Abstract: A machine for producing stitch bonded fabrics comprising means for supplying a layer of warp threads, means for continuously supplying a weft thread, means for supplying a plurality of stitching threads and means for stitching the warp layer and weft thread together with said stitching threads, the improvement being that the means for supplying and laying the weft thread consists of a pair of closely spaced plates, means for forwarding an individual thread towards the plates and means for imparting an oscillatory motion to the forwarded thread before it passes between the plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for laying down a fibrous strand in an ordered configuration comprises means for supplying a fibrous strand, means for forwarding the strand, means to impart an oscillatory motion to the forwarding strand and a moveable collecting surface whereon the strand is laid, the improvement being that the apparatus includes two closely spaced shaped plates which extend between the oscillating means and the collecting surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of bonding and simultaneously printing a fabric, for example a non-woven web, by contacting the surface of the fabric with an ink comprising a dyestuff supported on a transfer sheet and subjecting discrete areas of the combination to heat and pressure. It is found in many cases that dye is strongly fixed, and that compared to conventional heat-transfer printing the method permits much shorter residence times and the possibility of using an extended range of dyestuffs.