Abstract: A single or multiple needle bar tufting machine is provided with loop forming fingers above the substrate or base fabric and by laterally shifting the needles during tufting, rows of loop stitches are formed over the loop forming fingers on the face of the substrate and rows of pile loops are formed on the back side. Methods are disclosed for utilizing this machine in connection with yarn feed pattern control devices, pattern control needle bar positioners, a controllable fabric feed, to create a variety of novel fabrics and fabrics simulating patterns heretofore only made on looms and knitting machines. The resulting fabrics offer many advantages including lower stitch rates, better substrate coverage, less resistance to sliding traffic, increased abrasion resistance, and improved draping characteristics.

Abstract: A tufting machine in which a driveshaft is connected by a stroke adjustment means to a rocker shaft for reciprocally driving push rods connected to the needlebar, wherein the driveshaft is located relatively above the rocker shaft and positioned centrally in a high speed head whereby the tufting machine operates in excess or 1,200 rpm.