Importance

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Abstract

An electronic computer control for a hydraulic actuator for shifting a needle bar to different transverse positions in a tufting machine. The computer control directs the hydraulic actuator to be driven in response to the predetermined stitch pattern information in the computer control circuit, which determines the amount of relative tansverse shifting of the needle bar for each stitch location, in such a manner that the needle bar is shifted transversely only a needle gauge, or a multiple needle gauge, at a time and only while the needles are out of the backing fabric. The computer control also controls the velocity of the transverse movement of the needle bar in a gradual manner to minimize any shock created by the transverse movement of the needle bar upon the tufting machine. In order to enhance the smooth and gradual shifting movement of the needle bar, the computer control command signals commence prior to the actual commencement of needle bar shifting and terminate prior to the re-entry of the needles into the backing fabric to counteract any delayed inertial movement of the needle bar in response to the computer command signals.

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First Claim