Abstract: A device for stopping the machine drive of a needle movable in cooperation with a rotary hook of a sewing, embroidering or tufting machine upon a thread breakage comprises a thread cutting mechanism which includes a thread catcher movable through the needle path and a switching mechanism which is connected to the drive for disconnecting it and which becomes effective upon a thread breakage. The device includes a movably mounted thread feeler carrier having a thread feeler which is adapted to be located between the needle and the rotary hook. The drive mechanism for actuating the thread catcher includes control cams which are engageable with lifting cams so as to project the feeler out of the path of motion of the thread between the needle and the rotary hook. The thread feeler is associated with a piezoelectric element and the deflection of the feeler by the thread produces a pulse which regulates the drive mechanism for the sewing machine and effects the stopping thereof when the threads are cut.

Abstract: An identification snap for attachment to woven material such as clothing includes a first plate member bearing identifying indicia on an outer surface and a post projecting from an inner surface, and a second plate member including a centrally disposed orifice extending from an inner face to an outer face, the orifice being defined by a substantially frusto-conical wall which converges toward the inner face. The orifice is sized to receive the post of the first plate member in an interference fit so that when the first plate member is placed against the fabric of a garment with the post extending through it and the second plate member is placed on the opposite side of the fabric, the post can be received within the orifice, thereby joining the first and second plate members and clamping the fabric therebetween.