Abstract: A circular textile knitting machine includes a drive chain for each needle inserted in a respective longitudinal groove, located below a respective needle and operatively interposed between the respective needle and actuating cams. The drive chain includes a sub-needle arranged below the needle and engaged with the needle to be axially moved in the respective longitudinal groove together with the needle. The sub-needle includes a movable butt radially movable between an operating position, in which it is extracted to be engaged with respective first paths defined by first actuating cams and cause activation of the needle, and a non-operating position, in which it is retracted to not be engaged with the first paths.

Abstract: A method for knitting a three-dimensional fabric with variable thickness through a flat knitting machine includes the following steps: moving two cam groups and driving a plurality of knitting needles to knit a first piece of knitting by a starting cam system; moving the two cam groups and driving the plurality of knitting needles to knit a second piece of knitting by a middle cam system; and moving the two cam groups and driving the plurality of knitting needles to knit a supporting yarn by two tail cam systems respectively. The tail cam systems control each of a plurality of knock-over bit cams to move according to a gap size corresponding to a knitting length of the supporting yarn, so as to promptly change a thickness of the three-dimensional fabric along the length change of the supporting yarn.

Abstract: An athletic sock formed from a yarn comprising Coolmax® polyester fibers, cotton fibers and Lycra® polyurethane-polyurea copolymer fiber. The sock has a toe portion, at least one compression portion, a heel and ankle portion, and an upper band at the top portion of the sock.

Abstract: A needle actuation device comprises a cam box facing a needle holder and supporting at least one lowering cam whose profile is inclined with respect to the direction of the motion of the needle holder with respect to the cam box. The profile of the lowering cam engageable by a needle or needle pusher heel, protruding from the needle holder. The lowering cam is movable along an adjustment direction in which at least one component is parallel to the direction of the sliding of the needles in the needle holder, to vary length of knitting loops, and rotatable to vary inclination of the profile with respect to the motion direction. Adjusters are provided to vary inclination of the profile of the lowering cam both correlated to the loop length variation and independently of the loop length variation.

Abstract: A needle actuation device comprises a cam box facing a needle holder and supporting at least one lowering cam whose profile is inclined with respect to the direction of the motion of the needle holder with respect to the cam box. The profile of the lowering cam engageable by a needle or needle pusher heel, protruding from the needle holder. The lowering cam is movable along an adjustment direction in which at least one component is parallel to the direction of the sliding of the needles in the needle holder, to vary length of knitting loops, and rotatable to vary inclination of the profile with respect to the motion direction. Adjusters are provided to vary inclination of the profile of the lowering cam both correlated to the loop length variation and independently of the loop length variation.

Abstract: An automatic fabric-density adjusting device is provided and includes a detecting device for detecting the rotary movement of a knitting machine, a driving mechanism for driving a yarn positive feeding device in response to the signal detected by said detecting device, a controller for controlling the driving mechanism to cause said yarn feeding device to feed a requisite yarn volume for the desired fabric, a fabric tension sensor for detecting variations in the tension of the knit fabric and signaling the controller to vary the take-up of the fabric accordingly.

Abstract: A stitch cam for a circular knitting machine using needles having operating butts of a predetermined height, includes a support body having a front facing surface, a first cam plate fixedly attached to the front facing surface, and a second cam plate movably attached to the fixed cam plate. When assembled, the first and second cam plates define a closed cam track having a spacing sized for accommodating the operating butt of the needles. The movable cam plate includes a pin for engaging a spiral cam cylinder of the support body to provide linear motion of the movable cam plate relative to the first cam plate to alter the position of at least a portion of the closed cam track in order to selectively raise and lower the stitch level of the needles in a circular knitting machine.

Abstract: In a flat knitting machine wherein a plurality of knitting locks work on a single needle bed to knit, the consumption of each yarn is measured and compared with the standard yarn length, and the stitch cam adjustment values of the respective knitting locks are corrected. The stitch cam adjustment data is stored for the respective combinations of stitch cams and yarns. Correction is not limited to the stitch cam which knitted the yarn of which consumption was measured. Correction by the same value is also given to the stitch cam adjustment values of other stitch cams relative to the yarn. As a result, for any combination of a stitch cam and a yarn which appears suddenly in the latter half of knitting, the stitch cam adjustment values have been corrected on the basis of the measurement of consumed yarn lengths of other stitch cams, generating no knitting gaps.

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 of and circular knitting machine for producing a knit fabric having more uniform stitches including yarn feeders feeding a plurality of yarns to stitch forming instrumentalities, the spacing of which affects stitch length and which is subject to change during operation of the knitting machine, a sensor for sensing the tension in the plurality of yarns which changes with changes in the spacing of the stitch forming instrumentalities, and generating a signal indicative of the average tension in the yarns, a comparator for comparing the sensor signal with a pre-set desired tension, a convertor for converting the comparison result into a drive signal, and an adjuster adjusting the spacing of the stitch forming instrumentalities responsive to the drive signal.

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.

Abstract: A stitch control mechanism for a flat knitting machine, for controlling loop size in knitting a knit fabric on a flat knitting machine. A spiral cam plate is attached to one surface of a stitch cam control cam, the spiral cam plate is held between a pair of cam rollers, and the pair of cam rollers are supported on a guide plate combined with a stitch cam and having a portion slidably fitted in a guide slot formed in a base plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a circular knitting machine for making plush fabric. The circular knitting machine has a needle cylinder fitted with knitting needles, a sinker ring fitted with sinkers, wherein the sinkers have edges adapted to handle a ground yarn and a plush yarn, and at least one knitting system. For independent adjustment to the stitch size and the plush yarn loops, a cylinder cam section has an adjustable cam part which serves to adjust the length of the plush yarn loops. A cam part independent therefrom and also adjustable serves to adjust the stitch size. This cam part can be arranged either in the sinker cam or the cylinder cam.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine has a needle cylinder (7) and a dial (25) which define a comb distance (x). One of these two needle carriers and a respective cam (9, 27) are displaceably supported in a frame of the circular knitting machine. To prevent unwanted changes in the comb distance during temperature fluctuations, a compensating structural component part (30) is provided which is coupled with the displaceable needle carrier, usually the dial and the cam assigned to the latter and constructed and arranged in such a way that the unwanted changes in the comb distance are compensated for automatically by correspondingly dimensioned thermal expansion or upsetting of the compensating structural component part.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine with needles having operating butts of predetermined height includes a stitch cam unit for raising and lowering the needles by engaging the operating butts. The cam system includes a support body and a needle raising cam block having upper and lower cam members fixed to the support body and having corresponding upwardly inclined lower and upper butt engaging surfaces which are spaced from each other a distance substantially corresponding to the dimensions of the predetermined height of the needle butts. The upper cam member also includes a downwardly inclined lower butt engaging surface extending from the top portion of the upwardly inclined lower butt engaging surface for engagement with the needle butts. A stitch cam member has a downwardly inclined lower butt engaging surface cooperating with the downwardly inclined lower butt engaging surface of the needle raising cam.

Abstract: An automatic method for adjusting the relative height between a needle cylinder and a stitch forming cam of an automatic knitting machine. A control means stores information for each different type of yarn that the machine might use. This information consists of a relative height for each of two different widths of the item being knitted. Using these two pairs of numbers, the proper relative height for any given width can be calculated using a linear equation. As a stocking is automatically knitted, and different zones of the stocking are produced, the proper relative height is calculated using the stored information, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of either the needle cylinder or the stitch forming cam.

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: This invention is directed to an improved method for producing quality hosiery in circular knitting machines by changing the stitch length. The density of the knitted hose is regulated by measuring the axial advancement of a tensioning device. This produces hose portion by portion and consequently varies the level difference between the sinker knock-down plane and the minimum level reached by the active needles.

Abstract: A method of measuring the yarn density of a woven fabric or the stitch density of a knitted fabric by recording a video image of the woven or knitted fabric to be examined by means of a video camera, converting the video image by an analog-to-digital converter into digital video information, storing the digital video information in a digital image memory and converting said information by a central processing unit into the yarn density or stitch density. The digital video information is converted by a digital band filter (14) with central circle frequency (.omega..sub.o) into a yarn or stitch density, and that the digital band filter (14) is arranged in such a manner that it operates according to the formula:Y.sub.k =A.sub.m .multidot.X.sub.k-m +A.sub.m-1 .multidot.X.sub.k-m+1. . . +A.sub.o X.sub.k -B.sub.1 .multidot.Y.sub.k-1 -B.sub.2 Y.sub.k-2. . . B.sub.n Y.sub.k-nwherein:X.sub.k represents a series of points of the digital information characteristic at interspace T before the digital filtering; Y.sub.

Abstract: A mechanism allows the stitch density to be varied simultaneously with the knitting process by using a single stationary main control with which rotating controls, one for each cam set, successively align. The main control is provided with a motor regulated by a controller, a first sliding member and a proximity detector. Each rotating control includes a second vertical sliding member attached to the stitch cam. According to a program, for each cam set, the motor drives the sliding member and the movement of the latter is applied to the second sliding member through a transmission.

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: A universal circular knitting machine with a plurality of knitting stations, having two revolving cylinders axially aligned with each other surrounded by cam skirts, selection devices, stitch length regulation devices and yarn selector devices mounted on a stationary structure. Each movable element for determining needle selection and needle vertical movement, along with yarn-guide actuation, is driven by an electromechanical actuator mounted on the stationary structure. A central electronic control unit sends actuation command signals to the electromechanical actuators. The signals are synchronized with the revolution of the cylinders in accordance with a pattern corresponding to a knitted fabric to be produced.

Abstract: A knitting machine has at least one needle bed (1), which is equipped with needles (4) that are controlled by needle cam parts, (16), following along a needle control curve, and are guided longitudinally. Between the needles, sinkers (22) that are short in comparison with their length are supported on the needle bed, or on a sinker carrier (21) connected to it, such that they can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the needles and essentially transversely to it, about a transverse axis. The longitudinal and transverse movements of the sinkers are controlled, in each case following along a sinker control curve, such that during at least part of the withdrawal movement of the needles, which is devoted to loop formation, they execute a projection movement contrary to this withdrawal movement.

Abstract: In a multisystem knitting machine with longitudinally displaceable needles and also displaceable and pivotable sinkers which are alternately positioned in a carrier, an adjusting shaft and an adjusting head for each cam system are positioned on a movable slide on which a plunger of a central adjusting device acts so as to move that slide.

Abstract: The device has a slide rigidly associated with a stitch cam and being movable relatively to the cam assemblies of the needle cylinder in a substantially parallel direction to the needle cylinder aixs. The device is peculiar in that it has a step motor controlled by an electronic machine control and connected to a drive cam which engages rotatably with said slide to impart to the stitch cam a set displacement relatively to the needle cylinder cam assemblies; the slide is also movable relatively to said cam assemblies against and by the action a spring.

Abstract: To permit independent adjustment of movement of knock-over bit - jack sinker elements (3) having knock-over or casting-off heads (7), a cam box (22, 23) has an individually adjustable raising and lowering cam track (26, 28), engaging a butt (6) on the sinker element. The shaft (4) of the jack or sinker is formed as a double-arm lever (16, 17) with an intermediate fulcrum or pivot point projection (18), engaging a surface of the knitting machine, for example a cylinder groove, and two individual cam tracks (34, 35) are provided, formed on cam carriers (36, 37), of which, preferably, at least one (36) is adjustable, to provide for rocking movement of the knock-over bit - sinker jack element about the fulcrum or pivot projection independently of sliding longitudinal raising and lowering under control of the customarily provided cam structure (26, 28).

Abstract: In a circular knitting machine for hosiery articles, a plurality of generally banana-shaped sinker-pressing cams are mounted beneath a lid or cap to float radially between an inner ring cam and a plurality of miniature pneumatic rams and attendant plungers, which are arranged in a circular path around the outsides of the sinker-pressing cams. Each of the rams has its plunger engaged with the outer peripheral surface of one of the sinker-pressing cams, and is connected to a pneumatic control means, which is operable selectively to force the ram plunger against the associated sinker pressing cam to urge it radially inward against the outer ends of the sinkers. With this construction the sinker-pressing cams can be selectively utilized depending upon the type of article being produced on the machine.

Abstract: A machine for producing a knitted fabric having a knitted ground material of a ground thread and a pile or loop-pile surface from additional pile threads or fibers, the machine having a plurality of individually selectable knitting elements and at least two knitting systems, each with a feeding position for the ground thread and the pile thread or a fiber web. A patterning mechanism is provided at each knitting system for selecting the particular knitting element which is to process the pile threads or fibers in that system and each knitting element having a knitting cam segment to produce the stitches.

Abstract: The invention relates to movable stitch cams for circular knitting machines wherein the stitch adjustment is effected by rotation of the cam around an axis of rotation and wherein the main portion of the active portion of the cam lies on an arc of a circle having its center on the axis of rotation of the cam.

Abstract: An arrangement in the cam systems for circular knitting machines in which movable cams having variable positions cooperate with fixed cams to define a needle track, so that this track is substantially free of severe curvatures. The cams cooperate in different working positions to maintain the needle path parallel during the entire track, and independent of the variable position of the movable cams, so as to increase the speed of the dial and needle cylinder of the knitting machine while protecting the dial and needle cylinder against breakage and reducing the number of cam systems to increase the yield of the loom.

Abstract: A knitting machine has a lowering cam which acts on the butts of the needles to lower the needles in an active stroke. A stop cam associated with the lowering cam acts on the butts to decelerate the needles at the end of the stroke. The relative positions of the lowering cam and the stop cam can be adjusted in two mutually transverse directions to ensure smooth engagement of the butts with the stop cam.

Abstract: Fine gauge knitting machines utilized in the production of hosiery and comprising needle cylinders three and three-quarter to four inches in diameter and carrying 300 to 469 needles are modified for the production of outerwear garments and the like knitted with relatively large loose loops by replacing the sinker caps thereof by sinker caps which are 0.060 to 0.100 of an inch less in interior diameter than those used in such machines for the production of hosiery, and replacing the sinker throw-in cam and the sinker throw-out cam by cams which differ from those used in the machine for the production of hosiery to use this additional space for sinker movement, by replacing the sinkers by sinkers having bottom legs 0.030 to 0.075 of an inch shorter than those used in corresponding conventional machines for the production of hosiery, and by replacing a stitch cam or cams by those which are 0.038 to 0.

Abstract: Mechanism for adjustably supporting needle cams on knitting machines, particularly on circular knitting machines. The mechanism provides simple means for adjusting the cams both in the direction of the knitting stroke of the needles in the slots of the needle cylinder, i.e. in the direction of height, and in the direction transverse to this knitting stroke in the horizontal plane along the periphery of the cam assembly frame plate, that is, in a lateral direction for the lateral adjustment of the cams and thus to eliminate the manufacturing deviations in the angular distribution of the knitting feeds. In accordance with the invention, the cam assembly is provided with a prismatic recess, in which there is mounted a block which is slidable laterally, that is, in a direction tangential to the needle cylinder, such lateral adjustment being provided by a spring and a screw with a conical end or by an eccentric pin.

Abstract: A lock for circular knitting machines. According to the invention, a lock or cam comprises a fixed lock element supporting or carrying cams defining the guide tracks for the knitting needle heels, causing the outgoing and re-entering movements of said needles; such cams are secured to a slider movable between extreme positions within a guide of said fixed lock element. The slider has a threaded portion engaging a first screw thread of a manually operable adjusting element for the slider stroke, which adjusting element is provided with a second screw thread in opposite direction to the former; this second screw thread screwing in a threaded seat of the fixed lock element, so that at a rotation of said adjusting element there would correspond an overall displacement of the cam carrying slider equal to the sum of the displacement of said slider relative to the adjusting element and of that of the latter relative to said fixed element.