Melco Industries, Inc.

Jeffrey T Block

Peter Kern

Dean Gerald Pearson

Jurg Henz

Robert Bruce Ton

Manfred Zesch

Victor Justin Rhodes

Dale Alan Zoetewey

Michael E Dickeson

Donald Grayson

Dale R Hedman

A plurality of stitching machines and a control system used in stitching patterns into a plurality of items is capable of flexible control. The plurality of stitching machines may include one or more clusters of stitching machines, with each cluster able to stitch patterns into items independently of other clusters. Stitching machines within the plurality of stitching machines, or within the clusters of stitching machines, may be set to stitch patterns into items using one of a synchronized mode and an unsynchronized mode. When in the synchronized mode, the stitching machines perform stitching substantially synchronously with other stitching machines, and when in the unsynchronized mode the stitching machines perform stitching independently of the status of other stitching machines.

Computerized stitching including embroidering

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.

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.

Growing community of inventors

Westminster, CO, United States of America

Jeffrey T Block