Abstract: Methods for fabrication of articles, in particular knitted articles, using computer-controlled machines. A 3D model of the article is characterized by a 3D polygonal mesh defining a surface of the 3D model. A streamline is drawn on the 3D model, and used to define a set of isolines over the surface described by the 3D polygonal mesh. The isolines are quantized into equidistant points along their respective lengths and a cut line traversing each of the isolines is defined. Courses are defined by connecting quantization points of the isolines based on knitting rules to produce a 2D knitting map containing apexes. Apex attraction may be performed on a first portion of the 2D knitting map by decreasing a spatial distance between respective ones of the apexes. The 2D knitting map is subsequently converted to knitting instructions for a computer-controlled knitting machine.

Abstract: A method for designing a knitted textile or fabric, the method includes receiving graphical input from a user regarding a knit pattern comprised of different types of individual stitches to be included in a textile or fabric design. The method further includes graphically displaying a representation of the textile or fabric design. The method further includes merging sections of continuous stitches of the same type into at least one block. The method further includes graphically displaying the textile or fabric design as a pattern of the at least one block. The method further includes applying edge rolling indicators and/or folding indicators to the displayed pattern of the at least one block, where the edge rolling and/or folding indicators respectively and graphically illustrate predicted edge rolling and folding behaviors of a physical textile or fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of fitting for pre-fabricated compression garments via digital imaging of a wearer body part and measurement of body part circumferences and, optionally, lengths therefrom. The present invention also relates to methods of generating a shape description derived from digital imaging of a patient body part or body area of interest and use of such shape description. Such shape description includes geometric information from which measurement information can optionally be derived. Included herein are methods for diagnosing and monitoring edema and other conditions in patients using shape descriptions acquired from a patient in need of such diagnosis and monitoring. The invention also includes use of the generated shape descriptions to make compression garments specifically configured for a patient's body part or body area. Compression garments generated from the generated shape descriptions are also included herein.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a needle driver at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the needle driver is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the needle driver, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A fully fashion knitted outer covering made by using a method for generation of contour fit 3D fully fashion knitted outer covering pattern based on 3D exterior data of an object. The method comprises the following steps: digitizing an individual to create a 3D object data cloud; automatically and/or manually recognizing object's exterior landmarks; extracting the object's exterior measurements; calculating the outer covering pattern block of the digitized surface of the object according to the extracted object's exterior measurements including geodesic measurements; transforming the outer covering block to 3D weft knitted outer covering pattern by introducing horizontal and/or vertical darts; and translating the modified knitted outer covering pattern to knitting diagrams and/or instructions, which can then be transferred to knitwear CAD system to control the automatic knitting machine to knit the required knitted outer covering.

Abstract: A fully fashion knitwear made by using a method for generation of contour fit three-dimensional (3D) fully fashion knitwear pattern based on 3D body data of an individual. The method comprises the following steps: digitizing an individual to create a 3D body data cloud; automatically recognizing body landmarks; extracting the body measurements; calculating the garment pattern block of the digitized surface of the individual according to the extracted body measurements including geodesic (minimal distance) measurements; transforming the garment block to 3D weft knitwear pattern by introducing horizontal and/or vertical darts; and translating the modified knitwear pattern to knitting diagrams and/or instructions, which can then be transferred manually to knitwear CAD system to control the automatic knitting machine to knit the required knitwear.

Abstract: A stereoscopic camera calibration target includes: first illumination points on a first surface; second illumination points on a second surface, the first and second surfaces being planar, parallel to each other, and spaced from each other; and circuitry that sets a strobe frequency of the first and second illumination points. A method includes: moving a calibration target in front of a stereoscopic camera, the calibration target comprising first points on a first surface and second points on a second surface, the first and second surfaces being planar, parallel to each other, and spaced from each other; capturing, using the stereoscopic camera, an image sequence of the calibration target, the image sequence comprising pairs of left and right images of at least some of the first and second points; determining a calibration value for the stereoscopic camera using the image sequence; and processing the image sequence using the calibration value.

Abstract: A method to form a compression garment apparatus for a body part of a human and/or animal. The method includes forming a segmented flex frame and installing a shape memory alloy on struts of the segmented flex frame. The method further includes connecting the shape memory alloy to first and second terminals on the frame creating a mechanical and electrical connection. The method includes installing a controller that applies current to the shape memory alloy at intervals using and executing intermittent, sequenced, or continuous compression therapy using the controller by creating at least one heating phase causing the shape memory alloy to reach a target transition temperature to either lengthen or shorten and at least one cooling phase causing the length of the shape memory alloy at the target transition temperature to lengthen or shorten opposite of the length change caused by the heating phase.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a heart correction net includes: a first step of taking cross-sectional images of a heart in a layer direction, in which an apex and a base of the heart are connected; a second step of extracting outlines of the heart from the cross-sectional images; a third step of defining dividing points with respect to a three-dimensional shape reconstructed based on the outlines, the dividing points being defined on the outlines in a circumferential direction of the heart; a fourth step of dividing a contour of the heart in three-dimensions into divided regions based on the plurality of the dividing points, and creating development data, in which the each of the divided regions is developed on a two-dimensional plane; a fifth step of creating paper-pattern data based on the development data; and a sixth step of knitting the heart correction net based on the paper-pattern data.

Abstract: A knit apparel is made using a decorating pattern that is generated to give the apparel the appearance of tie dyed apparel. The decorating pattern includes a main element, a secondary element and intermediate zones have the same color but gradually lighter shades as the main element.

Abstract: A method of reducing torque in garments includes calculating a needle wale skew measurement for the fabric. A knitting machine can orient fabric along its negligible torque line. The knitting machine includes a cylinder having a plurality of needles for knitting the fabric, a take-down component for pulling the fabric from the cylinder, and the knitting machine is adapted for rotating the take-down component at a predetermined rotation ratio relative to rotation of the cylinder. The predetermined rotation ratio can be calculated using the needle wale skew measurement. Torque can be accurately measured at all textile/apparel processes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a knitting machine having a processor programmed to cause the knitting machine to knit a wool pile fabric having a plurality of footwear components and simultaneously knitting wool fibers and a scrim to form the wool pile fabric including the footwear components.

Abstract: A knit apparel is made using a decorating pattern that is generated to give the apparel the appearance of tie dyed apparel. The decorating pattern includes a main element, a secondary element and intermediate zones have the same color but gradually lighter shades as the main element.

Abstract: The presence or absence of putting round of a yarn is detected according to whether carriers are positioned on a near side or a far side and according to the relationship of connection between loops, and the result is displayed on a monitor. On the monitor, for example, the degree of the deformation of the yarn is changed according to the presence or absence of putting round when the yarn is touched, or a color is changed according to the presence or absence of putting round. The presence or absence of putting round of the yarn can be detected and then displayed to a user.

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: The presence or absence of putting round of a yarn is detected according to whether carriers are positioned on a near side or a far side and according to the relationship of connection between loops, and the result is displayed on a monitor. On the monitor, for example, the degree of the deformation of the yarn is changed according to the presence or absence of putting round when the yarn is touched, or a color is changed according to the presence or absence of putting round. The presence or absence of putting round of the yarn can be detected and then displayed to a user.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a simulation method and a simulation apparatus of the image of a twisted yarn capable of forming an image close to the actuality. When the images of twisted threads (1, 2) are inputted, abstracted models (3, 4) of the twisted yarns having a constant elliptical cross-section are obtained as shown in (b). A projected image (6) of the twisted yarns as shown in (c) is obtained when the models shown in (b) are viewed from the right side and one of two abstracted models (3, 4) located on the left side is concealed. The projected image (6) of the twisted yarns is formed by copying the images of the twisted yarns (1, 2) on to parts corresponding to the abstracted models (3, 4) of respective twisted yarns.

Abstract: A setting area is stored in association with the external shape of a knitted fabric, and the setting area is altered as the external shape is altered. A unit pattern is vertically copied repeatedly in the setting area. When setting patterns exist on both sides of the boundary between front and rear knitted fabrics, the boundary being a start point of circumferential formation, the setting pattern on the start section side is shifted upward by one course. The range for providing the setting pattern therein can be altered automatically when the external shape of the knitted fabric is altered. Furthermore, the setting pattern does not become discontinuous in a course direction at the boundary between the front and rear knitted fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing knitted fabrics, more particularly a method of skillfully transferring a painting artwork onto a knitted fabrics to show the artistic verve of the painting. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: inputting an original drawing into a computer for digitization; editing and designing the digitized original drawing on a knitted fabric; outputting a knitting square plot after a graphic software performs a color processing; introducing graphic file information analyzed and processed by a knitting software to a knitting machine; and operators following a lamp signal of the knitting machine and the knitting square plot to knit to shape a knit piece, so as to complete a fashioned fine-art knitted fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control unit for thread feeding devices, such as those associated with knitting machines and the like. The control unit generates pattern or switch data control signals based on a pattern memory, or otherwise, for the thread feeding devices. In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit adds to or subtracts from the pattern data any advance or lag angles as necessary to account for the structure of the machine and to thus assure effective thread feeding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for knitting a double jersey knit fabric (11) on a double jacquard, double jersey circular knitting machine, the double jersey knit fabric (11) having a design consisting of more than 12 needles, wherein the knitting machine comprises a cylinder (C) and a dial (D) provided with needles each separately driven by an electronical pattern controlling mechanism, wherein the needles of the cylinder (C) are provided for knitting the front (F) of the fabric (11), and the needles of the dial (D) are provided for knitting the back (B) of the fabric, and wherein the front (F) of the fabric (11) comprises at least one area of blister fabric (5), wherein a non-reversible single-sided designed knit fabric (11) is knitted having a desired design at the front of the fabric (11) and a technical design at the back of the fabric (11), wherein this technical design is created by knitting or tucking one or more of the yarns (7, 8, 9 and/or 10) that are used for forming the blister fabric (6) with

Abstract: A knitting method for knitting a tubular knitting fabric having gores of front and back knitted fabric parts which are different in size in the manner that no twisting of loops can be provided at the stage of the completion of the joining of the gores so that the tubular knitted fabric can be knitted up continuously without any need of rotation operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assigning states to stitches of a fabric, wherein the state can vary between a first and a second state, that comprising the steps of allocating a part of the fabric, randomly assigning a state to each stitch of the allocated part of the fabric, evaluating the ratio between the number of stitches in the first state and the number of stitches in the second state, checking if the ratio lies within a predefined range of values, and restarting at step b) if the ratio lies outside the predefined range. The method may be used for manufacturing a medical compression garment.

Abstract: A movement amount is determined for each of a plurality of stitches on a knitting fabric on the basis of relative positions between a stitch and stitches on the upper, lower, left, and right sides thereof in accordance with predetermined rules, and the stitch is moved. Movement of the stitch is repeated until the position of the stitch is converged. The stitch is then positioned at the converged value of the stitch position and displayed.

Abstract: A yarn feeder is caused to perform a single reciprocating motion in a section in which the boundary of an intarsia pattern varies discontinuously such that a jump occurs between a yarn feeding end position of the yarn feeder and a following yarn feeding start position, and thus the stitches of the section in question are formed in halves between an outward route and a return route. As a result, yarn jumps do not occur even when the boundary of the intarsia pattern varies discontinuously.

Abstract: A gore as a portion of a continuous elongated knitted fabric in a wale direction like a flared skirt is used. A knitted fabric formed by connecting a plurality of the gores in a course direction is designed. At the time of designing a pattern spread over a plurality of gores, the pattern is designed on the outer shape image as a composite image of the gores, and the design is divided into gores. At the time of assigning the pattern to the gores, it is checked whether any narrowing course is present in the pattern. If any narrowing course is present, on the upper side of the narrowing course, the left and right borders of the pattern are shifted toward the center of the knitted fabric, by the amount corresponding to the number of narrowing stitches from the center of the knitted fabric or the like.

Abstract: Shapes of a front and a rear part of a tubular knit fabric are displayed on a monitor, and the input of a pattern across the front and rear knit fabrics is received. When a user appoint on the monitor a start point of the pattern on the knit fabric, the pattern is extended in the direction going around the front and rear knit fabrics such that the pattern is substantially continued from the start point of the pattern across both front and rear knit fabrics and on edges between the front and rear knit fabrics. The pattern extended is displayed on the monitor, laid over the shapes of the front and rear knit fabrics.

Abstract: A device for controlling and monitoring a yarn processing system, which comprises an electronic main control unit and at least one yarn feeding unit, and inside of which a serial communications field bus system is provided with at least one field bus for carrying out communication. At least one bi-directional event line is provided outside the field bus system in order to transmit a time critical and/or time-specific, digital and anonymous event signal for carrying out and/or confirming events. For at least one communication participant connected to the field bus system, an event specific characteristic feature of respective event signal can be defined by the software side configuration inside the field bus system.

Abstract: A shed-forming device and a method for using it are provided for creating a shed of warp yarns in a weaving machine. The shed-forming device includes a plurality of yarn separating elements operably disposed to one another within the weaving machine. The yarn separating elements individually separate the warp yarns into operational zones between the yarn separating element. A fluid supply apparatus supplies fluid to the yarn separating elements in the shed-forming device. The yarn separating elements direct the fluid to contact the warp yarns, forcing the warp yarns to form changeable sheds to allow proper weaving.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to quickly display a simulation image of knitting stitches approximate to an actually knitted fabric. When an image is present in the position of the knitting stitches 12, 13 corresponding between an upper layer 1 and a lower layer 2, the images of knitting stitches for pattern 11 or transformed knitting stitches 12, 13 in the upper layer 1 having the highest priority are displayed. In each layer, it is possible to perform an editing operation of selecting combinations of knitting stitches previously registered in a form of module from a library and changing the position and the shape of the image of the knitting stitches. The knitting stitches in the periphery of the knitting stitch for a pattern 11 are substituted for the transformed knitting stitches 12, 13 reflecting the influence of the making of the knitting stitch for pattern.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to display an image giving a feeling close to the feeling of a knitted fabric actually knitted with a knitting yarn. Linear knitting yarn image data 1 is divided into a plurality of meshes 2. The mesh 2 is made to match a transformed mesh 3 transformed along the shape of a knitting stitch loop 4. The knitting yarn image data 1 is subjected to an image drawing processing by a mesh transforming technique to create the image of the knitting stitch loop 4. A lower section 4a and an upper section 4b are defined in a portion where the knitting stitch loops 4 are overlapped, the portion where the knitting stitch loops are overlapped is synthesized as a knitted fabric 6, and displayed. Fluffiness or the like is also reproduced, and consequently the feeling like that of an actual knitted fabric can be given.

Abstract: A method for producing a multi layer protective textile fabric having a base fabric layer with pre-selected areas fibers of a heavier denier or different material inserted pursuant to a computer program and the articles produced thereby. There is also provided a glove prepared by the method comprising different denier fibers and kind of fibers at pre-selected locations having a base unilayer and at least one other layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unilayer flexible performance fabric which may be fabricated into apparel and articles having high performance fibers, such as high tensile modulus fibers positioned within a base fabric in at least one preselected location only where required to import performance characteristics which are equal to or exceed the specifications for the garment. For example, if cut resistance is a requirement, performance fibers which provide such protection from this hazard would be used. Likewise, if abrasion resistance is intended for an apparel such as coveralls, only the knees and elbows would require the performance fiber. Thus, reducing the amount of expensive fibers normally used. The invented fabric is manufacturede in a method in which the placement of the fabric in preselected locations is computer controlled.

Abstract: A method of producing a unilayer textile fabric having in preselected areas fibers of a heavier denier inserted pursuant to a computer program and the articles produced thereby. There is also provided a glove prepared by the method comprising heavier denier fibers at preselected locations.

Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for designing tubular round knitted products on a flat knitting machine operates with the fine automation degree and a plurality of representing, designing and correcting possibilities.

Abstract: A knit design system comprising grading line directing device (24) for directing grading lines (48, 90) at locations of size changes with respect to a design (34, 86) displayed on a monitor (8); grading line setting device (28) for setting information on design modification (34, 86) with respect to the grading lines (48, 90); operating device (26) for making size changes of the design (34, 86) with reference to the grading line (48, 90) directed by the grading line directing device (24) and the modification data set by the grading line setting device (28).

Abstract: A device for designing knit products to be manufactured on a knitting machine includes at least one storage device for storing data required for the production of the knit products on the knitting machine; at least one display device for displaying design images for the knit products; and at least one input device for altering the design images. Data to be exchanged between the storage, input and display devices is processed to generate at least one knit image presentation and at least one corresponding thread course presentation for display as the design images on the display device, and one of the presentations is simultaneously correspondingly altered as the other is being altered by using the input device.

Abstract: A method for linking plain knitted fabrics includes the steps of fixing a first plain knitted fabric in a stretched state, obtaining an image including an image of a darning stitch of the first plain knitted fabric in the stretched state, calculating a location of the darning stitch of the first plain knitted fabric from the obtained image, holding a second plain knitted fabric in a stretched state, obtaining an image including an image of a darning stitch of the second plain knitted fabric in the stretched state, calculating a location of the darning stitch of the second plain knitted fabric from the obtained image, moving the first plain knitted fabric and the second plain knitted fabric relative to each other to align the darning stitch of the second plain knitted fabric with the darning stitch of the first plain knitted fabric, moving a sewing machine needle of a sewing machine mechanism to the location of the darning stitch of the first plain knitted fabric, and linking together the darning stitch of the

Abstract: An Internet inline control apparatus for knitting machines includes a producer computer processor, a user computer processor linked to the producer computer processor, an intelligent communication unit linked to the user computer processor, a human machine interface linked to the intelligent communication unit, a control unit linked to the intelligent communication unit and a peripheral device linked to the control unit. Through the apparatus, the knitting machine producer is able to monitor and directly adjust knitting machines installed at remotely located user sites through the Internet.

Abstract: An electronic control apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes serial-parallel converters, a serial data bus, an electronic processing unit, and assignment mechanisms. Each of the serial-parallel converters is connected to at least one group of mechanical actuation elements of a textile machine. Further, the plurality of serial-parallel converters is connected sequentially to the serial data bus. The electronic processing unit forms pattern data blocks from textile pattern data and transmits the pattern data blocks to the serial-parallel converters. The pattern data blocks are output in transmission cycles, by the assignment mechanisms, to mechanical actuation elements in the groups of mechanical actuation elements.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine is described whose components can be adjusted to meet an order with the aid of adjustment data sets stored in a data memory and which relate to a predetermined knitting structure, yarn type, yarn thickness and quality of the knitwear to be produced and preferably arise from knitting processes already carried out on the circular knitting machine. A basic adjustment is preferably first effected on the basis of the adjustment data and can be followed by a fine adjustment with a central adjusting device for the loop size, until the desired quality is attained. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An electronic pattern circular knitting machine and method are provided in which a first encoder is operatively associated with the needle cylinder with which it rotates synchronously and generates a pulse signal for each knitting needle and transmits that signal to a central controller for the knitting machine, in which is stored a datum position for the first encoder, for comparison with pre-stored pattern data to calculate the position of each knitting needle; in which a second encoder is operatively associated with a dial and its cam system, the movement of which changes the knitting timing, for generation and transmission of a position signal to the central controller for comparison with a stored corresponding position to the datum position of the first encoder and a determination of whether the knitting timing has been changed and if so, to adjust automatically the needle selection timing.

Abstract: In a crochet machine for warp knitting, the longitudinal movement of the carrier slide bars is controlled by a plurality of brushless motors each of which incorporates into its structure, a transducer of the angular position of the output shaft and a converter for managing operation of the motor itself based on instructions received from a programmable electronic control unit supervising operation of the whole knitting machine.

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 knitted article is produced on a flat knitting machine with a carriage and at least one cam system, wherein the carriage speed is controlled within a knitting row in dependence on pattern types produced by individual needles or needle groups, as well as on the properties of knitting thread or threads continuously so that the carriage at each location of the knitting row is moved with a maximum possible speed at which it is guaranteed that no knitting thread is torn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling needles of a knitting machine based upon comparing a plurality of predetermined position control patterns defining target positions with the position of a yarn feeder and a needle. When the positions are not the same, each needle is incrementally moved based upon the present position of the needle and the determined target position of the needle.

Abstract: Needle beds are provided with needles, needle jacks and select jacks and selectors, and the selectors are provided with three butts. The front butt is made to contact the reference plane of the carriage to serve as the fulcrum of rocking. The second butt is used to withdraw the selector, and the tail butt is used to advance the selector. Two pressing cams of the carriage press the tail butt to make the selector to be attracted by a permanent magnet. Two raising cams of the carriage advance the selector to the H position and the A position.

Abstract: Each design data of intarsia, jacquard, and structural stitches is separately stored and independently processed. Each design data is stored in an internal data format where one pixel is allocated to each loop and is compensated for the aspect ratio of loops by affine transformation before being displayed on a monitor. Similarly input coordinates from a stylus are inputted in a coordinate system corresponding to the internal data format and then converted into monitor address with coordinate affine transformation.

Abstract: Different kinds of texture samples smaller than the knitted fabric to be produced are knitted with different loop lengths and finished. The loop length and loop density for the fabric are determined from the sample having an optimum texture. The density obtained is applies to pattern data as to the fabric to determine wale and course numbers, and the fabric is knitted with the determined loop length and finished.

Abstract: A method for determining the size of the stitch loops in sock-production machines by means of a control unit which stores three pairs of values for each of a plurality of different types of yarns with which each of a plurality of machine zones is to be produced. Each pair of values includes the relative height and the corresponding width of the knitted product, the specific length and corresponding width of the knitted product, and the height of the stitch-formation triangles and corresponding specific length of the knitted product. The width and type of yarn is selected for each zone to be produced, and the relative height corresponding to the selected width and type of yarn for each zone is determined by the control unit by means of an equation which represents a straight line. The rotational speed and angular position of the machine cylinder is measured and fed to the control unit, which then sends signals to step motors.