The tasks of bobbin-changing and winding have always been bottlenecks in the sewing process. Taking up this issue Kinoshita of Japan has introduced devices not only for detecting the bobbin and changing the bobbin, but doing it in a swift manner and also notifying the operator. The Auto Bobbin Checker and Bobbin Changer work in conjugation with each other and eliminate the task of bobbin changing and winding while sewing.
The Auto Bobbin Checker SE1-200, signals the operator when the amount of thread left in the bobbin reaches the predetermined amount to avoid the shortage of bobbin thread before completing the stitches that cannot be done again. The bobbin thread is checked with a detecting pin inserted into the bobbin case at thread trimming. The point to detect thread shortage can be set by adjusting the position of the sensor in the detector. This device is most effective with regard to the sewing of expensive material, automobile seat covers, etc. It is available for both rotary and shuttle hook machine.
The Auto Bobbin Changer has two variants the DB-100 and the MIJ200; while the DB-100 is for lockstitch machines with thread trimmer, the MIJ200 is for electronic cycle machines. These devices are loaded with pre-wound bobbin magazines and perform the bobbin change in a swift manner. They are effective for thick thread stitching and optimum for products in which the thread cannot be overlapped. In addition to saving labour, this changer prevents stitching defects, and reduces the mental strain of the worker.
Meanwhile, Kinoshita has also developed the Auto Skip Catcher which is designed for detecting skipped stitches and thread breakages, especially in manufacturing of high quality sewn products. The device functions by blowing a consistent air pressure to eliminate the dancing of thread due to excessive slack. It has been tested that the device makes sewing smooth and minimized skip stitches while reducing needle thread breakages. When a skip stitch is detected the device signals the operator by light or buzzer and halts the sewing machine. Not only does this device enhance the quality of stitching by detecting skip stitches but also improves the quality of sewing by smoothing the tension adjustments. The device can be attached to a lockstitch machine, chainstitch machine and a zigzag lockstitch sewing machine.
