Modular Gauging Element Assembly

Abstract

A modular gauging element assembly for a tufting machine is provided that allows for broken and damaged gauging elements of the tufting machine to be replaced. The modular gauging element assembly includes a series of gauge modules each having a module body including a series of spaced slots in which gauge elements are received. Locating devices help position the gauge modules along their gauge bars, after which the gauge modules can be mounted in place by fasteners received through the gauge modules.

1 . A modular gauging element assembly for a tufting machine, comprising:
 a series of gauge modules each including a module body having a front face, a rear face, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a plurality of spaced openings formed in said upper portion and said front face of said module body;   a gauge bar mounted within the tufting machine, adapted to receive said gauge modules in desired positions along the gauge bar and including a shoulder formed along a lower portion of said gauge bar;   at least one guide member located along said rear surface of each module body and adapted to engage said gauge bar to horizontally align each gauge module along said gauge bar;   a locating element extending transversely along said lower portion of each module body and adapted to engage said shoulder of said gauge bar to vertically align and support said gauge modules along said gauge bar;   a fastener received through each of said gauge modules and engaging a corresponding fastener opening within said gauge bar when said guide member of said gauge module is received in its desired position along said gauge bar; and   a plurality of gauge elements each received within one of said spaced openings of said module bodies of said gauge modules.   
   
   
       2 . The modular gauging element assembly of  claim 1  and wherein said gauge elements comprise loop pile loopers. 
   
   
       3 . The modular gauging element assembly of  claim 1  and wherein said gauge elements comprise cut pile hooks. 
   
   
       4 . The modular gauging element assembly of  claim 1  and wherein said gauge elements comprise needles. 
   
   
       5 . The modular gauging element assembly of  claim 1  and wherein each module body of said gauge modules is cast with said gauge elements mounted therein. 
   
   
       6 . The module gauging element assembly of  claim 1  and wherein said gauge elements comprise level cut loop loopers. 
   
   
       7 . The module gauging element assembly of  claim 1  and further comprising at least one fastener received within said module body of each gauge module for affixing said gauge elements within said spaced openings of each said module body. 
   
   
       8 . In a tufting machine for forming a series of tufts of yarns in a backing material, the improvement comprising:
 at least one gauge bar having a longitudinally extending ledge and a plurality of receiving sites located in spaced series along said gauge bar; and   a plurality of gauge modules each comprising a front side, rear side, top and bottom portions, at least one first locating element along said rear side thereof and adapted to engage one of said receiving sides of said gauge bar for horizontally locating said gauge module along said gauge bar, and at least one second locating element adjacent said bottom portion of said gauge module and adapted to engage said ledge of said guide bar for vertically locating said gauge module along said gauge bar; and   gauge parts received within said top portions of said gauge modules, projecting from said front sides thereof.   
   
   
       9 . The tufting machine of  claim 8  and wherein said gauge parts comprise loop pile loopers. 
   
   
       10 . The tufting machine of  claim 8  and wherein said gauge parts comprise cut pile hooks. 
   
   
       11 . The tufting machine of  claim 8  and wherein said gauge parts comprise needles. 
   
   
       12 . The tufting machine of  claim 8  and wherein said gauge parts comprise level cut loop loopers. 
   
   
       13 . The tufting machine of  claim 8  and wherein each module body of said gauge modules is cast with said gauge parts mounted therein. 
   
   
       14 . The tufting machine of  claim 8  and wherein said gauge modules further comprise a series of spaced slots each adapted to receive one of said gauge parts therein, and fasteners received along said front sides of said gauge modules for releasably mounting said gauge parts within said gauge modules.