Abstract: A self-aligning, self-contained, self-lubricating cartridge bearing assembly including a nonporous bearing member having a central bore sized to receive a rotatable shaft. The bearing member has an aperture extending radially from its central bore to its outer surface to receive a contractor made of fibrous material. The bearing member may be made of die cast aluminum alloy. The bearing member is held in a mounting member by two retainers. An oil-impregnated wicking material surrounds the bearing member and contactor. An oil slinger sized to fit on the rotatable shaft for rotation therewith is positioned adjacent to the bearing member to sling lubricant radially outward. End caps are provided which retain the oil-impregnated wicking material inside the bearing assembly. In some embodiments, the retainers are resilient spring elements which, by their resilience, hold the bearing member in a captive ball and socket configuration.

Abstract: A fail-safe thermostatically operated valve includes a temperature-responsive actuator for moving a valve element between a retracted position and an extended position. The valve includes a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member which are releasably connected to one another by a temperature-responsive release device which is responsive to a second predetermined temperature above the normal operating temperature of the valve. A spring arrangement provides return capability for the valve element and overtravel capability for the valve in the normal temperature operating range, and biasing force to move the valve element from the retracted to the extended position when the temperature-responsive release device operates. In one embodiment, the temperature-responsive release device includes a miniature wax-filled actuator in engagement with a mechanical linkage. In an alternate embodiment, the temperature-responsive release device comprises a heat fusible material.

Abstract: A self-aligning, self-contained, self-lubricating cartridge bearing assembly including a nonporous bearing member having a central bore sized to receive a rotatable shaft. The bearing member has an aperture extending radially from its central bore to its outer surface to receive a contactor made of fibrous material. The bearing member is made of aluminum alloy. The bearing member is held in a mounting member by two retainers. An oil-impregnated wicking material surrounds the bearing member and contactor. An oil slinger sized to fit on the rotatable shaft for rotation therewith is positioned adjacent to the bearing member to sling lubricant radially outward. End caps are provided which retain the oil-impregnated wicking material inside the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A method for forming a contactor adapted to transmit oil from a reservoir of oil-impregnated wicking material formed of a fluent mixture of oil and oil retaining particles to a bearing surface, includes the steps of filling a mold cavity of a predetermined size and shape with a charge of fibrous particles, compressing the particles to a density such that the spaces between the particles form a network of interconnected pores sized smaller than the interstices between the particles in the wicking material, and bonding the particles together to form a solid porous mass.

Abstract: The bearing assembly includes a bearing and a member mounted in the bearing and adapted for movement relative thereto. The bearing has a window therein and a contactor is positioned to substantially fill the window. There is a housing means for defining a chamber about the bearing and contactor, the contactor housing a portion projecting through the window to a position adjacent to the member and another portion in the chamber. An oil-impregnated wicking material substantially fills the chamber and is molded into intimate engagement with the portion of the contactor in the chamber. The oil-impregnated wicking material comprises a fluent mixture of oil and oil retaining particles.

Abstract: A conveying mechanism for a non-woven carpet machine which includes a pair of conveyor belts along each edge of the backing material for pulling the backing material from its roll and pushing it toward a portion of the machine where bonding material is applied to the backing material. Hot air from the curing oven can be directed against the backing material after the bonding material is applied thereto to make the bonding material tacky so that when yarn is embedded in the bonding material it will not easily be pulled out.A mechanism for advancing the backing material includes means for intermittently pulling the backing layers at a constant rate of speed through the well of the machine and oven and past the cutting mechanism, while a pin roller engages the backing material before the well. An adjustable torque controlled motor is connected to the pin roller so that a constant tension is maintained in the backing material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for moving a pair of elongated members to engage and fold a length of flexible material into a series of loops. The apparatus includes moving means for moving both elongated members simultaneously on each side of the flexible material along first predetermined paths and translating means for translating the movement of the portion of each elongated member that engages the flexible material from its first predetermined path to a second predetermined path so that the elongated members will alternately engage the flexible material and urge it back and forth to form the series of loops.

Abstract: The yarn folding mechanism includes a pair of wires extended across a plurality of strands of yarn between two opposing surfaces, the wires being connected at each end to a rotationally movable member capable of moving the wires along separate, concentric, orbital paths. The orbital movement at the ends of the wires is translated into linear movement where the wires engage and fold the yarn by a cam surface that engages and guides the wires along their separate linear paths. The wires are connected at their ends to a coil spring so that the length of the wire between the members can vary, all the time maintaining a minimum tension in the wires. Each member is rotated by a reversible stepping motor that is programmed to move its wire along a predetermined orbital path.

Abstract: A cutter for a non-woven carpet machine in the form of a continuous belt or band which is tensioned and moves continuously in one direction against advancing yarn strands. A sharpening mechanism can be provided to sharpen the blade while it is moving and without stopping the carpet making machine by moving the blade against the sharpening mechanism. A cooling unit can be provided for circulating cooling air against the carpet backing layers to harden adhesive in which the yarn is embedded.