Abstract: An individual yarn feeding apparatus (10) for compensating for variations in the feed rate of individual yarn threads due to the lateral shifting of needle bars in various selected pile heights between tufts. The individual yarn feeding apparatus (10) is positioned between the yarn beam and the needle bar of a conventional tufting machine. The apparatus (10) includes a support arm (12) carried by the tufting machine, at least one thread guide (14) disposed proximate a first end (16) of the support arm (12), and at least one feed rate control device (20) received on the support arm (12). The thread guide (14) separates the individual yarn threads as they pass from the yarn beam, through the apparatus (10) and to the needle bar. The feed rate control device (20) enables the definition of an accent yarn feed path (22) and a base yarn feed path (24).

Abstract: A tangential drive needle bar shifter for tufting machines. The tangential drive needle bar shifter includes a computer system for creating and storing selected carpet patterns and for controlling the operation of at least one motor which drives the needle bar. The motor includes an output shaft which rotates through a selected degree of rotation in a selected direction. At least one belt is driven by the rotation of the shaft to create lateral displacement of an engagement device is secured thereto. Displacement of the engagement device ultimately creates a shift of the needle bar. As the motor is actuated, the needle bar is shifted a distance proportional to the degree of rotation of the output shaft. A position locking mechanism, or indexer, is provided for preventing the needle bar from shifting farther then required and thus preventing the needles from colliding with the corresponding hooks.