Abstract: The apparatus provides: thread hooking means having a thread hooking member for hooking a thread having a predetermined tension, the thread hooking member being disposed in proximity of a moving path of a needle, and for retracting the thread hooking member to a predetermined first refuge position to draw the thread toward the first refuge position; cutting and holding means for cutting the thread drawn toward the first refuge position by the thread hooking means, by the cooperation of one surface of the thread hooking member and a cutting edge which is disposed in proximity of the one surface, and for holding the vicinity of the cut portion of the thread by the cooperation the other surface of the thread hooking member and a holding member which is resiliently pressed against the other surface; and means for, immediately after a sewing operation is started, retracting to a second refuge position separated from the first refuge position, to cancel the held state of the thread hold by the cutting and holding m

Abstract: The invention provides liquid dispensing apparatus arranged to dispense a liquid from a container by making use of a main water supply to pressurize the container. The invention also provides an aerosol valve for use with the liquid dispensing apparatus and configured such that when mounted on a container it permits the container to be pressurized with a gas and simultaneously permits a liquid to be dispensed from the container. Further, the invention provides a compressor arranged to provide a supply of compressed air by making use of a main water supply as the pumping fluid.