Abstract: The present invention provides a method for use in a machine for placing a plurality of colors of threads into a backing web to form a desired pattern having (a) a plurality of thread placement tools for placing a selected thread color from a plurality of thread color supply sources into the backing web; (b) a control means responsive to an instruction set for carrying out sequential operations to produce a desired pattern; (c) means for accurately relatively positioning the thread placement tools relative to the backing web in response to commands from said control means and (d) means for selective placement of said thread colors into said backing web in response to commands from said control means, an improved method for placing said thread colors into said backing web to form said desired pattern comprising the steps of:supplying at least two thread colors to a first thread placement tool and supplying at least one color different from the colors supplied to the first thread placement tool to a second thre

Abstract: The present invention provides a tufting machine having a needle bar movable between at least two transverse locations in response to a control signal, a motor, a yarn supply, a backing cloth feed, a stitch drive, looper drive, yarn feed roller and all timed for moving the respective components at times in the stitch cycle when the needles are clear of the backing; the tufting machine operating to produce a series of stitches through the backing material by moving the needle bar to cause the needles to pierce the backing cloth and interact with the looper mechanism to produce a tufted fabric; and having a needle bar shifter comprising:a frame having a first end and a second end;a first belt attachment at the first end and a second belt attachment at the second end;a roller mounted between the first and second belt attachments;a belt attached to the first belt attachment looped around the roller and attached to the second belt attachment,a roller drive supplying rotational energy to the roller;whereby activati