GB811636A - Improvements in or relating to methods of and means for drawing fabric from the needles of a circular knitting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

811,636. Knitting-machines. HEMPHILL CO. Aug. 24, 1955 [April 12, 1955],No. 24374/55. Class 74 (2). A tube 2 extends from within the interior of the needle cylinder of a circular machine and is coupled at its extremity to a fan 5 which causes air to be sucked through the tube and thereby draw the knitted fabric downwardly from the needles. In the case of stockings which are cast off after completion a receptacle 3 of a diameter larger than that of the tube is provided to receive the completed stocking after it has been cast off. A grill 9 is provided across the receptacle to prevent the stocking entering the fan. A hand- or mechanically-operated cover or covers closes or close an opening in the lower portion of the receptacle and through which the stocking falls into a container 23. Switches co-operate with the covers to switch off the fan when the covers are opened. The diameter of the tube may be varied in its length to vary the drag on the fabric as it is produced. In addition the flow of air may be restricted to vary the drag on the fabric during the knitting of the stocking. Arches 11, Fig. 7, of wire or other material inclined to the vertical but in the direction of rotation of the needle cylinder hold the fabric away from the surface of the tube at its upper end and permit air to pass on both faces of the fabric. The inclination of the arches 11 tends to cause the fabric to move downwardly within the tube. Alternatively where a cup 51 and cap 52 take down mechanism is employed within the needle cylinder, air may be sucked through openings 55 in a hollow shaft 54 from within the cup 51 to draw the initial courses and welt of the stocking into the cup after which the cap is lowered and grips the fabric and the cap and cup proceed downwardly to draw off the stocking from the needles. Sinkerless knitting is also achieved by the use of the air under suction drawing down the fabric, stationary loopholders being provided intermediate the needles and the casting off being done by the action of the air dragging on the fabric. Specification 686,432 and U.S.A. Specification 2,275,276 are referred to.