Abstract: A latch needle comprises a hook, a stem and a latch. The latch is pivotally mounted to the stem for rotation between two positions in the first of which the latch is located within the hook and in the second of which the latch is located external of the hook. The latch spoon is notched at its tip to permit the latch to pass either side of the point of the hook. Control of the latch is provided by an integral lug which engages in the recess of the slider-positioned along side the needle. Alternatively, the latch is provided with two lugs which are controlled by respective central-faces of an auxiliary sinker.

Abstract: A yarn creel 20 includes vertical ducts 27 having openings 28 therein through which air is directed towards the upper surfaces of yarn cones 22 mounted on pins 21. Yarn drawn off from the cones 22 exits the creel 20 via tubes 23 whose entrance ends 24 are contained within a further duct 25, the duct 25 having slots 26 through which air is drawn from the interior of the creel 20. A fan 30 circulates this air so that it is re-emitted from the openings 28 in the duct 27. A continuous air stream is thus created over those points which are most susceptible to accumulation of lint. In an alternative embodiment, the yarn tubes extend with clearance through openings in the duct so that their entrance ends are disposed externally of the duct but close to those openings.

Abstract: In a circular knitting machine, a series of nozzles are positioned closely adjacent to points at which the knitting takes place. A fan unit draws air in through the nozzles via ducting and thereby creates a localized suction effect at the knitting points. The air is then passed to a duct which extends over the top of the knitting machine proper, and is emitted through a series of peripheral ducts in a downward direction and towards feed devices which feed yarn to the knitting points.

Abstract: The invention relates to yarn storage devices of the type in which a single layer of yarn turns are accommodated on a drum. The drum according to the invention comprises longitudinal members, for example rods or struts, along which a plurality of yarn displacing members are made to slide by cam means as the yarn is wound onto the drum. Where the drum is rotated relative to a stationary cam means, the drive may be through a form of friction clutch.

Abstract: A knitted fabric tube, and more particularly a portion of a garment to be worn on a foot, closed by being constrained into a constricted form without twisting of the fabric tube and retained in the closed state; and also a method and machine for producing such closed fabric tube particularly with the closure formed as part of the procedure in knitting the tube. The closure by constriction is conveniently effected by wrapping a binding thread around the fabric between parts to form plies of a double welt like portion of fabric at the position of the crease or fold of the welt like portion, portions of the binding thread extending each way from the wrapping turns being knitted into the fabric structure.