Abstract: An operative device, such as an electronic chip, apiezzo-electric, thermal or optical device, is confined within the filaments of a length of multi-filament yarn. The filaments around the device form a capsule and the filaments can be bonded to each other to reinforce such a capsule. The capsule can also comprise a resin to provide protection for the confined device. An additional layer of filaments can be created around the original filaments. Methods and apparatus for confining the devices within yarns are described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a knitting machine comprising: at least one knitting needle; at least one positive yarn feed device for feeding yarn to said at least one knitting needle; needle monitoring means for providing information relating to the at least one knitting needle during the course of a knitting operation; and a controller for controlling the operation of the positive yarn feed device; in which the controller is adapted to: receive information from the needle monitoring means during the course of a knitting operation; use said information to calculate a desired amount of yarn to be fed to a knitting needle; and control the positive yarn feed device so that the positive yarn feed device feeds the desired amount of yarn to the knitting needle during the course of the knitting operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a knitting machine comprising: at least one knitting needle; at least one positive yarn feed device for feeding yarn to said at least one knitting needle; needle monitoring means for providing information relating to the at least one knitting needle during the course of a knitting operation; and a controller for controlling the operation of the positive yarn feed device; in which the controller is adapted to: receive information from the needle monitoring means during the course of a knitting operation; use said information to calculate a desired amount of yarn to be fed to a knitting needle; and control the positive yarn feed device so that the positive yarn feed device feeds the desired amount of yarn to the knitting needle during the course of the knitting operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for making a pressure garment, comprising the steps of: defining 3D shape and pressure profile characteristics of a garment; specifying a knitting pattern for the garment; calculating yarn feed data for the knitting pattern to produce the defined shape and pressure profile characteristics; and, knitting the garment according to the knitting pattern and the yarn feed data.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for making a pressure garment, comprising the steps of: defining 3D shape and pressure profile characteristics of a garment; specifying a knitting pattern for the garment; calculating yarn feed data for the knitting pattern to produce the defined shape and pressure profile characteristics; and, knitting the garment according to the knitting pattern and the yarn feed data.

Abstract: A precision yarn (14) delivery system for the delivery of yarn from a yarn supply to a yarn utilising point, comprising a temporary yarn store (22) intermediate the supply and the utilisation point in which the yarn (14) is held under low tension and is fed from the store as required by the utilisation point.

Abstract: A precision yarn (14) delivery system for the delivery of yarn from a yarn supply to a yarn utilising point, comprising a temporary yarn store (22) intermediate the supply and the utilisation point in which the yarn (14) is held under low tension and is fed from the store as required by the utilisation point.