Abstract: A method for feeding a yarn to a textile machine selectively under conditions of positive and capstan feed. The method comprises wrapping multiple turns of yarn around a feed wheel and a smooth, straight-sided upstanding member alongside the feed wheel and inclined to the rotary axis of the feed wheel, and driving the feed wheel by frictional contact with a flexible tape that extends over only a part of the axial extent of the feed wheel. The positive feed mode is established by passing the yarn repeatedly through the nip of the tape and feed wheel. The capstan feed mode is established by feeding the yarn away from the nip. In either mode, separation of successive turns of yarn is achieved by the upstanding member, and when guiding the yarn from one mode to the other there is an axial movement of the yarn turns over the upstanding member to obtain free and unobstructed re-positioning of those turns on the said member.

Abstract: A yarn fault detector suitable for mounting on a main frame of a knitting machine or on a side creel. The detector has two yarn guides on a guide frame that is biased to an operative yarn guiding position but movable overcenter to a yarn releasing position. End portions of a freely pivotable stop bar contact the yarn guides in the operative position of the guide frame to assure adequate contact with both guides. A variable bias is applied to the guide frame by means of a loop of flexible material on a rotary shaft, and a spring under tension between the loop and an eccentric cranked portion of the guide frame, the tension being dependent on the length of the loop wrapped around the shaft by rotation of the shaft. The loop and shaft are made by a one-piece moulding operation.