IMPROVEMENTS IN KNITTING MACHINES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Herbert John Haddan, of Kensington, Middlesex, for an
A communication
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN KNITTING MACHINES."
from abroad by Richard Irwin Creelman, of Georgetown, Ontario, Canada.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Herbert John Haddan at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th October 1881.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of Kensington, Middlesex.
KNITTING MACHINES." A communication from abroad by Richard Irwin Creelman,
of Georgetown, Ontario, Canada.
The object of the Invention is to produce a machine which will do general
knitting, knit a sock or stocking with heel and toe complete, either plain, ribbed,
or part plain and ribbed, and will also be capable of producing Balmoral stripes or
longitudinal stripes, and to shape a stocking in the ankle by the ribbing attach-
ment; and it consists of an improved tension or stitch regulator with bed plate
and needle cylinder of a machine so arranged as to permit one size machine to be
also
rapidly and practically changed into other sizes by the substitution of parts;
in a ribbing attachment so constructed as to allow of the supporting part to be
easily changed into a striping machine for Balmoral or longitudinal stripes, and
produce the Balmoral stripes without cutting, breaking, or knotting the thread;
also in the reduction of wear on the cylinder and needles; also in an adjustable
cam plate for convenience and speed of operating, for changing automatically when
knitting for heel and toe and other similar work; and in connection with the cam
plate and cams, additional cams and parts being added to impart a selfacting
motion to the needles in forming the heel and toe which obviates the usual hand
motion required in raising and putting down the needles in forming the heel and
toe; also in a new take up lock and spring arranged to take up the slack yarn in
reversing the machine while knitting heel and toe or flat wed work; also in a
yarn carrier for plain and rib knitting; also in a counter for registering the
number of rounds knitted, the driving mechanism being arranged to change the
position of the cog ring at every round knitted up to the highest number registered

page_text: by the counter disc; and in a striping attachment made for adjustment with the
supporting ribbing arm of the machine carrying the feeding bars and moving them
from the inside. The plate which bolds them (in the circles in which they move)
also gives action to them in changing from one colour to another by means of a
cam or cams arranged in such a manner that any stripe can be made at the will of
the operator without delay in changing the pattern plate. The ribber is provided
with a bobbin holder to support the bobbins carrying the yarn; also in mechanism
for adjusting the ribbing needles in the centre of the plain machine, needles to
form an even rib on all grades of yarn, and also to enable the operator to shape a
stocking by removing or adding, as the case may be, for narrowing and widening
plain or ribbing needles, and transferring the stitches from the one to the other;
and in producing a stocking of a new design consisting in shaping the ankle,
which may be either ribbed from the top to the toe, or ribbed from the top to the
ankle, then knitted plain. In the former case the stocking is narrowed by taking
out the needles and transferring the stitches to the needle on either side, in the
latter case the ribbing needles are removed and the stitches transferred to plain
machine needles.
"
In a setting up device enabling the operator to bind the top of each sock
as knit.
The needle cylinder rests on two supporting rings, the adjustment of which
imparts a corresponding movement to the cylinder, raising it higher or lower. By
adjusting the needle cylinder higher the stitches are correspondingly lengthened,
while by lowering it the stitches are shortened. The second ring is constructed to
suit cylinders of machines of different size and diameter by having a flange
extending inward to suit the size of the cylinder used. The ribbing mechanism
remains at the same relative height from the needle cylinder after the ribbing
mechanism has been set to suit the fine or coarse yarn to be worked. For changing
the yarn when the machine is set for "Balmoral "striping, the following means are
adopted: Instead of attaching the yarn feeder to the revolving cog ring or can
ring, as is done when the yarn is changed by hand, I connect the yarn feeder upon
the bottom end of the spindle, and operate them by means of a circular groove or
grooves, so that the yarn held by one can be thrown into action, while the yarn on
the other is simultaneously withdrawn. When desired I use one feeder supported
in this way for plain or rib-knitting by attaching it to the spindle in place of the
cam cylinder. In order that the change of yarn shall be on the same needle while
the feeding is being changed from one colour to the other, the yarn feeders are
placed at an angle to each other, so that the point occupied by the feeder directing
the yarn to the needle will be instantly occupied by the other feeder as the one
first fed is withdrawn. For proceeding with heel and toe work the cam is raised
in the usual way half or the required number of needles. The heel and toe cams
are set so that they will withdraw a needle out of action when the machine is
worked in the opposite direction. The first needle comes in contact with the
pivoted block, pushing it off the end of the cam, and at the same time the spring
throws up the cam, raising the needle with it out of action. Immediately that the
block is withdrawn from holding down the cam this end of the cam is forced
upwardly by the action of the spring, leaving a space between the end of the cam
and the stationary cam to permit the other needles to pass through and operate in
the usual way. All the needles having passed through between the cam and
stationary cam, the pin connected to the block comes in contact with the cam,
drawing down the end of the cam till clear of the block, which is forced inwardly
upon the cam by the action of its spring holding this cam down in its position.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Herbert John Haddan in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
6th April 1882.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of Kensington, Middlesex.
KNITTING MACHINES." A communication from abroad by Richard Irwin Creelman,
of Georgetown, Ontario, Canada.
The object of the Invention is to provide a simply-constructed and effective
knitting machine capable of doing plain work, vertical and horizontal striping,
ribbing, and heel and toe work automatically; also the shaping of a stocking by
the use of more stitches at the top than at the ankle, and it consists in an arrange-
ment of parts; the construction and operation of which will be hereinafter
explained.
In the accompanying Drawings, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a knitting
machine set on a table provided with treadle-driving mechanism; Fig. 2 is a
detail of treadle stop; Fig. 3, of oiler; Fig. 4, of equivalent stop; Fig. 5 is a
section of the machine shewing tension port supporting arm for striper, &c.; Fig. 6
is a sectional detail of cylinder shewing adjusting screw, &c., for regulating the
ribbing needles; Fig. 7 is a detail of a yarn-carrier to be applied to the machine
for knitting longitudinal stripes.
Fig. 8 is a plan of needle-cylinder, one half bottom view, the other half top
view; Fig. 9 is a sectional elevation shewing a portion of the needle-cylinder;
Fig. 10 is an elevation of needle-cylinder; Fig 11 is a bottom view of a striping
dial-plate shewing mechanism for throwing the yarn feeder in and out of action;
Fig. 12 is a detail of revolving hollow spindle shewing two plans for attaching
yarn feeders; Fig. 13 is a section shewing the interior of cam plate with self-
acting cams for heel and toe work; Fig. 14 is a detail of one of the self-acting
cams shewn in Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is an outside view of cam-plate shewn in Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 shews old and new style of cylinder needle; Fig. 15b shews old and new
style of ribbing needle; Figs. 16, 17, and 18 are details of portions of cam-plates
shewn in Fig. 13; Fig. 19 shows cam plate and cams which operate in connection
with cam plate and cams shewn in Fig. 13. Fig. 20 is a plan of counter and
pattern regulator; Fig. 21 is an elevation of mechanism for driving counters;
Fig. 22 is a bottom view of cam-plate shewing the ribber operating cams;
Fig. 23 is the same view of cam-plate shewing the line of travel of one half the
needles in action, and the other half out of action; Figs. 24 and 25 are views
shewing operating centre cams, equivalent to those shewn in Figs. 22 & 23; Fig. 26
is a view of cam plate shewing reversing ribbing cams; Fig. 27 is a view of tension-
cam for operating reversing ribbing cams; Fig. 28 is a view of ribber needle dial.
Fig. 5° is a view of tension-cam used to operate the ribber or machine tension, and
shewn as applied to the latter; Fig. 5d is a view of cog-ring and band containing
a lower recess; Fig. 6 sectional view of false ring M', in Fig. 6, as applied for
different sized cylinders.
In Fig. 1 a perspective view of our improved machine shewing it attached to a
table driven by peculiarly arranged mechanism, the construction of which we will
now describe. A is a cast iron table made any suitable design and provided with
an ordinary treadle B. This treadle is connected by a pitman C to the fly-wheel D,
and the fly-wheel is connected by the pitman E to the crank connected to the main
driving shaft F of the knitting machine. This driving shaft is connected in the
ordinary way to the cog-ring, and imparts the necessary rotary movement to the
knitting machine. When connected in the way described the oscillating movement

page_text: of the treadle imparts a rotary movement to the knitting machine. When it is
desired to impart to the cam cylinder a backward and forward movement for the
purpose of heel and toe work or web knitting, we arrange the treadle-driving
mechanism so that its oscillating movement will not convey a complete rotating
movement to the cam cylinder. This object may be effected in several ways, for
instance, two arms a attached to a sleeve fitted to the bearing upon which the
treadle is pivoted may be arranged so that they can be slipped below the treadle,
as represented in Fig. 1, so as to arrest the movement of the treadle. These arms
are made substantially as shewn in Fig. 2, but may be set so as to rest on the
ground, or otherwise arranged so that the treadle will not move at all, or at any
rate more than the required distance. In lieu of this arrangement adjustable stops
may be arranged to arrest the movement of the fly-wheel D or the driving shaft F,
or again a similar result could be obtained by making the pitman C so that its
length could be adjusted. A plan for effecting this is shewn in Fig. 4. In lieu of
either of these arrangements the same object can be effected by removing the
pitman E from the crank-pin which connects it to the driving shaft F by placing
its edge, which is toothed as shown, against the cogs on the spur wheel 6 which is
keyed to the driving shaft F, suitable guides and springs being arranged to hold
the pitman in position, when its vertical reciprocating movement will impart the
desired oscillating movement to the cylinder, while the treadle B, when the pitman
is thus arranged, has the same stroke as though the full rotary movement was
being imparted to the cam cylinder. It will, of course be understood that the
pitman E and flywheel D may be dispensed with, and the pitman C lengthened to
connect with the spur pinion b on the driving shaft F. The balance wheel F' is
made to run loosely on the shaft F, and a belt, as shewn by the dotted line, can be
used by removing the pitman E, in which case the balance wheel F' and spur-
wheel bare connected by a spring-pin F2 or other suitable connection, and the
main shaft is then driven by the belt connecting the fly-wheel D and balance
wheel F. The pin F is withdrawn and held out of action when this connection is
not wanted. Attached to the main frame of the knitting machine or the table A
we cast or otherwise secure a column G. Upon this column we journal, as shewn,
an arm H for supporting the ribbing mechanism, and also the arm I for supporting
the striping mechanism. These arms are so arranged that they work independently
of each other when one is in use, the other being thrown out of the way, and in
case neither are required they can both be thrown clear of the cylinder, so that
plain knitting can be proceeded with without interference. As shewn in Fig. 1
the frame J for carrying the bobbins is shown supported on the arm I. It will of
course be understood that when the machine is used for ribbing, the bobbin frame J
may be changed from its position on the arm I to a similar position on the arm H.
This ribber arm H is constructed so that it may be moved up or down upon its
supporting standard, and is also arranged so as to allow the ribber to be readily
put on or taken off the machine. It is raised and lowered by a screw P which
adjusts it on the standard so that the ribbing needles may be placed at proper
working height with the cylinder needles. The column G may be made as shewn
in Figs. 1 and 5, or as a hollow standard into which the arm H may be fitted.
this case the tension post L would not extend so high in the column G, within
which column it would turn. When it is desired to remove the ribbing attach-
ment the arm H may be raised upon its standard to such height as will allow the
ribber to clear the machine-needles, and then turned round out of the way. When
the machine is arranged to do plain knitting the yarn may come from the bobbin-
carrier J by removing a portion of the striping mechanism, or is taken from the
bobbin, carried in the usual manner, and passed through the eyes of yarn-stand K,
which is of the ordinary construction. We apply an attachment for oiling the yarn
as it is carried to the needles. The construction of this oiler may be somewhat
modified, but for the purpose of this Specification it will be sufficient to describe it
as shewn in Fig. 1, and exhibited in detail in Fig. 3. d is an inserted oil-can or
reservoir supported, as shewn, on the yarn stand K. On the spout-shank e of the
In

page_text: oil-can we place one or two cups f filled with sponge or other porous material
which absorbs the oil percolating through holes made in the spout 1; the yarn
being carried over or through the sponge thus saturated, derives the required
lubrication as it passes from the. bobbin to the needles. It will of course be seen
that it is not absolutely necessary that the oil can d should be inverted, as
practically the same effect would be produced by placing it right side up and
inserting a portion of a sponge or other porous material into a liquid which will
saturate the sponge by capillary attraction. Yarn harsh from dyeing or from
other reasons can be knit when thus saturated by oil or soapy liquid, when it
would be impossible to knit it without this lubrication. On reference to Fig. 5,
which is a section of the portion of the machine, the means by which the
rotary movement is conveyed from the revolving cam cylinder or cog-ring
to the ribbing or striping mechanism will be seen, and also the mechanism
by which the length of the stitches is adjusted by means of the needle cylinder.
In this Figure the column G is shewn in section. It is also indicated that
this column is hollow, and that in it is fitted a post L which is cast or other-
wise fastened to the needle-cylinder supporting ring M. It will also be seen
that the post Lis secured, and is provided with a nut N set within the column G,
which column is provided with a pointer to indicate the position of the nut and
consequent tension. A portion of the column G is cut away, so that the nut N is
exposed sufficiently to permit of its being turned on the post L, which movement
of the nut it will be seen will cause the post either to be forced up or down.
Instead of placing the nut N within the column, as shewn, it will of course be
possible to arrange it outside of the column while accomplishing the same end. As
the post L is connected to the needle cylinder supporting ring M, its longitudinal
adjustment imparts a corresponding movement to the needle cylinder supporting-
ring M. As shewn in Fig. 5, a false ring M¹ is placed within the ring M, leaving
a space between the two to permit of the use of long shank needles. This ring is
not required except in cases where long shank needles are used, in which case it is
advisable to place a retaining band 0 around the base of the cylinder. The needle
cylinder is shewn in Fig. 5 in dotted lines resting on the supporting rings M
and M. The connection between the needle cylinder 0 and the needle cylinder
supporting ring M is clearly shewn in Fig. 6. As the needle cylinder is supported
by the ring M. the adjustment of the latter imparts a corresponding movement to
the cylinder O, raising it higher or lower. By adjusting the needle cylinder higher
the stitches are correspondingly lengthened, while by lowering it the stitches are
shortened. The ring M can either be made to sit inside the ring M, as in Fig. 5,
or fastened to the bottom of ring M, as in Fig. 6, and is constructed to suit
cylinders of machines of different size and diameter by having a flange extending
inward to suit the size of the cylinder used, as shewn in Fig. 6; the dotted lines
shew the other sized rings. The cam-cylinder cog rings must be made to corre-
spond. We do not claim that there is anything new in lengthening or shortening
the stitches by adjustment of the needle cylinder, but by effecting this end by the
post L, arranged as described, the adjustment may be effected at any time, whether
the machine is in operation or not. Another feature of importance which we may
advantageously refer to here is the fact that the ribbing mechanism remains at the
same relative height from the needle cylinder after the ribbing mechanism has been
set to suit the fine or course yarn to be worked. In order to adjust the ribbing
mechanism for this latter purpose we provide a thumb-screw P, already referred
to, passing through the top of the arm H, resting against the end of the post L.
This set screw is sufficiently long to permit of the adjustment of the arm H
vertically on the column G, upon which it is supported, or a nut can be made to
turn on the column G to raise and lower the ribber arm H. A hollow spindle Q,
supported in a bearing on the end of the frame I, is provided with an adjustable
head Q. held by a set screw to the spindle, and having a notch or recess made in
it to receive the hinged arm R attached to the cog ring and cam cylinder for
conveying the rotary movement of the latter to the spindle Q. On the upper end

page_text: ""
of the spindle Q the bobbin frame J is fastened to a hole corresponding with the
hole through the spindle Q, being made in the frame to permit the yarn passing
through the bobbins to enter through the spindle to the yarn feeder. When the
automatic mechanism for " Balmoral striping, which we will describe hereafter,
is not employed, a simple substitute by which the same effect can be produced by
hand is shewn in Fig. 5 and 52. The yarn, after passing through the hollow
spindle Q, as indicated by arrow, is slipped under the hook s attached to the yarn
feeder S, thence through an eye u in the front of the feeder through which it
passes to the needles. The hooks holds the yarn in position, and prevents it rising
in the slot t, which connects the eyes t¹ and . The other thread, not being used
at the time, remains on the inside of the needles within the hollow spindle Q, and
is held tight by the take up spring and lock j', as shewn in Fig. 1. The lock is
shewn more clearly in Fig. 5b. The yarn take-up consists, as shewn in Figs. 1
and 5, of a stationary staple 1" or projection formed to guide the thread, and a
pivoted locking-bar 12 provided with an open loop P3 at its free end, which loop
is adjusted to bear against the face of the stationary staple or projection, and behind
the yarn between the touching faces, and which is threaded, as shewn in Fig. 1
The locking bar and the stationary eye or projection may be made straight on the
bearing face. In connection, with these parts a pivoted take-up spring is used.
This spring is provided with a hook at its free end, and at the other end works in
connection with its spring. The spring is made adjustable, in order that the
strength of the take-up may be regulated as desired. By unhooking the yarn off
the hooks it can readily be withdrawn from the slot t, and the other yarn placed
in the slot, as before described. In this way the stripes of various colours can be
made alternately in work without breaking the thread. When it is desired to
make the pattern with longitudinal stripes we remove the yarn feeder S, and
replace it with the yarn feeder T, shewn in Fig. 7. This yarn feeder is attached
in the same manner as the yarn feeder S to the cog ring or cam cylinder. The
end of the yarn feeder T extends over the needles, and has pivoted on its end a
spur wheel U. This spur wheel is geared so as to fit between the needles, and at
certain points in its circumference blanks, against which the needles will come in
contact and be forced out of their perpendicularity. Attached to the yarn feeder T
there are two eyes marked V, V; the outer eye V conveys the yarn, to the needles
which fit between the cogs in the cog-wheel U, while the eye directs the yaru
to the needles, which are forced out of the perpendicular by the blanks in the cog
wheel U. In this way the desired longitudinal stripes are formed, the yarn passing
through the eye V, being of one colour, and owing to the position of the needles in
the cog is conveyed with regular stripes, while the yarn, passing through the
eye marked V, being of another colour, forms a corresponding stripe of a different
shade. It will be seen by altering the spur wheel U different designs can be
formed in the work, while the distance between the stripes will be regulated by the
location of the blanks in the circumference of the spur-wheel U. It will also be
noticed that by removing the spur wheel U, the yarn feeder T may be used for
plain knitting. We have referred to automatic mechanism for changing the yarn
when the machine is set for "Balmoral " striping. Instead of attaching the yarn
feeder to the revolving cog ring or cam ring, as is done when the yarn is changed
by hand, we connect the yarn feeder W upon the bottom end of the spindle Q (see
Fig. 1), and operate them by means of a circular groove or grooves, so that the yarn
held by one can be thrown into action, while the yarn on the other is simultaneously
withdrawn.
When desired we can use one feeder supported in this way for plain or rib-
knitting by attaching it to the spindle Q in place of the cam cylinder. In Fig. 11
a bottom view of the spindle Q is shewn, with a similar view of the disc X, which
is pivoted in the arm I, and has upon its face two circular grooves 1 & 2, with a
pivoted gate closing an aperture between the two grooves. In this Figure the yarn
feeders Ware shewn connected together by a link W1 pivoted on the arm W
secured to the head of the spindle Q. The pivot W, which secures the link W¹,

page_text: passes through the arm W and has fastened to the other end a crank Ws provided
with a pin which fits within the grooves 1 and 2, according to the position of the
yarn feeder W. When the pin is in the groove No. 1 the end of one feeding-arm
extends beyond the other arm. As shewn in Fig. 11, their relative positions are
altered when the pin on the end of the crank W³ passes into the outer groove
marked No. 2. In order to accomplish this change an aperture is made between
the two grooves and a pivoted gate y placed within the grooves, so as to guide the
pin on the end of the crank W³ from one groove to the other. On the opposite
end of this pivot, upon which the gate y is held, a crank y' is attached. To this
crank a cord or wire y' passes over a spring y². The tension of this spring y will
hold the gate y in the position shewn in Figure 11. In this position the yarn
feeders W will revolve without changing their relative position, the same colour of
yarn being fed continuously till the gate is altered. By loosening the tension of
the cord between the crank y' and the spring y, which may be done either by hand
or by a cord leading to the treadle, the gate y remains stationary on its pivot,
unless acted upon by the pin attached to the crank W. Assuming that the cord,
which is shewn tight in Fig. 11, is allowed to be loose, the crank W³, which is
revolving in the groove, will come in contact with the foot y³ of the gate y, pushing
it outwardly and causing the other end of the gate to come in contact with the
inside of the groove No. 1, leaving an aperture between the two grooves open, in
which case, as the pin on the end of the crank W³ reaches this end of the gate y,
it will naturally ascend till it comes in contact with the heel of the foot y³, which
is forced back against the inside of the groove 1, and the other end is forced against
the outside of the groove 2, when the gate, as will be seen, will be set to direct the
pin on the crank W³ back again into the inner groove No. 1.
When the gate is
thus allowed to remain loosely on its pivot each round will be of alternate colour,
the number of rounds in each stripe being regulated by the duration of the tension
which may be exerted on the cord connecting the crank yl to the spring y
When the yarn feeders W are held as shewn in Fig. 11, their longitudinal
movement, it will be noticed, will be horizontal. When, it is desired to give the
feeders a diagonal movement in order that their relative horizontal position to the
needles will be lowered when feeding the yarn than when the yarn is held out of
action, we connect the yarn feeders W, as shewn in Fig. 12, either by connecting
them to the spindle Q upon a pin 4 working in a diagonal slot made in the side of
the feeders W, or suspending them by a link 5, shewn in dotted lines in the same
Figure. In both cases the ends of the feeders W will be connected together by the
link W operated by the crank W³, as in the case described in Fig. 11, or they may
also be made to work independently without a connecting link. In order that the
change of yarn shall be on the same needle while the feeding is being changed
from one colour to the other our yarn feeders W are placed at an angle to each
other, as shewn, so that the point occupied by the feeder directing the yarn to the
needle will be instantly occupied by the other feeder as the one first fed is
withdrawn. It will be noticed that this angle of the yarn feeders W is very
important, for if they were set to work parallel with each other the desired end
would not be accomplished.
In Figs. 8, 9, 10, our improvement in the form of the slots made in the
needle cylinder is exhibited. Instead of making a parallel enlargement in the end
of the needle grooves 5 we form a cylindrical enlargement, marked 6, extending
down into the grooves 5 sufficiently far to allow the needles to form their longest
stitch. The cylindrical enlargement is used instead of the slotted passage way
employed in other machines, and not only leaves more space in the cylinder in
proportion to the size of the passage way, but also assists the needles in their
operation, as the circular form of our enlargement assists the needles in casting off
the stitches as the yarn is drawn through to form new stitches. Figs. 9 and 10
shew 2 rings or bands placed round the needle cylinder for the purpose of
retaining the needles in the cylinder when the needle cylinder is taken off the
machine to be replaced with another, and to hold the needles in the machine when

page_text: no cam cylinder part extends above the bed of the line of travel of the needles
after they pass the cams, as shewn in Fig. 5, forming the part of the cog ring as cut
away in Fig. 5, and shews the position to which Figs. 13 and 15 are placed when
attached and held by means of the lever c. The lower band o is intended to be
used when operating with extended tail end needles, as shewn in Fig. 15. The
band is made to operate with needles without the extended tail ends, and is
made hinged at one side and with a clasp of at the other to permit of the needles
being put in or taken out when unclasped and pressed open. In order to enable
us to adjust the ribbing needles to their central position between the vertical
needles while the machine is in operation we provide a thumb screw marked z in
Fig. 6, which is screwed into a flange in the bottom of the needle cylinder sup-
porting ring or to the bed plate and at the other end to a plate z¹ rivetted on the
inside of the ring z fitted within the needle cylinder. One or more lugs is
cast or otherwise fastened to the inside of the ring z³, arranged so that it will come
in contact with a stop shewn in Fig. 1. By turning this thumb screw the
ring it will be seen will be caused to revolve, and as the lug 23 cast upon it
comes in contact with the stop on the ribbing needle dial H³ the needles are
moved to the desired position. Instead of the ring za lever 5 (see Fig. 9)
pivoted inside the needle cylinder is connected at its bottom end to the thumb
screwz, and at its other end forms a similar stop to 3. As the thumb screw is
turned when connected to this lever the said lever is tilted on its pivot and imparts
a rotary movement to the needle ribbing dial, the same as though a ring, as shewn
in Fig. 6, was employed. Instead of the plate z¹, as shewn in Fig. 6, the ring 2
can have a projection cast on it forming à lever, as shewn in dotted lines in this
Figure, and then the thumb screws can be connected directly to the ring z. The
levers Zor Z can be moved by hand and held to position changed by a pin and
holes. As mentioned in the beginning of this Specification the third object of the
Invention is to narrow the stocking by introducing more stitches in the top than
in the ankle of the stocking, as will be understood from the foregoing description
of the machine; this is produced by commencing at the top of the stocking with all
the cylinder needles and a sufficient number of the ribbing needles to give the
desired width, and after knitting therewith to the point where desired to
narrow, the stitches are removed from a number of the machine needles corre-
sponding with the number of ribbing needles and their stitches transferred to the
adjacent machine needles for the purpose of narrowing the work without altering
the ribbing, except narrowing it by one stitch for each ribbing needle. When
it is desired to do plain work at the point where the narrowing commences
the stitches are removed from the ribbing needles and transferred to the
adjacent machine needles. Before proceeding to describe the mechanism
for automatically arranging the needles for heel and toe work, it will be well
to refer briefly to the Figures in which the mechanism is shewn in detail.
In Figs. 13 and 14 the interior of the cam plate is shewn, and in Fig. 15 the
exterior, exhibiting the springs to be operated and 'the blocks for changing
the direction of the needles. In Fig. 13, g represents the stationary cam for
operating the needles, and h the adjustable cams for changing the direction
of the needles; are the self acting heel and toe cams, pivoted to the cam
plate at their inner end, and connected at their other end by a pin passing
through a slot in the cam plate into a hook ¹; on the outside of the cam plate
are small pivoted blocks set in the cam plate at the outer ends of the cam i, and
made to project inside the cam-plate by the action of the spring j¹. kare springs
for forcing upwardly the blocks i, while the spring is arranged to force down-
wardly the central block 1; m are projecting pins on the block 1, and m¹ is
projecting pin on the central block 7. On reference to Fig. 19 the cams for
operating the blocks i and Z will be seen. In this Figure n is a semicircular plate
secured to the bed plate of the machine by the screws n¹, which pass through slots
made in the plate to permit of the plate having a circular movement; p are the
cam blocks for operating the blocks i and 1. These blocks are shaped substantially

page_text: as shown in the detail adjoining the Figure and rest between the plate n and
bed plate of the machine, and are provided with a pin p' which projects through
slots made in the plate n in the shape shewn. As the pin m in one block i is
higher than the corresponding pin in the other block i the one cam p must
necessarily be higher than the other in order that each may operate its respective
block; g is a cam for operating the central block 2, and is held in position between
the plates and bed plate of the machine in the same manner as the cams p, and
is provided with a pin q' which projects through a slot in the plate u for the
purpose of leading it on the bed plate in the direction in which it is permitted to
move. Owing to the connection between the cams p and q with this plate its
movement imparts a longitudinal movement to the cams, throwing them towards
the cam cylinder or withdrawing them from it, according to the direction in which
the plate is moved. When the plate n is moved in the direction indicated by
arrows the cams are thrown towards the revolving cam plate. When the plate
is moved in the opposite direction they are withdrawn, and if the movement of the
plate is continued sufficiently far the central cam g is thrown towards the moving
cam cylinder. For the purpose of describing the operation of the machine for
knitting other than heel and toe work we will assume that the heel and toe cams i
are removed in Fig. 13, and that the stationary cams are as they appear in Fig. 5.
The needles in this case will follow the direction indicated by arrows in Fig. 13.
After passing over the adjustable cam on the left hand side of the Figure they
proceed to pass below the adjustable cams h on the right hand side of the Figure,
raising the latter cam in a vertical position. As these cams work freely within a
slot made in the cam plate, the moment that the needles have passed from below
it its own, weight carries it down. On reversing the machine a similar action
takes place, the needles passing over the right hand cam h, and under the left hand
cam h. Assuming that we wish to proceed with heel and toe work, we raise above
the cam in the usual way half, or the required number of needles. As shewn in
Fig. 13, the heel and toe cams are set so that they will withdraw a needle out of
action when the machine is worked in the opposite direction indicated by arrows.
The first needle comes in contact with the pivoted block j, pushing it off the end
of the cam i, and at the same time the spring & throws up the cam i, raising the
needle with it out of action. Immediately that the block is withdrawn from
holding down the cam this end of the cam is forced upwardly by the action of
the spring k, leaving a space between the end of the cam i and the stationary
cam to permit the other needles to pass through and operate in the usual way,
All the needles having passed through between the cam and stationary cam g on
the right hand side of the Figure the pin m connected to the block comes in
contact with the camp, drawing down the end of the cam till clear of the block j,
which is forced inwardly upon the cam i by the action of its spring j', holding this
cam down in the position it is shewn on the left hand side of Fig. 13.
machine being now reversed the same action just described is repeated on the other
side of the needles, and so on until all the needles have been raised out of action
that are required to be so withdrawn. Instead of pushing back the needles by
hand, as is now done, we move the platen so as to withdraw the cams p away
from the cam cylinder, and continuing the movement till the cam g is thrown
against it. As the machine revolves the pin m¹ comes in contact with the cam 7,
forcing upward the block till its projecting head a3 assumes the position between
the cams, shewn in Figs. 16 and 18, and left hand view of Fig. 17. When in
this position, the first needle coming in contact with the swinging block of pushes it
off the ledge, upon which it is restingon the cam plate, when the action of the spring!
the block is instantly forced down, its head a³ coming in contact with the needle
which pressed away the block, carrying it through the passage between the two cams
below the cams, where it is operated between the adjustable cam h and stationary
cam g in the ordinary ways. When the machine is reversed the pin m³ comes againin
contact with the cam g. throwing up the block 7 and repeating the same operation
with the first needle on the opposite side, and so on until all the needles that were
The

page_text: raised are again brought into action. Needles may be used with special heels made
on them, whereby they are operated as described. Instead of pivoting the cam i
so that it moves its entire length, as shewn in Fig. 13, the same effect that we
have described may be produced by rivetting the cam i solidly to the cam plate.
The cam in this construction extends nearly to the edge of the vertical slot
through which the pin connects it, as shewn in Fig. 13, to the block, and
substituting for the end thus cut off a loose piece which we attach to the block ¹,
so that it will move therewith, performing the function of the pivoted cam i. In
Fig. 15ª we shew on the left hand side of the Figure an elevation of an ordinary
cylinder needle, in which the heel is formed by having its end bent into a fold
where the needle is formed with an extended end ³,as shewn in this Figure; the heel
will be similarly formed at the point indicated. Hitherto the folded wire forming
the heel is pressed together, which operation has a tendency to weaken the turning
points, particularly after being tempered. By forming the heel, as shewn on the
right hand side of the Fig. 15 in which a space is left between the folded wire,
permitting the bend to be less sharp than in the old style, and therefore not
weakening the metal, and enabling a much harder temper to be given to the heel
of the needle, ensuring greater durability to the life of the needle. We also
shew another important improvement in the needle, as shewn at the point h³,
which consists in a bend in the needles, which throws this part of the needle out
farther in the cylinder needle groove, and therefore gives more bearing to the
needle, and consequently greater durability. We place this bend at such a height
from the heel that the upper part of the bend will come in contact with the
stitch on the needle when it is raised out of action for heel or toe work, and
thereby regulates the height the needles should be raised. This projection on the
needle at this point in conjunction with the extended tail end of the needle enables
us to use a cam cylinder cut away above the ordinary bed, thereby exposing the
needles after they have passed the operating cams, which gives many advantages
in speedy operating. At the lower end of the same needle another improvement is
shewn by the bend h, which is made to perform the same function as h², namely,
to prevent the needles from being raised too high in the machine while raising
them by hand for heel and toe work. To allow this style of needle to be readily
put in and taken out of the machine, we cut the grooves 5 (see Fig. 10) deeper
at the bottom of the needle cylinder, as shown in Fig. 9 and marked of, which
allows the needles to be tipped forward when being placed in or taken out of
the cylinder. The projection * comes in contact with the bands. In Fig. 15"
an old and a new style of ribbing needle is shewn, the old style being shown on the
left hand side, and the new style on the right. The heel of our improved needle is
formed in the same manner as that described in Fig. 15, the open form of the beel
ensuring greater strength and durability, as in the former instance. The expansion
belowthe heel instead of being folded closely together as in the old style is made open
on the same principle as the heel. This not only ensures greater durability and
strength to the needle, but also presents a wider bearing for the needle within the
groove, ensuring a steadier motion to the needle. It also permits us to have a deeper
groove, and at the same time permit the cam to rest upon the back of the shank,
thereby holding it steadily in the groove. In Figs. 20 and 21 we exhibit two
devices for securing a connectionwith the revolving cylinder, a counter for indicating
the number of rounds, and also a regulating ring for the style of pattern in
Fig. 20, which is a half-plan of the indicating mechanism. The inner ring 7 fits
around the base of the cam cylinder or cog-ring. This ring may be either card-
board or any other suitable material, and have printed upon it either letters, as
shewn on the right hand side of the Figure, namely, B, R, being initial letters for
the colour of the stripes, for instance, blue or red; 8 is a pointer attached to the
bed plate of the machine, as indicated in Fig. 1. When an indicating ring as
represented by Fig. 20 is employed, the cog-ring is driven by a cog-wheel having
less or more teeth, so that each revolution of the driving wheel moves the cog-ring
A greater or less distance. For illustration we will assume that the main driving

page_text: wheel 9 has 75 teeth, while the cog-ring 10 has but 74; it follows therefore that a
complete revolution of the driving wheel 9 moves the cog-ring a corresponding
distance more than represented between two teeth. In this way at each revolution
of the main wheel the cog-ring gains a distance of one tooth, which gain is
indicated by the arrow 8 pointing to marks on the ring 7. When a striper is used
it will of course be seen that as the dial of the striper revolves with the cog wheel,
a ring similar to that shewn at 7 might be placed on the disc of the striper, and a
pointer fixed to some stationary point on the machine. While this counter will be
found suitable for many classes of work, there may be times when it would not
register with sufficient fineness. In a case of this kind we employ a counter as
represented in Fig. 21. In this style of counter a loose ring 11 is placed on top of
the cog ring, and held in position by a hold fast ring 15 extending under and
above it, as shewn in Fig. 21, thereby holding the cog-ring as well as the ring 11.
This latter ring has teeth cut, around its periphery to gear with the pinion 12,
keyed to the upper end of the spindle 13. which spindle is held in place by a
spring 15, and can be pressed down to allow this counter 11 to be started from
any point, and has a pinion 14 on its lower end meshing with a worm pinion cut
in the hub of the main driving wheel 9. The teeth on the pinions 12 and 14 are
so arranged that each revolution of the main driving wheel 9 will only move the
pinion 12 one tooth, imparting a corresponding movement to the ring 11, thereby
enabling the finest class of work to be duly registered. On the left hand side of
Fig. 20 it will be noticed that the ring 7 is perforated with a series of holes.
These holes are intended to receive pins, which we arrange to indicate the pattern
we wish to make. When the ring is made in this manner the one ring will be
sufficient for various patterns, whereas if the whole ring were marked with initial
letters, as shewn on the right hand side of the Figure, each pattern would require
a different ring. In a former part of this Specification we referred to our tension
post for regulating the length of the stitches, and describing it as applied in exactly
the shape shewn in the Figure. We wish to remark here that it is not absolutely
necessary that it should be located exactly as shewn, or instead of being placed
above the bed plate the same effect, so far as the adjusting of the stitches is
concerned, might be produced by placing the post below the bed plate.
In Fig. 1 and Fig 5 we shew a circular cam-piece K³ with a thumb piece
secured thereto for moving it from right to left, or vice versa, when it is desired
to move the switch-cam K¹ The cross-bar ] which connects the cams h (sec
Fig. 5), or the said cams h (see Fig. 13). The circular cam-piece is imbedded and
held by a screw in the cam-plate in Fig. 1, and in the connecting cross-bar D³
(Fig. 5) held by pieces resting in its outer edge. It will be seen in each Figure
that the circular cam piece has a slot extending around and gradually approaching
the centre of the cam, and in Fig. 1 the screw passing through the slot connects
with the switch cam K4 and is moved thereby, when the circular cam is moved by
thumb-hold. In Fig. 5° the pin working in the slot being stationary moves the
connecting bar D³ and cams h and circular cam piece K³ all up or down, according
to the direction the cam K is turned by the thumb-hold.
So far in the description we have omitted to describe the peculiar construction
of the cam cylinder. This omission is not of consequence as it can be introduced
here as well as any where else.
In Fig. 5d I shew a perspective detail of a portion of the cam cylinder. In this
Figure E is a circular band-piece fitted and secured to the rim of the cog-ring D¹.
and connecting with the ends of the cam-plates (see Figs. 13 and 15) forms a
complete, circle around the rim of the cog-ring. The shank of the needles are
carried upon the upper edge of this band or on the cams attached thereto, when
used as hereafter described at an elevation, which carries the needles the proper
distance above the needle cylinder. In this band cams or switches are provided
with the object of changing when desired the line of travel of the needles from
their regular course to a lower course or to a higher position. The band is

page_text: provided with a recess E³, so situated that when the needles are passed into it they
will be carried below the top of the needle cylinder, and their shanks will rest
upon the upper edge D2 of the cog ring D', which is parallel to the line of the
upper edge of the band E, and at such distance below the cams in cam plate as
will allow the lower cams to be made sufficiently strong at their lightest part.
The cams placed in the band E2, for the purpose of passing the needles into and
out of the recess E³, are so arranged as to leave a clear passage below them to
allow a free passage of the needles when they are out of action and the machine
is in operation. The spring cam E allows the needles when said cam is depressed
to pass through a slot between the cams E5 and E to the recess E³, the needles
being carried downward to the proper level by the inclined face of the slot as the
machine is rotated. In operation every second, third, or fourth needle, as the case
may be, when it arrives directly over the spring cam E, is pressed down, the spring
yielding to the pressure and permitting the needle to slip through. For speedy
work a differentially cogged wheel F, or its equivalent, mounted on the end of a
spring is used.
The cogs in the wheel are arranged to mesh at intervals with the shanks of the
needles, but between these intervals a blank space is provided which rides on
the top of the needle shank, and forces it donward past the spring-cam into
the lower recess. These blanks in the wheel F³ are arranged to correspond
in pitch with those needles required to be out of action.
With this device
but one revolution of the machine is required to change the needles for rib
work, and another revolution will if desired re-arrange the needles for plain
work by means of the switch E. This switch is pivoted to the rim of the cog-
ring, and is actuated by means of a sliding block E10 resting under it, which is
provided with a stud pin projecting through the rim D2 and band E2, which are
slotted to allow of its proper movement from the outside. The switch E7 when out
of action passes down into a recess in the rim of cog ring below the recess E³.
The switch E7 works in connection with a stationary inclined block E5 fastened to
the band E, the face of which corresponds in alignment with the face of the
switch E, and extends to the upper end of the band; thus when the switch E is
thrown up all the needles in the lower recess, as the machine is rotated, are carried
upward to the top face of the band in proper position for plain work. The mouth
of this upward passage is closed by a hinged latch E8 which rises to allow the
needles to pass, and which latch when moved to the position shewn by dotted lines
in Fig. 5, allows all the needles to pass upward into the regular line of travel in
succession. The latch Es also performs another important service. When raised to
its fullest extent by means of the lever E9, and the machine rotated in an opposite
direction to that required to pass them into the lower recess, all or a suitable
number of the needles are raised to a given height for the purpose of knitting heel
or toe work in an instant. The lever cam-piece E8 acts in conjunction with the
upper cam piece 9 (see Fig. 5), and elevates the needles required out of action for
heel or toe sufficient height to be carried on to and up to proper height by said
cam piece q. Sometimes it is desired to move a number of needles out of action at
one place to form the cap heel of a sock, or all the needles may be required out of
action. By turning the machine backward after elevating the latch Es, the needles
can be rapidly run out of the way into the lower recess, from which place they can
be as rapidly returned to their former position by the proper movement of a
switch E. The latch E8 thus performs a threefold service; first, it allows the
needles to pass upward from the lever recess and closes the gap so that the needles
can ride over it; second, to carry the needles down into said recess; and, lastly, to
raise one half more or less for heel and toe work to the proper elevation. By the
use of the band E2 with its attachments the tedious operation of setting and
adjusting the needles for the various classes of work to be performed is greatly
facilitated, and the amount of work that can be turned out of the machine much
increased, and as the working of the needles is fully exposed the operator has a

page_text: great advantage in using this class of machine. The recess E3 and the attachments
used in connection therewith can be applied to other styles of circular knitting
machines with great advantage.
Having referred before to the ribber arm H and dial H2, we will proceed to give
The ribber is
a more full description of the ribber and operating ribber cams.
driven in the same manner as the striper, as shewn in Fig. 5, by the hinged arm R
resting in the receptacle Qin the adjustable head of the spindle Q, and turns with
it. The arm can be made to hinge in the spindle Q and connect with the yarn
carrier or special standard secured to the cam cylinder or cog-ring. The cam-
plate H and spindle Q are supported on the ribber arm H by a collar J' resting on
the top of the arm, as shewn, with striping attachment and ribber (see. Fig. 1).
The needle dial H2 is held in position under the cam-plate H' by a post H³ passing
through the needle dial into the cam-plate and spindle Q to such distance as will
allow it to be properly secured by a set screw K¹, as shewn in Figs. 1 and 5. In
the latter we shew the post as it would appear when holding the needle dial in
position against the cam-plate. This method of connecting the ribber-parts
permits of a passage extending from the top of the cam hub spindle Q downward
to a point below the arm H, and connecting with a passage eye leading from the
centre outward through the spindle Q, as better shown in Fig. 5 by arrow. The
object of this passage is to allow the yarn to be fed to the machine feeding eye
without interference with the arm H and post H³, while the machine is in motion,
knitting plain, ribbing, or striping with or without the carrier J. and in com-
bination with the latter enables the operator to produce many kinds of work more
speedily and perfectly: H' is a passage cut through the collar J, arm H, and
spindle Q, and connecting with the hole in the spindle Q, so as to allow of the
yarn being easily placed under a hook within the hollow spindle Q. or taken out
of the same when threading or unthreading the ribber or striper. The said hook
is shewn in Fig. 5 at the mouth of the passage indicated by arrow. The post H³
may form part of the cam-holder H and extend down through the needle dial H³,
and be secured in position by a nut on the bottom. On the cam-plate H¹ are
placed three cams, as shewn in Figs. 22, 23, and 24; cam K2 forms the usual
tension cam, and acts on the needles to draw them in to form the stitches; cam K+
forces the needles outward to catch the yarn to form new stitches; cam K3 works
in conjunction with cam K', assisting the latter in directing the needles outward
and more safely over the inner point of cam K after they leave the tension cam.
In Fig. 23 one half of the ribber needles are shewn out of action, and are
retained in the receptacle formed between the inner point of cam K and the centre
cam K³. The other half of the needles are shown in action within the range of
the operating cams.
Those out of action are the half required out of action while knitting the heel or
toe plain, and those in action are those required to produce a ribbed instep of the
stocking. When placing the ribber on the machine, those needles which stand out
come in contact with the machine needles, and prevent the needle dial from turning
to its place to bring the rib needles in proper position with the machine needles.
This difficulty is overcome by moving the cam K', which is moved by a circular
cam piece K5 already referred to, and shewn in Fig. 5 to the position shewn by
dotted lines in Fig. 22, which moves its inner point outside of the circle occupied
by the heel of the needles which are in operation, and consequently the heels of
those needles come against the inner face of cam K+, and are carried round out of
action and out of contact with the machine needles, allowing the ribber dial to
come to proper position. As will be noticed the cams K and K' are pivoted at
their outer end, and are moved from the top and outside of the cam-plate H' by
means of their respective screws and cams connected through slots in the cam-
plate. When it is desired to move into action again any needles within the inner
receptacle, the cam K is moved by its cam K to the position shewn in Fig. 22,
and the needles which are pressed in by this action of the cam are received by the

page_text: space left by the centre cam being cut square at this point; sufficiently deep to
allow the needles a free passage out, and has a square shoulder at its deepest
incision, and gradually inclining out to the regular line of travel of the needles in
which they move after having made their stitches by passing down the inner face
of cam K. These needles, which stand back of the point of the centre cam, where
cut square in, immediately pass over the inner point of cam K', when the
machine is in motion and around into action again. By moving the cam K+ out
after one round is knit on the rib needles, and then knitting 4 rounds with rib
needles out of action, and then bringing them into action again, forms a beautifully
bound top or welt on the work. Those needles pressed outward by the action of
the cam K, are carried over its face and around out of action with the others.
While the centre cam K³ nets in conjunction with the cam K in moving the rib
needles out into action for welting purposes, and allowing the ribber needles to
move into action after being thrown out of action, for the purpose of allowing the
needle to come in proper position with the needle cylinder. It also performs
another important function, namely, to pass the needles out of the inner receptacle
formed between the centre cam K³ and inner point of cam K+ into action when
desired. This inner receptacle serves as a receptacle for those rib needles required
out of action when changing their rib stitches to the corresponding machine needle
to produce 3 and one ribbing. Figs. 24 and 25 show modifications of these
cams; Fig. 25 shews a modification in which the inner cam is dispensed with, and
can be used with the same advantages as those shewn in Figs. 22, 23, & 24.
When needles are used with the ends extending beyond the heel of the needle, in
which case the extended end comes against the post H³, and the cam K* comes
within the circle occupied by their heels, and moves them out into action. It will
be noticed here that the cams K³ and K+ perform a threefold purpose, the one to
move the needles out to catch the yarn we make no claim to, but do claim the
latter two on the operation of the needles in and out of action to form a welt or
bound top, and the action in and out of the needles, to allow them to come in the
proper position with the machine needles, which action combines the operation of
the needles from the inner receptacle into action in combination with the centre
cam K³ when made smaller, as shown in Fig. 23. When flat web rib work is desired
we use two cams, as shown on Fig. 26, which are pivoted near the outer end, and
are adjusted to regulate the length of the stitch by means of an excentrically
slotted disc K5 placed on the top of cam plate 4', 'and connected to the cams by stud
pieces passing through slots cut through the cam plate; said studs work in the
excentric slots H5. This method of cam adjustment can be applied to single cams,
and is on the same principle as cam K³ referred to before, only the cam hub
spindle Q forms the centre on which it turns. Fig. 28 shews the slotted needle
dial H which has round holes, the same as the needle cylinder for short slotting,
as shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10. When it is desired to do horizontal striping with
the ribber, the receptacle Q2 into which the driving cam R fits, is moved back on
the spindle, which throws the operating cams forward, and by feeding a second
colored yarn on the rib needles from a special feeding eye while the first color is
fed from the ordinary yarn carrier, horizontal striping can be done, and likewise by
placing the receptacle Q2, so that the ribber cams and special feeding eye are
operated directly over the space occupied by the machine needles below the cams,
and a second colored yarn fed through the ribber special feeding eye at the same
time as the first color is being knit by the ordinary yarn carrier. Two separate
webs are produced, one on the inside of the other, which can be joined together
again either in rib work or plain. We join them in rib work by simply placing
receptacles Q in regular position for ordinary ribbing, and to plain work by
transferring the rib stitches to the plain machine needles after the desired length
has been knit double web. We join the two webs together at first by knitting
one or more round one and one ordinary rib. The double work can be used for
stocking-tops, cuffs, mitts, &c., &c,

page_text: CLAIMS.
1st. In a knitting machine provided with either a revolving or reciprocating
cam-plate, stationary cams g attached thereto in combination with adjustable cams /
held by vertical slots made in the cam-pláte, and so arranged in connection with
the stationary cams that the vertical adjustment of the cams h is effected
upwardly by the heel of the passing needles, and downwardly by their own weight,
substantially as specified.
2nd. In a circular knitting machine, two or more yarn-feeders adjustably held
on a spindle suspended over the centre of the cylinder, in combination with circular
grooves or guides in the face of a stationary disc suspended over the centre of the
cylinder, the said grooves being connected by a slot or slots provided with an
adjustable gate or gates arranged to throw the yarn feeders from one groove to the
other for the purpose of throwing the thread carried by them in and out of
action.
3rd. In a circular knitting machine provided with two or more revolving yarn
feeders, the combination of one or more circular guides or grooves arranged to hold
the yarn feeders in and out of action as desired, and provided with one or more
passage ways leading from the groove, and having an adjustable gate or gates
arranged to move one yarn feeder out of action while simultaneously throwing into
action another to take its place.
4th. In a circular knitting machine provided with an arm extending over the
centre of the cylinder, the combination of a bobbin frame having a central hub or
boss pierced with a hole, and pivoted in a hole through the arm over the centre of
the cylinder, and revolving with the cam cylinder cog-ring or needle cylinder, for
the purpose of delivering the yarn from the centre of the machine without allowing
the yarn leading from the different bobbins to twist.
5th. In knitting machines in which the needles are held and work longitudinally
within slotted passage ways in the needle cylinder or bed and ribber dial, the
combination of a cylindrical enlargement made in the top of each passage way the
necessary depth without enlarging the slot on the outside surface of the cylinder
or bed, substantially as shewn, and for the purpose specified.
6th. In knitting machines in which the stitch is regulated by the adjustment of
the needle-cylinder, the adjustment of the cam-cylinder or adjustment of the cams,
the combination of an adjustable tension support connected to a post held in a
bearing or bearings, which will permit of its longitudinal adjustment, and through
it a vertical adjustment to the needle cylinder, cam cylinder, or cams, by which the
length of the stitch may be regulated while the machine is in operation, as set forth
and described.
7th. In combination with a knitting machine, an oil cup arranged for the purpose
of lubricating the yarn while it passes from the bobbin to the needles, substantially
as shewn, and for the purpose set forth..
8th. In a circular knitting machine having reversing cams, treadle mechanism
arranged to impart a rotary movement to the machine in combination with
adjustable stops, by which the stroke of the treadle may be shortened, and a
consequent oscillating movement imparted to the machine, as required when
operating it for heel and toe work.
9th. In a circular knitting machine having reversing cams, and provided with a
spur-wheel keyed to its main driving shaft, the combination of a pitman deriving
motion from treadle or other power, and having formed on one of its sides a rack
arranged to gear with the said spur-wheel for imparting an oscillating movement
to the main driving shaft, and through it to the machine as required when operating
it for heel and toe work.
10th. In a circular knitting machine having striping and ribbing attachments,
the combination of the pivoted arms H and I for carrying the said attachments,
and so arranged in connection with the cylinder of the machine that either one

page_text: may be separately swung into action therewith, or both swung out of its way,
substantially as shewn and for the purpose specified.
11th. In a circular knitting machine provided with mechanism for feeding two
or more colours, the combination of longitudinally adjustable yarn-feeders placed
at an angle to each other, so that the point occupied by the feeder directing the
yarn to the needles will be instantly occupied by the other feedler as the first one.
is withdrawn, substantially as shewn and for the purpose specified.
12th. In circular knitting machine provided with mechanism for feeding two
or more colours, the combination of longitudinally adjustable yarn-feeders arranged
at such an angle to the cylinder needles that the one thrown forward to feed the
yarn to the needles will be below their hooked ends, while the other will be located
above their hooked ends, substantially as shewn and for the purpose specified.
13th. In a circular knitting machine provided with an armi extending over the
centre of the cylinder, the combination of a bobbin-frame pivoted over the centre
of the cylinder, and revolving with any rotating part of the machine, the bobbin-
frame being pierced with a hole to permit the yarn to pass from the centre of the
machine to the needles without allowing the yarn leading from the different
bobbins to twist.
14th. As a new article of manufacture, a knitting machine-needle in which the
heel or projecting end is formed by a fold having an open space between the
material, substantially as shewn and for the purpose specified.
15th. In a circular knitting machine in which the needles are exposed after
passing the operating cams by the removal of that portion of the cam-cylinder
extending above the bed, a needle having an offset above the heel h', and a long
shank extending below it for permitting the needle to be raised and held in
position for heel and toe work.
16th. In a circular knitting machine provided with automatic operating cams
for heel and toe work, a needle having a long shank 3 extending below the heel h',
and a projection or heel h formed on the end of the said shank.
17th. In a circular knitting machine in which the main driving wheel has more
or less teeth than the cog ring with which it meshes, the combination of a pattern
ring 7, arranged as described, for the purpose of indicating the number of rounds
knitted, as specified.
18th. In a circular knitting machine, a spindle 13 geared to the main driving
shaft, so as to move one tooth or more at each revolution of the main shaft in
combination with an indicating ring 11 extending round the base of the machine,
and operating in conjunction with a pointer 8, substantially as shewn and for the
purpose specified.
19th. In a circular knitting machine having an indicating ring 11 placed on top
of the cog-ring, the combination of a hold-fast ring15arranged to hold the indicating
and cog ring in position.
20th. In a knitting machine provided, with reverse knitting cams, the combina-
tion of cam pieces operated by the ordinary or special heel of a passing needle, for
the purpose of throwing the said needle into or out of action, substantially as shewn
and for the purpose specified.
21st. In a circular knitting machine provided with a projection or arm to support
the ribbing dial, the combination of a thumb-screw P, connected with and arranged
to operate the projecting arm, for the purpose of adjusting the height of the needles
in the ribbing dial, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
22nd. In a circular knitting machine, the combination of a yarn-feeder S
attached to the cog-ring or other suitable part, and having the eyes and for
directing the yarn to the needles connected together by a slot t, the eye t¹ being
protected by a hooks to hold the yarn in position after having been slipped
through the slot into the eyes u and t¹, substantially as shewn and for the purpose
specified.
23rd. In a circular knitting machine provided with an arm extending over the
centre of the machine for holding the ribbing or striping attachment a head Q

page_text: connected to the revolving portion of the said attachment, and provided with a
alot Q in combination with a hinged arm attached to the cog ring or other
revolving portion of the machine, substantially, as shewn and for the purpose set
forth. .
24th. In a circular knitting machine provided with an arm extending over the
centre of the cylinder for supporting the ribbing or striping attachment, and having
a spindle connected therewith for supporting the cam plate H, in combination with
an adjustable collar having a receptacle for connecting the ribber driving arm R in
such manner as to be set for rib stripe work or double web knitting, as described
and set forth.
25th. In a circular knitting machine provided with a grooved needle cylinder,
the combination of a retaining band 02 placed at the base of the needle cylinder,
for the purpose set forth and described.
26th. In a circular knitting machine having a grooved needle-cylinder, the
retaining band 0% in combination with the extended tail-ended needles provided
with the projection h, for the purpose described and set forth.
27th. In a circular knitting machine provided with a needle grooved cylinder.
the combination of a retaining clapsed band 0³ fitted into an annular groove in
said needle cylinder, for the purpose specified and set forth.
28th. In a circular knitting machine provided with a cog-ring arranged to
receive a cam-plate, the combination of a detachable cam-plate and a lever or
suitable fastening for the purpose of removing the cams or broken needles while
the work is on the machine.
29th. In a circular knitting machine provided with ordinary knitting cams,
the combination with a cam plate or cam cylinder constructed so that only the
part of the circle to which the said cams are secured extends above the bed
or ordinary line of travel of the needles after they have passed the knitting
cams.
30th. In a knitting machine provided with knitting or ribbing cams, the
combination of a circular tension excentric cam K³, arranged to move the knitting
or ribbing cams as described and for the purpose set forth.
the
31st. In a circular knitting machine having ordinary knitting cams,
combination of a cam cylinder formed with a receptacle E³, and provided with a
passage way or ways leading thereto, so that all or any number of the needles used
can be moved out of action below their general line of travel, as described and set
forth.
32nd. In a knitting machine provided with a cam-plate having ordinary
knitting cams and a recess E³ and passages leading thereto, the combination
of a differential cog wheel mounted on a spring stud support for the purpose
of moving such needles as
are wanted into the recess out of action, as
described.
33rd. In a knitting machine having a cam-plate and ordinary knitting cams
provided with a recess E³, the combination of the switch cams E7, E³, and E8, for
the purpose described and specified.
34th. In a knitting machine provided with a cam-plate having a recess E³ and
suitable operating cams working therewith, the combination of the hinged latch E
arranged in connection with the cam-plate, so as to move the needles above their
ordinary line of travel and allow them to pass into the recess E³ or out of it, as
described and set forth.
35th. In a circular knitting machine having an arm extending over the centre
of the machine provided with a hollow spindle Q and collar J¹, the combination of
a slotted passage H' connecting the hole in the spindle with the outside by passing
through the collar J', arm H, and spindle Q, for the purpose specified.
36th. In a circular knitting machine provided with a ribbing attachment,
having a cam plate H¹, the combination of the cams K, K³, K, arranged on the
said cam plate in such a manner as to form a receptacle by which any number of
the rib needles can be moved into and retained within the receptacle while the rest

page_text: are in action, and likewise the said cams may be arranged to move the needles in
and out, for the purpose specified and described.
37th. In a circular knitting machine provided with a ribbing attachment having
a cam-plate and cams, the combination of an adjustable driving arm-piece connected
with the ribbing attachment in such a manner as to be easily attached to the
arm R or yarn carrier, and adjusted so that the ribbing-cams can be timed to knit
in advance of the machine cams for horizontal stripe work or directly over them
for double web, knitting one web inside of the other or in proportion with them
for ordinary rib work.
38th. In a knitting machine provided with heel and toe or web operating cams,
the combination of a take-up locking eye or projection P¹, a swing cross bar P3
mounted on a support in such a manner as to bind the yarn between their bearing
faces when threaded, and acted upon by a take-up spring J for the purpose of
taking up the slack thread caused by heel and toe work.
39th. In a circular knitting machine provided with cam cylinder and needle
cylinder, the combination of the tension post L, nut N, supporting ring M,
and bed A, arranged to suit different needle and cam cylinders, as described and
set forth.
40th. In a knitting machine provided with mechanism for feeding two colored
yarns from bobbins without twisting, the combination of the yarn feeder T, cog
wheel u, and needles, for the purpose of producing longitudinal stripes or checked
work, as described and set forth."
41st. In a circular knitting machine provided with ordinary cam for operating
the needles, the lever cam piece E7 operated by the lever 8 in combination with
the cam piece E, situated above the ordinary operating cams, and arranged in
combination with each other for the purpose of elevating the necessary needles out
of action for heel or toe work.
42nd. In a knitting machine having a ribbing attachment, the needles of which
work between the machine needles, the combination of mechanism which will
adjust the one set of needles with the other after needles have been removed from
the machine; and their stitches transferred to the needles adjacent to them.
substantially as described, and for the purpose of narrowing the work passing
through the machine.
43rd. As an improvement in the process of manufacturing stocking or other
similar work produced by a knitting machine, it commencing at the top of the
stocking, with all the cylinder needles and a sufficient number of the ribbing
needles to give the desired width, and after knitting therewith to the point where
it is desired to narrow, removing the stitches from the ribbing needles and
transferring them to the machine needles, for the purpose of producing narrowed
plain work after the ribbing is completed.
44th. As an improvement in the manufacture of stocking or other similar work
produced by a knitting machine, commencing it at the top of the stocking with all
the cylinder needles and a sufficient number of the ribbing needles to give the
desired width, and after knitting therewith to the point where it is desired to
narrow, removing a number of machine needles corresponding with the number of
ribbing needles and transferring their stitches to the adjacent machine needles, for
the purpose of narrowing the work without altering the ribbing except narrowing
it by one stitch.
In witness whereof, I, the said Herbert John Haddan, have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Sixth day of Annil
1000
H. J. HADDAN. (L.S.)