Abstract: Implementationd disclosed herein describe a drive link systems for use in a tufting machine. The drive link systems include a goose-neck, a rocker arm, and three drive links that impart increased rigidity to the connection between the goose-neck and the rocker arm. The drive link systems are provided without a lubrication system. The rocker arm and the drive links are formed of light-weight material.

Abstract: A tile having a contrast pattern intermixed with a portion of a background pattern. The contrast pattern is positioned proximate a selected corner of the tile and has a contrast color different than the colors of the background pattern. Within a surface covering, the rotational position of the tile can be varied to thereby achieve a desired visual appearance with respect to the contrast patterns of adjacent tiles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making an acid dye stain-resistant nylon resin in a continuous multi stage polymerization process. The process provides an acid dye stain-resistant nylon resin of requisite molecular weight at high production rates and a high sulfur content. Also disclosed are fibers, yarns, and textiles comprising the acid dye stain-resistant nylon resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering having an embossed polyurethane foam backing layer and methods of making and using same. A bottom surface of the backing layer can be thermo-embossed with a predetermined pattern, and the bottom surface of the backing layer can define at least one fluid pathway in communication with a side edge of the floor covering. The floor covering can also have a layer of skid-resistant material connected to the bottom surface of the backing layer.

Abstract: A system and method for automated control and improvement of the consistency of yarn texture in a yarn system. The system and method are configured to monitor, improve and/or control the operating conditions of the yarn system. A plurality of sensors sense the operating conditions and send the sensed conditions to a processor. The processor monitoring the system can cause adjustments to the operating conditions to be made if a condition is outside of a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing spaced dyed yarn for use with tufted or pile carpet including applying one or more colors of dye to one or more yarns in a predetermined spaced relation to form a colorized yarn having a predetermined color pattern.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing spaced dyed yarn for use with tufted or pile carpet including applying one or more colors of dye to one or more yarns in a predetermined spaced relation to form a colorized yarn having a predetermined color pattern.

Abstract: An artificial turf filament has a cross-section that includes a body having a center juncture having a first width and a first and second wing member arranged in diverging orientation from the center juncture. Each wing member having a plurality of legs and a plurality of leg junctures positioned between respective legs of the plurality of legs. Moving from the center juncture to a distal end of each wing member, the minimal cross-sectional widths of the respective legs of the plurality of legs decrease and the maximal cross-sectional widths of the respective leg junctures of the plurality of leg junctures decrease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for a tufting machine configured for forming tufted carpet. The tufting machine can have a system controller in communication with the tufting machine and with a plurality of yarn feed controllers for controlling operation of yarn feed motors that are configured to supply yarn from a source of yarn to the tufting machine. The system controller is programmable to enable input of a plurality of predetermined yarn feed profiles for selected stitches of a programmed pattern to be tufted such that, although at least two of the predetermined yarn feed profiles can be different, substantially the same feed length of yarn is used from each of the plurality of yarns.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for manufacturing resilient floor coverings made from non-vinyl materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the reclaiming of carpet waste material. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for reclaiming carpet components such as yarn, tufting primary, binder, and secondary backing from post-industrial and post-consumer carpet waste in a substantially continuous flow process.

Abstract: An inductively coupled power system for use in a structure having at least one power emitter electrically coupled to an external electrical power source and at least one power receptor directly coupled to a load with direct electrical connections, which is configured to inductively couple to energy wirelessly resonating from the at least one power emitter and to convert the inductively received energy to a desired output energy configuration for supply to the load. The system can also include at least one passive power emitter that is configured to be inductively coupled to energy wirelessly resonating from the at least one power emitter or the at least one passive power emitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the reclaiming of carpet waste material. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for reclaiming carpet components such as yarn, tufting primary, binder, and secondary backing from post industrial and post consumer carpet waste in a substantially continuous flow process.

Abstract: A tape yarn, woven fabric or carpet backing produced from a polymeric film material formed from an impact copolymer and having increased toughness relative to films that are monoaxially-oriented at conventional temperatures.

Abstract: A modular tile assembly having a substantially rigid substrate, at least one sealant layer, and at least one stone, ceramic, or porcelain tile. A bottom surface of a first sealant layer being bonded to an upper surface of the substrate and a top surface of a second sealant layer being bonded to a lower surface of the substrate. The tile being bonded to at least a portion of the top surface of the first sealant layer. In one example, the substrate is provided with a tongue or a groove defined in any one, combination, or each of the respective side edges of the substrate, as desired.

Abstract: A monoaxially-oriented polymeric film material formed from an impact copolymer and having increased toughness relative to films that are monoaxially-oriented at conventional temperatures.

Abstract: Texturing apparatuses and methods are provided for forming a textured surface on a panel. An exemplary texturing apparatus has a bed and a mount having at least one cutting blade that can be configured to impart a cut to a top structural surface of the panel as the panel is moved along the bed. The bed is configured to receive the panel and can define one or more openings. The mount is operably positioned in the opening and can be articulated in one or more directions with respect to the plane of the bed.

Abstract: A monoaxially-oriented polymeric film material formed from an impact copolymer and having increased toughness relative to films that are monoaxially-oriented at conventional temperatures. A process for imparting high cross machine toughness to polymer films comprises forming a film; subjecting the film to monoaxial orientation, drawing the film; tempering the film, and annealing the film.

Abstract: Engineered tile panels incorporating a hard surface veneer formed from ceramic, glass, and stone layer affixed to the core or substrate which may be assembled gluelessly and which provide uniform grouting gaps upon assembly, is disclosed along with methods therefore.

Abstract: A tape yarn, woven fabric or carpet backing produced from a polymeric film material formed from an impact copolymer and having increased toughness relative to films that are monoaxially-oriented at conventional temperatures.