Edge detector for felling folder and method
AssigneeWrangler
InventorsJames T. Spencer, III, James K. Walker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An edge detector for detecting the edge of fabric in a textile folding or guiding device for an industrial sewing machine. The detector includes a light source mounted adjacent to one surface of the fabric as the fabric enters the folder. The light source is positioned for directing light onto the surface of the fabric. A photodetector is located adjacent to the light source for receiving light reflected from the surface of the fabric. The photodetector provides an output signal in response to the light reflected from the surface of the fabric which is indicative of the position of the fabric in the folder.
Claims44
An apparatus for detecting the presence of a workpiece of cut fabric in a textile folding or guiding device having a work surface wherein the workpiece is processed by a sewing machine having a work surface over which the workpiece is progressively moved, comprising:
- (a) an electromagnetic radiation source for directing radiation upon said workpiece;
- (b) a detector for receiving radiation reflected from said workpiece and providing an output signal in response to said reflected radiation, said output signal indicating the presence of said workpiece;
- and
- (c) non-reflecting means provided on the work surface and arranged opposite said source for attenuating radiation from said source when the workpiece is not present.
A sensor for detecting the position of a workpiece of cut fabric processed by a sewing machine having a work surface over which the workpiece is progressively moved, comprising:
- (a) a light source for directing light upon said workpiece;
- (b) a detector for receiving light reflected from said workpiece and providing an output signal in response to said reflected light, said output signal indicating the position of said workpiece;
- and
- (c) non-reflecting means provided on the work surface and arranged opposite said source for attenuating light from said source when the workpiece is not present.
A system for detecting the position of a workpiece of cut fabric processed by a sewing machine having a work surface over which the workpiece is progressively moved, comprising:
- (a) a light source for directing light upon said workpiece;
- (b) a light detector for receiving light reflected from said workpiece and providing an output signal in response to said reflected light, said output signal indicating the position of said workpiece;
- (c) a control unit connected to said light detector for providing a display signal in response to said output signal;
- and
- (d) non-reflecting means provided on the work surface and arranged opposite said source for attenuating light from said source when the workpiece is not present.
A method for detecting the presence of a workpiece of cut fabric wherein the workpiece is processed by a sewing machine having a work surface over which the workpiece is progressively moved, comprising the steps of:
- (a) directing electromagnetic radiation upon said workpiece;
- (b) receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected from said workpiece;
- (c) attenuating said radiation when said workpiece is not present;
- and
- (d) providing an output signal in response to said reflected radiation, said output signal indicating the presence of said workpiece.
A method for detecting the position of a workpiece of cut fabric processed by a sewing machine having a work surface over which the workpiece is progressively moved, comprising the steps of:
- (a) directing light upon one surface of said workpiece;
- (b) receiving light reflected from said workpiece;
- (c) attenuating said light when said workpiece is not present;
- and
- (d) providing an output signal in response to said reflected light, said output signal indicating the position of said workpiece.
A method for controlling the position of a workpiece of cut fabric processed by a sewing machine having a work surface over which the workpiece is progressively moved, comprising:
- (a) directing light upon one surface of said workpiece;
- (b) receiving light reflected from said workpiece;
- (c) attenuating said light when said workpiece is not present;
- (d) providing an output signal in response to said reflected light, said output signal indicating the position of said workpiece;
- and
- (e) providing an alarm signal in response to said output signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.