Computerized stitching including embroidering

• US 6,871,605 B1
• Filed: 04/28/2004
• Issued: 03/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Melbo International B.V.
• Original Assignee: Melco Industries Incorporated (Oerlikon USA, Inc. (Florida))
• Inventors: Rhodes, Victor Justin, Zesch, Manfred, Zoetewey, Dale Alan, Pearson, Dean Gerald, Dickeson, Michael E., Henz, Jurg, Kern, Peter, Block, Jeffrey T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nerbun, Peter
• Application Number:
  US10/834,626
• Time in Patent Office: 335 Days
• Field of Search: 112/470.01, 112/475.01, 112/475.17, 112/302, 112/273, 112/277, 112/278, 112/254, 112/255
• US Class Current: 112/475.01
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2553/26 Piezoelectric sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2701/31 Textiles threads or artificial strands of filaments
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 59/40 Applications of tension indicators
• CPC Class Codes: D05B 19/12 characterised by control of operation of machine
• CPC Class Codes: D05B 29/02 Presser-control devices
• CPC Class Codes: D05B 45/00 Applications of measuring devices for determining the length of threads used in sewing machines measuring devices in embroidery machines D05C, in general G01B
• CPC Class Codes: D05B 47/04 Automatically-controlled tensioning devices
• CPC Class Codes: D05B 47/06 Applications of tensometers application of tension indicators in handling thin or filamentary material B65H59/40; for embroidery machines D05C11/08; tensometers in general G01L
• CPC Class Codes: D05B 51/00 Applications of needle-thread guards; Thread-break detectors for embroidery machines D05C11/00
• CPC Class Codes: D05C 11/08 Thread-tensioning arrangements inside the shuttle D05C11/18

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A method for stitching using a stitching apparatus, comprising:

providing a plurality of active thread feeders including at least first and second active thread feeders, wherein each of said active thread feeders includes a driven roller and a pinch roller;

causing activation of said first active thread feeder to stitching a first stitch; and

discontinuing activation of said first active thread feeder during a stitching cycle associated with said first stitch.

2. A method, as claimed in claim 1, further including:

moving said first active thread feeder relative to a motor that is used in conducting said causing step.

3. A method for stitching using a stitching apparatus, comprising:

providing a plurality of active thread feeders including at least first and second active thread feeders;

causing activation of said first active thread feeder related to stitching a first stitch;

discontinuing activation of said first active thread feeder during a stitching cycle associated with first stitch;

moving said first active thread feeder relative to a motor that is used in conducting said causing step; and

locating said first active thread feeder away from said motor and positioning said second active thread feeder for activation thereof using said motor.

4. A method for stitching using a stitching apparatus, comprising:

providing a plurality of active thread feeders including a first active thread feeder and a second active thread feeder and a motor that selectively causes activation of one of said first and second active thread feeders, wherein each of said active thread feeders includes a driven roller and a pinch roller;

positioning said first active thread feeder relative to said motor;

causing activation of said first active thread feeder;

moving said second active thread feeder relative to said motor; and

causing activation of said second active thread feeder using said motor.

5. A method, as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

said causing activation of said first active thread feeder includes stitching at least a first stitch during a first stitching cycle and discontinuing said causing step at least during some time during said first stitching cycle.

6. A thread feed assembly in a stitching apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of active thread feeders mounted to a needle case including first and second active thread feeders, at least said first active thread feeder being used in delivering a first thread from a first spool to a needle; and

a motor that drives said first active thread feeder when said needle case is in a first location and that drives said second active thread feeder when said needle case is in a second location.

7. An assembly, as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

said first active thread feeder moves relative to said motor.

8. An assembly, as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

said first active thread feeder includes at least a first gear and at least a first roller.

9. An assembly, as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

said first active thread feeder includes at least a first gear and an aligner contacts said first gear in aligning said first gear in operative association with said motor.

10. An assembly, as claimed in claim 9, wherein:

said motor is operably associated with a motor gear that causes said first gear to rotate when said motor is activated.