GB865177A - Improvements in or relating to knitting machines - Google Patents

Abstract

865,177. Knitting-machines. SCOTT & WILLIAMS Inc. April 29,1957 [Oct. 15, 1956], No. 13615/57. Class 74 (2). Automatic stitch control is achieved on a circular machine by a feeler 32 which engages the backs of the sinkers and which causes a baffle-member 48, Fig. 3, to either impede or permit the free flow of pressure air from a nozzle 66. The air in its passage to the nozzle passes over oil in a chamber 192, Fig. 12, which is connected via a shut-off valve 208, Fig. 3, to a chamber 152, Fig. 4, closed by a diaphragm which actuates a piston 148. The piston 148 is coupled to an arm 144 secured to a ring 116 having grooves in its undersurface inclined to the horizontal, which grooves enclose balls 124 between them and similar grooves in the top surface of a second stationary ring 112. These rings are positioned between the needle cylinder and the normal cylinder raising tube 4, Fig. 2. Consequently variation in the position of feeler 32 and baffle member 48 causes the air pressure on the oil in the chamber 192 to be varied with the result that the diaphragm and piston are actuated to turn arm 144 and top ring 116. This turning movement causes the balls 124 to move along the grooves so that the rings move apart or nearer together and consequently the raising or lowering of the needle cylinder. When the correct adjustment has been made the feeler 32 automatically adjusts the baffle member 48 to vary the flow of air from nozzle 66 and stop further movement of the ring 116. The position of baffle member 48 is further controlled by lever 68, the position of which is adjusted as the needle cylinder is raised or lowered by the cylinder raising tube 4. During reciprocatory knitting of the heel and toe the member 68 is withdrawn and a control-member operated from the fashioning cam-shaft holds the arm 144 in a central position and prevents the ring 116 from rotating. In the event of the machine stopping, the shut-off valve is closed to prevent the flow of oil from or to the chamber 152 and the piston 148 is, therefore, held stationary. The size of stitch is thereby retained the same on recommencement of the knitting as that which was being produced when the machine stopped. Specifications 764,694 and 865,178 are referred to.