Means and method for deterring lint and debris accumulation on the knitting instruments of a knitting machine

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The accumulation of lint, debris and other contaminants in the needle and dial slots of a circular knitting machine can be significantly reduced by enclosing an annular air chamber spanning between the cylinder and dial and delivering a pressurized airstream into the chamber. The airstream can necessarily escape from the chamber only upwardly through the spacing between the cylinder and dial where the airstream serves to blow lint debris and contaminants away from the critical knitting elements (e.g. needles and sinkers) and prevent the accumulation of such materials within the cylinder and dial slots. The conventional need for flushing the cylinder slots can be reduced or eliminated.