Abstract: A needle picker releasing device in a circular knitting machine for the production of hosiery goods performs releasing of pickers from a non-operative into an operative position by kinematic action of an electromagnet moving a blocking device. The electromagnet may be operated by a microswitch contacting a cam. The blocking device may be a double armed lever arranged between the electromagnet and the picker, one arm of the lever being engagable with the picker so as to block the motion of the picker and another arm of the lever being engageable by the electromagnet, movement of the other arm being obtained in one direction by the electromagnetic when energized and in another direction by spring means.

Abstract: The device for changing the number of the needles knitting in a circular knitting machine for stockings and like articles, comprises a single picker configurated for operation in either directions of reciprocation of the needle cylinder or cylinders and arranged at that area where a conventional needle lowering picker is arranged. The single picker is rotatable through 180.degree. substantially about the longitudinal axis thereof for assuming respectively a position in which it operates as a needle raising picker and a position in which it operates as a needle lowering picker.