Abstract: The embrodiery machine shuttle, preferably made of plastic, has two main components, namely a base plate and a housing which can be fastened on the base plate. The base plate forms the slide face of the shuttle. For this reason the elements required for thread tension are placed in the interior of the shuttle. A bobbin is maintained in the correct position by a bobbin mounting and a part thereof forms a rear thread guide element. The thread is drawn off the bobbin and routed to a thread hole through and around the thread guide element between an upper pressure plate and a lower counterpressure spring. The thread tension can be easily adjusted from the outside with a slide. The shuttle according to the present invention is suited, together with a corresponding shuttle processing machine, for automatic emptying, cleaning, filling with a fresh bobbin, threading and setting the thread tension.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting unconditioned biomass, such as cotton gin trash, into usable energy. This is accomplished by gasifying the biomass, removing the particulate char from the combustible gas using cyclonic separators, burning the gas, and using the heat to generate steam. Two stage combustion helps minimize NO.sub.x formation.

Abstract: A multiple-end weft-insertion process which is capable of achieving extremely high yarn density which is uniform in plys of structural fabrics is disclosed, making use of conventional machinery and systems. Yarn is transferred from a shuttle to yarn transfer elements spaced a sufficient distance apart to avoid damage to the yarn, and then transferred to yarn holding elements. Each successive pass of the shuttle is adjusted by moving the yarn transfer element parallel to the holding elements, so as to overlap each band deposited by the shuttle. The amount of movement necessary to achieve any desired density is calculated according to established parameters.

Abstract: A shuttle for embroidery and stitching machines having a thread exit slit in its side wall, the slit sloping upward towards the rear end of the shuttle moving the shuttle thread away from the sliding surface and the shuttle race to prevent the thread from becoming jammed.