Thread tensioner for a sewing machine

A thread tensioner for a sewing machine, the thread tensioner comprising:

• a first disk;
• a second disk positioned next to the first disk;
• a hollow threaded shaft;
• a spring configured to apply tension to a thread that is positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk, the spring defining a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end, the spring including a rod extending from the second end of the spring and through the hollow threaded shaft;
• a knob configured, when rotated in a first direction, to travel along the threaded shaft toward the spring and thereby cause the length of the spring to shorten and cause the rod to extend further through the hollow threaded shaft in inverse proportion to the shortening of the length of the spring, the knob further configured, when rotated in a second direction, to travel along the threaded shaft away from the spring and thereby allow the length of the spring to lengthen and allow the rod to retract into the hollow threaded shaft in inverse proportion to the lengthening of the length of the spring;
• and
• a sensor configured to track a current length of the spring by tracking a position of an end of the rod.

A sewing machine comprising:

• a spool holder;
• a needle bar configured to have a needle attached thereto;
• an electric motor configured, while the needle is threaded with a top thread from a spool on the spool holder, to repeatedly drive the threaded needle through a fabric to form a row of stitches in the fabric;
• and
• a thread tensioner comprising:
• a first disk;
• a second disk positioned next to the first disk;
• a spring configured, while the top thread is positioned between the first disk and the second disk, to apply tension to the top thread by exerting a force against the second disk, the spring defining a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end, the spring being coupled to a rod extending from the second end of the spring;
• a knob configured, when rotated in a first direction, to travel along a threaded shaft toward the spring and thereby cause the length of the spring to shorten, the knob further configured, when rotated in a second direction, to travel along the threaded shaft away from the spring and thereby allow the length of the spring to lengthen;
• and
• a sensor configured to track a current length of the spring by tracking the position of the rod;
• a processor in electronic communication with the sensor and configured to determine a current tension that is being applied to the top thread given the current length of the spring;
• and
• a display device in electronic communication with the processor and configured to display the current tension.

A thread tensioner for a sewing machine, the thread tensioner comprising:

• a first disk;
• a second disk positioned next to the first disk;
• a spring configured to apply tension to a thread that is positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk, the spring defining a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end;
• a knob configured, when rotated in a first direction, to travel along a threaded shaft toward the spring and thereby cause the length of the spring to shorten, the knob further configured, when rotated in a second direction, to travel along the threaded shaft away from the spring and thereby allow the length of the spring to lengthen;
• and
• a magnetic sensor configured to track a current length of the spring.