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 The needle moves between an inserted and a withdrawn position, the needle bar assembly being pivotally coupled to the second drive device, the needle bar assembly moves from the first position to the second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to pivot and align the needle bar assembly in the second position in response to the needle bar being moved to the withdrawn position.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: An awl for use with a reciprocating device. The awl includes a mounting portion for operably engaging the reciprocating device. The awl also includes a shaft portion with an end for forming an awl feature on a sheet of material. Furthermore, the awl includes a mass portion for increasing the inertia of the awl when reciprocated by the reciprocating device toward the sheet of material.

Abstract: An awl for use with a reciprocating device. The awl includes a mounting portion for operably engaging the reciprocating device. The awl also includes a shaft portion with an end for forming an awl feature on a sheet of material. Furthermore, the awl includes a mass portion for increasing the inertia of the awl when reciprocated by the reciprocating device toward the sheet of material.

Abstract: Successive stacks of overlapping paper sheets are transported toward a sewing station where the sheets of successive stacks are sewn together by a sewing machine. In order to reduce the generation of heat at the sewing station and the resulting breakage of thread and damage to the needle or needles, successive stacks are provided with rows of holes ahead of the sewing station. The distribution of holes in the stacks and the mode of transporting stacks toward and through the sewing station are selected with a view to ensure that the needle or needles penetrate into the prefabricated holes with a minimum of friction. The surplus of thread is trimmed off the products downstream of the sewing station. Such products can constitute books, brochures, pads or other commodities containing stacks of sewn together sheets of paper or other sheet material.