Abstract: A method of manufacturing suspension seating includes providing a blank to be used in a suspension member. The blank has a non-visible marker. The method also includes illuminating the non-visible marker with an excitation source. The non-visible marker becomes detectable when illuminated by the excitation source. The method further includes sensing the non-visible marker with a sensor. The sensor is configured to detect the non-visible marker when illuminated by the excitation source. The method also includes determining, by a controller, a characteristic of the blank using the non-visible marker. The controller is in communication with the sensor and configured to receive information related to the non-visible marker from the sensor. The method further includes adjusting the blank to achieve the desired characteristic.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a movement mechanism, a swinging mechanism, a presser device, a guide portion, a processor, and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes. The processes include acquiring pattern data used for sewing a couching pattern in which a plurality of motifs are continuously arranged. The motif is configured in a predetermined shape by a plurality of stitches including a main stitch and a sub-stitch. The processes include correcting at least one selected from the group of a start point position and an end point position of the main stitch of one of the motifs, such that the length of the main stitch of the one motif is longer in a second case than in a first case, and driving the movement mechanism and the swinging mechanism in accordance with the corrected pattern data.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing suspension seating includes providing a blank to be used in a suspension member. The blank has a non-visible marker. The method also includes illuminating the non-visible marker with an excitation source. The non-visible marker becomes detectable when illuminated by the excitation source. The method further includes sensing the non-visible marker with a sensor. The sensor is configured to detect the non-visible marker when illuminated by the excitation source. The method also includes determining, by a controller, a characteristic of the blank using the non-visible marker. The controller is in communication with the sensor and configured to receive information related to the non-visible marker from the sensor. The method further includes adjusting the blank to achieve the desired characteristic.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a stage configured to place thereon a substrate or at least a portion of a substrate holding member configured to hold the substrate, the substrate having two sides extending in a first direction and two sides extending in a second direction; a transporter configured to transport the substrate to a position facing the stage; first and second sensors, which are fixed relative to the stage and respectively located outside the sides, extending in the second direction, of the substrate at the position facing the stage so as to detect the sides of the substrate, respectively; and third and fourth sensors, which are fixed relative to the stage and respectively located outside the sides, extending in the first direction, of the substrate at the position facing the stage so as to detect the sides of the substrate, respectively.

Abstract: The incorporation of digitally-printed assembly instructions and notations into textile product assembly processes is described. In one embodiment, an order to purchase a textile product having a number of panels is received. The panels are arranged and placed into a template for printing on a textile printer. Seams among the panels are identified and, with reference to the seams, assembly tasks are compiled to assemble the textile product. The assembly tasks are ordered according to at least one assembly factor directed to efficiency, quality, or other factors. The assembly tasks are associated with a set of assembly notations according to an assembly notation syntax. The assembly notations are incorporated into the template for printing, and the textile printer is instructed to print the panels along with the assembly notations. Sewing workers can refer to the assembly notations to determine how the textile product should be assembled using the panels.

Abstract: A machine moves shoe strobels to a camera or scanner where images of the strobels are captured. Using the images, a computing device instructs a printer how to mark guidelines on the strobels that signify one or more strobel sewing lines for different shoes models and shoe sizes. Cross-sectional lines may also be printed on the strobels to aid in error-checking guideline marking. Unmarked strobels are stacked in a loading compartment, sometimes in pairs—e.g., right and left shoe strobels. The unmarked strobels are transferred to a conveyor that brings the strobels to the camera or scanner and the printer. After guidelines and/or cross-sectional lines are added to the strobels, the marked strobels are stacked in a compartments housing other marked strobels.

Abstract: A device controls the speed of needle movement in a sewing machine and thus the stitch length based upon the movement of a motion detection device relative to a reference surface. The formation of stitches by the sewing machine is controlled by detected changes in position of the detection device relative to the reference surface in connection with a predetermined stitch length setting and starting speed, set on either the detection device, an adapter or as part of the sewing machine control. The detection device may move together with the article being sewn while the sewing machine and reference surface remain stationary, or the detection device may move with the sewing machine while the article that is being sewn and reference surface remain stationary.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a cloth thickness detection device, a storage device, and a control device. The cloth thickness detection device detects a cloth thickness of a work cloth. The storage device stores cut data that include a plurality of needle drop points for a cutting needle. The control device modifies a distance between adjacent ones of the needle drop points in the cut data in accordance with the cloth thickness that has been detected by the cloth thickness detection device. Then control device performs cut work on the work cloth using the cutting needle, in accordance with the cut data in which the distance between the adjacent needle drop points has been modified.

Abstract: A feed mechanism that advances fabric comprises at least one dog that mechanically advances the fabric toward a sewing head and at least one actuator that is coupled to and actuates the at least one dog in a servo controlled motion so that the sewing head sews the fabric at a desirable position.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a bed, a needle plate, a needle bar, a needle bar swing mechanism, a lift mechanism, an optical detecting portion, and a control portion. The lift mechanism is configured to raise and lower a presser foot. The optical detecting portion is configured to optically detect a cord guided by the guide portion, and to output data representing the cord. The control portion is configured to calculate a width of the cord based on the data output by the optical detecting portion, calculate a height position of the presser foot based on the width of the cord, and cause the lift mechanism to move the presser foot to the height position.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes an imaging device, a processor, and a memory configured to store sewing data and computer-readable instructions. The sewing data includes at least first stitch data to form first stitches that indicate a contour of a pattern on a first work cloth, and second stitch data to form second stitches that attach the pattern cut out along the first stitches onto a second work cloth. The computer-readable instructions cause the processor to perform processes comprising causing the imaging device to capture a first image, identifying a position and an angle of a marker in relation to the contour, causing the imaging device to capture a second image, identifying a position and an angle of the contour in relation to the second work cloth, and correcting the second stitch data in accordance with the identified position and angle of the contour in relation to the second work cloth.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a feed portion, a detection portion configured to detect ultrasonic waves, a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions cause the processor to perform processes that includes identifying a first position based on the ultrasonic waves, calculating a first distance based on the first position, causing the feed portion to feed the work cloth in accordance with first data, identifying a second position based on the ultrasonic waves after the feed portion has fed the work cloth in accordance with the first data, calculating as third distance based on the first distance and the second position, calculating a feed efficiency of the feed portion, correcting a fourth distance to a fifth distance based on the feed efficiency, and causing the feed portion to feed the work cloth in accordance with second data for feeding the work cloth over the fifth distance.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes an image capture portion that captures an image of a sewing object that is held by an embroidery frame, a data acquisition portion that acquires embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern, an area setting portion that sets a sewing area that is an area within which the embroidery pattern can be sewn on the sewing object, a setting acquisition portion that acquires, as a reference setting, a setting of at least one of a position and an angle of the embroidery pattern in relation to a marker that is disposed on the sewing object, and an area specification portion that specifies an image capture object area for the image capture portion, based on conditions that include the sewing area, the embroidery data, and the reference setting.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle position detector configured to detect whether or not a needle is located at a needle-down position or a needle-up position, a first imaging member configured to image a first range of an underside of workpiece cloth while the workpiece cloth is being moved, a second imaging member configured to image a second range of the underside of the workpiece cloth while the workpiece cloth is being moved, an imaging control unit configured to control an imaging process so that the imaging process is executed when the needle is located at the needle-up position, based on detection result and so that the imaging process is stopped when the needle is located at the needle-down position, an image synthesis unit configured to synthesize the images obtained by the imaging units, thereby obtaining a synthesized image, and a display unit configured to display the synthesized image.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a transfer device that is adapted to move a work cloth, a sewing device that moves a needle bar up and down, a first operation device that outputs a first output signal in accordance with an operation state of the first operation device, a second operation device that outputs a second output signal in accordance with an operation state of the second operation device, a sewing data generation device that generates sewing data in accordance with the first output signal and the second output signal, a transfer control device that causes the work cloth to be moved by driving the transfer device in accordance with the sewing data, and a sewing control device that causes the unit stitch to be sewn on the work cloth by driving the sewing device in accordance with the sewing data.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a feed portion, a detection portion configured to detect ultrasonic waves, a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions cause the processor to perform processes that includes identifying a first position based on the ultrasonic waves, calculating a first distance based on the first position, causing the feed portion to feed the work cloth in accordance with first data, identifying a second position based on the ultrasonic waves after the feed portion has fed the work cloth in accordance with the first data, calculating as third distance based on the first distance and the second position, calculating a feed efficiency of the feed portion, correcting a fourth distance to a fifth distance based on the feed efficiency, and causing the feed portion to feed the work cloth in accordance with second data for feeding the work cloth over the fifth distance.

Abstract: A stitching system is configured to stitch through decorative skins with a molded seam recess representing a seam and includes a sewing machine, an image acquisition mechanism, a controller, and a rotation mechanism. The sewing machine is rotatable with respect to a support table, and includes a sewing head to receive a sewing needle and a sewing foot to selectively engage the skin. The image acquisition mechanism produces an image of the seam recess with respect to the sewing head/needle(s). The controller determines the difference between the actual recess location and a predetermined desired recess location. Based on this difference, the controller determines a sewing machine rotation angle and orientation to reduce the difference to zero, and then produces a corresponding adjustment signal that drives the rotation mechanism. A robot can move either the sewing machine or the workpiece, and still use the herein-described real time steering control.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a bed, a first guide assembly, and a second guide assembly. The first and second guide assemblies are moveably disposed on the bed and spaced apart from each other. At least one of the first and second guide assemblies are actuated when a sensor detects that a workpiece is mispositioned.

Abstract: Provided is a buttonhole switch mechanism of a buttonhole sewing machine including a buttonhole presser mounted on a lower end of a presser bar of the sewing machine and having a presser frame, a buttonhole switch mechanism disposed on an arm section of the sewing machine, a feed dog disposed below the buttonhole presser to move cloth, a sewing needle forming stitches in the cloth with vertical movement, a controller performing control on the movement of the feed dog and the sewing needle, a fixing member fixed to a non-movable part of a sewing machine main body, a mount supported so as to be movable in the front-and-rear direction with respect to the fixing member, an adjustment mechanism adjusting and fixing the relative positions of the fixing member and the mount in the front-and-rear direction, a lever member supported by a rotary shaft provided at the mount, and the detection switch fixed to the mount.

Abstract: A sewing machine that includes an image capturing device and a sewing device. The image capturing device captures an image, and the sewing device sews a buttonhole having a length in accordance with a shape of the button, based on an image of a button captured by the image capturing device.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle bar to which an engraving needle is attached and is capable of executing an engraving process of forming an engraved pattern on a workpiece. The sewing machine further includes a heightwise position adjusting mechanism adjusting a mounting heightwise position of the engraving needle relative to the needle bar, a unit imaging the engraved marks formed on the workpiece by the engraving needle, thereby obtaining an image of each engraved mark, a detection unit extracting a region of each engraved mark from the image to detect a size of each engraved mark, a determination unit comparing the size of each engraved mark with a reference value stored, determining a mounting heightwise position of the engraving needle, and a unit informing of information for adjusting the mounting heightwise position of the engraving needle according to determination made by the determination unit.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a rotatable head portion includes a sewing machine frame shaped in a box using supporting posts and supporting bars to hold the sewing machine; a sewing machine main body mounted on the sewing machine frame; a head portion disposed at the front end of the sewing machine main body and rotatably installed through head portion rotating means; a bed portion rotatably installed under the head portion through bed portion rotating means; X-axis transporting means moving the sewing machine main body mounted on the sewing machine frame in X direction; Y-axis transporting means moving the sewing machine main body mounted on the sewing machine frame in Y direction; and a sewing object fixing frame provided at the front part of the sewing machine frame where the sewing object is held. The head portion and the bed portion are rotated to sew the sewing object.

Abstract: A sewing machine that includes a body, an embroidery frame moving mechanism, an image capture device, a specifying device, a determining device, a setting device, a positioning device, and an acquiring device. The image capture device is provided with a function to capture a plurality of images of the sewing object under a plurality of image capture conditions, respectively. The plurality of the image capture conditions correspond to different effective image capture ranges. The specifying device specifies, as a specific range, a range on the sewing object. The determining device determines a combination of a specific image capture condition and a positioning condition. The setting device sets the specific image capture condition as an actual image capture condition. The positioning device positions the embroidery frame in accordance with the positioning condition. The acquiring device acquires image data that corresponds to a specific effective image capture range.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing machine bed on which a workpiece cloth is to be placed and a cloth feed mechanism located in the bed to move the workpiece cloth in a predetermined feed direction, an imaging unit located in the bed for imaging an underside of the workpiece cloth, the imaging unit including a first imaging unit which images a first range of the underside of the workpiece cloth and a second imaging unit which differs from the first imaging unit and images a second range of the underside of the workpiece cloth, an image synthesis unit which synthesizes the images obtained by the first and second imaging units, obtaining a synthesized image, and a display unit which displays the synthesized image obtained by the image synthesis unit.

Abstract: A sewing machine that sews a work cloth being moved by a user includes a detection device that detects the work cloth, a movement calculation device that calculates movement data of the work cloth, a movement data storage device that stores the movement data, a movement data creation device that causes the detection device and the movement calculation device to respectively detect the work cloth and calculate the movement data for each stitch, and that stores the movement data into the movement data storage device, a line segment specification device that specifies a line segment based on the movement data, a determination device that determines whether a stitch to be formed next will overlap with an already formed stitch corresponding to the specified line segment, and an error control device that performs an error correction operation based on a determination result.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-piece article, such as a garment, comprises the following steps. First, at least two parts of the article are provided. Then, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is attached to each of the at least two parts of the article. Each of the RFID tags stores data including data identifying the part of the article associated with the RFID tag and manufacturing instructions identifying parts of the article to be connected. Next, the RFID tags including manufacturing instructions identifying matching parts of the article are scanned. Subsequently, the at least two parts of the article are connected together according to the manufacturing instructions obtained prior to the step of connecting the at least two parts so as to form at least a portion of the article.

Abstract: A sewing machine capable of sewing a manually moved workpiece cloth in free motion includes a carrier that carries the workpiece cloth and being manually moved to move the workpiece cloth; a support element that movably supports the carrier; a movement amount detector that detects an amount of carrier movement; a specifier that specifies a stitch pitch; a comparator that produces a comparison of the amount of carrier movement with the stitch pitch; a regulator provided at the support element and that regulates carrier movement; and a controller that controls the regulator such that the amount of carrier movement does not exceed the stitch pitch based on the comparison produced by the comparator.

Abstract: A feeder movement compensation algorithm for use within a processor controlled sewing machine. The sewing machine configured with a reciprocating needle and thread, and including a stitch plate upon which fabric to be sewn is positioned beneath the needle and thread. The machine also includes a feeder mechanism driving a feed dog thru a movement. The feed dog movement pushes the fabric along the stitch plate and the reciprocating needle and thread form stitches in the fabric. During the stitch cycle, the feed dog movement completes at least one feeder stroke. The feeder stroke includes a portion of the feed dog extending above the stitch plate and moving along the direction of feed. The feeder stroke thus pushes the fabric along the stitch plate. The compensation algorithm calculates a theoretical feeder stroke length based upon a desired stitch.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing machine motor that vertically drives a sewing needle via a main shaft; a sewing speed commander that produces a command sewing speed determined by rotational speed of the sewing machine motor; a stitch-pitch specifier that specifies a stitch pitch to be applied to manually fed sewing operation; a consumed thread amount detector that detects a consumed needle-thread amount in each ongoing sewing cycle; a sewing speed controller that controls sewing speed at the command sewing speed when the command sewing speed is equal to or less than a predetermined reference sewing speed, and that controls sewing speed at a target sewing speed calculated based on the consumed needle-thread amount and the stitch pitch when the command sewing speed is greater than the reference sewing speed.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a bed, a first guide assembly, and a second guide assembly. The first and second guide assemblies are moveably disposed on the bed and spaced apart from each other. At least one of the first and second guide assemblies are actuated when a sensor detects that a workpiece is mispositioned.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a transfer device that is adapted to move a work cloth, a sewing device that moves a needle bar up and down, a first operation device that outputs a first output signal in accordance with an operation state of the first operation device, a second operation device that outputs a second output signal in accordance with an operation state of the second operation device, a sewing data generation device that generates sewing data in accordance with the first output signal and the second output signal, a transfer control device that causes the work cloth to be moved by driving the transfer device in accordance with the sewing data, and a sewing control device that causes the unit stitch to be sewn on the work cloth by driving the sewing device in accordance with the sewing data.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a transfer device that is adapted to move a work cloth, a sewing device that moves a needle bar up and down, an operation device that includes an operation member and that outputs an output signal in accordance with a tilting operation of the operation member, the output signal specifying a position where a unit stitch formed, a unit data generation device that generates unit data being data for forming the unit stitch, a sewing data generation device that generates sewing data in accordance with the output signal and the unit data, a transfer control device that causes the work cloth to be moved by driving the transfer device in accordance with the sewing data, and a sewing control device that causes the unit stitch to be sewn on the work cloth by driving the sewing device in accordance with the sewing data.

Abstract: A printing and embroidering system having a positional data appending system that is adapted to append positional data indicating positions of a first image and a second image with respect to each other to first image data representing the first image to be formed by one of printing and embroidering and second image data representing the second image to be formed by the other one of printing and embroidering, a first image forming unit with a first fabric holding member, which is adapted to form the first image based on the first image data on a fabric being held by the first fabric holding member, and a second image forming unit with a second fabric holding member, which is adapted to form the second image based on the fabric being held by the second fabric holding member, wherein the first image forming unit is provided with a mark forming system, which is adapted to form a predetermined mark represented by the positional data on the fabric, and wherein the second image forming system is provided with a mis

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle bar to which a sewing needle is attached, a sewing machine motor that drives a needle bar mechanism for vertically driving the needle bar via a drive shaft, an information reading device, and a control device. The information reading device is disposed in the vicinity of a needle drop position of the sewing needle and reads out sewing information relating to sewing conditions for the sewing machine each time a mark attached to a work cloth enters into a communication range as the work cloth is moved, the sewing information being stored in an RFID tag included in the mark. The control device controls sewing based on the sewing information read out by the information reading device from the RFID tag.

Abstract: A multi-needle sewing machine including a plurality of needle bars including a specific needle bar allowing detachable attachment of a punch needle that punch engraves a surface of a punch workpiece in dot-by-dot strokes; a transfer mechanism that allows detachable attachment of a punch workpiece holder a detector that detects the attachment of the punch workpiece holder on the transfer mechanism; and a controller that when the attachment of the punch workpiece holder is detected by the detector, executes a punch engraving operation on the punch workpiece with the punch needle by selecting the specific needle bar and by controlling a needle-bar selector/driver mechanism and the transfer mechanism based on punch engraving pattern data which is pre-stored or given by external components.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing device, an imaging device, a determination device, a sewing condition storage device, a reading device, and a control device. The sewing device includes a needle bar and a sewing machine motor. The imaging device captures an image of a work cloth on which a marker is disposed to identify information corresponding to actual sewing conditions. The determination device determines an appearance feature of the work cloth based on the image obtained by the imaging device. The sewing condition storage device stores the appearance feature and sewing condition information corresponding to the sewing conditions that are correlated with each other. The reading device reads the sewing condition information corresponding to the appearance feature from the sewing condition storage device. The control device identifies the actual sewing conditions based on the sewing condition information read out by the reading device, and controls the sewing device.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a detection device that detects whether a feed distance by which the piece of work cloth is shifted by a feed dog in the back-and-forth or right-and-left direction has reached a predetermined distance, a counting device that counts a number of forward feed stitches and a number of backward feed stitches which are sewn when the piece of work cloth is shifted backward and forward, respectively, by the predetermined feed distance detected by the detection device or a number of leftward feed stitches and a number of rightward feed stitches which are sewn when the piece of work cloth is shifted leftward and rightward, respectively, by the predetermined feed distance, and a correction value setting device that sets a correction value to correct the feed distance based on a result of the counting of the number of stitches by the counting device.

Abstract: A sewing machine that enables a user to perform sewing while moving a piece of work cloth, the sewing machine including: a main shaft that drives a needle bar equipped with a sewing needle, a sewing machine motor that rotary-drives the main shaft, a detection device that detects an actual movement distance of the piece of work cloth, a target pitch storage device that stores a predetermined length as a target pitch, which is a target value of stitch pitches of the piece of work cloth, an agreement degree calculation device that calculates an agreement degree between the target pitch and a stitch pitch in actual sewing that is to be determined based on the actual movement distance of the piece of work cloth which is detected by the detection device; and a notification device that notifies of the agreement degree calculated by the agreement degree calculation device.

Abstract: A sewing machine for a user to perform sewing while moving a work cloth includes: a detecting device that detects the work cloth; a movement calculating device that calculates, by two-dimensional coordinate data, a movement direction and a movement quantity of the work cloth between previous detection and current detection of the work cloth when the work cloth is detected; a movement data storage device that stores movement data serving as two-dimensional coordinate data indicative of the movement direction and the movement quantity; a movement data creating device that detects the work cloth on a one by one needle basis of sewing, calculates the movement data, and stores the calculated data in the movement data storage device; a cloth feed mechanism that moves the work cloth; and a reproduction sewing control device that performs sewing while moving the work cloth based on the movement data stored in the movement data storage device.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle bar to which a sewing needle is attached, a sewing machine motor that drives a needle bar mechanism for vertically driving the needle bar via a drive shaft, an information reading device, and a control device. The information reading device is disposed in the vicinity of a needle drop position of the sewing needle and reads out sewing information relating to sewing conditions for the sewing machine each time a mark attached to a work cloth enters into a communication range as the work cloth is moved, the sewing information being stored in an RFID tag included in the mark. The control device controls sewing based on the sewing information read out by the information reading device from the RFID tag.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling movement of the needle in a sewing machine (1) based on a detection device (27), which detects the movements of the visible surface of the manually displaceable article to be sewn (3) is provided. The stitch formation of the sewing machine (1) is controlled by detected changes in positions of the article to be sewn (3) in connection with a predetermined stitch length. The detection device (27) can be integrated into a sewing foot (23) entirely or partially.

Abstract: A corner turning assist device for a sewing machine includes at least one sensor and at least one rotating mechanism engaging the workpiece from the underside of the same. The at least one sensor(s) provides signaling to a motor and the at least one rotating mechanism to indicate when the workpiece has reached a point for pivoting.

Abstract: A method and device for creating uniform stitch lengths in an article being sewn by detecting actual feeding increments of the article using a sensor. With this information, the sewing or embroidery machine is controlled to provide generally uniform stitch lengths.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a free arm which is provided with free arm sensors 5 and 6 for detecting a contact between the free arm and a cylindrical work during embroidery stitching operation, the cylindrical work being held by an embroidering frame 23 and placed on the free arm as covering the same so as to be embroidered thereon. The contact as detected is indicated to the machine user or the sewing machine is stopped. Further, the contact detection may be used to seek an area where the work may be allowed to be embroidered. The area as sought is discriminated prior to initiation of stitching operation if the work may be embroidered in the area.