Abstract: The invention relates to the joining of fabrics made of advanced fibers for making pre-forms for composite materials. The invention provides a sewing machine needle which can be used to join fabrics by stitching with a brittle thread. The needle, according to the invention, for stitching a brittle fiber thread through at least one layer of fibrous fabric, being characterized by the head (point) thereof having an (open eye) slit proximate to the needle point for receipt and release of the brittle thread, the slit of the needle having an arc shape with a radius of curvature of not less than 1 mm, to prevent sharp bending of the brittle thread when the thread is in contact with the slit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sewing mechanism which is useful for joining fabrics with a brittle thread. The invention provides a sewing mechanism having a needle for stitching a brittle fiber thread through at least one layer of a fibrous fabric, the mechanisms for supplying the sewing thread to the needle on each edge thereof while the needle penetrates the layer or layers of fibrous fabric, thread supply being controlled to equalize the supply on both sides of the needle to prevent axial movement of the thread relative to the needle while the needle moves downwards. The mechanism further supports a revolving spool of a second thread and arranged to insert the second thread through a loop formed by the sewing thread at the remote side of the layer of fibrous fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the joining of fabrics made of advanced fibers for making preforms for composite materials. More particularly, the invention provides a sewing mechanism which is useful for joining fabrics with a brittle thread. The invention provides a sewing mechanism having a needle for stitching a brittle fiber thread through at least one layer of a fibrous fabric, the mechanisms for supplying the sewing thread to the needle on each edge thereof while the needle penetrates the layer or layers of fibrous fabric, thread supply being controlled to equalize the supply on both sides of the needle to prevent axial movement of the thread relative to the needle while the needle moves downwards. The mechanism further supporting a revolving spool of a second thread and arranged to insert the second thread through a loop formed by the sewing thread at the remote side of the layer of fibrous fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to the joining of fabrics made of advanced fibers for making pre-forms for composite materials. The invention provides a sewing machine needle which can be used to join fabrics by stitching with a brittle thread. The needle, according to the invention, for stitching a brittle fiber thread through at least one layer of fibrous fabric, being characterized by the head (point) thereof having an (open eye) slit proximate to the needle point for receipt and release of the brittle thread, the slit of the needle having an arc shape with a radius of curvature of not less than 1 mm, to prevent sharp bending of the brittle thread when the thread is in contact with the slit.

Abstract: A complete sorting system is provided herein including a sequence of interlacing cable conveyors for conveying objects to be sorted, such as apples or other agricultural produce, from bulk storage at the input to the system, through the system, and along to drops at the output of the system. The cable conveyors are configured and arranged to handle even delicate agricultural produce without damage and at high speed. The produce or objects which are conveyed typically do not roll along the conveyors. Preferably, objects of substantially any shape can be conveyed along the system.

Abstract: A complete sorting system is provided herein including a sequence of interlacing cable conveyors for conveying objects to be sorted, such as apples or other agricultural produce, from bulk storage at the input to the system, through the system, and along to drops at the output of the system. The cable conveyors are configured and arranged to handle even delicate agricultural produce without damage and at high speed. The produce or objects which are conveyed typically do not roll along the conveyors. Preferably, objects of substantially any shape can be conveyed along the system.