Abstract: A thread exchange device for multisystem knitting machines includes a knot unit for knotting a new thread on a movable old thread. The knot unit has a winding finger on which a closed loop of the new thread is formed, a part for moving the new thread into engagement with the winding finger, a loop turning lever that engages the old thread to form an open loop thereof and lays the open loop of the old thread into the closed loop of the new thread during continuous movement of the old thread. The knot unit further includes a hook that engages an end of the new thread and pulls the end of the new thread through the open loop of the old thread. The exchange device further includes a brake located between an element for establishing a thread compensation path and the knot unit for tightening a knot. The method relates to forming knots of a new thread with a movable old thread during continuous movement of the old thread with the use of the thread exchange device.

Abstract: A thread feeding device for knitting machines having a rotor on which a thread feeding element is mounted which is divided into a thread lead-in ring section, a thread reserve section and a lead-out section. To enable the thread feeding device to be operated selectively with a plain continuous reserve section or one formed by rods, a rod cage consisting of a premanufactured component is provided, which can be fastened coaxially on the rotor. The cage has a lead-in ring bearing the lead-in ring section, and a plurality of rods forming the reserve section, each rod being fastened at one end to the lead-in ring. The other ends of the rods are either fastened to a mounting which can be joined to the rotor and is part of the component, or they are held directly on the rotor and thus radially centered about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A thread-braking arrangment for a textile machine comprises an outer hous, in which a magnetic member is provided, supported by a supporting element. A ball seat-forming element of non-magnetizable material is mounted on the supporting element. A ball of a magnetizable material is arranged against the ball seat of that element. A magnetic force generated by the magnetic member draws the ball towards the ball-seat. A thread is passed between the ball and the ball seat. The magnetic member, the supporting element and the ball seat-forming element are enclosed in a casing and form a brake unit releasably insertable into the outer housing by means of a spring ring.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine has a needle cylinder and loop-forming instrutalities which form loops along an annular loop-forming zone. A plurality of suction nozzles orbit about the annular loop-forming zone collecting dust and fluff therefrom. The suction nozzles are mounted on a rotating, annular, upper part of a channel-defining housing which rides on a stationary, annular lower housing part, the rotating and stationary housing parts together defining a suction channel with which the suction nozzles communicate, the suction channel being connected to a suction source. The annular channel-defining housing encircles the needle cylinder and is located radially outwards of and lower than the annular loop-forming zone of the circular knitting machine, the suction nozzles extending upwards from the annular rotating housing part to the annular loop-forming zone, with their ends being provided with suction openings which are located radially outwards of and facing the annular loop-forming zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically crimping and shrinking textile webs mainly comprises an elongated chamber through which the textile web is moved in a predetermined direction, at least two endless crimping grates arranged in said chamber and each including an endless link chain and a plurality of crimping plates projecting equally spaced from each other in a direction transverse to the chain from the latter and in which each endless chain is guided over a pair of guide rolls so that each chain has one run moving in the direction of movement of the web through the chamber and another run moving in the opposite direction. The apparatus includes further heating means having a heated smooth guide surface opposite said one run of each endless chain and said textile web is passed between the respective heated guide surface and the outer ends of the crimping plates on the one run. The chains on successive crimping plates are driven in opposite directions and preferably at speeds which can be steplessly adjusted.

Abstract: The thread storage and supply arrangement comprises a storage drum having a peripheral thread storage surface onto which is to be wound a succession of adjoining turns of thread, the thread storage surface comprising a thread infeed region at one axial end of the storage surface and a thread outfeed region at the other axial end. A thread infeed structure located at the thread infeed region guides thread onto the peripheral storage surface to form a succession of adjoining turns of thread. A thread outfeed structure located at the thread outfeed region feeds off the storage drum thread which is to be pulled off. The peripheral storage surface, at the thread infeed region thereof, curves radially inward in the direction from the infeed to the outfeed region and, at the thread outfeed region thereof, curves radially outward in the direction from the infeed to the outfeed region.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing panty hose or like fabrics including two leg portions and a panty portion integral therewith, the leg portions being knitted as tubular portions by continuous rotary motion of a needle cylinder or needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine and the panty portion being knitted by reciprocatory motion. Knitting of the panty portion included inactivation of a number of needles, knitting a first part of constant width formed by partial courses defining selvedge edges at their ends, knitting a central part by firstly narrowing and widening like a heel and then newly narrowing and widening, and knitting a second part of constant width formed by partial courses defining selvedge edges at their ends. The fabric is then cut to define the waist opening and the two parts of constant width are sewn together along the corresponding selvedge edges.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a tubular fabric such as stockings and the like having a closed toe by knitting same on a circular knitting machine having two needle beds in which two layers are formed when reaching the toe, the two layers then being twisted relative to each other through at least 180.degree. and then joined by a connected course so that a welt is formed whereby the stocking is more comfortable.