Abstract: A loop-forming process includes moving a plurality of system components (11, 12) relatively to a needle bed (14). The system components (11, 12) contact threads (23) for forming loops. At least one spacer (10) is placed between at least two adjacent system components (11, 12) of the plurality of system components (11, 12) and defines the distance (21) between the two adjacent system components (11, 12), the spacer (10) being in mechanical contact to the two adjacent system components (11,12). The spacer (10) is placed away from and does not contact threads (23) and is moved with respect to the needle bed (14). The spacer (10) is also moved with respect to both of the two adjacent system components (11, 12) at least for a period of time during the loop forming process. An equivalent device is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A loop-forming process includes moving a plurality of system components (11, 12) relatively to a needle bed (14). The system components (11, 12) contact threads (23) for forming loops. At least one spacer (10) is placed between at least two adjacent system components (11, 12) of the plurality of system components (11, 12) and defines the distance (21) between the two adjacent system components (11, 12), the spacer (10) being in mechanical contact to the two adjacent system components (11, 12). The spacer (10) is placed away from and does not contact threads and is moved with respect to the needle bed (14). The spacer (10) is also moved with respect to both of the two adjacent system components (11, 12) at least for a period of time during the loop forming process. An equivalent device is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A knitting device (10) comprising a needle bed (12) and knitting tools (16), wherein the needle bed (12) is designed so as to be without joints and seams in view of the configuration of its channel walls (18, 19) as well as perpendicularly to the floor (23) of the channel through the base body (20) of the needle bed (12). The channel depth of the individual guide channels (13, 14, 15) is preferably less than three times the channel width. Consequently, in particular in the case of extremely fine needle divisions, the resultant channel walls (18, 19) are robust and stable and can be subjected to a hardening or coating treatment. The reduced overall weight, the smaller friction surfaces, and the sturdier design of the knitting device enable the operation at greater knitting speeds and with greater rotational accelerations, in particular in reciprocating mode, and an overall savings of lubricants and energy.