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 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 lightweight tufting needle bar and needle bar assembly of improved construction comprising preferably a hollow needle bar including a needle bar insert pin plate or base type portion having vertical bores for receiving needles. Horizontal bores intersect with the vertical bores to permit the insertion of roll pins which secure and lock the needles in place. The needles are horizontally grooved to enable precise securement by the roll pins. In the hollow needle bar embodiment, the outer channel of the needle bar is kept thin to provide an extremely light weight construction.

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 cutter mechanism for use in a tufting machine or the like featuring a stationary blade having openings through which yarn strands project, the stationary blade being positioned in the path of travel of yarn strands from yarn creels to bit-applying elements with the cutter mechanism further featuring a series of reciprocable blades which are biased against the stationary blade whereupon reciprocation the reciprocable blades will pass over the openings and because of their biasing effect, penetrate the plane of the stationary blade passing into the openings thereby severing the yarn strands.

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: Improved haircutters which utilize a razor-like blade, said haircutters including a blade holder having a base blade support and a clamp member. The clamp member is positionable on a supported blade and includes a clamping lever which is engageable with a clamping pin-like member which may be projecting from said base blade support. In a preferred embodiment, the blade can be laterally adjusted to a series of hair cutting positions.

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: Hair cutters having a hair cutting blade laterally adjustable to selectable hair cutting positions within a cage of wire tines including substantial improvements in cage and frame construction. In one embodiment, the cage is longitudinally slidable relative to the blade carrier to provide access to the blade for replacement purposes while in a second embodiment, the blade and its retaining means are longitudinally slidable from within the cage.

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: Hair cutters having a hair cutting blade laterally adjustable to selectable hair cutting positions within a cage of wire tines including substantial improvements in cage and frame construction. In one embodiment, the cage is longitudinally slidable relative to the blade carrier to provide access to the blade for replacement purposes while in a second embodiment, the blade and its retaining means are longitudinally slidable from within the cage.

Abstract: A tufting machine having multi-color selection capability for each tufting cycle which utilizes pneumatic pressure, either positive or negative, or a combination of the two, to transfer the yarn or other tufting material to tufting elements. The system comprises yarn guide passageways having abutting sections which are relatively movable to create an opening through which a yarn severing means severs the yarn into selectively-sized bit lengths. The relative positions of the yarn severing means and the abutting sections of the passageways are adjustable to provide yarn bit lengths of selectable varying lengths. A combination bit applying element and clamp means is utilized to apply the yarn to an adhesive bit gripping surface on the backing layer. In the preferred embodiment, this application occurs before the yarn is severed and thus the yarn is effectively clamped at the time of severance.

Abstract: Tufting apparatus utilizing pneumatic means for transporting yarn strands including a threader tube assembly capable of delivering a plurality of yarn strands through multiple passageways to, and loading same, in tufting elements which apply bit-lengths of the strands into a backing layer.

Abstract: A tufting machine having multi-color selection capability for each tufting cycle which utilizes pneumatic pressure either positive or negative, or a combination of the two, to transfer the yarn or other tufting material to tufting elements, the yarn being severed before, during, or after threading, for subsequent placement into tufting relationship with a backing layer. The system comprises yarn guide passageways having abutting sections which are relatively movable to create an opening through which a yarn-severing means severs the yarn into selectively-sized bits. The relative positions of the yarn-severing means and the abutting sections of the passageways are adjustable to provide yarn bits of selected varying lengths. Clamping means may be used to clamp the yarn at the tufting needles until tufting occurs. After tufting the tufted yarn is moved away from the needle position to avoid entanglement by the succeeding motions of the tufting.

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.