US2688860A

US2688860A - Warp knitting machine

Info

Publication number: US2688860A
Application number: US255206A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lambach Fritz
Original assignee: ROBERT REINER Inc
Current assignee: ROBERT REINER Inc
Priority date: 1951-11-07
Filing date: 1951-11-07
Publication date: 1954-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 1971-09-14

Description

Sept. 14, 1954 F. LAMBACH 2,688,860

WARP KNITTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 7, 1951 11 Sheets-Sheet l Q (u i Hill. I ll;

INVENTOR BY FRITZ LHMBQCH WW2- ATTORNEY QT @Q an *2 ATTORNEY .s? @Q mm T3 mbr TMK INVENTOR Sept. 14, 1954 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE Fild Nov. 7, 1951 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 FRITZ LFIMBFICH a, M iii :LZLF. \l. i w. 8 m A g 8 5:? m0 mm m om E81! 5w 3? M 1 ll-Ill Sept. 14, 1954 F. LAIMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE ll SheetsSheet 3 Filed Nov. '7, 1951 INVENTOR FRITZ LHMBFICH ATTO R N EY Septn14, 1954 F. LAMBACH 2,638,860

WARP KNITTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 7, 1951 ll Sheets-Sheet 4 FRITZ LQMBF-ICH ATTORNEY Sept. 14, 1954 F. LAMBACH 2,688,860

WARP KNITTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 7, 1951 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 d. a P Q a, m r I 1" Q O m 0 9 min 8, 0 0 6) (v (u INVENTOR FRITZ LQMBHCH BYWZ v ATTORNEY Sept. 14, 1954 Filed Nov. '7, 1951 F. LAMBACH 2,688,860

WARP KNITTING MACHINE ll Sheets-Sheet 6 2% a g N VT? J u M mil/W u 5 3 g a N \i INVENTOR FRITZ LQMBFICH Sept. 14, 1954 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE ll Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed NOV. 7, 1951 TQ QOM S mom 9w m5 qnw @8 m omm ONN N w QmN INVENTOR FRITZ La MBHCH BY ATTORNEY amm \1 M. 0, MEN. um

Sept. 14, 1954 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE ll Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Nov. 7, 1951 E on gm m Omw www INVENTOR FRITZ LHMBQCH BY i ATTORNEY wqm GUN @Qm Sept. 14, 1954 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 7, 1951' ll Sheets-Sheet 9 00m mam m5 QON mbmm

INVENTOR FRITZ. LQM BQCH BY ATTORNEY Sept. 14, 1954 F. LAMBACH 2,688,860

WARP KNITTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 7, 1951 ll Sheets-Sheet l0 INVENTOR FRITZ LAMBQCH ATTORNEY Sept. 14, 1954 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE ll Sheets-Sheet ll Filed Nov. 7

5 INVENTOR FRITZ LHMBHCH [Infill-l Y ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 14, 1954 UNITED STATES PATIENT OFFICE 2,688,860 WARP KN'ITTINGMA'CHINE "Fritz Lambach, Tenafly, N .'J assignbr to Robert Reiner,-Inc., Weehain/ken,.N. J

Apiilication Ntv'ember 7, 1951,"s'ria1No.255;206

25.0laims. 1

This invention relates to warp knitting ina chines, and more particularly to an automatic device "for contro1ling -the pattern mechanismnf a warp knitting machine;

I An object of the present invention is to providea warn knitting maehineby means of-which c'oiiiblicate'd patterns may-be -knitted without the use of extremely long pattern chains, which are expensive and difiicu lt to assemble. I

--Another object of the iiresentinventionis to provide a Warp knitting machine "which maybe advantageouslyiised for-the knitting of fabrics halving patterns with repeating motives A further cbject iof the invention is to 1 provide aware knitting machine are a-n-automatic device ror centromng the pattern mechanism of such a construction that the machine-may be operated at combaratively high-speed.

Another jobjet 6f thinventioh is top'rovidea iwair'ji knitting v machine 1 With I an automatic device for" cor'ltrollifig the pattern mechanism, which aiitomatic device may be rea'dily rendered irip erative, if it is desired to operate the machine withstandard pattern rnechanism equipment.

Still another dbjec't of-filie' invention is to provide a warp knitting machine with meansimae celerating and decelerating the speedof the patterii c-hain drum at predeterminedintervals during the operation of t e inachine,-ifso desired.

Aftirther 'objecto'f the-present inventionjis to improve on the "construction or warp knitting machines-as now-customarily made;

Other objects and structural details of themventionwill be apparent-fromthe following description-when rea'diny conjunction with the accompanying drawingsforming part ofthis specificatiori, wherein:

Fig. l' i's' a-front elevationa'l view of a warp knitting machine according l to the invention,

Fig. 2 isa fragmentary from elevationalview, in an-enleirgedscaie illnstrating abortion of the guidebais"arid-meansfor displacing same, g}

'"Fi'gJ-S is "ase'ctional View, taken orr'l ine 3"3 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4- is a fragmentary elevational'view of the warp'kriitting machine "as seen in thedirec-tion 0f the arrow 4 shown in Fig. 1, I

Fig. 5 is an elevational view of a portion of the machine as seen in the direction of the arrow 5 shown in Fig; 4,

- Fig. 6 is 'a fragmentary sectional view takenon Fig. 7 is an 'elevational' View of the same portion of the machine asseen in the direction of the afro'w T sl-iwn ifi Fig-"4;

2 Fig. '8 is a sectional view'takenon line 8-8 er ig. '4,

-Fig.-- 9 is an enlarged elevational view of a por tion of the machine shown in Fig. 4.

Fig; i0 is -ane1evationa1 view of the portion shown in Fig. 9 as seen-in the direction of the arrow [0 shown in said Figi 9, I

Fig. llis a top plan-view ofthe device shown in'FigxlO,

I Fig.-12 is a fragmentary perspective'v'iew of a linkage shown in Fig. 7,

Fig. .113 is a fragmentary perspective view of another lin'kageshown in Figs. 7 and 9. and

Figs. 14:16 are top plan views illustrating-a selector mechanism of the machine 'in various positions.

The drawings illustrate only those parts of a warp knitting machine which are necessary for the understanding or the invention.

Hereinafter the invention will be describ'ed .in

connection with a so called Raschel Machine, however, itis understdodthat the invention may be appliedlal'so to different .typesof warp knitting machines.

. ..Referring-now to Fig.1, 20 generally indicates the frame of a warp knitting machine comprising end .frames 22.24, connected with each other'by tiibes126 (onlyone being shown). A main cam shaftlil journalled 'in 'suitable bearings of the frame .20 may'bexrotated by'an electric motorii] through the medium 'of a belt drive generally in dicaited by 32.

:Asbestsshc'wnin Figs; 1 and 4 the main cam shaft28 rotatestthrougha train of

gears

34, 36, 38, 40, and 42,21 second camshaft 44 journalled insuitab'lehearings of the frame 20 of the machine;

best-shown in-Fi'gs. l3 a guide hair shaft 46 rotatably and-axially immovably' arranged in the frame 20' of the machine carries a series of hangers 48 rigidly secured. thereto by screws orv the. like. in a, manner'know' per-sea series of eight guide bars -'=-5[I- 'l, T ll- 2, 50 3, 50- 4, 56- 5, 58- 6; 5il 1, and 50-43, carrying a plurality of warp guides Stare-suspended 'fromthe hangers 48 in by 54 (seeFigl) driven by a-cam 56 keyed to the main cam shaft- '28.

In a manner known per se cams 51 (Fig. 1) secured to the main cam shaft 28 rock periodically, thereby actuating mechanisms generally indicated by 59, a needle bar shaft 6I journalled in suitable bearings of the frame and connected with a needle bar 63 carrying the needles 65.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, each of the guide bars 58-I, 58-2 58-8 carries an adjustable contact element 58 at its left hand end. Between each guide bar 58-I, 58-2 58-8 and a holding element 68 secured to the guide bar shaft 46, a tension spring 62 is stretched, which tends to urge the contact element 58 of the associated guide bar into engagement with an abutting plate 64 carried by a slider 66-I or 66-2 or 66-8 associated with the respective guide bar 58-I or 58-2 or 58-8. Each of the eight sliders 66-I, 66-2 66-8 is shiftably arranged in a housing 68 mounted in a suitable manner on the frame of the machine.

The sliders 66-I, 66-2, 66-1, and 66-8 associated with the guide bars 58-I, 58-2, 58-1 and 58-8 carry rollers 18 for engagement with link pattern chains 12-I, 12-2, 12-1 and 12-8 trained around an upper pattern chain drum 14 rotatably arranged in the machine (see Figs. 1, 2, 4, and The sliders 66-3, 66-4, 66-5 and 66-6 have straight ends arranged for engagement with the curved portion of the upper end 16-3, 16-4, 16-5 and 16-6 of pattern arms or controlling arms 18-3, 18-4, 18-5 and 18-6 respectively (see Figs. 4 and 8). These, pattern arms 18-3, 18-4, 16-5 and 18-6 are rotatably mounted on a shaft 88 carried by the frame of the machine.

As best shown in Figs. 2 and 5 each of the sliders 66 carries a projection 82 capable of engagement with an arm 84 secured to a shaft 86 rotatably mounted in a bracket 81 attached to the frame of the machine. As best shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 5 a hand lever 88 is secured to the projecting end of the shaft 86. Normally this hand lever 88 is in the position shown in full lines in said figures. If it is desired to disengage all of the sliders 66-I, 66-2 66-8 from the pattern chains 12-I, 12-2 12-8 and the upper ends of the pattern arms 18-3, 18-4, 18-5, and 18-6 respectively during a standstill of the machine, the hand lever 88 is swung in counterclockwise direction, so that the arms 84 reach the position 84 as shown in Fig. 2, whereby the projections 92-and of course, the sliders 66 connected therewith-are displaced into the position 82. The hand lever 88 may be held in the position for disengagement of the sliders 66-I, 66-2 66-8 from the pattern chains and pattern arms by means of a swingable toothed locking element 98 (Figs. 4 and 5) arranged for engagement with a pin 92 projecting from the hand lever 88. Upon release of the hand lever 88 by said locking element 98 the return springs 62 return the guide bars 58-I, 58-2 58-8 together with the sliders 66 into such a position that the sliders 66-I, 66-2 66-8 again are in engagement with the pattern chains 12-I, 12-2 12-8 and pattern arms 18-3, 18-4, 18-5 and 18-6 respectively.

As best shown in Fig. 4, the upper pattern chain drum 14 rigidly connected with a shaft 94 journalled in suitable bearings of the bracket 81 attached to the frame of the machine is provided with a series of grooves. The pattern chains 12-I, 12-2, 12-1 and 12-8 are engaged with the grooves 96-l, 96-2, 96-1 and 96-8 respectively. The grooves 96-3, 96-4, 96-5 and 4 96-6 arranged be een the M'OOVGS 96-2 and 96-1 are free fro... patter. Wains in the embodiment shown in the drawings.

As best shown in Fig. 1, each of the pattern chains 12 constituted by link chains trained around the upper pattern chain drum 14 and two idling rollers 98 and I88 are adjustably mounted on an upright I82 connected with the bracket 81 by bars I84.

The upper pattern chain drum 14 may be rotated by the following mechanism:

As best shown in Figs. 4 and 5 a sprocket wheel I86 is rigidly connected with the main cam shaft 28 rotated by the motor 38 through the belt drive 32. A chain I88 tensioned by an adjustable tensioning device I I8 is trained around said sprocket whee1 I86 and another sprocket wheel II2 secured to a shaft II4 rotatably and axially immovably arranged in a housing II6 attached to the bracket 81 carried by the frame of the machine. A member generally indicated by I I8 (see Figs. 4-6) comprising a cam portion I28 and a worm portion I22 is slidably engaged with a spline I24 carried by the shaft II4; thus the member II8 on one hand may be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft I I4 relative to the latter and on the other hand participates in a rotation of said shaft H4. The cam portion I28 has two tracks I26 and I28.

The track I26 being a circular track is arranged for engagement with a roller I38 carried by a setting pin I32 shiftably mounted in a sleeve I34 carried by and projecting from the housing H6. The setting pin I32 may be held in a predetermined position for engagement with or disengagement from the track I26 by means of a set screw I36.

The track I28 of the cam portion I28 constituting a track of a drum cam is arranged for engagement with a roller I38 carried by another setting pin I48 slidably arranged in a sleeve I42 carried by and projecting from the housing H6. The setting pin I48 may be held in a predetermined position for engagement with or disengagement from the track I28 by means of a set screw I44.

As will be readily understood, if the roller I38 of the setting pin I32 is engaged with the circular track I26 and the roller I38 of the setting pin I48 is out of engagement with the drum cam track I28, the member II8 including the cam I28 and the worm I22 remains in the same position relative to the shaft I I4 during a rotation thereof. If, however, the roller I38 of the setting pin I32 is disengaged from the circular track I26 and the roller I38 of the setting pin I48 is engaged with the drum cam track I28, the member II8 including the cam portion I28 and worm I22 is moved back and forth in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft II4 during a revolution of the shaft I I4. It is understood that the contour of the drum cam is made in such a way that it suits the shifting movements as desired for a purpose to be described later on.

The worm I22 is in mesh with a worm gear I46 (Figs. 4 and 5) keyed to the shaft 94 carrying the upper pattern chain drum 14. Thus, when the main shaft 28 is rotated, the shaft 94 and the upper pattern chain drum 14 are continuously rotated through the chain drive I88 and the worm drive I22, I46. If, upon engagement of the setting pin I32 with the circular track I26 of the cam I20 the worm I22 remains in its position relative to the shaft II4, the shaft 94 and the upper pattern chain drum 14 will be rotated at constant speed; .if, however, upon engagement .of the setting pin I40 with thedrum cam track 128 the worm :I221is displaced back and forth relative tothe shaft I14, thespeed of the shaft 911 and'upper pattern chain drum (4 is accelerated.

and decelerated in dependence on theshape of the. contour of the drum camtrack determining the shifting of the worm I22 relative to the ivzozrm gear I46 during the rotation of the worm As best shown in Figs. land 7 a sprocket wheel I 48 is keyed to theshaft '94 carrying the upper pattern chain drum 14. A chain its is trained around said sprocket Wheel I43 and another sprocket wheel I52 of the same size, keyed to a shaft I54 journalled in suitable bearings of the bracket .81 attached to the frame of the machine. Alower pattern chain drum generally indicated Icy-.156 :is rigidly connected with said shaft its, so that :this lower pattern chain drum I56 is con.- tinuously rotated at the same speed as the upper pattern chain drum 14.

As bestshownin Fig. 4, the lower pattern chain drum Hi6 has a series of grooves I585i-c, I58--3-b, I53.3-c,.I58--4a, Its-44), i5ii--4c, I'58-5.-a, 158-.5-1), I58-5-c, 53-65-41, INS-t c, I586c and I60. Each of said grooves receives a link-chain trained around said lower pattern chain drum and adjustable idling rollers Hi2 and I64 mounted on the upright it?! as shown in .Fig. .1. Fig. 4 shows only the pattern chains I66-5-a, "56-54), I665-c and E68, engaged withthe grooves I58-5-a, I585-b, I58--5-c and Hill: respectively.

As .best shown in Figs. 4, 9 and 13, the link pattern chain I63 engaged with the groove Hit of the .lowerpattern chaindrum I56 cooperates with a roller I10 carried by a controlling arm I '52. As best shown in Fig. '7 the controlling arm H2 is s-wingably mounted on a shaft IM carri d by the bracket-8i attached to the frame of themachine. Aspring H5 stretched between a red It! of the bracket structure and said controlling arm I'IZ tends to urge the roller carried by the latter into engagement with the associated link chain trained around "the lower pattern chain drum H56. According to Figs. 4, 9 and 13, a bracket I16 secured to the controlling arm I12 is in abutting engagement with an adjustable stop I'it carried by the arm I80 of a double-armed lever I82 swingably mounted on a stud I84 carried by the frame of the machine. The other arm Hit of said double-armed lever I82 is pivotally connected at 83 with the upper end of a link Iiiil, the lower end'of which is pivoted at E92 with the arm I94 of a double-armed lever I96 swingably mounted on a shaft I98 carried by the bracket 81 attached to the frame of the machine. As best shown in Figs. 9-11, the other arm 200 of the double-armed lever carries a spring-loaded actuating pawl 2M rockably mounted thereon at 2%. The actuating pawl 202 is arranged for corporation with teeth of -a ratchet wheel 2% rigidly connected with a controlling drum generally indicated by 293, ro-

tatably mounted on the shaft I58. A locking pawl the'controlling arm I'I2, the controlling drum 20B .isadvanced-astep by means oftheactuating pawl 202 in the direction of the arrow A (see Fig. 4)

A ladder chain 2 I4 carrying .a number of buttons is trained around the controllingdrum 208 and an idling roller -2I6 (seeFig. 4) carried by a downwardly projecting rod 218.

According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the chain-2 I4 hasa row of buttons 220s andzanother row of buttons 22% (see Fig. 11).

Therow of buttons 22% is carried for cooperation with a jack 222 (see Figs. 9, 10 and 11) swingably mounted on a shaft 224 carried by the bracket 3 A pin 226 projecting from theupper end of the jack 222 is in slidable engagement with a slot 2280f a yoke 23!] rockably mounted on a shaft 232 carried by the bracket. A spring 234 (see Fig. 9) stretched between a stationary point 236 and a projection 238 of the jack 222 tends to urge same in clockwise direction, against the shaft .232 acting as :a stop, so that a downwardiy extending arm 240 of the yoke 230 is held in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 9.

In :saidposition the end an of the yoke 230 holds a spring-loaded actuating pawl 242 swingably mounted at 24-4 on the arm 246 of a double-armed lever 243 out of engagement with teeth of a ratchct wheel .250 rigidly connected with a selector drum generally indicated by 252. Said selector drum 252 is rotatably mounted on the shaft I98 of the bracket structure.

As will be readily understood, a movement of theactuating pawl 242 by the double-armed lever 2&8 in a manner to be described hereinafter, has no influence on the ratchet wheel 250 and the selector :drum 252 connected therewith, as long as-said actuating pawl 242 is held out of engagement withteeth of the ratchet wheel 250 by the endi lii of the yoke 2% as shown in full lines in Fig. 9. If, however, a button 22% of the chain 2M comes into engagement with the jack 222 andurges the latter in counterclockwisedirection about its pivot 224 against the action of the spring 234, the yoke 230 is swung about its pivot 232 into such a position that its lower end 2 10 reaches the position 240 shown in dash and dot lines in Fig. 9. This, in turn, permits engagement of the spring loaded actuating pawl 2 2 with teeth. of the ratchet wheelflill, so that the latter and the selector drum 252 connected therewith are advanced a step when the actuating pawl 262 is moved by the double-armed lever 248. The ratchet wheel 25!] is held in the advanced position by a spring loaded locking pawl 25!; rockably mounted on the shaft ZIZ. The stepwise rotation of the selector drum 252 takes place in the direction of the arrow B, oppositely to the stepwise rotation of the controlling drum 208 in the direction of the arrow A.

As soon as the button 2202/ of the chain 2I4 is past the spring loaded jack 222 and there is no new button on the chain 2M opposite said jack 222, the latter is returned by its spring 234 into the position shown in Fig. 9, whereby the actuating pawl 242 is brought out of engagement with teeth of the ratchet wheel 25B and, thus, the actuating pawl 242 is again rendered ineifective.

Above mentioned movement of the actuating pawl 242 isobtained by the following mechanism:

As best shown in Figs. 4, 7 and 13 a cam 258 keyed to the cam shaft 44 rotated by the power roller 258 carried by the arm 260 of a doublearmed follower 262 freely rotatably mounted on a shaft 264 carried by the bracket 81. The other arm 266 of said follower 262 is pivotally connected at 268 with the upper end of an adjustable rod 210, the lower end of which is pivoted at 212 with an arm 214 of the double-armed lever 248, which carries at its other arm 246 the springloaded actuating pawl 242 in the manner described above (see Figs. 9-11 and 13). Thus, during the operation of the machine the actuating pawl 242 is continuously moved back and forth by the cam 256 through the

linkage

262, 210 and 248. However, as explained above, this movement of the actuating pawl 242 forming a coupling means of a coupling mechanism has no influence on the ratchet wheel 250-forming the other coupling means of a coupling mechanism-and the selector drum 252 connected therewith as long as the yoke 230 conditioning the position of the actuating pawl 242 is held in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 9. When, however, upon a stepwise rotation of the controlling drum 208, a button 2202/ of the chain 2I4 swings the jack 222 into such a position that the lower end 240 of the yoke 230 reaches the position 240, each advance movement of the actuating pawl 242 causes a stepwise rotation of the ratchet wheel 250 and the selector drum 252, as long as such a button 220g holds the jack 222 and the yoke 230 in the position permitting engagement between the actuating pawl 242 and teeth of the ratchet wheel 250.

' According to Fig. 4, there are four pattern arms 18-3, 18-4, 18-5 and 18-6, each of which having an upper end 16-3, 16-4, 16-5 and 16-6 detachably mounted thereon by means of screws. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the end 16-5 is attached to the pattern arm 16-5 by means of screws 216. Each of the ends 16-3, 16-4, 16-5 and 16-6 is arranged for engagement with a slider 66-3, 66-4, 66-5 and 66-0 respectively, associated with a guide bar 50-3, 50-4, 50-5 and 50-6 respectively.

All of these pattern arms 18-3, 18-4, 18-5 and 18-6 are rockably mounted on the shaft 80. As best shown in Fig. 4, the pattern arms 18-3, 18-4, 18-5 and 18-6 are held in proper position by means of spacers 218 secured to and projecting from the bracket 81.

On each of the pattern arms 18-3, 18-4, 18-5 and 18-6 a selector latch is swingably mounted. For the sake of better illustration, Fig. 4 illustrates only the selector latch 280-5 arranged on the pattern arm 18-5, but it is understood that the same type of selector latch is swingably mounted on each of the pattern arms 18-3, 18-4, 18-5 and 18-6, and that each selector latch of each pattern arm cooperates with three spring-loaded controlling arms, each of which in turn cooperates with a pattern chain on the lower pattern chain drum I56, in the same manner, as will be described hereinafter in connection with the selector latch 280-5 of the pattern arm 18-5. As best shown in Fig, 8, the selector latch 280-5 is swingablzy mounted on a pin 282-5 projecting downwardly from the pattern arm 18-5. As best shown in Figs. 14-16, the selector latch 280-5 may be set into three different positions, so that its free end is either above a controlling arm 284-5 41 (Fig. 14) or above a controlling arm 284-5-b (Figs. 4, 8 and or above a controlling arm 284-5-c (Fig. 16). Each of said controlling arms 284-5-a, 284-5-b, and 284-5-0 is swingably mounted on the shaft I14 and carries a roller 286-5-a, 286-5-b, and 286-5-0 respectively (see Fig. 4). Each controlling arm is subject to the action of a spring 288 stretched between the arm and a stationary element (shaft I11 (Figs. 4 and '1) of the machine) for urging the roller 286-5-a, 286-5-b, 286-5-0 into engagement with the associated pattern chain I66-5-a, I66-5-b, I66-5-c respectively, trained around the lower pattern chain drum I56. As will be readily understood, the movements of the pattern arm 18-5 and the associated guide bar 50-5 are controlled by the pattern chain I66-5-a or I66-5-b or I66-5-c in dependence on the position of the selector latch 280-5, i. e. if the free end of the selector latch 280-5 is above the controlling arm 284-5-a, (Fig. 14) the movements of the pattern arm 18-5 and guide bar 50-5 are controlled by the pattern chain I66-5-a, if the free end of the selector latch 280-5 is above the controlling arm 284-5-b (Figs. 4, 8 and 15), the movements are controlled by the pattern chain I66-5-b, and if the free end of the selector latch 280-5 is above the controlling arm 284-5-0 (Fig. 16), the movements are controlled by the pattern chain I66-5-c.

In order to obtain an automatic adjustment of the portion of the selector latches swingably arranged on the pattern arms 18-3, 18-4, 18-5 and 18-6, the machine is provided with the following mechanism:

It is sufficient to describe hereinafter the control of the selector latch 280-5, as the other selector latches are controlled in the same manner.

As best shown in Figs. 4, 8 and 14-16, one end of a wire 290-5 is pivotally engaged with an arm of the selector latch 280-5, as shown in Figs. 4, 9-11 and 14-16, the other end of the said wire 290-5 is engaged with a bore of a jack 292-5 swingably mounted on a shaft 294 carried by the bracket 81. In a manner known per se, the wire 290-5 is yieldably connected with the jack 292-5 by means of collars 293,

295, 291 secured to the wire and a spring 299 arranged between the collars 295 and 291. A spring 206 stretched between a stationary point 298 and an extension 300 of the jack, tends to 1 urge the latter against a stop rod 302.

jack 292-3, 292-4 and 292-6 respectively, each of which is also swingably mounted on the sh 294.

The series of jacks 292-3, 292-4, 292-5 and 292-6 cooperates with a pattern chain 304 (see Figs. 4 and 9-11) trained around the selector drum 252 and an idling roller 306 carried by the rod 2I8.

The ladder chain 304 is provided with four rows of buttons 308-3, 308-4, 308-5 and 308-6,

the first row cooperating with the jack 292-3,

the second row cooperating with the jack 292-4, the third row cooperating with the jack 292-5 and the fourth row cooperating with the jack 292-6. As best shown in Fig. 9, the buttons are of difierent heights. For example, the button 308-5-b is comparatively low, while the button 308-5-c is high.

As long as there is no button opposite the projection 3I0-5 of the jack 292-5 (see Fig. 9)

v the spring associated with said jack 292-5 urges setting operation takes place.

zgesegsco v 9 sameinto the; position shown in Fig. 9", whereby the-selector latch 280-515: held in the position shown inFi'g. 14 with its free end above the controlling a'rm 284--a.

When', during above described stepwise rotation of the selector drum 252 a low button 308-5-bcomes into engagement with the projection 3I0-5' of the jack 292-5; the selector latch 280-5is: swungfinto theposition shown in Fig. 15, whereinits-free end is" above the controlling arm 2 34-5-1).

When, during the intermittent rotation of the selector drum 252 a high button 308-5-0 comes into engagement with the projection 310-5 of thejack 292-5; theselector-latch280-5 is swung into; the position shown in Fig; l6, wherein its free end is-above thecontrolling arm 284-5-0.

Thus; the selector drum 252 controls the positions of the selector'latches relative to the controlling armsassociated therewith for causing an actuation of'the pattern arms and the guide bars associated with the latter by one of three, pattern chains trained around the lower pattern chain drum I56 and. associated with the respective patternv armr As can be readily gathered from Fig. 3; the weight of the swingable pattern arms 18 rests on the selector latches 280 associated therewith. i In order to render possible a smooth setting of the selector latches 280' from one position into another one,it is desirable to relieve the selector latches from the pressure acting thereon before a This feature may be obtained by the following relieving mechanism:

As may be gathered from Figs. 4, 8 and 12, each of the pattern arms 78-3, 18-4, 18-5, 58-6 is associated with an arm 3I2-3, 3I2-4, 3'! 2-5 and 3I2-6 keyed to the shaft 264, each of the setting arms being arranged for abutment against an adjustable threaded bolt' projecting from the associated pattern arm. At the end of the shaft 264 an arm 3I14 is rigidly connected with said shaft by a screw 316. A spring 3I8 stretched between the end of the arm 314 and I a stationary point, of the machine, tends to urge an adjustable-bolt 32'0fprojecting from the arm 3'I'4' against a stop 32,2 arranged on the machine.

Furthermore; the arm 3M carries a latch 323 swingably mounted on a. pin 32$;projecting. from the arm 3 I4, This latch normally is in the position shown in fulllines in Fig. 12, so that an oscillating. movement of asprlng-load'ed' follower 32 8 carried by a shaft 330" and actuatedvby a cam 332*keyedto the cam shaft'44; has no influence on the arm 31.4; I

One end of a wire 33.4, is pivotally engaged with an arm 336'. ofthe latch. 324. The other endof said wire, 334 passing through a bore of a jack 338 (see Figs. 9-12) swingably mounted on the shaft 224 is yieldably connected with said jackby collars 339; 3M; 343'secured to saidwire and a spring 345 arranged between the collars 34-I1and 343. The jack 338 is'normallyheld by a spring-340 (seeFig. 11) stretched between its extension 342' and theshaft236 in engagement with the stopping rod'232, so that in turn the latch 324 isin theposition shown in Fig. 12.

The iack- 338 cooperates with buttons 2208 (see Fig. lllof thechain' 2 I4 trained around the controlling drum 208. If, uponan intermittent rotation of the controlling drum 208 a button 2233 comes into" engagement with the jack 330, the latter isswung against the action-of; its spring in" counterclockwise direction; as viewed in Fig.

10 9-, whereby: the wire 334 is shifted in the direction of the arrow C (see Fig. 12), sothat the latch 324 is brought into the position 324' shown in dash and dot lines in Fig. 12. Now the latch is below the adjustable screw 334 carried by the follower 328, so that upon a depression of the follower 328 by the cam 332 cooperating with a roller 345 mounted on the follower 328, the arm M4 is rocked in the direction of the arrow D causing a lifting of all of the pattern arms 18-3, Iii-4, 18-5 and 18-5 by the arms 3I2-3, 362-3, 312-5, 3I2-6 in the direction of the arrow B shown in Fig. 12. This lifting, in turn, results in a disengagement of the lower surface of theselector latches 280 from the adjustable screwscarried by the associated controlling arms 28 so that now one or more of the selector latches 283 may be readily displaced from one position into another one by an action of the selector drum 252. through one or more of the jacks292 and wire 290 in the manner described above, when the selector drum 252 is advanced for thispurpose.

Summarizing:

The, upper pattern chain drum I4 is continuously rotated, at constant speed or at variable speed (depending on the setting of the pins I32 and I 40* cooperating with the cam portion I20) by the main drive. The endless pattern chains FE-I; 52-2, 32-1, "-8 trained. around the upper pattern chain drum I4 cause a longitudinal shifting of the guide bars 50-I, 50-2, 50-1 and 53-3 at predetermined intervals.

The lower pattern chain drum I55 is permanently rotated by the upper pattern chain drum Hatthe same speed, constant or varying.

The lower pattern chain drum, I56 causes a longitudinal shifting of the guide bars 50-3, 53-5,. 53-5. and 50-5. at; predetermined intervals through the pattern arms 13-3,- Ill-3, 131-5 and 78-5 in dependence on the position of the latch selectors 280-3, 280-4; 280-5 and 283-3, which select the pattern controlled by one of three chains trained around the lower patter-n chain drum I55 and associated with one of the four pattern arms 18-3, 18-4118-5 and 78-6.

The continuously rotating lower patternchain drum I5Ei-also controls stepwise rotations of the controlling drum 208.

The intermittently rotated controlling drum 208 determines the time interval when a stepwise rotation of the selector drum 252 may take place and controls the time interval when the selector latches are relieved from pressure acting thereon, so that an automatic settin of one or more selector latches may take place. I

The intermittently rotated selector drum 252 controls the positioning of the selector latches, whereby, in turn, as described above, the pattern chain on the lower pattern chain drum is selected for the control of the associated pattern arm for controlling movements of the guide bar associated with the latter.

The contour of the track I28 (Figs. 5 and 6) of-the'drum cam is designed in such a way, that the speed of the worm gear I46 operatively connected with the upper pattern chain drum M and through the latter and the chain I50 (see Figs. 4 and 7) with the lower pattern chain drum is accelerated during the so-called lapping around operation of the guides in front of the needles for the formation of stitches andthat thespeed of said wormgear M3 is retarded duringtheso- 11 called long-shiftingoperation of the guides behind the needles.

As will be readily understood from above, the machine according to the invention has only one pattern arm or controllin element (185) and only one selector (280) for each of the inner guide bars (50"5), so that only three link-pattern-chains (l665-a, IBB-i-b, l66-5-c) on the lower pattern chain drum (I56) and only one row of buttons (3085) on a ladder-selectingchain (304) on a selector drum (252) are required for each inner guide bar, in contrast to siX link-chains in hitherto. customary machines wherein three controlling elements and three selectors (one for each controlling element) are associated with each inner guide bar. This feature of a machine according to the invention renders same less expensive in the manufacture and use; also the entire automatic pattern controlling device becomes less bulky.

Furthermore, the selection of the patterns by the selector latches 280 renders possible smooth and practically noisless operation; moreover, the selection of the patterns by selector latches, which may be readily set into various positions, permits the operation of the machine at a comparatively high speed.

Furthermore, in accordance with the construction of the automatic controlling device according to the invention, ladder chains 2M and 304 may be used on the controlling drum 208 and the selector drum 252, which ladder chains are less expensive than link chains used in hitherto known devices for the automatic control of the pattern. Furthermore, the use of the comparatively cheap ladder chains renders it feasible, from an economical point of view, to maintain a supply thereof, so that if, after the operation of the machine for a period of time, it is desired to change the pattern of the fabric to be knitted, the operator may remove from the machine the ladder chains with the buttons arranged thereon for a certain pattern, store the chains away for future use and replace same by other ladder chains with buttons arranged thereon for the new pattern.

The direct connection between the upper pattern chain drum (4 and the lower pattern chain drum I56 by the chain I50 assures a constant relationship between the pattern chains, which is especially of advantage when, occasionally, the machine is turned by hand.

Moreover, the warp knittin machine may be operated with standard pattern mechanism, if so desired. For this purpose it is merely necessary to remove the chain I50 between the upper and lower pattern chain drums 14 and I56, to detach the upper ends 16 from the pattern arms 18, to attach rollers to the sliders 66-3, 664, BG5 and 66-6 and to apply link pattern chains to the grooves 963, 964, 865, 96-6 of the upper pattern chain drum I4.

I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention, but it is understood that this disclosure is for the purpose of illustration, and that various omissions or changes in shape, proportion and arrangement of parts, as well as the substitution of equivalent elements for those herein shown and described may be made without departing in any way from the spirit and scope of this invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a warp knitting machine, the combination of a main drive, a plurality of movable guide bars capable of performing reciprocating movements in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the machine, a series of controlling elements movably mounted in the machine, each of said controlling elements being arranged for operative connection with another one of said guide bars for the control of reciprocating move ments of the latter, a pattern chain drum rotatably mounted on said machine and driven by said main drive, a plurality of pattern chains trained around said pattern chain drum, apredetermined number of said pattern chains, at least two thereof, bein associated with'each of said controlling elements for the control of movements of the latter, a series of movable selectors equal in number to the number of controlling elements, each of said selectors being associated with one of said controlling elements and being settable in various positions for selecting one of the pattern chains associated with therespective controlling element for controlling the movements of the latter, and a pattern mechanism actuated by saidmain drive, said pattern mechanism being associatedwith said selectors for setting same in predetermined positions at predetermined intervals during the operation of the machine.

2. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 1, said pattern mechanism including movable selecting means, arranged for actuation by the main drive and for controlling said selectors, and movable controlling means arranged for controlling the movements of said selectin means by said main drive, additional pattern chain means driven by said main drive, and an actuating mechanism controlled by said additional pattern chain means and associated with said controlling means for actuating the latter at predetermined intervals. during the operation of the machine.

3. In a warp knitting machine, the combination of: a main drive, a plurality of movable guide bars capable of performing reciprocating movements in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the machine, a series of controlling elements movably mounted in the machine, each of said controlling elements being arranged for operative connection with another one of said guide bars for the control of reciprocating movements of the latter, a pattern chain drum rotatably mounted in said machine and driven by said main drive, aplurality of pattern chains trained around said pattern chain drum, a predetermined number of said pattern chains, at least two thereof, being associated with each of said controlling elements for the control of movements of the latter, a series of latch selectors equal in number to the number of controlling elements, each of said latch selectors being rockably mounted on one of said controlling elements and being settable in various positions in register with one of the pattern chains associated with the controlling element carrying the latch selector whereby the pattern chain for controlling the movements of the respective controlling element may be selected, and a pattern mechanism actuated by said main drive, said pattern mechanism being associated with said latch selectors for setting same in predetermined positions at predetermined intervals during the operation of the machine.

4. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 3, a plurality of arms movably mounted in the machine, each arm being associated with one of said pattern chains and being arranged 13 between the latter and the latch selector-carried by the associated controlling element.

5. In awarpknitting machine as claimed. in claim 3, relieving means associated with said controlling. elements for withdrawing same and the latch selectors somewhatwfrom said, patter chains, and said pattern mechanismbeing associated with said. relieving means for rendering samev active prior to a: setting of said latch selectors byv said: pattern mechanism.

6. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 3, relieving means arranged for actuation by the main drive andassociated withsaidcontrolling elementszfor. withdrawinggsame and the latch selectors somewhat from said pattern chains, said pattern mechanism including movable selecting means, arranged for. actuationby the main drive andfor. controlling setting movements. of saidlatch; selectors, and movable controlling means arranged for controlling the movements of. said selecting means by said'main drive and for controlling the movements of said relieving means by said main drive so as. to cause a withdrawal of said controlling. elements priorqto setting movements. of said, latch selectors, additional pattern chain means driven by said main drive, and. an actuating: mechanism controlledby said additional pattern chain means and associated with said controlling means for actuating the latter at predetermined intervals during the operation ofthe machine.

'7. In a. warp knitting machine, thecombination of: amain drive, aplurality of movable guide bars capable of performing reciprocating movements in. thedirection of the longitudinal axis of the machine, a series of double-armed controlling. elements swingably mounted on the machine, each of said controlling elementsbeing arranged for operative engagement of one of its arms with another one of said guide bars for the control of reciprocating movements or" the latter, a. series of latch selectors equal innumber to the number of controlling elements, each of said latch selectors being rockably mounted on the other arm of one of! said controlling elements and beingsettable in various positions in register with one of, the patter-nv chains. associated with the controlling-element carrying, the latch selector whereby thepatternchain .for controlling the movements of the respective. controlingelement may be selected, and a pattern-mechanism actuated by saidv main drive, saidpattern mechanism being, associated withsaid latch se-- lectors for setting sameinpredetermined positions at predetermined intervals during the operation of the machine.

8..In awarp knitting machine ashclaimed in claim '7, a plurality of armsswingably mounted in the machine, each arm being associated with one of said pattern chains and being arranged between the latter and the latch selector carried by the associated controlling element.

9. In awarp knitting machine as claimed in claim 1, said patternmechanism including a rotatable controlling chain drum and a rotatable selector chain drum, controlling chain means trained aroundsaid controlling chaindrum, selecting chain means trainedaround said selector chain drum, additional pattern chain means driven by said main drive, a first actuating-mechanism controlled by said additional pattern chain means and associated with said controlling. chain drum for intermittently advancing the latter at predetermined intervals, and a secondactuating mechanism drivenby said main drive and associated with said selector: chain drum, said second actuating means including coupling means, capable of, operative engagement withand'disengagement from saidselector. chain drum, said controlling chain means. being associated with said coupling means for conditioning its engaging anddisengaging positionswhereby, upon conditioning of the engaging position, said selector chain drum is intermittently advanced bysaid-secondactuating means at predetermined intervals, and said selecting chain means being associatedwithsaidselectors for controlling the setting movements of the latter.

10.1 Ina warp knitting machine as claimed in claim l, said pattern mechanism including a rotatable controlling chain drum and a rotatable selector chain drum, controlling chain means trained-around said controllingchain drum, ,selecting chain meansxtrained around said selector chain drum; arr-additional pattern chain trained around said pattern chain drum,,a first actuating mechanism controlled by. saidiadditional pattern chainand associated with said controllingchain drum for intermittently advancing'thelatter at predetermined intervals, and a second actuating mechanism driven by said main drive and. associated Withsaidselector chaindrum, said second actuating means including coupling means", ca.- pable. of operative engagement with and disengagement from said selector chain drum, said controlling chainmeans being: associatcdwith said couplingmeans for conditioning its engaging anddisengagingpositions whereby, upon conditioning of theengagins position, said selector chain drum is intermittently advanced by said second actuating-means at predetermined intervals, and said selecting chainineans beingassociatedwith said selectors for controlling the setting moveinentsof the latter.-

ll. lnwa Warp knitting machine as claimed. in 1, said selectors-being movably mounted on said controlling elements and being arranged between saidcontrolling-elements and the associatedpattern chains, movable; relieving means associated Wlliil SEtlil controlling elements for withdrawing same andsaidfselcctorssomewhat fromsaid pattern chainasaid pattern mechanism including a rotatable controlling chain drum and a rotatable selector chain drum, controlling chain means trained around said controlling chain drum, selectingchain means trained around said selector chain drum, additional pattern chain means driven by said main drive, a first actuating mechanism controlled by said. additional pattern chain means and associated with said controlling chain drum for intermitten ly advancing the latter at predetermined. intervals, and a second actuating: mechanism driven by said main drive and associated with said selector chain drum, said second actuating means including coupling means capable of operative engagement with and. disengagement from said selector'chain drum, said controlling chain means being associated with said coupling means for conditioning its engaging and disengaging positions whereby, upon conditioning of the engaging position, said selector chain drum is intermittently advanced by said second actuating means at predetermined interval-s, said selectingchain means being associated with said selectors for. ccntrolling the setting movements of the latter, and said controlling chain means being also associated with said re lieving means forrendering same active prior to a. setting of said. selectors.

12.- In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 11, athird actuating mechanism driven by said main drive, said third actuating mechanism including a movable coupling element capable of operative engagement with and disengagement from said relieving means, and said controlling chain means being associated with said coupling element for conditioning its engaging and disengaging positions whereby, upon conditioning of the engaging position, said relieving means are rendered active by said third actuating mechanism prior to a setting of said selectors.

13. In a Warp knitting machine, the combination of: a main drive, a first series and a second series of movable guide bars capable of performing reciprocating movements in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the machine, a first pattern chain drum rotatably mounted in the machine and driven by said main drive, a series of upper pattern chains trained around said first pattern chain drum and associated with the first series of movable guide bars for the control of reciprocating movements thereof, a series of controlling elements, equal in number to the number of the second series of movable guide bars, movably mounted in the machine, each of said controlling elements being arranged for operative connection with another one of the guide bars of the second series of guide bars for the control of reciprocating movements thereof, a second pattern chain drum rotatably mounted in said machine and driven by said main drive, a plurality of second pattern chains trained around said second pattern chain drum, a predetermined number of said second pattern chains, at least two thereof, being associated with each of said controlling elements for the control of movements of the latter, a series of movable selectors equal in number to the number of controlling elements, each of said selectors being associated with one of said controlling elements and being settable in various positions for selecting one of the second pattern chains associated with the respective controlling element for controlling the movements of the latter, and a pattern mechanism actuated by said main drive, said pattern mechanism being associated with said selectors for setting same in predetermined positions at predetermined intervals during the operation of the machine.

14. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 13, said first pattern chain drum being operatively connected with said second pattern chain drum for driving the latter.

15. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 13, said first pattern chain drum being operatively connected with said second pattern chain drum for driving the latter, and means for varying the speed of the first pattern chain drum during a revolution of the latter being arranged between said main drive and said first pattern chain drum.

'16. In a warp knitting machine, the combination of: a main drive, a first series and a second series of movable guide bars capable of performing reciprocating movements in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the machine, a first pattern chain drum rotatably mounted in the machine and driven by said main drive, a series of upper pattern chains trained around said first pattern chain drum and associated with the first series of movable guide bars for the control of reciprocating movements thereof, a series of double-armed controlling elements equal in number to the number of the second series of movable guide bars, swingably mounted 16 in the machine, the first arm of each of said double-armed controlling elements being arranged for operative connection with another one of the guide bars of the second series of guide bars for the control of reciprocating movements thereof, a second pattern chain drum rotatably mounted in said machine and driven by said main drive, a plurality of second pattern chains trained around said second pattern chain drum, a predetermined number of said second pattern chains, at least two thereof, being associated with each of said controlling elements for the control of movements of the latter, a series of movable selectors equal in number to the number of controlling elements, each of said selectors being associated with the other arm of one of said double-armed controlling elements and being settable in various positions for selecting one of the second pattern chains associated with the respective controlling element for controlling the movement of the latter, and a pattern mechanism actuated by said main drive, said pattern mechanism being associated with said selectors for setting same in predetermined positions at predetermined intervals during the operation of the machine.

17. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 16, the arms of said double-armed controlling elements associated With the guide bars being detachable from the main body of each controlling element, and said first pattern chain drum being capable of receiving a second series of first pattern chains for cooperation with said second series of guide bars.

18. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 16, said selectors being in the shape of latch selectors, each of said latch selectors being rockably mounted on the other arm of the associated double-armed controlling element and being settable in various position in register with one of the second pattern chains associated with the controlling element carrying the selector.

19. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 16, a series of arms equal in number to the number of second pattern chains, swingably mounted in the machine, each arm being arranged for cooperation with one of said second pattern chains, said selectors being in the shape of latch selectors, each of said latch selectors being rockably mounted on the other arm of the associated double-armed controlling element and being settable in various positions for engagement with one of the second pattern chains associated with the controlling element carrying the selector.

20. In a Warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 13, said pattern mechanism including a rotatable controlling chain drum and a rotatable selector chain drum, controlling chain means trained around said controlling chain drum, selecting chain means trained around said selector chain drum, additional pattern chain means driven by said main drive, a first actuating mechanism controlled by said additional pattern chain means and associated with said controlling chain drum for intermittently advancing the latter at predetermined intervals, and a second actuating mechanism driven by said main drive and associated with said selector chain drum, said actuating means including coupling means capable of operative engagement with and disengagement from said selector chain drum, said controlling chain means being associated with said coupling means for conditioning its engaging and disengaging positions whereby, upon conditioning of the engaging position, said selector chain drum is intermittently advanced by said second actuating means at predetermined intervals, and said selecting chain means being associated with said selectors for controlling the setting movements of the latter.

21. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 13, said selectors being movably mounted on said controlling elements and being arranged between said controlling elements and the associated second pattern chain, movable relieving means associated with said controlling elements for withdrawing same and said selectors somewhat from said second pattern chains, said pattern mechanism including a rotatable controlling chain drum and a rotatable selector chain drum, controlling chain means. trained around said controlling chain drum, selecting chain means trained around said selector chain drum, additional pattern chain means driven by said main drive, a first actuating mechanism controlled by said additional pattern chain means and associated with said controlling chain drum for intermittently advancing the latter at predetermined intervals, and a second actuating mechanism driven by said main drive and associated with said selector chain drum, said second actuating means including coupling means capable of operative engagement with and disengagement from said selector chain drum, said controlling chain means being associated with said coupling means for conditioning its engaging and disengaging positions whereby, upon conditioning of the engaging position, said selector chain drum is intermittently advanced by said second actuating means at predetermined intervals, said selecting chain means being associated with said selectors for controlling the setting movements of the latter, and said controlling chain means being also associated with said relieving means for rendering same active prior to a setting of said selectors.

22. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 16, said selectors being in the shape of latch selectors, each of said latch selectors being rockably mounted on the other arm of the associated double-armed controlling element and being settable in various position in register with one of the second pattern chains associated with the controlling element carrying the selector, movable relieving means associated with said controlling elements for withdrawing same and said selectors somewhat from said second pattern chains, said pattern mechanism including a rotatable controlling chain drum and a rotatable selector chain drum, controlling chain means trained around said controlling chain drum, selecting chain means trained around said selector chain drum, additional pattern chain means driven by said main drive, a first actuating mechanism controlled by said additional pattern chain means and associated with said controlling chain drum for intermittently advancing the latter at predetermined intervals, and a second actuating mechanism driven by said main drive and associated with said selector chain drum, said second actuating means including coupling means capable of operative engagement with and disen gagement from said selector chain drum, said controlling chain means being associated with said coupling means for conditioning its engaging and disengaging positions whereby, upon conditioning of the engaging position, said selector chain drum is intermittently advanced by said second actuating means at predetermined inter- 18 vals, said selecting chain means being associated with said selectors for controlling the setting movements of the latter, and said controlling chain means being also associated with said relieving means for rendering sameactive prior to a setting of said selectors.

23. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 16, a series of arms equal in number to the number of second pattern chains, swingably mounted in they machine, each arm being arranged for cooperation with one of said second pattern chains, said selectors being in the shape of latch selectors, each of said latch selectors being rockably mounted on the other arm of the associated double-armed controlling element and being settable in various positions for engagement with one of the second pattern chains associated with the controlling element carrying the selector, movable relieving means associated with said controlling elements for withdrawing same and said selectors somewhat from said second pattern chains, said pattern mechanism including a rotatable controlling chain drum and a rotatable selector chain drum, controlling chain means trained around said controlling chain drum, selecting chain means trained around said selector chain drum, additional pattern chain means driven by said main drive, a first actuating mechanism controlled by said additional pattern chain means and associated with said controlling chain drum for intermittently advancing the latter at predetermined intervals, and a second actuating mechanism driven by said main drive and associated with said selector chain drum, said second actuating means including coupling means capable of operative engagement with and disengagement from said selector chain drum, said controlling chain means being associated with said coupling means for conditioning its engaging and disengaging positions, whereby, upon conditioning of the engaging position, said selector chain drum is intermittently advanced by said second actuating means at predetermined intervals, said selecting chain means being associated with said selectors for controlling the setting movements of the latter, and said controlling chain means being also associated with said relieving means for rendering same active prior to a setting of said selectors.

24. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 16, a series of arms, equal in number to the number of second pattern chains, swingably mounted in the machine, each arm being arranged for cooperation with one of said second pattern chains, said selectors being in the shape of latch selectors, each of said latch selectors being rockably mounted on the other arm of the associated double-armed controlling elementand being settable in various positions for engagement with one of the second pattern chains associated with the controlling element carrying the selector, movable relieving means associated with said controlling elements for withdrawing same and said selectors somewhat from said second pattern chains, said pattern mechanism including a rotatable controlling chain drum and a rotatable selector chain drum, controlling chain means trained around said controlling chain drum, selecting chain means trained around said selector chain drum, an additional pattern chain trained around said second pattern chain drum, a first actuating mechanism controlled by said additional pattern chain and associated with said controlling chain drum for intermittently advancing the latter at predetermined intervals,