THREAD TAIL CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

An apparatus for removing a thread tail (34) from a hole (26) in a presser foot (28) on a quilting machine. The apparatus has an orifice providing a stream of pressurized air that applies a force against a section of the thread tail (34) extending between the needle and the hole (26) in the presser foot (28). The pressurized air stream pulls the thread tail (34) through the hole (26) in the presser foot (28) and gathers the thread tail (34) on an upper side of the presser foot (28). In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method of automatically applying a generally transverse force to a portion of the thread tail (34) extending between the needle and the hole (26) in the presser foot (28) for a duration sufficient to remove the thread tail (34) from the hole (26) in the presser foot (28).