Abstract: A control device for striper units in a circular knitting machine having a plurality of cam disks, the profil whereof is followed by a respective lever operating a respective thread finger by means of a Bowden cable. Each cam disk is secured to a respective toothed wheel meshing with a further toothed wheel which may be coupled with and uncoupled from, a drive shaft constantly rotating with a predetermined rotational speed. Coupling and uncoupling of the further toothed wheel is controlled by the main chain of the machine so as to selectively cause a rotation of substantially 180.degree. of a respective selected cam disk to bring the corresponding thread finger in operation and another rotation of substantially 180.degree. to bring the corresponding thread finger out of operation. Other cam disks are provided to control in the same manner corresponding thread cutting and gripping means each time an associated thread finger is controlled.

Abstract: This multiple needle cylinder hosiery knitting machine is provided with a single horizontally disposed pattern disc surrounding the needle cylinders and controlling the simultaneous knitting of a sock on each of the needle cylinders. All of the instrumentalities used in knitting a sock at each needle cylinder, such as the yarn feed fingers, yarn cutters, the needle selecting devices, etc., are controlled by cams on the pattern disc. Drive means is provided for imparting step-by-step movement to the single pattern disc and a pattern chain controls movement of the pattern disc. Easy access is provided to the pattern disc and to each of the needle cylinders for changing patterns, cleaning and lubricating, for replacing parts, and for making other adjustments and repairs to the machine.