IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR KNITTING TUBULAR RIBBED FABRICS."
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Sidney Wesley Park and Edgar Stimpson Ells, both
of the City of Troy, in the State of New York, U.S.A, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR KNITTING TUBULAR RIBBED FABRICS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Sidney Wesley Park and
Edgar Stimpson Ells at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 6th September 1856.
We, SIDNEY WESLEY PARK and EDGAR STIMPSON ELLS, both of the City of
Troy, in the State of New York, U.S.A., do hereby declare the nature
of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR KNITTING TUBULAR
RIBBED FABRICS," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object a peculiar combination of mechanism
for knitting tubular ribbed fabrics. For this purpose, two sets of needles
or hooks are mounted on two separate frames on axes, which, by preference,
are caused to rotate at equal speeds, or they may be stationary, whilst the
apparatus for laying the thread for operating thereon to form loops and for
working on the needles may be stationary. The two sets of needles are each
set or arranged into a circle, and the needles or hooks are fixed by means of
circular rings or bands, which embrace the cylindrical blocks or frames in
which the bent ends of the stems of the needles or hooks are set.
The most convenient arrangement is that the axes of the two cylindrical
blocks or frames should be vertical, and consequently that the stems of the
Price 8d1

page_text: needles or hooks should be vertical also; the needles of the upper cylinder or
frame being downwards, and those of the lower frame or cylin lerupwards, the
beards or hooks being outwards. It is preferred that the diameter of the two
cylinders or frames should be somewhat different in diameter, and that the
one of lesser diameter should be arranged to work somewhat excentric to
the one of larger diameter, and that the quantity of excentricty should be
capable of being varied; it is not, however, essential that this should be the
case, and the two cylinders or frames may be of like diameter. The thread as
it is fed to the hooks or nec.lles is moved into the hooks or beards by a suit-
able wheel, or otherwise, and the web or fabric is knocked or pressed over the
ends of the needles by a suitable guide or presser. It is preferred that the
stems of the needles or hooks should be fixed to the cylinders or frames, but if
desired, they may be made to slide or move, the other part of the apparatus
be made to work accordingly. The work or web as it is made is constantly
taken away by a pair of grooved or clamping rollers made to revolve by the
working of the other mechanism. A cam is used to spring the second set
of needles outwards at the time that the old loops thereon commence rising,
in order to insure the passage of all the old cast off loops up the inside of
the inner set of needles, and a thin guide is used in front of the presser, and
so near to the needles of the inner series that the points of their beards slide
along outside of it, in order to insure the passage of the yarn or thread
which is to form the new loops on the needles of the second series.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Sidney Wesley Park and Edgar Stimpson Ells in the Great
Seal Patent Office on the 5th March 1857.
TO ALL TO WHO THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we SIDNEY
WESLEY PARK and EDGAR STIMPSON ELLS, of Troy, New York, U.S.A., send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Sixth day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the twentieth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, the sid
Sidney Wesley Park & Edgar Stimpson Ells, Her special licence that we, the
said Sidney Wesley Park & Edgar Stimpson Ells, our executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, or such others as we, the said Sidney Wesley Park &

page_text: Edgar Stimpson Ells, our executors, administrators, andassigas, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY FOR KNITTING TUBULAR RIBBED FABRICS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that we, the said Sidney Wesley Park and Edgar Stimpson
Ells, our executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under
our or their or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the game was
to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said Sidney Wesley Park & Edgar Stimpson
Ells, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manuer the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
annexed Sheets of Drawings, which make a part of this Specification.
Instead of employing together an annular and a radial series of hooked
needles as has been done heretofore in knitting tubular ribbed work, we use
two annual series of such needles parallel with or somewhat inclined to each
other, the barbs of each series being turned outward, and the two series so
arranged together that the hooked ends of the needles of one set are parallel
or nearly parallel with, alongside of, and pointed in the opposite direction to,
those of the other series; but these two annular sets of needles may be of
equal or of slightly different diameters, and may be arranged concentric with
or a little eccentric to each other, and the needles of either set or of both sets
may slide end ways or vertically up and down, or be fixed immovably within
the blocks which respectively hold them, and the knit fabric may be drawn off
through either set of needles.
Furthermore, our Invention embraces a certain improved mode, herein-after
particularly described, of constantly drawing the fabric from the needles with
uniform tension; also an improved mode of retaining the needles of an annular
series in place in the needle block; also the employment of certain appliances
besides the usual yarn sinker and barb pressers in connection with the two
aunular sets of needles, as is herein-after fully set forth and claimed, to
improve the action of the machine in certain particulars.
As it would require a very long description to particularly set forth all the
various modes in which we contemplate operating the two aunular sets of

page_text: needles above refered to, we herein-after fully describe but one mode, and
only mention and partially illustrate some other modes which we contemplate
employing.
1,
In the annexed Drawings, Figure 1, Plate I., is an elevation of one side of
our machine, the draw-off mechanism being shown below, and the needles of
each series being stationary, the revolving sets of different diameters, and placed
eccentrically together, and the knit fabric drawn off through the large series.
Fig. 2, Plate II., is a horizontal section at, and plan of the parts below the
line Y, Y¹, of Fig. 1. Fig. 3, Plate II, is a vertical section of a portion of
our machine, as shown in Fig. 1, at the line Z, Z, in Fig. 2, and elevation of
the interior of the machine on the right hand side of said line. Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, and 9, Plate I., are elevations of the outside of such successive portions of
the two series of needles of Figs. 1, 2, and 3, as are not shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 10 is a projection of a portion of a ring, which we employ to hold the
needles in place on the cylindrical needle blocks. Figs. 11 and 12 are plans of
a part of the needle blocks, with the ring, which is shown in Fig. 10, applied
thereto. Fig. 13, Plate III., is a straightened elevation of the outside of the
two annular series of needles, as if the two needle cylinders were opened at
one place and then spread out straight, the sets being of different diameters
and placed together eccentrically, the needles of both series being fixed, and
the web drawn off through the small series; Fig. 14 is a "straightened
elevation of the outside of the two series of needles, the sets being of different
diametersand eccentric, the needles of the small series sliding and those of the
large set stationary, and the web drawn off through the thelarge series. Fig.15
is another "straightened" elevation of the outside of the two series of needles,
the twosets beingof different diameters and concentrics, the needles of the large
series sliding and those of the small set fixed, and thewebdrawn off through the
large series. Fig. 16 is also a " straightened "elevation of the outside of the
two series of needles, the twoseries being of equal diameter and concentric,and
the needles of both sets sliding; in this case the needles may be inclined to the
axis, as in section, Fig. 22, Plate III. Fig. 17 is a plan of the two series of
needles, the sets being of different dameters and concentric. Fig. 18 is also a
planof the two seriesof needles, the sets being of equal diameter and concentric.
Fig. 19 is a sectional elevation of portions of our machine, the two series of
needles being of equal diameter and concentric, and the needles of both sets
sliding; they may be, as in this section, parallel to the axis or inclined thereto
Fig. 20, Plate I., is an elevation of the draw-off mechanism placed in position
under Fig. I; and Fig. 21, Plate II., is a plan of the draw-off mechanism
The same letters and Figures on the Drawings refer to like parts in all the

page_text: delineations, and the directions of motion of the parts are indicated by the
arrows thereon.
We will now particularly describe the construction and operation of our
machine. When the two annular series of needles are of different diameters,
and placed eccentrically together, the needles of both revolving series being
stationary, and the knit fabric drawn off through the large series; and in such
description shall only refer to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. I is
the bed pisce; Lis a toothed wheel fastened to or forming a part of the hollow
needle block P, to which the needles c, c, which compose the large series are
attached. This cylindrical needle block P bears upon the shoulder W of the
bed piece, and turns around the stationary hollow stud or cylinder K¹, see
Figs. 2 and 3, which latter is made hollow for the web X (seen in blue lines
in Fig. 1) to pass through, and is fastened to or forms a part of the bed piece
I. The roller V, held by the support U1, keeps the needle cylinder P against
the shoulder W. The hooked needles c, c, are arranged upon the cylinder or
ring Pin this Figure parallel to its axis at proper distances apart, with their
barbs turned outward, and the ends of the needles all projecting equally, and
about twice the length of their barbs beyond its top edge, so as to form a con-
centric ring of needles like that most generally employed in circular machines
for knitting plain work. The needles are secured in place on the needle block
P, in any suitable manner, as by the common mode of "leading" and holding
by clamp plates, or better by inserting the bent butt ends of the needles into
holes p', see Fig. 3, and the bodies in longitudinal grooves o, o, in the needle
block P, and there securing them by the clamp plates R, R', Fig. 2, or more
conveniently, as the second series are fastened by the sliding ring A, Fig. 10.
The construction, arrangement, and advantageous use of which ring will be
herein-after fully set forth. This series of needles c, c, we call the first set,
and as the web is drawn off through it the rows of stitches which project on
the outside of the tubular web are made on this series. L', Fig. 1, is a wheel
of the same size and number of teeth as the wheel L, and is fastened to or
forms a part of the cylindrical block O, to which the needles d, d, which com-
pose the smaller series are fastened. The needle block O turns smoothly on
the lower part of the stationary spindle K, being kept in place thereon by the
shoulder W, and a collet VI, and screw », or in some other suitable manner.
The needles d, d, are fastened to the block O, with their barbs turned outward
and otherwise in the same form and manuer as the needles c,c, to the block P,
and the concentric ring of needles thus formed extends below the lower edge
of the block O, about the same distance that the needles c, c, project above the
top of the block P. The series of needles d, d, may be about one-eighth of an inch

page_text: less in diameter than the series c, c, in knitting coarse work, but this difference
may vary according to the closeness and fineness of the fabric to be made. This
series of needles d,d, we call the second series or set. The rows of stitches which
project on the inside of the web are formed thereon. The spindle K is supported
at J in the arm J¹ of the post J, in such manner that the axis of motion of the
second set of needles d, d, is parallel to that of the first set, and so that the
second set can be arranged concentric with the first, or eccentric therewith to
any desired small extent, the degree of eccentricity being limited by the fineness
and closeness of the fabric to be made. In the Drawing, Fig. 2, the two series
are about as far eccentric as is allowable in knitting coarse work. The second
series of needles is also set by by sliding the spindle K, and clamping it in its
socket at J, at such distance from the first set that the needles of the second
set, pointing in the opposite direction to those of the first, lap alongside those of
the first set about one-eighth of an inch more than the length of the needle
barb or hook. Mis the driving shaft arranged parallel to the axes of the needle
cylinders, and supported by the arm J¹, bed piece I, and brace I¹. N, N¹, are
wheels of equal diameter and number of teeth, fastened to the shaft M, and
geared with the wheels L, L', so that the first and second sets of needles are
surely revolved simultaneously together with exactness. The wheel N'is made
adjustable on M, so that the needles of the second set can be conveniently set
between or opposite those of the first set at any desired point. The two sets
of needles are arranged properly in this respect in Fig. 2. The construction
and arrangement of the appliances used in connection with these combined
revolving sets of stationary needles are as follows:-E, Figs. 1 and 2, is a
.common sinker wheel supported in an adjustable manner, as is usual in rotary
knitting machines, upon the post T. This sinker carries the yarn Z (seen in
yellow lines) under the barbs, and to the ends of the first series of needles c, c,
leaving enough yarn to form new loops on both sets, see Figs. 2 and 9. The
siuker E is placed where the needles of the inner series are nearly opposite those
of the outer set, so that the blades of the sinker can act the most freely, and
a little before the place where the two series are nearest together.
F is an
ordinary fixed "cam presser," mounted on the post T¹, to depress the barbs of
the first set of needles c, c. Gis a thin cam presser supported on the post T
placed after the presser F, and arranged between the two series of needles to
depress the barbs of the second set. D, Fig. 3, is a web guide fastened to the
bed piece or to the hollow stud K', and arranged close to the inside of the
inuer or second set of needles, but outside the web as it is drawn off. This web
guide acts acts in opposition to the teusion on the knit fabric, and in the case
now underconsideration is so formed and arranged as to first slide the web so

page_text: as to cast off the old loops y, y, seen in carmine red lines from the outer series
of needles c,c,as seen in Figs. 1 and 4, and then so as to carry the old loops y,y,
of the second set of needles above or past the yarn z, as seen in Figs. 4 and 5¹;
and, finally, so as to keep the old loops of the inner series of needles above the
points of the barbs j,j, of these needles at the time the yarn for the new loops
is passing under these barbs preparatory to their depression bythe the cam G.
B is a cam fastened to the plate or collet V1, to spring the ends of the second
set of needles outward at the time the old loops thereon commence rising, in
order to insure the passage of all the old cast-off loops up on the inside of the
inner set of needles. The two series of needles should be near together at the
place where the web begins to rise, so that the web will draw hard on the inner
set of needles to also help bring the old cist-off stitches to within the circle of
the ends of the inner set of needles before the loops begin to rise. We also
generallydraw the webtight just before it begins to rise by means of the lobe b
of the cam B, Fig. 3, in conjunction with the elevated part K of the web guide
D, so that the old loops on the second set of needles shall be surely a: the ends
of the needles before and at the time these loops begin to move upward; also
the needles of the second set should not be opposite to but should alternate
with those of the first set at this point, so that the stitches of the outer set shall
certainly not interfere with the needles of the inner series as the web rises. C
is a thin guide or sinker blade,arranged immediately in front of the presser G,
and so near to the needles of the inner series that the points of their barbs j,j,
slide along the outside of it, as seen in Figs. 2 and 5, in order to insure the
passage of the yarn which is to form the new loops under the barbs of the
needles of the second series before they reach the presser G. His a common
"cast-off" wheel mounted in an adjustable manner as usual upon the post U,
to help cast off the old stitches from the second set of needles whenthetension
on theweb is insufficienttherefor. The web is drawn off and the proper tension
attained thereon for knitting, either by hanging a weight in the common
manner to the revolving web as it extends from the machine, or by empoying
the draw-off mechanism herein-after described, and shown in Figs. 20 and
21 of the annexed Drawings, or by other suitable draw-off mechanism.
After the locps of the web have been properly formed on the needles by
hand, and the continuous yarn Z connected therewith, and a weight or draw-
off mechanism attached to the web, on turning the shaft M in the direction
of the arrow thereon, the successive operations of the various parts of the
mechanism is as follows, to wit:-As the two series of needles simultaneously
revolve together in the direction indicated by the arrows, the yarn is first
fed by the sinker E under the barbs, and to the ends of the needles of the

page_text: first series, leaving enough yarn between these needles outside the second
series to form new loops on both sets; the old loops on the needles of the
second set are then drawn tight into the end of those needles, by the joint
action on the web of the lobe 6 of the cam B and the part of the web
guide D, provided the general tension on the web is not always sufficient to
insure this result; then the web immediately begins to rise on the guide D,
at which time the cam B, if employed, springs out the ends of the needles of,
the second set, to fully insure the passage of all their old cast-off loops up on
the inner side of these needles; next, before the old loops on the first set of
needles meet the barbs thereof, these barbs are depressed by the cam F,
so that as the web rises to the ends of these needles.these old loops are slid
over the barbs, and cast off around the yarn z in the ends of these needles
thus completing the new loops of the first set; after this, the looped yarn
in the ends of the first set is drawn tight by the web being carried still
higher by the guide D, in order to draw the yarn close to the needles of the
second set, and also to cause the old loops on the second set to slide above or
past the yarn before this yarn passes under the barbs of the second set;
next, the points of the barbs of the needles of the second pass along the
outside of the thin sinker C, and the looped yarn, where it extends from
around the needles of the first set, through their last cast off stitches to along
the outside of the needles of the second set, is pressed down by this sinker, so
that the yarn is certainly under the barbs of the needles of the second set
when these barbs arrive at the cam presser G, while the old loops of the
second set are yet held up above the points of these barbs by the action of
the guide D on the web, whereupon these barbs are depressed by the cam G,
and the guide D allows the tension on the web to slide these old loops outside
the barbs, and to cast them off around the yarn now in the ends of these
needles, thus completing the new loops of the second series of needles; the
cast-off wheel H being used when required to insure this casting off of the
old loops; then the needles are again ready for the yarn. Instead of causing
the needles of the second set to lap alongside those of the first so far that
the points of the barbs of the second set are below the ends of the needles
of the first set, as shown in the Drawings, the needles of the second set may
have longer barbs than those of the first, so that the points of these long barbs
shall be far enough above the ends of the needles of the first set for a presser
placed above the ends of the first set to act thereon, at the same time tha
the ends of the needles of the second set are below the points of the barbs of
the first; or the lengths of the barbs of the two sets of needles may be equal,
and the points of the barbs of each set extend a little beyond the ends of the

page_text: other set if the web is drawn down tight, and the barbs of the first set are
depressed before the web begins to rise. We prefer to thus arrange the
points of the barbs of the second set above the ends of the needles of the
first, if the two series of stationary needles are made equal to each other in
diameter; but where the needles of both sets are stationary, the machine
operates the best when the two sets of needles are of different diameters,
and are placed eccentrically together. The parts which, according to our
Invention, must necessarily be combined with the two annular sets of hooked
needles to knit ribbed work, whether the sets are of equal or different
diameters, or are placed concentric or eccentric to each other, or whether
the needles of both or of either of the sets slide or are stationary, or whether
the knit fabric is drawn off through or the yarns first fed to either set of
needles, are, the sinker E or its equivalent, the presser F or its equivalent,
the presser G or its equivalent, and the web guide D or its equivalent.
To avoid misapprehension, we will here state that we consider any device,
arrangement of parts, or use of means by which the yarn for the new loops can
be carried or left under the barbs of either set at the proper time and place,
and in suitable quantity, as an equivalent of the sinker E; for instance, instead
of using a common burr sinker wheel, a device may generally be employed
which continually takes up the yarn within itself and leaves it crimped under
the barbs of the needles; or when the needles slide, the yarn may sometime
be sunk between the needles by a wheel which has thin blades arranged
parallel to its axis of motion, the needles being slid endways to draw the
barbs over the yarn, while the yarn is sunk by the blades; or sometimes
the yarn may be first drawn in front of the barbs close to the bodies of the
needles, and then sunk and carried under the barbs by movable blades; or
if the needles slide by stationary sinkers or stops, and by equivalents of
the pressers F and G and the web guide D; we comprehend any devices
which shall fulfil the respective offices of these parts.
The arrangement of the sinker C in connection with the presser of the
second set of needles, and the cam B to spring out the ends of the needles
of the second set, as described, are each generally of more or less importance
in securing the very best operation of the machine, according as the needles
of the sets slide or are fixed, or as the sets are of equal or different
diameters, or are eccentric or concentric with each other.
The operation of our machine when the needles d, d, of the second set are
made to slide and those of the first set are stationary, is illustrated by Fig. 14,
the web being drawn off through the first set of needles c, c, in the direction
pointed by the arrows r. The yarn is fed by the sinker E under the barbs

page_text: of the first set of needles, the web is drawn tight by the parts b and k, the
barbs of the outer set of needles are depressed by the cam F, and the web
is raised by the guide D, so as to cast off the old loops of the first set and to
carry the old loops of the second set above the yarn, all as when the needles
of both sets are stationary. When the old loops of the second set of needles
have passed above the yarn, the needles of the second set rise, so as to bring
the points of their barbs opposite the space which is between the old loops
and the yarn, at the point where this space is as large as it can well be made,
when the barbs of the second set are pressed by the cam G acting on their
points, where they extend above the ends of the needles of the first set,
whereupon the guide 1) allows the tension on the web to draw down
and cast off the old loops of the second set, a cast-off wheel H being used
when necessary to insure this result; and the needles d, d, slide down
until the points of their barbs are about one-eighth of an inch below the
ends of the needles c, c, when the needles are ready for the yarn again.
In Fig. 14, the two sets of needles are placed eccentrically together, but
the general operation of the various parts is in all cases substantially the
same, whether the needles slide or are stationary, or whether the series
are of different or equal diameters, and concentric or eccentric. The
operation when the needles of the first set slide and those of the second
are fixed, is illustrated by Fig. 15, the web being drawn off through the
first set in the direction pointed by the arrow.
In this case the yarn
is fed as usual upon the first set of needles c, c, when the web hangs at the
ends of the needles of the second set; then the barbs of the first set are
depressed by the cam F, and these needles slide down untill the points of
their barbs have passed under and beyond the old loops thereof; then the
web is drawn tight, if beneficial, and the second set of needles spring outward,
and the guide D) raises the web so as to cast off the old loops of the first set,
and to carry the old loops of the second set above the yarn, all in the same
manner as when the needles of both sets are fixed; then the guide D raises
the web still higher, and the first set of needles slide up with, but a little
below, the web, until the yarn is drawn tight and passes above the points
of the barbs of the second set; then the presser G acts on the barbs of the
second set where they extend above the ends of the needles of the first,
and the guide D allows the tension of the web to slide down and cast off
the old loops of the second set, the needles of the first set sliding down in
advance of the web, the cast-off wheel H being employed whenever
beneficial in casting off the old loops of the second set, whereupon the
needles of the first series assume their position for receiving the yarn aagin.

page_text: Fig. 16 is to illustrate the operation where the needles of both sets slide, the
web being drawn off in the direction pointed by the arrow 2. In such case
the
yarn
is first fed under the barbs of the needles c, c, of the first set when
the old loops are below the points of their barbs; then the barbs of the
needles c, c, are pressed, and these needles slide down while the guide D
sustains the web until their old loops are cast off and the yarn is drawn tight
below the old loops of the second set; the needles d, d, are then slid down, so
that the points of these barbs are below the yarn; then the needles of the
second set rise until the points of their barbs are opposite the space which is
between the old loops thereof and the new yarn when these barbs are pressed
by the cam G; then the needles d, d, of the second set rise until their old
loops are cast off, and then descend before the yarn is again fed to the needles.
When both sets of needles slide, the guide D may be made of a continuous
uniform height, and may be fastened to or form a part of the needle block P,
as in Figs. 19 and 22, the guide D being notched on its edge to allow the
needles of the second set to pass through if the sets are of different diameters.
When the two series of needles are arranged concentric with each other, as
many sets of appliances, each set consisting of a sinker and two pressers, can be
employed as there is room for in the circumference of the needle cylinders, so
that according to the size of these cylinders, two, three, or more threads of varn
can be fed to the needles at the same time, thereby proportionately increasing
the productiveness of the machine. Since the guide D always acts to slide or
retain the web in opposition to the tension of the webs when the knit fabric is
drawn off through the second series of needles, the tension of the web will do
what was done by the web guide, and the web guide will fulfill the part which
the tension on the web performed when the web was drawn off through the
first series. This converse action of the tension of the web and web guide D
is shown by Fig. 13, where the needles of both sets are fixed and the web
drawn off through the second series of needles d, d, in the direction pointed by
the arrow q. In this case the web guide D is of course fastened to the hollow
support which the needle block for the second series of needles c, d, must
revolve on. In operation, the guide D first holds the web down to the lower
ends of the needles d, d, while the yarn is fed under the barbs of the first
set c, c; then the barbs of the needles of the first set are pressed by the
cam F, and the guide D allows the tension of the web to slide their old loops
over these barbs and off the needles, a "cast-off" wheel H being employed, if
desirable, to ensure this result; then the yarn z¹ is pushed down by the
sinker C to ensure the seperation of the yarn from the old loops of the second
set and the passage of the yarn under the barbs of the needles of this set,

page_text: while the old loops remain above their points, whereupon these barbs are
pressed by the cam G, and the guide D presses down on the web, causing the
old loops of the second set to slide over the barbs and off the needles; then
the needles are again ready for the yarn. The yarn can generally, though
sometimes with much difficulty, be first fed under the barbs of the second set of
needles, the yarn surrounding the first set, but we prefer first to feed the yarn
under the barbs of the needles c, c, of the first set, as shown in the Drawings.
When the yarn is first fed to the second set of needles, the form of the guide D
and the movements of the sliding needles must of course be varied to meet the
requirements of the machine in such cases. We contemplate the use of other
forms of sinker than the wheel E, and other pressers than the cams F, G,
whenever such other kind of sinker or pressers shall be best adapted to any
desired particular arrangement of the two annular series of needles. In
forming the annular sets of needles it is not essential that the uniformly
arranged needles of either set should be arranged exactly parallel with their
axes, for the needles of either of the sets or of both seis may generally either
converge toward or diverge from the lines of the axes of the series a few
degrees, as seen in Figs. 22 and 23, and yet operate as has herein been de-
scribed. The needles may be made to slide in the needle blocks endways in
any suitable manner. The construction which we preferis to cut radialslots 1.,
through the lower part of the block P and the upper part of the block O, and
longitudinal grooves o, o, equal in depth to the diameter of a needle or the
width of a slot 7, from the slots 1, 1, to the rim of the needle blocks (see
Figs. 12 and 19); then bend down the butt ends of the needles at right
angles to the bodies, and place the bodies within the grooveso, o, and the bent
ends through the slots 1, 1, so as to project on the inside of the hollow needle
blocks within the stationary cam grooves p, p, which latter are shaped to give
the desired sliding movements to the needles as the needle blocks revolve, the
needles being held in place so as to slide freely and accurately in thegrooves o, o
and slots 1, 1, by external clamp plates, or more conveniently by the sliding
ring A, Figs. 1 and 10, having a part a movable, the construction and ad-
vantageous arrangement of which ring we will now describe. We provide a
circular ring A, Fig. 10, smooth on the inside, and of such diameter as will
just allow it to surround the needles when arranged on the needle block.
We secure this ring so that it can be slid around, back or forward, on
the needles, by forming a flange f on the ring to slide within guides g, g
fastened to the needle block, or by any other suitable means. We also
make a part a of the ring easily removable by making longitudinal grooves
in its sides to fit tongues in the ring, and arranging a spring catch E upou

page_text: the part a to hook into the notch E', or this piece may be nicely fitted and
secured to the ring in any other suitable manner. Now, when a needle
breaks, the operative slides the ring A so that the part a is over that needle,
then slips out the piece a, which liberates only the broken needle, which
needle he removes and puts a new one in its place, and then replaces the
part a. It is not essential to the successful application of the ring A that
the needles should be naked, or that they should be kept in place by the
grooves o, o, and holes p', pl, or slots 1, 1, for the needles may be pre-
vented from shifting their positions by other known means; but we prefer to
employ the naked needles and the grooved and drilled or slotted needle blocks.
We are aware that in some rotary knitting machines heretofore made, a
part of a stationary cam ring, which holds and slides the needles of a radial
series in a revolving needle block, is made adjustable, so that while any
needle of the series is removed, the rest will be held in in place; and we
know that in other knitting machines a part of a stationary cam ring, which
is employed to slide and keep in place the needles of a revolving annular
series, is also made movable for a like purpose. But our mode of holding
the needles of an annular series in place, so that any one needle can be
removed without in any manner disturbing any other needles of the series,
is distinct from such devices. It is essential to our mode that the ring A
shall revolve with the set of needles, if the set revolves in knitting, or remain
stationary with the series of needles if applied to a non-revolving set, and
hence the ring A cannot form a part of or be fixed to any cam ring which
may be employed to slide the needles. And it will be observed that by
our mode we not only avoid the great friction which must exist between a
revolving annular series of needles and a stationary holding ring, but that on
breaking or bending a needle in knitting, no matter in what position the
machine is stopped, the rind A can at once be slid around so that the movable
part a shall be over the needle which must be removed, without in thus
turning the ring A moving any of the needles in any manner whatever;
whereas when a stationary ring encircles and holds a revolving series of
needles in place, if the machine is stopped as usual, only that one needle
which happens to be opposite to the movable part of the holding ring can be
removed; and since the needle which must be removed will generally not be
opposite to this moveable part, the whole series of needles must generally
be again turned until the defective needle is brought under this adjustable
portion, which additional movement of the needles may be inconvenient and
produce damage. The construction of the draw-off mechanism, seen in
Figs. 20 and 21, is as follows, viz. :-The grooved rollers 1 and 2 are

page_text: upon
arranged upon opposite sides of and clamp the flattened web X as it extends
from the needles. The journals of the rollers 1, 2, turn in the standards 3
and 4, which are mounted upon the block 5 that slides freely upon the the
rods 6, 7. These rods project from the hollow gear wheel L3 supported by
the base I¹. which which wheel is driven with the same speed as the needle
cylinders by the pinion N2 upon the shaft M.orby some other suitable means.
The journals of the roller 1 turn within fixed boxes, but those of the roller 2
turn within slots in the standards 3, 4, and are pressed so hard towards the
roller 1 by the adjustable spring 8, that the weight of the rollers and of the
block 5 with its appurtenances will not cause the rollers to slip on the web
when climbing thereon. The cross bar 9 has an opening 10, which guides
the web X to the rollers; a ratchet wheel 11 is fastened to the roller 1; a
pall 12 keeps the rollers from running down on the knit fabric. It is thus
evident that the rollers, with the frame that supports them, are sustained by
the web, and that an even tension will be given to the web until the block 5
descends to the wheel L³. The mode in which we cause the rollers 1, 2, to
climb upon the web is as follows:-A lever 13 is hung at its elbow
the
shaft of the roller 1, which lever has a pall 14 hung at one end to drive the
ratchet 11, and its other end within the forked end 15 of the lever 40,
which is hung to vibrate horizontally upon the pin 16,seen in dotted lines in
Fig. 21, to the block 5.
The stationary can plate 17, supported by the
posts 18, 19, of the framework of the machine, is arranged so that the end 20
of the lever 40 is pressed inward in the direction of the arrow 21 in passing
from the post 18 to the post 19, thus causing the pall 14 to move the ratchet
wheel 11 forward one tooth. The cam plate 22 is fastened to the framework
of the machine, and is so arranged that after the end 20 of the lever 40 is
pressed inward by the cam plate 17, this end shall be carried outward in the
direction of the arrow 23 by the end 29 of lever 27 actuated by the pin 24 in
the lever 27, the fulcrum of which is at 28, said lever pin being moved by
passing along the inside of the cam plate 22 from the end 25 to the
support 26, so that the driving pall 14 is carried backward behind the next
tooth of the ratchet wheel preparatory to moving the ratchet forward another
tooth by the action. of the cam plate 17. We give such extent of motion to
the driving pall 14 that if it is made to move the ratchet wheel forward one
tooth at every revolution of the needle cylinder or of the block 5, the
rollers 1, 2, will climb upon the web faster than the web is produced. Now,
to cause the rollers to climb only as fast as the web is made, we either so
arrange the part which moves the driving pall 14 forward, or the part which
moves this pall backward, that when the rollers 1, 2,arrive at a certain hight,

page_text: one of these parts which move the pall 14 shall cease to act. We prefer to
make this pin 24 of such length in respect to the cam plate 22, as shown in
the Drawings, that the pin 24 shall be entirely above the cam plate 22 when
the needles are at a certain height, so that the pall 14 will not be thrown
back to engage with a new tooth of the ratchet wheel 11 untill the rollers
have again descended by the production of new web, so that the cam plate 22
can act. After the web X passes between the rollers 1, 2, it may be allowed
to accumulate in a revolving reciving can or vessel attached to the revolving
plate 25. Instead of revolving the two annular sets of needles, and having
the appliances used therewith stationary, as herein-before described, the two
sets of needles may be stationary while these appliances with the "bobbin "
travel above or around the needles, and the draw-off rollers may then receive
motion for climbing upon the then stationary web by revolving the cam
plates 17 and 22, the second set of needles being supported upon a revolving
eccentric when the two sets of needles are not concentric with each other;
but we prefer to have the two sets of needles revolve and their appurtenances
stationary. The needles of the series, as shown in the Drawings, are arranged
for knitting "one--one "ribbed work; but by variously arranging the needles
of one set in respect to the arrangement of the needles in the other series, as,
for instance, causing one needle of one set to alternate with two needles of
the other series, "two-one," three-two," or other ribbed work can be pro-
duced. By employing together two annular series of hooked needles smaller
ribbed work tubes can be knit than when a radial and an annular series of
such needles are used together.
We claim as our Invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, com-
bining together two annular series of hooked needles, either parallel with or
inclined to the axis, with a sinker, two pressers, and a web guide D, or its
equivalent, substantially as herein set forth, for use in the production of
ribbed work.
And we claim the manner of arranging the two annular sets of needles in
relation to each other, that is, arranging them together so that the hookedends
of the needles of one set are parallel or nearly parallel with, alongside of, and
pointed in the opposite direction to those of the other series, as herein set forth
And we claim arranging the sinker C, substantially as herein described, to
increase the distance between the yarn and the old loops of the second set of
needles just before the barbs of these needles are pressed.
And we claim arranging the cam B, substantially as described, to spring
out the ends of the second set of needles, for the purpose stated.
And we claim holding the needles of an annular series in place on the

page_text: grooved needle block or its equivalent, by the ring A, formed and arranged
to operate as set forth.
And we also claim drawing off the knit fabric by means of weighted clamp
rollers arranged to climb upon the kuit fabric as fast as it is produced,
substantially as herein described.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this
10th day of February 1857.
SIDNEY WESLEY PARK. (L.S.)
EDGAR STIMPSON ELLS. (L.S.)