Other

Mcet, LLC

William R Childs

Randall Melton

Vernon Stephen Turner

A computerized stitching apparatus that automatically controls thread tension is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least two factors are used to determine the desired thread consumption for the next stitch. A thread length encoder is used to determine the amount of thread actually consumed for a particular stitch. The operator must enter a desired thread length ratio or an equivalent factor related to desired thread length used for a particular stitch into the operator input device. Another factor such as speed, stitch length, fabric thickness, or stitch angle change is used with at least the operator's input to determine the desired thread consumption. The tension of the thread is adjusted by the stitch control system which will affect the actual thread consumed for the particular stitch.

Method and apparatus for automatic adjustment of thread tension

A method and an apparatus are provided for stitching selected characters on material along a desired arc. A plurality of characters are stored in a character memory. The character memory communicates with a microprocessor which controls the operation of the apparatus. The microprocessor executes predetermined instructions stored in an EPROM while a RAM temporarily stores data required for proper apparatus operation. The characters selected for stitching along the arc are provided to the apparatus by the user. The radius of the arc along which the selected characters are to be stitched is also provided to the apparatus by the user. Each selected character has a reference position and is defined by a plurality of stitch locations having x, y coordinates. The mircroprocessor, in conjunction with the EPROM and RAM, rotates the stitch locations of the selected characters from the reference position to a rotated position using known and determined parameters of the selected characters and the inputted radius. By means of microprocessor control, stepping motors are activated to move a carriage assembly in x and y directions using the rotated stitch locations. The material to be stitched is connected to the carriage assembly and moves therewith. During non-movement of the carriage assembly, the material is stitched using the given and determined rotated stitch locations so that the selected characters are stitched on the material along the desired arc.

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Denver, CO, United States of America

William R Childs