IMPROVEMENTS IN STOCKING FRAMES, OR APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF LOOPED OR KNITTED FABRICS
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47,. Lincoln's Inn Fields, in
the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN STOCKING FRAMES, OR APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF LOOPED
OR KNITTED FABRICS." A communication from abroad by Linard Alphonse
Hubert, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
Sealed the 11th May 1880, and dated the 22nd November 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd November 1879.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STOCKING FRAMES, OR APPARATUS FOR THE
MANUFACTURE OF LOOPED OR KNITTED FABRICS." A communication from abroad
by Linard Alphonse Hubert, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
This Invention relates to machines for producing looped or knitted fabrics, and
consists of a peculiar construction of rectilinear machine with arrangements for
forming the selvage and contractions for stockings, socks, and the like, whereby
the operations are performed more expeditiously than heretofore, and facility is
afforded for mounting a number of machines on one table so as to occupy very
little relative space.
An important feature in the machines constructed according to this Invention
consists in placing the shaft for actuating the mechanism in close proximity to the
needle bar or frame and preceding the joint of the movable head, the whole being
situate in the horizontal plane of the needles.
These latter, with the sinkers, distributing tube, and the presser bar are the
principal parts which combine to form knitted work, which is produced as herein-
after described.
The thread as it comes from the bobbins is distributed by the tube of the
conductor to the needles, with which it is caused to engage by the descent of the
sinkers, effecting the looping as well as a species of threading whilst the press is
getting into position for shutting the needles; this shutting of the needles has the
effect of leaving the row of loops taken off in the barbs of the needles in such a
D

page_text: The movable head is formed of an axis mounted upon points or centres, and
upon which are formed in casting, 1st, two lugs or supports carrying the pins of 1
the bobbins; 2ndly, two arms provided at their front part with the head
and parts for adjusting the tension of the thread; and, 3rdly, a lever having a roller
and actuated by the driving cams connected with this portion of the machine.
This lever is provided with a prolongation upon its anterior extremity to which is
jointed a small apparatus formed by a heel maker and a second conductor with 1
distributing tube which is lowered on to the front part of the head only for the
purpose of forming the heels only.
The movable head comprises the devices for distributing the thread, viz., the
distributing tube and its conductor the abutment tappets actuated by a special rack;
these parts are supported by and slide upon the bars with armatures acting as a guide
to the jacks, and enclosing the movable and covering bars of the sinkers as well as
the divider bars, which are mounted in a special manner hereinafter described.
The jacks are intended, as in all stocking frames, to effect the descent of the
sinkers and carry the catches or fingers of the conductors, which are actuated by
pulling and not by pushing, as in the machines heretofore constructed; the movuble
head is so arranged that its own weight maintains it continually in contact with
the eccentrics or cams by which it is actuated, and also possesses the advantage of
being capable, when the row of loops is taken off, of effecting the following series
of motions:-
1st. The descent of the movable head effecting the pressure on the needles for
shutting their barbs in their respective grooves and bringing the sinkers in contact
with the underside of the covering bar. 2nd. The ascent of the moveable head
in order to allow the row taken off to come against the presser.
3rd. The return of the movable head to its place before the return of the
needle bar in order to maintain the work between the taking off sinkers and the
presser.
This arrangement of the movable and jointed head also admits of its elevation
to a certain height from the frame in order to disengage the latter in case of
accident to the machine, or when it is desired to adjust the pins of the mechanism
on the needles of the frame, or for any other reason, and also by means of this
arrangement of jointed head the lower parts of the mechanism may be disengaged
from the upper parts, and this with the greatest facility, without it being necessary
to take any precaution to ensure the return of the parts to their former position,
which always takes place with great precision.
2ND. THE BODY OF THE MACHINE.
The body of the machine comprises, 1st, the frame; 2nd, the presser; 3rd, driving
shaft; and 4th, the base or general support carrying the various parts of the
apparatus.
The frame or needle bar is jointed on the extremities of two vertical arms fast
on a rocking shaft mounted on points and provided with a lever having a roller
constantly in contact with the cam actuating the frame; the needle bar receives
the needles held in position by covering plates; the frame has a reciprocating
motion only in the same plane, during which the needles rub continually against
the presser firmly fixed to the base or support.

page_text: The presser comprises a sinker bar provided with projections against which the
pressing of the work is effected during the reentering of the needles.
The driving shaft is mounted in bearings which enable it to partake of a rotary
motion on its own axis only; the driving pulley is mounted on one end of the shaft,
and the other end carries a grooved pulley with a jointed tappet provided with a
spring for actuating the jacks. That portion of the shaft which is between the
bearings is occupied by the cams actuating the various parts of the mechanism, the
said cams being mounted upon sleeves and divided into two distinct groups, both
of which are capable of sliding longitudinally upon the shaft in opposite directions
in order to enable the cams for producing a contraction to be substituted for the
normal cams of the row. One of the groups of sleeves, namely, the one carrying
the cams, partakes continually of the rotary motion of the shaft besides its longi-
tudinal motion, and the other group effects, firstly, the connection of the mechanism
with the frame to obtain the contraction, and, secondly, transmits a slight lateral
motion to the cam actuating the tappet of the grooved pulley in order to enable a
disc to maintain closed the tappet of this pulley, which stops the working of the
jacks during the contractions.
All the parts of the machine are enclosed in a casing or framing carrying the pin
screws of the rocking parts hereinbefore referred to, and also provided with a base
enabling the framing to be fixed upon a suitable stand giving the required incline
to the frame. Moreover the front part of the frame carries two strong arms, at the
extremities of which are situated the points for the reception of the oscillating
parts of the mechanism for producing the contractions.
THIRD. MECHANISM FOR THE CONTRACTIONS.
This mechanism is formed by a support bearing at the lower extremity of its
branches upon the corresponding points carried by the framing of the machine so
as to enable the support to partake of a reciprocating motion with relation to the
frame, to which it is automatically connected at the required moment; the upper
part which unites the two branches of the support carries lugs, upon which the
pin bar is jointed in such a manner as to allow this bar to oscillate as required for
transferring the loops independently of its reciprocating motion.
Two of the sides of the pin bar are each provided with a single rack having
teeth inclined in opposite directions in each of their respective portions; one of
these racks serves to actuate the pins for transferring the loops, and the other
serves for the retrograde movements of the large pins, and draws together the
pins at the centre at a given time. This rack is also in contact with a notched blade,
by means of which it is thrown out of action at the proper time.
The oscillating bar serves as a guide to the furniture of the pins for effecting the
contraction, which are of three categories, viz.,—
First. The external pins for contraction on the selvage, that is to say, contractions
of the calf, the heel, and the instep.
Secondly. The large pins for the contractions in the body of the work, that is to
say, the contractions for the toe, and
Thirdly. The pins in the centre for making the free loops between each row of the
contractions for the toe and the leg.
The selvage pins are jointed on the large pins by which they are actuated as
they are not provided with claws engaging with the rack; the open spaces of the
large pins and the selvage pins are occupied by a species of jointed comb with a spring
with a view to ensuring the accurate descent of the pins in the grooves of their corre-
sponding needles; the pins of the centre are actuated by one of the racks through
the intervention of small jointed catches, and are thrown out of action by a species
of fixed guide, which, by means of vertical pins, raises the pins proper two by two
as the formation of the leg progresses.
The rack of the transferring mechanism is actuated by pins and inclined planes

page_text: suitably arranged and connected to the moveable head and to the rack of this
bead, whilst the rack for producing the retrogade movements is actuated by a
small device connected to the frame; the reciprocating motion of the oscillating
pin bar is produced by a special arrangement of catches connected to the frame of
the machine, and which serves at the same time to impart to the said bar through 5
the intervention of suitable recesses and projections the oscillating motion requisite
for the pins.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd
May 1880.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STOCKING FRAMES, OR APPARATUS FOR THE
MANUFACTURE OF LOOPED OR KNITTED FABRICS." A communication from abroad
by Linard Alphonse Hubert, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
The said Invention relates to machines for producing looped or knitted fabrics,
and it consists of a peculiar construction of rectilinear machine with arrangements
for forming the selvage and contractions for stockings, socks, and the like.
By means of the said Invention the machine is rendered capable of performing a
considerable amount of work, whilst a number of machines, say, for example, five,
ten, or more may be mounted on one table, so as to occupy but a small space
relatively to the number of machines, thus imparting to the whole a resemblance to
the multiple machines now in use, which are intended to be worked by one
operator.
In machines constructed according to the said Invention the driving shaft is
placed in close proximity to the needle bar and in front of the joint of the moveable
head hereinafter referred to, the whole being situate in the horizontal plane of the
needles. These latter, with the sinkers, distributing tube, and the knocking-over
bar are the principal parts which combine to form knitted work which is produced
as hereinafter described.
The thread as it comes from the bobbins is distributed by the tube of a conductor
to the needles, with which it is caused to engage by the descent of the sinkers
whilst a presser is getting into position for shutting the needles; this shutting of
the needles bas the effect of leaving the course or row of loops taken off in the barbs
of the needles in such a manner that when the frame forming the needle carrier
returns this row is added to the work, which effects the withdrawal of the loops
from the needles against the knocking over bar, after which the needle carrier and
all the parts resume their normal position.
The apparatus is composed of three distinct parts, viz.,—
First. A jointed moveable head.
Second. The body of the machine.
Third. Mechanism for effecting the contractions.

page_text: FIRST. THE MOVEABLE HEAD.
The moveable head is formed of an axis mounted upon points or centres, and
upon which are formed in casting, first, two lugs or supports carrying the pins or
supports of the bobbins; secondly, two arms provided at their front part with the
head and parts for adjusting the tension of the thread, and thirdly, a lever provided
with a roller and actuated by the driving cams connected with this portion of the
inachine. This lever is provided with a prolongation upon its front extremity, to
which is jointed a small apparatus forming a heel maker and a second conductor
with distributing tube, which is lowered on to the front part of the head for the
purpose of forming the heels only.
The moveable head comprises the devices for distributing the thread, videlicet, the
distributing tube and its conductor abutment tappets or stops, actuated by a
peculiar rack; these parts are supported by and slide upon bars hereinafter
described, which act as a guide to a device designated a jack-slur and enclose the
moveable and covering bars.
The moveable head also carries sinkers as well as divider bars, which are mounted
in a peculiarly manner hereinafter described.
The jack-slurs are intended, as in all stocking frames, to effect the descent of the
sinkers, and carry catches or fingers to engage with the conductors, which are
actuated by traction in lieu of by pushing, as in the machines heretofore constructed;
the moveable head is so arranged that its own weight maintains it continually in
contact with the eccentrics or cams by which it is actuated, and also possesses the
advantage of being capable when the course or row of loops is formed of performing
the following series of motions :-
First. The descent of the moveable head effecting the pressure on the needles for
shutting their barbs in their respective grooves and bringing the sinkers into
contact with the underside of the covering bar.
Second. The ascent of the moveable head in order to allow the course or row of
loops to come against the knocking over bar.
Third. The return of the moveable head to its place before the return of the
needle carrier in order to maintain the work between the sinkers and the knocking
over bars.
This arrangement of the jointed or moveable head also admits of its elevation to a
certain height from the needle carrier in order to disengage the latter in case of
accident to the machine, or when it is desired to adjust the pins of the mechanism
for the contractions, hereinafter referred to, relatively to the needles, or for any other
reason, and also by means of this arrangement of jointed head the lower parts of the
mechanism may be disengaged from the upper parts, and this with the greatest
facility, without it being necessary to take any precaution to ensure the return of
the parts to their former position, which always takes place with great precision.
SECOND. THE BODY OF THE MACHINE.
The body of the machine comprises, first, the needle carrier; second, the
knocking over bar; third, driving shaft; and fourth, the base or general support
carrying the various parts of the apparatus.
The needle carrier is jointed on the extremities of two vertical arms fast on a
rocking shaft mounted on points or centres.
This shaft carries a lever having a roller which is maintained in contact with a
cam actuating the needle carrier, the needles being maintained in their place by
means of covering plates.
The needle carrier has a reciprocating motion only in one and the same place,
during which the needles rub continually against the knocking over bar firmly
fixed to the base or support.
The knocking over bar carries plates having projections or notches, against which
the "knocking over is effected during the return of the needles.
"
The driving shaft is mounted in bearings which enable it to partake of a rotary

page_text: motion on its own axis only. The driving pulley is mounted on one end of the shaft,
and the other end carries a grooved pulley with a jointed tappet provided with a
spring for actuating the jack-slur; that portion of the shaft which is between the
bearings is occupied by the cams actuating the various parts of the mechanism, the
said cams being mounted upon sleeves and divided into two distinct groups, both of
which are capable of sliding longitudinally or endwise upon the shaft in opposite
directions in order to enable the cams for producing a contraction to be substituted
for the normal cams of the row. One of the sleeves, videlicet, by the one carrying
the cams, partake continually of the rotary motion of the shaft in addition to
receiving a longitudinal or end motion, as herein before described, and another sleeve
firstly effects the connection of the contraction mechanism with the needle carrier in
order to perform the contraction; and, secondly, transmits a slight lateral motion to
the cam actuating the catch of the grooved pulley in order to enable a disc to
maintain closed the catch of this pulley, which stops the working of the jack-slur
during the contractions.
All the parts of the machine are enclosed in a casing or framing carrying the pin,
screws, or centres of the rocking parts herein before referred to, and also provided
with a base enabling the framing to be fixed upon a suitable stand giving the
required incline to the needle carrier. Moreover the front part of the frame carries
two strong arms, at the extremities of which are situate the points or centres for the
reception of the oscillating parts of the mechanism for producing the contractions.
THIRD, MECHANISM FOR THE CONTRACTIONS.
This mechanism is formed by a support bearing at the lower extremity of its
branches upon the corresponding points carried by the framing of the machine, so as
to enable the support to partake of a reciprocating or rocking motion relatively to
the needle carrier, to which it is automatically connected at the required moment;
the upper part, which unites the two branches of the support, carries lugs upon
which the bar carrying the pins hereinafter described is jointed in such a manner,
as to allow this bar to oscillate as required for operating upon the loops in the
manner hereinafter described, independently of its reciprocating motion.
Two of the sides of the pin bar are each provided with the single rack having
teeth inclined in opposite directions in each of their respective portions; one of these
racks serves to actuate the pins for operating upon the loops as hereinafter described,
and the other serves for the retrograde movements of larger pins, and draws
together the pins at the centre at a given time; this rack is also in contact with a
notched blade by means of which it is thrown out of action at the proper time.
The oscillating bar serves as a guide to the holders of the pins for effecting the
contraction which are of three classes, videlicet,-
First. External pins for contractions on the selvage, that is to say, contractions of
the calf, the heel, and the instep.
Secondly. Large pins for the contractions in the body of the work, that is to say,
the contractions for the toe, and
Thirdly. Pins in the centre for making the free loops between each two rows of
the contractions for the toe and the leg.
The selvage pins are jointed on the large pins by which they are actuated as they
are not provided with claws engaging with the rack. The open spaces of the large
pins and the selvage pins are occupied by a species of jointed comb. with a spring,
with a view to ensuring the accurate descent of the pins in the grooves of their
corresponding needles; the pins of the centre are actuated by one of the racks
through the intervention of small jointed catches, and are thrown out of action by
a species of fixed guide, which by means of vertical rods raises the pins proper two
by two as the formation of the leg progresses.
The rack for operating the smaller pins of the contraction mechanism is actuated
by studs and inclined planes suitable arranged and connected to the moveable head
and to the rack of this head, whilst the rack for producing the retrograde

page_text: movements of the larger pins is actuated by a small device connected to the needle
carrier. The reciprocating motion of the oscillating pin bar is produced by a special
arrangement of catches connected to the needle carrier of the machine, and which
serves at the saine time to impart to the said bar, through the intervention of
suitable recesses and projections, the oscillating motion requisite for the pins.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refere to
the several Figures on the annexed Sheets of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the corresponding Figures.
Figure 1 (on Sheet 1) of the accompanying Drawings represents a transverse
section of part of the moveable head.
Figures 2 and 3, are details of the sinkers and knocking over plates, and Figure 4
is a detail showing the form of the needles.
Figure 5 is a transverse section of the machine shewing the general arrangement
of the parts, and Figures 6, 7, and 8 are details of the heel maker.
Figures 9, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are details representing the arrangement of the jack-
slur, sinkers, and parts connected therewith.
Figure 13, on Sheet 2, is a plan of the machine, and Figures 14 to 26 are details
shewing the arrangement and operation of the cam shaft and cams.
Figures 27 to 34 are details showing the construction and arrangement of the
mechanism for producing the contractions as hereinafter described.
Figures 35 to 48 are details of certain additional improvements and modifications
in the machinery.
The moveable head represented in Figures 1 to 9ª, Sheet 1, and Figure 13, Sheet 2,
is constructed with a posterior axis a mounted on adjustable centres b, Figure 13,
Sheet 2, and provided at each extremity with lugs or arms c carrying pins or
supports d for bobbins d. Two arms e extending towards the front are cast in one
with the axis a, and are firmly bolted at their extremities to the head proper.
Vertical bars f are also attached to the central portion of the arms e, the said bars
carrying horizontal rods and blades for the purpose of imparting the necessary
amount of tension to the thread from the bobbins before it arrives at the distributing
tube. The axis a also carries at or about its centre a lever g provided with a
friction roller, and receiving motion from the driving cams.
The moveable head proper as shewn more clearly in detail in Figure 1 consists,-
First. Of a front bar h carrying the conductor i and distributing tube j, to which
it acts as a guide, the abutments or stops k and actuating rack 7 of these stops when
the heel is being formed; the bar h also carries in addition the heel maker m and a
second conductor i¹, Figures 6, 7, and 8.
Secondly. Of a rear bar n fast upon the arm e and carrying guide pullies o,
Figures 5 and 13, for working the jack slur p, which is capable of travelling freely
To the lower
in a species of dovetail or groove formed between the bars h and n.
part the bar n is bolted the lower divider bar q of the sinkers, which also acts as a
presser.
Thirdly. The moveable head also contains the internal divider bars 7 and 8, the
moveable bar t, the covering bar u provided with a strip of india rubber u¹ for the
purpose of retaining the sinkers v.
A conductor i (Figure 10, Sheet 1) is capable of sliding freely from one end to
the other of the front bar h, being formed by a plate provided on its upper side
with a projection which is acted on by the catches on the jack slur, and provided
on its underside with a pendent projection carrying the adjustable tube j.
The conductor i is hooked on to the bar h by means of four claws i², Figure 10,
jointed at 3 and connected by helical springs, which admit of its being readily
removed when required without the necessity of sliding it along the bar.
The stops or abutments k, Figure 11 (Sheet 1), are two in number, and are retained
in position upon the bar h by means of suitable projections; these stops or abut-
ments are also provided on their upper side with inclined surfaces k' for the purpose
of disengaging the catches of the jack-slur hereinafter described. Each stop or

page_text: abutment is provided with a pawl, which is pressed by a spring so as to engage
with the teeth of a rack 1; this rack is recessed at its centre for the reception, when
making the heel, of the plate m¹ of the heel maker m, surmounted with projections
m³, the latter being formed with inclined surfaces for disengaging the catches of the
jack-slur. This heel maker is accompanied by a second conductor similar to the
one herein before described.
.
The heel maker, with its conductor, is capable of being removed from the bar h,
for which purpose a small lever m³, Figures 6 and 7, is provided; this lever is
jointed to one extremity of an arm g¹ attached to the lever g, herein before described,
and carries a plate m* provided with pins which fit into corresponding holes in the
heel maker, so as to form an arrangement of parts capable of being lifted off or
replaced in position at pleasure.
The stops or abutments are caused to move in opposite directions, so as to approach.
one another alternately by means of the rack 7, which is formed in one piece and is
provided with ratchet teeth leading in opposite directions and worked by a rocking
arrangement hereinafter described.
The right hand extremity of the bar h carries a species of vertical stationary
support w connected by a sliding joint to a lever x provided at or about its centre
with an oval hole, through which is passed a pin y forming part of the rack bar.
The lower extremity of the lever x is bent and carries a pendent arm z provided
1) with a vertical slot leading into an inclined slot, and constantly working over a
projection formed in one with an arm which is connected to the knocking over bar,
and 2 with a second slot for starting the racks of the mechanism, as hereinafter
described.
The jack-slur sinkers and their dividing bars, moveable bar, and covering bar
are arranged in the following manner :-
The jack-slur, Figure 12, is composed of a piece of metal p with a projection or
tongue on its under side sliding between the two bars h and n, hereinbefore
described, and is provided with an opening or slot for the passage of the part p¹ or
blade of the jack-slur, which is capable of adjustment on the part p by means of
screws p². The front of the part p, in addition to the projections to which the
extremities of the cords for actuating the jack-slur are attached, carries two pawls
p³ connected together by a small helical spring which maintains them invariably in
the horizontal plane passing through the summit.
In addition to the sinkers v there are also provided a certain number of sinkers
having a narrower throat in the proportion of one to two, in order to enable the
latter to descend in front of the tube without coming into contact with it when the
conductor of the tubes strikes against one of the stops k at the end of its stroke, the
stop being so arranged that it invariably stops the conductor in a position in which
a sinker with a narrow throat is opposite the tube. Moreover the tube, when passing
between the needles to form the selvage of the work, descends in its turn before the
same siuker without coming in contact with it when the moveable head is brought
down to press the row.
The sinkers vand are maintained at the proper distance apart, according to the
guage of the machine, by three dividing bars q, r, and 8.
The two latter are arranged in a novel and peculiar manner, as shewn in Figures 1
and 9, whereby they are enabled to be fixed with facility and speed as well as
accurately, and a considerable reduction is also obtained in the thickness of the
dividing bars and their fittings or bearers.
The dividing bar 8 is secured to the front bar or bearer h, and the dividing bar r
is rigidly connected to the rear bar n.
The dividing bar q is fixed as described to the lower part of the rear bar n, and
serves as a guide to the lower part of the sinkers. The latter dividing bar supports
'the moveable bar t, limiting the fall of the sinkers v, and serving to restore them to
their original position after sinking by means of two projections t', which strike
against the knocking over bar when the whole moveable head is brought down to
press the row.
The covering bar u, provided on the inner side with a strip u¹ of

page_text: india rubber or other elastic substance for softening the fall of the sinkers, is also
applied against this dividing bar.
The improvements in connection with the body or main part of the machine
which I shall now proceed to describe are illustrated in Figures 5, and in Figures
13 to 26. This part of the machine comprises the needle carrier, the knocking over
bar, and the arrangements for imparting motion to the different parts of the
mechanism. The needle carrier A is jointed to the extremity arms A¹ an an axis A¹
which is mounted upon centres or pivots, and is provided with a lever B arranged
with a view to adjusting the point of contact on the actuating cams. This lever
effects the return of the needle carrier and the projection of the needles is produced
by a spring contact C having its point of support on one of the oscillating arms A¹,
in such a manner as to establish a species of connection between its contact and that
of the lever B in order to cause the latter to follow with certainty all the curves of
the driving cams.
It is preferred to employ a needle of the form represented in Figure 4 of a partly
cylindrical and partly rectangular section, whilst the under side is perfectly straight.
The cylindrical part E of the needle engages with the needle carrier and the half
round part E' is so arranged as to be presented on edge between the sinkers in such
a manner as to have a greater power of resistance while at the same time facilitating
the looping. The part E2 of the needle comprises a small cylindrical part and the
ordinary barb. During the to and fro motion of the needle carrier the needles are
supported by a knocking over bar F. This bar is firmly bolted to the side frames
or standards G of the machine and is provided at its front with the support for the
knocking over plates F which are of a peculiar form, as shewn in Figure 3, presenting
at the place where the knocking over is effected either a lump or projection F² for
the purpose of producing loops in the work of a better form than those produced
by the ordinary plates, or a notch or recess F³, according to the form of loop which
it is desired to obtain in the work. The plates F' are soldered or welded to the
knocking over bar F, Figure 1.
The standards & carry the centres of oscillation of the needle carrier A, as well
as bearings G' of the driving shaft H, Figures 14, 15, and 16, which is provided on
one extremity with a driving pulley H¹, and at its opposite extremity with a
pulley H having a double groove, Figures 17, 18, and 19, which actuates the jack
slur. This pulley carries a catch H³, which is maintained constantly open by the
action of a spring H*, Figure 17, and is closed at the required moment to allow of
the escape of collars o' attached to the extremities of cords o², and is operated by a
cam I fast on the driving shaft H, upon which it is allowed to partake of an end
motion only. This cam is mounted on a sleeve and is rigidly connected to a disc I¹,
Figure 20, which maintains the catch H³ closed during the contractions, and is
operated by a species of horizontal fork H³, Figures 13 and 14, hereinafter
described.
The cords o², Figure 13, are constantly guided in the grooves of the pulley H³ by
spring guide fingers o³, Figures 13, 17, 18, and 19.
The fork H³ hereinbefore referred to imparts the requisite lateral motion to the
cam I, and for this purpose the said fork is jointed to the main frame or standard G,
and one of its branches is connected to a sleeve J in contact with the sleeve k¹ of
the cams; the sleeve J carries a small lever J³, Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16, performing
the following functions, videlicet :-
1. Connecting together the two sleeves J and k³ during the normal working of
the apparatus.
2. Effecting the separation or end motion in opposite directions of the two sleeves
during the production of the contractions.
The connection of the sleeves J and is effected by a projection Jo having an
inclined surface L* provided on the extremity of the lever J* and retained in an
annular recess in the sleeve k', the separation of the two sleeves J and k¹ and
their end motion on the shaft H is also produced by inclined surfaces on the
projection J, which are of a length corresponding to the extent of motion which

page_text: it is desired to impart to the sleeve J, and to the cam sleeve ¹, as hereinafter
described; the lever is moreover provided with a blade spring Js resting on the
links of an endless chain J* (shewn in dotted lines in Figure 5) worked by a notched
lever JB fixed to the frame.
This chain acts as a counter of the rows in order that the contractions may be !
effected at the required moment, and has this peculiarity, that, in lieu of employing
collars or projections the cross bars between the links are dispensed with at certain
places in order to produce open spaces of a double length, which when passing under
the spring Js of the small lever J2 allow the latter to descend under the action of a
suitable spring; this motion of the lever has the effect of causing its extremity to
engage with a notch k in the sleeve k¹, Figure 22, and bring one of the inclined
surfaces L of the projection Jo opposite the corresponding inclined surface in the
notch k, the rotation of the shaft H then causes the sleeve J to recede for a certain
distance from the sleeve k¹, this sleeve recedes before the sleeve k¹ because the
latter having to bear the weight of the moveable head meets with resistance in
making its end motion, which consequently does not take place until the sleeve J
strikes against the end of the bearing G1, Figure 16, at this moment the inclined
surfaces L' remaining always in contact, it follows that as the sleeve J cannot recede
any further the sleeve of the cams moves back in its turn overcoming the
resistance of the moveable head and recedes to a distance corresponding to the
thickness of the cams.
The end motion of the sleeve J causes the catch H³ on the pulley H2 to be main-
tained closed, as hereinbefore described, and the receding or end motion of the sleeve k¹
will have had the effect of substituting for the normal cams of the apparatus the
cams for working the mechanism for producing the contractions, the last mentioned
cams acting through the intervention of the needle carrier; the sleeve k¹ of the
cams, in addition to its end or sliding motion on the driving shaft, is also caused to
partake of the rotary motion of the latter by means of an arm L, Figures 13, 14,
and 26, fast on the shaft H.
When a cross bar on the chain J' comes under and presses the springs J³,
Figure 15, the latter brings the projection on the lever J2 against the circumference
of a groove forming a continuation of the annular recess ³; this projection on the
passage of the opening or recess L¹, Figure 22, on the circumference is suddenly
drawn towards the sleeve k¹ as well as the lever and the sleeve J by the action of
a spring L2, Figure 14, for a distance corresponding to that of its previous receding
motion, which is regulated by means of a screw L³ striking against the bearings G³,
Figure 15.
The sleeve k¹ is in turn drawn back to its normal position by the action of the
inclined surface L of the projection Je, Figure 14, coming in contact with a similar
inclined surface provided on the interior of the recess L¹, Figure 22.
The cams employed in this apparatus are shewn in Figures 20, 22, 23, 24, 25,
and 26. The cam I, Figure 20, serves to close the jointed catch Hs, as hereinbefore
described; the cam k, Figure 23, effects the return motion of the needle carrier;
the cam, Figure 25, allows the moveable head to descend to effect the pressing;
and the cam, Figure 26, throws forward the needle carrier and needles (as herein-
before described), the two contact levers forming part of the needle carrier work in
common for this purpose; the cam is also provided with a notch to make room
for its contact lever during the return of the needles.
The cams k' and ks (Figures 22 and 24) are appropriated to working the contrac-
tions, the cam ko being provided with a projection for the purpose of maintaining
the contact lever of this cam; the cam 7 raises the moveable head to the required
extent to allow of the drawing together of the moveable stops k, hereinbefore
described, for limiting the travel of the conductor through the intervention of the
rack worked by the lever x, referred to in the description of the moveable head,
Figure 9; the lever x also serves to work one of the racks of the mechanism for the
contractions, as hereinafter described.
The kam k³, Figure 22, serves to impart to the needle bar the peculiar motion

page_text: required for working the mechanism actuated by the said needle bar, as nereinafter
described.
The mechanism for making the contractions is represented in Figures 27 and 34,
and consists of a species of support or arm L, Figure 5, mounted on points or centres
and connected to an oscillating pin bar M in such a manner as to allow it to partake
of the motions requisite for taking up the loops before they are transferred, and
replacing the loops in the needles after the contraction.
The reciprocating motion is imparted to this mechanism by the needle carrier
when the latter of the peculiar motion corresponding to the contractions in con-
sequence of the end motion of the sleeves J and k', hereinbefore described, and
which produces the connection of the contraction mechanism with the needle carrier.
The reciprocating motion which is imparted to the said mechanism by the needle
carrier is obtained by means of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 33, and con-
sisting of a fixed arm Le having notches L', L³, so arranged as to engage at the
required moment with the needle carrier, which on returning draws the contraction
mechanism after it. This action only takes place at each end motion of the sleeves
and by the contact of the lever H, hereinbefore described, with a bell crank
lever L, which brings down the arm Le into such a position that its notch L³ engages
with a pin Lo fixed to the needle carrier.
When the connection of the arm Le with the needle carrier is effected the con-
traction mechanism which was previously maintained in position by the notch L'
engaging with a fixed pin X¹ is free to partake of the reciprocating motion of the
needle carrier, whilst the pin L1 imparts to the pin or punch bar the oscillating
motion requisite for effecting the contractions.
A spring X constantly tends to press the upper side of the arm or lever L' against
the pin X which is fixed on the knocking-over bar.
The contractions or transfers of loops are effected after the mechanism arrives at
the end of its stroke by two racks O and P, Figure 27 and 31, which impart
to the pins the motion towards the centre requisite for the contraction of the
work.
The rack O carries a pin which engages with the lower slot T in the pro-
longation z of the jointed lever x, Figure 9, hereinbefore described, at the moment
when the mechanism arrives at the termination of its travel in such a manner
as to connect the said rach with the operating parts of the rack 7, hereinbefore
described, so as to cause them to act in concert, as it is evident that the connection
of these racks is necessary in order to produce the simultaneous operation of the
parts connected therewith, because the contractions are dependant on and are
always worked correspondingly to the stops of the conductors."
The devices for operating the upper rack P are arranged on the left of the
oscillating bar, and cousist (Figure 34) of a jointed horizontal lever U provided
with a sliding plate U, having a slot in which works a pin U² fixed on the rack P.
The tail U of the lever U is engaged in a species of slide U³ on a part of the
oscillating bar worked by means of a rod Us which abuts against the knocking-
over bar during the operation of making the contractions. This rod is provided
for the purpose of moving back the slide in order to liberate the tail U* of the
jointed lever, which is acted on by a spring so as to cause its opposite extremity Uº
to engage with the needle carrier A.
At this moment the needle carrier effects the requisite motions for the row or
course of loops, and draws on the slide which brings the rack P into action; the
latter partakes of a very small reciprocating motion only, it being sufficient to
displace it to the extent of one tooth, as hereinafter explained; this action of the
rack has the effect of causing the two sets of large pins to recede alternately. In
consequence of the arrangement of the slides the latter is brought back to its
original position by a tappet U7 on the sliding plate U¹.
The oscillating bar M acts as a guide and support to the carriers or holders of
the pins, which are of three classes divided into two groups, situate one on each
side of the centre line of the machine, and are worked by the two racks O and P

page_text: herein before described, which impart to them alternately a motion in opposite
directions relatively to each other, but towards the centre of the apparatus.
The racks serve specially to work the pins as stated, and are of course divided
according to the gauge of the machine, and provided with teeth leading in opposite
directions, which in their respective positions impart to the pins a motion towards
the centre in opposite directions in order to effect the transfers alternately towards
the centre.
The extreme pins M', Figure 31, serve to form the contractions on the selvage
for the calf, heel, instep; for this purpose they are arranged on a lower level
than the larger pins N in order that they may be the only pins engaged when
working these contractions, and are capable of oscillating in order to rise to the level
of the large pins when working the contractions for the toe, and work in concert
with the latter during a certain period.
The oscillations of the pins M' take place in consequence of the action of their
holder or carrier, which is jointed on an axis formed in one with the bolders or
carriers N' of the large pins N so as to constitute a whole worked for the transfers
by the rack O, and for the retrograde movements by the upper rack P engaging
with a special catch P¹ on the upper part of the carrier N¹.
The large pins N serve to make contractions in the body of the work, that is
to say, the contraction of the toe part with the cooperation of the oscillating pins M¹
and central pins Q, hereinafter described.
The pins M¹ and N are traversed by a species of comb M2, Figures 27 and 30,
jointed to the base of the carriers N₁ which serves to fill the open spaces between
each two needles when working the contractions in order to cause the pins to
descend with precision into the groove of each needle to take the loops. This
comb M² is provided with springs which constantly tend to press it towards the
extremities of the pins so as to leave them always engaged between the needles.
Each carrier N' is provided with a jointed catch or claw N³, the teeth of which
enter the rack o of the transfers only when the comb is in its position at the base
of the pins having been brought into this position by a finger M striking against
the knocking over bar when the mechanism makes its forward motion. This
motion of the comb to the base of the pins is for the purpose of disengaging it from
the needles during the side motion of the pins.
The claw N transmits its section to the carrier and consequently to the pins, as
will be readily understood, and during the lateral motion of the pins which produce
the contraction for the toe the upper rack P does not act upon the carriers of these
pins in consequence of a rod P2, Figure 29, striking against the moveable head at
the proper moment.
Each group of central pins Q is mounted upon a carrier Q1, Figure 27, in order to
make the contraction for the toe.
The central pins Q are placed near to the large pins with an interval corresponding
to one needle between them, being so arranged that the latter pins by which their
action is controlled although caused to advance a distance corresponding to two
needles by the action of their actuating rack only cause the central pins to advance
for a distance corresponding to one needle. This difference of a needle between the
two groups of pins which is necessary in order to produce the rows of loops for the
contractions is subsequently restored. After each contraction by the retrograde
motion of the carrier N' worked by the upper rack P the teeth of the latter are
arranged to lead in an opposite direction to those of the lower rack O which normally
works the large pins N.
When the last contraction before forming the leg is made the claws P¹ ride over
projections on a species of blade R, Figure 27, which liberate the teeth of the rack P
and stop the retrograde motion of the pins N; at this moment the pins Q are
controlled by a catch Q engaging with a series of teeth on the rack P divided
according to the gauge of the teeth of this rack producing the retrograde motion.
The effect of the catch Q is to impart to the pins Q after each contraction a
forward motion corresponding to one needle in order to restore the difference of

page_text: one needle which has been previously produced by the retrograde action of the
large pins.
The carrier Q¹ carries an arm with a projection for the reception of the extremity
of vertical rods Q, Figures 28 and 32, which are intended to throw the central
pins out of action two by two during the progress of the operation of forming the
leg; for this purpose the rods Q2 rest during the oscillating motion of the pin
carrier upon a stationary support Q³.
Figures 35 to 48 represent modifications designed with a view to improving the
working of various parts of the machine.
These improvements consists principally in the following additions to machines of
the type hereinbefore described, videlicet :-
First. A longitudinal oscillating shaft arranged upon the moveable head, and
serving to maintain the sinkers, through the intervention of the moving bar, in the
position in which they are required to occupy before the looping.
Secondly. Two sinkers of peculiar form, arranged one at the commencement and
the other at the end of the group of sinkers.
These sinkers are of considerable thickness in order to withstand the action of
the jack-slur, and are arranged with a view to ensureing the descent of the moving
bar before the looping of the ordinary sinkers, and deadening the concussion
produced by the blade of the jack slur striking against the first or end sinkers in
order to avoid the breakage of the latter, which frequently occurs in all machines
in which the sinkers are acted on directly by the jack slur.
Thirdly, In the application of a plate divided correspondingly to the gauge of
the machine for the reception of the whole of the knocking over plates, and holding
them against the prepared surface of the knocking over bar proper; moreover, this
divided plate is arranged to assist the action of the knocking over bar, it being
capable of being elevated in proportion as it is worn away by the rubbing of the
needles without in any way disturbing the position of the knocking over bar.
Fourthly. A mechanism for making the contractions composed of a species of
fixed horizontal plate or support connected to the knocking over bar, and arranged
to act as a guide and receive the vertical axis of a slide, the latter being so operated
as to effect two different movements, videlicet, a reciprocating longitudinal motion
and an oscillating or rocking motion.
The forward longitudinal movement of the slide takes place perpendicularly to
the needle carrier of the machine, being produced when the contraction mechanism
is started by a tappet on the rack for transferring the loops; the return or backward
motion is produced by a wiper on a cam, which also serves to produce the oscil-
lating or rocking motion of the slide. The slide is thus caused to oscillate slightly
in a horizontal plane so as to bring the rack of the moveable head of the machine
into action through the intervention of a vertical arm connected to one extremity
of this rack.
In order to render the Figures illustrating this part of the Invention more intelli-
gible, the parts of the machine to which the improved parts are applied are
indicated in dotted lines.
The full lines represent the additional improvements in the machine.
As shewn in Figures 35 to 42 a longitudinal rocking shaft A, provided with
arms B, is supported behind the bar or bearer n by two flanges, which permit the
said shaft to rock under the action of springs c and c, alternately acted upon by a
wiper D, Figure 42, carried by the jack slur, when the latter reaches the end of its
travel to the right or left of the machine.
The springs c and c¹ are mounted on arms m cast on the shaft A, and the arms B
on the same shaft A are bent at right angles at their extremity B¹, which is always
in contact with the moveable bart so long as the head remains stationary, but
when the head commences its descent to press the row of loops it liberates the bart,
which is then supported by rods or pins t¹ remaining in contact with the knocking
over bar F until the bar t leaves a space between it and the lower dividing plate q
sufficient to allow the hooked extremities B₁ of the arms B to pass under the said

page_text: bar t, under the action of the springs c, c¹. When the extremities B' of the arms B
are engaged under the bar t the latter is supported by them for a certain time in
order to prevent any descent of the sinkers after the row has been pressed until the
jack slur starts again to form the next course of loops.
The descent of the bar t cannot take place afterwards until the jack-slur has
advanced sufficiently to move the wiper D, Figure 42, out of contact with the
springs c, c¹, the hooked extremities B' of the arms B being thereupon removed from
under the bar t by a counter spring suitably arranged on one of the arms m of the
rocking shaft A.
At this moment the blade of the jack-slur strikes one of the sinkers Q, Figure 39,
which on descending puts the bar t back in its place, as the part Q1, Figure 36, of
the sinker Q, when the latter is depressed bears against the bar t, and also
deadens the concussion with which the jack-slur would otherwise strike the first
sinker.
The sinkers Q, Figure 36, are two in number, and are made, say, eight times or
ten times as thick as the other sinkers, they are arranged one at each extremity of
the group of sinkers which they serve to protect (Figure 39), and slide in corre-
sponding grooves or recesses provided for their reception, and are unprovided with
throats or projections for looping, their head alone being called into action. The
upper part receives the concussion of the jack-slur, and the lower part Q¹
transmits the shock to the bar t, as hereinbefore described.
The improvement in the knocking over bar F consists in the application to this
bar of a plate E, Figures 37 and 39, secured by screws E¹ and serving to maintain
the knocking over plates S, Figure 38, between it and the bar. The plates S are
provided at the back of their lower extremity with a projection or hook S', which
enables all the knocking over plates to be properly adjusted or levelled by engaging
in a recess or groove formed in the front surface of the knocking over bar F.
Moreover, these plates S are held against the prepared surface of the bar F by the
part R of the plate E and are retained at the bottom of the divisions of this plate,
being thereby preserved invariably at the exact distance apart corresponding to the
gauge of the machine.
The plate E is arranged to act as a species of lining to the bar F, and for the
protection of the latter the wearing away of the surface by the friction of the
needles carried by the needle bar A is compensated for by elevating the plate by
means of screws T, suitably arranged to enable the plate to be elevated to its proper
level so as to ensure the proper and regular action of the apparatus.
The parts for actuating the contraction mechanism are illustrated in Figures 39
to 48.
Attached to the knocking over bar F is an angular plate G, shewn separately in
Figure 43, which consists of a plate bent at right angles provided with projections
or fingers G1, G2, and a hook n serving as a guide to a slider F³, Figure 41. The
angular plate also carries a pin or stud I, Figure 45, passing through a slot in a
sliding plate H, Figure 44, which is also capable of swivelling on the said pin.
This sliding plate H is maintained on the stud by a plate or cover J, Figure 46,
secured by two screws, and is arranged horizontally for the purpose of preventing
the rack ĺ of the moveable head from moving whilst the rows of loops are being
formed, the rack being retained in position through the intervention of the fingers
G and G³ and vertical slide F³ fast upon the said rack.
When working the contractions the upper part of a tappet P, Figure 48, carried
by the rack O of the contraction mechanism, herein before described, strikes against
the front extremity of the horizontal slide H and causes it to retire in concert with
the contraction mechanism, which continuing its forward motion causes this slide
to disengage itself from the finger G¹ on the plate G, whilst the other extremity of
the slide provided with projections u and u¹ engages with a cam K (Figure 47) on
the driving shaft near the driving pulley H¹.
The cam K in partaking of the rotary motion of the driving shaft causes the

page_text: slide H to oscillate in a horizontal plane through the intervention of inclines L
and L' provided on the said cam.
The first oscillating motion is produced by the incline L acting on the pro-
jection u', and the second is produced by the incline L' acting on the projection u
during these two movements, the racks and O connected together by the vertical
slide F will have formed one contraction. The rack forms part of the moveable
head and the rack O is part of the contraction mechanism, as hereinbefore
described.
After this operation the slide H is brought back to its original position between
the fingers G and G2 by a wiper L, Figure 47, formed in one with the incline L¹
of the cam K.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I
would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original, and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore in part recited
Letters Patent is,-
First. The system of moveable and jointed head arranged to facilitate the
inspection of all the parts of the apparatus, the said moveable head being composed
of bars or bearers acting as gides to the jack-slur and its appurtenances, sub-
stantially as herein before described.
Secondly. The employment of a conductor and distributing tube, arranged
substantially in the manner and for the purpose hereinbefore described.
Thirdly. The employment of stops or abutments actuated by a rack, the said
parts being arranged and operating substantially in the manner hereinbefore
described.
Fourthly. The moveable heel maker and its jointed support.
Fifthly. The arrangement of the knocking over plates, substantially as herein-
before described.
Sixthly. The mode of actuating the parts of the mechanism, the said mode con-
sisting in the employment of sleeves carrying the cams and having an end or longi-
tudinal motion imparted to them in opposite directions, substantially as and for the
purpose herein before described.
Seventhly. The system of mechanism for producing the contractions applicable
to hosiery machines of any description, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Eighthly. The holders for the pins of the contraction mechanism with a comb
for ensuring the accurate falling of the pins on to the needles, and the employment
of rods for the purpose of stopping the action of the central pins at the required
moment, all substantially as hereinbefore described.
Ninthly. The mode of operating the pins by means of the racks O and P,
substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore described.
Tenthly. The mechanism and actuating parts of the various racks employed,
substantially as herein before described.
Eleventhly. The mode of actuating the contraction mechanism by the needle
carrier and devices for connecting these two parts of the machine, substantially as
herein before described.
Twelfthly. The employment of the peculiar mechanism for actuating the parts for
making the contractions, substantially as herein before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, this Twentyfirst day of May, One
thousand eight hundred and eighty.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)