A felt composite (10) comprises at least one first felt layer (12), a multi-element second felt layer (14) disposed on the first felt layer (12) and comprising at least one first felt form element (16a) and one second felt form element (16b), wherein the first felt form element (16a) has a first edge (20a) and the first felt form element (16a) is sewn up with the first felt layer (12) by means of a first seam (18a) along the first edge (20a), and wherein the second felt form element (16b) has a second edge (20b) running along the first edge (20a) of the first felt form element (16a) and the second felt form element (16b) is sewn up with the first felt layer (12) by means of a second seam (18b) along the second edge (20b).

A conductive line stitching method is disclosed, in which a metal line is arranged in a protection layer to form a conductive line, which is subjected to the steps of forming conductive line, disposing cloth, conducting stitching, combining device, and connecting conductive line to have the conductive line located in edging parts to facilitate a subsequent operation for connection with a device, thereby achieving effect of being processed with a one-time process and concealing the conductive line.

A conductive line stitching method is disclosed, in which a metal line is arranged in a protection layer to form a conductive line, which is subjected to the steps of forming conductive line, disposing cloth, conducting stitching, combining device, and connecting conductive line to have the conductive line located in edging parts to facilitate a subsequent operation for connection with a device, thereby achieving effect of being processed with a one-time process and concealing the conductive line.

The present disclosure relates to automated systems, devices, and methods of sewing a target device such as a prosthetic implant device. The systems and methods include forming a stitch on the target device, adjusting a thread coupled to a needle used to form the stitch so that the thread is clear of (e.g., does not interfere with) a path of the needle, and applying a targeted tension to the thread to tension the stitch on the target device. The suturing process can also include providing different targeted tensions during formation of the stitch. The suturing process can also include providing different targeted tensions at different stages of the formation of the stitch to aid in forming the stitch, to clear the needle path of the thread, and/or to hold the stitch in place in preparation for the next stitch.

A suturing device is provided, including a needle and a shuttle. The needle has an elongated shape extending in a predetermined direction and is configured to hold a first thread-like member. The needle is reciprocally movable forward and backward in the predetermined direction and is rotatable about an axis extending in the predetermined direction. Rotation of the needle about the axis permitting the first thread-like member to cross the needle to form a loop in the first thread-like member. The shuttle includes a holding portion. The holding portion is configured to hold a second thread-like member. The shuttle is configured to permit the holding portion to pass through the loop.

A suturing device is provided, including a needle and a shuttle. The needle has an elongated shape extending in a predetermined direction and is configured to hold a first thread-like member. The needle is reciprocally movable forward and backward in the predetermined direction and is rotatable about an axis extending in the predetermined direction. Rotation of the needle about the axis permitting the first thread-like member to cross the needle to form a loop in the first thread-like member. The shuttle includes a holding portion. The holding portion is configured to hold a second thread-like member. The shuttle is configured to permit the holding portion to pass through the loop.

An assistance system that can be used for prosthetic heart valve manufacturing or suturing procedures includes an automated fixture that can comprise an articulation arm and a target device holder. The target device holder can be positioned and oriented to reduce operator strain during a manufacturing or inspection process. The assistance system includes a user input device enabling the operator to move between positions to assist in such processes. The assistance system can also be trained by capturing sequences of position data corresponding to a manufacturing or inspection process.

There is described a method of establishing an electrical connection through a flexible planar material. The method involves attaching an intermediate coupling element to the flexible planar material so as to align an aperture defined by the intermediate coupling element with a hole through the flexible planar material, and coupling an electrical connector to the intermediate coupling element so as to permit electrical connection through the flexible planar material. In this way, the intermediate coupling element can be attached to the garment during the garment manufacture process, and subsequently the electrical connector can be coupled to the intermediate coupling element separately from the main garment manufacture.

There is described a method of establishing an electrical connection through a flexible planar material. The method involves attaching an intermediate coupling element to the flexible planar material so as to align an aperture defined by the intermediate coupling element with a hole through the flexible planar material, and coupling an electrical connector to the intermediate coupling element so as to permit electrical connection through the flexible planar material. In this way, the intermediate coupling element can be attached to the garment during the garment manufacture process, and subsequently the electrical connector can be coupled to the intermediate coupling element separately from the main garment manufacture.

The linking device (9) includes a first bowed needle (17) mounted on a first shaft (13) and a second bowed needle (19) mounted on a second shaft (15). The first shaft (13) and the second shaft (15) are mutually inclined to each other and are controlled in order to pivot alternatingly around a pivot axis (A-A) of the first shaft (13) and a pivot axis (B-B) of the second shaft (15), respectively. The first shaft (13) is rigidly coupled to a first pin (27) pivoting therewith; the second shaft (15) is rigidly coupled to a second pin (31) pivoting therewith; and a slider (35) is slidingly mounted on the first pin (27) and on the second pin (31).