Abstract: A method for producing the latch bearing in a latch needle for textile machines of the type in which a latch is pivotably mounted in a longitudinal slot between two cheeks of a needle shank by a hinge pin passing through mutually aligned transversely extending bores in at least one of the cheeks and a bearing portion of the latch between the cheeks. In accordance with the method a cylindrical wire is provided with transversely extending notches at intervals corresponding to the length of a hinge pin. The notched wire is converted by hot or cold treatment into a bittle, hard state. Individual hinge pins are broken off from the wire at the notches, and are subsequently inserted into the bores in the cheeks and the bearing portion of the latch to be securely fixed there.

Abstract: To provide for damping of vibrations or oscillations exerted on the shaft or shank (7) of a knitting element, and thus reduce breakage of the shaft or shank and failure of the head portion thereof, the shaft or shank is formed with solid guide portions (10) of which at least one is in alignment with a butt extending from the shaft or shank. Two solid guide portions are connected by at least one connecting bridge portion (12) of only up to 1.1 mm height, and which defines an opening (11, 11a, 11b) therebeneath, with respect to the remaining edges of the shaft, which opening is filled with vibration or oscillation-damping material, such as a plastic or a metal, flush, or slightly recessed with the side surfaces of the shaft, and securely bonded to the edges of the adjacent bridge portion and the spaced solid guide portions facing the opening. The guide portions may be of different longitudinal dimension, for example have a dimension of only of that in the order of the bridge portion.

Abstract: A latch needle for knitting machines has a hook and needle shank and a latch pivotally mounted in a longitudinal slot in the needle shank with the faces of the needle shank flanking the longitudinal slot having support portions recessed relative to the upper edge of the needle shank for supporting a widened portion of the rear part or spine of the latch. A short portion of the longitudinal slot contains an aperture leading to the lower edge of the needle shank, and a further portion of the longitudinal slot adjacent to the short portion is deeper than half the height of the needle shank and projects in length beyond the end of the latch in its rearward open position displaced away from the hook. The support portions of the shank for the widened portion of the spine of the latch are located over the inner starting region of the further portion of the longitudinal slot.