Abstract: A flat bed knitting apparatus and method of knitting are provided in which needles movably carried in opposing needle beds are selected and actuated for movement between various positions required for stitch formation independently of any other needles while completing the formation of a stitch on each selected needle prior to the actuation of the next needle in sequence and while varying the length of needle movement to its stitch forming position as required for uniform stitches throughout the fabric and in which a covered spandex yarn is fed to the needles while varying the tension thereof for uniform stitch formation. The needle selection and actuation further includes tapering the knit fabric by transferring stitches from selected needles in one needle bed onto adjacent needles in the other needle bed so that the knit fabric formed is a tapered, tubular knit product.

Abstract: A combination drive and method for applying power through a piston rod (A) operated by an air cylinder (B) is controlled by an elongated self-locking threaded drive member (C) rotated by an electric motor (D) for affording positioning and velocity control for the air operated cylinder and the guided piston rod which stops and is positively positioned upon cessation of operation of the electric motor. Control apparatus includes a valve housing (35) positioning a spool (40) fixed on one end to the elongated threaded drive member (C), and an assembly (45) for moving the spool axially in respect to the electric motor (D) through an axially compliant coupling (50) so that by controlling the motor the valve is thereby controlled.