Abstract: The healds are distributed to carrier rails in a transfer station by heald holders forming part of a distribution station. A lock having two spaced controlled clamps a transfer member and a slide are provided for each carrier rail. The transfer member transports the healds from the heald holder through the first clamp adjacent to the latter into the space between the clamps where intermediate storage of the healds takes place. The transport of the healds through the second clamp takes place by means of the slide. Use for the working off of healds having closed end loops.