing stitching operations. Operator actuated controls, such as knee shift device and foot treadle, operate identically in both Learn Modes of operation and as they would operate in a normal manual industrial sewing machine. In the Automatic Learn Mode of operation, a record is compiled in segments, consisting each of a stitch count, a pivot delay time, and a speed copy. In appropriate circumstance, the pivot delay time may be zero.

Abstract: An electrically operated chain stitch sewing maching having a cartridge carrying a spool of thread and a pre-threaded needle mounted in the side of the head, the needle being normally biased in a retracted position within the cartridge and being actuated by a crank arm provided with means for rendering an electrical switch inoperative until the needle is retracted into the cartridge. The bed of the machine is provided with a thread looping subassembly actuated by the needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermittent stitching device for sewing machines which is composed of a mechanical stopping device for stopping the upper drive shaft of the sewing machine at a determined position and an electric circuit for controlling the operation of the stopping device, so as to enable the sewing machine to produce desired intermittent stitches, basting appropriately, in addition to the making of ordinary continuous stitches.

Abstract: A motor speed control apparatus for an electrically-driven sewing machine capable of effecting single stitch comprises a main motor circuit for supplying a motor current to a motor from an AC power supply through a main switch and a semiconductor element with a controlled electrode, a first control means for controlling the semiconductor element in order to effect normal operation, a controller adapted to change between its first and second state so as to control the speed of the motor continuously when the first control means is energized, a second control means for controlling the semiconductor element for effecting single stitch, and a change-over means for changing over the operation between the first and second control means. The second control means includes means for setting the trigger voltage for conducting the semiconductor element, a switching element coupled with the trigger-voltage setting means, a bias means for energizing the switching element, and a charge-discharge circuit.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus for driving a power sewing machine comprises a main motor circuit for supplying a motor current to a DC motor from an AC power supply through a main switch and a semiconductor element with a control electrode, a controller for controlling the speed of the motor, a first control means for effecting normal stitching by controlling the conduction state of the semiconductor element, a second control means for effecting a single stitch by controlling the conduction state of the semiconductor element, and a means for switching the operation between the first and second control means. The second control means includes a needle position detector means for detecting the needle to reach predetermined positions, a switching means connected in series to the needle position detector means, a trigger voltage supply means for applying a trigger voltage to the control electrode of the semiconductor element, and a switch-operating means.

Abstract: In a sewing machine having an electric motor and a foot control unit for driving the sewing machine, an intermittent stitching device which comprises a clutch device provided on the upper shaft, a clutch releasing device including an electromagnet and an electric control circuit for energizing the electric motor and the electromagnet via the foot controller, the electric motor and the electromagnet are energized and deenergized simultaneously by the operation of the foot control unit and to thereby intermittently cause rotation of the upper shaft of the sewing machine for producing intermittent stitches.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to an adjustable semi-stationary sewing machine foot switch operating device accommodating various sized foot switch mechanisms and including an operating treadle having a heel rest and a projection therebelow to activate the foot switch when depressed. A rectangular frame having longitudinal slots and two threaded rods provide an adjustable nest securing the foot switch therewithin. The treadle panel is hingeably affixed to the framework and is biased upwardly forming an acute angle to a lateral horizontal supporting surface.

Abstract: A sewing machine operated by a foot controller is provided with a mechanism for stopping the main shaft of the sewing machine in a predetermined position of each revolution thereof, thus to intermittently drive the sewing machine to produce intermittent stitches. The mechanism can be made inoperative allowing the main shaft to continuously rotate, thereby to produce the ordinary continuous stitches.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermittent stitching device for sewing machines which is composed of a mechanical stopping device for stopping the upper drive shaft of the sewing machine at a determined position and an electric circuit for controlling the operation of the stopping device so as to enable the sewing machine to produce desired intermittent stitches, in addition to the making of continuous stitches.