Abstract: A side airbag that is to be inflated and deployed to a side of an occupant, includes: an upper chamber provided at an upper portion; a lower chamber provided at a lower portion; a middle chamber between the upper chamber and the lower chamber; a first partition panel that partitions the upper chamber from the middle chamber; a second partition panel that partitions the lower chamber from the middle chamber; a third partition panel that partitions the middle chamber from an inflator installation chamber; a first opening that is provided in the first partition panel and through which the upper and middle chambers communicate with each other; and a second opening that is provided in the second partition panel and through which the lower and middle chambers communicate with each other, and each of the first and second partition panels is joined to the third partition panel.

Abstract: A method includes providing an exercise mat having first and second ends, first and second sides, and first and second major surfaces, providing a pliant substrate including an oligodynamic material having a biocidal or antimicrobial effect, forming a prepared exercise mat by overlying the pliant substrate over the first major surface, the pliant substrate extending across the first major surface between the first side and the second side and between the first end and the second end, and rolling up the prepared exercise mat into a spiral roll including the pliant substrate spiraled between the first major surface and the second major surface, the oligodynamic material contacting, and exerting the biocidal or antimicrobial effect on organisms on or carried by, the first major surface and the second major surface over a period of time while maintaining the prepared exercise mat in the spiral roll.

Abstract: An exemplary embroidery accessory for a sewing machine includes a spool that is rotatable around a first vertical axis, a support rotatably attached to the sewing machine and to the spool, a sewing guide, and a mechanism for rotating the support around a second vertical axis of rotation. The spool receives and dispenses a length of embroidery material and is supported above a sewing bed of the sewing machine by the support. The sewing guide has a needle opening configured to receive a needle of the sewing machine and to guide the embroidery material toward the needle.

Abstract: A mattress including a stretchable flame-retardant textile cap incorporating a top panel of flame retardant material operatively connected to a stitch-bonded flame retardant textile skirting with machine direction stretch and recovery properties disposed over a resilient mattress core to provided flame barrier protection to the mattress core.

Abstract: A sewing machine system includes an optical encoder which senses relative movement between the sewing machine and fabric and varies the stitching speed of the sewing machine to create stitches according to a user selected stitch length.

Abstract: In an example of the disclosure, a print job is received. The print job includes an image to be printed upon a substrate utilizing printheads. The print job is analyzed to determine a set of imaged segments, a set of image-adjacent segments, and a set of remote segments. The print job is printed upon the substrate utilizing a first set of printheads. A cooling liquid is applied to the set of image-adjacent segments of the printed print job utilizing a second set of printheads downstream from the first set of printheads. The printed job is exposed to an array of controllable illumination elements. The array of illumination elements is controlled to apply a drying illumination to the imaged segments and the image-adjacent segments of the printed print job, without providing the drying illumination to the remote segments.

Abstract: A washable, reusable mat that serves as a stimulation device for animals, the mat having a base with a pile thereon, the pile being formed from a plurality of fingers which are arranged to form a structure with a plurality of spaces. Food or treats for the animal (e.g., a dog), are placed on the mat, and the food or treats fall among the fingers and are captured within the spaces formed in the pile by the fingers. The animal locates the food or treats by employing the animal's olfactory senses, such as smell and taste, to locate the food within the mat pile. The animal may use its nose (or paws) to gain access to the captured food by tunneling among the fingers, moving the fingers aside, or other action to access the hidden food.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a garment includes gathering customer data from a plurality of customers, the customer data being associated with respective ones of a plurality of garment orders and including customer information regarding at least one customizable garment parameter and generating a schedule for producing a plurality of customized garments including analyzing the at least one customizable garment parameter for the at least some of the plurality of garment orders. The method further includes manufacturing the plurality of customized garments according to the schedule.

Abstract: A straight guide rail extending in an X direction is provided in a sewing platform portion for installing in a fixed state a pallet holding an object to be sewn, and first and second sewing machines are provided at left and right sides of the straight guide rail as viewed in the X direction. The first and second sewing machines are both provided with a movement support platform which allow the straight guide rail to reciprocate in the X direction, and the movement support platform is provided with a sewing machine body which is capable of reciprocating in a Y direction. The first and second sewing machines are program controlled in such a manner that any one thereof is capable of moving from one side of the straight guide rail toward the other side beyond a middle section thereof during the sewing operation of the first and second sewing machines.

Abstract: Provided herein is a bed linen system formed from a one-piece panel that includes slits separating a bed sheet portion from a blanket portion and integral gussets that envelop the corners of a mattress. The slits work in conjunction with the gussets to redirect tension from pulling force applied to the blanket towards the center axis of the mattress, thereby making it more difficult to remove the system from the mattress by a user, while allowing the user to ventilate the foot area during use.

Abstract: A passenger seat airbag includes: a bag main body; and a left-right tether, arranged in the bag main body to connect a left wall portion and a tight wall portion facing each other on a left-right direction side of the peripheral wall portion, preventing left and right outward protrusions of a connecting portion with the left wall portion or the right wall portion. The connecting portion includes a pair of strip portions and an intermediate portion which is sewn and connected to the left wall portion or the right wall portion between the strip portions. A sewn portion for sewing the intermediate portion to the left wall portion or the right wall portion is configured as a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of strip-side sides on the strip portion side and a pair of non-strip-side sides connecting both ends of the pair of strip-side sides.

Abstract: A composite article including a plurality of layers each comprising bundles of fibers separated by spaces; pins bonded to a side of at least one of bundles and extending or built through the spaces between the layers; and a resin combined with the layers and the pin. The pins form a physical barrier preventing or reducing propagation of cracks in an x-y plane of the composite article.

Abstract: Deployable reflector antenna includes a fabrication hub in which at least one additive fabrication unit disposed. The additive fabrication unit is configured to form at least one rigid structural element of a reflector antenna system. In a stowed condition, an RF reflector material comprised of a flexible webbing is disposed in a stowed configuration proximate to the fabrication hub. A fabrication control system controls the additive fabrication unit so as to form the at least one rigid structural element. The RF reflector material is arranged to transition during the additive fabrication process from the stowed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is furled compactly at the fabrication hub, to a deployed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is unfurled.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent extending in a longitudinal direction, the stent being formed of a plurality of struts forming cells and having a plurality of commissure features, a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. A valve assembly may be secured to the stent, the valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets. The cuff may be formed of a fabric and a second material different from the fabric, the cuff having commissure peaks and a plurality of midpeaks disposed between the commissure peaks. Each of the leaflets may have a free edge.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a tear away quilting template system comprising a row template and at least one corner template. The row template and at least one corner template each feature a solid line pattern and a dashed line pattern. The dashed line pattern is designed to match and correspond with portions of the solid line pattern.

Abstract: Dual-configuration fabric frame for a maneuverable sewing machine. In some embodiments, a dual-configuration fabric frame for a maneuverable sewing machine may include a left side rail, a right side rail, a front rail, a rear rail, a quilt-backing pole including a ratchet mechanism, a take-up pole including a ratchet mechanism, a hoop frame configuration, and a suspension frame configuration. The hoop frame configuration may support a relatively wide fabric clamped thereto that flows from inside boundaries of a working area to outside the boundaries of the working area. The suspension frame configuration may support a relatively narrow fabric that flows from being spooled on the quilt-backing pole, through the working area, to being spooled on the take-up pole.

Abstract: A beverage container insulator is presented herein. The beverage container insulator can include a body. The body can define a cylinder and have an opening at a first end and a web closing a second end opposite the first end. An interior surface can be defined by the body and can be configured to receive a beverage container. An exterior surface can be defined by the body opposite to the interior surface. First and second apertures can be formed in the web arranged to mirror one another on opposite sides of an axis passing through a middle of the web.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat-retaining article exhibiting excellent heat retention. This heat-retaining article (1) is configured so as to be provided with a first sheet (12), a second sheet (13), and a filler material (15) positioned between the first sheet (12) and the second sheet (13), and is characterized by being equipped with a plurality of joining sections (11) for joining the first sheet (12) and the second sheet (13) to one another, and in that the plurality of joining sections (11) are separated from one another and form a dot pattern.

Abstract: Deployable reflector antenna includes a fabrication hub in which at least one additive fabrication unit disposed. The additive fabrication unit is configured to form at least one rigid structural element of a reflector antenna system. In a stowed condition, an RF reflector material comprised of a flexible webbing is disposed in a stowed configuration proximate to the fabrication hub. A fabrication control system controls the additive fabrication unit so as to form the at least one rigid structural element. The RF reflector material is arranged to transition during the additive fabrication process from the stowed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is furled compactly at the fabrication hub, to a deployed configuration in which the flexible webbing material is unfurled.

Abstract: Different combining techniques are employed for directing multiple yarns through a single needle of a tufting machine. Different aesthetic appearances be achieved which provide for many new design opportunities in the marketplace.

Abstract: A luggage article (2) having surface features providing enhanced corner strength is provided. The luggage article may include a shell (4) at least partially formed by an outer layer (6), and including first and second shell portions (28) selectively secured together at a split line (26), the first shell portion defining a first corner region (24). The luggage article may include at least one first surface feature formed by the outer layer, the at least one first surface feature having a depth. The depth of the at least one first surface feature may be greater nearer the first corner region. The depth of the at least one first surface feature may decrease with distance away from the first corner region.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion for a side of a vehicle is provided, the inflatable cushion having a first portion of material; a second portion of material, the first portion of material being secured to the second portion of material to define the inflatable cushion; wherein at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the inflatable cushion is defined by a seam wherein an inner surface of the first portion is secured to an inner surface of the second portion only by a plurality of stitches; and wherein a strip of a third portion of material is applied to the seam of an outer surface of either the first portion or the second portion when the plurality of stitches are applied.

Abstract: Applications in social networks support interaction between members through various types of channels such as notifications, newsfeed, and so forth. For each channel, applications are ranked based on their user affinity measures. User affinity is based on measuring positive and negative interactions by users as both senders and recipients of messages generated by applications. Metrics are computed for the different types of messages and interactions provided by applications. For each channel, an application receives user affinity score based on specific weighted combination of the metrics. Applications use channel resources to send messages to increase their user base. Given the large number of applications that are available, the extent to which applications are allowed to use channels is controlled, limiting their resource consumption. User affinity scores of applications calculated for a channel are used to decide the allocation of channel resources for an application.

Abstract: A cushion system includes an interchangeable cushion cover having a top member and a band portion extending downwardly from the top member. The band portion includes a top edge portion attached to the top member and a bottom edge portion. A bottom member is attached to the bottom edge portion and an interior space is defined between the top member, the band portion, and the bottom member. A bottom opening is defined in the bottom member that is arranged for insertion of a conformable cushion insert into the interior space and draining of the cushion insert while the bottom member retains the cushion insert within the interior space. A releasable fastener system is located within the interior space on the bottom member such that it is concealed within the cushion cover and is selectively attachable to and detachable from a bottom face of the cushion insert.

Abstract: A vehicle seat that is equipped with a side airbag device includes: an airbag package that includes a side airbag that is housed within a side portion of a seatback; a seatback skin at which a burst line portion receives inflation pressure of the side airbag and breaks; and a seatback pad in which a vertical slit portion, that is positioned further toward a seat transverse direction outer side than a front edge portion of the airbag package, extends toward upper and lower sides of the side portion along the front edge portion. The side airbag inflates and expands with passing-through the vertical slit portion, and an upper end of the vertical slit portion is positioned further toward a seatback rear side than a lower end of the vertical slit portion.

Abstract: A hoop frame unit having a frame support structure, a hoop frame assembly, and a machine carriage assembly. The hoop frame assembly has a front fabric retainer, a rear fabric retainer, a first end retainer, and a second end retainer. Retainer clips mate with retainer seats on each of the retainers to secure fabric zones of quilt cores in place for machine sewing. The machine carriage assembly is supported by a front carriage track and a rear carriage track which are affixed on opposing ends to the frame support structure. The machine carriage assembly incorporates a lateral carriage element for carriage lateral movement, and a pair of longitudinal tracks on the lateral carriage element to provide for machine longitudinal movement.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for quilting are provided. In an illustrative embodiment, a quilt support includes a platform adapted to support an embroidery machine capable of quilting a quilt sandwich. A first support arm is coupled to the platform. The first support arm is adapted to support a portion of the quilt sandwich. A second support arm is coupled to the platform. The second support arm is offset from the first support arm and adapted to support a portion of the quilt sandwich. Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: Microfiber cloth is attached, with an opening on one margin to permit insertion of a finger, to a backing formed by articles of regularly worn clothing, including shirt tails, the tip of neckties, scarves, sweaters, pants or other clothing article, making the microfiber cloth more accessible and ready to use for cleaning surfaces of personal devices without risk to soiling any exposed surface of the backing.

Abstract: Flame retardant panels and methods of manufacture generally include a batting material including a layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the layer comprising a plurality of substantially vertically oriented flame retardant treated fibers extending from the top surface to the bottom surface; and a binder material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulation used in home appliances and building materials. A method of manufacturing an insulation includes fabricating an adhesive solution by inputting a binder to water contained in a water tank, inputting long glass fibers to the adhesive solution, removing moisture by supplying the long glass fibers to a mesh belt, wherein the mesh belt move left and right and front and rear so that the long glass fibers are uniformly spread, fabricating glass fiber paper by drying the long glass fibers, winding the glass fiber paper in a roll form, and preparing the glass fiber paper rolls in multiple layers, stacking two or more sheets of the glass fiber paper supplied from the rolls, and sewing the sheets of stacked glass fiber paper.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an advanced postoperative compression binder comprising at least two overlapping stretchable bands. The bands are connected by stitches located within an overlapping portion of the bands. The stitches are spaced from first and seconds ends of the bands to allow individual compression-adjustments of the binder to allow compression to be adapted to the type of surgery or trauma performed and to a level of comfort desired by the patient. The invention provides for wound inspection and care without the need to open the total compression binder, which will maintain a degree of support during wound inspection and care, decrease pain and increase comfort for the patient.

Abstract: A system for attaching handles to a workpiece, such as for attaching handles to a border material for a mattress. The system includes a pair of sewing heads movably mounted along a sewing area. The sewing heads can be moved from a first position for sewing the handles to the border in a first orientation, such as a horizontal orientation extending along the length of the border, to a second position for sewing the handles to the border in a different orientation, such as a vertical orientation extending across the width or height of the border.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neck pillow having a strap to support and comport the neck and the lower head of a user for providing support, comfort, safety, convenience and convenient carriage. The neck pillow includes first and second fabric layers, having a central portion, a left side portion, a right side portion, and a strap portion. The neck pillow further includes an elastic band placed between the strap portions. The central portion is constructed in a substantially hemispheric form and the left and right side portions extend and taper upwardly from the central portion. Additionally, the strap portion is configured to form a hemispheric shape and extends towards the left and right side portions.

Abstract: A decorative fabric simulating a natural flower, has a plurality of over-lapping fabric segments extending radially from a center area, similar to the petals of a flower, extending outward from the center of the flower. The fabric segments are each shaped to approximate the shape of a natural flower petal. And each of the fabric segments is secured to the center area of the blanket, so that the majority of each segment is left unsecured to any other segment.

Abstract: A machine for closing an open end of a cover encasing a mattress core in order to form a mattress is provided. A frame is adapted to support at least an edge portion of the mattress core encased in the cover. A mattress core press is mounted on the frame for vertical movement and is adapted to compress an edge of the mattress core to a desired height. A mattress cover clamp is mounted on the frame for vertical movement and is adapted to clamp free edges of the open end of the mattress cover together. A sewing head carriage is mounted on the frame for horizontal movement. A sewing head is mounted on the carriage, and a sewing head motor is mounted on the carriage for driving the sewing head. The sewing head is adapted to stitch the free edges of the open end of the mattress cover closed as the sewing head carriage traverses from one side of the mattress to the other side of the mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus for thread-stitching a book block includes a thread tensioning device configured to store and tension a binding thread. A single actuator, including a servo drive, drives the thread tensioning device. The method includes storing a length of binding thread; in a separate step, tensioning the binding thread; and thread-stitching the book block.

Abstract: A method of applying stitching to an interior component is provided herein. The interior component having only a single layer of a substrate layer. The method including the steps of: a) penetrating substrate layer with an awl to form a piercing therethrough; b) retracting the awl from the substrate layer; c) inserting a needle of a robotic sewing head through the piercing through the substrate layer to grasp a thread positioned on a show surface of the outer skin layer; d) pulling the thread through the substrate layer; e) looping the thread with a previous stitch passed through the substrate layer; f) advancing the robotic sewing head to another position with respect to the interior component, wherein a backside of the substrate layer is free of obstructions; and g) repeating steps a-f until a predetermined amount of stitches are applied to the interior component.

Abstract: A digitizer is operably coupled to a quilting machine controller, wherein an operator can input free hand or traced patterns for regulating operation of a sewing head. The digitizer can be an X-Y encoder wherein the encoder includes a transparent or translucent sensing zone which provides for the operator to input a pattern while simultaneously viewing a portion of a textile, which can itself include a pattern.

Abstract: A towel device for spin biking made from towel material that is sewed with two tunnel-like regions that slip over the bike's handle bars. The left and right sides of the device descend downward from the left and right handle bars and include pockets for cellphones, ID cards and the like. The device is easily manufactured, easily put on the bike and removed, and totally washable just as a towel. Because it is typically towel material, it can also be used directly as a towel for wiping face and body.

Abstract: The invention comprises using a fabric cut into several pieces which are further assembled together by stitches, the stitches being made using a sewing machine comprising at least two needles (A?, B?) operating in-line one behind the other so that the sewing stitch of the second needle (B?) is made on the threads of the sewing stitch made by the first needle (A?) in order to cover the perforation made by the first needle and so that the perforation made by the second needle (B?) is made through said thread (11), thereby filling said perforation with said thread (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for stitching a component is provided. The apparatus includes an awl bar assembly coupled to a first drive device. The awl bar assembly is moved from a first position to a second position along the stitch path with an external drive device. A second drive device is coupled to the first drive device. A needle bar assembly is provided having a needle. The needle moves between an inserted and a withdrawn position, the needle bar assembly being pivotally coupled to the second drive device, the needle bar assembly moves from the first position to the second position with the same external drive device driving the awl bar assembly. A biasing member is coupled to the needle bar assembly, the biasing member being arranged to pivot and align the needle bar assembly in the second position in response to the needle bar being moved to the withdrawn position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball and methods for stitching a thread with a high coefficient of friction upon a stripe member present on the game ball. At least one stitching is thus formed upon the stripe member. The stitching formed from the thread enhances the grip and/or spin characteristics of the resulting game ball, improving handling and playability.

Abstract: A composite material includes a composite body having a composite surface, and a reinforcing element extending through the composite body in a first plurality of stitches and a second plurality of stitches. The first plurality of stitches are aligned relative to the composite surface substantially similarly to each other. The second plurality of stitches are aligned relative to the composite surface substantially dissimilarly to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag cushion and an airbag system including the same, and particularly to an airbag cushion, including: at least one fabric; and seam parts connecting the fabric, wherein deviation of upper seam thread length per a unit length of the fabric between the first seam part sewed in forward direction and the second seam part sewed in reverse direction in the seam parts is 15% or less, a method of preparing the same, and an airbag system including the same. The airbag cushion of the present invention is superior in working stability and unfolding performance because of the optimized properties of the seam parts, provides superior shape stability and air-tight effect at the same time, and can protect a passenger by minimizing the shock given to the passenger.

Abstract: A hanging towel is disclosed. The hanging towel comprises a towel with four generally perpendicular edges formed of a water-absorbing fabric. In one embodiment, two hanging slits are located on the towel allowing the towel to be hung on a peg, or similar shaped object. The two hanging slits are located on the hanging towel on opposing edges of the hanging towel, each at a location in a middle portion of the hanging towel and near the opposing edges. A slit reinforcing stitching area surrounds the two hanging slits. The slit reinforcing area consists of a frame stitch area, an outside stitch area, a fill stitch area and an inside stitch area.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis having a graft sleeve, a set of internal graft channels formed within the graft sleeve and a self-expanding wire stent. The graft sleeve forms a main fluid flow channel between a first open end and a second open end of the graft sleeve and includes an external surface and an internal surface. The self-expanding wire stent is coaxially mounted with the graft sleeve and affixed to the graft sleeve. The set of internal graft channels includes at least two internal graft channels parallel to the graft sleeve, each internal graft channel having an inner open end within the first open end of the graft sleeve and an outer open end within the second open end of the graft sleeve, thereby forming a set of fluid flow channels between the end openings of the graft sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seal strip, comprising a tubular seal strip body with a first end (116) and a second end (117), wherein the first end (116) extends into the second end (117) and is securely connected to the second end (117) by a sewing thread (113). Further disclosed are a method and a device for sewing the seal strip, wherein the sewing device comprises a seal strip feeding machine (1), a device (2) for positioning the ends of the seal strip, a device for inwardly folding an edge of the seal strip, a device (3) for butt-joining the ends of the seal strip, a device (5) for threading a needle for the seal strip, and a device (4) for sewing the seal strip. The two ends of the seal strip are securely connected by the sewing thread, providing a high connection strength; and the method and device for sewing the seal strip can accomplish complete automation in sewing the seal strip, thus greatly improving efficiency during the production and processing of the seal strip.

Abstract: A novel pillow cover is provided that can be manufactured so that a finished gusseted pillow produced from four rectangular fabric pieces with only six straight line seams.

Abstract: A method of applying stitching to an interior component is provided herein.

Abstract: A component for an interior of a vehicle may include inner, outer and intermediate layers, a support strip and a first thread. The outer layer may cover the inner layer. The intermediate layer may be disposed between the inner and outer layers and may be formed from a resiliently compressible material. The support strip may be at least partially received in a recess in the intermediate layer and may include an inward-facing surface and an outward-facing surface. The outward facing surface may be adjacent an inward-facing surface of the outer layer. The first thread may be stitched through the outer layer, the support strip, and the intermediate layer.