IMPROVEMENTS IN CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINES WITH SELF-ACTING NEEDLES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Ernest de Pass, of the Office for Patents, 68, Fleet Street,
in the City of London, Patent Agent, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINES WITH SELF-ACTING NEEDLES."
A com-
munication from abroad by La Société Gaston Verdier et Compagnie, of Paris,
France.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Ernest de Pass at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th March 1880.
ERNEST DE PASS, of the Office for Patents, 68, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINES WITH
SELF-ACTING NEEDLES." A communication from abroad by La Société Gaston
Verdier ct Compagnie, of Paris, France.
This Invention relates to improvements in circular knitting machines with self
acting needles, the principal object of such improvements being to obtain a web in
the most varied forms with fixed stitches in continuous spirals, consequently a web
with a texture which could not be produced on square knitting machines making
fixed stitches.
This result is obtained by this improved construction of circular knitting
machines, in which one or more "guichets" can actuate either one or the entire
number of needles, the said needles being arranged either vertically or horizontally
in a guide-support rotating in either direction for periods of time variable at will,
and the heddle hooks being of special form and corresponding with the said needles
they are shifted the distance between any two of the needles at each inversion of
the direction of movement of the rotating guide-support. The whole works
automatically, and for the purpose of obtaining straight, cylindrical, or bent webs
or of spiral or spherical form, etc., the combination of these several principal forms
being capable of infinite variety, and, further, of being each time modified by the
addition of chutes, i.e., yarn fed continuously from overhead to the needles which.
are out of action of the guichets.
It may be here remarked that wherever a joining together of the parts has
afterwards to be effected, the stitches are presented endwise, and can therefore be
united without the necessity of overlapping the web, consequently the seams are
invisible.

page_text: This improved machine is composed of an inner and vertical cylinder carrying on
its outer surface a series of equidistant recesses, into which are placed and free to
slide therein plates having heel pieces, the hooks or self acting needles being
soldered to such plates. This inner cylinder is so guided that it may rotate it in
either direction horizontally, by means of a fixed sleeve or outer cylinder carrying
on its inner surface a groove to receive the heels of the needle plates. The sleeve
is retained at the desired height by any suitable means. To cause the inner
cylinder to move in the manner stated, it is provided on its surface with a toothed
hoop or ring which is in gear in either direction with a double acting dog or pallet,
hereinafter more fully described. In the arrangement now described only one
guichet" is used for the sake of simplifying the description, and this "guichet
actuates a certain number of needles, but the same "guichet " may actuate from one
to the entire number, and also several such "guichets," each actuating a certain
number of needles may bo used.
st
"
By the term "guichet" must be understood a strip or piece as it were cut
out of the thickness of the circumference of the sleeve, and rendered moveable
therein relatively to the remainder of such sleeve by suitable driving power similar
to that hereinafter mentioned.
The whole of the pieces is held at a suitable distance from the ground by an
annular table resting on feet; to these feet are secured brackets or supports into
which are fixed upright rods supporting the overhead yarn carrier.
Over or above the "guichet" supported by two pillars (fixed to a flat ring resting
on and guided by the sleeve) is a segment of a ring constituting the general support
of a series of heddle-hooks (passettes). These heddle-hooks (made from a thin sheet
of metal and provided on their lower ends with almond shape projections having
an oval eye to facilitate the passing through of knots) are located at their upper
ends in equidistant notches, their central planes passing between two of the needles.
They are strung on a wire which serves as a common axis to all of them, below
they allow the yarn from the bobbins to pass, the said yarn being also guided
through a series of holes in the ring segment. The heads of these heddle hooks are
almost circular and are slotted laterally, and their upper horizontal arms are
elliptical.
On the side of the table a horizontal shaft is mounted between two bearings
forming pluminer blocks, and carries at one of its ends a toothed drum over which
passes an endless chain; the movement of this chain held downwards by a weight
is regulated by means of a lateral break or toothed pressure roller, and fixed or
removeable weights or nose pieces are arranged on each side of this chain, their
number and the manner in which they are arranged varying according to the work
to be produced by the machine. These weights or nose-pieces form together with
the endless chain a special regulator.
Another horizontal shaft carries a fast and a loose pulley and a fly wheel, but in
certain cases, and according to the nature of the work to be produced by the
machine, the driving pulleys may be mounted on a separate shaft and communicate
their motion to the horizontal shaft by means of suitable gearing.
On this horizontal shaft are also keyed a set or series of eccentrics or the like.
The first or No. 1 eccentric is formed by a rib cast on the second or No. 2 eccentric,
and is of the form of a circular portion jointed to a V shaped boss projecting
outwards from the circumference. No. 1 eccentric acts on two friction-rollers
carried by a slide-block travelling on a fixed horizontal bar, the slide block being
provided with a pin or stud which enters a slot formed at the end of a horizontal
arm fixed at its other end to a hoop or ring, which is fitted in and guided by a
circular groove contrived in the table. On this hoop or ring the double acting
pallet or dog is jointed by the shank of a screw; it (the dog) is provided with a
spring, the action of which is transmitted by means of a T piece. The spring, tho
Tpiece, and the guides are carried by a lateral appendage to which is attached
the hoop or ring. During three fourths of the revolution of No. I eccentric the slide
block remains stationary so as only to effect a quick movement when the V shaped

page_text: boss passes between the friction rollers. The hoop or ring consequently receives
an intermittent circular movement, so that the pallet or dog pushing either in one
or in the other direction against the teeth of the hoop or ring immediately returns
to its former position.
No. 2 eccentric also acts on a friction roller carried by the counterplate of a
sliding support or bracket, and is kept against the said roller by spiral springs.
This counterplate is connected to its bracket or support by bolts passing through
a vertically fixed guide bar held by the table, and along this bar the bracket or
support slides. The horizontal arm of the bracket or support is connected to the
"guichet" by a forked piece, more or less open according to the size of tho
"guichet," so that through the intermediary of the "guichet " and of the licels of the
needleplates successivo rising and falling movements are transmitted to the needles,
which in consequence of the intermittent circular movement of the cylinder are
momentarily enabled to receive the action of the "guichet." This eccentric No. 2
must therefore be considered as the organ which determines the "gathering" and
the "knocking over."
Eccentric No. 3 acts on a friction roller mounted on a sliding bracket or angle-
piece arranged like the bracket or support first herein mentioned; it is also guided
on a fixed vertical bar placed opposite to the first nained one. Spiral springs also
keep this eccentric in contact with its friction roller.
'The horizontal arm of this
sliding bracket or anglepicce is jointed to an annular segment corresponding to the
width of the "guichet," and is provided with a slot into which are received the
ends of the horizontal arms of the heddle hooks in such manner that when tho
sliding support or angle piece receives the successive rising and falling movements
the vertical arms of the heddle hooks oscillate exactly according to the radii of the
machine, between those of the needles, ich, in consequence of the intermittent
circular movement of the cylinder, _ nabled to receive the action of the
"guichet."
Eccentric No. 4 is constituted by a certain number of rounded bosses carried at
This socket acts,
the bottom of a groove by the general socket of the eccentrics.
by means of the bosses, on a forked lever, the lower branches of which guided in
the groove of the bosses are attached to two spiral springs, so that the circular part
which connects these two branches of the forked lever together are held in contact
The end of the upper
with the socket and the bosses which are cast thereon.
branch of this forked lever transmits an upward and downward movement to one
of the ends of a beam having its axis of rotation in the upper end of the guide bar
which passes in the sliding bracket or angle piece. The other end of the bean
actuates, by means of a connecting rod, a rocking lever whose axis of rotation is
held by a bent bar which is connected to the general support of the heddle hooks.
This rocking lever terminates near the inner surface of the cylinder in a segment-
shaped comb, which effects the drawing and the stopping of the web as fast as it is
formed by the machine. The teeth or points of this comb, by suitably regulating
the movements of transmission, can be made to enter between the needles, even
before beginning to draw the web, so as to further regulate the manufacture and
production.
More than one of these drawing and stopping organs or appliances may be
employed if desired.
Lastly, eccentric No. 5 is composed of a curved tongue or piece carried at the
bottom of a groove by the general socket of the eccentrics; this tongue or piece
actuates a bar or rod, one end of which is shaped like a frame with angle pieces at
two of its sides, and the other end resting in a groove contrived on the end of the
shaft carrying the toothed drum. A pawl or clawker jointed to the side of the bar
or rod, and working a ratchetwheel, actuates this bar or rod, and consequently the
shaft on which it is keyed. The intermittent circular movement thus communi-
cated to this shaft is transmitted to the toothed drum and endless chain hereinbefore
alluded to, the weights or nosepieces thereon acting, as about to be explained, for

page_text: "
the purpose of changing the direction of the circular movement of the cylinder
without stopping the production of the web.
A forked lever supported at its center of oscillation is free to swing to the right
or left by the action of the weights or nose pieces of the endless chain, according as
to whether this action takes place on one or other of the teeth which form the
ends of the branches of such lever. A bar is guided horizontally on the table, and
carries near its centre two projections which enclose between them the head of an
screw in such inanner that when the hoop or ring, and consequently this screw,
which forms the pivot of the pallet or dog, receives an intermittent circular move-
ment, the bar is actuated by a corresponding to and fro movement.
On this bar a smaller bar is free to slide, but for a certain distance only, and
carries on its center two projections which enclose between them the body of the
double acting pallet or dog; moreover this small bar carries two studs, between
which the vertical pin- of the. pallet or dog passes. An oblique connecting rod,
slightly extensible at its centre, connects one end of the small-bar to the extremity
of the upper branch of the forked levor.
Thus the small bar can follow the larger bar in every movement without in any
way interfering with the motion of the pallet or dog when it is set or released. But
when one of the weights or nose pieces on the endless chain takes into one or other
of the teeth on the forked lever the small bar is caused by the oblique connecting
rod to make a movement of such extent as will, by means of one of its studs and
the pin or stud on the dog or pallet, cause the said dog or pallet to return to a
position symmetrical to that which it previously occupied. The result of this is a
reversion of the motion of the needle carrying cylinder.
It may be here also remarked that in consequence of the oscillating movement
of the forked lover the branch. of this lever corresponds to the left hand tooth (at
the same time as the motion of the needle carrying cylinder changes its direction)
and shifts the position of the boop or ring carrying the heddle hooks, and this by
means of a connecting rod. That such is the case will be readily understood, for as
the machine always advances the distance of one needle at every reversion of
the movement, the support of the heddle hooks must also shift the distance
of one needle, so that the last needle of the "guichet " is not left without yarn on
the side upon which the machine moves. Finally it must be added that the
grooved ring segment which actuates the horizontal arms of the heddle hooks
allows these arms to be moved either to the right or to the left during the horizontal
rotatory movement of the general support of the heddle hooks.
The "guichet," whose working becomes entirely automatical by the novel com-
bination of movements by which the double acting pallet or dog is reversed and
the heddles shifted, fulfils a function very different indeed from that which is
fulfilled in square knitting machines known for some years under the name of
" tricoteur omnibus" (universal knitter). In this last named apparatus, as well as
in the spiral knitter now under consideration, the rising and falling of the
guichets," causes, without doubt, the needles to rise and to fall, but the result
obtained is not always the same, this being caused by the combination of working
parts or appliances, which, in the "spiral knitter," causes on one side of the
guichet "a needle to come into work, and at the same time on the other side of
the "guichet" a needle to be thrown out of work. It is just this possibility of
bringing the needles into play when proceeding in one direction or returning in
the opposite, and that, whilst proceeding in variable equal or unequal quantities,
which makes the apparatus herein described of such great utility.
In fact the most varied forms of webs can be obtained in working in this manner
without diminishing or increasing, and simply by accumulating a greater or less
number of rows of stitches on such or such needles of the apparatus. As to the
combination of the working parts or appliances by which such accumulation is
effected, it may be said that they are much more simple and more sure in their b
action than those of this kind hitherto constructed.
This spiral machine being circular it will be readily understood that if all the

page_text: "
needles of the machine pass successively into the working "guichet" the web will
form a tube, the diameter of which will be equal to that of the machine, and
the consecutive number of coils or spires of which will be equal to that
of the needles. If the working 'guichet" in going and coming is only
caused to pass a certain number of the needles of the machine the tube
will be increased always on the same side, which will lead to the production
of a web in the form of a spiral tube or serpentine; it is by cutting in this
spiral tube the portions corresponding to a spire that I obtain "basque bérets." A
sphere can also be obtained, the poles of which relatively to the machine on which
it is made would be either vertical or horizontal; in the first case a "fez" would
be produced by taking such a hemisphere, and joining together the edges, and in
the second case a "fez" would also be produced by taking a hemisphere, but without
having to join the edges together. These "fezes" can also be obtained by the
combinations of hemispheres and cylinders.
According to the frequency of the forward and backward movements imparted to
the cylinder carrying the needles, and according to the extent of these movements,
sleeves can also be obtained, likewise stockings with heels, calves, toes, and knees,
hats of all shapes, caps, &c., &c.
All that has been already said with regard to the shapes or forms which can be
given by this spiral machine to such various objects in web also applies to a
machine such as has been described with a single "guichet."
The addition of chutes or of overhead feeding of one yarn (as above set forth) to
the action of several needles gathering simultaneously several yarns and presenting
themselves in succession constitutes a new kind of knitting uniting two different
textures, and allowing the edges of the sections always to present stitches which
can be easily picked up.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Ernest de Pass in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 7th
September 1880.
ERNEST DE PASS, of the Office for Patents, 68, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINES WITH
SELF-ACTING NEEDLES." A communication from abroad by La Société Gaston
Verdier et Compagnie, of Paris, France.
This Invention relates to improvements in circular knitting machines with self
acting needles, the principal object of such improvements being to obtain a web in
the most varied forms with fixed stitches in continuous spirals, consequently a
web with a texture which could not be produced on square knitting machines
making fixed stitches.
This result is obtained by this improved construction of circular knitting-
machines, in which one or more "guichets" may actuate either one or the entire
number of needles, the said needles being arranged either vertically or horizontally
in a guide support rotating in either direction for periods of time variable at will;
and the heddie-hooks being of special form, and corresponding with the said needles,
they are shifted the distance between any two of the needles at each inversion of
the direction of movement of the rotating guide support.
The whole works automatically, and for the purpose of obtaining straight,
cylindrical, or bent webs, or of spiral or spherical form, etc., the combination of
these several principal forms being capable of infinite variety; and further of being
each time modified by the addition of "chutes," ie, yarn fed continuously from
overhead to the needles which are out of action.
In the accompanying Drawings Fig. 1 is a general view in elevation, with
certain parts in section, of the improved circular knitting machine, to which is
given the name of "metier spirale" (spiral machine); Fig. 2 is a general view of
the same in plan, and with certain parts also in section, the yarn-carrier, the
bobbins, and the feet being omitted. This view is taken on the line α, B, Y, e, of
Fig. 1.
Figs. 3 to 9 are details.
In all these Figures the same letters of reference indicate liko parts.
Figs. 10 to 21 show examples of the work produced by the machine, the edges
to be united being shewn in dot and dash lines.
It may be here remarked that whenever a joining together of the parts has
afterwards to be effected the stitches are presented end wise, and can therefore be
united without the necessity of overlapping the web, consequently the seams are
invisible.
As seen in Figs. 1 to 8, the improved machine is composed of a vertical cylinder A
carrying on its outer surface a series of equidistant recesses, into which are placed,
and are free to slide therein, plates a having heel-pieces a', to which are soldered
the hooks or self-acting needles all (Fig. 4). This vertical needle cylinder A is so
guided as to be able to rotate in either direction around its axis, and in a horizontal
plane, by means of a fixed sleeve B carrying on its inner surface a groove b which
receives the heels a¹ of the needle plates a. This sleeve B is retained at the desired
height by knee pieces, not shewn in the Drawings. To cause the inner cylinder A
to move in the manner stated it is provided at its under surfaco with a toothed
hoop or ring al, on which acts in either direction a double-acting dog or pallet C,
herein-after more fully described. In the arrangement now described only one
guichet" b' is shewn in Fig. 1 for the sake of simplicity, and this "guichet
actuates a certain number of needles, but the same "guichet" may actuate from
one to the entire number of needles, and several such "guichets" may be used,
66
"

page_text: each actuating a certain number of needles, thus it is that Fig. 3 shows two
guichets "b611
24
By the term "guichet" must be understood a strip or piece, as it were, cut out
of the thickness of the circumference of the sleeve B, and rendered moveable
therein relatively to the remainder of such sleeve by suitable gear, such, for
example, as that hereinafter described. The whole of the pieces just alluded to is
held at a suitable distance from the ground by an annular table D resting on three
feet, like those shewn at d, d. To these feet are secured kneo picces or brackets d'
for supporting, by means of vertical rods d", d, the overhead yarn-carrier d'".
Over or above the "guichet," supported by two pillars e, e, (fixed to a flat ring
or hoop E resting on and guided by the sleeve B) is a piece F in form of a segment
of a ring, which constitutes the general support of a series of heddle-hooks
(passettes) f. These heddle hooks f (Fig. 5) are cut out of a thin sheet of metal,
and are provided on their lower ends with almond-shaped projections having an
oval eye to facilitate the passing through of knots; their upper ends are located in
equidistant notches, their central planes passing between two of the needles a".
They are strung on a wire f', which serves as the axis of rotation common to all;
below they allow the yarn from the bobbins to pass, the said yarn being also guidod
through a series of holes in the ring segment which crowns and supports the
piece F. The heads of these heddle-hooks, almost circular, are slotted laterally,
and their upper horizontal arms are elliptical.
On the side of the table D a horizontal shaft G is mounted between two bearings
forming plummer-blocks g, g, and carries at one of its ends a toothed drum g' into
which gears in unwinding itself an endless Vaucanson chain; the movement of this
chain, held downwards by a weight gl, is regulated by the action on the middle of
the said chain of a lateral brake or toothed pressure roller g, and by fixed or
removable weights or nose pieces g., g., arranged on each side of this chain in
determined number and places, according to the kind of work to be produced by
the machine. These several weights or nose-pieces, together with the endless chain,
form a regulator specially adapted for the purposo it is to fulfil.
Having now set forth the parts which have to be actuated, I will proceed to
describe gearing by which this may be worked advantageously, but do not confine
myself to the use of this gearing, as other mechanical arrangements may also be
found suitable for actuating this machine.
A horizontal shaft H suitably mounted carries a loose pulley h, a fast pulley h',
and a fly-wheel h". In certain cases, and according to the nature of the work to
be produced by the machine, the driving pulleys may be mounted on a separate
shaft, and communicate motion to the horizontal shaft H by means of suitable
gearing.
On the horizontal shaft H is keyed a set of series of eccentrics or analogous
parts.
The first or No. 1 eccentric (Fig. 2), formed by a rib cast on the second or No. 2
eccentric herein after referred to, presents the appearance of a circular portion
jointed to a V-shaped boss projecting outwards from the circumference. This
eccentric acts on two friction rollers i, i, carried by a slide block travelling on a
fixed horizontal bar I (this portion of the mechanism clearly shewn in Fig. 2 has
been omitted in Fig. 1 for sake of clearness in the Drawings). The slide block i
is also provided with a pin or stud 2, which enters a slot contrived for this
purpose at the end of a horizontal arm j. This arm j is fixed at its other end to a
hoop or ring J, which is fitted and guided in a circular groove in the table D. It
is on this hoop or ring J that the double acting pallet or dog C is jointed to the
shank of a screw c. This dog is provided with a spring c', the action of which is
always transmitted to the said dog by means of a T-piece c", whether the dog
occupies the position shewn in dotted lines or in full lines, Fig. 2. The spring c¹,
the T-piece c, and its guides are carried by a lateral appendage 1 attached to
the hoop or ring J. During three-fourths of the revolution of eccentric No. 1 the
slide-block remains stationary, so as to only effect a quick to-and-fro movement

page_text: when the V-shaped boss passes between the friction rollers i, i. The hoop or
ring J consequently receives an intermittent circular movement, so that the pallet
or dog C will push either in one or in the other direction against the teeth of the
crown or ring a", and is immediately reset.
The eccentric No. 2 (shewn in Fig. 1) acts upon the friction roller k, which
carries the counter plate ¹ of a sliding bracket or knee piece K. Spiral springs,
not shown in the Drawings, serve to maintain contact between the eccentric No. 2
and the friction roller . The counterplate & is attached to the bracket K by two
bolts, passing through holes made for the purpose in the fixed vertical guide
bar L, which is mounted upon the table D. Along this guide bar L aforesaid the
bracket or knee piece K slides. A forked piece, the prongs of which are more or
less open, so as to correspond to the guichet b', connects the horizontal arm of the
bracket K to the said guichet b¹, so that a successive rising and falling of those
needles is caused by means of the "guichet " and the heels a' of the heel plates a,
which, by the intermittent circular motion of the cylinder A, are placed within the
range of action of the "guichets."
The eccentric No. 2 must therefore be considered as the part which determines
the "gathering" and the "knocking over."
Eccentric No. 3 (Fig. 1) acts on the friction roller m, which, arranged like the
one above mentioned, is also guided on a fixed vertical bar L¹ placed in the pro-
longation of that marked L. Spiral springs, not shewn in the Drawings, keep
this eccentric in contact with its friction roller m. The horizontal arm of the kneo
picce or support M is jointed to an annular segment m³ of a size corresponding to
that of the "guichet "61, and is provided with a slot, into which the ends of the
horizontal arms of the heddle-hooks fare received, so that when the knee-piece or
support M receives the successivo rising and falling movements the vertical arms
of the heddle-hooks foscillate exactly, following the radii of the machine, between
those of the needles a", which, in consequence of the intermittent circular move-
ment of the cylinder A, are momentarily enabled to receive the action of the
guichet b. This portion of the mechanism, clearly indicated in Fig. 1, has been
omitted in Fig. 2 for sake of clearness in the Drawings.
Eccentric No. 4 (Fig. 1) is constituted by a certain number of rounded bosses,
carried at the bottom of a groove by the general socket of the eccentrics. This
socket acts by means of the said bosses on a forked lever N, the lower branches of
which, guided in the groove of the bosses, are attached to two spiral springs n, n,
Fig. 6, so that the circular part which connects these two branches of the forked
lever together are held in contact with the socket, and the bosses which are cast
thereon. From this it follows that this forked lever N will transmit by its end an
upward and downward movement to one of the ends of a beam n', having its axis
of rotation in the upper end of the guide bar L¹ placed in the prolongation of L.
The other end of the beam n² actuates by means of a connecting rod n¹¹ another
rocking lever 111, whose axis of rotation is held by a bar n'v., which is connected
to the general support F of the heddle hooks. The rocking lever 2111 terminates
near the inner surface of the cylinder A in a segment-shaped comb n which effects
the drawing and the stopping of the web as fast as it is produced by the machine.
The said inner surface of the cylinder A is in its turn furnished at its upper part
with a series of teeth a, which prevent the formed web descending with the
needles to the interior of the cylinder; this is shewn clearly in Fig. 8 of the
Drawings. The teeth or points of the comb n. herein before referred to by suitably
regulating the movements of transmission can be made to enter between the needles
even before beginning to draw in the web, so as to further regulate the manufacture
and production. More than one of these drawing and stopping parts or appliances
may be employed if desired.
Lastly, No. 5 eccentric (Figs. 1, 2, and 6) is composed of a curved tongue or
comma-shaped piece q, carried at the bottom of a groove by the general socket of
the eccentrics; this tongue or piece actuates a bar or rod O, one end of which is
shaped like a frame with angle pieces at two of its sides, and the other end of

page_text: which rests loosely in a groove contrived in the end of the horizontal shaft G. A
pawl or clawkor o¹ jointed to the side of the bar or rod O can thus drop from tooth
to tooth on the ratchet wheel o" while actuating such wheel, and consequently the
shaft G on which it is keyed. The intermittent circular movement thus com-
municated to the shaft G is transmitted to the toothed drum g¹, and through it to
the Vaucanson chain, the weights or nose pieces g., g., thereon acting for the
purpose of changing the direction of the circular movement of the needle
cylinder A without stoppage in the production of the web, as is now going to be
described.
A forked lever P (Fig. 7) suitably supported relatively to the table D by the
support of its centre of oscillation p is free to swing to the right or to the left by
the action of the weights or nose pieces glV., g., of the Vaucanson chain, and that
according as to whether this action takes place on one or the other of the teeth p², p",
which form the ends of the branches of such lever, and which are brought to bear
against the opposite faces of the said branches. A bar Q in the form of a hollow
angle iron is guided horizontally on the table D, and carries near its centre two
projecting pieces, which enclose between them the head of the screw c in such
manner that when the hoop or ring J, and consequently the scrow c, which forms
the pivot of the pallet or double-acting dog C, receives an intermittent circular
movement, the bar Q is actuated by a corresponding to-and-fro movement. On
this bar Qa small bar g slides, but for a certain distance only, and carries on its
centre two projections, which enclose between them the body of the pallet or double
acting dog C; this small bar q moreover carries two studs q, q¹¹, betweon which
the vertical pin cl of the pallet or double acting dog C passes. An oblique
connecting-rod q slightly tensile at its centre connects one end of the small
bar to the extremity of the upper branch of the forked lever P. Thus the small
bar q can follow the bar Q in all its movements without in any way interfering
with the upsetting and resetting movements of the double-acting pallet or dog C,
but when one of the weights or nose pieces glV. takes into one or the other of the
teeth p, p, the small bar q effects by the action of the oblique connecting rod qil
a movement of such extent as will force the dog C by means of one of its
studs g, g, and the pin c¹¹ to immediately assume a position symmetrical to that
which it previously occupied. The result of this is a reversion of the motion of
the needle cylinder A.
It may be also remarked here that in consequence of the oscillatory movement
of the forked lever P, the branch of this lever corresponding to the tooth p¹ (at the
same time as the motion of the needle carrying cylinder changes its direction)
shifts the distance of one needle, the position of the hoop or ring E carrying the
heddle-hooks, and this by means of the connecting rod e. That such is the case
will be readily understood, for the machine always advancing the distance of one
needle at every reversion of the movement, the general support F of the heddle-
hooks must also shift the distance of one needle, so that the last needle of the
guichet " b¹ is not left without yarn on the side upon which the machine works
again. Of course it must be understood that what has just been remarked as
regards one needle is applicable to two or to a greater number of needles. Finally,
it must be added that the grooved ring segment m' which actuates the horizontal
arms of the heddle-hooks fallows these arms to move either to the right or to the
left during the shifting circular-horizontal movement of the general support F of
the beddle hooks.
{f
The preceding explanation being sufficiently detailed the general working of the
machine will be readily understood by all acquainted with the working of similar
machines, only one special point in the working thereof will be dwelt upon.
The "guichet" whose working becomes entirely automatic by the fact of the
novel combination of movements by which the pallet or double-acting dog is reversed,
and the heddles shifted fulfils a function very different indeed from that which is
fulfilled in square knitting-machines, known for some years under the name of
" tricoteur omnibus" (universal knitter). In this last named machine as well as

page_text: in the "spiral-knitter" now under consideration, the rising and falling of the
guichets cause without doubt the needle to rise and fall, but the result obtained
is not always the same, this being caused by the combination of working parts or
appliances which in the "spiral knitter" causes a needle to come into work on one
side of the "guichet," and at the same time a needle to be thrown out of work on
the other side of the "guichet." It is just this possibility of bringing the needles
into play when proceeding in one direction or returning in the opposite, and that
whilst proceeding in variable equal or unequal quantities which makes the machine
herein described of such great utility.
Indeed the most varied forms of webs can be obtained in working in this
manner without diminution or increase, and simply by accumulating a greater or
less number of rows of stitches on any one or other set of the needles of the
machine, and as to the combination of the working parts or appliances by which
such accumulation is effected, it may be said that they are much more simple and
-more sure in their action than those of this kind hitherto constructed.
This spiral machine being circular it will be readily understood that if all the
needles of the machine pass successively into the working "guichet" the web will
form a tube, the diameter of which will be equal to that of the machine, and and
the consecutive number of coils or spires equal to that of the needles. If the
working "guichet " in coming and going is only caused to pass a certain number
of the needles of the machine, the tube will be increased by double sectors always
on the same side, which will lead to the production of a web in the form of a
spiral tube or serpentine; it is by cutting in this spiral tube the portions corre-
sponding to a spire that I obtain "basque bérets" (Fig. 10). A sphere can also be
obtained, the poles of which relatively to the machine on which it is made would
be either vertical or horizontal; in the first case a (Fig. 11) would be
produced by taking such a hemisphere and joining together the edges, and in the
second a "fez" would be produced by taking a hemisphere but without having to
join the edges together (Fig. 12). Figs. 13 and 14 also shew "fezes" obtained by
the combinations of hemispheres and cylinders.
"fez
دو
According to the frequency of the forward and backward movements imparted
to the needle cylinder, and according to the extent of these movements, sleeves
(Fig. 15) can be obtained, likewise stockings with heels, calves, toes, and knees
(Fig. 16), hats of all shapes, caps, &c., &c., see Figs. 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21.
All that has already been said with regard to the shapes or forins which can be
produced by this spiral machine in various objects in web, applies to a machine
with a single "guichet" such as has been described; but, as stated previously,
nothing will prevent the arranging of several of these "guichets" on the periphery
of the needle-cylinder, employing, for the purpose of working them, any known
means of transmission. Nothing will also prevent the application to the parts of
the needle cylinder, not working at the time, of one or more mechanical parts
adding their working to that of the "guichet" or "guichets" (which in technical
term is designated by the name of "chutes," or continuous overhead feeding of the
yarn, or continuous gatherings of the same yarn on all the needles successively).
For this any one of the numerous driving gear already known for self acting
machines, square or circular, may be used. It must also be understood that the
choice of several of the driving appliances would be especially determined by the
manner in which the needles would be arranged in the spiral machine, that is to
say, vertically, as shewn, or horizontally, as they could very well be, mutatis
mutandis.
These last remarks will be sufficient for giving to persons interested in such
questions an idea of the infinite combinations of which this spiral machine is
capable. In conclusion I would however restrict myself to stating that the addition
of "chutes," single or double (such as have been previously defined), to the
simultaneous gathering of several yarns on several needles, presenting themselves
successively, constitutes a new kind of knitting, uniting two different textures,
and allowing the edges of the sections always to present stitches which can bo

page_text: picked up easily. Thus it is that, as shewn in Fig. 9, the "chutes" of additional
continuous yarn allow of the making of a cylinder with a beginning like the first
row ; for instance, perpendicular to the generatrices of the said cylinder. In
general and in the same way it must be understood that the width of the band
of knitting will be of the width of the needles working at each row, and that by
suppressing the action of one or more needles for each of these rows, the result will
be equal in height to the said rows whilst being joined to the cylinder, which can
be continued either in spirals or in continuous rows.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and the means for
carrying same into practical effect, I declare that I claim,-
First. In a circular knitting machine the oscillating two armed heddle-hooks of
special form, the lower arms of which carry laterally an almond-shaped projection
provided with an oval eye for facilitating the passing of knots, and the upper
borizontal arms of which are supported and driven in such manner that the said
vertical lower arms oscillate in planes passing through the axis of the circular
machine between the self acting needles arranged either vertically or horizontally,
the said needles being capable of being worked from one to the entire number by
one or several "guichets” with circular grooves which effect the "gathering" and
the "knocking over," as specified for the purpose set forth.
Second. In a circular knitting machine the special arrangements, as set forth,
by which the parts hereinafter mentioned are actuated by means of nose-pieces
suitably arranged on a "Vaucanson" chain in such number and such places as
are best adapted for the work to be produced, that is to say, mechanical arrange-
ments permitting―
(a.) The reversing of the circular intermittent motion of the needle carrying
guide for periods variable at will.
(b.) The shifting at the same time of the heddle-hook carrier the distance of one
or several needles towards one side or the other, and at each reversion of the
circular intermittent motion of the needle carrying guide, so that the last needle
or needles, upon which the "guichet" or the "guichets" act, may not remain
without yarn on the side towards which the machine moves again.
Third. In a circular knitting machine the use of one or several stopping and
drawing appliances, either fixed or moveable, and arranged as hereinbefore
described.
Fourth. In a circular knitting machine the use of continuous "chûte" or
"chutes" (overhead feeding of yarn) upon those parts of the needle carrying-
guide where the "guichet" or the "guichets" do not act, these "chfites" coming
either from the right or left, and adding their work to the simultaneous gathering
of several threads, upon several needles successively, presenting themselves so
that, for example, the beginning of a cylinder may bo made perpendicular to the
generatrices of the cylinder, and not oblique in spirals, so that the stitches will
be presented free or open and end wise.
The whole arranged and working in such manner as not only to be entirely
automatic, but also that the abovo stated results may be obtainable, which will
of course differ with the application, in combination and in the same machine, of
either all or only part of the improved arrangements herein described.
Fifth. The production of the various articles by the arrangement and com-
bination of parts, as herein sot forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Ernest de Pass, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Sixth day of September, in the year One thousand eight
hundred and eighty.
ERNEST DE PASS. (L.S.)