METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TUFTING EVEN LEVEL CUT PILE AND LOOP PILE IN THE SAME ROW OF STITCHING

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TUFTING EVEN LEVEL CUT PILE AND LOOP PILE IN THE SAME ROW OF STITCHING A tufting machine having loop seizing hooks facing opposite to the direction of fabric feed is disclosed having respective gate members pivotably mounted on the rear of the hooks. The gate member has a latch for selectively engaging the rear of the hook bill to lock entry of a loop into the closed end of the hook and onto the blade of the hook. Loops so precluded are shed by the hook bill as the hook rocks away from the loop seizing position and form uncut loop pile. Loops that are allowed to enter onto the blade portion are cut by a knife cooperating with the hook blade to form cut pile. The loop seizing edge of the bill is spaced from the loop engaging edge of the blade relative to the backing fabric. The gate members are disclosed as moved by pneumatic cylinders operable by electrically controlled air valves. The air valves selectively respond to timed signals received from a pattern control.