Abstract: A yarn feed and change mechanism or striper (FIG. 3) has a plurality of yarn feed passages which can be used alternatively to feed yarn to a knitting machine. Each yarn feed passage is associated with a pneumatic means (22, 24, 84) for propelling a leading end of yarn to knitting needles, with a movable wall portion (34) for engaging and trapping yarn in alignment with the direction of the yarn feed passage, and a separately movable severing member (42) for severing yarn trapped in the passage.

Abstract: Pneumatic yarn feed and yarn change mechanism has a plurality of yarn feed paths and a plurality of control elements for controlling passage of yarn for each of these paths independently. Flow of fluid through selected yarn feed passage when the control element is in a feed position propels leading end of yarn to knitting needles. Movement of control element out of feed position to trap position causes yarn to be severed and trapped and held in readiness for subsequent selection.In a preferred embodiment side by side control plates are moved pneumatically by pistons arranged one above the other.