Morrison Berkshire, Inc.

Kenneth A Egnaczak

Edward C Kirchner

Robert P Langdon

A system is disclosed for attaching in a needling apparatus, such as a needle loom, tacker and the like, a plurality of needle boards to a plurality of needle beams in alignment therewith. A plurality of needle boards having upwardly extending attachment members are supported on a plurality of needle board carts which are movable into the needling apparatus to a position underling one of the needle beams for attachment thereto. The carts are supported by the stripper plate as they move through the needle zone. Each of the carts includes a locator member for alignment of the needle board therewith when supported on the cart. The carts and support needle boards are raised for engagement with the needle beam by operation of the stripper plate. The needle beams include a support plate having a plurality of openings for receiving therethrough the attachment members of a corresponding needle board, thereby aligning the needle board at a predetermined position to the needle beam. A clamp plate assembly overlying the support plate is movable between a first position for engaging the attachment members extending through the openings and a second position for releasing the attachment members. An actuating device positioned between the clamp plate and a portion of the needle beam is operative for drawing the needle boards against the support plate for attachment thereto in predetermined alignment.

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Cheshire, MA, United States of America

Kenneth A Egnaczak