Abstract: In a flatbed knitting machine with electronic control and comprising programmable fixed-word stores and freely accessible stores, all the data for the operation of the machine is split into five divisions, namely motif pattern draft, needle set-up, knitting plan, function number schedule, and plan run. Data for the knitting of standard patterns, comprising the whole of the knitting plan division and part of the function number schedule division, is stored permanently in the fixed word stores. The stored data for the operation of the machine can be extracted and archived. Parts of the data of the divisions can be extracted to compose new patterns. Certain knitting courses can be suppressed and certain needle groups can be selected for adjustment without altering the already stored data. Information as to gauge can also be entered.

Abstract: In a flatbed knitting machine with electronic control and comprising programmable fixed-word stores and freely accessible stores, all the data for the operation of the machine is split into five divisions, namely motif pattern draft, needle set-up, knitting plan, function number schedule, and plan run. Data sub-groups from the needle set-up division, together with associated special function numbers for call-up, are stored in the fixed-word stores. Motif designs are created using the data stored in the divisions for needle set-up and plan run and by means of external selector switches on the machine. Facilities are provided for mirror-imaging and for suppression of part or all of a motif.

Abstract: A flatbed knitting machine having electronic control includes memory and trol units associated with the machine, a data entry device (11) for the entering of data into the machine, and also indicator means (12, 13), wherein upon the entering of data by way of the data entry device the indicator means provides a guidance report for the user, data called up for entry can be directed to one of several types of machine, each next step in the entry of data can only be effected in accordance with the requirement shown by the indicator means, and at least one key (.noteq.) is provided for stepping-on the indicator means. For extremely simple operation of the data entry device (11) and in order to achieve complete programming of the patterning and of the usual control data for the plan run of the machine, with all the parts necessary for the functioning of the entry device built into the entry device itself, the data entry device (11) has only one keyboard with ten number keys (0 to 9), a decimal point key (.

Abstract: In a flatbed knitting machine having one or more carriages movable reciprocally or, on a closed path with respect to one or two needle beds, control data is conveyed to the or each carriage by light or other electromagnetic radiation or acoustically, one or more data transmitters being located externally of the needle bed or beds and the carriage having means for processing and storing data relating to at least one knitting course. The transmission zone is screened or otherwise shielded against interference. The transmitted signals may be modulated in various ways and alarm and timing control arrangements are described.