Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue of Automatic Knitting Machinery

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Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. The Tiffany & Cooper Patent Rib Knitting Machine has become very widely known in this country. Nearly all knit goods manufacturers have one or more in use, and pronounce it the best Rib Knitting Machine known to the trade. In response to numerous inquiries I have thought best to give a brief sketch of the history of this machine, which may prove of interest to all who may have occasion to refer to this Catalogue.<br><br>Joseph Powell was the first inventor of a Flat Power Rib Knitting Machine made in this country, as far as we know, and his brother Thomas was associated with him. These machines were very complicated and none but the inventors could successfully operate them. It was patented by Mr. Joseph Powell Oct. 2, 1855, and Mr. Charles Parker of Meriden. Conn., became interested with Mr. Powell, and fitted up a shop to build and operate these machines on the premises of Mr. Parker.<br><br>Mr. George Cooper entered the employ of Messrs. Parker & Powell in the year 1855, and was largely interested in the construction of these machines. He very soon discovered that they were too complicated and also became convinced that they could not be brought into general use. About this time he made up his mind that he could construct a machine much more simple, and immediately commenced his experiments. He made the patterns for a small machine, which he intended for a model, and in June 1856 had the castings made, and while on a visit to my home in Enfield did the planing in the Shaker machine shop. When he returned to Meriden he made a work shop in his house, working late evenings after his days work was done.