GB814107A - Improvements in or relating to straight-bar knitting machines - Google Patents

Abstract

814,107. Knitting-machines. MORLEY Ltd., I & R. Aug. 2, 1957 [Aug. 3, 1956], No. 23940/56. Class 74 (2). Preformed rib welts are conveyed to the needles of a multi-division straight-bar machine by loading a conveyer chain with a number of welt transfer bars, one for each division, each of which carries a preformed welt. The conveyer chain is then traversed until a welt transfer bar is positioned before each division whereupon each transfer bar is released from the conveyer chain and is engaged by slides which are actuated to present the welt transfer bar to the needles for the purpose of transferring the welt. After the transferring operation the transfer bar is recoupled to the chain and returned to the loading position for replacement by a replenished transfer bar. The transfer bars may be carried by hooks on the chain and the chain operated such that when the bars are above their respective slides they are disengaged from the hooks and fall into engagement with the slides. To replace the bars after the transfer of the welts they are lifted by arms such that movement of the chain causes further hooks to engage with the bars which are then returned to their loading position. Alternatively the bars are each supported by hooks 4, 4a carried by a movable rod 6. The rod 6 is attached to the lower ends of a frame 7 which can be moved downwardly and upwardly on a bracket 8 towards and away from the slides 2. The bracket 8 is attached to the conveyer chain 1. When the bars attached to the frame 7 are in position above the slide the frame is moved downwardly so that the bar engages its ends in the slides 2. Further downward movement of the frame 7 causes a projection 17 on a lever 15 to engage an abutment 18 on the bracket 8 turning the lever 15 and moving the rod 6 attached to it sideways. This movement disengages the hooks from the transfer bar and the slides can then move towards the needles. The frame 7 is retained in its lowermost position until after the welt has been transferred to the needles and the slides 2 returned to their initial position with the empty transfer bar. Upward movement of the frame 7 then disengages the projection 17 and abutment 18 and the rod 6 regains its original position, under influence of spring 14, in which the hooks 4, 4a re-engage the transfer bar and lift it from the slides 2. After the frames 7 have returned to their uppermost position the conveyer chain is then operated to return the transfer bars to the loading position for replacement. The movement of the frame 7 can be effected by a cam on the main cam-shaft or from the draw-mechanism.