Automatic stitching by programmable sewing machine

Abstract

A programmable industrial sewing machine adapted to learn and store a series of sewing machine operations for later automatic duplication, in an Automatic Sew Mode of operation, at the same sewing rate as the initial operation, or at a peak sewing rate achieved during each operation; or, in a Control Sew Mode of operation at a controlled lower sew speed. The automatic operation of the sewing machine may be interrupted in order to vary the sew speed, and will revert to automatic operation on operator command where the interruption took place. In the Automatic Sew Mode of operation, stitching may also be interrupted to vary a prior pivot delay time, i.e. a time duration with the presser foot elevated and the sewing needle in a lowered position through a work material. Again, stitching will be reinitiated on operator command at the point at which interrupted. In the Control Sew Mode of operation, stitching is interrupted at each pivot delay and requires manipulation of a foot treadle by an operator in order to resume stitching. Thus, the length of the pivot delay in the Control Sew Mode of operation is under operator control. In both the Automatic Sew Mode of operation and the Control Sew Mode of operation, the automatic operation of the sewing machine may be interrupted to go into a Repair Mode during which the sewing machine may be operated manually, and, on proper command reverts back to the mode from which it came at the particular operation which was interrupted. During each pivot delay, in either the Automatic Sew or Control Sew Modes of operation, the prior completed switch count may be modified in order to compensate for any variables in, for example, a work material.