Abstract: A method of using an improved hollow needle tufting machine to make an artificial grass product includes features not present in prior art hollow needle tufting machines. Specifically, some embodiments have at least four inch long needles. Other embodiments have larger diameter feed rolls. Other embodiments have larger diameter guide tubes. Still other embodiments have a lowered backing support to provide an increased distance from the backing support to the needle bar.

Abstract: A gated looper apparatus has an array of individually mounted pressurizable air cylinders with piston rods acting in communication with looper gates. The air cylinders are designed to be responsive to pneumatic pressure to extend and retract the associated piston rods.

Abstract: A tufting machine is provided with two transverse rows of needles, one row being associated with transverse row of loopers and the other second row of needles being associated with a transverse row of gated hooks. Novel and low pile height tufted fabrics can be created with this configuration.

Abstract: A gated looper apparatus has an array of individually mounted pressurizable air cylinders with piston rods acting in communication with looper gates. The air cylinders are designed to be responsive to pneumatic pressure to extend and retract the associated piston rods.

Abstract: A tufting machine is provided with two transverse rows of needles, one row being associated with transverse row of loopers and the other second row of needles being associated with a transverse row of gated hooks. Novel and low pile height tufted fabrics can be created with this configuration.

Abstract: A pattern yarn feed device for use with a tufting machine in the manufacture of tufted articles includes at least one yarn feed roll assembly positioned on a frame of a tufting machine adjacent a yarn feed path. The yarn feed roll assembly has an elongate rotatable yarn feed roll having an exterior yarn driving periphery for engaging yarns thereon. A drive motor is provided for rotating the yarn feed roll. At least one yarn applying member, preferably a rotatable pinch roller, is provided as a part of the yarn feed roll assembly, and extends parallel to the yarn feed roll, and is orbitally moveable about the yarn feed roll.

Abstract: A yarn feed mechanism for use with a tufting machine is disclosed. The tufting machine has a needle bar with an aligned series of spaced tufting needles disposed thereon, each of which is supplied with yarn from a yarn supply for penetrating a backing material to sew tufts of yarn therein. The yarn feed mechanism includes a support framework mounted on the tufting machine adjacent a yarn feed path extending from the yarn supply to the needles of the tufting machine, with at least one yarn feed roll assembly mounted for rotation on the support framework. The yarn feed roll assembly further includes an elongate yarn feed roll having an exterior yarn driving periphery extending along a longitudinal axis parallel to the needle bar of the tufting machine, the yarn feed roll being rotated in timed relationship with the reciprocation of the needle bar.