IMPROVEMENTS IN KNITTING MACHINES
Year: 1870

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Hasel-
tine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN KNITTING MACHINES."-A
communication from abroad by William Henry Abel, of Lowell,
Massachusetts, United States of America.
Sealed the 14th October 1870, and dated 23rd August 1870.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Robert Lake.at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition
and Declaration, on the 23rd August 1870, pursuant to the 9th
Section of the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, send greeting.
WHEREAS I am in possession of an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
KNITTING MACHINES," and have petitioned Her Majesty to grant unto
me, my executors, administrators, and assigns, Her Royal Letters
A

page_text: Patent for the same, and have made solemn Declaration that it has
been communicated to me from abroad by William Henry Abel, of
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States of America.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Robert Lake, do hereby
declare that the following Complete Specification, under my hand and
seal, fully describes and ascertains the nature of the said Iuvention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompany Drawings forming a
mart of this Specification

page_text: to be used separately, though they may be used all together, if preferred.
Figure 16 represents a vertical section of Figure 12 on the line R, S,
thereof.
Figures 17, 18, and 19 represent side and edge views of the different
slides which are used with the actuating devices shewn in Figures 12,
13, 14, and 15, each slide being armed with a needle in the usual way.
Figures 20, 21, 22, and 23, are different elevations of the needles I
employ with rocking slides, which arc actuated by devices at or near
their lower ends, Figure 21 being an enlarged cross section of the shank
of the needle.
Figure 24 represents a side elevation of an operating head having
needle slides which differ materially from those shown in any of the
previously described Figures, Figure 25 represents a horizontal section
of Figure 24 through the actuating cam groove 2 and Figure 26 an
inverted section through the same groove.
Figures 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 represent side and edge views of
the different slides which I use in this kind of operating head, or in a
head having a cam cylinder G of like construction and arrangement of
parts. The needles are intended to be the same as those shown in
Figures 20 to 23.
Figure 33 represents a side elevation similar to that shown in
Figure 24, but having different and appropriate slides which are shown
detached in Figures 31 and 32.
Figure 34 represents a top view of a portion of the operating head
shown in Figures 33 and 24; the warp or knitting thread guides, and
the weft or filling thread guides should be arranged on this or any of the
others substantially as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. Figure 35 is a
vertical section of Figure 33 or Figure 24 on the line T, U, of Figure 33
and Figure 36 a similar section on the line W, X, thereof, not including
the inner cylinder.
Figure 37 represents a perspective view of one of my weft thread
knitting machines with parts as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. The
parts shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7 are the same throughout the
Drawings, as also are some of the parts shown in the preceding Figures,
particularly the inner cylinder.
Figure 38 represents a specimen of the fabric produced by my.im-

page_text: position and form of each loop or part, and the direction of each thread
or yarn to form the fabric.
Figure 39 represents a side clevation of one of my improved weft
thread knitting machines having two dividing wheels C and C arranged
for a single feed, and each on a different series of needles, each series of
needles being only partially raised, the second series being raised higher
than the first. Between the needles of a fully raised series and operating
in connection therewith, and beyond the second dividing wheel C¹º, I
apply an ordinary presser wheel E, substantially like that shown in the
previously described Figures 1, 2, and 4.
not
Figure 40 represents a plan or top view of a portion of Figure 39,
including the presser wheel, the application of which will be understood
by reference to the former part of the description and the Drawings
therein referred to.
This improved machine as shown in Figures 39 and 40 is for intro-
ducing two weft threads a to each feed, and crossing such weft threads
between the rows of loops or stitches by crossing such threads between
the needles and pressing them down by the wheel E, as in the machine
where only one weft thread is introduced. The knitting or looping is
performed on this machine as in the machines previously described, and
when the stitches or loops are knocked over the crossed weft threads are
carried over with them, thus forming a new kind of fabric differing from
that shown in Figure 38, by its having twice as many weft threads
passing through and between the loops or stitches.
Figure 41 represents a plan or top view of a knitting machine or of
the cylinder of a knitting machine, having alternate deep and shallow
grooves, with needle slides and needles set in the usual way; here it will
be seen that the needles are always in a divided state, and that the weft
threads a may be guided between the needles without the aid of dividing
wheels, these weft threads will generally be placed directly on the tops
of the old loops without the aid of a presser wheel, except when
introducing very large weft threads, or when it becomes necessary or
desirable to guide the weft thread downward on an incline, as shown in
Figure 42.
In that case a pin presser wheel 77 may be used as shown
in Figures 42 and 49, the latter being an edge view of the said wheel
arranged upon a stud having a shank and a foot B₁, by which the wheel
is. secured to a central plate A2, like that shown in Figure 4. When this
wheel 77 is thus employed the groove H in the cam cylinder G may be so

page_text: formed as to retain a series of a few fully raised needles, or so that the
needles will recede as on the line 3', immediately after rising to their
full height, and this shortens the distance between the point of intro-
ducing weft thread and the point where the loops are formed by the
looping or knitting thread, which is at the same point as on the common
circular latched needle knitting machine.
Figure 43 represents a side elevation of a knitting machine similar to
that shown in Figures 41 and 42, except that the weft threads are
introduced through tubular guides 91, 9". These tubular guides may
be used on a knitting machine, and between the needles which are
divided by wheels C, but when used on a machine with deep and shallow
grooves, the dividing wheels will not be required, but on this machine I
employ one or more wheels C20 on a stationary cam to press the needles
out for looping as they recede, and after one or two weft threads have
been laid or crossed between them. The wheels C20 are shewn in
Figure 43.
Figure 44 is a plan or top view of a portion of a knitting machine
cylinder having two wheels for dividing alternate needles and intro-
ducing two weft threads, and crossing them between the needles, whether
the needles rise and recede or rotate in one horizontal plane, and such
weft threads will be introduced through tubular guides 9", ", the tubes
of which are cut away to show the teeth of the wheels.
Figures 45 and 46 represent sectional elevations of inner cylinders Es
and outer cylinders G, the slides having needles set near their inner and
outer edges for the purpose of keeping the needles always divided when
introducing weft thread between them; these needles are only pressed
out for looping, and tubular guides g may be used in connection with
such needles.
Figures 47 and 48 are sectional elevations of Figure 41, showing the
divided condition of the needles and the weft thread a between them.
Figure 50 represents two hook butt slides similar to those shewn in
Figures 35, 36, 31, and 32, with the needles set in the forward edge of
one and the back edge of the other, as they may be used, if desired.
•
In introducing weft threads between the needles which are always
divided, as in the machine which has a cylinder with deep and shallow
grooves like that shewn in Figure 41, the needles rise at each side of
the weft threads immediately after or as they rise from beneath weft

page_text: thread guides suitably arranged over or near the rising needles; by thus
raising the needles at each side of the weft threads these weft threads
will be enclosed between the needles, and subsequently between the
loops or stitches, as the work is progressively formed.
Figure 51 represents a plan or top view of a knitting machine having
spring bearded needles and the means for dividing them and introducing
weft threads between them.
Figure 52 represents a sectional elevation through the two dividing
wheels A and B, and on the line A, B, of Figure 1.
Figures 53, 54, 55, and 56 are different elevations of the tubular guide
or thread layer, which I employ for laying the continuous weft threads
between the divided needles.
This part-of-my-Invention-consists-in-the-method, substantially as
described, for forming or creating a path or passage for the tubular guide
between the needles by means of outer and inner dividing wheels A
and B, arranged and operating in connection, as clearly shewn, whereby
alternate needles are pushed or sprung outward and inward, each a
sufficient distance to pass the tubular guide on opposite sides thereof,
and insure the introduction of the weft thread passing through the
tube c between the divided needles.
Experiments have demonstrated that textile fabric can be formed by
the knitting process with greater rapidity or expedition and facility than
by any other process, and that by knitting weft or fitting threads in
with the loops or stitches, and through the latter or through alternate
loops in either direction and forward of the reverse loops, a very superior
useful and cheap textile fabric will be the result.
The machine I have found best adapted for knitting or forming the
aforesaid textile fabric, is, in many respects, substantially similar to the
common circular knitting machine, and this machine, with the necessary
alterations or changes and additions which render it eminently
successful in the production of such textile fabric, I have clearly shown
in the accompanying Drawings.
Commencing with Figure 1 which I have previously stated is a top
view of my weft thread knitting machine, in one of its varied con-
structions, arrangements, and combination of parts, I have here shewn
at one side and on nearly the whole circumference, the work upon
the needles and the two weft threads a, and two warp or knitting

page_text: threads as they appear when passing, the former between and the
latter outside of the needles c. At the opposite side I have shown the
top ends of the needles, but no loops or work upon them.
The warp or knitting thread guides A are constructed, applied, and
arranged to lead or guide their threads to and outside of the needles
in the usual way,
but the weft thread guides B are each provided with
a latch guard g, and here Figures 2 and 3 show the same parts as
Figure 6. In Figure 2 the weft thread guide B, or the upper portion
containing the thread passages, and the latch guard, is shown in such a
manner as to convey a more clear idea of the work behind it. The
object of the latch guard is to prevent the latches flying up when the
needles rise through the old loops, and snap over the lower ends of the
downward hanging latches, otherwise the latter would be liable to fly
up as the needles were passing and hooking into the warp threads, and
thus prevent the formation of new loops.
In the various modes or methods known to me for carrying out my
Invention I employ the latch guards on or in combination with the
weft thread guides, particularly on this machine, wherein the third rise.
of the needles occurs before they reach the guides A, which in some of
the common circular knitting machines serve the same purpose by being
set in the right position and place against the periphery of the rotating
cylinder and the advancing and receding needles. It is not always
necessary that the weft thread guides, or even the warp or looping
thread guides, should be in close proximity to the needles, as in Figures
1, 2, 3, and 4; these may all be arranged at a distance, and still guide
their threads correctly to or between the needles, substantially as seen
in Figure 34, but in such an arrangement the latch guards should be
applied in combination with the weft thread guides, and so close to the
needles as to serve the purpose described.
In order to actuate the advancing and receding slides D and the
needles, or to open, divide, or separate the latter, as in Figures 1, 2, 3,
and 4, I employ a disc or wheel C of common form, having deeper
radial slots e at suitable distances apart to receive alternate raised and
rising needles, and notched or forked ends or teeth n, to engage with
all the other needles, and carry them outward while all the divided
needles are still rising or advancing, thereby providing or producing a
path or passage for the weft thread a between the divided and advancing
needles which enclose the weft thread between them as they fully rise

page_text: same.
and leave the slotted wheels. Enclosed between the raised needles,
these weft threads are each carried forward. beneath the spirally set fins or
wings of a pressure wheel E set at such an angle that the fins or wings e³
when passing between the needles and downward shall be in a line with
the latter and their line of motion, and press the weft thread down upon
the old loops (which are below the latches) and nearly under or opposite
the looping thread guide A and the inner thread passage e³ through the
Here the looping thread is guided into contact with and outside
of the needles, and the slides and needles are carried downward, their
heads below the inner edge m of the rotating cylinder, and between the
partitions e¹, and this operation forms the new loops under the hooks of
the needles, throws up the latches, secures the looping thread, and draws
or throws the alternate old loops over the weft thread and over the
-newly-formed-loops,-which-become.the.old loops for successively enclosing
the weft thread, and for the continuous formation of this peculiar warp
and weft fabric. Two, three, or more of the dividing wheels C and
pressure wheels E, and weft and warp guides A and B, are arranged at
suitable distances apart on large machines, as shewn in Figures 1, 2, 3,
and 4, in numbers proportionate to the diameter of the cylinder of the
slides and needles, two of each of the above-named devices being clearly
shewn in the Drawings.
In the formation of the fabric herein shewn and described, and in
reference to Figure 38, it will be observed that the weft thread does
not pass over one loop and under the next, but directly over one loop 6,
through the two next inverted loops 7, and forward of another like the
first, which it partly conceals, thence over a loop 6, and through two
others 7, as before, and so on.
-
. I sometimes form a fabric by passing the weft thread over successive
loops, as, for example, the weft threads indicated by a¹, a², and a³, all
pass over loops in the same row or series, and this is done in one way, a
by setting all the dividing wheels C on the same needles. This produces
what I call the "basket weave," which in appearance is like common
plain woven cloth, and if the warp or looping thread is white and the
weft thread black, brown, or other dark shade, the cloth will appear to
be in very small checks or squares, each thread or threads thrown up a
to the surface, forming by the shade or color a check of small dimensions.
The back or outside of the cloth will be the color or shade of the warp
or looping.

page_text: I sometimes form the fabric by passing the weft thread over alternate
loops, as, for example, first, the thread a³ overloops in one row, and then
that indicated by a' overloops in the next row; this will produce a
change in the figure from a square to a diamond in form, and this is
done in one way by setting the wheels C on alternate needles. This is
what I call the "diamond weave," for instead of its having the appearance
of checks or squares it shows an oblique series of figures, each in the
form of a diamond or rhombus. A great variety of other figures can be
produced by the two simple changes above described, and by changing
cither or both the warp and looping threads, and substituting those of
other and different colors or shades. The dividing wheels and the
pressure wheels are arranged on appropriate studs, the former ver-
tical and the latter at an angle, as shown, and both or all. properly
set and secured to the top of a circular disc or plate A² arranged on the
lower end of a centrally depending stud A' a little below the top, and
within the cylinder, leaving ample room for the fabric to pass between
the latter and the outer edge of the plate.. The upper end of the stud
is secured within the hub B* of the stud plate B¹ arranged and fastened
to the arm h of a back bracket F, which is generally bolted to the outer
cylinder G, all as clearly shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the outer cylinder G in this
particular machine is the cam cylinder or that which contains the cam
groove H, and this cam cylinder is stationary and confined to the bed
plate B by knee formed braces C'. These braces are secured to the bed
plate by bolts f which pass through the feet 6', and screw into the plate
and to the cam cylinder by screws or screw bolts f¹, f; the latter hold
the upper and lower portions G and G¹ apart, or the upper portion in
position above the lower portion, and preserve the perfect form of the cam
groove H. This cam groove receives the butts d of the slides D, which
with the needles are operated or caused to advance and recede by the
rotary motion of the inner grooved cylinder G³, and by the operating
butts, as in the common circular knitting machine, except that the cam
groove in this machine has three rises or rising inclines for operating
the slides and needles. The first rise i occurs where the butts pass and
leave the lower ends of the adjusting cams A³, the second rise k a little
further onward and into the range of the dividing wheels, and the third
rise 7, where the needles are in contact with and as they are passing
and leaving these wheels while they are dividing or opening and divided.

page_text: or opened and receiving and enclosing the weft threads between them.
A section of the fully raised needles covers a space from the point of
leaving each dividing wheel to a point beyond each pressure wheel, and
the further side or edge of each looping thread guide remains thus fully
raised to allow the wheels E to press the weft threads down into the old
loops and preparatory to drawing the alternate last-named loops over the
weft threads and over the newly-formed loops. These new loops are all
formed by a sudden depression of the needles after passing the guides A;
caused by the drawing downward of the slides D by their butts & passing
beneath the inclines E', and beneath the inclined edges E2 of the cams A³
and their lower ends g¹; these cams A³ are adjustable vertically to give a
greater or less depression of the slides and needles and thereby form or
draw longer or shorter loops, according to the size of the weft thread to
-be-enclosed-and-bound-by-such-loops-or the nature of the fabric being
formed. Long and slack loops produce open and light weighted fabric,
and short close loops produce thicker and more weighty fabric, even
with the same weft or filling. The first rise of the slides and the needles
herein-above described relieves the work and the needles, and gives tho
operative parts an easier action than could be obtained by a sudden and
abrupt rise, and relieves and equalizes the action of the slides and the
needles preparatory to the second rise, which brings the latter into the
range of and into actuating or dividing contact with the dividing wheels.
The third and last rise of the slides and needles has been partly explained
above, and it will be understood that the alternate needles which are
actuated or thrown outward by the dividing wheels must rise or advance
after having been thus thrown outward, and while in that position, in
order to bring them outside of the weft thread and above it, so that when
they leave the dividing wheels and resume their position in line with the
others they shall enclose the weft thread between them. This final risc
also carries the latches of all the needles upward through the old loops,
and leaves the latter in position to close the latches when the needles
recede. In a modification of my Invention hercin-after described and
which has a cam cylinder of different construction and different and
additional cam grooves the first and second rising inclines are dispensed
with.
It will be observed that the inner eye q of the weft thread guide is
arranged below the tops of the fully raised needles, and about on a line
with or opposite the heads of those partially raised; this insures the line

page_text: of draft of the weft thread to between the divided and rising needles,
which rise at each side of the weft thread and carry their hooks above it
when they are fully raised; by these means and by means of the presser
wheel, unaided by any other device, the weft threads are fully introduced
between the needles and cannot escape therefrom. The cam A is
adjusted by the screw rod g² and nut f³, the latter being turned on the
former beneath an ear f* projecting from the side of the cam cylinder.
The rod is secured to the ear fs of the cam A³, and the rod and cam are
held up by a spiral spring I between the ear f' and a pin through the
upper end of the rod. A spring catch es attached to the cam cylinder
engages with the serrated or milled edge of the nut ƒ³, and prevents its
being turned by accident. The spools or bobbins B' of yarn are placed
on spindles rising from a creel or stand C, the yarns are passed upward
and over or through guides c', thence downward to and through the
guides A and B to the needles, and in order to continue the weft thread
knitting process, or to keep the machine continually operating and avoid
frequent or occasional stopping to knot or join the thread or yarn I
employ two or more spools B and B³, or sets of spools one above another,
as shewn in Figure 3. The first end of the yarn, which in the
common process of spooling is concealed and covered by the body of
yarn, is left out where it may be taken up and joined to the leading
end 68 of another. The lower spool B³, or a set or series of such spools
of yarn may be placed on spindles arranged below the bed plate B², or
set up on the floor around the machine; the leading ends 6 of yarn from
each of the upper spools B* lead over suspended guides c', like those
above described, and from these to the guides A and B and the needles.
This method of employing spools of yarn and of making the yarn
continuous from two or more spools is of considerable importance, as it
lessens the liability of the yarn to run out, and the consequent pressing
of the work from the needles, which is not uncommon in the ordinary
method, where the yarn on one spool is not connected with that of
another. At some convenient place in the cam cylinder G, I provide
a gate for removing and replacing slides with broken or injured needles,
and this gate or passage is formed from the top of the cylinder down to
the cam groove, which contains the butts d, and it opens into the
space p next to the outer edges of the slides, and convenient for the
removal and replacing of any slide in in the scries. When the slides and
the needles are in operation this gate is closed by a round key J, which
fits and fills the gate, and forms a whole or unbroken inner surface to.

page_text: process.
the cylinder. This gate and key are very convenient, easily and cheaply
made, without materially weakening or injuring the cylinder, and are
capable of use without disturbing any other part of the machine. The
notch or opening t in front of the key renders the latter casily accessible
for removal with common pliers or pincers. The incline and lower
end g of the cam A³ should be hardened or tempered to make the butts
work easier beneath it by causing less friction and to increase its
durability. The bed plate B has a depending hub C3 bored to receive
the shell E of the inner cylinder G, which rotates within the hub, and
is shouldered on the top of the bed plate. This shell is generally of cast
iron, the outer ring E3 of brass, and the upper ring E of tough metal,
say, good tough iron, and fitted and grooved to receive the slides in the
same manner as in other circular knitting machines. Both of the
-rings-E³-and-E-are-shrunk on the cast-iron shell portion by the common
The lower end of the shell E³ extends below the lower end of
the hub C3, and a gear wheel F is fitted and fastened to the lower end of
the shell. A similar gear wheel F is fitted and fastened to a cross
shaft K arranged to rotate in the hub or box L of a hanger O depending
from the bed plate. The gear wheel F is shewn in section in Figure 4,
in elevation in Figure 5, and in perspective in Figure 37. The gear
wheel F is shewn in Figure 5, and partially in Figure 37. The
hanger is shewn in dotted lines; back of the leg M in Figure 37..
On the outer end of the shaft K is a wheel or pulley N for operating the
machine. Ears P depend from the under side of the gear wheel F, and
the space between each pair of cars is for the reception of each top
end 3 of the flyers, which are otherwise held in position by straps g'
extending across the edges of the ears, and back on their outer sides,
where they are fastened by screws 4. The flyer is shown in Figure 37,
with all the other parts connected, and in larger elevations in Figures 5
and 6; the upper and central portion in the former and the lower portion
in the latter. The flyer contains the stretcher rods E, and the cloth
roll or shaft A". The latter is shown in section in Figure 5". On one side
of the flyer I arrange supporting stands S and through them a vertical
shaft A', to the lower end of which I apply a conical pulley T with its
large end upward. On the cross stays C* I secure a larger conical
pulley U with its small end upward and directly under the centre of the
operating head and the rotary movers above. The peripheries of these
two conical pulleys come in contact, and the smaller is rotated by
revolving around. the larger and stationary one carried by the revolving.

page_text: flyer. This flyer is supported by a central rod S₁, shouldered to the under
side of the lower end S2 and secured by a screw nut F³, as shown. The
rod passes loosely through the centre of the fixed cone U to the top of
the lever V, which is pivotted between ears F* depending from one of the
cross stays. To the opposite end of this lever I hang a weight W, to partly
balance the flyer. On the upper end of the shaft A' is a worm Y, and
on the end of the cloth roll is a worm wheel Z. The worm engages with
the wheel and turns it to wind up the cloth as it comes down from the
operating head, and as the flyer revolves. The flyer receives motion
from the rotating gear wheel F, and the ears P. The smaller cone
receives motion from the larger one, and this operates the shaft A' and
the worm, and through these the worm wheel and the cloth roll to wind
or take up the cloth as fast as it is formed. This take-up or racking-up
motion or process is all important, and the apparatus I have shewn is
very effective in the production of the desired result; its operation is as
follows:-When the roll of cloth begins to form, the weight W should
be hung near the centre of the lever, so that nearly the whole weight of
the flyer will be sustained by the cloth, which forming and coming
down fast allows the flyer to sag or settle, and keep the cones constantly
in contact, and the smaller one rotating, and turning the shaft, the
worm, the worm wheel, and the shaft Aº, and taking up the cloth as the
roll gradually increases in size; the forming roll of cloth, and the shaft
require less rotary motion to wind up a given length of cloth, and the
weight should be gradually, or from time to time, moved outward on the
lever. This relieves any undue strain on the forming and rolling-up
fabric, compensates for the additional weight accumulating in or upon
the flyer, and allows it to rise, or aids it in rising, and lessens the action
of the cones, by raising the smaller one partly or wholly from contact
with the larger, thereby causing a brief suspension of the rolling or
taking-up motion or process, until by progressive formation, the web or
fabric is slackened; the flyer then sags, and the cones are brought into
more active contact again to operate the worm wheels and roll, and rack
up the cloth until a full roll is formed. In forming coarse or heavy
fabrics the lever V and the weight W may be dispensed with.
The simplicity, cheapness, and consequent durability of the above
racking-up, take-up, or regulator, and its certainty and accuracy of
operation, renders it useful and valuable for the purpose described.
The cloth is moved from the shaft on which it is rolled by removing

page_text: the screw nut opposite to that marked F³, and by withdrawing the shaft
from within the roll. The passage of the cloth from the needles where
it is formed is through the inner shell E downward between the
ears P, over the enclosed stretcher E, and between the rods E, and
downward to the shaft Aº, as before described, and if preferred a
cutter A may be arranged on the flyer or on either stretcher rod, to
split the tubular web of cloth as it passes to the roll, one or more
needles being left out of the series to leave slack loops and form a path
for the cutter or splitting device.
In Figures 12 to 36 inclusive, I have shown outer or cam cylinders of
operating loom heads, or sections of such cylinders, of entirely different
construction from the machine shown in the preceding Figures, with the
appropriate slides and needles and devices for operating and actuating
slides and needles, or for dividing or opening the latter to receive and
enclose weft threads between them while rising and advancing, and for
opening and dividing to receive, and for rising or advancing to enclose,
weft threads directly upon, or sufficiently near, the old loops on the
needles, to ensure their being drawn over the weft threads with ease,
certainty, and success, without the aid of a pressure wheel, or a dividing
wheel, or any similar device.
In Figures 12 to 19, inclusive, I have shown sections of a weft-thread
knitting loom head with two horizontal grooves in the outer cylinder,
and their separate and distinct devices or mechanisms for actuating the
slides D and the needles, also slides of proper construction to be
actuated by such devices. The upper groove H is for the reception of
the butts d, which operate the slides or which raise and depress them,
and the needles by being carried round in the circuitous groove by the
rotating inner cylinder. The lower groove X is simply to admit the
wheels to contact with the slides and a path for the lower butts d' which
are applied to the slides or formed thereon, and which render the latter
capable of being actuated or rocked by the plain surface wheel B: This
plain wheel is arranged to rotate on a pivot in an ear or stand d³ pro-
jecting from the central portion G* of the outer or cam cylinder, and
when the slides are raised by the upper butts & passing up the inclines of
the upper groove H and carried along in the upper horizontal portion of
the said groove these lower butts are brought upward and round to a
position, as shewn, where the wheel can act against each passing lower
butt and press the lower end of each alternate slide into the groove;

page_text: outward or divides the needles, and in another way and by means of a
different mechanism from that shewn in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, and
provides or produces a path or opening for the easy, certain, and
successful introduction of the weft thread a, as seen in Figures 12
and 16.
The form of the rocking slide is shown in Figures 16 and 17. This
slide is rocked or actuated by pressing its lower end inward with its
fulcrum 3 against the back of the vertical groove in which the slide
operates. The other slide D used in this machine is shown in Figure 19,
and it has only the upper butt d, the lower one being dispensed with.
This last-nained slide, when used in connection with the lower butt
slides, may be in this form, and only operate vertically, or the form of
this slide may be changed to that shown in dotted lines 2, and thus be
made to rock instead of the others, by simply detaching the plain
wheel B and by setting the teeth of the gear wheel B' on these as the
alternate slides. By this change this machine will be rendered capable
of producing the basket weave or the diamond weave, or the same
variety of figures as the machine or loom head previously described.
When the toothed wheel B' is used for rocking or actuating the slides
and the needles all the lower butts d¹ and all other actuating devices
may be dispensed with, and the teeth of this wheel may be arranged to
press on any slide or slides in the series. A full sized machine has one of
these toothed wheels at every section or rise of the slides and needles,
and by setting the teeth of these several wheels some on the same and
some on other and different slides, or on every third, fourth, or other
slide or slides, a great variety of changes and consequently figures in the
fabric can be produced. Instead of the gear wheel or the plain wheel
for actuating the slides I sometimes use a stationary cam A³ clearly
shewn in Figure 15. This cam actuates only alternate slides D', the
others seen in Figure 19 are shorter, and operate vertically above the
cam. All or any two of the above described actuating devices may be
applied and used in connection on the same machine if preferred, but
either one of them is capable of actuating the slides and the needles as
described. The needles used in this, as in my loom heads which have
outer or cam cylinders of other construction, wherein the needles are
actuated by actuating the slides, are the flat wire needles, which are
preferable by reason of their greater strength or rigidity in their edgewise

page_text: direction. The inner and operating cylinder in this machine, as in all
the others, should be constructed substantially like that shown in
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the principal difference between this and the loom
head first described being in the devices or mechanisms for actuating
and operating the slides, and in the construction and other peculiarities
of the latter, as described.
In Figures 24 to 32, inclusive, I have shown sections of an operating
loom head with two circuitous horizontal grooves in the outer cylinder.
In this kind of loom head the butts & which operate the slides vertically
work in the lower cam groove H, while the upper butts d² work in the
upper cam groove Q. The actuating cams A and A" are shown in
Figures 25 and 26, also in Figures 35 and 36, which are intended to
represent sectional elevations of Figure 33, the latter being substantially
similar to the elevation shown in Figure 24, except with regard to the
upper butts d², which in Figure 24 are double-hook butts. The slides D
having double-hook T-shaped butts d³, aro intended to be used in
connection with the plain straight parallel sided slides D³ shown in
Figure 29 or with these and the slides D' and D³, seen in Figures 31 and
32, the former having L-shaped hooked butts d³, and the latter F-shaped,
hooked butts d', or the slides D' may be used in connection with either
or both of the slides D and Ds without the slides D³, but the best results
in forming the weft thread looped fabric, shewn and described, are
produced by the use of the F and L shaped butt slides in connection
in the manner shown in Figures 33, 34, 35, and 36, actuated by.
cams A and A, each of said cams being formed or applied at different
points and on opposite sides of the groove Q, that is, one cam above and
one cam below the groove, so that each cam shall actuate alternate
slides or successive slides, or alternate slides at one or more points, and
successive slides at other points or parts of the series, thereby producing
a very numerous and extensive variety of changes in the actuation of the
slides and needles and the consequent changes in the Figures of the
fabric.
In reference to Figures 33 to 36, inclusive, I will here state that in
the use of the actuating cams A' and A" and the "F" and "L"
shaped butt slides I produce a peculiar motion, and a change or
changes in the motion of the slides and needles as follows:-When these
slides are carried around by the rotating inner cylinder and are operated
or raised and depressed by the lower butts d, operating in the lower

page_text: cam groove H in passing the lower cam A°, only the upper hook or "L"-
shaped butt slides are actuated or moved outward, but when the slides
are passing the upper cam A" then the actuation is changed, and the
downward or "F"-shaped butt slides are actuated instead of the others.
In each case above described the needles in the slides will continue
their rising motion after they are divided, and will be caused to
commence their dividing motion before they are raised; this produces a
sufficient and suitable path or passage for the easy and certain intro-
duction of the weft thread between the divided needles; the latter
continue their rising motion or rise at each side of the weft thread and
enclose the latter between them, as the "F" and " "L"-shaped butts
lcave the actuating cams.
"
By the above-described arrangement and combination of "F and
"L"-shaped butt slides I produce the diamond weave, and to produce
the basket weave I dispence with either the upper or the lower cams,
remove the "F" or the " L"-shaped butts from their slides, or sub-
stitute a plain slide, having no upper or actuating butt, for either of the
slides D or D. The "F" and "L"-shaped butt slides are also intended
for producing or forming a stripe or stripes in the fabric made for
trouser or pantaloon stuff; where side stripes of a different figure from
the body of the fabric are required, such stripes are produced by placing
two or more of the "F" and "L"-shaped butt slides together, or next
to each other in the series.
Fabric consisting of alternate equal or unequal stripes may be. pro-
duced by alternate sections of the "F" and "L"-shaped butt slides,
and of the "T"-shaped butt and the plain slides, in numbers pro-
portionate to the width of the stripe or stripes to be formed, each
alternate stripe of the diamond weave and the others of the basket
weave. The cylinder or loom head and the slides last above described
I consider the best adapted for knitting, or for forming weft thread
looped fabrics such as herein described, these being more simple,
cheaper, quite as efficient as either of the others, and contributing to
the production of the desired result by the simultaneous or successive
action or operation of parts which may be used separately or together,
as herein described. One or more warp or looping threads 6 and weft
threads a may be knitted into the fabric at each point of forming and
drawing over loops and at each point of introducing weft thread, sub-
B

page_text: stantially as shewn in Figure 34, and at various points around the
cylinder of slides and needles. A cylinder of such slides and needles of
eighteen inches in diameter takes twenty-four feeds (twelve feeds of the
.looping or warp threads, and twelve feeds of the weft threads) and forms
the peculiar weft and warp fabric about twice as fast as common knitted
fabric is formed on the best arranged circular knitting machines which
introduce no weft thread between and through alternate loops. It is
intended that the construction of the outer or cam cylinders G, G¹, G+,
shall render them readily applicable to the inner cylinders and effective
thereon for operating and actuating appropriate slides and their needles,
as described; the principal change made when substituting either of the
other cam cylinders for that shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 is the
removal of the dividing wheels, the pressure wheels, and the parts
which connect them with the machine, although the presser wheel
may be employed with any of the other dividing devices, if preferred.
In the use of either of the needle dividing devices the needles continue
their rising motion after being divided, and commence their dividing
motion before being raised.
By the use of my Invention and improvements, as herein-before
described, I am enabled to produce warp and weft fabric of superior
quality cheaper and more rapidly than by any other known process or
machine, since slack, twisted, and soft yarn which cannot be woven on
any ordinary loom is best adapted for the production of my improved
fabric, not more than from twelve to fourteen holes twist in the yarn
being necessary, instead of from forty to fifty holes twist as spun for use
on a common loom. This also enables me to dispense with about one-
half of the spinning, or one-half of the "jacks," or other spinning
machines.
The warping, beaming, dressing, sizing, and other processes, and the
necessary machinery are also dispensed with, and a consequent great
saving is made in fibrous material, and in yarn, in surplus odd lots of
weft or filling, and in the first and last ends of warps going in and
coming out of a loom.
It will be readily understood that warp and weft fabrics made from
soft or slack twisted yarn as described will require less time for fulling
and less giging, and when finished will be softer, more flexible, and, I

page_text: am confident, more durable and serviceable than textile fabrics made
by the common process of weaving with reed harness and shuttles. The
rapidity with which the within-described warp and weft fabric is pro-
duced by my improved weft thread knitting loom, and by either mode
or method which I have described, will enable one of the said machines
of full size to follow at least one set of cards and knit into such fabric
all the yarn that can be produced from the wool or other fibrous sub-
stance carded thereon, and will require only one person to attend to
the weaving process instead of from four to eight looms and the same
number of weavers as in the common weaving process.
My improved weft thread knitting loom is adapted for knitting yarn
or thread made of any of the well-known fibrous substances and either
coarse or fine according to the gauge of the machine; fabrics suitable
for calicos, delaines, or other print goods can be made on a fine gauge
machine.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I wish it understood that I claim,-
First. The combination of a thread guide B and a presser wheel E
for introducing weft thread between reciprocating dividing needles.
Second. Dividing wheels C in combination with the series of recipro-
cating needles, actuated by a cam groove, when the cam and dividing
wheel act so that the needles are partially raised, arrested, divided, and
continue to rise after they are divided.
Third. The combination with the reciprocating series of divided needles
of the presser wheel E for pressing down the weft thread, substantially
as described.
Fourth. The combination of wheels C and E, and warp and weft
guides A and B, the latter having latch guards with the latch needles,
all arranged in combination and operating in the manner and for the
purpose specified.
Fifth. The series of reciprocating divided needles in combination,
substantially as described, with actuating mechanism which commences
to divide the needles when partially raised and at rest, and which
continue to rise when thus divided.
Sixth. The cam cylinder having lower and upper rising inclines
and cam groove H, the separately adjustable cams A³ constructed and

page_text: applied as described, and each provided with an ear ƒ³, an adjusting
screw I, a spring and an operating wheel f³, and a spring catch c³, all
arranged and operating in the manner and for the purpose set forth.
Seventh. The disc or plate A² in combination with wheels C and E,
in the manner and for the purpose specified.
Eighth. The needle slides having hooked butts constructed sub-
stantially as described and operating in connection with cams on a cam
cylinder to divide the needles carried by the slides for the introduction
of weft thread.
Ninth. The combination of the slides having plain and hooked butts
with cams acting in connection with such butts to reciprocate and
divide the needles carried by the slides, all substantially as described.
Tenth. The cam cylinder provided with grooves Hand-Q, the-former-
engaging plain butts to reciprocate the needles, and the latter engaging
hooked butts to divide the needles for the introduction of weft threads.
Eleventh. The combination with the needle carrying slides of a wheel
operating against such slides below the butts, by which they are
reciprocated, the slides and wheels being constructed substantially as
described to skip or press certain of the slides as set forth.
Twelfth. The slides D' in combination with the cam A working
against and moving such slides to throw their needles out of line with
the other needles for receiving the weft thread.
Thirteenth. The cam cylinder having groove H and slides D' and D",
cach having butts d in combination with a wheel acting against such
slides below the butts to separate the needles of such slides, the slides
and wheel being constructed substantially as described.
Fourteenth. The combination with long and short slides D' and D
having butts & with the cylinder, having cam groove H and cam A³, the
latter acting on the long slides to divide the needles, and the former
reciprocating the slides.
Fifteenth. The racking-up apparatus, take-up, or regulator, as
described, consisting of cones U and T, shaft A², worm Y, and gear
wheel Z, in combination with the cloth roll A' and the flyer, all arranged
and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose specified.

page_text: Sixteenth. I claim the cylinder having alternate deep and shallow
grooves for the purpose of keeping the needles always divided for the
introduction of weft threads.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of August, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy.
Witness,
D. L. WAGNER.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE. (L.S.)