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: The present invention provides alternative scroll-type yarn feed attachments for tufting machines characterized by independent servo-motor control of sets of yarn feed rolls, and a software design system to facilitate use of the attachment to produce novel patterns and photo images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double end yarn drive pattern attachment for tufting machines characterized by independent servo-motor control of yarn feed rolls capable of increased torque to carry multiple yarn ends on a single feed roll, thereby economically retaining many advantages of a single end pattern attachment. The improved attachment utilizes an intermediate gear to provide a relatively high torque drive adaptable between single and plural yarn pattern attachments.

Abstract: A tufting machine that includes spaced rows of needles of inserting yarns into a backing material. The needles are engaged by opposed loopers and cut pile hooks that pass between one another so as to engage the opposite row of needles for forming cut pile and loop pile tufts of yarn in the backing material.

Abstract: A brush-type embroidery process, including the steps of placing a first layer of raised filler and a second layer of raised filler, which are made of EVA or foam sheet materials of the like, on a base fabric with the layer of raised fillers covering an area larger than that of the integral pattern to be embroidered; embroidering by a computerized embroidering machine through the first and second layer of raised fillers to the base fabric to present a specifically designed pattern; cutting off the threads in the crevice in-between the first and second layer of raised fillers; and taking away the remaining second layer of raised filler such that the surface stub threads will form a brush-type embroidery due to the second layer's being removed by force and the surface stub threads' being concomitantly combed by the second layer of raised filler to give the appearance of erect brush bristles.

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 bow and skew reduction control system and method is disclosed. In a tufting machine, an elongate bow roll is positioned intermediate a supply of a backing material to be tufted and a cloth feed roll positioned upstream of a needle bar. The backing material is passed at least partially about the bow roll and is passed over the cloth feed roll and into a tufting zone positioned with respect to the needle bar. The bow roll is provided with an actuator operably coupled to a controller. The roll of backing material is supported at its respective ends by a pair of jack assemblies, the jack assemblies being constructed and arranged for independent operation, and for raising and lowering, respectively, the ends of the roll of backing material as instructed by the controller. At least one, or a plurality, of spaced weft yarn markers are formed or otherwise disposed on the backing material and are parallel with the weft yarns thereof.

Abstract: A bow and skew reduction control system and method is disclosed. In a tufting machine, an elongate bow roll is positioned intermediate a supply of a backing material to be tufted and a cloth feed roll positioned upstream of a needle bar. The backing material is passed at least partially about the bow roll and is passed over the cloth feed roll and into a tufting zone positioned with respect to the needle bar. The bow roll is provided with an actuator operably coupled to a controller. The roll of backing material is supported at its respective ends by a pair of jack assemblies, the jack assemblies being constructed and arranged for independent operation, and for raising and lowering, respectively, the ends of the roll of backing material as instructed by the controller. At least one, or a plurality, of spaced weft yarn markers are formed or otherwise disposed on the backing material and are parallel with the weft yarns thereof.

Abstract: A patterned cloth is made by which a pattern is formed on a surface of a work cloth by passing a thread through the work cloth a number of times and forming a plurality of free loops on the reverse side of the work cloth. A double-sided adhesive tape is provided to fix the free loops on the reverse side of the work cloth. The work cloth has an elastic film member, the elastic film member allowing the free loops to be retained on the reverse side of the work cloth.

Abstract: A yarn feed roller assembly for a tufting machine for producing multiple pile heights. The assembly comprises at least two rollers 5,6 driven at different speeds and a plurality of actuators 9, 14, 15 each arranged to bring an end of yarn selectively into driving engagement with either drive roller. The actuator may be switched between the drive rollers at a point during the needle stroke thereby varying the proportion of the stroke spent in contact with one or other drive roller, and hence varying the pile height.

Abstract: The present invention provides alternative scroll-type yarn feed attachments for tufting machines characterized by independent servo-motor control of sets of yarn feed rolls, and a software design system to facilitate use of the attachment to produce novel patterns and photo images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double end yarn drive pattern attachment for tufting machines characterized by independent servo-motor control of yarn feed rolls capable of increased torque to carry multiple yarn ends on a single feed roll, thereby economically retaining many advantages of a single end pattern attachment.

Abstract: A stitched pile surface structure and a process and apparatus for producing and finishing the same is disclosed. The stitched pile surface structure includes a backing having a thickness T. A plurality of parallel lines of stitches extends longitudinally along the backing. Each stitch has a predetermined stitch length dimension S. A plurality of rows of pile elements (either as loop pile or cut pile) is formed from one or more pile yarn(s) having an effective predetermined yarn diameter D. The total weight of the yarn used to form the pile loop elements is G grams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single end scroll-type yarn feed attachment for tufting machines characterized by an array of single end yarn drives operated by servo motor controllers, and methods of using such an attachment to create and tuft new carpet patterns.

Abstract: A tufting machine has a yarn feed roller assembly with a plurality of rotatable driver rollers driven at different speeds and a plurality of actuators in the form of a pivotable arm having in one embodiment a pair of yarn feed reels one of which is arranged to selectively press yarn into engagement with one of the drive rollers and the other arranged to selectively press yarn into engagement with another drive roller. Yarn is engaged by each actuator and a selected drive roller for a period of time determined by a pattern. The longer the actuator engages the high speed roller during the stroke of a tufting machine needle the greater will be the pile height of the tufts produced and alternatively the longer the actuator engages the lower speed roller during the needle stroke the lower will be the pile height. Pile height variations between a high pile and a low pile may be obtained by controlling the proportion of time during the stroke that the yarn engages with the high and low speed rollers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single end scroll-type yarn feed attachment for tufting machines characterized by independent servo-motor control of yarn feed rolls while eliminating tube banks typical of tufting machine feed attachments to produce new tufted carpet designs.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing pattern tufted goods, such as pattern tufted carpet, produces cut and loop pattern carpet using independent yarn colored pattern and cutting pattern process controllers, colored pattern carpet having differential pile heights, and colored pattern carpet with tight or loose tufts. In addition, an apparatus for making color patterned tufted carpet has a yarn cutting system which more reliably cuts yarn when cut tufts are desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scroll-type yarn feed attachment for tufting machines characterized by independent servo-motor control of sets of yarn feed rolls, an improved tube bank, and a software design system to facilitate use of the attachment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sewing and cutting layered cloth wherein a sewing guide formed of at least semi-rigid, compliant material is used to guide the stitching of parallel lines to create channels within which the sewing guide is placed to act as a cutting mat when cutting the layers of fabric above the sewing guide, such as with a rotary cutting tool.