Abstract: A method for determining an edge profile of a custom decorative article to be installed in an installation area is disclosed, the installation area having a perimeter having a plurality of corners. A computing device receives data indicative of a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area. Based on at least first, second, and third coordinates respectively corresponding to first, second, and third corners of the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area, the computing device determines dimensional and/or geometric characteristics of a pair of opposed portions of the edge profile that, in an installed position, are configured to meet to form a corner of the custom decorative article when installed at the second corner of the perimeter of the installation area.

Abstract: An article can comprise a backing and a plurality of yarns tufted, knitted, or woven through the backing, each yarn defining at least one aesthetic characteristic. The at least one aesthetic characteristic can comprise luster, color, size, physical attribute associated with material type, or texture. At least one yarn of the plurality of yarns can comprise an engineered yarn structure having a first yarn section and a second yarn section. The engineered yarn structure can comprise a transition junction comprises commingled portions of the first and second yarn sections. The transition junction can have a length of less than 1 millimeter. The first section can have a first type of a first aesthetic characteristic of the at least one aesthetic characteristic, and the second section can have a second type of the first aesthetic characteristic that is different from the first type.

Abstract: An apparatus for servicing a twisting machine. The apparatus includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a robotic arm having an end effector coupled to the AGV, and a rack carried by the AGV. The rack is configured to hold a plurality of empty tubes and a plurality of yarn packages. A controller that is configured to cause the robotic arm to grip, by the end effector, a handle of a row of the twisting machine, lower a receptacle of the twisting machine to a loading position, remove an empty tube from a first receptacle of the at least one receptacle, place the empty tube on the rack, lift a yarn package from the rack, place the yarn package on the first receptacle, grip the handle of the row of the plurality of rows of the twisting machine, and raise the at least one receptacle to the operational position.

Abstract: A system has at least one winder configured to wind yarn to form a yarn package. At least one sampling and tying machine is configured to remove a portion of the yarn of the yarn package and tie off a free end of the yarn around the yarn package to inhibit the yarn package from unwinding. A dunnage supply area has therein at least one support structure for receiving a plurality of yarn packages thereon. A robotic arm is configured to: move the yarn package from the at least one winder to the at least one sampling and tying machine; move the yarn package from the at least one sampling and tying machine to at least one case assembly area; and stack the yarn package on a support structure in the at least one case assembly area.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel technique for creating bevels along the edges of flooring planks having a hard and rigid core layer, preferably comprising a magnesium-based cement or other type of curable binder material. The disclosed embodiments use the inherent time it takes for a cement binder in the core layer to harden and cure to concurrently shape bevels along one or more edges of the rigid core layer for one or more flooring planks.

Abstract: A system for transporting fiber ends can comprise a fiber supply assembly that supplies fiber along a first axis. A plurality of eyeboards can be positioned along the first axis. Each eyeboard can define a plurality of openings therethrough. Each opening of the plurality of openings can be configured to receive therethrough a fiber from the fiber supply assembly. A track can extend along the first axis. The track can pass proximate to each eyeboard of the at least one eyeboard. A carriage can be movable along the track. The carriage can define at least one fiber attachment element. An actuator can be configured to move the carriage along the track.

Abstract: A decorative article comprising a base and a top layer disposed thereon. The base may comprise a first surface, a second surface opposite the first, a side surface disposed between the first and second surfaces, and angled surfaces along at least two of the edges of the first surface. The angled surfaces extend from the first surface and towards the second surface. Each angled surface may comprise at least one of a curved portion and a linear portion extending from the curved portion. The base can include a male connector portion extending from one side surface and a female connector portion formed in the opposing side surface, wherein the male and female connector portions are configured to interconnect. The top layer may comprise a décor layer that further comprises a sub layer, an ink layer, and a wear layer disposed above the ink layer.

Abstract: A decorative article comprising a base and a top layer disposed thereon. The base may comprise a first surface, a second surface opposite the first, a side surface disposed between the first and second surfaces, and angled surfaces along at least two of the edges of the first surface. The angled surfaces extend from the first surface and towards the second surface. Each angled surface may comprise at least one of a curved portion and a linear portion extending from the curved portion. The base can include a male connector portion extending from one side surface and a female connector portion formed in the opposing side surface, wherein the male and female connector portions are configured to interconnect. The top layer may comprise a decor layer that further comprises a sub layer, an ink layer, and a wear layer disposed above the ink layer.

Abstract: A surface covering element can have a rigid core. The rigid core can include at least one densified fiber batt. The rigid core can have a first surface and an opposed second surface that are spaced apart along a first axis. The rigid core can have a plurality of edges that define a periphery of the rigid core. The plurality of edges can include at least a first edge and an opposed second edge that are spaced along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The first edge can include a tongue, and the second edge can define a groove.

Abstract: Waterproof engineered floor and wall planks have a veneer layer bonded with a plastic composite core, and an underlayer, preferably an underlayer of cork.

Abstract: System and method for producing resilient planks are described. A die punch press is provided to receive and die punch resilient slabs into planks. Die punching the resilient slabs into plural planks can sometimes create a deformity on at least one bottom edge of the plank. The planks are then automatically conveyed from the die punch press to a shaping tool. The shaping tool receives individual planks and forms at least one bevel in the respective plank removing the deformity. The planks can then be stacked and prepared for shipping.

Abstract: A method for determining an edge profile of a custom decorative article to be installed in an installation area is disclosed, the installation area having a perimeter having a plurality of corners. A computing device receives data indicative of a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area. Based on at least first, second, and third coordinates respectively corresponding to first, second, and third corners of the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area, the computing device determines dimensional and/or geometric characteristics of a pair of opposed portions of the edge profile that, in an installed position, are configured to meet to form a corner of the custom decorative article when installed at the second corner of the perimeter of the installation area.

Abstract: A method for determining an edge profile of a custom decorative article to be installed in an installation area is disclosed, the installation area having a perimeter having a plurality of corners. A computing device receives data indicative of a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area. Based on at least first, second, and third coordinates respectively corresponding to first, second, and third corners of the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area, the computing device determines dimensional and/or geometric characteristics of a pair of opposed portions of the edge profile that, in an installed position, are configured to meet to form a corner of the custom decorative article when installed at the second corner of the perimeter of the installation area.

Abstract: Waterproof engineered floor and wall planks have a veneer layer bonded with a plastic composite core, and an underlayer, preferably an underlayer of cork.

Abstract: A method for determining an edge profile of a custom decorative article to be installed in an installation area is disclosed, the installation area having a perimeter having a plurality of corners. A computing device receives data indicative of a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area. Based on at least first, second, and third coordinates respectively corresponding to first, second, and third corners of the plurality of corners of the perimeter of the installation area, the computing device determines dimensional and/or geometric characteristics of a pair of opposed portions of the edge profile that, in an installed position, are configured to meet to form a corner of the custom decorative article when installed at the second corner of the perimeter of the installation area.

Abstract: A decorative article comprising a base and a top layer disposed thereon. The base may comprise a first surface, a second surface opposite the first, a side surface disposed between the first and second surfaces, and angled surfaces along at least two of the edges of the first surface. The angled surfaces extend from the first surface and towards the second surface. Each angled surface may comprise at least one of a curved portion and a linear portion extending from the curved portion. The base can include a male connector portion extending from one side surface and a female connector portion formed in the opposing side surface, wherein the male and female connector portions are configured to interconnect. The top layer may comprise a decor layer that further comprises a sub layer, an ink layer, and a wear layer disposed above the ink layer.

Abstract: A roller assembly having a central axis can comprise a roller having an outer surface and defining an inner bore. The apparatus can further comprise a bushing comprising a sleeve having an outer surface and defining an inner bore. The inner bore of the sleeve can have an operative circumference. The sleeve comprises a bladder that is configured to expand radially upon receipt of a fluid to reduce the operative circumference of the inner bore. The bushing can further comprise a flange extending radially outwardly from the sleeve. The flange defines a vessel containing fluid therein. The vessel is in fluid communication with the bladder of the sleeve. The bushing comprises an actuator that is configured to cause the fluid from the vessel of the flange to flow into the bladder of the sleeve. An alignment feature can be configured to rotationally position the roller relative to the bushing.

Abstract: A surfacing product (e.g., flooring element) can be elongate along a longitudinal axis. The surfacing product can have a core having a first surface and an opposed second surface that are spaced along a thickness axis. A veneer can be coupled to the first surface of the core. The veneer can have a first veneer segment that is elongate along the longitudinal axis, a second veneer segment that is elongate along the longitudinal axis, and an insert segment positioned between the first veneer segment and the second veneer segment along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A flooring panel sample module and method of manufacturing the same. The module provides superior construction integrity without relying on the unpredictable performance of glue.