FIEED

The present disclosure relates to chain stitch embroidery machines, more particularly, to devices for automating the manual chain stitch embroidery machines.

BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Since decades, chain stitch, an embroidery technique is used for forming a chainlike pattern using a series of looped stitches. The pattern is formed by the inter looping a needle thread with a separate looping thread on the underside of the fabric. The chain stitch embroidery is often preferred over other embroidery techniques as it exhibits good strength, increased extension and recovery properties due to lower static thread tension and the inter- looped threads.

Typically, chain stitch embroidery is performed manually which is comparatively cheaper than a computerized embroidery machines. However, manual operations cannot be used for mass productions. Further, there is always a possibility of mistakes while manually making the embroidery patterns, not to mention the high time and manpower consumed.

Therefore, several attempts have been made to automate the chain stitch embroidery work by adopting digitization techniques. Conventional techniques involve both simple and complex devices for automating the machine. However, regardless of the complexity of the chain stitch embroidery machine, most conventional machines include a manually controlled handle beneath the machine for controlling the direction of the head, a throat plate, a foot and feed dogs for moving the work piece relative to the needle and throat plate. A user uses his/her left hand to control the movement of the fabric, to create the embroidered pattern.

A device is incorporated in the machine for executing the embroidery with the help of a programmable module. It is desired that an operator inputs the necessary codes corresponding to designs in the module to execute the embroidery process. However, none of the conventional techniques specifically mention a programmable machine to carry out the chain stitch embroidery technique, wherein the user movements are stored and automatically replicated by the machine, without the need of manual intervention. Another conventional technique includes automatic changing of threads by severing the threads when required, which is however is an expensive technique, and needs skilled labour for controlling the machine.

Further, the conventional module is incapable of performing chain stitch functions having highly diverse forms, with several thread colours and with variable thread concentrations, is expensive. Therefore, these complex patterns have to be manually created, which though counters the very need of automation.

There is therefore felt a need for an apparatus that automates a manual machine and alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for automating a manual chain-stitch embroidery machine.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for automating a manual chain-stitch embroidery machine, which makes the manual chain-stitch embroidery machine capable of creating embroidery patterns in bulk and in relatively lesser time. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for automating a manual chain-stitch embroidery machine which requires little or no manual intervention for programming the execution commands and performing the embroidering operation.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for automating a manual chain-stitch embroidery machine which can be operated from remote locations.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for automating a manual chain-stitch embroidery machine. The chain-stitch embroidery machine includes a needle having a thread looped therein. The needle is configured to be displaced linearly in the vertical direction to form a loop of the thread. The machine further includes a hook provided at the tip of the needle and a frame for holding a piece of fabric. The hook is configured to swivel to enable the loop of thread to be hooked therewithin. The frame is configured to enable displacement of the fabric.

The apparatus comprises an input unit, a sensing unit, a repository, a processor, and a plurality of actuators.

The input unit is configured to receive an input signal corresponding to a desired embroidery pattern.

The sensing unit is coupled to the hook and the frame. The sensing unit is configured to continuously detect the displacement of the needle and the frame when manually actuated while performing embroidery of a desired pattern. The sensing unit is further configured to generate a set of sensed signals based on the displacement of the needle and the frame. The repository is coupled with the sensing unit to receive the sensed signals, and is further configured to store the sensed signals as a set of needle movements and the set of frame movements corresponding to the desired embroidery pattern.

The processor is configured to communicate with the input unit and the repository. The processor is configured to receive the input signal and select a set of needle movements and a set of frame movements based on the input signal. The processor is further configured to generate a first actuating signal and a third actuating signal, and a second actuating signal corresponding to the set of needle movements and frame movements. A first actuator of the plurality of actuators is coupled to the processor. The first actuator is configured to receive the first actuating signal to enable linear displacement of the needle. A second actuator, of the plurality of actuators, is coupled to the processor and the frame. The second actuator is configured to receive the second actuating signal to enable displacement of the fabric to facilitate stitching of the desired pattern on the fabric. A third actuator, of the plurality of actuators, is coupled to the processor. The third actuator is configured to receive the third actuating signal to enable rotational displacement of the needle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

An apparatus, of the present disclosure, for automating a manual chain-stitch embroidery machine will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 through Figure 4 illustrate different views of the apparatus of the present disclosure in connection with the chain-stitch embroidery machine;

Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of a frame of the machine for rotating the needle, and engaging and disengaging a lever of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of a frame, of the machine, for moving the fabric during embroidery process; Figure 7 illustrates a mechanism for reading the directional movement of the needle;

Figure 8 illustrates an electric circuit of the apparatus of Figure 1 through Figure 4;

Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart depicting the working of the firmware of the apparatus of Figure 1 through Figure 4; and

Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary system depicting the working of the machine.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

16 Embroidery Machine

17 Touch screen monitor

18 Lever

19 Electronics and Electrical Section

100 Frame of the machine

101(A) , 101(B), 101(C), 101(D) Housing

102 Shaft

103 Shaft Coupler

104 First actuator

105 Servo Bracket

106 Engaging means

107 Pulley

108 Third actuator Outer frame Inner fame , 240 Gantry , 260 Rod , 280 Timing Pulley Timing Belt Bracket, 320, 330 Actuator Bracket, 350, 360 Second actuator, 380 Coupler , 400, 410 Bearing Sensing Unit, 440 Rod Bearing Bracket Shaft Coupler Support Structure System User interface 712 Processor

720 Network interface

730 Repo sitory/Memory

760 User/application data

770 Microcontroller

780 Firmware

785 Communication network

790-1 Embroidery machines

900 Control panel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well- known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

When an element is referred to as being “mounted on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

An apparatus, of the present disclosure, for automating a manual chain-stitch embroidery machine will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 10.

The chain-stitch embroidery machine (hereinafter referred to as ‘the machine’) includes a needle having a thread looped therein. The needle is configured to be displaced linearly in the vertical direction to form a loop of the thread. The machine further includes a hook provided at the tip of the needle. The hook is configured to swivel to enable the loop of thread to be hooked there within, and be locked for the formation of the next loop. The machine also includes a frame for displaceably holding a piece of fabric. The apparatus comprises an input unit, a sensing unit (420), a repository (730), a processor (712) and a plurality of actuators. The input unit is configured to receive an input signal corresponding to a desired embroidery pattern. In an embodiment, the input unit includes a display unit (17) which displays various types of patterns that can be formed. The display unit is provided with a selection module which allows a user to select the desired pattern from the variety of patterns displayed. In another embodiment, the input unit includes a touch screen monitor (17).

The sensing unit (420) coupled to the needle configured to continuously detect the displacement of the needle and the frame when the user manually actuates the needle, the hook and the frame to form a desired particular embroidery pattern. The sensing unit (420) is further configured to generate a set of sensed signals based on the displacement of the hook and the frame.

The repository (730) is configured to communicate with the sensing unit (420) to receive the sensed signals. The repository (730) is further configured to store the sensed signals as a set of needle movements and the set of frame movements corresponding to the desired embroidery pattern. Thus, the repository (730) stores needle movements and frame movements corresponding to various embroidery patterns.

In an embodiment, the repository (730) is configured to store therein the speed at which the needle movements and the frame movements are to be performed.

The processor (712) is configured to communicate with the input unit and the repository (730). The processor (712) is configured to receive the input signal and select a set of needle movements and a set of frame movements based on the input signal. The processor (712) is further configured to generate a first actuating signal and a third actuating signal corresponding to the set of needle movements and a second actuating signal corresponding to the set of frame movements that are required for forming the pattern selected. In an embodiment, the processor (712) is communicatively coupled to one user interface (710). In another embodiment, the user interface (710) employs communication protocols and/or methods such as, without limitation, audio, analog, digital, stereo, IEEE- 1394, serial bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), infrared, PS/2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), Radio Frequency (RF) antennas, S-Video, Video Graphics Array (VGA), IEEE 802.n /b/g/n/x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Global System For Mobile Communications (GSM), Long- Term Evolution (LTE) or the like), etc. Using the user interface (710), the system (700) may communicate with one or more embroidery machines (790-1 ... .790- N).

In one embodiment, the repository (730) may store a collection of program or database components, including, without limitation, user/application, an operating system and the like. In an embodiment, the system (701) is configured to store user/application data (760) including but not limited to design files, the plurality of user movements, the plurality of movements of the cylindrical rods, a plurality of chain stitch embroidery patterns such as the data, variables, records, etc. as described in this disclosure. In another embodiment, the databases are implemented as fault-tolerant, relational, scalable, secure databases such as Oracle or Sybase.

The operating system is configured to facilitate resource management and operation of the system (701). Examples of operating systems include, without limitation, Apple Macintosh™ OS X™, UNIX™, Unix-like system distributions (e.g., Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD), FreeBSD™, Net BSD™, Open BSD™, etc.), Linux distributions (e.g., Red Hat™, Ubuntu™, K-Ubuntu™, etc.), International Business Machines (IBM™) OS/2™, Microsoft Windows™ (XP™, Vista/7/8, etc.), Apple iOS™, Google Android™, Blackberry™ Operating System (OS), or the like. The user interface (710) is configured to facilitate display, execution, interaction, manipulation, or operation of program components through textual or graphical facilities.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a touch screen monitor (17) and/or a control panel (900) through which the machine can be controlled. Further, the apparatus includes a mechanism for controlling basic movements like stopping the machine using a universal remote control.

In an embodiment, the computer interaction interface elements on the touch screen monitor (17) and/or control panel (900) are operatively connected to the system (701), such as cursors, icons, check boxes, menus, windows, widgets, etc. Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) may be employed, including, without limitation, Apple™ Macintosh™ operating systems’ Aqua™, IBM™ OS/2™, Microsoft™ Windows™ (e.g., Aero, Metro, etc.), Unix X-Windows™, web interface libraries (e.g., ActiveX, Java, JavaScript, AJAX, HTML, Adobe Flash, etc.), or the like.

A communication network (785) interconnects the embroidery machines (790- 1...790-N) with the system (701) through a network interface (720). The network includes wired and wireless networks. Examples of the wired networks include a Wide Area Network (WAN) or a Local Area Network (LAN), a client-server network, a peer-to-peer network, and so forth. Examples of the wireless networks include Wi-Fi, a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network, and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE) network, 802.5 communication networks, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, or Bluetooth networks.

In an embodiment, the repository (730) includes any machine-readable medium known in the art such as volatile memory such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. In yet another embodiment, the repository (730) is selected from a group consisting but not limited to memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), fiber channel, and Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), among others. In still another embodiment, the memory drive is selected from the group consisting of but not limited to memory drums, magnetic disc drives, magnetooptical drives, optical drives, Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID), solid-state memory systems, solid-state drives, etc.

In an embodiment, the processor (712) includes a crawler- and-ex tractor configured to receive said input signal, and process the input signal to a processed signal. The crawler-and-extractor is configured to crawl in the repository (730) to identify and extract the set of needle movements and frame movements corresponding to the processed signal.

In an embodiment, the processor (712) is selected from the group consisting of microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processors, state machines, logic circuitries, firmware and/or any systems that manipulate signals based on operational instructions, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the processor (712) is configured to fetch and execute machine-readable instructions stored in the repository (730).

Referring to Figure 8, which shows the electric circuit and Figure 10 which is an exemplary computer system used for the working of the apparatus. The electronic circuit is configured to utilize any computer software for controlling various components of the machine.

In an embodiment, the micro controller used is an Arduino. In yet another embodiment, the micro controller language may be any computer programming language including but not limited to C-language in an Arduino development environment, and uploaded to an Arduino controller. In another embodiment, the firmware is configured to be uploaded to the micro controller. A user interface program is further written in any programming language for example, Java which provides the user a means to control the machine. The user interface (710) enables the user to select a design file by browsing the design patterns stored in the repository. Once selected, the user may click on the start button to initiate the embroidery process.

In an embodiment, referring to Figure 10, the processor (712) may be disposed in communication with repository (730) for e.g., RAM 735 and ROM 740 etc. that may connect to components including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE- 1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), fiber channel, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID), solid-state memory systems, solid-state drives, etc. The repository (730) may be coupled to the processor (712). The repository (730) may include any machine-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

Referring to Figure 9, which is a simplified flow chart that describes the basic working of the firmware in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure and Figure 10 which is an exemplary computer system. The user through the user interface (710) selects a design file at (601). Once the user selects the design file, the user clicks on the start button which results into conversion of the design file into a machine -readable programming file including but not limited to G-Code. The machine -readable instructions provided to the microcontroller (770) direct the actuators for certain predefined parameters such as direction of movement and speed of the movement. Such machine-readable instructions are further sent to the microcontroller (770) via USB port at (602). Here in the microcontroller (770) and the firmware (780) parses the machine-readable instructions and translates these instructions into hardware control instructions. At (610), in case the machine-readable instructions are valid, the instructions are accordingly verified according to the type of instructions such as GOO at 620, G01 at 630, G02 at 650 and M02 at (670). In case the instruction is of type GOO, the machine is engaged at (625) through the microcontroller (770) that further controls the attached servo motor (104) as illustrated in Figure 5 to further control the chain stitch embroidery machine. Further, if the instruction type is G01, at (635), the absolute incremental position of A-axis is measured, and the needle is rotated at (640). Situations wherein the instruction type is G02, absolute or incremental position of X axis or Y axis is measured at (660) and the frame as mentioned in Figure 6 is moved at (665). Moreover, if the instructor type is M02, the machine is stopped at (680).

A first actuator (104), of the plurality of actuators, is coupled to the processor (712). The first actuator (104) is configured to receive the first actuating signal to enable linear displacement of the needle. In an embodiment, the first actuator (104) is a servo-motor.

A set of second actuators (340, 350, 360), of the plurality of actuators, are coupled to the processor (712) and the frame. The second actuators (340, 350, 360) are configured to receive the second actuating signal to enable displacement of the fabric to facilitate formation of the desired pattern on the fabric. In another embodiment, the second actuators (340, 350, 360) are stepper-motors.

A third actuator (108) is coupled to the processor (712). The third actuator (108) is configured to receive the actuating signal to enable rotational displacement of the needle.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is a CNC machine.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a shaft (102) having a coupler (103) slidably mounted thereon. The coupler (103) is configured to facilitate displacement of the needle. The third actuator (108) is configured to rotate the shaft (102) at a predetermined speed. The rotation of the shaft (102) in turn causes the rotation of the coupler (103) to facilitate displacement of the needle.

In an embodiment, the shaft (102) and the coupler (103) are enhoused in a housing (101). In another embodiment, the housing (101) is located in a close proximity of the machine.

In one embodiment, the frame includes at least two rotatable horizontal rods provided therein. The rods are configured to hold the fabric therewithin in such a way that the displacement of the rods would cause displacement of the fabric, in a plurality of directions including but not limited to X-direction, Y-direction, Z- direction or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the rods are configured to hold fabric pieces of different lengths and breadths. The frame further includes an outer frame (210) and an inner frame (220) housed in the outer frame (210). The inner frame (220) is configured to be angularly displaced with respect to the position of the needle to facilitate displacement of the fabric in order to facilitate piercing of the needle and the thread therethrough in a predetermined order. The inner frame (220) and the outer frame (210) are further configured to secure the fabric therebetween. The angular displacement of the inner frame (220) helps in putting the fabric between the inner frame (220) and the outer frame (210). In an embodiment, the inner frame (220) is configured to be angularly displaced to an angle of 90° with respect to the position of the needle.

In an embodiment, the frame is a rectangular frame. In another embodiment, the frame is a square frame. In an embodiment, the inner frame (220) is connected to a pair of gantries (230, 240) that enable the movement of the inner frame (220) in linear manner in the outer frame (210).

The configuration of the frame, of Figure 6, can be altered to load fabrics of different sizes on the machine. The stepper motors (340, 350, 360) of the frame are controlled by a firmware and micro -controller based on the instructions received by the processor. The gantry (240) is connected to timing belt (290) which is further connected to pulleys (270, 280). The pulley (270) is further connected to a stepper motor (360) which is mounted on the frame (210) using a stepper motor bracket (330). A stepper motor (360) rotates the timing pulley (270) which further moves the timing belt (290) back and forth in a linear manner. The belt (290) moves the gantry (240) back and forth which in turn moves the inner frame (220) back and forth. The timing pulley (280) is mounted on a bracket (300) which is mounted on the frame (210). Further, stepper motors (340, 350) are mounted on the frame (220) using the stepper motor bracket (320) and stepper motor bracket (310). The stepper motor (340) is connected to a cylindrical rod (250) via a shaft coupler (380). The cylindrical rod (250) is held by a bearing (400) and a bearing (410). The bearings (400) and (410) are mounted on the inner frame (220). Similarly, the stepper motor (350) is connected to a cylindrical rod (260) via a shaft coupler (370). A cylindrical rod (260) is held by a bearing (390) and a bearing (450). The bearings (390, 450) are mounted on the inner frame (220). A stepper motor (340) enables the cylindrical rod (250) to rotate clockwise and anticlockwise. Similarly, a stepper motor (350) enables the cylindrical rod (260) to rotate clockwise and anticlockwise. One end of fabric is jammed on the cylindrical rod (250) and the other end of fabric is jammed on the cylindrical rod (260). The fabric is further rolled on the cylindrical rods (250, 260). The computer controlled stepper motors (350, 360) enables the movement of fabric by rotating the cylindrical rods (250, 260) clockwise as well as anti-clockwise. The two rotatable cylindrical rods (250, 260) are mounted in parallel to each other on top of the inner frame (220) movable in a plurality of directions including but not limited to X-direction, Y-direction and any X-Y combination directions; Also, the rods (440, 430) are mounted beneath the inner frame (220) which enable the fabric to be firmly placed on the table.

In yet another embodiment, the repository (730) includes an editor configured to add or delete more sets of needle movements and frame movements in the repository (730). Once the desired patterns are stored, it becomes easy for a user, without any knowledge and skill of operating the machine, to operate the machine and manufacture the patterns.

In an embodiment, the sensing unit (420) is an optical or a rotary encoder. In another embodiment, the optical or a rotary encoder is configured to rotate when the needle rotates to sense the movements.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a servo bracket (105) configured to support the displacement of needle thereon. In another embodiment, the servo bracket (105) includes a pulley (107) coupled to an engaging means (106) configured to engage or disengage using the first actuator (104) with the hook to enable or disable the stitching process. In an embodiment, a lever (18) is attached to the engaging means (106). The lever (18) is configured to be in its disabled state, in an inoperative configuration thereof. When the lever (18) is pulled downwards, the stitching process is enabled. Conversely, releasing the lever (18) disables the stitching process.

In yet another embodiment, the engaging means (106) is configured to communicate with the processor (712) to receive the first actuating signal. The engaging means (106) is configured to engage or disengage using the first actuator (104) based on the first actuating signal.

In an embodiment, the processor (712) is configured to control the actuation of a plurality of machines simultaneously so as to implement the same type of embroidery pattern on various fabric pieces. In another embodiment, the apparatus enables the user to switch among a plurality of threads, including threads of different color shades, by cutting a loaded thread and joining it to a thread which is not loaded to the machine and knotting them together to pull the thread via the thread hole of the needle. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes a loading unit for pre-loading a plurality of spools, each having a different type and/or color of thread and configured to be pre-loaded into the machine. Based on the set of needle movements and the set of frame movements, the threads are loaded into the machine.

In an embodiment, the processor (712) is configured to employ communication interfaces and/or methods such as, without limitation, audio, analog, digital, stereo, IEEE-1394, serial bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), infrared, PS/2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), Radio Frequency (RF) antennas, S-Video, Video Graphics Array (VGA), IEEE 8O2.n /b/g/n/x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., Code- Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Global System For Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or the like), etc. for communicating with the plurality of embroidery machines.

In a preferred embodiment, the processor is configured to store the user/application data (760) such as design files in a predefined repository that may be implemented as enterprise database, remote database, local database, and the like. The predefined repository may be located within the vicinity of the system (701) as shown in Figure 10 or may be located at different geographic locations as compared to that of the system (701). Further, the predefined repository may themselves be located either within the vicinity of each other or may be located at different geographic locations. Furthermore, the predefined repository may be implemented inside the system (701) may be implemented as a single database or as multiple databases.

The user interface (710), as shown in Figure 10, includes a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The user interface (710)is configured to allow the system (701) as shown in Figure 10 to interact with the user through the plurality of embroidery machines (790-1 .. ,790-N). Further, the user interface (710) is configured to enable the system (701) to communicate with other user systems or computing systems, such as web servers. The user interface (710) is configured to facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. In an embodiment, the user interface (710) includes one or more ports for connecting a number of systems to one another or to another server.

In an exemplary embodiment, (describing loading of threads from different spools) a loaded thread A may be first cut just a few inches before its actual end by a cutting mechanism of the machine. Thereafter, a thread B which is to be loaded is knotted with the remaining part of the thread A. The free end of the thread A is pulled through the thread hole of the needle. Thus, the thread B is loaded into the machine automatically without the need of manual intervention.

In an embodiment, the automatic thread changing mechanism enabled by the apparatus may be controlled by the apparatus in accordance with the desired pattern and as desired by the user.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is wirelessly controlled to a control device which controls the actuation of the device. In another embodiment, the apparatus is wirelessly controlled to the control device via communication modes such as Wide Area Network (WAN) or a Local Area Network (LAN), a client-server network, a peer-to-peer network, and so forth. Examples of the wireless networks include Wi-Fi, a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network, and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE) network, 802.5 communication networks, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, or Bluetooth networks.

The present disclosure further provides a control panel (900) in communication with the input unit through which the chain stitch machine may be controlled. The present disclosure further provides a mechanism for controlling basic movements like stopping the chain stitch machine using a standard remote control.

In another embodiment, the apparatus is wired to a control device. As described above, the modules, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The modules may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other system or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Further, the modules can be implemented by one or more hardware components, by machine-readable instructions executed by a processor, or by a combination thereof.

Furthermore, one or more machine-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing some of the embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A machine-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a machine-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “machine-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., non-transitory. Examples include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, Compact Disc (CD) ROMs, Digital Video Disc (DVDs), flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an apparatus for automating a manual chain-stitch embroidery machine, which:

• makes the manual chain-stitch embroidery machine capable of creating embroidery patterns in bulk and in relatively lesser time;

• requires little or no manual intervention for programming the execution commands and performing the embroidering operation; and

• can be operated from remote locations.

The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.