Patent ID: 7162964
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: D05C

Abstract:
1. A tufting needle assembly for use with a tufting machine, the tufting machine having a frame, at least one elongate and reciprocating needle bar supported on the frame and adapted for a lateral shifting motion with respect to the frame, comprising: a first gauge block adapted to be mounted on the at least one needle bar; a first series of gauge elements disposed on the gauge block, the gauge elements within said first series being spaced from one another along a first longitudinal axis extending in the lengthwise direction of the gauge block; a first series of in-line loopers of a predetermined tufting machine gauge positioned with respect to the at least one needle bar, and a means for aligning each respective gauge element of the first series of gauge elements with a respective one of the loopers of the first series of in-line loopers, wherein at least one gauge element within said first series is offset with respect to the first longitudinal axis and from adjacent ones of the gauge elements within said first series in the range of from about 0.005 to 0.100 inches.