Method of cutting columns of thread loops

A process for severing parallel columns of parallel yarn loops on a surface of a fabric web which comprises the steps of:

• displacing said web past a cutting station in a direction parallel to the columns thereby successively disposing the thread loops at a predetermined location;
• engaging in the thread loops of the column as they approach said location a guide needle having a portion disposed at said location such that the thread loops successively rest upon said needle at said location;
• training a laser beam at said location with an axis inclined in a plane perpendicular to said web and to a column of thread loops advanced along said needle to said location, said axis lying to one side of a plane perpendicular to said web location.
• individually focussing said laser beam successively upon a predetermined portion of each of said thread loops of the latter column at said location upon said needle for a period of time sufficient to cause combustion of at least part of the fibers forming the respective thread loop;
• directing a jet of fluid onto the zone of focus of said laser beam at said location, and
• retaining each thread loop at said location against an abutment on said needle and accelerating following thread loops toward said abutment whereby, in the region of said location, the successive thread loops are disposed substantially in contact with one another and encounter said laser beam without significant impingement of said laser beam upon said needle.