Abstract: An overlock sewing machine with a looper-thread guide mechanism of this invention is characterized by thread guide passages that are provided in the front face of the sewing machine body, and that go from thread tension disks toward loopers. By feeding looper thread along the thread guide passages, the looper thread is easily guided from a thread supply source, through the tension disks and a takeup, toward the loopers. Thus, the loopers can be threaded easily, quickly, and precisely.

Abstract: A handle (2) for a sewing machine has two arms (8, 9) which are swingably mounted on the handle to be retracted into recesses (6, 7) of the handle when they are not used. One arm (8) carries a rod (14) to receive a bobbin (15) and a disc (16), while the other arm (9) has a thread guide (18) for the thread (17) from the bobbin (15). The handle can also be designed to carry two rod for use with two threads.

Abstract: A two needle sewing machine having a one needle pause function wherein a needle thread supply device is provided. The needle thread supply device includes a thread guide element. The thread guide element is reciprocally movable in association with a drive means to change the length of the thread path for controlling the tension of the thread.

Abstract: Disclosed in a feeding control device for a plurality of threads in a sewing machine of the type wherein a set of a feed roller and a pressure roller are rotated forcibly at the same peripheral speed independently of the number of revolutions of a main drive shaft of the sewing machine so that a plurality of threads can be fed while the travel of each thread is controlled by each thread holding device. The present invention eliminates the necessity of securing high parallelism between both rollers to prevent their joint rotation, makes it possible to use a wear-resistant material for the pressure roller and can reduce breakage and damage of the thread due to friction with the rollers that are always rotating, at the time of stop of the thread.

Abstract: A cam shaft of a rotary looper thread take-up is extended short of a thread guide and thus provides a free space there-between. A thread introduced from the tip-end-side of the cam shaft is prevented from being entangled into the cam shaft when the looper thread becomes broken. In a preferred embodiment, three slit-like guides placed in parallel and two cams placed there-between are effective to introduce the looper thread into the rotary looper thread take-up by a simple operation without requiring an operator to visually align the thread to pass through an eyelet.

Abstract: A thread guiding device in a sewing machine comprising a guide path for guiding an upper thread from a thread source to a needle and defined by a first thread guide, a pair of discs for releasably holding an upper thread, and a second thread guide formed by a spring hook of a thread tension spring member and an end portion of a take-up lever, the first and second thread guide and the thread tension spring member lying in a common plane to define a straight-line guide path.

Abstract: In a sewing machine provided with a thread supply stopping device for selectively controlling supply of a needle thread between a needle thread supply source and a take-up lever, an adjustable pre-tension exerting device exerts a tension equal to or lower than a tension of a bobbin thread on the needle thread between the needle thread supply source and the thread stopping device.

Abstract: A thread checking device is installed in combination with a sewing machine in order to exert a proper tension on the thread loop formed at the eye of the needle when the thread loop passes through betweeen the bobbin case and the rotation stopping member for restraining rotation of the bobbin case. This thread checking device is provided with thread suspending means which comprises a thread suspending part disposed near a specified position where the thread guide of the thread take-up member is located when the needle thread loop passes between the bobbin case and the rotation stopping member. The thread suspending means suspends the needle thread held on the thread guide with the suspending part when the take-up member moves from the maximum thread take-up position to the maximum thread slack position.

Abstract: When two stitch lines parallel with the hem of a workpiece are stitched by a multi-needle sewing machine, a thread feeding apparatus positively feeds threads to each needle in proportion to the radius of the stitch line curvature such that well-balanced stitch lines are performed. Sensors located adjacent to said needles, and CPU (Central Processing Unit) operate cooperatively to drive each stepping motor which positively feeds the exactly required stitch length to each needle.

Abstract: A hemmer seamer assembly comprising an apparatus for positioning a chain of stitches for stitching onto fabric having a needle and a throat plate, including a device for positioning the chain of stitches forwardly of the needle, and a device for moving the fabric to the throat plate for sewing the chain onto the fabric.

Abstract: In a conventional sewing machine, as the take-up lever is driven by the take-up lever crank, the take-up lever does not keep its uppermost position during the feed motion of a work fabric. Accordingly, the length of the thread path extending from the thread supply source to the eye of the needle varies remarkably during feed motion, and thus the needle thread equivalent to the amount consumed by stitch feed motion cannot be extracted from the supply source. In the present automatic needle thread supply control system, during a specific period from a time before finishing of each feed motion to a time when the needle reaches the throat plate, the take-up lever is held at its uppermost position. During a given period corresponding to the comparatively latter half of the specified period, thread supply stopping is released, whereby the needle thread equivalent to the amount consumed by each stitch feed motion can be extracted certainly from the supply source toward the take-up lever.

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided with a carrying handle movably received at the housing and connected with at least one thread guiding element. The thread guiding element is arranged so that the work to be performed on the sewing machine is favored by its position and access to the carrying handle is not hindered even in the threaded state. The thread guiding element is moved with the carrying handle by a drive mechanism associated with the carrying handle when the handle is moved from an inactive position in the housing to its carrying position the thread guiding element executes a relative movement thereto from its sewing position to its threading position.

Abstract: A demand responsive sewing machine thread take-up construction is disclosed accommodating a shortened thread introduction path which facilitates operator interface and reduces construction costs while providing for improved reliability and uniformity of thread manipulation by the take-up.

Abstract: A sewing machine system is disclosed for accurately controlling the amount of supply of a needle thread to a thread take-up member from a thread supplying source in response to various conditions of sewing.The system controls supply and withholding of the needle thread with an accurate timing by putting an electrostrictive element into operation or non-operation in relation to a parameter signal on sewing conditions and a synchronizing signal derived from the timing of rotation of the arm shaft of sewing machine.

Abstract: In a two-needle overedge sewing machine, a thread chain guide recess is formed for positioning the thread chain at a given position on the throat plate so that the thread chain is spaced apart from the outer needle descending point. The thread chain guide recess may be made at a tip portion of an outer finger of the throat plate or at a tip portion of an outer finger of a presser foot. Furthermore, the thread chain guide recess may be formed by the combination of the outer finger of the throat plate and the outer finger of the presser foot. In an improved embodiment, a thread chain guide groove is formed in an upper surface of the outer finger of the throat plate so that the thread chain is substantially fully received therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding thread for a sewing machine comprising a thread feeding system for guiding the thread (14) from a spool (13) to a take-up lever (2) of the sewing machine (A). The thread feeding device is comprised of a pressure roller (10) and a feed roller (8) driven by a motor, an encoding device (17) installed on the main drive shaft of the sewing machine, an encoder (8a) for measuring the length of the thread fed, and a thread holding device (11), whereby when the encoding device (17) gives the signal to the thread holding device to release the thread, the thread feeding device feeds the thread for completing one full stitch, and the encoder (8a) actuates the thread holding device (11) to hold the thread during the stitching.

Abstract: A device for changing a lower thread running path in a zigzag sewing machine includes a guiding member positioned between a lower thread holder and a needle plate and having an obliquely positioned guiding face the obliquity of which to the direction of the needle amplitude is controlled to selectively produce straight stitches or zigzag stitches.

Abstract: A looper assembly for a two thread bag closing sewing machine in a simple arc within a single plane on one side of a moving needle, the plane being parallel to the needle axis and intersecting the line of movement of the bags at an angle of less than 45 degrees to reduce thread wear and breakage. A process of stitching the bags utilizing looper movement within a single plane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A needle thread guide provided at a needle bar frame and located adjacent to the needle entry protects the needle thread from being stuck by the needle when the workplace is fed during button holing. The guide guides the needle thread outwardly when the needle descends, thus the needle thread positioned lower than the needle eye is protected from being stuck by the needle. The guide is associated with the oscillating motion of the needle, but its direction of oscillation is opposite to the direction of needle oscillation, and its amplitude is almost twice the amplitude of the needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for feeding thread in a sewing machine. The apparatus includes a thread feeding pass, a base tension disc, a thread holding device, an encoder, and a thread feeding device. The thread feeding device includes a presser roller and a feeding roller driven synchronously with a sewing needle. When a predetermined length of thread is fed to a thread take-up lever, the thread holding device is actuated to hold and stop the thread without stopping rotation of the thread feeding rollers such that the thread slips on the feeding rollers.

Abstract: A thread control device comprising, a rotatable disc assembly for controlling a thread and having a rotational axis. The device has a knife located on at least one side of the disc assembly and having a cutting edge disposed generally parallel to the rotational axis of the disc assembly.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the needle thread loop in the area of the looper in sewing machines and, in particular, in sewing machines having a plurality of needles, is provided wherein a compressed air stream flows substantially transverse to the movement path of the part which contains the needle thread loop. Two compressed air nozzles are provided for each needle which are positioned at the side of the needle facing away from the needle thread loop in such a manner that the compressed air streams meet in the area of the needle thread loop.

Abstract: A thread feed mechanism in a sewing machine for paying-out thread in a predetermined amount necessary for forming one seam. The thread feed mechanism comprises a first signal generation device for producing feed amount and needle bar amplitude signals, a second signal generation device for producing a workpiece thickness signal, first means for adding square values of feed amount and amplitude signals, second means for multiplying a square root of the first means by a coefficient, third means for producing a signal varying depending upon the operation mode thereof, fourth means for multiplying a workpiece thickness signal by the output of the third means, and fifth means for adding the outputs of the second, third and fourth means.

Abstract: An acoustical shield assembly and mating thread preguide unit include a series of acoustically insulated panels that substantially surround a sewing machine so as to be operative in attenuating any generated noise. A portion of the top panel, including a downwardly extending flange, is hinged to move between an opened position allowing access to the sewing machine and a closed position for mating with the preguide unit. The preguide unit is mounted to the sewing machine by a pair of adjustable mounting rods and includes two face plates spaced apart by means of a pair of spacer posts. Each face plate includes eyelets between the spacer posts for the passage of thread to the sewing machine. When the hinged portion of the top panel is closed, an elongated opening is formed between the downwardly extending flange and the top edge of the adjacent rear side panel of the shield assembly.

Abstract: A thread changing mechanism for sewing machines includes a magazine in which a plurality of needle holders is received, to be positively coupled to the sewing machine needle bar by a vertical motion of the magazine. Upon effecting a coupling, the magazine is retracted into a starting position remote from the needle bar, so that the needle bar with the needle holder can unobstructedly move during the sewing operation. The thread changing mechanism is mounted on a sewing machine as an attachment later, without particular adjustments. When the needle holders are held in the magazine the thread is engaged with each needle and held out of the way of the operating needle thread.

Abstract: A sewing machine thread guide is provided with a flexible plastic thread entrapping core portion, and a hard core encasing portion having thread supporting grooves in alignment with thread receiving eyelets in the core portion.

Abstract: A hand stitching presser foot, for a zigzag sewing machine having a fabric feed direction and a presser foot holder, for forming a hem on a fabric, the presser foot consisting of a fabric presser member pivotally mounted to the presser foot holder and having one end, an elastic fabric presser portion and a cutout having an open edge extending in the fabric feed direction, the cutout forming a needle drop hole on an edge of the cutout opposite from the open edge, a fabric guide member disposed a distance from the presser foot holder, fixed to the fabric presser member at one end and adjacent to the open edge, the fabric guide member forming a fabric guide portion having a vertical face disposed substantially along the fabric feed direction for guiding the fabric in the fabric feed direction, and a thread guide member having a thread guide portion fixed to the fabric guide member and arranged so as to extend across the cutout in the region of the open edge, the elastic fabric presser portion being located betwe

Abstract: In a double-function sewing machine including a lock stitch mechanism and an overlock switch mechanism, a stitching portion of an overlock stitch mechanism thereof is positioned at the right side of the machine frame as seen from a machine operator and at a front side with respect to a lock stitching free arm of the lock stitch mechanism. A space is provided between the rear end of the needle plate for the overlock stitch mechanism and the front face of the free arm, through which a fabric to be stitched passes.

Abstract: A device for holding a sewing needle which has a cylindrical shank, an arcuate portion, and a flat wall portion, in a needle bar which has a longitudinally extending receiving groove with a flat interior receiving wall comprising a locking member. The locking member has a longitudinally extending bridge part with outwardly extending arms engageable around at least a portion of the circumference of the needle bar. The arms include an upper abutment arm extending outwardly of said bridge portion into the needle bar groove and defining a stop against which the top of the needle bar is engageable. The construction includes a lower abutment arm extending outwardly from the bridge engageable with an arcuate end over the arcuate portion of the shank so as to hold the flat portion of the shank of the needle on the flat interior receiving wall of the groove.

Abstract: A thread tensioning module and a cover for a thread holder and cooperating take-up are mounted adjacent to one another in a front opening in the bracket arm housing of a sewing machine. The module and cover form interconnecting thread receiving slots in the bracket arm opening providing for the movement of thread into thread tensioning mechanism carried by the module and into the thread holder as the machine is threaded by an operator.

Abstract: A needle thread control mechanism for sewing machines which permits a machine operator to adjust the stitch tightness includes a thread take-up mechanism arranged wholly outside of the machine frame and a thread controlling mechanism arranged directly between the needle thread take-up mechanism and a thread supply source. A thread controller, adapted to cooperate with the thread take-up mechanism, is also provided.

Abstract: A plastic guide for thread extending from a supply spool to the sewing instrumentalities of a sewing machine is provided with a metal wear bar to engage thread exiting from an opening in the guide and prevent the thread from cutting a groove in the plastic material of the guide at the edge of the opening.

Abstract: An automatic thread regulating system having an adjustment mechanism for controlling the thread feed and takeup during the formation of a sewing machine stitch. A central processing unit calculates the length of thread required for a specific stitch formation based on work piece thickness and stitch length. This information is directed to the adjustment mechanism which thereby regulates the appropriate thread amount by feed rolls and a suction apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved thread control mechanism for chain-stitch sewing machines. The present invention is adapted to apply a quick and effective clamping action to the sewing thread of the machine in timed relation with the rotary or oscillatory movements of the stitch forming instrumentalities. The mechanism's clamping force magnitude may be selectively regulated to exceed the tensile strength of the particular thread being used and is effective to break the thread should it become wound about an operable rotary shaft of the machine. The present invention includes a rotary actuating member for moving a thread engaging member between two extreme positions so as to entrap and intermittently clamp the thread at a location interposed between the stitch forming instrumentalities and the thread supply source.

Abstract: A throat plate having means attached thereto for preventing the work limb in a loop of thread from being drawn up through the material being sewn by the take-up limb due to friction therebetween causing a loose stitch known as a halo.

Abstract: A device for sewing machines having more than one stitch forming needle for grouping together and aligning the threads of stitch chains with the sewing axis which were formed on individual tongues of the machine's needle plate. An integral projection formed on the needle plate in spaced relation to the tongues is provided on each side thereof with camming surfaces one of which is effective in grouping all of the threads together withdrawn from their respective tongues and the other guides the grouped threads to a position for entry into one of the plate's needle throats after which they become aligned with the sewing axis and then cut to a desired length and the cut portion restrained for incorporation into the next seam to be formed.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a housing with an upper arm portion, a standard and a cloth holder arm and a sound player such as a transcriber recorder associated with the sewing machine with a sound producing device for explaining the operation thereof. The device may be associated with the machine itself, for example by being incorporated in the upper arm or it may be included as a portion of a cabinet for the sewing machine.

Abstract: A throat plate having means attached thereto for preventing the work limb in a loop of thread from being drawn up through the material being sewn by the takeup limb due to friction therebetween causing a loose stitch known as a halo.

Abstract: A chainstitch thread guide is formed with a thread guiding trough which extends into a channel on one side of a partitioning wall in a sewing machine to receive needle thread extending upwardly from a tensioning device to a take-up lever and further receives such needle thread extending downwardly from the take-up lever on the way to a sewing needle.

Abstract: Thread control device for stitching machines comprising a mechanism for applying torque to a feed roller around which the needle thread is fed to provide proper thread feed when a small number of threads are used and to provide control of seam variation. The device further has a thread break monitoring device signaling the program control in case of thread breakage to stop the device.

Abstract: A throat plate having means attached thereto for preventing the work limb in a loop of thread from being drawn up through the material being sewn by the take-up limb due to friction therebetween causing a loose stitch known as a halo.

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided with an actuator controlled thread take-up lever. A microprocessor is programmed to provide signals for controlling the actuator to provide a system wherein the interaction of the needle, the needle thread take-up and needle thread tension are optimally controlled. A thread metering mechanism, also under microprocessor control, is included in the system.

Abstract: A thread guiding system for sewing machine bobbin winders in which the last thread constraining eyelet is positioned laterally centrally of the bobbin spindle and a plurality of smooth surface guide pins are positioned between the thread constraining eyelet and the bobbin with the axis of each pin parallel to that of the bobbin spindle. The pins exert no lateral influence on the thread which is allowed to move freely along the pins. With this construction the distance from the last thread constraining position to the bobbin is greatly reduced from that normally required for smoothly winding thread uniformly about the bobbin.

Abstract: A pump is disclosed having a housing with a recess therein, an elastomeric diaphragm stretched across said recess forming a pump cavity in which the medium being pumped is circulated, and inlet and outlet valves. An electronically controlled linear actuator is attached to the diaphragm within the pump cavity thereby allowing compactness in the construction of the pump and improved heat dissipation from the linear actuator. The pump fits within the frame of a sewing machine and creates an air vacuum for assisting in needle threading.

Abstract: A sewing machine cassette threading system in which the thread handling instrumentalities of a sewing machine are arranged to accept thread from either a cassette or a conventional thread spool with a minimum of operator intervention. The sewing machine has a chamber formed therein to accept the cassette. The sewing machine thread handling instrumentalities are threaded by inserting a cassette into a cover enclosing the chamber and closing the cover. Thread from a conventional spool carried on the sewing machine arm may be placed in the cover for insertion into the thread handling instrumentalities when the cover is closed.

Abstract: An actor portraying a clown, animal or the like wears a costume substructure which simulates the body proportions of a creature larger than he. A particular character costume is slipped on over the costume substructure.The costume substructure includes a garment that is supported from the shoulders of the wearer but occupies an expanded position such that it is spaced away from his body. A frame composed of a plurality of resilient ribs arranged in a crisscrossing relationship maintains the expanded position of the garment.

Abstract: A device carried by the presser foot of a sewing machine for severing a chain of stitches extending between a sewn workpiece and the needle of the machine which includes a gripping element for retaining the severed end of the chain extending from the needle and a guide means for aligning the chain with the needle axis in a manner whereby it would be incorporated into the seam of stitches formed in the following workpiece.