Circular knitting machine with self-adjusting sinker cam - which automatically accommodates to changing stitch length

A circular knitting machine for prodn. of hosiery, in which the stitch length and density may alter from section to section, has a sinker-cam assembly in which, behind the knitting point, is a movable can which can move radially under the action of a spring to automatically increase the movement of the sinkers to match the length of the knitted loop. The movable cam maintains the loop tension in the areas of different stitch density, and affords a smooth and uniform transition between the two sections.