GB801449A - Improvements in or relating to circular knitting machines - Google Patents

Abstract

801,449. Knitting-machines. BOOTON, Ltd., W. E., BOOTON, H., and NEAL, H. Nov. 20, 1956 [Dec. 2, 1955], No. 34506/55. Class 74 (2). Pneumatic fabric take-down mechanism is provided in a circular seamless hose machine which draws under suction the fabric as it is produced into a conduit 23 disposed slightly eccentrically within the needle cylinder. On completion of a stocking and after it has been cast off the needles, it is drawn through the conduit 23 and a connecting pipe 22 into a receiving chamber 21 having a perforated bottom which is attached to a control valve 29. During the knitting of a stocking the control valve 29 connects the suction device to the receiving chamber so that the air flow draws the stocking downwardly into the conduit. Just prior to casting off the completed stocking a cylindrical control valve 45 in the chamber 21 is rotated to close the entrance of the pipe 22 into the chamber and thereby stop the takedown action produced by the flow of air being drawn by the suction device. This permits the stocking to be cast off and the yarn to be severed without drawing a long length of yarn from a feeder. On completion of casting off the stocking the valve 45 is returned to open the entrance to the pipe 22 and to permit the stocking to be drawn into the chamber 21. The valve 29 is thereupon reversed so that air is blown into the chamber 21 to eject the stocking out of the end of the chamber into a receptacle 37 from which it may be removed by an operative. The valves 29, 45 are controlled to operate at appropriate times from pattern drums on the machine.