GB1388049A - Knitting machines having an electric patterning mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

1388049 Knitting-machines FRANZ MORAT GmbH 14 March 1972 [30 March 1971] 11870/72 Heading D1C In a knitting machine selection of knitting members is initiated by elements associated individually with the members, clamped at one end and having electrical conductors on or around them to which voltages can be applied in accordance with the pattern, to bend the elements. In a first embodiment, Figs. 5 and 7, each needle jack 1 is biased by a pressure spring 19 so that butt 3 can be swung clear of a cam track 11 when the control spring 5 is deflected. If the spring 5 remains horizontal the butt followers knitting track 15 and the jack is raised. An element 23, constrained by path 27 and the control spring keeps pressure spring 19 flexed and the butt in the track. If the control spring flexes, Fig. 5, the pressure spring can rack the jack once element 23 reaches recess 41. The control spring may be a bi-metallic strip or electro-strictive material connected direct to a battery; a magnetostrictive material, subject to a magnetic field; or a piezoelectric vibrator. Batteries supply holding voltages to maintain the spring positions if the main power supply fails. In the embodiment of Figs. 9, 10 each jack is associated with a vertical control spring. Jack butts 3 are raised by a track 54 and selection mode at A-A. If the spring remains vertical, butts are directed to track 59. If the spring is flexed the jack drops, so that its butt enters track 61. Downward movement of the butt may be assisted by a spring between the butt and the upper portion of the cam track. In a third embodiment (Fig. 11 not shown) control springs of the above type initiate needle selection as described in Specification 1112599.