Abstract: A knitting machine for clothing has a needle module with a plurality of needle units. Each of the needle units has a needle hook and a plurality of protrusions. The machine also has a first actuation module with a carriage that has a track to connect to one of the protrusions. The carriage can move left and right, and this movement moves the needle units in a longitudinal direction. The machine also has a second actuation module with a connector that has a screw thread to mesh with another one of the protrusions. The connector can move up and down, and this movement moves the needle units.

Abstract: A dust collector including a housing including an upper wall, at least one housing wall defining an inlet, and one of the upper wall and the at least one housing wall defining an outlet; a separating plate connected above the inlet and below the outlet, and defining at least one aperture; at least one vertically extending filter connected to and extending below the plate, and fluidly communicating with the at least one aperture; at least one pipe connecting the at least one vertically extending filter to the plate and extending below the plate; at least one expandable sleeve surrounding the pipe, the pipe defining at least one side aperture fluidly communicating an interior of the pipe with a space between the pipe and the sleeve; and an air injector system fluidly communicating with the aperture for injecting air into the space through the aperture to expand the sleeve.

Abstract: A wrappable knit textile sleeve and method of construction thereof are provided. The sleeve includes a wall of knit yarn having opposite edges extending lengthwise along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve between opposite ends with a straightened length of the wall spanning between the opposite ends. The knit yarn includes warp yarns extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and weft yarns extending generally transversely to the longitudinal axis. The opposite edges are wrappable into overlapping one another to form a tubular cavity. At least one of the weft yarns is an electro-functional yarn having a straightened length that is greater than the straightened length of the wall, thereby allowing opposite ends of the at least one electro-functional member to be pulled axially outwardly from the opposite ends of the wall to form leads for attachment to a power source.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine includes lower bricks, guiding elements attached to the lower bricks and formed with a guiding groove extending like the profile of a peak, needles, upper bricks, hooks movably connected to the upper bricks. Each of the needles includes a rear edge, a front edge, a body extending from a head to a tail, and a fin extending from the body and being movable in the guiding groove of a related one of the guiding elements so that the needle is movable up and down relative to the guiding elements as the needle is movable around the guiding element. The head of each of the needles includes a first inclined edge extending downward from the rear edge, a second inclined edge extending toward the rear edge while extending downward from the first inclined edge, and a recess defined between the second inclined edge and the front edge.

Abstract: An enhanced knit fabric fire barrier for mattresses and method for making same, the fabric barrier including a looped terry knitted fabric with a jersey side and a looped terry side; the jersey side including a fire retardant yarn and a melting yarn; the looped terry side including a fire retardant yarn; the loops in the jersey side are very high loops between about 4 mm and about 8 mm which char to provide a fire barrier for latex and highly volatile foams in mattresses. Also a double knit construction and method for making same, the fabric providing improved performance with the addition of a fire retardant yarn on the outside of the loops. Also, an enhanced fire-resistant full-foam mattress.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine (140b) for knitting a plurality of yarns (196) into a tubular reinforcement (45) on a rotating hose (41), comprising a knitting head (160b) having a plurality of knitting needles (170 and 170a) and a central passageway, wherein the rotating hose is designed to pass through the central passageway, and rotate in the same direction as the knitting head. Further comprising a conforming means defined on the circular knitting machine for conforming the knitted reinforcement to the exterior of the rotating hose.

Abstract: The method comprises the phases of: knitting at least one part (5A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion of the two cylinders of a double-cylinder machine; -knitting the leg pieces (9 A, 9B) with a continuous rotational motion of the two cylinders (11, 13), a first leg piece being knitted by a first of said cylinders and a second leg piece being knitted by a second of said cylinders. It is provided for an arc of needles (C) to be maintained temporarily inactive on each of said two cylinders while knitting said at least one part (5A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion. Furthermore, it is provided that the temporarily inactive needles are set to work at the end of the knitting of said at least one part (5A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion, thus forming an interknitting line (CC) for joining the two leg pieces (9 A, 9B), then continuing the knitting with continuous rotary motion with all the needles (15) of both the cylinders (11, 13).

Abstract: To transfer the stitches from a first needle arc (7X) to a second opposed needle arc (7Y), a overturnable semicircular sector (19) presents elements (25) terminating in a bifurcate way (25F) (flanking inside the respective sinkers (11) the relevant needle (7X) of the first arc), each of which has an upper fork projection (25A) embracing the needle (7X) and forming a rear recess (25X) and a front recess (25C) suitable to engage an end stitch (M1) formed by the corresponding needle (7X), said stitch (M1) then being transferred and engaged on a corresponding needle (7Y) of the second needle arc.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for closing the point of a stitch circular product, and particularly of a stocking, without a significant interruption of the sewing operation. In one embodiment, circular device is inserted inside the cylinder used for producing the stocking, which, appropriately programmed, catches the stitch from under the needles and carries it to the sewing machine.

Abstract: A sinkerless knitting machine with latch needles, comprising a needle holder with a plurality of slots on one face, each slot accommodating a needle. Knitting retainers are provided, each with a body composed of at least two side-by-side interconnected laminar elements. At least two laminar elements of each knitting retainer are arranged in a same or in two contiguous slots of the needle holder. At least one of the laminar elements composing a knitting retainer has a retention portion defining a stop shoulder for the knitting. Each knitting retainer can move on command from a first position, in which it does not interfere with the knitting being formed, to a second position, in which it is inserted, with the retention portion, between two contiguous needles, in a region which faces the knitting forming plane, in order to retain the portion of knitting that lies between two contiguous needles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a footlet on a circular knitting machine including at least a first (S1) and a second knitting system (S2), wherein a first quadrant is associated with the first knitting system (S1) and a second quadrant is associated with the second knitting system (S2), including the following steps: a) knitting an access opening (12) of the footlet, wherein at least a first (B1a, B1b, B1c), a second (B2) and a third region (B3) are formed in the transverse direction of the access opening (12), wherein a first (A1), a second (A2) and a third section (A3) are formed in the longitudinal direction of the access opening (12), including the following sub-steps: a1) knitting the second region (B2) and the third region (B3) of the first section (A1), within which the knitting system (S4; S2; S2) knitting the second region (B2) engages with the knitting system (S3; S3; S1) knitting the third region (B3), wherein the knitting system (S4; S2; S2; S3; S3; S2) knitting the first

Abstract: A circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like, comprises at least one needle cylinder with vertical axis and has, on its lateral surface, a plurality of axial slots, each of which accommodates a needle and an element for actuating the needle. The actuation element comprises at least one connecting element and a selector. The connecting element is provided with a radially actuatable movable heel, and the selector protrudes with a portion between the bottom of the axial slot and the connecting element in any operative position of the machine. The selector is oscillatable on a radial plane of the needle cylinder to produce oscillation of the connecting element and extract its movable heel from the axial slot to achieve engagement with connecting element actuation cams facing the lateral surface of the needle cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic open knit fabric (10) made as a single piece, based on an arrangement consisting of several sets of yarns of a biocompatible polymer material, comprising, continuously in the direction of production of the knit, a central strip (11) and two lateral strips (12), one on each side of the central strip, characterized in that it comprises one or more set(s) of pillar stitch yarns defining a pillar stitch pattern, the said one or more set(s) of pillar stitch yarns extending across the entire width of the central strip (11) and of the lateral strips (12) and together forming a first threading across the width of the central strip and a second threading across the width of the lateral strips, the said first and second threading being different, and at least two partial weft stitching sets. The present invention also relates to a method of producing such a knit fabric and to an implant for supporting prolapses obtained from such a knit fabric.

Abstract: An actuator system for activating a latch needle, which latch needle has a shaft, comprising: a flat planar extension of said shaft having first and second parallel planar surfaces; at least one piezoelectric micromotor having a first surface region for transmitting motion to a moveable element, which first surface region is resiliently pressed to said first surface and at least one additional piezoelectric motor having a second surface region for transmitting motion to a moveable element which second surface region is resiliently pressed to said second surface; and wherein vibratory motions of said first and second surface regions apply forces to said flat extension that cause motion in said latch needle.

Abstract: A method of sewing the toe of a sock is provided which can automatically take out a sock pattern of knitted fabric from a sock knitting machine and sew up the selvedge at the toe portion of the sock pattern of knitted fabric thus improving both the efficiency of production and the energy saving.

Abstract: A method for creating an opening in tubular knitted fabric articles, including the steps of providing a knitting machine having a plurality of needles mounted in axial needle slots in a needle cylinder, the needles having a hook formed in a top end of a needle shank and a latch pivotally mounted on the needle shank below the hook for opening and closing the hook. A deflector is provided for deflecting a loop of yarn being formed by a needle into the vertical plane of an adjacent needle. A needle is selected from which a loop is to be transferred. The loop on the selected needle is enlarged by deflecting the loop out of the vertical plane of the selected needle laterally into the vertical plane of an adjacent needle while the adjacent needle is in a lowered, non-interfering position relative to the deflected loop.

Abstract: The machine comprises in combination: two side units (1, 3) each having its own fabric forming cylinder (1C, 3C) with a plurality of needles and needle operating elements (1F, 3F, A1-A8), the cylinders being parallel with each other and close together and, in an intermediate position between said two cylinders (1C, 3C), two rectilinear beds (11A, 11B) next to each other, each with its own needles and elements (17A, 17B, A9, A17) for operating the needles of said beds.

Abstract: A knitting machine contains at least one knitting tool carrier for knitting tools (9) with a needle distance t, an associated knitting cam assembly (12, 13), the carrier and the knitting cam assembly being moveable relative to one another and the knitting cam assembly containing a plurality of systems (I, II) lying one behind the other in the direction of movement (v) which systems having respectively a first and a second selection point, lying one behind the other in the direction of movement (v), with one electrically controllable selection member (44, 52), a timing signal-generating device (56, 60) for producing timing signals and a programme control device (53) for producing electric control signals for the control members (44, 52).

Abstract: A method for creating an opening in tubular knitted fabric articles, including the steps of providing a knitting machine having a plurality of needles mounted in axial needle slots in a needle cylinder, the needles having a hook formed in a top end of a needle shank and a latch pivotally mounted on the needle shank below the hook for opening and closing the hook. A deflector is provided for deflecting a loop of yam being formed by a needle into the vertical plane of an adjacent needle. A needle is selected from which a loop is to be transferred. The loop on the selected needle is enlarged by deflecting the loop out of the vertical plane of the selected needle laterally into the vertical plane of an adjacent needle while the adjacent needle is in a lowered, non-interfering position relative to the deflected loop.

Abstract: A reversible knit fabric having a first surface of a first color and a second surface of a second color is described. The fabric is integrally knit on a dual-bed weft knitting machine so that each of the surfaces of the fabric is visually distinct from the other. The fabric also includes an arrangement of cellular-like mesh openings on each face thereof, so as to provide a fabric which has good breathability and appearance. In addition, the fabric has good durability, elasticity, and washability. As a result, the fabric is particularly useful in the manufacture of athletic apparel. Furthermore, because the fabric has a visually distinct appearance on each of its two sides, it can be used to produce reversible garments such as jerseys for use in scrimmages.A process for knitting the fabric is also described.

Abstract: A device for the selection of needles in circular stocking knitting machines, comprising a lower needle (or jack) having radial deflection for each needle on the cylinder of the said machine. Selection actuators are provided for the control of the lower needles. Each lower needle includes two components: an element oscillating between an inoperative position and the operating, vertically movable position in order to control the corresponding needle and to follow the courses of upward and downward movement cams; and a toothed element which is arranged facing the oscillating element, capable of oscillations with same, but prevented from moving vertically. The toothed element always remains at the level of the selection actuators even when the oscillating element moves vertically.

Abstract: A laser dermatome is disclosed for harvesting and meshing grafts of skin. A roller driven by a motor lifts the leading edge of a portion of skin for cutting by a beam of light generated by a laser. Adhesive tape attached to the roller aids in lifting the portion of skin and is further utilized to secure the severed portion of skin to the roller. A stage mounted atop an axle supports the laser or a beam director. The movement of the stage is controlled by second and third motors which drive the stage along or rotate it about the axle providing directional control of the laser. A controller controls the motors and synchronizes the movements of the roller and stage dependent upon inputs from the operator and sensors during operation. In the related method, a portion of skin to be harvested is lifted by the roller and cut by the laser beam. The controller signals the motor to drive the roller, thereby lifting the severed portion of skin and exposing the next portion for further cutting by the laser.

Abstract: Double-cylinder circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like. The machine comprises a lower needle cylinder having a substantially vertical axis and an upper needle cylinder that is arranged above and coaxially with respect to the lower needle cylinder. A plurality of axial grooves is formed in the skirt of the needle cylinders and each groove accommodates a double-beak needle that can move axially along the corresponding groove. In each one of the grooves there is a lower pusher, which is arranged below the needle and faces the lower head of the needle with its upper end, and an upper pusher, which is arranged above the needle and faces the upper head of the needle with its lower end.

Abstract: An apparel system includes a lily yarn machine for knitting lily yarns, and a flat knitting machine having at least two needle beds for knitting according to knitting data. A controller is connected to the lily yarn machine and the flat knitting machine for controlling the lily yarn machine to produce a lily yarn in a quantity which is required by the flat knitting machine according to the knitting data for the flat knitting machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining two edges of a knitted tubular article, especially the toe of a stocking, comprising:--cam means (31,32) for operating the lifting and respectively the lowering of a predetermined number of needles (3,30) of a first and a second semirank of stitches (8,80);--means for removing the stitches (8) from said first semirank (x) and overturning them through 180.degree. about a diametral axis (a--a) of the cylinder (1) of needles (3,30);--cam means (7) for operating the 180.degree.

Abstract: A method and a machine for making a hollow fiber reinforcing member using a mandrel. A plurality of flexible rods are distributed around the periphery of the mandrel. Each rod is provided at one extremity with a respective curved end so that at least the extremities with bent ends are pressed against the mandrel, with their bent ends projecting outwards from the mandrel. At least one continuous strand of filaments is interlaced around the bent ends of the rods. As the strand of filaments is interlaced around the bent ends, the rods are displaced along the mandrel to disengage the already-interlaced strand of filaments from the bent ends of the rods such that a tracery of filaments including the rods and bearing against the mandrel is formed progressively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circular knitting machine comprising a stationary hollow cylinder, a rotor disposed within the stationary hollow cylinder and adapted to revolve in coaxial relation with the stationary hollow cylinder, a plurality of coils disposed on the internal circumferential surface of the stationary hollow cylinder, a plurality of sliders disposed in vertically slidable relation on the external circumferential surface of the rotor, needles mounted on top of the corresponding sliders, a coil energizing means for exciting the plurality of coils, and a driving means for driving the rotor.

Abstract: A knitting machine for producing stocking-knicker products (tights, pantihose) and the like, which has opposite, parallel rectilinear needle beds, a rotatable central unit (22, 16) having its own central vertical shaft (16) and carrying a double rectilinear needle bed central segment (210); two epicyclic units (38, 66) mounted symmetrically on the central unit (22, 16) with shafts (38) offset relative to the central shaft (16), each of the epicyclic units carrying a double rectilinear needle bed (110); along each elongated plate (66), annular guides for carriages (100, 100A) holding textile component parts are adapted to cooperate with the respective double rectilinear needle bed (110) for the knitting of the legs while the central unit (22, 16) is stationary; supplementary guides corresponding to the double needle bed central segment (210) for the purpose of completing the guiding of the carriages (100, 100A) around the two double rectilinear needle beds (110) and the double needle bed central segment (210)

Abstract: A device for needle selection in a circular knitting machine consisting of springs lying below the elastic jacks and rotating with them, to be deformed axially and be retained in their deformed position or to be released therefrom by electromagnetic selectors, in order, respectively, not to retain the elastic jack and thus allow it to rise and activate its respective needle, or to retain the elastic jack flexed within its trick and thus not allow it to activate its needle.

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: A circular knitting machine has at least one needle carrier, and a plurality of slide needles having a head portion with a head and a slide portion with a tip. Sinkers cooperate with the slide needles, a plurality of knitting systems are arranged along the needle carrier, and a control is provided at the knitting systems for causing relative movements of the needle portions, the slide portions, and the sinkers for performing knitting, tacking and running-through operations. The control includes at each of the knitting systems a sinker cam curve for controlling the sinkers, a slide portion cam curve for controlling the slide portions, and a head portion cam curve for controlling the head portions. The slide portion cam curves have portions for raising and lowering the slide portions in a same manner irrespective of performance of knitting, tucking, or non-knitting operation of the systems.

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: In this machine, rows of rods (R.sub.1.sup.2, R.sub.3.sup.2, R.sub.4.sup.3, R.sub.2.sup.3) representing the woof threads are circulated in passages A, B, C defined between filaments (86) forming concentric open loops having adjustable diameters. In the openings of the loops are needles (90) movable between neutral or open positions for deviating the rods from a passage into an adjacent passage while depositing warp threads in circular layers between the rods. The rods are then replaced by woof threads by a lacing device.

Abstract: In this machine, rows of rods representing the woof threads are circulated in passages A, B, C defined between filaments forming concentric open loops having adjustable diameters. Disposed in the openings of the loops are needles (90) movable between neutral or open positions for deviating the rods from a passage into an adjacent passage in accordance with a predetermined sequence while depositing warp threads in circular layers between the rods. The rods are then replaced by woof threads by a lacing device.

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 circular knitting machine includes needles and loop-sinking sinkers longitudinally movable relative to each other in opposite directions. Each needle is provided with a non-movable slide. The movements of the needles and the sinkers are controlled by cams. Each slide has a tip. The control cam for the needle head and the control cam for the sinker and the height of the needle slide tip are selected so that the tips of the needle slides lie in the region which extends between the point of crossing of said control cams and the maximal vertical level of the knockover edge of the sinker.

Abstract: Improved 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 process for operating and controlling compound needles that have reciprocal travel of the needle and slider restricted by abutment surfaces where the needle is lifted high enough to engage yarn but less than the travel of the needle and slider and the descent of the needle. Before the needle descends, the needle is lifted selectively to bring the upper end of the slider above the plane of knock-over of the sinkers through the action of abutment between the needle and slider. Needle descent takes place along at least two successive slopes in a track with different descent inclinations, the second slope being the steeper. Slider recall by the needle begins before the needle is brought down again by the second slope. Improved stitch-forming cams to permit compound needles to operate in accordance with the foregoing process are disclosed also.

Abstract: Methods for circular weft knitting of variegated diversiform and articles and selectively programmable circular weft knitting machine apparatus for carrying out such methods including 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: The invention concerns the production of deformable hollow reinforcements of revolution by a three-dimensional weaving. In a network of rods 18 held and rotated about a vertical axis 11 by rotary perforated plates 52, 53, 54, there are inserted in oblique crossed directions, i.e. non-radial directions, threads in the form of chain stitch loops produced by a knitting device 32. The chain stitches are downwardly compacted by the lower edge of the plate 52 which is inclined for this purpose.

Abstract: A knitting machine comprising a needle bed and a plurality of grooves in the needle bed for receiving knitting needles with a hooked knitting needle positioned in each of the grooves. Each of the knitting needles has an associated plate guided in the same groove. The plate includes a longitudinally extended finger directed toward the hook of the needle. The needle includes a shank portion having a recess therein below the hook of the needle for receiving the finger of the plate with the plate being moveable longitudinally and transversely with respect to the needle for widening a stitch formed therearound.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of woven pieces made by multidirectional weaving. A woven piece comprises, along one of the directions of weaving, temporary vertical rods which must be replaced by yarns joined to form a strand. The apparatus comprises to this end an upper assembly for detecting the position of the rods of the piece, rotating step by step, and actuating a needle with opening eye which, on descending through the woven piece, chases the rods one by one and hooks, in a lower assembly, a loop of the lacing strand and returns it into the woven piece in place of the chase rod.

Abstract: A knitting machine includes latchless needles, and selector elements located in positions corresponding therewith. Each selector element comprises a hook-like extension directed towards the needle point and arranged to penetrate into a longitudinal slot in the needle. The selector elements are subjected to sliding movements approximately perpendicular to the needles, together with lifting and lowering movements so that they penetrate into the needle slot, and are lifted in order to take-up the stitch engaged by the needle and to remove it therefrom. Alternatively the selector element can abandon the stitch by lowering its hook-like extension below the plane of formation of the fabric.

Abstract: The method for knitting stockings comprises laying two systems of warp threads on knitting needles by means of two sets of guide needles and knitting a continuous hose which consists of a plurality of serially arranged stockings. Each stocking is made by knitting, in a sequence, with one-bar tricot stitch from one system of warp threads, an overturned welt 6 of the stocking and with two-bar tricot stitch from the two systems of warp threads, a leg, a heel portion, a sole portion and pull courses. After knitting the pull courses of the stocking, a garterband portion is knit with the loop length which is at least equal to the loop length of a cylindrical portion of the leg.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanical stitch formation with at least one continuous yarn or thread wherein a loop of yarn or thread is provided around a stitch forming needle, and this first loop is clamped at its distal end so as to be retained around the needle while the thread is drawn through this first loop so as to form a second loop engaging the first loop, whereupon the first loop is released and cast off of the needle while the needle passes through the second loop which is then clamped around the needle in preparation for a repeat operation for formation of successive stitches.

Abstract: Method and means for transferring knit loops from single-hook needles on one cylinder to single-hook needles on the other cylinder of a double cylinder circular knitting machine. In the method and needles are displaced at an inclination outwardly of their cylinders to allow axial sliding of the opposing needles behind the inclined needles and into the loops held on the inclined needles; the inclined needles are then withdrawn to shed the hooks, which are then received on the hooks of the other needles. The means includes radial pins slidably carried in the cylinders for engagement and operation by stationary radial cams located within the cylinders, the pins extending through the cylinders and into engagement with the stems of the needles for radially displacing the needles outwardly to the inclined positions required by the described method.

Abstract: A needle and needle bed assembly for flat and circular knitting machines for making right-right and left-left knitted articles, includes at least one horizontally-disposed needle bed having a generally concavely-shaped upper surface which has formed therein a plurality of transversely-extending, generally arcuately-shaped grooves, and a plurality of generally arcuately-shaped needles, each of which is slidably supported within one of the grooves of the bed for movement between a push-out position and a drawing-in position, in which positions one end of the needles extends beyond a lateral edge of the bed. The needles are guided in the grooves such that the angle defined between the ends of the needles, as measured by the tangent thereto, and the vertical axis of the bed, decreases as the needles are moved from the drawing-in position to the push-out position.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine comprises a needle cylinder, centered on a vertical axis, formed with a multiplicity of vertical guide grooves for respective knitting needles which have heels riding on an upper ramp surface formed by one or more lifting cams on a stationary support about which the cylinder rotates. A lower ramp surface acts upon the needles through respective hairpin springs, the two ramp surfaces diverging in the first part and converging in the second part of a descending cam section whereby a force stored in the springs at the beginning of a downstroke motion accelerates the descent of the needles toward the end of that stroke.

Abstract: As the knitting needle reciprocates between two stationary, upstanding fingers, a notch on the needle loads a loop of yarn onto the fingers and the nose of the needle passes down inside the loop during the down-portion of one stroke and moves up outside the loop to unload it from the fingers during the beginning of the up-portion of the next stroke.

Abstract: A flat bed or circular knitting machine has an additional bed which accommodates in grooves or tricks pairs of yarn-guide members which are controlled alternatively by cams to co-operate with needles of the machine. The ends of each yarn-guide member carries a hook which co-operates with an eyelet to effect the actual guiding function.