Yarn feeding and changing mechanism for a circular knitting machine

摘要

Yarn feeding and changing mechanism for circular knitting machine includes a plurality of yarn feed fingers selectively movable between operative and inoperative positions to feed yarn to the needles only when in operative position. A first rocking jack is connected to each yarn feed finger for moving the yarn feed fingers between operative and inoperative positions, and a slider member is connected to each first rocking jack. A second rocking jack is connected to each slider member and a plurality of pivotable selection members are provided for imparting rocking movement to the second rocking jacks in a predetermined pattern. The yarn feed fingers are thus moved from the operative to the inoperative position while a yarn catcher and cutter catches the yarn and cuts the yarn to form a free end which is held while the yarn feed finger is moved to the inoperative position, is in the inoperative position and is moved to the operative position by way of an extended position to present the held free end portion of the yarn to the needles for knitting into the fabric instead of being cut into waste.