Abstract: A kinematics system driven by an actuator comprises a cam configured to rotate about an axis of rotation thereof. A cam track formed in the cam extends circumferentially through more than 360 degrees of angular displacement relative to the axis of rotation of the cam. The kinematics system also comprises a follower having a pin slidably disposed in the cam track of the cam. The cam track extending circumferentially through more than 360 degrees of angular displacement relative to the axis of rotation of the cam establishes a minimized pressure angle formed between the pin of the follower and a surface of the cam track engaging the pin.

Abstract: A buffer circuit of a decentralized peripheral module. The buffer circuit has three input and three output signal storage areas, which can be selectively connected to a bus interface or a module interface via a selection circuit. Thus the process signal transfer from an intelligent unit arranged on the module to a unit of a higher level than the module and vice-versa can be completely separated.

Abstract: A lockstitch sewing machine, particularly for use as an insole stitcher, having a stitching mechanism arranged for cyclically repeating operation and including a horizontally mounted rotary shuttle, has the shuttle arranged for rotation in a constant direction at a cyclically varying angular velocity such that a major part of each rotation, e.g., a complete rotation takes place in a minor part of each cycle, e.g., one quarter of the cycle. The rotation of the shuttle is provided, e.g., by a Geneva cam.

Abstract: A lockstitch sewing machine has a needle (22) and awl (24) mounted on a common pivot (52) and actuated each by a crank mechanism (40;72), the two mechanisms being mounted on a common crank shaft (38). Each mechanism is constituted by a bell crank lever (44;76); the two levers also being mounted on a common pivot (46). This latter pivot (46) is disposed intermediate the pivot (52) for the needle and awl and the crank shaft (38).

Abstract: A lockstitch sewing machine has, in addition to stitch forming instrumentalities (22, 24), a needle thread control arrangement (32) by which the tension in the needle thread (T2) is controlled during stitch formation. In addition, said arrangement (32) ensures that each formed stitch is drawn into the body of the workpiece, by pulling on the thread while it remains clamped by thread clamping means (200, 202). This pulling takes place in the early stages of the formation of the next stitch so that, at the end of the machine stitching cycle, the final stitch is not set by this arrangement (32). Instead, electrically actuated stitch setting means (220 to 226) is provided operable in response to an "end of cycle" signal supplied by control means by which further "end of cycle" functions (e.g. release of a presser foot (36) and of the thread clamping means (200, 202) are also controlled.