Abstract: An improved latch guard having a forwardly extending deflector arm integrally associated therewith. When the improved latch guard is incorporated into a deep pile fabric circular knitting machine, the deflector arm eliminates the problem of stray fiber build-up on the front edge of prior art latch guards during operation of such knitting machine.

Abstract: A manually operable, self engaging shifting lever construction which is integrally incorporated into a multi-speed transmission. The lever construction itself incorporates a stiff tension spring member which is radially deflectable from its normally straight position relative to the axis thereof. Pivotally moving the lever construction about its fulcrum produces sliding movement of an input gear cluster along an input shaft means. At predetermined locations along the input shaft longitudinally, the gear cluster becomes engageable with drive gear assemblies of an output, a drive gear cluster which is mounted on an output shaft. The flexural characteristics of the lever construction permit simple, safe shifting of the input gear cluster, without the impass normally encountered due to abutment of gear teeth.

Abstract: Sinker cam segment having its ends beveled at a compound angle, so that the end surfaces are in a plane having no elements which are either radial or axial with reference to the center line of the cam ring on which the segment is used.

Abstract: Rotating baffle supported from below substantially closes opening at knitting level of tubular fabric produced by circular pile fabric knitting machine, and deflects air jet carrying stray fiber up toward exhaust intake above machine. Secondary rotating baffle at lower level further reduces movement of air with entrained fiber into tubular fabric, and carries stop motion ring. Rotation of the ring with the goods minimizes skewing at the tube slitting point.