Abstract: A laminated sail cloth includes a central layer of spaced intersecting scrim yarns which intersect at acute angles in such a matter to reinforce the fabric along the fill and bias directions of the fabric.

Abstract: A sail cloth is provided from a woven substrate which contains two or more warp yarns that are intersected by fill yarns in a regular or repeating pattern. In constructing the sail, the cloth is orientated such that the warp yarns are substantially parallel to the direction of maximum load. The cloth provides significantly improved tear strength and stretch resistance in comparison with conventional weaves.

Abstract: A hand-operated tool (50) for assembling stackable elements (52, 53 and 54) of a multicontact electrical connector (51) and for assembling conductors (56 and 57) to the connector includes a head (125) which is automatically positioned for effectively applying forces to the connector at each step of its assembly and to the conductors. An installer causes the head to be moved downwardly through a first incremental distance toward a support (109) into engagement with an element or conductors which are to be moved into secured engagement with an element held on the support. The movement of the head through the first incremental distance and the initiation of its movement through a second incremental distance causes the head to be spaced from the support a predetermined distance which is automatically determined as a function of the number of elements held on the support in that step of the assembly.