Abstract: Hot melt sequins and methods of applying these sequins are disclosed. A method of attaching two components includes stitching a hot melt sequin to one of the components and heating the hot melt sequin to bond the two components together. Sequins can also be applied to articles to create structural elements such as heel counters, toe covers, and lace cages. Sequins can be applied in 1D, 2D, and 3D patterns as well as in dispersive patterns. Sequins can be applied to vary the abrasion properties of a portion of an article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically embroidering beads on a cloth is disclosed. A continuous bead string, which is made of a plurality of beads with separable connecting sections arranged in the direction of an axial bore in the beads of the bead string, is utilized. The apparatus sets the continuous bead string on the cloth. The bead at the end of the bead string is bent and separated at the connecting section. A needle passes through the axial bores of the beads so that the beads are separated from the bead string and sewed onto the cloth.

Abstract: The dividing wall between a heat producing compartment of a helicopter, such as a compartment in which an engine or other power mechanism is located, and the pilot's cabin is made of a sheet of fiberglass that cannot withstand being subjected to an operating temperature that is in excess of about 200.degree. C. Accordingly, the hot side of the wall is lined with one or more liner blankets, each having a mineral fiber felt core, a metal foil front layer and a glass fiber fabric rear, supporting layer. These layers are quilted together and the result is provided with a binding about the periphery. The metal foil layer terminates somewhat short of the edge in order to make the margin more compressible. Each liner blanket is attached to the wall surface by a flexible adhesive. Where two or more of the blankets are used, they are placed so close together edge-to-edge that their respective margins are compressed, by abutment with one another preventing any unprotected gap.