Abstract: A sewing machine and a method of operating a sewing machine able to gather one or more materials through a variable speed transfer disc or transfer cup. The gathering operation can assist in joining materials of different lengths without causing a warp or other unintended variation in the sewn article. The gathering operation may be used in connection with sewing of an article of footwear upper with an insole portion to form a foot-receiving cavity. During a sewing operation, a tension on the thread may be adjusted and confirmed with a display output. Similarly, an indication of pressure applied to decrease a rotational speed of the transfer disc or the transfer cup may be presented on a display output to achieve repeatability across operators and articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective material comprising a base layer comprising cut resistant yarn, an intermediate layer comprising natural fiber and an outer layer comprising a flexible, elastomeric material impervious to liquid. The intermediate layer is bonded to the elastomeric material, while the cut resistant yarn in the base layer remains substantially free of encapsulation by the elastomeric material. The intermediate layer is joined to said base layer at one or more locations, preferably by selective strike through of limited amounts of the elastomeric material to encapsulate yarn in the base layer.

Abstract: A fabric having a furry surface comprising an elongated strip of a hair-coated skin of a fur-bearing animal, said strip having a hair-free body portion and a hair-bearing portion extending the length of the strip at a lower part thereof such that the hair extends from said lower part substantially in or adjacent to a single plane; and a non-furry thread of reinforcing material sewn into and extending the length of said hair-free body portion. The invention provides a fabric having improved strength. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the fabric and sewn strips of improved strength.

Abstract: A fabric having a furry surface comprising an elongated strip of a hair-coated skin of a fur-bearing animal, said strip having a hair-free body portion and a hair-bearing portion extending the length of the strip at a lower part thereof such that the hair extends from said lower part substantially in or adjacent to a single plane; and a non-furry thread of reinforcing material sewn into and extending the length of said hair-free body portion. The invention provides a fabric having improved strength. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the fabric and sewn strips of improved strength.

Abstract: A fur sewing machine equipped with two feed discs is provided with a trimming mechanism. The trimming mechanism includes a trimming blade which is mounted for oscillatory motion close above the feed discs, and a fixed counterblade. The counterblade is secured to a blade holder which, at the same time, is used for axially fixing the feed disc which is supported on a displaceable carrier bracket. An exhaust device equipped with an injector nozzle is provided to remove the off cuts.