Melco Industries, Inc.

Dean Gerald Pearson

Peter Kern

Jeffrey T Block

Manfred Zesch

Jurg Henz

Michael E Dickeson

Robert Bruce Ton

Dale Alan Zoetewey

Victor Justin Rhodes

Kurt L Bolldorf

Karl Kott

Samuel Padgett

Michael G Weir

Luther Stoddard

Dale R Hedman

Daniel J Conrad

A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches. The thread sensor is located more adjacent to the thread than to the underthread.

Computerized stitching including embroidering

A method and apparatus are disclosed for indicating stitching position in a stitching machine. The apparatus includes a laser assembly which emits laser light. The laser assembly is mounted to an upper arm assembly of the stitching machine, and is operable to indicate a location of at least a portion of a pattern to be stitched using the stitching machine. The laser assembly is mounted such that the laser light is unobstructed prior to hitting fabric which is to be stitched. The stitching machine may include a user interface which can be used to activate the laser assembly. The stitching machine may also trace an outline of a pattern to be stitched while the laser assembly is activated in order to verify that the pattern does not overlap a hoop which holds the fabric.

Light indicating in computerized stitching

A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide a plurality of stitching machines which may be synchronized without mechanical coupling of the stitching machines. Each of the plurality of stitching machines are connected to a control, which coordinates operations of the stitching machines, including the download of patterns to be stitched by the stitching machines. A master stitching machine is selected by either the control, or the stitching machines. Each of the stitching machines, during stitching operations transmits a heartbeat signal to the master stitching machine. The heartbeat signal can include information related to stitching operations, which the master can use to determine that each stitching machine is operating properly. Several clusters of stitching machines may also be present, with each cluster having a master stitching machine.

Synchronizing independent stitching machines

Automatic testing and diagnosing a computerized stitching machine of a stitching system is provided. The system includes one or more programs that test operation of stitching machine components and generate specific error or status messages related to such components. Control panel software can be invoked to allow viewing of detailed status information for various components and the operation of specific components individually. Networking software can be enabled to allow this information to be viewed using a screen display and controlled from a location remote from the site of the stitching machine.

Computerized embroidery machine diagnostics

A sewing machine is provided for splicing together two different threads. The machine includes a thread tree with a number of thread spools with each thread thereof being inserted through flexible plastic tubing. A movable carriage assembly locates the new thread to be spliced relative to a splicing device passageway that receives the new thread to be spliced along with the old thread. The splicing device includes a front air inlet for drawing the new thread into the passageway of the splicing device and a rear air inlet for creating air turbulence during the splicing operation. Also used in moving the new thread through the passageway is an insertion drive roller connected to a pivotal rocker. A thread clamp cover connected to the rocker cooperates with the trimmer blades to trim the old thread. A thread clamp and a thread clamp magnet cooperate to hold the old thread in a desired position during the insertion of the new thread into the splicing device. A tensioning assembly is able to adjust new thread tension based on a desired tension for the new thread.

Changing threads in a sewing machine

Growing community of inventors

Arvada, CO, United States of America

Dean Gerald Pearson