Pattern selecting system for sewing machine

Abstract

A rows-and-columns array of indicator lamps, each lamp associated with a selectable stitch pattern, is provided on the machine housing, with one pushbutton switch per column of indicator lamps. In a first embodiment, when a particular column and row contain the single illuminated one of the lamps, depression of the pushbutton switch associated with a different column terminates illumination of the presently lighted lamp and instead effects illumination of the lamp of the same row but in the column associated with the newly depressed pushbutton switch, whereupon repeated pressing of the newly pressed switch causes the illuminated state to shift, lamp by lamp, along such column. Alternatively, when the illuminated-lamp indication is located in a particular row and column, depression of the pushbutton switch associated with a different column causes the illuminated-lamp indication to jump to that column, and in particular always to a predetermined lamp within that column, e.g., the first therein. In this way, when the number of selectable stitch patterns is large, a comparatively small number of pushbutton switches can be utilized to control pattern selection in a way involving a regular and predetermined rule of displacement of the illuminated-lamp indication from column to column.