System and method for pre-tensioning backing material
First Claim
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1. A method of pre-tensioning a backing material fed to a tufting machine for the insertion of yarns therein to form a tufted article comprising:
- feeding the backing material along the path of travel toward a tufting zone;
applying tension to pre-stretch the backing material prior to the backing material entering the tufting zone;
inserting yarns into the backing material as the backing material is passed through the tufting zone;
monitoring operation of a at least one backing feed roll motor and generating a monitored value;
comparing the monitored value to a control value; and
adjusting the operation of at least the at least one backing feed roll motor to compensate for differences between the monitored and control motor values to adjust the tension applied to the backing material as the backing material enters the tufting zone.
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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.
88 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of pre-tensioning a backing material fed to a tufting machine for the insertion of yarns therein to form a tufted article comprising:
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feeding the backing material along the path of travel toward a tufting zone; applying tension to pre-stretch the backing material prior to the backing material entering the tufting zone; inserting yarns into the backing material as the backing material is passed through the tufting zone; monitoring operation of a at least one backing feed roll motor and generating a monitored value; comparing the monitored value to a control value; and adjusting the operation of at least the at least one backing feed roll motor to compensate for differences between the monitored and control motor values to adjust the tension applied to the backing material as the backing material enters the tufting zone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of forming a tufted article, comprising:
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moving a backing material through a tufting machine with a series of backing feed rolls; stretching the backing material as the backing material enters the tufting machine; placing tufts of yarns into the backing material; monitoring at least one of the backing feed rolls feeding the backing material through the tufting machine to determine a monitored operating value; and adjusting operation of a motor driving at least one of the backing feed rolls to vary the amount of tension applied to the backing material to compensate for differences between the monitored operating value and a control value outside a desired range. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification