Abstract: A method of controlling the feeding of the backing material moving through a tufting machine in order to produce tufted articles such as carpets having a woven look or appearance. The backing material is indexed forwardly along its path of travel through the tufting machine by at least the stitch length for each stitch in a stitch cycle of the programmed pattern. At a desired point in the stitch cycle, the backing material can be indexed forwardly by a greater distance approximately equal to the program stitch length and a calculated jump distance to achieve a desired pattern effect.

Abstract: A system for forming multiple patterned, tufted articles, includes a tufting machine having a series of distinct machine sections each adapted to form a desired patterned, tufted articles and each operable independently of the other machine sections. A system control can be programmed with pattern parameters for each of the patterned tufted articles to be formed, and will control the machine sections to form each of the patterned tufted articles.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the yarn feed for a tufting machine to form tufted patterns having different pattern fields or areas. Predetermined yarn feed amounts can be input for one or more selected yarn feed zones of selected stitches of the pattern to enable different pile heights and/or different tufts of yarns to be formed in the different pattern zones. A yarn feed device for the tufting machine will be controlled to selectively feed varying amounts of yarns for each of the yarn feed zones of the selected stitches of the pattern.

Abstract: A tufting machine control system for controlling the tension applied to a backing material as it enters the tufting zone of the tufting machine, including a pair of driven backing feed rolls for feeding the backing material. The drive motors for the backing feed rolls are monitored by the control system and are adjusted to control the amount of tension applied to the backing material as it enters the tufting zone of the tufting machine.

Abstract: A tufting machine and a method of controlling a tufting machine for forming cut and loop pile tufts of yarns in a backing material that includes a hook assembly having a series of hooks/loopers and a series of clips independently moveable between extended and retracted positions. The movement of the clips between their extended and retracted positions is selectively activated to cause transitions from cut pile tufts to loop pile tufts and loop pile tufts to cut pile tufts according to programmed pattern information.

Abstract: A tufting machine control system for controlling the tension applied to a backing material as it enters the tufting zone of the tufting machine, including a pair of driven backing feed rolls for feeding the backing material. The drive motors for the backing feed rolls are monitored by the control system and are adjusted to control the amount of tension applied to the backing material as it enters the tufting zone of the tufting machine.

Abstract: A yarn feed system, enabling the control of individual yarns to the needles of a tufting machine, and which system can be manufactured as a substantially standardized unit or attachment that can be removably mounted to a tufting machine. The yarn feed unit includes a series of yarn feed devices for feeding each of the yarns to the needles of the tufting machine, and a series of yarn feed controllers that monitor and control the operation of the yarn feed devices to control the feeding of the yarns to the needles according to programmed pattern instructions.

Abstract: A yarn feed system, enabling the control of individual yarns to the needles of a tufting machine, and which system can be manufactured as a substantially standardized unit or attachment that can be removably mounted to a tufting machine. The yarn feed unit includes a series of yarn feed devices for feeding each of the yarns to the needles of the tufting machine, and a series of yarn feed controllers that monitor and control the operation of the yarn feed devices to control the feeding of the yarns to the needles according to programmed pattern instructions.

Abstract: A yarn feed system, enabling the control of individual yarns to the needles of a tufting machine, and which system can be manufactured as a substantially standardized unit or attachment that can be removably mounted to a tufting machine. The yarn feed unit includes a series of yarn feed devices for feeding each of the yarns to the needles of the tufting machine, and a series of yarn feed controllers that monitor and control the operation of the yarn feed devices to control the feeding of the yarns to the needles according to programmed pattern instructions.

Abstract: An improved tufting machine with a precision drive system for laterally shifting the reciprocating needle bars of the tufting machine across a tufting zone in which tufts of yarn are made in a backing material advanced through the machine beneath the needle bars is disclosed. The precision drive system includes the use of inverse roller screw actuators which may be adapted for driving the several moving components of the tufting machine, to include not only the shifting of the needle bars, but also can be used to reciprocate the needle bars toward and away from the tufting zone, rock the loopers and or knives of the machine, and to shift the backing material in which the tufts of yarn are made as it advances through the tufting machine.

Abstract: A tufting machine has a bedrail which is raised and lowered by a motor controlled by a computer. The computer also controls the yarn feed motor and the backing material motor. A sensor detects the height of the bedrail and provides a feedback to the computer. In a process of raising the bedrail alternately a prescribed excess of yarns are fed to the needles as the machine is operated and then the bedrail is raised by an increment of the total amount by which the bedrail is raised. Brakes automatically operate to arrest movement of the bedrail when its motor is not operating.