Abstract: A hook (5) for a tufting machine to provide an enhanced J-cut effect. The hook comprises a shank portion (12) via which the hook is connected to the tufting machine, in use, and a working portion (4) extending from the shank portion. The working portion (4) comprises a cutting edge (6) on one side of a lower face of the working portion. A J-cut forming portion is formed at the working portion (4), in that the working portion in the region above the cutting edge has a greater thickness than the thickness of the shank portion (12).

Abstract: A tufting machine and method for operating a tufting machine operating a needle selection mechanism based on pattern data by selecting a needle with yarn required for the pattern such that the selected needle is driven by a needle bar through the backing medium, to form a tuft while a needle that is not required for the pattern is not selected by the needle selection mechanism. Yarn is fed via a yarn feed mechanism comprising a plurality of actively driven yarn drives each driving a respective yarn to a respective needle, the yarn drives being at a location between a yarn creel and the needle. The method being characterised by operating the yarn feed mechanism to deliver at least 70% of the yarn required for a tuft as the needle moves from top dead center to bottom dead center.

Abstract: A presser foot module (50) for a tufting machine. The module has a module body (13) for attachment to a tufting machine and the plurality of fingers (12) extending from the body in a first direction which, in use, is opposite to the direction in which the backing medium (1) is fed through the tufting machine. The module body (13) has a downwardly depending lip (53) defining a presser surface (53A) extending across an end of the body which is adjacent to the interface with the fingers (12). Each finger (12) has an unsupported end opposite to the module body (13) so as to provide access to an open gap between adjacent fingers in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A pattern data processing system configured to determine and compensate for any points of entanglement between different yarns. A point of entanglement is defined as a point where the yarn from one needle crosses and traps the yarn from another needle on the back face of the backing medium. The pattern data processing system is configured to calculate the additional length of back stich caused by each point of entanglement by subtracting an ideal back stich length, calculated as the path which would have been taken by the yarn had it not been entangled in another yarn, from an actual yarn path, calculated as the actual length of the entangled yarn. A controller is configured to include in the amount of yarn fed by a respective yarn feed mechanism for each stitch an amount equivalent to the additional length of back stitch. The invention also includes a tufting machine and method of operating the tufting machine with the pattern data processing system.

Abstract: A hook (5) for a tufting machine to provide an enhanced J-cut effect. The hook comprises a shank portion (12) via which the hook is connected to the tufting machine, in use, and a working portion (4) extending from the shank portion. The working portion (4) comprises a cutting edge (6) on one side of a lower face of the working portion. A J-cut forming portion is formed at the working portion (4), in that the working portion in the region above the cutting edge has a greater thickness than the thickness of the shank portion (12).

Abstract: A pattern data processing system configured to determine and compensate for any points of entanglement between different yarns. A point of entanglement is defined as a point where the yarn from one needle crosses and traps the yarn from another needle on the back face of the backing medium. The pattern data processing system is configured to calculate the additional length of back stich caused by each point of entanglement by subtracting an ideal back stich length, calculated as the path which would have been taken by the yarn had it not been entangled in another yarn, from an actual yarn path, calculated as the actual length of the entangled yarn. A controller is configured to include in the amount of yarn fed by a respective yarn feed mechanism for each stitch an amount equivalent to the additional length of back stitch. The invention also includes a tufting machine and method of operating the tufting machine with the pattern data processing system.

Abstract: A tufting machine (1) and method for operating a tufting machine operating a needle selection mechanism based on pattern data by selecting a needle (10) with yarn (4) required for the pattern such that the selected needle is driven by a needle bar (11) through the backing medium (7), to form a tuft while a needle that is not required for the pattern is not selected by the needle selection mechanism. Yarn is fed via a yarn feed mechanism (2) comprising a plurality of actively driven yarn drives each driving a respective yarn to a respective needle, the yarn drives being at a location between a yarn creel and the needle. The method being characterised by operating the yarn feed mechanism (2) to deliver at least 70% of the yarn required for a tuft as the needle (11) moves from top dead centre to bottom dead centre.

Abstract: A tufting machine for creating cut pile carpet with two different pile heights. A knife (20) associated with a respective hook assembly (1), and is reciprocally mounted and inclined with respect thereto. Each hook assembly has upper (6) and lower (7) hooks each having a cutting edge (8, 9) at the lower edge and means (10) for selectively directing the yarn onto one of the upper and lower hooks. The knives (20) each have a single cutting edge (21) arranged to co-operate with both the upper (6) and lower (7) hooks to cut each loop of yarn seized by a respective hook assembly with a scissor action. Relief (22) is provided between the knife and the lower hook allowing the knife to clear the lower hook (7) when the knife cutting edge (21) approaches the upper hook cutting edge (8).

Abstract: A tufting machine for creating cut pile carpet with two different pile heights. A knife (20) associated with a respective hook assembly (1), and is reciprocally mounted and inclined with respect thereto. Each hook assembly has upper (6) and lower (7) hooks each having a cutting edge (8, 9) at the lower edge and means (10) for selectively directing the yarn onto one of the upper and lower hooks. The knives (20) each have a single cutting edge (21) arranged to co- operate with both the upper (6) and lower (7) hooks to cut each loop of yarn seized by a respective hook assembly with a scissor action. Relief (22) is provided between the knife and the lower hook allowing the knife to clear the lower hook (7) when the knife cutting edge (21) approaches the upper hook cutting edge (8).