Patent GB-190713081-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relative to Splicing Mechanism for Knitting Machines.
Inventor: GRIEVE THOMAS SCOTT
Filed: 1907-06-06
Granted: 1908-05-14
Abstract: 13,081. Grieve, T. S., [trading as Grieve & Co., T.]. June 6. Circular knitting-machines.-In order to convey the splicing-thread 27 positively to the needles, it is firmly secured to the main thread 3, or vice versa, by pattern-controlled twisting- mechanism. In one form, shown in connexion with the superposed - cylinder type of machine, the gear - driven threadretarder 13 carries a rotary funnel 16, normally stationary, on which is mounted a cutter and trapper. So long as the main thread only is fed, the end of the splicing-thread is held between the cutter 26 and trapper 25, while the funnel is held from rotation by the engagement of its pin 35 between a lever 17 and a dropper 18. When splicing is to commence, a stud 37 on the patternchain or drum rocks the lever 17 and frees the pin 35 ; the funnel is then rotated frictionally by the retarder 13. The splicing-thread 27 which is still held by the trapper &c. is thus twisted on the main thread and also on a doubled-back portion of its own thread, thereby ensuring that the two threads are firmly tied together. After a sufficient number of twists, the stud 37 moves away and allows the lever 17 to drop and bring the funnel to rest. A stud 39, the position and length of which determines the release of the thread and the duration of the splicing, then rocks a bellcrank 30 and the engagement of the inclines 29, 31 opens the trapper. As the stud 39 moves away, the trapper drops and brings the splicing-thread on to the cutter 26, the cut end being held ready for the next splicing operation. In a modified form, a cutter plate 26<e>, Fig. 5<a>, is carried horizontally on an annular disk 26<a> provided with slots 26<c>, a trapper block 26<d>, and a stop-pin 48. A second disk 25<a> carrying another trapper block 25<c> is superposed, a limited freedom of movements controlled by a spring 49, being permitted by pin, passing through the slots 26<c>. At the commencement of splicing, both disks are rotated by means of a gear train 44, 43, 41, 42 and an arm 46 driven by the pattern-gear. The end of the splicing- thread being held between the trapper blocks 25<c>, 26<d>, an intermediate portion of the thread coils firmly round the main thread. The sweep of the arm 46 is sufficient to rotate the disk three times ; in the third revolution the arm 46 comes into the path of the pin 48, so that the disk 26<a> stops while the upper disk goes on. The trapper blocks being thus separated, the splicing-thread is relaxed and continues to feed through a guide 25<d> so long as the arm 46 is held in the forward position against the stop 48. As the arm 46 returns, without driving the gear train, the disk 26<a> is released, and the spring draws the trapper blocks together to trap and sever the thread. In another arrangement, the splicing cop is mounted axially on a vertical disk, while the main thread feeds through an eye at the edge of the disk and twists round the splicing-thread as the disk rotates. The mechanism is actuated by a reciprocating toothed arc, which at the end of one traverse releases the end of the splicing-thread from the shears, and at the end of the other traverse closes the shears on the thread.