摘要:
A quilting method and apparatus in which ticking or facing material changes are effected, preferably under the control of a programmed computer or controller, by automatically retrieving, and preferably also splicing onto a web, selected materials from a facing material supply. The controller preferably also controls a quilter in the stitching of selected patterns along a web, and coordinates the positions of the patterns and material splices between the patterns, in response to measurements and calculations of dimensional changes between infeed webs, quilted tensioned web and cut untensioned panels. Storage compartments are provided for a variety of facing materials, preferably rolls thereof. A retrieval mechanism moves webs selected by the programmed controller to a feed position adjacent the quilter. Preferably, the storage compartments are moveable and suspended from an endless conveyor, and the retrieval mechanism also includes a two holder transfer arm that can exchange webs between the conveyor and a quilter feed position. In a fully automated embodiment, the transfer arm includes V-shaped troughs formed of moveable belts that unwind and rewind the ticking supply rolls.
摘要:
A method of quilting patterns is provided in which pattern files are generated containing quilting machine control data for use by a controller of a quilting machine to produce different quilted patterns. Product information is generated that identifies pluralities of patterns. In response to the product information, the quilting machine controller sequentially reads the pattern files for each of the patterns of the identified plurality and sequentially quilts the plurality of patterns in the form of sub-patterns on the same panel of multi-layered material to form a combination pattern. A multi-needle quilting apparatus is provided with a controller programmed to carry out the method as part of a quilting system in which pattern and product databases are generated and linked for the production of a variety of individual and combination patterns.
摘要:
A multiple needle double lock chain stitch quilting machine is provided with an adjustment or calibrating system by which the positions of loopers relative to the corresponding needles of each of a plurality of sets of stitching elements of a ganged array are capable of being precisely set. A control actuator is provided by which an operator, after observing the quality of the product and stopping the machine, actuates an adjustment control system. In response to the a signal from the actuator, a motor precisely advances the stitching mechanism. A sensor monitors the stitching mechanism position, for example, by reading indicia on the needle drive shaft, and generates a position signal when the stitching mechanism precisely in the loop-take-time position of its cycle. A controller stops the motor and activates a brake in response to the position signal locking the mechanism, including the needles and loopers, in the loop-take-time position. Simultaneously, the controller disables the stitching capability of the machine and releases service door locks to allow looper and needle adjustment, which the operator may perform. When the adjustment is complete and the doors are closed, a further operation of the actuator causes the controller to lock the service access doors and enable the machine to resume stitching.
摘要:
The order in which panels 13 are to be quilted, the amount of quilting-induced shrinkage, and the amount of crop between adjacent panels 13 are stored in a machine readable file 13 for use in operating a print line 10. Such information 13 is printed or otherwise placed on the material 11 at the print line 10 so as to be readable by a sensor 22 at a quilting station, where the information 13 is read and used to control the quilter 21. Panels 15 are quilted according to a schedule and in batches in the most efficient manner, and panels are cut according to information read from records on the material. Shrinkage is compensated for and appropriate crops are made between panels. The printing line prints series of panels on a web 11 in rolls 14 that can be fed, last-printed panel first, into the quilter.
摘要:
A quilt manufacturing facility having a plurality of quilting machines is provided with an automated scheduling system which automatically generates and distributes schedules for the making of quilted products listed in input customer orders. The generated schedules are distributed in the form of computer files downloaded to the controllers of the machines. The generation of schedules is carried out by a programmed central scheduling computer which considers stored data identifying each of the machines and their capabilities, the materials available for production of the products and the product specifications, and determines the machine setting and material requirements for each product on the customer order list as well as the required completion times for each of the ordered products. Schedules for each machine are generated so as to schedule each product with other products having similar machine setting or material requirements in a manner that is consistent with the required completion or delivery times for each product. The scheduling optimizes the use of the quilting machines and operator time by reducing the number of machine setups and material changes. Information is collected from each machine which records all downtime of the machines and the reasons therefor and which records a history of the actual performance of the machines for use by the scheduling computer in more accurately evaluating future schedules.