Improvements in Rotary or Flat-bar Knitting Machines.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Feb., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 29th Oct., 1897-Accepted, 15th Jan., 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Rotary or Flat-bar Knitting Machines.
I, CHARLES HENRY ALDRIDGE, of Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, in the County of
Leicester, Hosiery Machinist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:
"
The object of this invention is to produce certain improvements in Rotary or
Flat-bar Knitting Machines when adapted for making what is known as
66 Lace-
work or "Open-work" in Hose, Socks, and the like, by means of a "Jacquard'
appliance, for operating or selecting the "coverers" or "Lace-points," and where
a separate set of cards is used for each division or width of work.
The improvements herein-after described are chiefly applicable to, or in connection
with, the arrangements for producing, Lace-work upon a Rotary or Flat Bar
Knitting Machine as described in my former specification No. 7252/96. Some of
the chief features of these arrangements are:-Each Lace-point is carried by a
separate sliding "Jack," each "Jack" has its corresponding "dropper," and each
division, or width of work has a set of cards for selecting, and acting, upon the
droppers, which in turn, act upon the "Lace Jacks," and bring them into action
as required.
When making Lace work and using the "Lace-jacks," Droppers and other
parts, as herein before described, and at the same time using independent narrow-
ing fingers, it has hitherto been only possible to make Lace-work of such a width,
upon each Hose or Sock or the like, as would be represented by the narrowest width,
to which it is desired to fashion the fabric, less the space occupied by the narrowing
fingers, as the narrowing fingers could not pass the Lace Jacks.
For example: In a Hose made on 125 leads with 17 leg narrowings, and 7
heel narrowings it would be only possible to make Lace-work on 69 leads, whereas
it is often desirable to make lace-work near or right up to the selvedges.
To do this I arrange the herein before mentioned sliding Jacks, which carry the
Lace points, at such an angle, to the plain of the needles, that when the points are
lifted out of action, they and the Jacks also, will be clear of the ordinary narrow-
ing fingers, so that the ordinary narrowing fingers, can be set in, and narrow
the fabric down to a narrower width, than that occupied by the Lace Jacks.
In some cases, I impart a horizontal sliding motion to the narrowing finger
rods, so that the narrowing fingers may be drawn out clear of the acting Lace Jacks,
while the latter are in action.
To do this, the uprights or Brackets, on the screw boxes (which govern the
racking or horizontal movements of the narrowing fingers) may be carried by
suitable slides, to which motion may be imparted, by suitable cams, or other con-
venient means, at such a time and in such a manner, that when the Lace points
are in action, the narrowing fingers, will be drawn out clear of the acting "Lace-
Jacks," and when a narrowing is required, the narrowing fingers, will be set into such

page_text: a position, as will enable them to make the usual narrowings, and then be again
drawn clear, of the acting "Lace-Jacks," before they again descend. By these
means, lace-work may be made right up to the selvedges in fashioned work.
In some cases I arrange two sliding rods or bars, in a convenient position, in
relation to the droppers herein before described. These bars may carry suitable
brackets, or projections (one to each division of work) arranged and adjusted in
such a manner, that when the bars are moved endwise, the brackets or projections.
will engage with the outer droppers so as to hold them out of action.
Thus the brackets or projections on one bar, will act upon the droppers at the
left hand side of each division, and the brackets or projections on the other bar will
upon the droppers at the right hand side of each division.
act
The two bars may be suitably connected to the screw boxes, or to independent
mechanism, so that when the narrowing fingers, are racked or set in, the bars will
be racked or set in also, at such a time, and in such a manner, that the droppers
(and consequently the "lace-jacks" also) immediately over the narrowing fingers,
in whatever position they may be, will be held out of action.
In the arrangement of the cards hitherto used for selecting the "lace-points,"
one or more different cards come into action for each course of lace-work produced
thus using a large number of cards, for each division of work, which is sometimes
most inconvenient.
To overcome this difficulty I arrange mechanism in such a manner that certain
cards are brought into action in regular order, one after another, then certain follow-
ing cards are caused to repeat or return, and act upon the droppers at certain
intervals in regular order.
"
or
To make this clear, I will give 'an example: The laced fronts, or ankles, of
hose, socks, and the like, generally consist of a "heading" or "bracelet," of some
varied design, which forms the top of the "lace-work." Below this is a continuous
or repeated pattern or design, of stripes, or other device. Now I arrange the cards
in such a manner, that the band of cards shall be racked, or moved, regularly
forward while the "heading" or "bracelet" is being made, so that a different card
shall be presented, for each course of "lace-work," made in the "heading "
"bracelet." Then I cause the simple forward movement of the band of cards to
be automatically changed, so that the following cards, for selecting the "lace-
points," to form the continuous or repeated portion of the pattern, are brought
into action as the band of cards still moves, or is racked forward in regular order,
until the first repeating portion of the pattern is completed, when the movement
of the band of cards is reversed, and the band of cards is racked back one card at
a time, until the first card of the repeating pattern is again brought into action,
when the movement of the band of cards, is again reversed, and so on. The cards
forming the repeating pattern, being continually brought into action, in regular
order, thus forming continuous "lace-work" for as long as desired, with but few
cards.
It will be seen that if the repeating portion of the band of cards, is racked
forward one card at a time, untill the last card of the repeating portion of the
pattern, is reached and then the motion of the band of cards is reversed, and racked
back one card at a time and so on, that the repeating portion of the pattern, would
have to be so designed that both the begining and the end of the pattern, would have
to be alike, or in other words, the repeating pattern would have to be itself revers-
able, so that in cases where the design is such that it is not reversable I arrange
and work the band of cards as follows:-When the band of cards has been racked
forward one card at a time, untill the "heading" or "bracelet," is completed, I
then cause the band of cards to be racked twice, between each "Lace-course
so that instead of each card being brought into action consecutively, every second
card is brought into action. For example, suppose there are six cards necessary
to form the repeating pattern, Then I arrange and Lace them up in the following
order 16 25 34.. It will be seen starting from No. 1 and racking twice
at each Lace course the cards 1-2-3 are brought into action in regular order
"

page_text: then when number 3 is reached, the band of cards will be racked forward one only'
which brings No. 4 into action. The movement of the band of cards is then
reversed, and the double racking repeated, which brings numbers 5 and 6 into
action. Then the band of cards is racked one only, which brings No. 1 again
into action. This completes the cycle of movements. The movement of the band
of cards is then reversed, and the cycle of movements repeated, by which means,
the lace pattern, is repeated with the one set of cards as long as desired.
"
When the repeating pattern requires an odd number of cards, for example:-
suppose there are five cards necessary to form the pattern, Then I have two cards
of each making in all ten cards and I arrange and lace them together in the
following order, 1524334251. It will be seen that starting
from No. 1 on the left, and racking twice at each lace-course the cards
12345 will be brought into action in regular order. Then when No. 5
is reached the band of cards will be racked one only which brings the second No. 1
into action. Then the movement of the band of cards is reversed, and the double
racking repeated, so that the second set 1 to 5 are brought into action in regular
order untill the second number 5 is reached when the band of cards is again racked
one only, this brings the first number 1 again into action, and the cycle of move-
ments is repeated.
In order to produce the above described movements of the band of cards auto-
matically, I arrange certain mechanism as follows:-
The card cylinders around which the band of cards is passed, and by which the
cards are presented or brought into action, are all carried by and are fast upon
one shaft. Upon this shaft I place a suitable rack wheel, a rack or ratchet engages
with this rack wheel, and is worked by a cam on the main shaft, by means of
suitable links and levers. The cam is so shaped and adjusted, that it causes the
rack or ratchet to rack the cylinder shaft forward, so as to present a fresh card
at each Lace course. This arrangenient racks the band of cards forward, while
the heading or bracelet is formed, as here in before described.
Upon the "fashioning chain" which also governs, the number and order of
Lace courses, I place a special incline or notch which acts upon a lever, when the
heading or bracelet is completed, whereby a prop or stop, is brought into action,
which stops or throws the said ratchet out of action.
Upon the same cylinder shaft I fix a second rack wheel, to the side of which a
toothed or ordinary gear wheel is attached, gearing into this is a second similar
toothed wheel, which is carried by or upon a fixed stud or axle. Upon the side
of this second toothed wheel, another racked wheel, similar to the previously
described rack wheel is attached. Acting upon the two rack wheels, which are
attached to the toothed wheels are two racks or ratchets, worked by a cam or cams
It will be seen that one of these ratchets
by means of intervening links and levers.
when in action, will turn the cylinder shaft in one direction, and the other ratchet
in the reverse direction. The cam or cams which work these two ratchets are so
shaped, as to cause the said ratchets to rack twice between each Lace course.
All three of the said ratchets, are provided with suitably shaped tails or exten-
sions. Across all these I run a light shaft and upon this shaft I fix suitably
shaped cams, one to each ratchet to act upon the tails or extensions. These
cams are so arranged, that when the light shaft is turned in its bearings, the
cams permit one or other of the said ratchets, to be in action, and at the same
time hold the others out of action.
Upon the said light shaft I fix a rack wheel and provide a suitable ratchet, worked
by a cam, to act thereon.
Upon the shaft which carries the card cylinders I fix a suitable chain wheel,
around which a chain, which I will call a reversing chain, is passed. Upon this
chain I fix suitable inclines or notches, which engage with suitable levers so
arranged that they act upon the ratchet for racking the light shaft, herein before
described, in such a manner, that when an incline or notch, upon the said chain
comes under the end of one of the said levers, the ratchet is put into action, and the

page_text: light shaft is racked forward as required, to change the ratchets for reversing the
movements of the bands of cards.
Thus by suitably arranging the inclines or notches, upon the reversing chain,
the movement of the band of cards is automatically governed, so that the band of
cards is racked forward by the first named single ratchet, untill the repeating
cards are brought into action, when an incline upon the reversing chain, causes
the light shaft to be racked forwards, by which movement, the cams thereon lift
the first named single ratchet out of action, and drops one of the double ratchets
into action. Then when the movement of the band of cards has to be reversed,
another incline upon the reversing chain, causes the light shaft to be again racked
forward, when the cams thereon lift the one ratchet out of action, and drop the other
into action. Thus the movements of the band of cards is automatically affected,
as herein before described.
The fashioning chain which also governs the number and order of Lace courses
as herein before referred to and as described in my former specification 7252/96
has hitherto been arranged, so that a separate incline or notch was attached to the
chain for each Lace-course made, this, in some cases necessitated a very long chain,
and a large number of inclines or notches.
To overcome this difficulty I cause the chain to rack forward in the ordinary
manner during the formation of the "Heading" or "Bracelet," herein before
described. Then when the repeating portion of the pattern is reached, I cause
the chain to repeat also. To do this I attach a second rack-wheel to the ordinary
chain wheel, this second rack wheel having the teeth cut in the opposite direction
to those in the ordinary Rack-Wheel. Working into the second rack-wheel, is
a suitable ratchet or clawker, worked by an independent cam, or by the same cam
as works the ordinary forward racking ratchet, a special incline or notch upon the
"Fashioning-chain" acts upon a lever which in turn acts upon the ratchet or
clawker which works or racks the second rack wheel, so that when a notch or
incline comes under the said lever the reversing ratchet or clawker acts upon the
second rack wheel, and the chain is racked back. The two ratchets or clawkers,
(the one for racking the chain forward, and the other for racking back) are suitably
connected, so that when one is in action the other will be out of action.
In some cases it is desirable that the chain should be racked backwards and
forwards just one bar or link each way, while in other cases, it is desirable that the
chain should advance, one bar or link at a time, for two courses and then be racked
back two at once and so on repeating.
To do this I so connect the reversing or racking back clawker or ratchet, to the
cam lever and adjacent parts, that by the adjustment of a screw, the ratchet or
clawker can be caused to rack either one or two teeth as desired.
By these means the chain can be so arranged that it will advance regularly,
during the formation of the heading, or bracelet bringing a fresh incline or notch
into action for each Lace course, and then automatically reverse its motion, and
then continue racking backwards and forwards bringing the same incline or notch
continually in and out of action during the formation of the repeating lace courses.
Then when it is desired to put in Fashionings, the chain is racked on one bar by
the attendant. It then continues to advance, bringing the necessary inclines or
notches, into action, in regular order, untill the set of fashionings are complete,
when another special notch is reached and the reversing ratchet or clawker is thrown
into action as before, and the chain again repeats, untill again racked on for the
next set of Fashionings.
By these means any number of lace courses, can be produced between the sets
of fashionings without continuously advancing the chain, and thus a short length
of chain is sufficient for the production of the longest Hose.

page_text: I, CHARLES HENRY ALDRIDGE, of Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, in the County of
Leicester, Hosiery Machinist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
The object of this invention is to produce certain improvements in rotary or flat-
bar knitting machines, when adapted for making what is known as "lace-work"
open-work," in hose, socks, and the like, by means of a jacquard appliance
for operating or selecting the " coverers or "lace-points and where a separate
ог
"
set of cards is used for each division or width of work.
"
The several improvements hereinafter described, are chiefly applicable to, or in
connection with the arrangements for producing "lace-work" upon a rotary or
flat-bar knitting machine, as described in my former specification No. 7252/96.
Some of the chief features of these arrangements are:- Each lace point is carried
by a separate sliding "jack." Each jack has its corresponding dropper," and
each division or width of work has a set of cards for selecting and acting upon the
droppers, which in turn act upon the lace-jacks and bring them into action as
required.
When making "lace-work,"_and_using the "lace-jacks," "droppers," and other
parts, as herein before described, and at the same time using independent narrowing
fingers, it has hitherto been only possible, to make "lace-work of such a width,
upon each hose or "sock" or the like, as would be represented by the narrowest
width to which it is desired to fashion the fabric, less the space occupied by the
narrowing fingers, as the narrowing fingers could not pass the "lace-jacks."
For example: In a hose made on 125 leads with 17 leg narrowings, and 7 heel-
narrowings, it would be only possible to make lace-work on 69 leads, whereas,
it is often desirable to make lace-work near or right up to the selvedges.
To do this I arrange the herein before mentioned sliding-jacks, which carry the
lace-points, or the fashioning fingers, or both, at such an angle to the plane of the
needles, that when the points are lifted out of action, they and the jacks, also,
will be clear of the ordinary narrowing fingers, so that the ordinary narrowing
fingers can be set in, and narrow the fabric down to a narrower width, than that
occupied by the lace-jacks.
This arrangement will be understood by referring to the accompanying drawings
where the mechanism relating thereto together with some adjacent parts, are shown.
In these drawings I have only shown so much of a knitting machine as is directly
affected by my invention the other parts not shown, being similar to those used
upon or in an ordinary plaín knitting machine of the Cotton" type, which are
well understood by all conversant with knitting machinery.
66
Figure 1 sheet 1 is a part section through the narrowing machine, and some
adjacent parts, and Figure 2 sheet 2, is a front view of parts of same. A are the
needles, A¹ the sinkers, As the knocking over bits. B is the narrowing machine
shaft to which the arms B₁ are fast. These arms carry the shaft B₁ to which
brackets B³ are fast. These brackets carry the sliding rods or bars B* B* to which
the fashioning fingers B6 B7 are attached. The finger B being fast to the rod Bs
and the finger B' being fast to the rod B. B are the coverers or fashioning points.
The finger Be transfers the loops at the left hand or number one selvedge, and the
finger B transfers the loops at number two selvedge, in the usual well understood
manner.

page_text: The necessary movements are imparted to the narrowing machine,
means OI
cams and levers, through the connecting link Bº in the usual well understood
manner.
C are the lacing points each carried by a sliding jack C³.
As will be seen from Figure 1 the sliding jacks C are in a different plane to the
fingers B B which carry the fashioning points so that they do not interfere with
one anothers movement.
The sliding jacks C slide in tricks or grooves cut vertically in the face of a
bar C which may extend the full width of the division of needles. This bar is
carried by brackets C from a rod C which may pass through,the brackets B³.
C¹³ is a cover plate, to keep the jacks C in the bars C. C³ are springs (one to each
jack) which are carried by or fast to a suitable bar C7 and may be attached to the
cover plate Co. The jack C³ has a V-shaped nick in its edge at such a position, that
when the jack is in its raised position as shown in Figure 1 the nose of the spring C
catches in the V nick and supports the jack in its raised position i.e. out of action
as descried in the specification of my former patent No. 7252 9.
When the lacing point C is required in action, its jack C³ is pressed downwards
as described in the above mentioned specification until the lacing point C is brought
into line with the fashioning points 18 when it will be in position for transferring
loops from its corresponding needle.
The rod or shaft C (and consequently the lace points C also) has an endwise
movement imparted to it somewhat as described in the above mentioned specifica-
tion so that when a lacing point, is in action and has taken a loop from a needle,
it may be made to place it upon an adjacent needle and so form a lace hole in the
fabric.
The lace points are as is also described in the above mentioned specification
selected and brought into acting position as follows:-D is a shaft carried by
bearings in or upon the narrowing machine B¹ and it is free to rock therein. To
this shaft D arms D¹ are attached and to the ends of these, con-
necting links D³ are jointed. Through these links Dª a suitable rocking motion
is imparted to the shaft D by a cam or cams upon the main shaft.
to the shaft D are other arms D³. These arms carry a rod or shaft. D'.
Upon this shaft D' droppers E are threaded one to each lace jack C. These
droppers are free to rock upon the shaft D' and are held in their correct positions,
each, over its corresponding lace jack by means of comb-bars E¹E¹ E.
Fast
It will be seen that the dropper as shewn has four arms or members E E³ E
and E³ the lower arm E³ is so formed as to have a V-shaped catch which may engage
with the top of its corresponding lace-jack C. The arm or member E of each
dropper is provided with a pin E which engages with cards as herein after described.
The top arm or member E5 is acted upon by cams or stop pieces H¹ for stopping
or throwing out of action certain droppers as described in my former specification
No. 21,001/06.
The larger arm E acts as a weight whereby the lower arm Es is brought into
contact with its lace jack, when permitted by the selecting cards.
F is a shaft carried by bearings F1 which may be fast to any convenient part
of the framing of the machine. Arms F are fast to the shaft F. Those arms
carry a rotating shaft F which is rotated by means hereinafter described. This
shaft carries the card oylinders F. These cylinders carry and present the cards I'³
To the arms F connecting links Fe may be attached, through which a rising and
falling motion may be imparted to the shaft F3 and consequently to the card
cylinders also. The cards F³ are perforated, in the usual well understood manner
of jacquard mechanism.
When a card F5 is presented by the card cylinder F to the pins Es on the
droppers, where there is a hole in the card over a dropper pin E6 the heavier arm E
of the dropper will cause the pin E to enter the hole in the card, whereby the
catch Es of the hopper will engage with its corresponding lace jack, so that when the
shaft D is rocked as herein before described, the corresponding lace point will be
lowered, and brought into action, and where there is no hole in the card over a dropper

page_text: .
pin E, that dropper pin will be depressed, and the catch E will not engage with
its lace jack, and so its corresponding lace point, will not be brought into action.
When the droppers are again lifted into their raised position, a bar G¹ suspended
by links G from the shaft D catches the heads CB of the jacks C and lifts them
all out of action, ready for the next selection by the cards as described in the
specification above mentioned.
The mechanism for imparting the endwise movements to the rod or shaft C and
consequently to the lace points also, is also similar to that described in the above
mentioned specification 7252 and will be understood, by referring to Figures 3
and 4 sheet 3. Figure 3 is an end view of the mechanism together with some
C is a suitable bracket
adjacent parts, and Figure 4 is a front view of same.
attached to a convenient part of the framing of the machine. C is a screw or worm
carried in bearings attached to the bracket C. C is a nut or screw box, working
upon the screw 010. C is a rack wheel attached to the screw C10 C18 C are two
ratchets or racks which can gear into the rack wheel C. These ratchets are
"truck" or roller C16 which runs upon
jointed to the lever C¹³. This lever carries a
a cam or cams C17. C18 is a cam wheel, which acts upon the ratchets C¹³ C14. C is
a rack wheel attached to the cam wheel C¹8. C20 is a ratchet or pawl which acts
upon the rack wheel C. This ratchet C is jointed to the lever C by a suitable
axle or pin and bracket, and motion is imparted to the lever C by the cam C*³,
thus the cam, or cams C, racks or rotates the cam wheel C8 step by step. This
cam wheel is so shaped that as it is rotated, it throws the ratchets C C
out of action in a certain predetermined order.
and
The screw box C" carries a bracket C, to this bracket the rods C, D and F³ are
suitably connected so that the lace points, the droppers, and the card cylinders, all
move together endwise, for the transfer of loops from needle to needle, as governed
by the shape of the cam wheel C¹¹8.
In some cases I impart a horizontal sliding motion to the narrowing finger
rods, so that the narrowing fingers may be drawn out clear of the acting "lace-
or brackets on
jacks" while the latter are in action. To do this the "uprights"
the screw boxes (which govern the racking or horizontal movements of the narrow-
ing fingers) may be carried by suitable slides, to which motion may be imparted by
suitable cams, or other convenient means, at such a time and in such a manner,
that when the lace points are in action, the narrowing fingers will be drawn out
clear of the acting "lace-jacks," and when a narrowing is required, the narrowing
fingers will be set in to such a position, as will enable them to make the usual
narrowings, and then be again drawn clear of the acting lace-jacks, before they
again descend. By these means, lace work may be made, right up to the selvedges,
in fashioned work."
This will be understood by referring to Figures 3 to 6 sheets 3 and 4. Figures 3
and 4 sheet 3 show the usual end mechanism for the left hand, or number one end,
for racking or imparting the endwise movements to the narrowing fingers, together
with some adjacent parts, and Figures 5 and 6 sheet 4 are enlarged views of the
special mechanism, whereby the narrowing fingers may be automatically drawn out,
clear of the acting lace jacks and the selvedge needles when not required to narrow.
The movements will be best understood by referring to the enlarged views Figures 5
and 6, and this mechanism will be seen localised in Figures 3 and 4.
B1 is a slide the bed of which is fast to the screw box B" upon the end of this
slide is a bracket B. To this bracket the finger rod B5 is connected, by suitable
brackets. Thus, by the endwise movement of the slide B16 all the left hand selvedge
fingers B are moved endwise also.
Ts is a light shaft carried in suitable bearings and running from end to end of the
machine. To the end of this shaft an arm T is fast, Figures 3 and 4: A connecting
link To connects this arm to the cam wheel T Figures 3 and 4. "This cam wheel
acts upon the narrowing ratchet B13 so as to hold it out of, or let it into action by
the rocking of the shaft Ts. This shaft T is rocked in such a manner and at auch
a time, by mechanism herein after described, that when a lace course only is 'made,

page_text: the cam wheel T holds the narrowing ratchet out of action, but when a narrowing
is required, the shaft 1 is rocked and the cam wheel T permits the narrowing
ratchet B13 to fall into action. Also fast to the shaft T8 are two arms Ta which
carry a rod T. A bent or bell crank arm or lever T rocks upon a suitable pin
which is conveniently attached and fast to the bed of the slide B¹. The bottom end
of the lever T embraces the rod T and the top end has a connecting rod Th
which connects it to a cam 76. This cam is jointed to a bracket T" which is fast
to the bed of the slide B. A truck or roller Te runs upon a stud or pin, which is
fast to the slide B¹. A spring B18 holds this truck up to the cam T16. This cam
is so shaped that when in the position shewn in full lines in Figure 6 the narrowing |
fingers will be drawn out clear of the selvedge needles, or out of action, and when it
is in the position indicated by dotted lines, the slide B will be drawn in by the
spring B as permitted by the shape of the cam T, whereby the narrowing
fingers are brought into action.
Thus it will be seen that by the rocking of the shaft T8 (by mechanism herein- 1
after described) the narrowing ratchet B is thrown into action, and at the same
time the narrowing fingers move into their position over the selvedge needles,
to transfer the loops as required or the narrowing ratchet B's is thrown out of action,
and at the same time the narrowing fingers are drawn out clear of the selvedge
needles, and the lace jacks, and the selvedge loops are not removed from their 2
needles except when a narrowing is required. Similar mechanism is located at
the right hand end of the machine for moving and controlling the right hand
fashioning fingers, and the two sets of mechanism are controlled simultaneously
by means of the shaft Te which will be well understood.
In some cases I arrange two sliding rods, or bars, in a convenient position, in 2
relation to the droppers herein before described. These bars may carry suitable
brackets, or projections (one to each division of work) arranged and adjusted in such
a manner that when the bars are moved endwise, the brackets or projections, will
engage with the outer droppers, so as to hold them out of action.
Thus the brackets or projections on one bar will act upon the droppers at the 3
left hand side of each division, and the brackets or projections, on the other bar,
will act upon the droppers at the right hand side of each division.
"
The two bars may be suitably connected to the screw boxes, or to independent
mechanism so that when the narrowing fingers, are racked or set in, the bars will
be racked or set in also, at such a time and in such a manner, that the droppers 3
(and consequently the lace jacks also) immediately over the narrowing fingers,
in what ever position they may be, will be held out of action.
This arrangement will be understood by referring to Figures 1 and 2 sheets 1
and 2. A rod or shaft J (Figures 1 and 2) is carried by the arms D³ so that it will
move up and down with the droppers, and their adjacent parts. Two sliding rods 4
or bars J. J. are carried by suitable brackets J³ which are fast to the shaft J. A
stop bar Jo is attached by a bracket Je to the sliding bar J₁ and similarly a stop
bar Jo is attached by a bracket J to the sliding bar J. These rods J. J. are
caused to traverse or rack with the narrowing finger rods B* B³.
46
To do this a finger bracket J' is fast to the rod J and fits into the fork bracket .J'
which is fast to any convenient part of the narrowing finger rod B³ so that all
lengthwise movements imparted to the finger rod B. are imparted to the rod J¹
also. In a similar manner the rod J is connected to the finger rod B' by means
of the finger Jo and the fork bracket J'. When the stop bars J J10 are under the
tails of any of the droppers E they hold these droppers out of action their inner 50
ends always supporting those droppers which would engage with the lace jacks,
immediately over the fashioning points. Thus it will be seen, that as the fashion-
ing fingers B B' are narrowed or racked in the droppers immediately over the
fashioning points are always held out of action, and so the lace work is narrowed
down also, independently of the selection made by the cards.
The stop bars J J10 can be set inwards at each narrowing as above described
without their ends coming against the sides of any of the tail ends E of the droppera
65

page_text: because the racking in of the fashioning fingers takes place just when the points
are above the knocking over bits and consequently at the time when the shaft D
is in its lowered position in relation to the lacing points. As the-shaft D₁ is moved
into this position the droppers turn somewhat upon it until when the shaft is in
its lowered position the arms E of all the droppers are lifted above the level of the
stop bars J J and so do not interfere with these bars being moved endwise.
In some cases instead of the rods J¹ J being connected to the finger rods B* B*
as herein before described, I connect them by suitable brackets or the like directly
to the screw box B or to parts which are fast thereto so that instead of the stop
bars JJ being drawn out, each time the fashioning fingers are moved outside the
Belvedge needles, by means of the cam T¹ as herein before described, they will
only be moved inwards as the work is narrowed and so cause a plain margin all
down the selvedges.
In the arrangement of the cards hitherto used for selecting the lace points one or
more different cards came into action for each course of lace work produced, thus
using a large number of cards, for each division of work which is sometimes most
inconvenient.
To overcome this difficulty I arrange mechanism in such a manner, that certain
cards are brought into action, in regular order one after another. Then cer-
tain following cards are caused to repeat or return and act upon the droppers, at
certain intervals in regular order.
66
To make this clear I will give an example. The laced fronts or ankles of hose,
socks, and the like, generally consists of a "heading" or bracelet " of some varied
design which forms the top of the lace work. Below this is a continuous or repeated
pattern or design of stripes or other device. Now I arrange the cards in such a
manner, that the band of cards shall be racked or moved regularly forward, while
the "heading" or "bracelet" is being made, so that a different card shall be pre-
sented for each course of "lace-work" made in the "heading ог bracelet."
33
"
Then I cause the simple forward movement of the band of cards to be auto-
matically changed, so that the following cards for selecting the lace-points, to form
the continuous or repeated portion of the pattern are brought into action, as the
band of cards still moves or is racked forward in regular order, until the first repeat-
ing portion of the pattern is completed, when the movement of the band of cards
is reversed, and the band of cards is racked back one card at a time until the first
card of the repeating pattern is again brought into action when the movement of the
band of cards is again reversed and so on. The cards forming the repeating pattern,
being continually brought into action in regular order thus forming continuous "lace-
work" for as long as desired with but few cards. It will be seen that if the
repeating portion of the band of cards is racked forward one card at a time, until
the last card of the repeating portion of the pattern is reached and then the motion
of the band of cards is reversed, and racked back one card at a time, and so on that
the repeating portion of the pattern, would have to be so designed, that both the
beginning and the end of the pattern would have to be alike, or in other words the
repeating pattern would have to be itself reversible, so that in cases where
the design is such, that it is not reversible, I arrange and work the band of cards as
follows:- When the band of oards has been racked forward one card at a time,
until the heading or bracelet is completed, I then cause the band of cards to be
racked twice between each lace course, so that instead of each card being brought
into action, consecutively every second card is brought into action. For example
suppose there are six cards necessary to form the repeating pattern. Then I arrange
and lace them up in the following order: -1-6 25 34. It will be seen
starting from number one, and racking twice at each lace course, the cards 1-2-3
are brought into action in regular order, then when number 3 is reached the band
of cards will be racked forward one only which brings number 4 into action.
1
The movement of the band of cards is then reversed, and the double racking
repeated, which brings numbers 5 and 6 into action. Then the band of cards is
racked one only which brings number 1 again into action. This completes

page_text: the cycle of movements. The movement of the band of cards is then reversed,
and the cycle of movements repeated, by which means the lace pattern is repeated,
with the one set of cards as long as desired.
When the repeating pattern requires an odd number of cards, for example suppose
there are five cards necessary to form the pattern, then I have two cards of each
making in all ten cards, and I arrange and lace them together in the following
order, 1-5-2 433 4-2-5-1. It will be seen that starting from
number 1 on the left and racking twice at each lace course the cards 1-2-3-45
will be brought into action in regular order. Then when number 5 is reached,
the band of cards will be racked one only which brings the second number 1 into
action. Then the movement of the band of cards is reversed and the double racking
repeated, so that the second set 1 to 5, are brought into action in regular order until
the second number 5 is reached, when the band of cards is again racked one only.
This brings the first number one again into action, and the cycle of movements
is again repeated.
Thus when the repeating portion of the pattern is being produced, the card
cylinder has to be turned or racked two steps at a time, in a forward direction
between three consecutive selections, then one step only in the same direction,
then two steps at a time in a backward direction, between three consecutive selec-
tions, then one step only in the same direction and so on continuously.
The mechanism for producing the varied movements of the band of cards will be
understood by referring to the accompanying drawings.
Figures 1 and 7 to 15 sheets 1 and 5 show this arrangement.
K is a ratchet wheel, which is fast to the cylinder shaft F³. K is a second
similar ratchet wheel which is geared to the ratchet wheel K by the equal gear :
wheels K K K is a ratchet, by which a step by step turning movement can be
imparted to the ratchet wheel K and K is a ratchet by which a similar movement
can be imparted to the ratchet wheel K¹. Thus the card cylinders will be turned
in one direction when the ratchet K5 is in action, and in the opposite direction when
K is in action. The ratchets K5 K are carried by a bell crank lever K³ (Figures 1,3
7 and 8) which is rocked upon the shaft F by a connecting link K* actuated by
suitable cam or cams. Two forward movements are imparted to the ratchets K5 K
by the rocking of the bell crank lever Ks between each selection of lace points
so that two turning movements can be given to the card cylinders in either one or
other direction between successive selections. Either one or other, or both of the 3
ratchets can be held out of action, by the action of cams K10 Ku which are fast on
a shaft Kº, and act upon the tails or extensions K' K8 of the ratchets K³ K®.
Separate views of these cams are shown at Figures 9 and 10. The shaft K9 is racked
or rotated a quarter of a revolution at a time, by mechanism yet to be described.
When the cams K10 K" are in the position shown in Figure 7 the ratchet K5 will 4
be in action, and the band of cards will be advanced. Then if the shaft K° be
turned a quarter of a revolution, both ratchets K and K will be held out of action,
If the shaft K be again turned a quarter of a revolution into the position shown
in Figure 1 then the ratchet Ke will be in action, and the ratchet Ks out of action
and the movement of the band of cards will be reversed.
the 5
A step by step turning movement can be imparted to the shaft K® in the follow-
ing manner: The shaft K has fast upon it a ratchet wheel L Figures 11 and 12.
A bell crank lever L rocks upon the shaft F. This lever receives its racking
movements from a suitable cam through the connecting rod L attached to one of its
ends. The other end of the lever L' carries a rack or ratchet L³ which acts upon
ratchet wheel L. The ratchet can be held up and out of action by a pin L' on a
lever L. This lever works upon a fixed pin or axle L. Another lever Lo works
upon a pin or axle L' in the arm F. A pin L³ in one end of the lever L' rests upon
one end of the lever L. To the end of the card cylinder shaft F a four tooth
wheel Lo is attached around this wheel a suitable endless chain L is passed, i
having the same number' of links, as there are cards in the band of cards. Two

page_text: inclines or studs L L are attached to this chain so that as the card cylinder
shaft F's is rotated the inclines L L₁s come into contact with and depress the end
of the lever L. The inclines L and L are so located upon the chain L" that
when the first of the repeating cards is in acting position, the incline Lu will
depress the lever L. And when the last of the repeating cards is in acting position,
the incline L¹³ will depress the lever L. A spring L" may be attached to, any
convenient part of the lever L' and the whole mechanism may be so set and adjusted
that when the inclines L and L3 are not in contact with the lever Lº the
spring L holds the pin L' on the lever L' in such a position, that the ratchet L³
is held out of contact with the ratchet wheel L, and when the inclines L¹ or L¹³
depress the lever L6 the ratchet L is let fall into action and the shaft K is racked
and consequently the cams K K are racked also.
To make the relative movements of the mechanism shown in Figures 7, 8, 11
and 12 clearer, I will consider them in conjunction with the construction or method
of lacing up the band of cards.
Taking for example the number of cards in the repeating portion of the band
of cards as six, and suppose there are ten cards required to form the heading or
brecelet, then cards Nos. 1 to 10 will be the non-repeating cards, and cards Nos. 11
to 16 the repeating cards, and the whole band of cards will be laced together as
follows;-
1-2-3-4-56789-10-11-16-12-15-13-14. I will first describe
the reversing movements of the repeating portion of the band of cards herein before
described. The movements imparted to the ratchet L³ through the connecting
link Lare such as to cause the ratchet L³ to move or rack twice between each
selection of lace points. Each movement of the ratchet L³ following immediately
after the movement of the ratchets K³ K6.
The band of cards having been advanced one card at a time, for cards Nos. 1
to 11 the ratchet K³ will be in action, and will then rack the band of cards forward,
twice between each selection of lace points so that cards Nos. 11, 12 and 13 come
into action in regular order as herein before described, during this series of move-
ments the cams K" K" will be in the position shown in Figure 7. Then after
No. 13 has been presented (i.e. acted upon the droppers, and so made a selection of
lace points) the first time the ratchet K is advanced No. 14 card is brought into
acting position, and at the same time the incline L1 depresses the lever L6 whereby
the ratchet L³ is brought into action and the shaft K is racked one quarter of a
revolution as herein before described. This movement of the shaft K³ turns the
cams K10 K¹ into such a position, that both the ratchets K³ Kª are held out of action,
Thus when the ratchet K5 advances for the second time, the cylinder shaft F³ is
not racked, so that No. 14 card is presented for the next selection. The incline L's
being still in contact with the lever L° the ratchet L³ (which moves immediately
after the ratchets K K again racks the shaft K one quarter of a revolution which
brings the cams K Kú into the position shown in Figure 1, when the ratchet Ko
is brought into action, and the ratchet Ks lifted out of action, so that before the
next selection of lace points, the ratchet Ke will rack the band of cards back, two
cards, which brings No. 15 into action, and so on for No. 16. After No. 16 has
-been in action, the first time the ratchet K is advanced No. 11 card is brought
into acting position, and at the same time the incline L¹³ acts upon the lever Le
whereby the ratchet L³ is brought into action, the shaft K is racked one quarter
revolution, and the ratchets K K are then both held out of action while the
ratchet K is advanced for the second time so that the shaft F3 is not racked and
this leaves card No. 11 to make its selection. The second racking movement of the
lever L³, which follows the second racking movement of the levers K K® again turns
the shaft K one quarter revolution bringing the ratchet K³ into action and throwing
the ratchet K out of action. This completes the cycle of movements which is
repeated as often as desired.
I will now describe the mechanism which governs the movements of the band
of cards during the formation of the heading or bracelet. These movements

page_text: precede the reversing movements herein before described. During the formation
of the heading or bracelet the band of cards has to advance one card at a time,
between each selection, each card coming into action in consecutive order. To
do this the ratchet K5 has to be in action. But as the ratchet K³ moves twice
between each selection of lace points as herein before described, it is necessary
that it shall be out of action every other time, so that it shall only rack once
between each selection. This is effected by shifting the shaft K9 end wise so that
the cam K" no longer acts upon the tail K' of the ratchet K³, and in place of it
cam noses N¹ N¹ are brought into position, to act upon the tail of the ratchet, and
hold the ratchet out of action every other time that it makes its forward movement.
The mechanism for effecting this will be understood by referring to Figures 7, 8,
13, 14 and 15 Sheet 5.
To the end of the shaft K³ a wheel or collar M is fast. M¹ is a part of the framing
of the machine or a bearing attached thereto, through which the shaft K³ passes.
Upon the bearing M¹ is a suitably shaped fixed incline M. The wheel or collar M
is cut out so as to fit over the incline Mª so that when the shaft K9 is turned or
racked for the first time (after starting the band of cards) by the ratchet L³ as
herein before described the incline M bearing upon the wheel or collar M causes
the shaft K to move endwise in the direction of the arrow (Figure 8) into the
position shown in Figure 8. When the shaft K is in the position shown in
Figure 13 the cam Ki is not acting upon the tail of the ratchet K³.
Upon the shaft K is a loose sleeve or collar N seen best in the enlarged views
Figures 14 and 15. Upon the ends of this collar are two cam noses N¹ Ñ¹. Fast
upon this collar is a rack wheel N*. The bell crank lever K³ carries a ratchet N³
which acts upon the rack wheel N and so turns the collar N. When the shaft K
is in the postion shown in Figure 13 the cam noses N¹ N¹ are above the tail K'
of the ratchet K5, and the ratchet N³ is in contact with the rack wheel N³. When
the cam noses N' N¹ are in the position shown in Figure 13 the ratchet K³ will be
in action and will rack the shaft F3. Then as the ratchet. K³ retires the ratchet N³
will rack the collar N one quarter of a revolution so as to bring one of the noses N¹
into contact with the tail of the ratchet K5 so that as it advances for the second time
it is held out of action. Then when it retires the collar N is again racked whereby
the ratchet Ko is again brought into action. Thus the ratchet K³ racks the cylinder
shaft at every other advance. A friction clip P (Figure 13) may, embrace the
collar N. It may have a tail P¹ to engage with the shaft F, to prevent the clip
turning. An arm or collar 1 is fast to the shaft K. To this arm or collar a pawl
or ratchet P³ is jointed, and engages with a suitable nick or groove in the boss of
the rack wheel N on the collar N. This pawl may be held in its nick or groove by a
spring as shown.
Before starting the lacing in a hose, sock, or the like, the shaft K' is turned
round by hand until the recess in the wheel or collar M Figure 13 is opposite the
incline M. The shaft K is then pushed endwise into the position shown in
Figure 13. In turning the shaft K into this position the pawl 19 (Figure 8, 14
and 15) engages with its nick or groove in the rack wheel N and turns it, and con-
sequently the cam noses NI N' also into the correct position for starting the band
of cards. The machine is then started. The ratchet K racks the band of cards,
one card at a time, between each selection of lace points, as herein before described,
until the bracelet or heading is completed when the incline L¹³ (Figure 11)
comes into action. The shaft K is racked and at the same time is
shifted endwise by the incline Ms (Figures 8 and 13) whereby the cam
noses N' N¹ are thrown out of action and the cam K¹ is brought into action
and the band of cards is then advanced two cards between each selection except
when the movement of the band of cards is reversed as herein before described. A
bracket P attached to any convenient part of the framing may carry a pin P³ to
support the ratchet N³ when the rack wheel N is moved from under it by the
endwise movement of the shaft K' as shown in Figure 8 and herein before
described
:

page_text: In some cases instead of the two ratchets K* K* being carried by one bell crank
lever Ks and acting upon rack wheels K K¹ geared together as herein before
described, they may be carried and worked by independent levers, and the one
ratchet may have its rack or teeth reversed both rack wheels being fast to the
shaft F3. Thus when one ratchet is in action the shaft Fs will be turned in one
direction, and when the other ratchet is in action the rotation of the shaft Fs will
be reversed. In place also of two ratchets or clawkers only being used three
might be used-one for advancing the band of cards through the non repeating
portion and the others through the repeating portion bue for advancing the
band and the other for moving it back.
The "fashioning chain" which also governs the number and order of lace courses
as herein before referred to and as described in my former specification 72529
has hitherto been arranged so that a separate incline or notch was attached to the
chain for each lace course made, this in some cases necessitated a very long chain
and a large number of inclines or notches.
To overcome this difficulty I cause the chain to rack forward in the ordinary
manner during the formation of the heading or bracelet herein before described.
Then when the repeating portion of the pattern is reached, I cause the chain to
repeat also. To do this I attach a second rack wheel to the ordinary chain wheel,
this second rack wheel having the teeth cut in the opposite direction to those in
the ordinary rack wheel. Working into the second rack wheel is a suitable ratchet
or clawker worked by an independent cam or by the same cam as works the ordinary
forward racking ratohet, a special incline or notch upon the "fashioning chain
acts upon a lever which in turn acts upon the ratchet or clawker which
works Or Tacks the second rack wheel, 80 that when & notch ог
incline comes under the said lever, the reversing ratchet or clawker
acts upon the second rack wheel and the chain is racked back. The two
ratchets or clawkers (the one for racking the chain forward, and the other for
racking back) are suitably connected so that when one is in action the other will
be out of action.
In some cases it is desirable that the chain should be racked backwards and for-
wards just one bar or link each way, while in other cases it is desirable that the
chain should advance one bar or link at a time for two courses, and then be racked
back two at once, and so ou repeating.
To do this I so connect the reversing or racking back ratchet or clawker to the cam
lever, and adjacent parts, that by the adjustment of a screw or stop the ratchet
or clawker can be caused to rack either one or two teeth as desired.
By these means the chain can be so arranged that it will advance regularly
during the formation of the heading or bracelet bringing a fresh incline or notch
into action for each lace course and then automatically reverse its motion and then
continue racking backwards and forwards bringing the same incline or notch'
continually in and out of action, during the formation of the repeating lace courses.
Then when it is desired to put in "fashionings" the chain is racked on one bar
by the attendant, it then continues to advance bringing the necessary inclines
or notches into action in regular order until the set of "fashionings" are complete
when another special notch is reached, and the reversing ratchet or clawker is
thrown into action as before, and the chain again repeats until again racked on for
the next set of "fashionings."
This arrangement will be understood by referring to Figures 16 to 20 Sheet 6.
Figure 16 is a front elevation. Figure 17 a plan, and Figure 18 is a part end view
and section of the mechanism for causing the chuin to repeat and some adjacent
parts. Figures 19 and 20 are elevation and plan of a portion of the chain showing
the studs inclines or notches.
R is the chain wheel around which the endless chain (similar to that shown
in Figures 19 and 20) passes, as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 16. The chain
wheel R is racked in the direction of the arrow S in the usual well understood
manner by means of the ratchet wheel S which is fast upon it being acted upon

page_text: T'he
by a pawl S carried by a lever Ss (see Figure 18) acted upon by the cam S¹. Three
levers R¹ R and R³ are provided which are to be lifted at certain pre-determined
intervals by the studs R R and R which are fixed upon the endless chain.
lever R¹ has a connecting rod R' jointed to its extremity, this rod is attached at
its other extremity to the pawl which racks the usual well understood shogging
mechanism whereby the cam shaft is shogged or shifted endwise for the purpose
of making a narrowing or lace course.
Thus when a stud R R or R comes under the nose of the lever R¹ the connecting
rod R' lowers the herein before mentioned pawl which racks the shogging
mechanism whereby the cam shaft is shifted endwise and a lace or "fashioning
course is made according to which of the studs is in action as herein after described,
R is another lever which is acted upon by the stud Rs. It serves to put into
or out of action the mechanism for shifting the "fashioning" points sideways,
according to whether a lace course or a fashioning course is to be made. This
lever has a vertical arm or prop R. T is a lever jointed or working upon a pin
or axle T¹. Tª is a truck or roller carried by the lever T, and which runs upon the
cam T³ one extremity of the lever T is so arranged that it can rest upon the top of
the arm or prop R8 of the lever Rs. When it does so, this arm is held up and
the truck cannot follow the path of the cam T3. To the other extremity
To of the lever T a connecting rod T is jointed and connects it to the arm T' which
is fast to the shaft T³.
This shaft T runs from end to end of the machine and carries the arms T⁹
and T, Figure 3 Sheet 3, as herein before described. Thus when there is no
stud R below the nose of the lever Rs the spring R (Figure 17) holds the lever
in such a position that the arm or prop R8 is under the end T4 of the lever T and
the shaft T is not turned and the narrowing fingers are not racked, and are held
outside the selvedge needles. But when a stud R comes under the nose of the
lever Rs the prop R8 is shifted from under the end T of the lever T. The
truck is then free to follow the path of the cam T. The shaft T is con-
sequently turned in its bearings when the narrowing fingers are brought into acting
position over the selvedge needles, the racking clawkers ar thrown into action,
the selvedge loops are then shifted, and the narrowing is made. The chain is
made up with studs similar to R where lace work is required and a stud similar
to R³ is placed where a narrowing is required at the same time as a lace course.
While making lace work, in the parts of a hose for example where there are no
narrowings (ie. above the calf narrowings,) also down the ankle and instep,
instead of continuously advancing the chain, and so using many studs, I cause the
chain to repeat on one or more studs as follows:-
A lever is jointed upon a fixed pin or axle V₁ a connecting rod V³ connects
this lever with the lever S. To the end of the lever V a clawker V³ is jointed
and engages with a second rack wheel V' also fast to the chain wheel R. Thus it.
will be seen that when the pawl S3 is in action, the chain wheel R will be racked
in the direction of the arrow S and when the clawker V3 is in action the chain
wheel R will be racked back in the direction of the arrow V5. A lever V is jointed
upon a pin or axle V7 which is carried by the lever V. The lever V6 is provided with
a weighted arm V8 at its lower end, and its top end is so shaped as to form a guide
or stop for the finger or bracket W which is fast to or part of the pawl S so that
the weight arm V8 tends to hold the pawl S out of action, A pin Ve projects from
and is fast to the clawker V³. A connecting link V10 connects the pin V (and con-
sequently the clawker V³ also) with the arm Ve in such a manner that when the
clawker V³ is in action the arm V6 holds the pawl SS out of action and when the
clawker Va is held out of action the pawl S³ falls into action.
The stud lever R³ has a lower arm or member Y. This carries a pin Y at its
lower extremity, against this pin the clawker V³ can rest. A spring Y attached to
the pin Y tends to hold the clawker V3 out of action. When a stud such as Re
(Figure 20) comes under the nose of the lever R³ the weighted arm V causes the
clawker Va to engage with the rack wheel V' and the chain wheel, and consequently

page_text: the chain also is racked back in the direction of the arrow Vs. The stud Re is thus
drawn from under the nose of the lever Rs and the pull of the spring Ys throws
the clawker V3 out of action whereby the pawl S³ falls into action, and the chain
is again racked forward, which brings stud R again under the nose of the lever R³
and the chain is racked back as before. Thus the chain continues to move forwards.
and backwards as long as lace work without narrowings is required. When it
is desired to narrow then the attendant racks the wheel R forward (by the ordinary
hand racking lever not shown) so that the stud R is racked clear of the nose
of the lever R³ when the chain continues to advance regulating the lace and
fashioning courses as herein before described, according to the arrangement of
studs such as R* R5. When the one set of narrowings is completed another stud
such as R comes under the nose of the lever R³ and the repeating process is con-
tinued as before until it is desired to again narrow when the chain is racked on
once more by hand and the fashioning studs are brought into action as before.
By these means any number of lace courses can be produced between the sets
of fashionings without continuously advancing the chain and thus a short length
of chain is sufficient for the production of the longest hose.
In some cases instead of causing the chain to repeat or move backwards and
forwards as herein before described, I use two separate chains, one chain to control
the "fashioning" courses only and the second chain to act upon the lever Ri
(directly or indirectly) and so control the "lacing "courses only. The two chains
may side by side upon independent wheels, upon one pin or axle. The lacing
chain being a short chain and advancing contínuously and the fashioning chain
being started by the attendant when narrowings are required and then working
synchronously with the lacing chain until the narrowings are completed. Or the
lacing chain may be entirely independent from the fashioning chain and may be
placed at any convenient part of the machine, and the stud lever acted upon by
the, lacing chain may be connected to the lever R¹ by means of the bell crank
lever R shown in dotted lines in Figure 16 Sheet 6 the connecting link R1 connects
the said bell crank lover R with the lever R' and the connecting rod R¹¹ connects
the stud lever of the lacing chain with the bell crank lever R. Thus it will be
seen that when lacing courses only are made the lacing chain acts upon the lever R¹
although the fashioning chain may be stationary.
In some cases instead of the lacing chain acting upon the lever R¹ it may act
upon an independent ratchet or pawl similar to that acted upon by R¹ whereby
the usual well understood shogging mechanism is brought into action.
In some cases instead of using a chain for controlling the lacing courses as
herein before described a suitably shaped notched wheel may be used to act upon
the stud lever instead of the studs upon the chain.
When using a repeating chain as herein before described it is sometimes desirable
that the chain shall be racked forward one bar at a time for two consecutive courses
and then at the third course to be racked back two courses thus completing the
cycle of movements in three courses. It will be seen that by the arrangement and
connection of the levers S2 and V that the amount of movement of the clawker Vs
is greater than that of the pawl S³. This I so arrange that when uncontrolled
by other mechanism the pawl S³ will rack the chain forward one bar or tooth at
a time and the clawker Vs when in action will rack back two or more bars or teeth.
A bolt Z may be carried by a bracket Z so that when in its raised position it is
clear of the extension 2 of the clawker Vs and the clawker Vs will then rack two
or more teeth as herein before described, but when the bolt Z is pushed down.
it comes into contact with the extension of the clawker V3 which is so shaped
that the clawker V³ is held out of the first tooth it would take and so it only racks
one tooth.
Thus when the bolt Z is down, the movement of the chain will be one bar forward,
then one back, and so on. And when the bolt Z is up the movements
of the chain will will be on bar forward for two consecutive rackings then two bars
back in one rack. Or other proportion as desired.

page_text: .
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or open work,
hose, socks, underwear and the like, in which the lacing points are carried in
sliding jacks which are brought into action by means of droppers selected by cards
and in which fashioning points are also provided I claim making the jacks which
carry the lacing points and the fingers which carry the fashioning points to be in
different planes so that when the jacks are raised and the lacing points carried by
them are out of action they do not interfere with the movements of the fashioning 1
points substantially as herein before described.
2. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or open work, hose,
socks, underwear and the like, connecting the fashioning finger rods to supple-
mentary slides worked by cams or equivalents whereby the fashioning fingers are
kept outside the selvedge needles, except when required to narrow or widen sub-
stantially as herein before described.
3. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or openwork,
hose, socks, underwear and the like, the arrangement of stop bars which are shifted
step by step with each narrowing or widening movement of the fashioning points
to hold out of action such of the lace points as are immediately above the fashion-
ing points substantially as herein before described.
4. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or open work,
hose, socks, underwear and the like, the arrangement of jacquard cards, used for
acting upon the droppers, in such a manner that when laced together they are in
such relative order that each and every card of the band of cards will be presented!
in the desired consecutive order to keep repeating one or more complete designs
when the band of cards is racked forwards and backwards, substantially as herein
before described.
5. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or openwork,
hose, socks, underwear and the like the arrangement of jacquard cards used for
acting upon the droppers in such a manner that a certain number of them are laced
together in such relative order that each and every card of this portion of the
band of cards is presented in the desired consecutive order to keep on repeating
one complete design when this portion of the band of cards is racked forwards and
backwards as herein before described.
6. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or open work,
hose, socks, underwear, and the like, the arrangement of jacquard cards used for
acting upon the droppers in such relative order that a certain number of them
laced together are when moved forward presented in regular consecutive order to
form one or more designs, the remainder of the band of cards forming another
design being so laced together that each and every card of this portion of the band
of cards is presented in the desired consecutive order when this portion of the
band of cards is racked forwards and afterward backwards as herein before
described.
7. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or openwork,
hose, socks underwear and the like, the employment of two pawls or ratchets
jointed to one lever and acting upon two rack wheels geared together for turning
the card cylinders backwards or forwards substantially as herein before described.
8. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or open work,
hose, socks, underwear and the like, the employment of two pawls or ratchets
carried and worked by independent levers, and acting upon rack wheels fast to the
cylinder shaft for turning the card cylinders backwards or forwards substantially
as herein before described.
9. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or open work,
hose, socks, underwear and the like, the employment of cams or equivalents, to

page_text: act upon the tails or extensions of the card cylinder racking pawls or ratchets,
whereby they are thrown in and out of action automatically to turn the card
cylinders backwards or forwards as desired substantially as herein before described.
10. In a rotary or flat bar kuitting machine for making lace, or open work,
hose, socks, underwear and the like, controlling the movements of the above
mentioned cams, by the action of a supplementary chain, or band, moved syn-
chronously with the band of cards, substantially as herein before described.
11. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or openwork,
hose socks underwear and the like, the employment of two pawls or ratchets for
racking the chain wheel whereby the endless pattern chain can be
racked backwards and forwards together with mechanism acted upon by
certain studs upon the endless pattern chain, whereby the two pawla
or ratchets are thrown alternately into and out of action and certain studs are
caused to move into and out of action to produce lace-work continuously. sub-
stantially as herein before described.
12. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or open work,
hose, socks, underwear and the like, the employment of a sliding bolt stop or
equivalent, to act upon the chain reversing clawker in such a manner that
when in one position it allows the clawker to rack the chain back two bars
or links at a time, and when in another position one bar or link at a time sub-
stantially as herein before described.
13. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or open work,
hose, socks, underwear, and the like, the use of two independent chains, one for
controlling the fashioning mechanism, and the other for controlling the lacing
courses substantially as herein before described.
14. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or open work,
hose, socks, underwear and the like, the combination of mechanism substantially
as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 Sheets 1 and 2.
15. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or openwork,
hose socks, underwear and the like, the combination of mechanism, substantially
as herein before described with reference to Figures 3 to 6 Sheets 3 and 4.
16. In a rotary or flat bar knitting machine for making lace, or openwork,
hose, socks, underwear, and the like, the combination of mechanism, substantially
as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 7 to 15 Sheet 5.
17. In a rotary or flat. bar knitting machine for making lace, or openwork,
hose, socks, underwear and the like, the combination of mechanism substantially
as herein before described with reference to Figures 16 to 20 Sheet 6.
Dated thin 10th J