Melco Industries, Inc.

Robert Bruce Ton

Peter Kern

Jeffrey T Block

Dean Gerald Pearson

Jurg Henz

Vernon Stephen Turner

Steven F Garnier

James K Pilarski

Mark R Magill

Dale R Hedman

Allen J Murphy

Donald Grayson

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 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 modular system for use with X-Y peripherals is provided. The system includes a master controller operatively connected to one or more slave X-Y peripherals in a network. Different types of slave X-Y peripherals are accommodated by the system, e.g. sewing machines and engravers. Each slave X-Y peripheral has a unique address for independent communication with the master controller. The master controller tracks the functional relationship existing between it and each slave X-Y peripheral using state architecture. Servo control of a tool or head in an X-Y peripheral is also disclosed. The tool is movable in a Z dimension relative to a workpiece residing in an X-Y plane. Method and apparatus are also provided for positioning a carriage of an X-Y peripheral at a home or reference position in one or more dimensions.

Modular system for use with X-Y peripherals

Growing community of inventors

Arvada, CO, United States of America

Robert Bruce Ton