Abstract: An improved tufting machine for forming loop or cut pile tufts in a backing material from at least one continuous strand of yarn. The machine includes a hollow, channel-like needle reciprocally inserted through a backing material followed by a plunger which pushes a length of yarn through the opening provided by the needle. A cutting blade may be slidingly supported between the needle and plunger and reciprocated outwardly to cut the formed loop. The machine may be adjusted to leave the formed loops uncut or to change the height of the loop or cut pile tufts. The needle, plunger and cutting blade are separately reciprocated by rotating cranks. Yarn holding mechanisms are provided on both sides of the needle to insure that the loops or cut pile are formed to a precise, even height across the backing.

Abstract: A tufting machine for forming loop or cut pile tufts in a backing material from at least one continuous strand of yarn. A hollow channel-like needle having a yarn entrance opening is reciprocally inserted through the backing material after which a plunger having a rounded end pushes a length of yarn through the opening in the backing while pulling yarn through the needle and needle opening. A cutting blade, slidingly supported between the needle and plunger, is then reciprocated outwardly to cut the formed loop. The machine may be adjusted to leave the formed loops uncut and/or to change the height of the loop or cut pile tufts. The needle, cutting blade and plunger are rigidly mounted on slide bars slidably mounted on the exterior of a rigid, rectangular cross-section, support arm and are reciprocally driven in timed relationship by an electric motor and pivot crank arrangement.