Thread exchange device, particularly for knitting machines

A method of forming knots of a new thread with an old movable thread in an exchange device comprising a knot unit including a winding finger, a loop turning lever, and a hook;

• means arranged behind the knot unit for establishing compensation path;
• an old thread compensator brake located between the knot unit and the establishing means, said method comprising the steps:
• moving the new thread into engagement with the winding finger and forming a closed loop of the new thread on the winding finger;
• operating the loop turning lever to form an open loop of the old thread and to insert the open loop of the old thread into the closed loop of the new thread;
• moving the hook from an initial position thereof through the open loop of the old thread to engage an end of the new thread;
• locking a compensator turning arm of the establishing means to establish a thread compensation path;
• returning the hook to the initial position thereof to pull the end of the new thread through the open loop of the old thread to thereby form a knot;
• at an end stage of return movement of the hook, unlocking the compensator turning arm and closing the compensator thread brake over a short time to stop movement of the old thread at a location between the knot unit and the compensation path;
• and
• finishing the return movement of the hook to tighten the knot.