Abstract: A tufting method and apparatus for tufting yarn to a backing layer, including individual tufting elements, comprising, means to select when tufting elements will be utilized during a tufting operation, means to select particular yarns from a plurality of yarns, for tufting, means to select the length of yarn increment to be tufted, means to control the distance between successive needle strokes, and means to control lateral displacement of successive needle strokes.

Abstract: A tufting method and apparatus for tufting yarn to a backing layer, including individual tufting elements, comprising, means to control forward and lateral displacement of successive needle strokes. A preferred embodiment includes means to select particular yarns for tufting from a plurality of yarns and means to select the length of yarn to be tufted. In a further preferred embodiment a reduced number of tufting elements is contemplated with the elements spaced so as to enable the production of a full sized tufted product by lateral shifting of the backing layer to provide for intermediate tufting positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing lined latex girdles in which one end of a fabric sheath which will form the liner of a latex girdle is sewn or otherwise held closed together and slipped over an annular rectangular frame, with the closed end of the bag disposed in the middle of the annular rectangular frame. A flat form, with curved sides, is first covered with a latex film, and while tacky, is pushed through the frame, engaging the fabric liner. As the form is pushed through the frame, the liner slides over the frame, and contacts the sides of the form. When the form has been pushed completely through the frame, the liner will be supported on the form, which may then be easily withdrawn for final processing. Close tolerances between the dimensions of the form and the frame assist in providing quality control with respect to the interpenetration of the fabric liner and the latex film.

Abstract: A tufting method and apparatus for tufting yarn to a backing layer, including individual tufting elements, comprising, means to select when tufting elements will be utilized during a tufting operation, means to select particular yarns from a plurality of yarns, for tufting, means to select the length of yarn increment to be tufted, means to control the distance between successive needle strokes, and means to control lateral displacement of successive needle strokes.

Abstract: A substantially annular ring having a bore sufficiently large to engage each of two oscillatory shafts, the ring having a radial slot through to the bore and a circumferential slot through to the bore running from the radial slot to a point on the ring opposite the radial slot, thereby forming two semi-annular, rigid spring arms, each having one free end, a tapered key secured in a transverse slot on the inner surface of the central portion of each of the spring arms, the keys engaging tapered keyseats on the ends of each of the shafts, and means for detachably clamping the free ends of each of the spring arms to the ring across the radial slot, thereby independently locking each of the shafts into the coupling.In an alternative embodiment, the annular ring has a second radial slot through to the bore at the point on the ring opposite the other radial slot, forming the spring arms into completely detachable coupling segments.

Abstract: A creel for yarn bobbins or the like, comprising a plurality of yarn bobbin support members disposed in at least two adjacent rows, means for mounting at least two yarn bobbins on either side of each of the supports, and means on each of the yarn bobbin supports for receiving and guiding yarn from the bobbins mounted on supports in the adjacent row. The yarn bobbin mounting means includes swingably mounted spindles permitting each to be disposed in an operative or a loading position. Each of the yarn bobbins is axially directed to one of the yarn receiving and guiding means in the adjacent row in the operative position. In a preferred embodiment, pairs of yarn bobbins are axially directed to the same one of the yarn receiving and guiding means.

Abstract: A yarn adjuster positioned adjacent tufting needles in a tufting machine for engaging yarn in close proximity to the tufting needles and moving it a predetermined distance to thereby control the length of the yarn on each side of the needles which controls evenness of tufts particularly when dual tufting needles are utilized to tuft U-shaped tufts. The yarn adjuster may be driven by an improved coupler point drive featuring long dwell and fast rise.

Abstract: A telephone adapter for hands-free telephony, adapted for use with a telephone handset having structure including an earpiece, comprising: a transmit signal path comprising, in series, a microphone, amplification means, disabling means and a transducer; a receive signal path having means for amplifying sound energy from said earpiece, said receive path comprising, in series, a coupler, amplification means, disabling means and speaker means; bias means for maintaining said transmit path in an active state when no signals are present; and, means for interrupting said circuit paths in a complementary manner.

Abstract: Yarn clamping means for clamping tufting yarn featuring shield means secured to said yarn clamp which is cooperatively associated with the tufting needle means to prevent impalement of the yarn by the tufting needles.

Abstract: A tufting machine malfunction detection device comprising a laser detection system adapted to monitor for the existence of yarn within a chamber adjacent the needle station with detection indicating the presence of a malfunction.

Abstract: A double select needle tufting machine or the like utilizing a driving and selecting means comprising band-like members attached to each of said needles with each band-like member being selectively engageable with an oscillatory shaft by which each of the needles is driven when selected. Two-color carpets or bedspreads are produced by threading one series of needles with one color yarn and the other series of needles with a second color of yarn.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for feeding yarn to needles of a conventional tufting machine in which the yarn is controlled to permit the feeding of at least two different lengths per needle to produce pile tufts of varying heights. A series of yarn pullers and clamps are utilized to draw and meter the yarn from the creel. Different pullers are utilized to provide the varying pile heights. The pullers or plungers may be driven by band-like members which are engageable upon selection with a continuously oscillating shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting oscillatory motion to reciprocating motion featuring the use of thin, non-permanently deformable band-like members confined to a linear track so as to be reciprocable when one end of the band-like member is engaged by an oscillatory shaft. The other end of the band-like member may be secured to a work element used for exerting force against a work object. Selection means may be employed in apparatus having a plurality of band-like members in which each of the members can be selectively induced into engagement with a shaft or other oscillatory means to control the work elements as desired.

Abstract: A tufting machine having multi-color selection capability in which an improved selection means enables the selection of one of a plurality of yarns which upon selection is pneumatically transported to a tufting station where a bit-length of yarn is severed and tufted to a backing layer. The selection process comprises individual selection band-like members which, upon selection by solenoid means, engage with an oscillating shaft from which said band-like members extend tangentially. The band-like members are connected to elements which are used to engage yarn and which feed, meter and pull back such yarn when they are driven by the oscillatory shaft.

Abstract: A tufting machine having: means for metering predetermined lengths of yarn, including a rotatable yarn feed with substantially accurate improved drive and braking means; pneumatic yarn transport means, including selective control of gas flow, for transporting selected metered lengths of yarn to a tufting station for severance into yarn bits and implantations into a backing; and retraction means for retracting, with minimum yarn deformation, yarn not selected for severance and implantation.

Abstract: A yarn control and feeding apparatus for use with tufting machines and similar apparatus wherein yarn, normally precut, is tufted into a backing layer. A pulsing-type solenoid actuator is utilized to selectively control yarn metering and feeding functions carried out by a rotatable yarn feed wheel and to further control pneumatic yarn transport means including advancing and retracting yarn during various stages of the tufting cycle.

Abstract: A yarn control and feeding apparatus for use with tufting machines and similar apparatus wherein yarn, normally precut, is tufted into a backing layer. A pulsing-type solenoid actuator is utilized to selectively control yarn metering and feeding functions carried out by a rotatable yarn feed wheel and to further control pneumatic yarn transport means including advancing and retracting yarn during various stages of the tufting cycle.