Abstract: A circular knitting machine (140b) for knitting a plurality of yarns (196) into a tubular reinforcement (45) on a rotating hose (41), comprising a knitting head (160b) having a plurality of knitting needles (170 and 170a) and a central passageway, wherein the rotating hose is designed to pass through the central passageway, and rotate in the same direction as the knitting head. Further comprising a conforming means defined on the circular knitting machine for conforming the knitted reinforcement to the exterior of the rotating hose.

Abstract: A needle engaging with a loop at least lastly formed on a fabric formed just before inversion of a carriage is pulled by a pull-down cam formed in a composite cam system of the carriage while feeding a yarn to an opposite needle. When a feeding direction of a yarn fed from a yarn feeder is inverted accompanied with the inversion of the carriage, the tension force applied to the yarn is intensified to prevent tightening of the stitch of the knitted fabric.

Abstract: In a circular knitting machine of the type in which the needles are selectively moved into and out of operative relationship with needle cam tracks, flexure of the lower portion of the needle shanks properly locates the lower end portions of the needle shanks in close proximity to selection devices. Such flexure is effected by a plurality of individually radially displaceable rollers. The rollers are disposed in rolling engagement with the outer surface of a flexible band which, in turn, is positioned around the needle cylinder in closely encircling relationship to the needle members at a point below and on the opposite side of a fulcrum located adjacent to and near the upper end of the needle members. As the needle cylinder rotates, the rollers are engaged by cams and displaced toward the needle shanks. The rollers thus engage and inwardly displace portions of the band and thus the needle members therebehind, effecting movement of the needles into close proximity to the selection devices.

Abstract: Methods for circular weft knitting of variegated articles and selectively programmable circular weft knitting machine apparatus for carrying out such methods including means for effecting selective, controlled two dimensional displacement of compound needle member components and associated sinker elements so as to provide each such needle member with the selectable capability of performing a knit, tuck or float operation at each yarn feed location independent of the direction of knitting needle approach thereto.