Pattern-selecting devices for knitting machines

Claim 1

In a pattern selecting device for a knitting machine, comprising a stack of selector members each having a buttengaging portion movable between a butt-engaging position in which it is engageable with pattern butts on or associated with needles movable in relation to said pattern selecting device, and a butt-missing position in which the butt-engaging portion does not engage said pattern butts; the improvement that each selector member comprises an actuating Part formed of magnetisable material and that the selecting device further comprises, associated with each selector member, a permanent magnet, pole pieces on said permanent magnet, opposed pole faces on said pole pieces, and an electromagnetic coil surrounding said permanent magnet and pole pieces, said actuating part of each selector member being movable transversely of the coil between the associated pole faces and being magnetisable by the associated coil for attraction to a selected one of the pole faces and repulsion from the other of the pole faces, and in that each selector member comprises a spindle freely mounted in a slot for rotational movement, each spindle carring a rocker forming the said actuating part and a rocker forming the butt-engaging portion each rocker angularly extending from the spindle in the direction in which the said mounting slot opens.