US 12,331,443 B2
Method and apparatus for auto thread color change
Nicholas Hallstedt, Sterling Heights, MI (US); Ramez Habhab, Rochester Hills, MI (US); and Edward J. Wenzel, Troy, MI (US)
Assigned to INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC, Troy, MI (US)
Filed by INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC, Troy, MI (US)
Filed on Aug. 17, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/889,893.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/351,229, filed on Jun. 10, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/234,154, filed on Aug. 17, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0053535 A1, Feb. 23, 2023
Int. Cl. D05B 55/10 (2006.01); D05B 19/14 (2006.01)
CPC D05B 55/10 (2013.01) [D05B 19/14 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A needle bar holder for a sewing machine head, comprising:
a revolver configured to hold a plurality of separate needle bars;
a motor operably coupled to the revolver for rotating the revolver;
a pneumatic cylinder or electric solenoid for ensuring alignment and stability of the revolver when one of the plurality of separate needle bars are selected for a sewing process; and
a pneumatically actuated lifting plate configured to engage the plurality of separate needle bars and wherein each of the plurality of separate needle bars has a needle bar clamp connected thereto, the pneumatically actuated lifting plate being connected to a pneumatic lift cylinder via a connecting rod, wherein one needle bar clamp is capable of being aligned with an opening of an upper shaft connecting rod clevis through rotation of the revolver and the pneumatically actuated lifting plate remains stationary while the revolver is rotated.