Abstract: A method to remove and replace individual loopers in a cast module encompassing a plurality of loopers. The cast module is drilled to release the individual loopers and when replaced in the module a special fastener is located in the drilled area to hold the replaced loopers in place.

Abstract: A method to remove and replace individual loopers in a cast module encompassing a plurality of loopers. The cast module is drilled to release the individual loopers and when replaced in the module a special fastener is located in the drilled area to hold the replaced loopers in place.

Abstract: A tufting machine having a needle bar shifter apparatus including a follower member operatively connected to the needle bar and positioned within a guideway tiltable about both a lower pivot and an upper pivot. External force applied by positioner devices is selectively applied to pivot the top of the guideway about the lower pivot while the needle bar and follower member are in a lower position with a follower substantially aligned axially with the lower pivot, and to pivot the guideway about the upper pivot when the needle bar and follower member are in an upper position substantially aligned with the upper pivot point. The guideway is pivotably connected to control rods driven by the positioner devices. The momentum of the reciprocating needle bar provides a substantial amount of the force required for a lateral shift, and only small external force need be applied to the control rods.

Abstract: An oscillating wiper for a tufting machine has a bristle brush for sweeping loops shed by the looper away from the needle path and prevents the loops from springing back into the needle path thereby preventing sew-thru and tagging. The wiper is operatively carried by the knife shaft and oscillates therewith in timed relationship with the formation, seizing and shedding of the loops by the looper. The tufting machine disclosed is a level cut/loop machine in which the looper has a selectively pivotable gate member which opens to allow loops thereon to be cut by the knife and is selectively closed to shed loops to form uncut pile. The bristles of the wiper act on the uncut loops.

Abstract: A tufting machine has loop seizing hooks facing opposite to the direction of fabric feed and gate members mounted for closing the bill of the hooks to prevent the hook from seizing selective loops and for themselves seizing those loops. In one embodiment the gate members are pivotably mounted on the hooks. In another embodiment the gate members are slidable mounted adjacent to and rock with the hooks. Loops precluded from seizure by the hooks are shed by the gate as the hooks rock away from the loop seizing position and form uncut loop pile. Loops that are allowed to be seized by the hooks enter onto the blade portion of the hooks and are cut by a knife cooperating with each hook blade to form cut pile. The gate members are disclosed as moved by pnuematic cylinders operable by electrically controlled air valves. The air valves selectively respond to timed signals received from a pattern control.