Abstract: A cushioning structure includes a first layer of a three-dimensional structured mat of extruded entangled filaments, the cushioning structure includes a second layer of a three-dimensional structured mat of extruded entangled filaments, and the cushioning structure includes an intermediate layer between the first layer of the three-dimensional structured mat and the second layer of the three-dimensional structured mat.

Abstract: An attachment for a sewing machine to provide simultaneous sewing and sealing of a seam comprises a reel for dispensing a strip of adhesive thermoplastic polymer between fabric members to be sewn. A plurality of heated driven rollers opposed to heated idler rollers having a continuous belt thereover collectively exert heat and pressure on the seam, melting the polymer strip so as to seal the seam. Thread having been treated with adhesive thermoplastic polymer may be employed to seal the punctures in the fabric made by the sewing machine's needle. The driven rollers are driven in synchronization with the operation of the sewing machine, and are engaged with and withdrawn from the seam responsive to operator command.

Abstract: A system includes a seat having an upholstery, an infrared-light source spaced from the seat and aimed at the seat, and an infrared sensor having a field of view. The seat is disposed in the field of view. Infrared-indicator threads are threaded with the upholstery and include exposed portions overlapping the upholstery in a pattern.

Abstract: A de-icing assembly for a surface of an aircraft includes a carcass, seams, inflation passages, a manifold, and a reinforcement stitchline. The carcass includes a first layer, a second layer, and a carcass centerline. The seams are sewn into the carcass and join the first and second layers of the carcass together. The inflation passages are formed by the seams and are disposed between the first and second layers of the carcass. The manifold includes a width and a manifold centerline oriented approximately perpendicular to the carcass centerline and is fluidly connected to and is disposed beneath the carcass. The first reinforcement stitchline is sewn into the carcass adjacent to one of the plurality of seams and is disposed at a location on the carcass overlapping with the manifold. The first reinforcement stitchline is disposed approximately perpendicular to the manifold centerline and extends across the width of the manifold.

Abstract: An elastic fabric made by a plurality of rubber threads, first elastic wefts, second elastic wefts, first wraps, high-tensile nylons and second wraps. The rubber thread, the first elastic weft, the second elastic weft are elastic, and the first elastic weft, and the second elastic weft are knitted across and interlaced with the rubber thread at right angles such that the elastic fabric is configured to be stretched in all directions. The first elastic weft and the second elastic weft are wrapped on at least three rubber threads to form a plurality of breathing holes therebetween, and the first wrap and the second wrap are wrapped along the single rubber thread such that the elastic fabric is configured to have the solid structure and the great ventilation effect simultaneously.

Abstract: Device for embedding an insert into a rubber profiled element in a given direction, is provided herein. The device includes: at least one means for feeding a thread continuously, a moving support capable of moving on a structure in a rectilinear reciprocating movement between a raised position and a lowered position, at least one hollow needle having a channel of longitudinal axis XX? inside which the thread is able to run, which needle is fixed by one of its ends to the base of the moving support and has at its other end a tip capable of penetrating said rubber profiled element, and a cutting means arranged on the support, having a blade capable of cutting off the thread.

Abstract: A punching device including a punching die (5a) that can be connected to the needle bar and a punching matrix (5b) that can be fastened to a needle plate (7) of a sewing machine. The punching matrix (5b) is embodied as a lid of a clippings container (9). The planar object (23) to be processed is displaced via the tambour frame in a punching plane L2, with this punching plane L2 being arranged parallel above the sewing plane L1.

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 method for manufacturing a strap ring (1), made from a material woven with warp threads (3) and at least one weft thread (4) extending between the warp threads (3). The woven material is a tubular fabric (11) whose warp threads (3) extend parallel to the axis of extension of the tubular fabric (11), the strap ring (1) being made from an axial section (16) of the tubular fabric (11) which is axially cut up by cutting the warp threads (3).

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 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: One example includes a body formed of body fabric, the body defining a body pocket opening, a body pocket disposed in an interior of the body and coupled to the body pocket opening and body plush disposed in the interior of the body, between the body pocket and the body fabric. The example includes a head formed of head fabric, the head having a posterior portion of the head coupled to the body at an anterior portion of the body, the head defining a head pocket opening disposed on an anterior portion of the head, a head pocket disposed in an interior of the head and coupled to the head pocket opening and head plush disposed in the interior of the head, between the head pocket and the head fabric. The example includes at least one pair of legs formed of leg fabric and fastened to the body.

Abstract: This invention comprises a device designed to enable a temporary solution to holding of fabric or materials. The device includes a clipping device with teeth that will snap onto the outermost layer of material. This clip is then attached to the middle section which is a piece of elastic which can vary in length from 1?-12? to allow for the flexibility of the item as to not cause damage to the material when tension is applied. The elastic is then attached to a hook that will then pierce the fabric and hook it up to the desired length pr position. The hook can vary in size determined by the type of material used to hold.

Abstract: A variable timing system for a sewing machine is provided comprising a shuttle hook having a hook tip, a first helical gear mounted on the shuttle hook, a lower shaft configured to rotate the shuttle hook in synchronization with a needle bar, and a second helical gear mounted on the lower shaft and capable of engaging with the first helical gear. In accordance with embodiments, at least one of the helical gears is axially movable. The variable timing system may comprise a control device configured to generate a control signal representative of a current sewing situation. A drive force mechanism may receive the control signal and in response, transmit axial movement to the axially moveable helical gear to move the gear into proper position relative to a threaded needle of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A stitched sensor including a plurality of threads stitched to a textile in a stitch geometry is described. The plurality of threads includes a conductive thread, and the stitch geometry is configured such that an electrical property of the stitched sensor changes based on at least one of stretching, relaxation, or bending of the textile. Methods for forming a stitched sensor are also described.

Abstract: A surgical sponge comprises a sheet of absorbent material having at least one elongated radiopaque element heat sealed thereto. The sponge is folded and sewn in particular ways to assure that the radiopaque length of material remains firmly secured to the sponge with enhanced visibility under fluoroscopic imaging.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing thread from an entraining aft flow is provided, wherein the entraining airflow is selectively created in response to a location of the user relative to the device. The entraining airflow is sufficient to entrain an anticipated length of the thread, wherein the entraining airflow then passes through a grill. The grill shape, the airflow rate and the airflow velocity are selected to retain the entrained thread on the grill. The airflow is then terminated without requiring user intervention. Upon retention of a number of threads on the grill, the grill is separated from the housing and the retained threads are simultaneously disposed of in a desired container.

Abstract: The present invention is a personal, portable hanging device that allows a user to temporarily and securely engage transportation hand-holds (e.g. a grab bar on a subway, boat, train, etc.) in a sanitary manner. The elongate device includes two loops at each end that are connected by two rigid intermediate sections that extend from the end of each loop and the two intermediate sections are joined by a central section. The central section includes a material with a high coefficient of friction that helps prevent the device from sliding along the hand-hold when in use. The loops are sized and shaped to receive a user's hands so that the user can hold onto the device and indirectly be secured to the transportation hand-hold. The device also includes fasteners to temporarily secure the device to a handhold or fold the device in a sanitary manner for storage.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a new mesh bag made from a roll of continuous mesh tube cloth. The continuous tube cloth and at least one band with preprinted labels are used in a machine which props up the tube cloth with a dynamic guiding assembly, attaches the preprinted labels to the tube cloth using hot melted adhesive or heat sealing methods. The tube cloth is attached with the horizontal preprinted labels and the plastic film to the tube mesh cloth. A pair of holes are punched over the plastic film.

Abstract: A disk-like toy includes a resilient base, a flexible cover overlying the base, and a deflectable core disposed generally between the base and the cover. The base is affixed to at least one of the cover and the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising elastic compressed foam and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement.

Abstract: A pacifier tether includes an elongated member having a first attachment unit secured onto one end and a second attachment unit secured onto the other end. The ends and the attachment members forming a pair of loops for removably engaging external items.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat cushion assembly includes providing a first material to define an outer seating surface. A second material is sewn to the first material using first and second sewing lines disposed generally parallel to each other. A wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials and between the first and second sewing lines, and additional wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials adjacent to and not between the first and second sewing lines. The first and second materials are further sewn together using two additional sewing lines respectively disposed adjacent edges of the additional wadding material opposite the first and second sewing lines.

Abstract: A punching device including a punching die (5a) that can be connected to the needle bar and a punching matrix (5b) that can be fastened to a needle plate (7) of a sewing machine. The punching matrix (5b) is embodied as a lid of a clippings container (9). The planar object (23) to be processed is displaced via the tambour frame in a punching plane L2, with this punching plane L2 being arranged parallel above the sewing plane L1.

Abstract: A fleece for a smokeless tobacco pouch is disclosed. The fleece comprises a material and at least one thread attached to said material.

Abstract: Hoop docking apparatuses and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substantially planar hoop dock having a first side and a second, opposite side. The first side of the hoop dock forms a docking recess shaped to approximately contour a portion of an embroidery hoop. The docking recess is operable to receive at least a portion of the embroidery hoop.

Abstract: There is provided an airbag that is folded up in a normal state and is inflated and deployed in an emergency state. The airbag includes: a base fabric; a tether sewn to the base fabric and configured to restrict a shape of the airbag when the airbag is inflated and deployed. The base fabric has a first pin hole therethrough in a contact region where the base fabric and the tether contacts each other, and the tether has a second pin hole therethrough in the contact region, wherein a position of the second pin hole corresponds to a position of the first pin hole. The tether has a folded back portion sewn to the tether and covering the first and second pin holes. The respective first and second pin holes are configured to receive a positioning pin for fixing the base fabric and tether to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated assisted sewing of an oversized, digitized sewing pattern, using a fabric retention mechanism and an automated sewing machine positioning mechanism. The sewing machine positioning mechanism is controlled by an actuator and provides for two dimensional positioning of a sewing machine with respect to the fabric retention mechanism. The oversized sewing pattern is segmented into pattern segments and the pattern segments are sewed sequentially in accordance with a selected order, with the fabric being repositioned after each segment is sewed. Cut points for pattern lines on the border of each pattern segment are matched by start points on the adjacent border of a subsequently sewed, adjacent pattern segment. A pattern program adjusts the pattern lines of each subsequently sewed segment to provide for continuity and alignment of the pattern lines which cross the borders between pattern segments.

Abstract: A method of producing a stitched perforated sheet material including providing a sheet material (3) with a perforated region 4 and an unperforated region (5). The sheet material is then stitched in the unperforated region, but adjacent to the perforated region. This gives an overall perforated appearance whilst avoiding the problems associated with stitching through a perforated material.

Abstract: A bed pad and a method for constructing a bed pad are disclosed. The bed pad comprises a first mat and a second mat, wherein the first mat is constructed of randomly aligned synthetic fibers which are opened and blended, randomly aligned into a web by airflow, joined by water based phenolic or latex binding agents and heat cured to produce an air-permeable varying mesh, the first mat being of unitary sheet construction and having a first stiffness and the second mat, cooperative with the first mat, is constructed of randomly aligned synthetic fibers which are opened and blended, randomly aligned into a web by airflow, joined by water based phenolic or latex binding agents and heat cured to produce an air-permeable varying mesh, the second mat being of unitary sheet construction and having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stitching a workpiece, such as a quilt, is disclosed. The method comprises displaying a predetermined pattern on a display and manipulating the predetermined pattern on the display. The display includes an indicator corresponding to a position of a sewing head relative to the workpiece. The method further includes moving a control handle operably connected to the sewing head to move the indicator relative to the pattern on the display and move the sewing head relative to the workpiece. Devices to practice the method include sewing machines having a sewing head moveable relative to a workpiece and a control handle operably connected to the sewing head to move the sewing head relative to the workpiece, wherein the display showing a pattern to be sewn is mounted relative to the control handle for movement with the control handle.

Abstract: A stitcher (1) for connecting strips of rubber material (4, 5) into a substantially continuous strip according to this invention comprises a surface (3), a stitching head (6) placed over it having a stitch unit (7) for stitching the strips of rubber material together along a stitch line, which stitch line includes an angle ? having a longitudinal direction (L) of the continuous strip, a drive mechanism for driving a relative movement of the stitching head with respect to the surface along a first (X) and a second (Y) direction, wherein the second direction is oriented transverse to the first direction, and a control device (11) for controlling the drive mechanism such that the stitch unit follows the stitch line. In one embodiment the stitching head is rotatably connected to the drive mechanism wherein the axis of rotation extends transverse to the surface.

Abstract: A stitch distribution control system for a tufting machine for controlling placement of yarns being fed to the needles of the tufting machine by yarn feed mechanisms to form a desired pattern. A backing material is fed through the tufting machine at an increased stitch rate as the needles are shifted according to calculated pattern steps. A series of loopers or hooks engage and pick loops of yarns from the needles. The yarn feed mechanisms further can be controlled so that selected loops of yarns can be back-robbed so as to be hidden from view in the finished patterned tufted article.

Abstract: One example includes a body formed of body fabric, the body defining a body pocket opening, a body pocket disposed in an interior of the body and coupled to the body pocket opening and body plush disposed in the interior of the body, between the body pocket and the body fabric. The example includes a head formed of head fabric, the head having a posterior portion of the head coupled to the body at an anterior portion of the body, the head defining a head pocket opening disposed on an anterior portion of the head, a head pocket disposed in an interior of the head and coupled to the head pocket opening and head plush disposed in the interior of the head, between the head pocket and the head fabric. The example includes at least one pair of legs formed of leg fabric and fastened to the body.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to fall protection safety devices, such as various fall arresting personal safety devices as safety harnesses, belts, and/or lanyards by way of non-exclusive example, having one or more end of service life indicators. Typically, the device would include webbing and one or more end of service life indicators for indicating when the webbing has been exposed to a sufficient concentration of some degrading condition for sufficient duration that there is a risk that the structural integrity, strength, and/or tenacity of the webbing would fall below the safety limit. Such devices would allow for a quick visual inspection to determine if the fall protection device should be retired from service.

Abstract: A method of assembling a prosthetic valve using sheets of material, such as pericardium material, polymer or bioengineered film, or other material. The method provides an accurate and repeatable system of making pericardial valves in which sheets or pieces of material are held securely in place relative to each other throughout the steps of assembling the valve. In addition, methods of the present invention include maintaining consistent alignment of the fixtures and pericardium material throughout the valve assembly process and utilize features that make the tooling components easy to assemble and handle. Certain aspects of the invention can be used to help establish a repeatable sewing and cutting technique for creating a pattern shape for valve leaflets, establishing stitch lengths, and determining the exact placement of stitches.

Abstract: A method for cutting the lower and at least one upper thread for lead-in embroidering or lead-in sewing is performed with a device including thread catchers (19a-19c) connected with each other in a fixed manner and layered over top of each other, formed of sheet metal, as well as spring and thread tightening plates (31 and 41) arranged above and below the thread catchers, which move back and forth against a blade (29), and a thread wiper unit. The device is exclusively operated by a drive moving back and forth and driving the thread cutting and lead-in stitching unit (5).

Abstract: An ornamental bunting that may include a length of textile folded to form a plurality of pleats, the length of textile including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side; a first coupling member adapted to attach each of the plurality of pleats at a location between the first lateral side and the second lateral side; and a second coupling member adapted to attach a first bottom portion of the bottom edge with a second bottom portion of the bottom edge.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate wearing eyewear and a wireless headset at the same time is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first tubular element that may be configured to be slipped over a temple of the eyewear. The apparatus may also include a second tubular element that may be configured to receive an around the ear securing element coupled with, or included with, the wireless headset.

Abstract: A method of repairing delaminated plies of a composite includes drilling a plurality of holes in the plies, stitching one or more tows into the plurality of holes, and tensioning the tows. The holes are disposed across an area of the plies that is delaminated. The method introduces a resin into the area of the plies that is delaminated and cures the resin. Curing of the composite can be performed prior to the stitching and the tensioning of the one or more tows and can be performed by the tensioning of the one or more tows. Optionally, one or more additional plies can be applied to the repaired area and/or a portion of the one or more tows that extends above a surface the plies can be removed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a pillow with a pocket in which the hand can be inserted into the pocket, as well as related methods of manufacturing such a pillow. In embodiment, such a pillow may comprise a first side of said pillow, where the first side comprises a first outer layer and a first inner layer, and a first filling material located between the first outer and inner layers. In such an embodiment, the pillow may also comprise a second side having a second outer layer and a second inner layer, and having a second filling material located between the second outer and inner layers. Moreover, in such embodiments, said first side and said second side are attached to each other along at least a portion of their corresponding edges to create a pocket between the first and second sides. With the addition of a pocket, the pillow does not slide off or roll off the person's hand when resting or sleeping.

Abstract: A process for the production of a textile product includes placing a flat motif template on a textile substrate, sewing the motif template onto the textile substrate in such a way that a perforation defining a desired motif in the motif template is produced, removing the part of the motif template, that is outside the motif defined by the perforation, and permanently fixing the remaining part, having the motif, of the motif template to the textile substrate.

Abstract: A sewing machine thread feed for a supplying sewing thread to a sewing machine, the feed including: a guide mechanism for guiding sewing thread to a needle of the sewing machine; first and second spools carrying first and second filaments respectively, one of the spools carrying a low-melt filament and the other carrying a textile filament; first and second retention mechanisms for retaining the first and second spools respectively in position against force applied to them when filament is drawn off; the first and second filaments run from the first and second spools respectively to the guide mechanism; wherein the first filament runs from the first spool, through the centre of the second spool, so that the action of the second filament, when being drawn off the second spool, causes inter-winding of the first and second filaments to create composite sewing thread.

Abstract: Alignment mechanisms are provided for use in conjunction with manufacture of a flat-seam construction made up of a number of sequentially formed stitches and formed on a portion of one or more stitchable materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device for guiding an oblong intermediate element while joining at least two decorative elements by means of this intermediate element.

Abstract: A sewing bobbin assembly and method that provides access of a sewing machine, and particularly a bobbin in the sewing machine, to a larger supply of thread with automatic reloading of the bobbin during use thereof.

Abstract: A method for joining pieces of material includes providing a base unit of material having at least two sides meeting at a first corner, measuring along each of the two sides an equal distance from the first corner and marking each end point on a backside of the base unit, marking a sewing line on the backside of the base unit between the two end points, providing a triangular piece of material having two sides of equal length meeting at a second corner, placing the triangular piece under the base unit with the second corner pointing away from the first corner and a hypotenuse connecting the two sides of the triangular piece substantially parallel to and offset from the sewing line by a second predetermined distance toward the first corner, and sewing the base unit and the triangular piece together along the sewing line to form a seam.

Abstract: A material feeding device includes material wrapped around a spool, the spool rotating around an axis. A material feeding mechanism feeds the material in a feeding direction, thereby unraveling the material from the spool. A force deflection device is arranged between the spool and the material feeding mechanism, and is connected to the material. The force deflection device is configured to as to deform physically when the material feeding mechanism applies an initial feeding force to the material.

Abstract: A thread feeding mechanism for actively feeding embroidery thread out of a cartridge through a hollow needle, such that a thread break at or near the needle tip is automatically overcome through normal operation.

Abstract: A method of creating a camouflage device includes providing two bolts of lace with at least one of the bolts including pleated regions extending from one side to the other where the bolts are attached together. Each bolt of lace may include a particular pattern of stitches and/or coloring to further create more realistic three-dimensional camouflage system. Hems formed along the bolts of lace may include button holes and/or button or grommets for fastening a plurality of camouflage devices together.