US1683203A

US1683203A - Cisctrlab-xnittiire machine

Info

Publication number: US1683203A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1928-09-04
Anticipated expiration: 1945-09-04

Description

Sept. 4, 1928.

1,683,203 H. MQADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE Fild sept. 1s, 192e 5, 2

Harr McAdl-:am

Sept. 4, 1928. 1,683,203

H. McADAMs CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed sept. 18. 192s 9 sheets-'sheet 3 IIIHIINIHHIHIHI Ml'lllllllllllllll Sept. 4, 1928. 1,683,203

H. MCADAMS ClRCULAR KNITTING MACHlNE Filed Sept. 18, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Sept. 4, 1928.

H. MCADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTI'NG MACHINE Filed Sept. 18, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 E :L cgi. l l.

Hvar? MECIal-n Sept. 4, 1928J H. MCADAMVS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 18, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 www dmrmll sept. 4, 1928.

H. MCADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE gwmntoz l l t I Elkloznu,

Sept. 4, 192s. 1,683,203

H. M CADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 18, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet' 8 El-"EJES,

i .l www; Y Y nnlmlll HEEBMdal-n :J1/wanten Sept. 4. 1928. 1,683,203

H. MCADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 18, 1926 9 SheetsSheet 9 Patented Sept. 4, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIcE. y

HARRY VlllIIoADAMS'.` OF PEILADELPHA., PENNSYLVANIA, -ASSIGNCIIBIl OF ONE-HALF TO 4 JESSE W. STARR, 3D, OF A'.'LIIliALb'IJIIG- CITY, NEW JERSEY. v

CIBGULAB-KNITTING MACHINE.

Application mea september 1s, 192e, 'serial no. 136,276.

This invention relates to improvements in knitting machines.

The primary lobject of this invention is the provision of an improved circular knitting machine adaptable for the knitting of hosiery in which' a splice, reinforcing, or secondary thread is to be knit, and embodying improved means for controllingguid ing, directinc', and knitting the reinforcing, splice, or secondary thread in a continuous manner without waste thereof;` Without the ordinary floated or free portions. conventionally found in circular knitting machines where a reinforcing arca of less than the full circumference than the stocking is knit; and thereby using all of the splice yarn and obviating the usual cutting of the float, portions.

A further object of this invention is the provision of improved means embodied upon a circular knitting machine for regulating the splice thread during the knitting thereof, to permit the same to knit the splice in regular manner, and to knit what would ordinarily b'e'the float portion into. the splice. A further object of this invention is the provision of improved means specifically adaptable for lany sort of circular knitting machine, and more particularly illustrated and adaptable for-use in connection with the Pigeon-type of circular knit-ting machine such as set forth in Patent No. 1,330,818, granted February 17, 1920, or in connection with the Banner type of `knitting machine disclosed in Patent No. 933,443. dated September 7, 1909, but which is adapt-able for use in connection with any type of circu lar 'knitting-machine, embodying improved mea-ns for regulating asct of splice thread needles so asl to permit the same t'o take the` splice thread vas each revolution of the needle cylinder passed a predetermined splice needle rontrolling cam mechanism, whereby to knit the splice thread in regular manner and to Control the splice thread after knitting. in regular manner to knit in the splice of lthe article what would ordinarily be the float thread. and thereby economically producing a stocking or article with a saving of practically one half of thev splice or reinforcing thread, and obviating expensive iioat thread cutting operations now necessary.

Other objects .and advantages of :this invention will be apparentduring the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, .forming a part of this-specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate correspending parts throughout the several views- Figure 1 is a plan view of the improved circular knitting machine, showing more particularly the mechanism for guiding and controlling the reinforcing or splice yarn; the same being shown in position to guide what would ordinarily be the ioat portion of the splice yarn into position to be taken in a knitting relation by the splice thread needles in order to obviate the ioat portion.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the improved knitting machine, showinc essential portions of the same in so far as thej'invention herein described is concerned, showing the parts in the relation described' for Figure, 1.

Figure 3 'is a sideelevation of the improved knitting machine, of the parts above shown, at the side directly opposite the view illustrated in Figure 0.

Figure l is a fragmentary side elevation of details illustrated in Figure 2, but showing an arrangement of parts by which the splice thread is kicked7 into position to be received by the beards or hooks of the splice thread receiving needles.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary front elevation of the knitting cylinder, showinginore par` ticularlythenovel cam means for elevating and regulatinglthe splice thread receiving needles.

Figure G is afragmcntary'plan view of certain details of splice thread needle controlling cams. Y

Figure 7 is a sectional Viewl taken substantially onthe line 7--7. of Figure 6,

Figure S isv a sectional view taken sub-i embodied in this invention and morablewith the rotary needle cylinder to. regulate the interval at .whichsplioe yarn is placed upon the splice yarnreceiving needles.

Figure 1d is a diagrammaticdevelopment on a plane surface of the knitting needles and their cam arrangements.

F iguie l5 is a vertical sectional View taken tl11ouffh .the improved rotary knittinv cylinder, s ioxvi fr the l'relation .cf needles and needlebutt -jacks'. Figures 16 to 25 inclusive are lfragmentaryvperspcctive views illustratingr the vari- -ous stepsinf the: knitting of the splice or reinforcingyarn, in roper sequence.

AIn fthe drawings,- w erein for the purpose of illustration isshown only a preferred cmbodim'ent of lmechanism for carrying out the objects of this invention, the letter A may generally designate the improved knitting machine, which may include a rotary needle supporting cylinder B. rotatably supported upon a frame C.

The needle supporting cylinder B receives complementary sets of needles D and E; and cam means Fis provided for preferably opcrating upon all of the needles of both sets l) and E for regulating the reception of the main yarn, and moving them into knitting relation with respect to main and splice yarns as illustrated in Figure let. Novel cam means G is provided for guiding and regulating the needles en the sct of needles E so that they may take the splice, reinforcing, or secondary yarn to continuously knit the same without any waste or float portions appearing in the knitted stocking or garment. A splice thread guide arm H is provided, operated hy means K to control the splice thread S in vthc proper knitting relation with respect to the knitting needles of the splice thread receiving needles E as illustrated in Figures l, 2 and 1G. Means M is provided .for operating upon the splice thread S to 'insure that the portion of the splice thread which would be vthe ordinary float portion in conventional knitting is thrown onto the needles vof the set E so that the beards or hooks will receive the same in a knittingr relation. Means P isV provided for bringing what would ordinarily be the float portion of the splice thread to the outside of the circular line of lmitting needles so that the needles of the set E may receive the same in a knitting relation, the means P performing the additional function of revulating the knitting feed ofthe splice yarn b when that portion of the splice yarn which would be the ordinary float portion in conventional knittinfr, is knit into the splice in the garment. 'leans R, and T illustrated in Fig. 8, are controlled b pattern control means of the knitting mac ine, for respectively maintaining the meansl M and P inoperative during the knitting of certain parts of the garment, such as in the case of. hosiery, the knitting of thel heelfand -toe pockets.

In the circularvkn-itting .meanszthe needle cylinderis that'type' ada ted to .be rotated to produce plain tubular vnitting',vor oscillated to forinheelcr toe ockets for stockings or the like-The nee les shown are of the sprin beard type, although I use other types if esired. Suitable yarn supporters and beard' depressors cooperate with -the needles in aknitting operation. In the production ofv hosiery it. is needless to state to those skilled in vthe art that a splice yarn, reinforcing yarn, or secondary yarn, is used to produce the high splice, reinforced foot portion, or other parts of the stocking or garment beino' knitted.

Many details of operating mechanism, conventionally known to those skilled in the art,

and more particularly shown in the patents above referred to, are omitted from the type of knitting machine illustration in the drawings, and manufactured by the l/Vildman Mfg. Co., Norristown, Penna.

v Referring to the drawings, the needle cylinder B is mount-ed to rotate or oscillatev in a supporting bed 26, more particularly illustrated in Figure 15 of the drawings. This needle cylinder is provided with spring beard needles 27, which are divided into the two sets or series D and E, as diagrammatically represented in Figure 14 of the drawings. The needles in the set D operate at all times during plain tubular knitting, but the needles of the set E are preferabl constructed and operated upon to make t 1e reinforcing or high splice of the garment being knitted upon.

As above noted the needles 2'? are preferablyv ot' the spring beard type, and cooperating with each needle 27 is-a beard depressor 28, of the conventional type. The beard depressors are actuated by cams (not shown) carried by the cam ring or cap 29, which is stationary and may be considered a part of the frame C. These beard depressors and their operating mechanisms formno part of the present invention as may be noted, but it 1s essential to place certain guide means to avoid the-saine during the .novel operation of the splice yarns.

The main yarn L is fed in ordinary manner to the needles 27 from a yarnguide 30, see Figure 2, pivotally supported upon a lill pin 31, and a plurality of which yarn guides 30, for the main yarn L, may be provided, according to ordinary construction. The main yarn is of course fed against `the Shanks of the needlesvvell helow Vthe heards ot the needles when said needles are at their highest level. The yarn is supported by yarn supporters or sinkers 31 which are mounted to slide in radial slots in a tinker ring 32 secured to the upper end ol the cylinder and rotatable therewith. The said yarn sinkers are provded/with yarn and fabric supporting ler'ges 33, shown in Fig ure 15, which should be` noted, in so far as this invention is concerned, since a special guide shown in Fiq. l, at i259 is provided to take the splice yarn over the saine at a certain interval, as will be subsequently inentioned. The .said yarn supporters 31 are moved radial of the needle cylinder B by means of certain cam grooves provided in the cam rin; 29. and the construction is eo'nventional as will be well understood by thofse skilled in the art. The needles ot the series D have Shanks which are longer than the Shanks of 'the needles ot the series E. That is, the, length of each needle of the series D is greater than the length of the needle of the series as illustrated in Fig. 14;, -although this is merely one arraneenientdiy which the control of the needles is etlected. The needles of the series D and E may he respectively proved with butts and. 36, as shown in Figure 14. Vhile ordinarily the butts 35 are longer than the butts 36, for this invention they may all he considered as of the same length. A novel feature of the invention is the provision of a sla-rial jack 37 for each needle of the series E, slidably disposed in the guide grooves of the needle' Cylinder, below the respective needles of the set or series E. Flach of the short jacks 37 is provided with a butt ln fact., each needle o't the series E may be said to be divided into upper and lower portions with an upper and lower butt respectively, movable relatively toward and away from each other by the cam means F and (ir to be subsequently described, to etfeet the purpose of this invention to be subsequently set forth.

The direction of rotation of the ,needle cylinder' is as shown in Figure 1 ot' the drawings, by the arrow, and the needles rotate in the direction illustrated by the arrow in Fig; ure 14.

As to the cani means F, the saine includes a rain Llt), upon which the butts 35 and $36 of the needles of both series D and Bride, to bring the needles from their lower positions, starting at the point 41 whieh is illustrated in Figs. 2, 1.4, 16. 17, 18, 19, 23, 24 and 25, to fully elevate the same above the sinkers 31. The needles of the series D and. E during the normal rotary travel remain elevated from the location 43 to the point 45 illustrated in Figs. 1l, 16, 18, 19, Q3, 24C and 2f), and at location 45 the butts 35 and 36 are engaged hy' cam ni-eans 45S of Fig. 1l, and the needles are lowered in order to brine; the :nain and splice yarns, as ihe ease may he, into knitting relation at the point 47 .illustrated in Figs. 14 and lll to inclusive. After the knit of the yarn has heen elicit-ted the butts 35 and 36 ride along a eaux 4i), as shown in Fig. 1&1, and are elevated oneo more, heiner fully elevated at, the loeation 50, and all of the needles of the series D and E travel in vfully elevated relation from the point 5d to the location 51, as shown in Figures 3, 14 and 16 to inclusive, at which all of the needles of both sets D and E are a'gain lowered hy a cam 5'2, shown in Fil. .14, which operates on the butts 35 and 3G. The needles of both series are then tally lowered at the location 53 illustrated in Fi g1'- ures 14, 'iti to 1i@ and 20 to Q5 inclusive. and in the case of tile needles of the seriesr l) the same continue in a lowered travel during the rotation of the cylinder until the cani 4() shown in Fie 14 and as above mentioned is reached. a'nii hence. they are elevated again. This is np't true of the needles of the series E, hovvwer, since due to the front position of the special cani means G and the` short jacks 3T, the needles of the series E are ele vated in otder to lake the splice yarn to the knitting point 47.

At this-time referring to Figures 5, 6, 7, 11 and 14, which show the special earn means (l, it is to he noted that they approach the t ain means (if the short jacks 3T are positioned in a considerallly spaced relation below the lowerinostedges of the respective needles apen which they operate. Even when the needles in the series E are fully lowered, and prior to operation of the jacks 37 upon the cani means (ir, there is a Space illustrated at, in Figure, il of the drawings, between the top edge of eaclrjark 37 and the lower edge ot each respective needle thereabove in the series E. As the jacks 37 approach the .cani ineans G, the butts-58 thereof first ride .upwardly upon an inclined cain 5G, and due to the tact that the effective throw ot this cani is Lgreater than the space 55, the top edge of each short jack 3T engages the lower edge of the needle thereabove and pushes its respective needle in the series E upwardly troni the low point 58 to the point 5S), as illustrated in Figs. 5, 1l, 1l and 16 which is about one half of the normal high elevation of the needle beards. The butts 3S ride oil' ot the cam 56 when the needles haye been elevated, to the point 59 and the butts 38 ot the short jacks 37 then come into contart with an oppositely inclined rain (i0, which lowers the short jacks 37 to their normal lower position. as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 14, and they continue in this lower position ride, and the needles ot the series ll are elevated from the ioratiou til to the fully elevated location (i5, and in this elevated condition the needles of the series lil receive the splice varii S, as is illustrated in Figs. ll, lt. it) and Lft). And the said needles of ,the series E remain fully elevated from the loeat ion (S5 until they are carried downwardly by the bain 4G to the knitting point di", aiidat iiliiiih time the splice yarn is of course kiiit in with tl e main yarn.

Referring to the-mounting of the cams 5G, 4(30km-ull (12 as is illustrated in Figures (5, 7

and li of the drawings, a rain supporting.

block or member G8 is mounted upon the stipporting bed 26, at the front of the knitting iiiaehinel, and one side oftthe block or member (38 is beveled at (59, and upon this side is slidably placed the cam t. The eaiii 5G illustrated in Figure 6 is elongated and provided with a pair of elongated slots Tt) therealong which receive screws oi' guide pins Tl ronnwbted in the bleek or ii'ieiiiber (i8. so as io'pernlit th 'gain titi to slide longitudinally and preferably radial of the needle cylinder B, so thatV when fully extended towards the `cylinder the inner margin thereof will be positioned to engage the butts 3S of the short jacks 3T. A leaf spi-iini 'T2 shown in Filis. t and ll is connected at tl on the bloc-k i215, and at its free end is resiliently urged into engagement against a shoulder T4 at the outer end of the eaiu member 5G, to urge the same normally into position for engaging the butts This rain meiiilier 5t) adjacent its outer end is provided with an upwardly facing recess iii which tits the outer end of ailever 76, which will be sulisefiui utly described as part of the means lt to retract the cam ati so that it will not. engage the butts B8, and therefore will not operate during periods when the splice or ieiiit'ori'ing yarn is not received by the needle cylinder, such as when the latter is oscillating.

'l'he block titi attached by screws T8 on the supporting bed 26, to prevent itsl iiio\e nient. and the opposite side of the saine is also beveled at 8th for receivingl the stations ary eam, iiieiiiliertit) in :i roniieeted relation bv screws Si oi' the lilac. 'l'liis eam (it) is not movable and is always in position to pull the short jaclo` ST down to their fully lowered position.

stationary aframe plate S3 receives the needle cylinder therethrough and practically surrounds the needle cylinder, in spaced relation above the supporting hed 26 above mentioned, the saine :it-[the front thereof being cutaway to accommodate the cams eti and (it), as shown in Fig. I, and 'it heini,T preferred that the plate 83 support the cani means F above described and other details of ctinventional character well known to those skilled in the ordinary construction of machines of this character. The Cain 62 is rigid upon a bracket. 84 supported on the fi'aine.iiiig 83, at the front of the knitting machine, as shown in Fig. 5,l and in the relation above described to elevate the splice yarn receiving needles of the series lf] to their fully elevated splice yarn receiving positions. The position of cams It and t: is well illustrated in a developed plane in Figure il and the cams G in front elevation in Figure 5.

Other cam details which come into play during the oscillation of the cylinder B need not be described, as they are conventional and are illustrated in diagrammatic manner in Figure 14 of the drawings.

Details of the mechanisms K, M, and P will now be described, and the operation in a proper knitting sequence will be later given to set forth the cooperation of the elements of these various mechanisms.

The splice yarn guide arm H as is illustrated in Figures 1 and Q, and elsewhere, is preferably elongated, and at the front end thereof is inwardly curved at 85 as shown in Fig. l, towards the knitting cylinder 13, `aiqid at the free end thereof the saine is provided with a downturned right angled por tion 8G which is adapted to normally rest upon the top surface of the stationary cam ring 29. At its rear end the splice yarn guide arm H is adjust-ably received in a sleeve portion 87 of au L-shaped bracket S8, which is pivoted upon a supporting pin Si) rotatably mounted on a statitfiiiary bracket il() as part of the frame C. `The arni H at the lower end of the portion 86 is provided with a transverse opening Sil, through which the splice yarn S extends in a guided reli tion for engaging the knitting needles as will be subsequently mentioned. The guide arm H is elevated from its normal position illustrated in Figure .2 to the position illustrated in Figure Ll, in order to permit the splice yarn receiving needles of the series lil to clear the splice yarn at the time after a swinging ariii or member 95@ of the means M has pushed the splice yarn beneath the beardsof the needles of the series E, as is illust rated', in Figure 4 of the drawings. It is very netessary for the arin'H to Clear the split-e yarn, feeding from the bobbin to theiieedles, to prevent entanglement when knity ting what would ordinarily be the 'float por-v tion of the splicer lei'erring now to the means K which eleialf the number of teeth 108. 40.4

yates and lowers. `the aplico yarn guide arm H. a lever 05 is pivoted at 90 upon a` bracket 97 forming a part of thc trame C. ',lfhial lever 95 adjacent the free end thereof is provided with a lati-rally extending arm b' non nially spaced alightlv below the guide arm ll at a, location between the free end ol'l the arm llV and ii.` pivot H0, and in auch poaition that upon t-leiation ol' tht` lever 9S) the arm Utl will engage the arin ll and elevate the same lo the pmiiioii illustrated in Figure 4. The nii-:ina for eli-vatin the lever U to perforni ila function operated in s vnchronisni with rotation ot the cylinder B. To this end, upon the. main shaft 100, or Sonie other rotary .shaft of the machine A having proper iotation with the cylinder B, a disc 101 in preferably placed, having diametrically opposed pins 102 and 103 thereon. A. paw] supportingr lever 104. is pivoled at. 105 .on the frame C, in any suitable location, and this lever 105 at the free end thereof is pro,- vided with a pawl 106 normally spring urged by meanv 107 into engagement with the teeth 108 on a ratchet wheel 109 rotatably mounted upon a pin or shaft 110 which is in turn supported by the bracket 07. Iiitei-mediate its ends the lever arnr 104 is previded with an extension 111 which may have a beveled edge 112 in the nature of a cani surface over which the pins 102 and 103 may ide to oscillale the lever 104 tfo permit the 'paul 106 to engage the various teeth 1025 of ythe ratchet wheel 109 and rotate the latter. Rigid with the ratchet wheel S) is a cam wheel 115 at the inner side thereof, of substantially the same diameter, and having,r a plurality of cam teeth 117 amounting to one These teeth 117 operate in a cani like manner upon an 'adjustable and detachable linger 110 which `,is carried intermediate its ends upon the .lever 05 above described, as hy a detachable Screw 120.

'1n the operation of the means K it is assumed that the shaft 100 rotates at the same speed of rotation as the needle cylin der B. Assuming the. varn arm H to be lowered il ustrated in Figure il, the needleS of the series E are just starting to elevate to take the splice yarn S, which has:

,been drawn by thel means P to the outside of the line of needles of the cylinder. As the cylinder B continues to rotate the pin dise ,101 will alao rotate and thek pin 10:2 rides over the edge. 112 of the lever 1,04, elevating; the lever '101 from the position illustrated in Figure 2, slightly, until the pawl 10p thereof engages beneath they uppermost tooth 108 immediately adjacent the top of the pavvl 101i, which puehes thev ratchet wheel 109 mound slightly; and just about sullcient to cauae the linger 119 to ride up u on the adjacent tooth 117 of the cani Whee 115, to the position illustrated in Figure il of the drawing. ThisK operation of course eleratesy the lever 0:1 and consequently through the arui 18 elevates the yarn arm l1 to the position illnstrated in Figure l. and this clevales the aplice yarn S to a pobition where the same can not he entangled by the approaching needles designated as E in Figure 4 ot' the drawingra. In the meantime, just before the elevation of the arm H, the Swing;- ing arm 05" has pushed the splice yarn to the inside of the line of needles E which have just been elevated, as illustrated in Figure 1t) ot' the drawings, so that the splice yarn will catch beneath the beards of the needle@` in the series F. The arm H then remains elevated by reason of resting of the linger 110 on the top teeth 117, as Yillustrated in Figure 4, and the dise 101 continues to rotate for about 150", according to the timing de sired, until the pin 103 rides into engage ment with the edge 112 of the lever 104 which has lowered in the meantime to stop 101 and at this time the splice receiving needles of the bei-ies lil have all pasaed the splice Ivarn at the threaded location on' the arm Il, and duc to coming;y of the pin 103 into engagement with the lever 101, the lat-. ler will lie elevated for rotatinpr the ratchet wheel 100 to the position illustrated in Figure 2 of the. drawings, Where the linger 119 in immediately in the rear of one ot the teeth 11T and ready to ride upwardlq` thereon when the operation above dmaerihed ia repeated. This of course lowers arm 151 lo the po ition shown in .Figline Referring to the means M, aa above nientioncd. the naine inclui'lea` an arm 05' adapted to more the eplice yarn into receiving relation by the hooks or beards of the splice` yarn receiving needles at` the proper time. Thies arm 0:. may he a pivoteil arm or slidable arm., just so it moves to perform the function above defafrihed in synifhroniam willi the rotating needle cylinder l. The preferred arrangement is that ot' providinjr an arm 05 pivoled at 130 on the upper endg. of a bracket arni lill. Braekel' arm 1.81 is leupported at 121:5 on the front. top 1-1; l the stationary cani ringfild :te own in Figs. 1 and 2. A Springy 183 in provided. engaging at one end the hraclutt lill and al the op 'ponte end the pivot arnitL below its pivot point 1230; zal spring 1213 noriiiaily being under tenaion to urge. the pivnted ariu outi-vardly at its lower end to the outer ride ot the circular line. ot needlef` ol' the needle c vlinler-ll. and againel' a -tep projection 134 provided as; a partl of tht` bracket lill, aliliongh not neccaearily a part thereof. The lower end of the arm 95 is provided with a hook extension 130 inclined slightly toward the renter of the needle cylinder B, andin a position just forwardly of the yarn \g fuide arm H.y Where the same upon swinging ,inwardly to the inside of the circular line lll) .the shaft- 151 is slidably of knitting needles may carry the splice yarn S into engagement with the outer side of the elevated needles which have jitst. been elevated by the earn G2 to their fully elevated posit-ion, so that the beards ot' the needles of the series E may engage the splice yarn at the portion which is ordinarily the lioat, portion, and as will be subsequentlydescribed in setting forth the cycle of operation.

As to the proper oscillation of the arm an* operating lever 1.40 is provided. pivoted on a pin 141. lcarried by the braeket 131 or a part adjacent thereto. This lever at its lower end extends below the cam ring 29 and is provided with an inturned foot 143 which rides against the outer `surfaee of a cam ring 144, which is more nirtieularly detailed in Figure 13, and which is suitably mounted as by keying on the sinker ring 32 of the rotating needle eyls inder. The sinker ring 32, as is well understood in the practical art rotates with the cylinder B, since the sinkers 31 intel-mesh with the cylinder needles. This eam 144 may be provided with cam shoulders 146 designed to swing the foot 143 outwardly and cause inward swinging of the splice yarn controlling arm 95u due to a link connection between the lever 140 at the upper end thereof and said arm 95, as is illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. Lever 140 is limited by a stop 141a shown in Figs. 1 and Q.

Referring to the means P, it may be stated at this time that the same serves .two very important and primary functions, trst, te bring what would ordinarily be the lioat portion of the splice thread to the out-side, of the circular line of cylinder needles in. order that this portion of the splice yarn or thread may be received on the, series E oi' the splice knitting needles. The second important feature ot' the means P is to hold the splice yarn until sutlicient of the splice or reinforcing thread S has been pulled otl' o the bobbin in an amount. required to knit w iat would ordinarily he the tloat thread into th'e splice. and after this mount has been pulled from the bobbin the means l slowly feeds it to enable what would ordinarily be the float thread to knit into the fabric. This operation will be more thoroughly detailed hereinafter.

The means P is best 1, 3 and 9 of the drawings, and alsorin ure 2. 1t includes a horizontal swinging arm 1.50, which at one end thereof is provided with a right angled and vertical siaft 151 received in a rigid relation within a sleeve portion 152 thereof, so that the lower end of the shaft 151 extends below the lower edge of the sleeve 152. This lower end of mounted in the Vertical passageway 154 of a vertical sleeve illustrated in Figures Fig- 1 15.7 provided as part of a delai-hable ln'zltwt 156 mounted on the stationary cani ring 2), as illustrated in Figure ii o1 the '.rswlngs. The y:hatt 151 may reeil'iroeate in :he passageway 154 of the' sleeve 155. At itsl lower end the shaft 151 extends below the siervo and is provided with a right. angled arm 157 which supports a. roller 15S at the tree end thereof, operating upon :i detachable cani ring 150 which is (letaelnilily keyed on the sinker ring 25:2 of the rotary cylinder B, as illustrated in Figure 15. A spiral .spiing 1o() envireles the sleeve 155 and the portion 13; ot the arm 150, at its lower and ,being eonneeted to the bracket 15G andL a: its upper end being ronnected about :i l' which is part et' the sleeve 1,12; the spi nl; t'io being under a tension to normally swing the arm 150 inwardly toward the main yarn guide litktoaposiion tolles-:1% seuorinlj.'inseribi The cam 15S? rotates. with the cylinder in the direction o' the arrow illustrated in Fieure 1,.;1nd during the norinai riding ot the roller 158 ou the, portion tti-v oi the rain 1.3i) which is eoneentrio with they rotary cylinder, the arm 150 is maintained in the raisition illustrated in Figures 1 and l. A the. roller 158 rides onto the gradually sloping portion 166 o1 the earn 15%). the arm '1.50 is slowly fed inwardly to feed the splice thread to enable the knitting ot' what would ordin narily be the float portion of the splice yarn, and after the splice yarn has been knitted to thepend of the series of needles E, the roller 158 rides onto the sharply inclined cam surface 168 of the cam 159 and quickly throws the arm 150 to the outside of the circular line of knitting needles, and in so doing the same engages the splice yarn to pull the same to the position illustrated in Figure 1 as will be subsequently understood more tully.

The arm 150 at the free end thereof is provided with a tubular sleeve portion 17()7 in which a shaft 171 is oscillatively mounted. TheI shaft V171 at the upper end lthereof is provided with a laterally extending arm 172 rigid therewith shown in Fig. 1, and at the. lower end thereof the same is provided with the right angled hook portion 175 shown in Fig. 3 which guides the splice yarn in the variousoperations above and to be subsequently mentioned. A spring' 176 under tension engages the arm 172 at one end and is held at its opposite end by a bracket 17S attached to the arm 1.50. and normally swings the hook end 175 away from the arm 150, butthis movement is limited by means of the arm 172 engaging a stop extension rigid on arm 15H as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The arni 123.8 is provided` with a finger projection 182%, shown in Figs. 1 and 3. which engages against a vertieal stop rod 184 rigid on cap 29', as the arm 150 approaches its outer movement, to turn the arm 172 slightly and swing the hook end 175 swinos to its4 outermost i tive.

away from the line of needles. This opera- .tionof course only occius when the arm 150 osition as illustrated in Figure 1 ofthe rawings.

lTo bufl` tlie action which the sharp cam surface `168has on the swinging of the arm 150, a resilient buil pad 185 is placed on a bracket' 185 carried by the cam ring 29, which an extension 185 on the arm 150 may engage at the outward limit of movement of the arm 150, as illustrated in Figure 1. This eliminates noise and shock upon the parts,-

since it must be understood that the needle cylinder rotates at a considerable s eed and unnecessary shock and vibration o parts of suoli will have to be eliminated.

The hook end 175 ofi the means P must of course be elevated above the top surface of the cam ring 29 at the outward limitof swinging of the arm 150, but it is desirable that the samebe lowered within the passageway of the needle cylinderl 13, in order to pass beneath the plate 190. Both at theinner and outer limits of movement .of the arm 150 the hook end 175 is elevated, and this is attained as shown in Figs. 3 and 9, by providing a cam ringer 191 on thelower end of the sleeve portion 152 of the arm 150, which operates upon inclined cam shoulders 192 and 1931of sleeve 155, to mark the inner and outer limits of amplitude of movement of the arm 150, and consequently when the finger 191 rides upon the surface 194 of the sleeve 155, the hook 175 will be lowered in the upper end of the needle cylinder, but

when itrides up on the shoulders 192 and 193 the shaft 15.1fwill slide upwardly in the sleeve 155 on the bracket 156, to elevate the hook 175.

There are times when the reinforcing thread- .is not used. Then the swingingsplice 'thread control means P, and the means M are locked and retained inopera- This locking, as above mentioned is controlled by the means R and T, which themselves are Voperably controlled by the pattern controlled means, as will be well understood by -those skilled in the art to which this invention relates.

Referringto the means T for lockingthe arm 150 against swinging, and` to maintain the means; P inoperative, the same includes alever l200 illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, ivoted at 201 on the frame C, and which at t e free end thereof is connected to a vertically slidable lock rod 202, guided by bracket means 203 supported by the frame table or ring 83, so that normally when the lock rod 202 .is lowered it will be out of obstructing relation with respect to the roller. supporting arm 157 of the swingingarm` shaftv 151, as illustrated in Fig'. 3, but uson certain elevation of the lever 200 the said 1ockrod202 may be elevated to engage against the inner edge surface of the that it cannot swing .inwardly responsive to the sprin'g 160,.as can be understood from Fig. 1. lhe upper end of the bracket 203 may act as a stop against which the roller 158 abuts to limit the outward. swing of the roller supporting arm 157 and consequently the arm 150, as can readily be gained from Figures 1 and 3 rof the drawings.

The means for operating 'the lever 200 consists of a special 4disc or member 208 connected for rotation with the pawling shaft 209 of the machine A., which as is well understood in the art is controlled by pawl and ratchet mechanisms operatedvin turn by links with special lugs, so that the high splice and reinforced.4 sole can be' brought into. play as desired. This mechanism is of course all controlled by thepattern control device. This disc.208 is' rovidcd with a peripheral notch 210 therein, wherein a lug 2.11, .formed intermediate'the ends of the lever -200 drops during the knit ting of the high spl'ice, 1n order to remove the stop rod 202 from obstructing swinging movement of the' arm157. The dise 208 has a second notch 212 therein, illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, intov which the lug 211 falls, to remove the stop rod 202 from the ,path of the swinging arm 157 during the knitting of the splice or reinforced sole of the stocking. During all other times the lug 211 rides on the periphery of the disc 208, such as during the oscillation of the needle cylinder wheirknitting the heel and toe, and during other operations, as will be readily apparent, tolock the means P.

Referring to the means R, the same, as shown in Fig. 3, includes va vertically., disposed level` 215, -pivoted at 216a on the frame C, and at the upper end thereof: being connected by a link V216 wit-hthez-lcver 76, which is pivotedat 218 on the stationary supporting bed 26, asillustrated in Figure lhe lever 76 as above mentioned has one function in that-tho same controls the cam 56. It has another function in connection with -the mechanism illustrated in Figures 1l and 12 of the drawings. This mechanism -arm 157, to lock the arm 157 outwardly so includes a stop shaft or rod 220, sl'idably supported by a bracket 221 which is mount-- ed upon the frame ring 83. The rod '220 is vertically disposed, and the bracket 221 includes upper and lower apertured sleeves extension 227 connected withthe lower end of lever rand, .extending below the cam engaging. foot 143 thereof, in such position that when-the rod 220 is elevated it will extend above the lower portion of the stop member 227 to hold the lever -1110 out Vot engagement-'with its cam ring 144, andthus holdingthe arm 95, at its lower end, entirel'y within the circula-rline of knit-ting needles, and out of operating relation with the splice arn. As is illustrated in Figure -12 ofthe rawings, the-free end ofthe lever 76 is providedwith an upwardly inclined cam'poi't'ion 230,- which lunder certain -Icircumstances, when it is desired to maintain the meansM inoperative, rides againstthe lower end of the sto pin `or shaft 220 to force thesanie upwar ly into obstructing relation 'with the lever 140- to maintain the letter inoperative as above mentioned, and as will -bevsubsequentl'y set forth.

Thevnieans for operating the lever 215 as is shown in Figs. 3 and 10 consists in the provisionoi' a notched operatingdisc 235, keyed in any manner for movement withthe disc Y208 asbydetachable screws 236. The dise235 is'provided with anot-ch 237 therein similar to the notch 210 of Vthe disc 208,- and likewiseadapted to receivea lub 238 ofthe lever 215, when the lever 215 is to be maintained in posit-ion to retract the stop pin 220-and permit the cam 56 to operate on-the butts 38.` The lug 238 rests in its notch 237 during the knittingr of the high-splice. The lug; or extension 238 is received within a second; notch .arrangement 240 of the disc 235 during knitting off-the splice sole, and during the knitting of the reinorced toe, the lug 238 rides on the outer periphery of the disc Y235', to swingT the lever 215 outwardly and move the lever 76 to withdraw the -cam .56 out of the path of the butts 38 and to elevate the stop )in 220 to hold the means M inoperative. i sprintr 245 under tension, isconnected at one endp2fl6 on the frame C and at the other end engages the upper end of the lever 215 to normally urge the extension 238 against disc 235.

Referring now to the cycle of o )eration in so feras the knitting ofy the spli S is concerned,the vFigures -16 to 25-inclusive follow in sequence with the description of the operation.

In Figure 16 is illustrated the needle cylinder with the needle means of the series E'elevatedy and about to receive the splice yarn S in a manner in which splice yarn is received upon the needles of an ordinary circular knitting machine for regular knitting of the splice yarn. The rotation of .the needle cylinder is in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 16, and while the lower hook end 136 of the arm 95aL is shown as engaging the splice vyarn S and holdinf.I it at the inside oi' the circular line of needles, yet in this position of parts the hook end of the arm 95a plays no important 'ce thread function, since the splice yarn would just as Well he ifeceived'on the needles E for regular knitting of the splieeyarn, where the arm 95n not present. This -isso because the uide 11i-m H is lowered and -enables the ioremost advancing elevated needle'to pull the yarn S oil' the hook'136 to the outside of the needles of series E. It is in a future operation thatthe hook end of the arm 951 p 'ays an important art, as will be subsequently described. s the cylinder rotates to the osition illustrated 1n Figure 17, about a lialf a revolution of the cylinder B, in the parts shown, the s lice thread S has wrapped about all of e needles of the series E, as in regularsplice thread knitting, and is being it in at the point 47, as can readily be understood.A Splice yarn .S at the location `250'illust1ated in Figure 17 is enga-ged about the last of the needles of the series E, and the part of the splice thread shown in Figure 17 from the point 250 toward the apertured veye-at the free end of .the guide Aarm H isthe pai-t that would ordinarily be the-.iloatftliread in conventional knitting.v It is tovbe noted that from the position illustrated in Figure 16 to the position illustrated in Figure 17 the needles E have all passed-the -splice yarn guide end of the arm H andthe splice yarn has of course passed off of the hook end o-f the aim 95l due to the fact that the arm H remains lowered and -the splice yarn catching on theffrstl needle of theseries E pulls the; saine off of the hook end of the arm 95, During this movement of part-s, the linclined portion 166 of the cani 159 receives the roller 158 of the means P, to slowly swing the arm 150 inwardly over the needle cylinder, and this movesthe lower hook end 175 of the means P across the-top of the cylinder B, to the location illustrated in Figure 17, and before the splice thread has passed under the hook end 175, the cam finger 191 illustrated in Figure 9 rides up on the shoulder 192, to elevate the hook end 175 beneath the cutter plate 190, and this movement enables the thread to pass efiiciently beneath hook 175. Immediately after the splice yarn has passed under the hook end 175, after a slight advance of t-he rotation from a position illustrated in Figure 17, the sharply inclined surface 168 of the cam 159 rides'against the roller 158 and quickly swings the arm 150 back to its normal position, and the hook end 175 grasps the splice yarn S during this movement, as illustrated in Figure 18. and swings the saine to the outside of. Ithe circular 'line of knitting' needles, to the position illustrated in Figure 19. At this time, the last of the regulai knit in the splice has been effected, and the threads shown in Figure 18 is what would ordinarily be the float Ythread of the splice yarn, which-is brought to the outside of the Un i series E commence to rise by reason of operationon the cam means G above described. Before the first of these needlcs of the series -E reaches the splice yarn `tguide end of the arm. H, the" foot.` end143 of the lever 140 is engaged bythe cam 144, at the throw portionle'tfthereof, to swing the u per end of the lever 140 inwardlvand -inci ental .to the link connection 145 this swings the arm 95L at its lower hook end 136 againstthe splice' yarn S between the connection in the aperture 9 1.;on thearm H and the first elevated needlel of thoseries E, A:so that thel .splice yarn lis pushed inwardly to enga-ge beneath the beards of the elevated vneedles of the series E. Atthis time the guide arm H is lowered as illustrated in Figure 19, and in the, position illustrated in Figure 2 in side elevation4 But 4at this interval, however, `and beforeithe first elevated needle of' 'the series E can reachthe Jortion 255 of the splice yarn as illustrate in Figure 19,

the means K operate to throw the lever 95 upwardly,fas abovedcscribed, which elevates thegnidearm H at its Vfreeend, and throws the splice yarn upwardly, in so-far as the portion255 is concerned, so that it will clearV the advancing needles of the series E. The

arm 95a has now performed its function, since ithas brought what wouldl ordinarily be the i float ortion of the splice yarn about the outsiesof the lineof needles'E, and upon continued-rotation to the position illustrated 1in Figure 20 the yarn S rides oli of the lower hook' end ofthe swinging arm 95". Duringall of this ltime, however, the hook cnd 17 5 of the means P keeps hold of the splice yarn, 'and isA pulling the splice ;yarn from the bobbin as the splice yarn is carried on the needles E away from the hook The ob'ect in 'pulling the splice yarn ofi of the bo bin at this tiine, is to insure that a sufficient amountl of the splice yarn will be provided to enable knitting in the splice of the stocking, of that portion of the yarn which would ordinarily be the fica-t portion, since during the knitting of this port-ion the bobbin isat the wrong end of the thread about to knit in, -that is, the

"thread "rom the bobbiu has, its line extending direct to the liist needle of the series ifi where the knitting first takes place, whereas when .knitting regular in the splice-the splice thread --lrom the bobbin extends to a point about. a needle of the series Eto the rear of the knitting point. Thus, the means P at this time pulls sufficient of the thread from the bobbin to enable the knit inof the splice thread and prevent .the

formation of a oat.

urn S to` 33 which extend to the inside of the circular line of: necdles, a guide bracket 258 is provided, having -a'n arcuate lower portion 259.

on which .the splicethread rides; the said m1114259 being at a. location' immediately above. the inwardly extendingl ends of the' yarn supporters 3l, as illustrated in Fig- 'ure 19.

pressors 2S, a guide plate Y260 is provided, over whichthe splice-yarn rides as illustrated in Figures 19 and 20.

From the position of parts from Figures p Also, to prevent. the -spliceyarn -at this-point from catching on the beard de- 20 to 21, that portion of the splice yarn which would ordinarily b`etl1efloat` portion has been placedabout the outer sides of the series of needles E, and the last of the series E has elevated and is designated at 261 in Figure 21. The cylinder'B is still rotatinr andthe hook end 175 still lholds the splice yarn to pull the same from the bobbin. Immediately at the time that the first of the needles of the series E lowersV to knit in at the point 47, the cam surface 166 rides Vagainst theroller 15S and permits 4the arm 150 to slowly feed the hook end 175 inwardly acrossthe top of the cylinder B, as is illustrated in Figure 22, and this.

to the position illustrated in Figure 23 tl1ev arm has swung to the outside of the circular line of` knittingr needles,l out of 0bstructing relation with respect to the splice yarn. As is illustrated iny Figure 23, a Alug 275 is placed beneath thecutter plate-190, to'depress the splice yarn S along its lengt-h from the lsplice point 277 illustrated in Figure :23 to the guide aperture 91 in the arm H; and thisd'epression is effected in order to lower this lengtlroi' splice yarn below the inwardly swinging hook. end 17 5. It` is to be noted that all of the time-the hook 17 5 is swinging inwardly over the needle cylinv der, and ducI lto the fact that the length between the points 91 and 277, as illustra-ted in l*`igurc 23, rides beneath the hook 175, and since the hook 175 has disposed thereover the thread portion which is to be knit into the splice, the splice thread between the points 91 and 277 will catch this portion which is looped over the hook 175, as 'the hook 175 swings inwardly to its inner position, to hold-'the portion of the splice yarn designated -by number 27 9 in Figure 24 of the drwingsin a taut relation so that. it

fivill not 'become caught in the yarn supportthread. 'llliefv ort-'ion 280 of the. splicev 1in tie s lice, and immediately attent-he Jas-the 'portion 279zis released a spring 290 1in-der t'ensienwill spring upwardly to draw the portion `280 taut across the top of the need e cylinder.:L The spring,r arm 290 is connectedat 291-011,A the ca inA ring 29, and it isA convoluted v'at 292 .in spring manner, and its free endv is provided with an eye 293 thru which the lsplice fyjarnis. threaded at a lo- 'cationbetwe'en'the' aperture 91 in the guide arm H and a gnide'eye294 whichis likewise supported on .the'cam ring 29. The needle cylinder B thengrotates to the position illiistratcd in vFigure 16 of the drawings, and the cycle of operation again takes place, as above described.

It is=ap`paijent from the foregoing description ciV this invention that the mechanism will knit the splice, reinforcing, or secondary threadintol the stocking orother garnie-nt, for a part of the. circumference or" the garment, without vthe attendant float or free 'port-ions; resulting in the saving of, consderable yarn; and simpliyine the number of operations necessary to coinpiete the article. To my knowledge this hasnever before been done in connection with knit-ting machines of this character. i

It is to be noted that at the end of the inner swing of the arm`150 the cani tin- -ger 191 rides on'thc shoulder 192 toyclerate ilic hook cnd- 175. This enables the splice thread S as illustrated'lin Figure 17 to ride beneath the hook 175, and immediately after which the arm 150 issiviing outwardly and hook end 175 is lowered to catch the splice yarn in the position illustrated in Figure 18.

Various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be made to the 'form of invention herein shown and described, withoutdeparting from the spirit of 'this inventionror the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. In a knitting machine, a rotary needle cylinder, needles carried thereby for receiv ing a body yarn and including a set of needles for receiving a splice yarn, means for directing a body yarn to the needles of the cylinder,v means for suoporting a -splice yar11,.nieans for operably ividing the splice yarn receiving needles from the remainder of the needles, and means cooperating with' said last mentioned means .for guiding and controllingr the splice yarn with respect to said splice yarn needles to entirely knit said splice yar-n 'in a continuous knitted relation vwith the body yarnalong a splice section which entends about part only o'f the circumference of the article being knit, and without float portions', during full rotary knitting action on the article' while tlie cylinder is rotating. S0

2. In a knitting -inachinethe combination of' rotary knitting means to conventionally knit aportioniof an articlefrom a main yarn extending lthroughout the full. circumference of the article, and means' to cooper- 'ate with vthe. last mentionedrnieans during full rotary knitting to knit a complete con tinuousrsplice yarn together with the main yarn about a portion only of the circumference of thearticle without the formation J0 of the 'ordinai'yfsplice yarn floatportion.

` 3; In a stocking knitting .machine the combination of a rotaryknitting machine including' means to conventionally-knit a tubular stocking frein a main yarn, `and means to operate with the last mentioned means during full rotary knitting to knit a splice yarn into the stocking together with the main yarnfor a ortion of'tlie circumferen ce of thestockingwith the vsplice yarn being continuous along the splice section without the attendant formation of ordinary splice yarn Afloat portions, i

'4. In a circular knitting machine the combination of -a needle cylinder, needles on the cylinder, means for eeding'main and splice threads to the needles, cam means for operating the needles to knit with the main thread.

aseccnd cam `means to operate a selected number of said needles to engage and knit 11o the splice thread together with the main thread, and means for guiding and regulating what isorclin'arily the float portion of the splice thread, -with respect to said selectcrl number of needles operated by the second cani means` and during Afull rotary knitting to entirely knit the splice thread continuous with the main thread along the splice section.

In a circular stocking knitting ina- 120 chine having a main yarn feed, and means for reinforcing an area less than the full circumference of the stocking includingmeans which during full rotary knitting will knit a continuous reinforcing yarn toget-her with the main yarn from course to course along a stocking without floated portions.

G. In a. circular knitting machine-a needle cylinder, tivo sets of needles for said cylinder, means for feeding a main yarn to both of said sets of needles, splice yarn supporting means, cam means for the needles of both sets of needles to knit the mam yarn, cam means to operate on the. needles ot one set ot needles to receive the splice yarn thereabout and means to take. guide. and direct during full cylinder rotation what. would ordinarily be the {lo-at portion of the splice yarn immediately after knitting of the splice yarn, into knitting relation on the splice yarn needles on th ir next operation by the second cam means whereby to knit a continuous splice yarn together with the main yarn without waste and floated portions.

7. In a circular knitting machine, a rotary needle supporting cylinder, two sets of needles supported by said cylinder, means for supporting a main yarn, means to operate the needles so that. all of the needles ot both sets will take the main yarn for knitting a tubular article. means for supporting a splice yarn, cam means for operating on one` ot said sets of needles to-elevate the same prior to the. knitting point on the cylinder, and means actuating during full rotary knitting of the article for taking the splice yarn at alternate times at the end of the knitting thereof together with the main yarn into the splice and bringing it into receiving relation with the last mentioned set ot' needles to operatively engage thereon prior to the knitting point whereby a continuous splice yarn is knit together with the main yarn without 'float portions.

8. In a circular knitting machine, a rotary needle supporting cylinder, two sets of needles sup rted by said cylinder, means for supporting a main yarn, means to operate the needles so that all of the needles ot both sets will take the same yarn for knitting a tubular article, means for supporting a splice yarn, cam means for operating on one of said sets of needles to elevate the same prior to the knitting point on the cylinder, means actuating during full rotation of the cylinder for taking the splice yarn at.

. alternate times at. the end of the knitting thereof together with the main yarn into the splice and bringing it into receiving relation with the last mentioned set of needles to operatively' engage thereon prior to the knitting point. and means for operating on the. splice thread when the same is in the position indicated in the last. mentioned means and during rotation ot' the cylinder prior to the knitting pointI tor taking a supply ofsplice thread from the bobbin to enable the knitting into the splice together with the main yarn ot what. would ordinarily be the float portion of the splice yarn, whereby a continuous splice yarn is knit together With the main yarn Without. floatportions along the splice.

9. In a circular knitting machine the combination of a rotating needle rylinder, a plurality of needles arranged in circular .arrangement on the needle cylinder, means to continuously knit a body yarn into a garment` on the cylinder, cam vmeans operating on a portion o1' the needles to elevate the. same at a predetermined location in the rotation oi the cylinder, means for guiding a splice yarn into receiving relation by said portion ot' needles above. mentioned to kuit into the main yarn t'or a portion of the circumference. of the garment, means for taking the trailing splice yarn at the end ot the knitting thereotl into the splice. of the garment and what would ordinarily bc the float portion and bringing it, to the outside ot' the circular line of needles on the needle cylinder, meansl t'or movingr the splice yarn from said position about the tirst oi the nredles ot' said portion ol needles above mentioned to enable. the splice yarn in this relation to be received in position for knitting on said needles, and means to operate on the splice. yarn in the last described position to pull a supply thereof from the bobbin to enable the same to knit into the. splice on the next. knitting' operation.

10. ln a circular knitting machine the combination of a rotary needle cylinder, a plurality ot sets of needles arranged in circular relation on said needle cylinder, one ot' said ot needles being the splice thread receiving needles, means to elevate ithe splice thread receiving needles at a predetermined location during each revolution of the needle cylinder', means to operate on all of the needles on the needle cylinder' to knit, means to supply a body yarn to the needles, means to guide a splice yarn for knitting into the. splice in regular manner, a movable arm, means synchronized with the needle cylinde and operating upon the arm to swing the same across the top of the needle cylinder during cylinder rotation for bringing the trailing splice yarn after each regular knit into the splice of the garment to the outside of the circular line of needles so as to extend said splice yarn from said arm to the splice yarn guide means above mentioned. a second arm, means operably synchronized with the needle cylinder. to move the second arm against the splice thread and upon the ad- `vancing elevated needles of the splice yarn receiving needles as they move toward the knitting point on the needle cylinder` means for operating on the tirst. mentioned arm to hold the splice yarn as the splice yarn receiving needles move to the knitting point in order to take a supply of splice ya'rn from the bobbin Co permit the knit ot what would ordinarily be the float portion of the yarn in the splice of the garment. means for slowly feeding said supply of splice yarn to permit such knitting, and means for guiding and directing the splice yarn during the knitting