Patent · US Expired

Multiple horizontal needle quilting machine and method

US7073453B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
16References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 19, 2004
Grant dateJul 11, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 19, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
  • CPC primaryD05B65/02
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-needle quilting machine (10) and method are provided, in most embodiments of which needles (132) reciprocate horizontally through material (12) supported in a vertical quilting plane (16). Two or more bridges (21,22) are provided having separate motion control. Each bridge (21,22) has a row of selectively operable stitching element pairs (90), which may be fixed to or transversely moveable on the bridges (21,22). Either the material or the bridges may be moved relative to the frame. The bridges (21,22) each move transversely and vertically with the stitching elements (90) on each bridge can operate at different speeds. Each of the needle drives (25) and, in some embodiments the looper drives (26), can be selectively activated and deactivated. Control schemes are provided to quilt continuous patterns, discrete patterns, linked multiple patterns, 360 degree patterns, closely spaced patterns. A plurality of small presser feet (158) are provided, each for one or more needles (132). Looper adjustment, thread cutting and thread tension control are provided, as well as other features set forth in the specification. Thread tail wipe and tuck techniques, missed stitch avoidance, sti…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.