Abstract: A yarn feed assembly for circular knitting machines for presenting one or more yarns chosen from a plurality of available yarns into the needle path under the control of a microprocessor. An arcuately movable sector-shaped yarn guide includes a plurality of openings therein for positioning a plurality of yarns in spaced parallel position with each other. A toggle clamp for each yarn located downstream from the yarn guide keeps the yarns taut in their normal stored position. To select a yarn for feeding to the feed station, a transfer arm selects the yarn positioned in a pickup position by the yarn guide. As the transfer arm begins to move, the corresponding toggle clamp releases, and the yarn is then fed onto its yarn feed location.

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.

Abstract: A compound needle assembly for circular weft knitting machines that includes an elongate needle element having a yarn engaging hook member at one end, spaced coplanar cam butts at the other end and an intermediate bifurcated portion defining a U-shaped channel for slidably containing an independently displaceable elongate closing element and a plurality of cam butts extending from the intermediate portions of said needle element and said closing element.

Abstract: Circular weft knitting machine apparatus that includes a selectively contoured terry instrument displaceably contained in a guide channel in an independently rotatable cage member disposed above a knitting needle support cylinder that includes a pair of extending spaced cam butts each disposed in a circumferential cam track in a stationary housing, such cam tracks being selectively contoured to provide for radial and vertical displacement of the yarn engaging portions of the terry instrument in response to rotative displacement of said cage member selective to said stationary cam truck housing. Also included is a radially displaceable shedder bar assembly for disengaging yarn from the terry instruments, in response to rotative displacement of said cage member relative to the stationary cam track housing.

Abstract: A selectively shaped sinker element for two dimensional displacement in a circular weft knitting machine that includes a curved planar body portion terminating in a multilanded point at one end and a cam butt bearing cross arm at the second terminal end thereof.

Abstract: Improved methods for circular weft knitting of variegated articles and improved 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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Improved methods for circular weft knitting of variegated articles and improved 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.

Abstract: Methods for circular weft knitting of variegated articles and selectively programmable circular weft knitting machine apparatus for carrying out such methods including apparatus 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.