Method and apparatus for inertial stitch regulation
AssigneeGammill, Inc.
InventorsTheodore J. Stokes, Matthew Paul Sherman, Kenneth Mark Eubanks, Paul Truman Statler, Joseph W. Bauman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A stitcher is provided that includes a needle to stitch a workpiece, a motor to operate the needle, and a stitch regulator in communication with and capable of controlling a speed of the motor. A controller is in communication with the stitch regulator. The stitcher also includes at least one accelerometer in communication with the controller to determine an acceleration of the stitcher with respect to the workpiece. A signal representing the acceleration of the stitcher with respect to the workpiece is utilized to adjust the operation of the needle as necessary.
Claims20
A control system for a stitcher, said control system comprising:
- a motor driving the stitcher;
- a stitch regulator in communication with and capable of altering a velocity of said motor;
- a controller in communication with said stitch regulator;
- and
- at least one accelerometer in communication with said controller to determine an acceleration of the stitcher with respect to a workpiece, wherein a signal representing the acceleration of the stitcher with respect to the workpiece is communicated to said controller, and wherein the operation of said stitch regulator is modified as necessary based on said signal.
A stitcher comprising:
- a needle to stitch a workpiece;
- a motor to operate said needle;
- a stitch regulator in communication with and capable of controlling a speed of said motor;
- a controller in communication with said stitch regulator;
- and
- at least one accelerometer in communication with said controller to determine an acceleration of said stitcher with respect to the workpiece, wherein a signal representing the acceleration of said stitcher with respect to the workpiece is utilized to adjust the operation of said needle as necessary.
A method of operating a stitcher, said method comprising:
- providing a stitch regulator for controlling the operation of the stitcher;
- providing an accelerometer in communication with the stitch regulator;
- measuring an acceleration of the stitcher with respect to a workpiece with the accelerometer;
- sending a signal representing the acceleration of the stitcher to the stitch regulator;
- integrating the signal representing the acceleration of the stitcher to determine a velocity of the stitcher with respect to the workpiece;
- and
- controlling the stitch regulator utilizing the velocity of the stitcher with respect to the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.