Sewing Patents (Class 700/136)
  • Patent number: 7827923
    Abstract: In a sewing machine having an automatic thread cutting mechanism, a situation of a thread cutting operation is detected in power-OFF to continuously carry out a proper operation when a power supply is turned ON again after sudden power-OFF. In a sewing machine having an automatic thread cutting mechanism, there is provided means for detecting an operation situation of the automatic thread cutting mechanism when a power supply is turned ON. Based on a signal for the detection, the automatic thread cutting mechanism is operated to complete a thread cutting operation and to carry out a control to return into an initial state when a stop is performed with the thread cutting mechanism in power-ON executing the thread cutting work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Koike, Koji Okutani, Eiji Kanno, Hideaki Kambara, Masashi Ninomiya, Eiichi Shomura, Satoshi Maruo, Mitsuru Nishijima, Michio Hisatake
  • Publication number: 20100174400
    Abstract: A garment manufacturing method edits an original drawing having the style of an artistic aesthetic color pattern that goes through the processes of removing background and changing colors, and adopting a designer's fashion design sketch to impose a new pattern from the original drawing to a new fashion design drawing. The style of the fashion is designed by computer pieces, wherein front pieces and back pieces of a garment are arranged to retrieve a new pattern of the original drawing, and computer template pieces are patterned to print a newly created digital graphic file on a blank fabric, and the fabric is cut and sewed according to the template to achieve the effect of fixing the template pieces at desired positions to show the overall expression of lines and patterns of the garment and manifest the visual aesthetic design of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Henry Lai
  • Patent number: 7726252
    Abstract: A method for straightening the edges of a work piece. The method includes the steps of determining the average edge position of each edge of the work piece, calculating an average edge line for each edge of the work piece, determining an actual corner point for each corner of the work piece, calculating a determined edge line through each of the actual corner points of the work piece, determining a number of actual edge points, determining if actual edge points are within the determined edge lines, and adjusting the determined edge lines inward until the actual edge points are within the determined edge lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Maples Industries, Inc
    Inventor: Robert A. Trobaugh, III
  • Patent number: 7685072
    Abstract: A software distribution system for sewing machine includes a server and a sewing machine. The server generates authentication key data dedicated for a sewing machine only upon initial transmission of medium identification data and sewing machine identification data from a terminal and stores the authentication key data in mapping with the medium identification data. If a valid medium identification data and an invalid sewing machine identification data are thereafter transmitted to the server, the stored data is not updated and the authentication key data is transmitted to the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Hirata
  • Publication number: 20090312861
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hirose, Yuki Ihira
  • Patent number: 7620472
    Abstract: A sewing machine executing a free-motion capable of sewing while a workpiece cloth is manually moved by an operator includes a needlebar having a lower end to which a sewing needle is attached, a needlebar driving mechanism vertically driving the needlebar via a main shaft, a presser foot pressing the workpiece cloth manually moved by the operator, an imaging device imaging at least an area of the workpiece cloth near to the sewing needle, a movement amount operating device obtaining by operation a movement amount of the workpiece cloth based on image data from the imaging device, a setting device setting a stitch pitch on the workpiece cloth, a comparing device comparing the obtained movement amount of the workpiece cloth and the set stitch pitch, a cloth movement limiter limiting movement of the workpiece cloth by the manual operation, and a control device controlling the cloth movement limiter according to a result of comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiichi Hamajima
  • Patent number: 7542822
    Abstract: A complex data processing device that processes embroidery data representing an embroidery pattern to be formed on fabric by a sewing machine capable of embroidering and print data representing print pattern to be printed on the fabric by a printer. The complex data processing device includes a data acquiring unit that acquires the embroidery data and the print data, an overlapped region detecting unit that detects an overlapped region at which an embroidery region represented by the embroidery data and a printing region represented by the print data overlap based on the embroidery data and the print data acquired by the data acquiring unit, and a data modifying unit that deletes data corresponding to the overlapped region detected by the overlapped region detecting unit from at least one of the embroidery data and the print data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kawaguchi, Atsuya Hayakawa, Hirokazu Nakashima
  • Patent number: 7460925
    Abstract: An embroidery sewing machine includes an embroidery frame, a carriage transferring the embroidery frame, a drive unit moving the carriage, a sewing machine motor, a control unit controlling the drive unit and the motor so that an embroidery sewing mode is executed in which an embroidery pattern is sewn or a manual-feed sewing mode is executed in which a sewing operation is carried out with manual cloth feed while the carriage is moved to and held at a predetermined evacuative position, a foot controller, a connecting part connecting the foot controller to the control unit, and a mode switching unit which selectively switches between the embroidery sewing mode and the manual feed sewing mode. The mode switching unit switches to the embroidery sewing mode when the foot controller is non-connected to the connecting part, and to the manual-feed sewing mode when the foot controller is connected to the connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasukazu Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7457683
    Abstract: A system and method for an interactive embroidery design specified by vector data and 3-dimensional data modifying shape and parameter data. A processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions to create an adjustable design as indicated by artist input. The adjusted design is modified by embroidery machine operator input and is converted into stitch instructions for use by an embroidery machine to manufacture a custom embroidered product including the adjusted design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Brian D. Bailie
  • Publication number: 20080196645
    Abstract: A multimedia information selection apparatus includes a memory that stores a plurality of multimedia information including at least one of sound information, moving image information, and still image information to be played in a sewing machine that performs sewing based on sewing data for forming stitches on a work cloth and stores the sewing data and unique information added for each of the sewing data and a controller that selects one of the sewing data stored in the sewing data storage device and selects the multimedia information corresponding to the sewing data selected from among the plurality of multimedia information stored based on the unique information added to the selected sewing data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masae Ikeba, Kenji Yamada
  • Patent number: 7386361
    Abstract: Coordinates and a pen-stroke strength are input from a stylus. A section between the input coordinates is interpolated and needle fall points are determined such that the stitch width varies in accordance with the pen-stroke strength. Moreover, the stitch angle and the stitch density with respect to the stylus trace are input as parameters and used to determine the needle fall points. The determined stitch is displayed in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeuchi Nobuyuki, Okubo Atsushi, Nishioka Hisataka
  • Patent number: 7359760
    Abstract: A data processing device processes embroidery data for a sewing machine capable of embroidering and print data for a printer that prints a pattern on at least a portion of an embroidery formed by the sewing machine. The data processing device includes an embroidery data generating unit for generating region data defining a plurality of embroidery regions based on color image data and the embroidery data defining embroidery patterns respectively applied to the plurality of embroidery regions, a color designating unit for designating a thread color from a plurality of thread colors contained in the embroidery data in order to designate a print-target embroidery region from among the plurality of embroidery regions, and a print data generating unit that generates print data representing an image applied to the print-target embroidery region based on at least part of image data corresponding to the designated print-target embroidery region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motoshi Kishi, Masaki Shimizu, Noriko Kawabe
  • Patent number: 7347151
    Abstract: A tufting machine and a method of controlling a tufting machine for forming cut and loop pile tufts of yarns in a backing material that includes a hook assembly having a series of hooks/loopers and a series of clips independently moveable between extended and retracted positions. The movement of the clips between their extended and retracted positions is selectively activated to cause transitions from cut pile tufts to loop pile tufts and loop pile tufts to cut pile tufts according to programmed pattern information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Card-Monroe, Corp.
    Inventors: Kendall Johnston, William M. Christman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7313457
    Abstract: A pattern selecting portion selects a desired embroidery pattern from a plurality of embroidery patterns. A pattern editing portion edits the embroidery pattern displayed on the display. A first determining portion determines, before the selected embroidery pattern is edited by the pattern editing portion, whether each of a plurality of embroidery frames is usable for sewing the selected embroidery pattern based on embroidery data for the selected embroidery pattern. A second determining portion determines, after the selected embroidery pattern is edited by the pattern editing portion, whether each of the plurality of embroidery frames is usable for sewing the edited embroidery pattern based on embroidery data for the edited embroidery pattern. A reporting portion reports when at least one embroidery frame determined to be usable by the second determining portion is different from at least one embroidery frame determined to be usable by the first determining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ayako Yoshimura, Tomohiko Mori, Naoki Tanjima
  • Patent number: 7308333
    Abstract: A stitching apparatus with thread tension control is provided. Tension in a thread is monitored during stitching apparatus operations, and remedial action is taken in response to the detection of an anomaly in the thread tension profile. The remedial action can include altering a feed rate of the thread in order to adjust the thread tension, and/or repeating a previous operation. Anomaly detection can be performed with respect to stitching or sewing operations, and also with respect to trim operations performed in connection with moving between elements and/or thread color changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Melco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Kern, Joseph A. Keating, Victor Justin Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7302308
    Abstract: There is provided a embroidery data processing device, which includes an extracting system that extracts at least one embroidery region from embroidery data that has a stitch attribute corresponding to at least one predetermined setting, and a print data generating system that generates print data for the at least one embroidery region extracted by the extracting system based on the embroidery data of the at least one embroidery region extracted by the extracting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruna Kato, Atsuya Hayakawa, Masakazu Kuki, Masaki Shimizu, Yasuhiko Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 7280886
    Abstract: A sewing machine capable of embroidering includes a sewing mechanism having a sewing needle, a frame moving mechanism that moves an embroidery frame based on embroidery data composed of a plurality of embroidery pattern sections, a thread trimming mechanism that executes a thread trim operation based on a thread trim instruction, a thread wiping mechanism that executes a thread wiping operation after the execution of the thread trim operation by the thread trimming mechanism, and a controlling unit that moves the embroidery frame by the frame moving mechanism to a sewing start position of the next embroidery pattern section based on the embroidery data after the thread trim operation by the thread trimming mechanism and before the execution of the thread wiping operation by the thread wiping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Iida, Mitsuyasu Kyuno, Yoshiyuki Uyama
  • Publication number: 20070233308
    Abstract: Sewing data of multiple sewing targets stored in RAM of a sewing sequence determining apparatus is acquired. Permutations or combinations of the sewing targets are created as sewing sequence candidates. A number of needle bars N provided at a multi-needle sewing machine is acquired. An optimal thread replacement count is initialized. A thread replacement count is calculated for each of sewing sequence candidates, in the case where sewing operations are carried out by the multi-needle sewing machine equipped with N needle bars on the sewing targets in accordance with the sewing sequence candidates. A sewing sequence candidate of the fewest thread replacement count is determined to be an optimal sewing sequence candidate. The optimal sewing sequence candidate is displayed on a liquid crystal display and announced. Determination of sewing sequences at the time of carrying out sewing operations with respect to multiple sewing targets is easily achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsuya Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7239935
    Abstract: A pluggable external wireless receiver module includes a housing, a power terminal unit, a receiver device, and a control terminal unit. The power terminal unit is mounted on the housing and is adapted for connection to a power source. The receiver device is mounted in the housing, and includes a receiver unit for receiving a wireless control signal, a processing unit for processing the control signal received by the receiver unit, and a driving unit controlled by the processing unit for generating a motor control output corresponding to the processed control signal. The control terminal unit is mounted on the housing, is connected to the driving unit of the receiver device, and is adapted for connection to a connector of a sewing machine, thereby transmitting the motor control output from the driving unit to the sewing machine for controlling operation of a motor of the sewing machine accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Yamamoto Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazushige Katagiri
  • Patent number: 7210419
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes an embroidery stitching data storage storing embroidery stitching data of a plurality of divided patterns with respect to large-size embroidery patterns, a pattern display data storage storing pattern display data for displaying each large-size embroidery pattern in a real image close to an embroidered state, and a display control device reading pattern display data with respect to an appointed large-size embroidery pattern from the pattern display data storage and controls to display an image. The display control device is adapted so that, when each divided pattern constituting the large-size embroidery pattern is subjected to the embroidery stitching, a display is caused to display the pattern display data of the large-size embroidery pattern read from the pattern display data storage and displayed area data indicating the stitching area occupied by each divided pattern in the large-size embroidery pattern in a state being combined with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takafumi Naka, Takashi Hirata, Ayako Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7146239
    Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for manufacturing consumer products such as clothing. In accordance with the invention, customer measurements and preferences are collected by a unique, small-footprint or private custom clothing shop. These measurements and preferences are stored and used in association with the manufacturer of custom clothing. Ordered clothing is manufactured through the provision of patterns, instructions and materials to skilled, pre-qualified sewing associates. In one embodiment of the invention, the consumer products are “broken” into discrete, separately-manufacturable pieces, each piece for assembly by a separate, geographically remote, skilled labor with final assembly of the various pieces is performed at a centralized location. Customized clothing can thus be manufactured by a highly skilled, cost effective and geographically disperse labor force, using electronically stored data and electronic communications to both coordinate manufacturing and ensure high-quality results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Loeb Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Loeb
  • Patent number: 7146240
    Abstract: A sewing machine is constructed to receive the transmission of one or more of wireless switches, said one or more switches being used to transmit simultaneously. Sewing machines are transmitted to in various start and stop sewing operations by one individual operator and or a group of individual operators using their allocated sewing machines. A rechargeable battery is used. The speed controller is attached to the machine body. The receiver box supplies the voltage to recharge the battery for the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Philip Shad
  • Patent number: 7089079
    Abstract: A sewing machine of the present disclosure is provided with a sewing device capable of pattern sewing by controlling a needle swinging mechanism that swings a vertically reciprocating needle bar in a horizontal direction and a cloth feeding mechanism having a feed dog, a controller that controls the sewing device and a memory that stores sewing data supplied externally via a data transmitting network or a data storage media. The aforementioned controller determines whether or not the pattern to be sewn based on the sewing data loaded from the memory can be sewn by the sewing device and upon determining that sewing is not possible, the sewing data is modified to a pattern that can be sewn by the sewing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Kaiya, Tsuneo Okuyama, Norihiko Asai
  • Patent number: 7062349
    Abstract: In a control equipment for an industrial sewing machine, it being possible, via switchgears such as switches, probes, sensors or the like, to switch on or off functions and connection states, by a certain voltage level being applied to an input circuit of the control, the input circuit generating an output signal, it is provided that upon the application of varying input voltages Ue, the output voltages Ua generated are the same in each case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Frankl & Kirchner GmbH & Co. K.G.
    Inventors: Thomas Schmidt, Michael Knop, Wolfgang Sinn, Rainer Böhm, Michael Faulhaber
  • Patent number: 6996451
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a control device to control a sewing machine which executes a sewing operation using a bobbin thread wound on a bobbin and a needle thread by the drive of the sewing machine motor. The control device includes a sewing restarting unit that restarts the sewing operation after stopping the sewing machine motor in response to a detection of bobbin thread scarcity by a bobbin thread remaining amount detection unit. A permitted sewing amount is preset for the sewing operation restarted after stopping the sewing machine motor and when an actual amount of sewing performed after the stop of the sewing machine motor reaches the permitted sewing amount, information is given by the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihiko Asai, Yuji Ilda, Ayako Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 6950717
    Abstract: A system for controlling the width and stitch density of a moving fabric web compacted by a fabric compaction system. The width control subsystem comprises a first camera which captures an image of a moving fabric web, and a first controller, wherein the first controller receives the captured image, calculates the width of the fabric web, and compares the calculated width to a first width set point. The stitch count control subsystem comprises a second camera that captures an image of a moving fabric web, and a second controller, wherein the second controller receives the captured image, calculates the stitch count of the fabric web, and compares the calculated stitch count to a first stitch count set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Robert Pierce, Jimmy Franklin Plyler, Donald Frank Austin, Michael Thomas Fox, Larry Thomas Clodfeller
  • Patent number: 6947807
    Abstract: A method for improving garment generation which includes the steps of measuring raw shrinkage values for the garment (106), then calculating an enlarged garment specification, being larger than a desired garment specification, based on the raw shrinkage values. Next fabrics are cut based on the enlarged garment specification (112), and stitches are formed into a garment which meet the enlarged garment specifications. The garment is then bulk washed (116), such that after said bulk wash, the garment will meet the desired garment specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Esquel Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Albert Panebianco
  • Patent number: 6912441
    Abstract: A rule-based method for packing a customer delivery unit containing a predetermined plurality of spools of filamentary product thereon comprises the steps of: (a) uniquely identifying each of a plurality of spools; (b) recording for each spool information regarding the kind of product on the spool, the grade of the product on the spool, and the weight of the product on the spool; (c) based on the product kind, grade, and weight information, assigning to each spool an appropriate one of a plurality of packing rules; and (d) selecting a predetermined plurality of tubes for inclusion in a customer delivery unit in accordance with the packing rule assigned to each selected tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Invista North America S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Kevin Dale Booth, John Arthur Prytulka, Richard Wayne Watson, Thomas Wilson Oakley
  • Patent number: 6860213
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing mechanism including a needle bar, a thread take-up lever and a shuttle, a picker capable of holding a needle thread extending from an eye of a sewing needle near the shuttle located below a needle plate, and a picker driver driving the picker between a first stop position where the picker is capable of holding the needle thread and a second stop position spaced farther away from the shuttle than the first position. The picker is movable to a third position spaced farther away from the shuttle than the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20040243271
    Abstract: A method for improving garment generation which includes the steps of measuring raw shrinkage values for the garment (106), then calculating an enlarged garment specification, being larger than a desired garment specification, based on the raw shrinkage values. Next fabrics are cut based on the enlarged garment specification (112), and stitches are formed into a garment which meet the enlarged garment specifications. The garment is then bulk washed (116), such that after said bulk wash, the garment will meet the desired garment specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Panebianco
  • Publication number: 20040225404
    Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing mechanism including a needle bar, a thread take-up lever and a shuttle, a picker capable of holding a needle thread extending from an eye of a sewing needle near the shuttle located below a needle plate, and a picker driver driving the picker between a first stop position where the picker is capable of holding the needle thread and a second stop position spaced farther away from the shuttle than the first position. The picker is movable to a third position spaced farther away from the shuttle than the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6807456
    Abstract: Formation of fractal garments using a laser to scribe a total pattern onto jean parts. The pattern is formed into a 60 by 60 image, that is formed to form all parts of the denim design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Technolines, LLC
    Inventors: Darryl Costin, Jr., Darryl Costin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6804573
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating embroidery data from image data automatically identify at least one image characteristic based on at least one of edge contour data and skeletal data. The identified at least one image characteristic includes at least one of a singularity, a discontinuity and a concavity. The methods and apparatus generate the embroidery data based on the at least one image characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Soft Sight, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Goldman
  • Publication number: 20040158346
    Abstract: Described are a system and method of producing a craft project. A client system executing browser software accesses a Web page hosted by the server system. When downloaded from the server system, the Web page produces a graphical workspace on a screen display at the client system. The Web page enables a user of the client system to generate a composite image from a plurality of images. The plurality of images is placed in the graphical workspace for inclusion in the craft project. The client system transmits the composite image to the server system for conversion into instructional information used to produce the craft project.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Tina L. Dupuis
  • Patent number: 6708076
    Abstract: In a sewing apparatus management system of the invention, a management computer is connected to each terminal provided to a plurality of embroidery sewing machines via a network line. In a memory of the management computer, classification information classified into a plurality of groups by predetermined categories by identifying each embroidery sewing machine is prestored. When a supervisor selects one of the plurality of groups using such as a mouse of the management computer, management information corresponding to the embroidery sewing machines attributed to the selected group is displayed on the CRT display. Thus, only the embroidery sewing machines attributed to the selected group are selectively managed. Further, instruction information is sent to only the selected embroidery sewing machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Rui Zhang, Gyomei Tei
  • Patent number: 6678573
    Abstract: A sewing machine comprising one or more motion means to effect a sewing function, each motion means having a dedicated motion control processor responsive to sewing commands addressed to said motion control processor, for controlling said motion means to effect said sewing faction; and a high speed communications interface for exchanging information between each said motion control processor and an external computer, whereby said sewing commands are determined by the external computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Hirofumi Tamai
  • Patent number: 6633794
    Abstract: A software program for analyzing an embroidery design of stitches which design will be used by an embroidery machine to create an embroidered fabric. Grid software divides the embroidery design to be analyzed into a plurality of grid sections. Identifying software identifies each grid section having a stitch which is partially or completely underlying another stitch. Modification software removes underlying stitches or a portion thereof in each identified grid section. The size of each grid section may be increased or decreased in proportion to a stretch of the thread to be used to create the embroidered fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Brian D. Bailie
  • Patent number: 6629015
    Abstract: A method for generating embroidery data based on an image including a plurality of pixels. A plurality of line segment data is generated for pixel groups, each pixel group including at least one pixel based therein. Each of the line segment data defines a line segment by an angle component in which the line segment extends, a length component indicating a length of the line segment and a color component indicating a color of the line segment. The embroidery data is generated based on the plurality of line segment data, so as to give embroidery stitches along the line segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Yamada
  • Patent number: 6516240
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for creating custom-fitted garments wherein the customer provides critical information which is known to or easily ascertainable by the customer without assistance. Using this critical information, a controller applies rules contained in a model to estimate other critical dimensions necessary for the production of a selected garment, and which are not easily ascertainable directly by the customer without assistance. Using the actual and estimated critical dimensions, the controller determines the pattern data which is used to produce custom-made clothing which provides a superior fit to that which a customer would typically experience from the retail purchase of a similar mass-produced garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Levi Strauss & Co.
    Inventors: Philip J. Ramsey, Gerald S. Ruderman, Bethe M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6473671
    Abstract: A computer-aided design and automation system for mass customization. The system includes a 3-D body model and a virtual prototype model. The virtual prototype model includes a close fitting definition, a 3-D library loose fitting definition and texture mapping linked to the close fitting definition and the 3-D library loose fitting definition. The present invention may further include a 2-D spreader model for subsequent cut and sew manufacturing. The 3-D body model may be a dress form, a virtual dress form or a true body dress form created by a body scanner. In the preferred embodiment, the close fitting definition further includes a 3D close fitting definition library. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the 3-D library loose fitting definition is provided by a 2-D to 3-D converter which includes a 2-D pattern converter. In the preferred embodiment, the linked texture mapping is a textile design database, which may be created from a fabric swatch or by textile design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: He Yan
  • Publication number: 20020120358
    Abstract: A software program for analyzing an embroidery design of stitches which design will be used by an embroidery machine to create an embroidered fabric. Grid software divides the embroidery design to be analyzed into a plurality of grid sections. Identifying software identifies each grid section having a stitch which is partially or completely underlying another stitch. Modification software removes underlying stitches or a portion thereof in each identified grid section. The size of each grid section may be increased or decreased in proportion to a stretch of the thread to be used to create the embroidered fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Brian D. Bailie
  • Publication number: 20020040258
    Abstract: An operation data processing device that summarizes trouble situations that occur during sewing operations. A log data storing device generates and stores log data based on an operation state of pattern sewing machines. A trouble summarizing device summarizes trouble information that occurs during operations. The trouble information is then summarized in association with a stitch number based on the stored log data. A displaying device visualizes the trouble information in a manner that allows a user to easily determine a trouble location and frequency for a given sewing pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Fumiaki Asano
  • Patent number: 6353770
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for creating custom-fitted garments wherein the customer provides critical information which is known to or easily ascertainable by the customer without assistance. Using this critical information, a controller applies rules contained in a model to estimate other critical dimensions necessary for the production of a selected garment, and which are not easily ascertainable directly by the customer without assistance. Using the actual and estimated critical dimensions, the controller determines the pattern data which is used to produce custom-made clothing which provides a superior fit to that which a customer would typically experience from the retail purchase of a similar mass-produced garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Levi Strauss & Co.
    Inventors: Philip J. Ramsey, Gerald S. Ruderman, Bethe M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6304793
    Abstract: A memory 36 previously stores therein a plurality of sets of color combination data indicative of a plurality of desirable combinations of colors. Color of a cloth to be sewn is read by a scanner 28. With referring to the memory 36, an embroidery data editing device selects one combination of colors suited for the color of the cloth. The device displays the selected color combination so that a user can confirm the selected color combination. When color of some sewing region is limited to a certain color as stored in the memory 37, hemming embroidery data is added to the embroidery data at an outer rim of the embroidery pattern if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryohei Komiya, Masashi Ueda
  • Patent number: 6295481
    Abstract: A serial bus control system for an automatic sewing station for attaching a series of work pieces includes a serial bus cable connected to a power supply and a system controller. A program module is plugged into the serial bus cable and is programmed with an operations program or set of command instructions that are accessed and run by the system controller for controlling the automatic sewing station. A series of input modules are removably connected to the serial bus cable and receive inputs from various detectors monitoring the position and movement of the work pieces along a sewing path through the automatic sewing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: ECP Family Properties
    Inventor: George Alan Price
  • Publication number: 20010004717
    Abstract: In a sewing apparatus management system of the invention, a management computer is connected to each terminal provided to a plurality of embroidery sewing machines via a network line. In a memory of the management computer, classification information classified into a plurality of groups by predetermined categories by identifying each embroidery sewing machine is prestored. When a supervisor selects one of the plurality of groups using such as a mouse of the management computer, management information corresponding to the embroidery sewing machines attributed to the selected group is displayed on the CRT display. Thus, only the embroidery sewing machines attributed to the selected group are selectively managed. Further, instruction information is sent to only the selected embroidery sewing machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: Rui Zhang, Gyomei Tei
  • Patent number: 6202001
    Abstract: Disclosed is an embroidery data creating device for creating embroidery stitch data representative of cyclically repeated embroidery patterns to be formed on an embroidery area. The embroidery data creating device includes a first memory in which data related to the embroidery area is stored. The embroidery area has at least one embroidery block. Further, the embroidery data creating device is provided with a second memory in which reference pattern data indicative of a unit pattern of the cyclically repeated embroidery patterns is stored. A data generating device which is also included in the embroidery data creating device, creates the embroidery stitch data for the embroidery area stored in the first memory in accordance with the reference pattern stored in the second memory. In particular, the data generating device generates the embroidery stitch data by arranging the reference pattern data repeatedly within the embroidery area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukiyoshi Muto
  • Patent number: 6198983
    Abstract: Native code for a CNC stitching machine is generated by generating a geometry model of a preform; generating tool paths from the geometry model, the tool paths including stitching instructions for making stitches; and generating additional instructions indicating thickness values. The thickness values are obtained from a lookup table. When the stitching machine runs the native code, it accesses a lookup table to determine a thread tension value corresponding to the thickness value. The stitching machine accesses another lookup table to determine a thread path geometry value corresponding to the thickness value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Thrash, Jeffrey L. Miller, Ken Pallas, Robert C. Trank, Rhoda Fox, Mike Korte, Richard Codos, Alexandre Korolev, William Collan
  • Patent number: 6101424
    Abstract: Models of varying body forms are measured in three dimension, both in nude and wearing suitable foundation garment to form a data base. The customer is measured in three dimension both in nude and in foundation garment. A portion of the customer's body is identified, and a model data most closely resembling the customer's data for said portion is selected. The selected model data is then adjusted for differences in height, inclination, cross sections at varying elevations, and for continuity at the ends of the portion. A pattern is made from the adjusted model data, cloth is cut using the pattern and sewn together to obtain the foundation garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: New Lady Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sawada
  • Patent number: 6014593
    Abstract: A module (1) is removably and replaceably provided on a sewing machine for domestic use and includes an electronic memory unit (4) for storing of specific stitch patterns selectable to control drive arrangements included in the sewing machine. The memory unit (4) is insertable behind a transparent front (3) provided on the sewing machine and having a touch control keyboard (31). The side of the memory unit (4) which, when inserted, is turned outwards to be visible through the keyboard (31) of the front has preprinted pattern illustrations. Each of these pattern illustrations correspond to a touch key on the front keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Viking Sewing Machines AB
    Inventor: Hans Grufman