Abstract: A substantially annular ring having a bore sufficiently large to engage each of two oscillatory shafts, the ring having a radial slot through to the bore and a circumferential slot through to the bore running from the radial slot to a point on the ring opposite the radial slot, thereby forming two semi-annular, rigid spring arms, each having one free end, a tapered key secured in a transverse slot on the inner surface of the central portion of each of the spring arms, the keys engaging tapered keyseats on the ends of each of the shafts, and means for detachably clamping the free ends of each of the spring arms to the ring across the radial slot, thereby independently locking each of the shafts into the coupling.In an alternative embodiment, the annular ring has a second radial slot through to the bore at the point on the ring opposite the other radial slot, forming the spring arms into completely detachable coupling segments.

Abstract: A substantially lightweight tufting needle bar and needle bar assembly of improved construction comprising preferably a hollow needle bar including a needle bar insert pin plate or base type portion having vertical bores for receiving needles. Horizontal bores intersect with the vertical bores to permit the insertion of roll pins which secure and lock the needles in place. The needles are horizontally grooved to enable precise securement by the roll pins. In the hollow needle bar embodiment, the outer channel of the needle bar is kept thin to provide an extremely light weight construction.

Abstract: A yarn adjuster positioned adjacent tufting needles in a tufting machine for engaging yarn in close proximity to the tufting needles and moving it a predetermined distance to thereby control the length of the yarn on each side of the needles which controls evenness of tufts particularly when dual tufting needles are utilized to tuft U-shaped tufts. The yarn adjuster may be driven by an improved coupler point drive featuring long dwell and fast rise.

Abstract: A cutter mechanism for use in a tufting machine or the like featuring a stationary blade having openings through which yarn strands project, the stationary blade being positioned in the path of travel of yarn strands from yarn creels to bit-applying elements with the cutter mechanism further featuring a series of reciprocable blades which are biased against the stationary blade whereupon reciprocation the reciprocable blades will pass over the openings and because of their biasing effect, penetrate the plane of the stationary blade passing into the openings thereby severing the yarn strands.

Abstract: Yarn clamping means for clamping tufting yarn featuring shield means secured to said yarn clamp which is cooperatively associated with the tufting needle means to prevent impalement of the yarn by the tufting needles.

Abstract: A tufting machine malfunction detection device comprising a laser detection system adapted to monitor for the existence of yarn within a chamber adjacent the needle station with detection indicating the presence of a malfunction.

Abstract: A double select needle tufting machine or the like utilizing a driving and selecting means comprising band-like members attached to each of said needles with each band-like member being selectively engageable with an oscillatory shaft by which each of the needles is driven when selected. Two-color carpets or bedspreads are produced by threading one series of needles with one color yarn and the other series of needles with a second color of yarn.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for feeding yarn to needles of a conventional tufting machine in which the yarn is controlled to permit the feeding of at least two different lengths per needle to produce pile tufts of varying heights. A series of yarn pullers and clamps are utilized to draw and meter the yarn from the creel. Different pullers are utilized to provide the varying pile heights. The pullers or plungers may be driven by band-like members which are engageable upon selection with a continuously oscillating shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting oscillatory motion to reciprocating motion featuring the use of thin, non-permanently deformable band-like members confined to a linear track so as to be reciprocable when one end of the band-like member is engaged by an oscillatory shaft. The other end of the band-like member may be secured to a work element used for exerting force against a work object. Selection means may be employed in apparatus having a plurality of band-like members in which each of the members can be selectively induced into engagement with a shaft or other oscillatory means to control the work elements as desired.

Abstract: A tufting machine having multi-color selection capability in which an improved selection means enables the selection of one of a plurality of yarns which upon selection is pneumatically transported to a tufting station where a bit-length of yarn is severed and tufted to a backing layer. The selection process comprises individual selection band-like members which, upon selection by solenoid means, engage with an oscillating shaft from which said band-like members extend tangentially. The band-like members are connected to elements which are used to engage yarn and which feed, meter and pull back such yarn when they are driven by the oscillatory shaft.