Initial operation controlling system for a computer controlled embroidering machine

Claim 1

An operation initiating system for a computer controlled embroidering machine including means for reciprocating a needle in a vertical plane and a frame arranged in a horizontal plane to hold a fabric to be embroidered, said system comprising means for moving said frame along X and Y coordinates in said horizontal plane; a memory for storing pattern data representing series of stitches pertaining to different patterns to be embroidered; means for selecting desired patterns from said memory; means for controlling said reciprocating means and said moving means, said controlling means including a single start key and an initial stitching position selecting key; said selecting key, when actuated prior to said start key, determining an optional initial position of said frame relative to said needle; said controlling means responding to the first actuation of said start key by moving said frame in the direction of said X and Y coordinates along straight lines enclosing the selected patterns without activating said reciprocating means; and said controlling means further responding to the second actuation of said start key and to the preceding actuation condition of said selecting key by moving said frame into said optional initial position when said selecting key had been actuated, or into a predetermined initial centering position for the selected patterns when said selecting key had not been actuated, and subsequently activating said embroidering machine together with said reciprocating means to start stitching of said selected pattern.