Patent US4460296A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US4479446A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4479446A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sewing machine system having automatic identification and processing of mounted work
Assignee: Noxet UK Ltd
•
Filing: 1981-05-22
•
Granted: 1984-10-30
•
Expires: 2001-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A sewing machine system possesses an interactive communication capability allowing for the assignment of stitch patterns with respect to workpieces to be sewn. The workpieces are arranged within pallets having binary codes impressed thereon. The stitch pattern assignments are made in conjunction with the sensing of the binary codes. The workpieces are automatically processed from a location wherein the binary codes are sensed, to a location wherein the pallets are attached to an automatic positioning system. The workpieces are furthermore processed through to an output position when the respectively assigned stitch pattern has been sewn.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert Johnson
- 👤 Richard M. Elliott
- 👤 Donald F. Herdeg
- 👤 Alan M. Peck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:46
CPC Classifications
D; D05; D05B; D05B39/00; D05B21/00; G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/18; G05B19/408; D05D; D05D2207/00; D05D2207/02; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/34; G05B2219/34465; G05B2219/36; G05B2219/36511; G05B2219/45; G05B2219/45195; G05B2219/49; G05B2219/49302; G05B2219/50; G05B2219/50381
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 109
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
In an automatic sewing machine wherein predefined stitch patterns are automatically sewn on workpieces, a system for selecting and assigning the stitch patterns to the workpieces comprising: means for entering a stitch pattern assignment for a workpiece that is to be sewn; means, responsive to the entry of a stitch pattern assignment, for verifying that the assignment is valid; means, for storing the verified stitch pattern assignment so as to allow the verified stitch pattern assignment to be recalled; and means for automatically sewing the stitch pattern associated with the stitch pattern assignment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
In an automatic sewing machine wherein predefined stitch patterns are automatically sewn on workpieces, a system for selecting and assigning the stitch patterns to the workpieces comprising: means for entering a stitch pattern assignment for a workpiece that is to be sewn; means, responsive to the entry of a stitch pattern assignment, for verifying that the assignment is valid; means, for storing the verified stitch pattern assignment so as to allow the verified stitch pattern assignment to be recalled; and means for automatically sewing the stitch pattern associated with the stitch pattern assignment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising: means for transmitting a message indicating the stitch pattern which is to be run before automatically sewing the stitch pattern.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising: means for requiring a start authorization following the entry of a stitch pattern assignment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising: means, responsive to said verifying means, for transmitting a message indicating when an invalid file assignment has been entered.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising: means for changing a stored stitch pattern assignment in response to the entry of a new valid stitch pattern assignment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising: means, responsive to the verification of a valid stitch pattern assignment, for switching to an automatic mode so as to thereafter automatically recall the assigned stitch pattern.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
66 words
The system of claim 1 wherein a workpiece is prearranged within a workpiece holder and wherein said means for automatically sewing comprises: means for positioning a workpiece holder relative to a reciprocating sewing needle within the automatic sewing machine; and means for automatically attaching a workpiece holder to said positioning means in the event that a valid stitch pattern assignment has been entered for the workpiece.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 7 further comprising: means for automatically detaching the workpiece holder from the positioning means upon completion of the stitch pattern.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 8 further comprising: means for automatically engaging and moving the detached workpiece holder to a location which allows another workpiece holder to be automatically attached to said positioning means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 9 further comprising: means for monitoring the presence of a workpiece holder on said engaging and moving means; and means, responsive to said monitoring means, for resetting said engaging and moving means after a predefined period of time has elapsed following removal of the workpiece holder from said engaging and moving means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 10 further comprising: means, responsive to said monitoring means for activating said means for automatically detaching the workpiece holder from said positioning means, said activating means being operative to delay any detachment of the workpiece holder until the resetting of said moving and engaging means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 7 further comprising: means for receiving a workpiece holder at a location above said positioning means; and means for dropping a received workpiece holder to a location relative to said positioning means whereby the workpiece holder can be thereafter attached to said positioning means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 12 further comprising: means, affixed to said positioning means, for supporting the dropped workpiece holder from said receiving means prior to the attachment of the workpiece holder to said positioning means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 13 further comprising: means for releasing said supporting means following the completion of running the stitch pattern.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 12 wherein the workpiece holder includes a coding, said system further comprising: means for sensing the code present on the workpiece holder when held by said receiving means; and means, responsive to the sensing of the code for, accessing a previously assigned stitch pattern associated with the sensed code.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 15 further comprising: means, responsive to the sensing of the code, for transmitting a message as to no stitch pattern assignment having been made if a stitch pattern assignment has not been previously associated with the sensed code.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 16 wherein said means for storing the verified stitch pattern assignment comprises: means for storing a verified stitch pattern assignment in association with the sensed code so as to allow the verified stitch pattern assignment to be recalled each time a workpiece bearing the particular code is placed within said receiving means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 17 further comprising: means for switching to an automatic mode so as to automatically select the assigned stitch pattern associated with the particular code each time the particular code is thereafter sensed by said sensing means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 17 further comprising: means for changing the stored stitch pattern assignment in association with a particular code in response to the entry of a new valid stitch pattern assignment having been made while the particular code is being sensed by said sensing means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 19 further comprising: means for switching to an automatic mode so as to automatically select the assigned stitch pattern associated with the particular code each time the particular code is thereafter sensed by said sensing means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 12 further comprising: means for detecting when a workpiece holder is not present within said receiving means; and means, responsive to the detection of a workpiece holder not being present, for switching to a non-automatic mode requiring receipt of a start authorization thereafter.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 1 wherein each workpiece includes a code associated therewith, said system further comprising: means for sensing the code associated with each particular workpiece; and means, responsive to the sensing of the code, for accessing a previously assigned stitch pattern associated with the sensed code.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 22 further comprising: means, responsive to the sensing of the code, for transmitting a message as to no stitch pattern assignment having been made if a stitch pattern has not been previously associated with the sensed code.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 23 wherein said means for storing the verified stitch pattern assignment comprises: means for storing a verified stitch pattern assignment in association with the sensed code so as to allow the verified stitch pattern assignment to be recalled each time a workpiece associated with the particular code is presented for sewing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 24 further comprising: means for switching to an automatic mode so as to automatically select the assigned stitch pattern associated with the particular code each time the particular code is thereafter sensed by said sensing means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
109 words
In an automatic sewing machine, a system for automatically processing a plurality of workpieces that are to have predefined stitch patterns sewn thereon, said system comprising: means for automatically identifying each workpiece requiring a different stitch pattern to be sewn thereon; means for assigning a different stitch pattern to each such identified workpiece utilizing the automatic identification of the workpiece in conjunction with a communication identifying the different stitch pattern, the communication having been received from a means for identifying particular stitch patterns; and means for automatically associating the previously assigned stitch pattern with a particularly identified workpiece each time the particularly identified workpiece is thereafter presented for sewing.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
109 words
In an automatic sewing machine, a system for automatically processing a plurality of workpieces that are to have predefined stitch patterns sewn thereon, said system comprising: means for automatically identifying each workpiece requiring a different stitch pattern to be sewn thereon; means for assigning a different stitch pattern to each such identified workpiece utilizing the automatic identification of the workpiece in conjunction with a communication identifying the different stitch pattern, the communication having been received from a means for identifying particular stitch patterns; and means for automatically associating the previously assigned stitch pattern with a particularly identified workpiece each time the particularly identified workpiece is thereafter presented for sewing.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 26 wherein each workpiece requiring a different stitch pattern is held within a workpiece holder having a particular coding and wherein said means for automatically identifying each workpiece requiring a different stitch pattern comprises: means for sensing the code present on a workpiece holder.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system of claim 26 wherein said means for assigning a different stitch pattern to each such identified workpiece further comprises: means for automatically verifying that the communication identifying the different stitch pattern is an accordance with a previously defined manner of identifying stitch patterns; and means for transmitting a communication to the operator of the machine if the communication identifying the different stitch pattern is not in accordance with the previously defined manner of identifying stitch patterns.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 28 wherein said means for assigning a different stitch pattern further comprises: means for automatically checking as to the existence of the identified stitch pattern; and means for transmitting a communication to the operator if the stitch pattern does not exist.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 27 wherein said means for assigning a different stitch pattern to each such identified workpiece comprises: means for associating the sensed code present on the workpiece holder with the particular stitch pattern that has been identified via a communication from said means for identifying particular stitch patterns.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system of claim 26 wherein said means for automatically identifying each workpiece requiring a different stitch pattern to be sewn thereon comprises: means for automatically identifying each workpiece; means for checking as to the previous assignment of a stitch pattern to the automatically identified workpiece; means for transmitting a communication if a stitch pattern has not been previously assigned to the automatically identified workpiece.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said means for automatically associating the previously assigned stitch patterns with each particularly identified workpiece comprises: means for sensing the code present on a workpiece holder containing a workpiece that is to be sewn; and means for matching the sensed code with the stitch pattern previously associated with the code.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 30 further comprising: means for awaiting a start authorization from the operator in the event that an identified stitch pattern exists; and means for switching to an automatic mode of operation following the start authorization.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
54 words
The process of claim 26 further comprising the steps of: determining the presence of apparatus for simultaneously handling a plurality of workpieces; and awaiting a start authorization each time a workpiece is to be sewn in the event that the apparatus for simultaneously handling a plurality of workpieces is determined not to be present.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
74 words
The system of claim 26 wherein each workpiece is prearranged in a workpiece holder, said system further comprising: means for automatically attaching a workpiece holder to a positioning system after the workpiece contained therein has been automatically associated with a stitch pattern, the positioning system being operative to thereafter position the workpiece holder underneath a reciprocating sewing needle so as to execute the assigned stitch pattern on a workpiece held within the workpiece holder.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 35 further comprising: means for automatically detaching the workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece following completion of the assigned stitch pattern.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 36 further comprising: means for automatically moving the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece to an eject position so as to allow for the subsequent attachment of another workpiece holder before any manual handling is necessary of the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 37 further comprising: means for monitoring the manual removal of the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece from the eject position.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 38 further comprising: means for delaying any further detachment of a workpiece holder from the automatic positioning system following completion of a stitch pattern until a predefined period of time has elapsed following the monitored manual removal of the workpiece holder containing the workpiece then present at the eject position.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 38 wherein said means for automatically moving the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece is an ejector mechanism, said system further comprising: means for resetting the ejector mechanism only after a predefined period of time has elapsed following the monitored removal of the workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 37 further comprising: means for automatically dropping a workpiece holder containing a workpiece to be sewn to a location for attachment to the positioning system.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 41 wherein said means for automatically dropping the workpiece holder containing a workpiece to be sewn is responsive to: means for sensing a code present on the workpiece holder containing the workpiece to be sewn; and means for verifying that a stitch pattern has been assigned to the sensed code.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
84 words
A process for automatically sewing predefined stitch patterns on a plurality of workpieces comprising the steps of: sensing an identification associated with each workpiece that is to be sewn; verifying that a stitch pattern assignment has been made in response to the sensing of the identification associated with each workpiece; accessing an assigned stitch pattern indicated by the stitch pattern assignment in response to the verification that a stitch pattern assignment has been made; and automatically sewing the assigned stitch pattern on the workpiece.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
84 words
A process for automatically sewing predefined stitch patterns on a plurality of workpieces comprising the steps of: sensing an identification associated with each workpiece that is to be sewn; verifying that a stitch pattern assignment has been made in response to the sensing of the identification associated with each workpiece; accessing an assigned stitch pattern indicated by the stitch pattern assignment in response to the verification that a stitch pattern assignment has been made; and automatically sewing the assigned stitch pattern on the workpiece.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
36 words
The process of claim 43 further comprising the step of: transmitting a communication as to no stitch pattern assignment having been made in response to said verification step indicating the lack of a stitch pattern assignment.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
37 words
The process of claim 44 further comprising the steps of: awaiting a stitch pattern assignment for the sensed identification associated with the workpiece to be sewn; and verifying the validity of the stitch pattern assignment when made.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
45 words
The process of claim 45 further comprising the steps of: transmitting a communication as to an invalid stitch pattern assignment in the event that a received stitch pattern assignment is invalid; and transmitting a communication indicating when a valid stitch pattern assignment has been made.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
53 words
The process of claim 46 further comprising the steps of: awaiting a start authorization following verification of a valid stitch pattern assignment; and switching to an automatic mode following receipt of start authorization whereby workpieces are automatically sewn until a workpiece is sensed wherein a stitch pattern has not been previously assigned thereto.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
53 words
The process of claim 45 further comprising the steps of: awaiting a start authorization following verification of a valid stitch pattern assignment; and switching to an automatic mode following receipt of start authorization whereby workpieces are automatically sewn until a workpiece is sensed wherein a stitch pattern has not been previously assigned thereto.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
38 words
The process of claim 43 wherein each workpiece is prearranged in a workpiece holder and wherein said step of sensing an identification associated with each workpiece comprises the step of: sensing a code present on each workpiece holder.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
44 words
The process of claim 49 wherein said step of verifying that a stitch pattern assignment has been made comprises the step of: verifying that a stitch pattern assignment has been made in response to the sensing of a code present on a workpiece holder.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process of claim 50 further comprising the step of: automatically attaching the workpiece holder to a positioning system following verification that a stitch pattern assignment has been made.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 51 further comprising the step of: automatically detaching the workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece following completion of the assigned stitch pattern.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
51 words
The process of claim 52 further comprising the step of: automatically moving the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece to an eject position so as to allow for the subsequent attachment of another workpiece holder before any manual handling is necessary of the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 53 further comprising the step of: monitoring the manual removal of the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece from the eject position.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
58 words
The process of claim 54 wherein said step of automatically moving the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece is implemented by an ejector mechanism, said process further comprising the step of: resetting the ejector mechanism only after a predefined period of time has elapsed following the monitored removal of the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
67 words
The process of claim 43 wherein each workpiece is prearranged in a workpiece holder said process further comprising the step of: automatically attaching a workpiece holder to a positioning system following the sensing of the identification associated with each workpiece, the positioning system being thereafter operative to automatically position the workpiece underneath a reciprocating needle in response to said step of automatically sewing the assigned stitch pattern.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 56 further comprising the step of: automatically detaching the workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece following completion of the assigned stitch pattern.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
50 words
The process of claim 57 further comprising the step of: automatically moving the detached workpiece containing the sewn workpiece to an eject position so as to allow for the subsequent attachment of another workpiece holder before any manual handling is necessary of the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 58 further comprising the step of: monitoring the manual removal of the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece from the eject position.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
58 words
The process of claim 57 wherein said step of automatically moving the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece is implemented by an ejector mechanism, said process further comprising the step of: resetting the ejector mechanism only after a predefined period of time has elapsed following the monitored removal of the detached workpiece holder containing the sewn workpiece.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process of claim 60 further comprising the step of: automatically moving a workpiece holder containing a workpiece to be sewn from a first location to a second location for attachment to the positioning system.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
74 words
A system for automatically sewing predefined stitch patterns on a plurality of workpieces wherein the workpieces are prearranged in one or more coded pallets, said system comprising: means for sensing the code present on a coded pallet; means for accessing a stitch pattern assigned to the particularly sensed code in response to the sensing of the code present on the coded pallet; and means for automatically sewing the assigned stitch pattern on the workpiece.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
74 words
A system for automatically sewing predefined stitch patterns on a plurality of workpieces wherein the workpieces are prearranged in one or more coded pallets, said system comprising: means for sensing the code present on a coded pallet; means for accessing a stitch pattern assigned to the particularly sensed code in response to the sensing of the code present on the coded pallet; and means for automatically sewing the assigned stitch pattern on the workpiece.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising: means for verifying that a stitch pattern assignment has been made in response to the sensing of the identification appearing in association with each workpiece holder.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 63 further comprising: means for transmitting a communication as to no stitch pattern assignment having been made in response to said verification means indicating the lack of a stitch pattern assignment.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 54 further comprising: means for entering a stitch pattern assignment for a group of workpieces; means for verifying the validity of the stitch pattern assignment; and means for storing the verified stitch pattern assignment in conjunction with a sensed identification appearing in association with a workpiece holder for the group of workpieces.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 65 wherein said means for verifying the validity of the entered stitch pattern assignment comprises: means for verifying the existence of a particular stored stitch pattern that is to be accessed as the assigned stitch pattern.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 66 further comprising: means for transmitting a communication indicating the non-existence of the particular stitch pattern when the stored existence of the particular stitch pattern cannot be verified.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 65 wherein the entered stitch pattern assignment is a numerical entry and wherein said means for verifying the validity of the entered stitch pattern assignment comprises: means for verifying that the numerical entry is within a specified numerical range.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 68 further comprising: means for transmitting a communication indicating the non-existence of a stitch pattern when the numerical entry is not within the specified range.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 65 further comprising: means for transmitting a communication as to an invalid stitch pattern assignment in the event that an entered stitch pattern assignment is invalid.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 65 further comprising: means for entering a start authorization following verification of a valid stitch pattern assignment; and means for switching to an automatic mode following receipt of start authorization whereby workpieces are automatically sewn until a workpiece is sensed wherein a stitch pattern has not been previously assigned thereto.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 62 further comprising: means for verifying that a stitch pattern assignment has been made in response to the sensing of a code present on a coded pallet.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 72 further comprising: means for automatically attaching the coded pallet to a positioning system following verification that a stitch pattern assignment has been made.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 73 further comprising: means for automatically detaching the pallet containing the sewn workpiece following completion of sewing the assigned stitch pattern.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 74 further comprising: means for automatically moving the detached pallet containing the sewn workpiece to an eject position so as to allow for the subsequent attachment of another pallet before any manual handling is necessary of the detached pallet containing the sewn workpiece.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 75 further comprising: means for monitoring the manual removal of the detached pallet containing the sewn workpiece from the eject position.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 76 wherein said means for automatically moving the detached pallet containing the sewn workpiece comprises an ejector mechanism, said system further comprising: means for resetting the ejector mechanism only after a predefined period of time has elapsed following the monitored removal of the detached pallet containing the sewn workpiece.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 62 further comprising: means for entering a stitch pattern assignment in conjunction with the sensed code; means for verifying the validity of the entered stitch pattern assignment; and means for storing the verified stitch pattern assignment in conjunction with the sensed code.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 78 wherein said means for verifying the validity of the entered stitch pattern assignment comprises: means for verifying the existence of a particular stored stitch pattern that is to be accessed as the assigned stitch pattern.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 79 further comprising: means for transmitting a communication indicating the non-existence of the particular stitch pattern when the stored existence of the particular stitch pattern cannot be verified.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 78 wherein the entered stitch pattern assignment is a numerical entry and wherein said means for verifying the validity of the entered stitch pattern assignment comprises: means for verifying that the numerical entry is within a specified numerical range.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 81 further comprising: means for transmitting a communication indicating the non-existence of a stitch pattern when the numerical entry is not within the specified range.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
107 words
A process for assigning stitch patterns to a plurality of workpieces that are to be automatically processed and sewn, said process comprising the steps of: sensing a code present on a workpiece holder containing a workpiece that is to be sewn; awaiting the selection of a stitch pattern that is to be sewn on the workpiece; verifying that the selection of the stitch pattern is valid; awaiting a start authorization following said step of verifying the selection of the stitch pattern; and repetitively automatically sewing the selected stitch pattern associated with the sensed code each time the same coded workpiece holder is presented to the sewing machine.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
107 words
A process for assigning stitch patterns to a plurality of workpieces that are to be automatically processed and sewn, said process comprising the steps of: sensing a code present on a workpiece holder containing a workpiece that is to be sewn; awaiting the selection of a stitch pattern that is to be sewn on the workpiece; verifying that the selection of the stitch pattern is valid; awaiting a start authorization following said step of verifying the selection of the stitch pattern; and repetitively automatically sewing the selected stitch pattern associated with the sensed code each time the same coded workpiece holder is presented to the sewing machine.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process of claim 83 further comprising the step of: automatically moving the coded workpiece holder from an input position to a second position following verification that a valid stitch pattern assignment has been made.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 83 further comprising the step of: moving a workpiece holder from the second position to an output position following completion of the automatic sewing.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
62 words
The process of claim 85 further comprising the step of: monitoring the output position to ascertain whether a previous workpiece holder still occupies the output position; and moving the workpiece holder from the second position to the output position when said step of monitoring the output position indicates that a previous workpiece holder has been removed for a predefined period of time.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
47 words
The process of claim 86 further comprising the step of: switching to a non-automatic mode of operation whereby a start authorization is again required if a previous workpiece holder is not removed from the output position following the completion of sewing a workpiece in the second position.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
38 words
The process of claim 86 further comprising the step of: sensing the presence of a workpiece holder in the input position; and switching to a non-automatic mode if a workpiece holder is not present at the input position.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
144 words
A process for automatically sewing one or more predefined stitch patterns on a plurality of workpieces wherein the plurality of workpieces are arranged into one or more groups according to which of the predefined stitch patterns are to be sewn thereon and wherein the workpieces are prearranged within workpiece holders prior to being sewn, said process comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of identifications on the workpiece holders each of which can be associated with a respective group of the workpieces so as to thereby identify the group to which a particular workpiece being held within a workpiece holder belongs; automatically sensing the identification on the workpiece holder containing the workpiece that is to be sewn; accessing an assigned stitch pattern in response to the sensing of the identification on the workpiece holder; and automatically sewing the assigned stitch pattern on the workpiece.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
144 words
A process for automatically sewing one or more predefined stitch patterns on a plurality of workpieces wherein the plurality of workpieces are arranged into one or more groups according to which of the predefined stitch patterns are to be sewn thereon and wherein the workpieces are prearranged within workpiece holders prior to being sewn, said process comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of identifications on the workpiece holders each of which can be associated with a respective group of the workpieces so as to thereby identify the group to which a particular workpiece being held within a workpiece holder belongs; automatically sensing the identification on the workpiece holder containing the workpiece that is to be sewn; accessing an assigned stitch pattern in response to the sensing of the identification on the workpiece holder; and automatically sewing the assigned stitch pattern on the workpiece.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
67 words
The process of claim 89 wherein the identification associated with each group of workpieces is a separate code for each group appearing on at least one workpiece holder so that said step of sensing the identification on the workpiece holder containing the workpiece comprises the step of: sensing the code present on the workpiece holder so as to thereby identify the group to which the workpiece belongs.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
52 words
The process of claim 90 wherein the code for each group resides at the same location on each workpiece holder and wherein said step of automatically sensing the code present on the workpiece holder comprises: locating each workpiece holder at the same location relative to a stationary sensor which senses the code.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
37 words
The process of claim 90 wherein the separate code for each group is a unique combination of reflective and non-reflective surfaces on the workpiece holder that are optically sensed during said step of automatically sensing the code.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
49 words
The process of claim 89 further comprising the step of: verifying that a stitch pattern assignment has been made in response to the sensing of the identification on the workpiece holder containing the workpiece, said verification being necessary before proceeding to said step of accessing an assigned stitch pattern.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
36 words
The process of claim 93 further comprising the step of: transmitting a communication as to no stitch pattern assignment having been made in response to said verification step indicating the lack of a stitch pattern assignment.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
40 words
The process of claim 94 further comprising the steps of: awaiting a stitch pattern assignment for the sensed identification on the workpiece holder containing the workpiece to be sewn; and verifying the validity of the stitch pattern assignment when made.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
45 words
The process of claim 95 further comprising the steps of: transmitting a communication as to an invalid stitch pattern assignment in the event that a received stitch pattern assignment is invalid; and transmitting a communication indicating when a valid stitch pattern assignment has been made.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
54 words
The process of claim 96 further comprising the steps of: awaiting a start authorization following verification of a valid stitch pattern assignment; and switching to an automatic mode following receipt of the start authorization whereby workpieces are automatically sewn until a workpiece is sensed wherein a stitch pattern has not been previously assigned thereto.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
53 words
The process of claim 95 further comprising the steps of: awaiting a start authorization following verification of a valid stitch pattern assignment; and switching to an automatic mode following receipt of start authorization whereby workpieces are automatically sewn until a workpiece is sensed wherein a stitch pattern has not been previously assigned thereto.
Claim 105
Independent Claim
138 words
A system for automatically sewing one or more predefined stitch patterns on a plurality of workpieces wherein the plurality of workpieces are arranged into one or more groups according to which of the predefined stitch patterns are to be sewn thereon and each group is given a separate identification that can be automatically sensed, the identification appearing in association with at least one workpiece holder for holding a workpiece belonging to the group, said system comprising: means for automatically sensing the identification appearing in association with each workpiece holder so as to thereby identify the group to which the workpiece being held therein belongs; means for accessing an assigned stitch pattern in response to the sensing of the identification appearing in association with each workpiece holder; and means for automatically sewing the assigned stitch pattern on the workpiece.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
138 words
A system for automatically sewing one or more predefined stitch patterns on a plurality of workpieces wherein the plurality of workpieces are arranged into one or more groups according to which of the predefined stitch patterns are to be sewn thereon and each group is given a separate identification that can be automatically sensed, the identification appearing in association with at least one workpiece holder for holding a workpiece belonging to the group, said system comprising: means for automatically sensing the identification appearing in association with each workpiece holder so as to thereby identify the group to which the workpiece being held therein belongs; means for accessing an assigned stitch pattern in response to the sensing of the identification appearing in association with each workpiece holder; and means for automatically sewing the assigned stitch pattern on the workpiece.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
75 words
The system of claim 99 wherein the identification appearing in association with at least one workpiece holder for that group is a separate code for each group appearing on each workpiece holder for that group so that said means for automatically sensing the identification appearing in association with each workpiece holder comprises: means for automatically sensing the code present on the workpiece holder so as to thereby identify the group to which the workpiece belongs.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 100 wherein the code for each group resides at the same location on each workpiece holder and wherein said means for automatically sensing the code present on the workpiece holder comprises: a stationary sensor; and means for locating each workpiece holder relative to said stationary sensor.
Claim 109
Independent Claim
38 words
The system of claims 100 or 101 wherein the separate code for each group is a combination of reflective and non-reflective surfaces on the workpiece holder that are optically sensed by said means for automatically sensing the code.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-30 | 1988-04-30 | 1988-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-30 | 1992-04-30 | 1992-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-30 | 1996-04-30 | 1996-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |