Abstract: The weft-braking device comprises a first annular plate coaxially supported in front of the delivery end of a stationary drum of a yarn feeder, and a second annular plate which is coaxially biased against the first annular plate by driving elements. The yarn is adapted to run between the annular plates in order to receive a braking action by friction. The driving elements comprise at least one piezoelectric actuator, which is deformable in response to a voltage applied thereto and has a movable operative end which is operatively connected to the second annular plate and a stationary operative end which is anchored to a stationary support.

Abstract: A drum has a plurality of yarn loops wound thereon which are to be unwound upon request from a downstream machine. A weft-braking device provided with a braking member having a circular profile is biased against a delivery edge of the drum by driving elements. The yarn is adapted to run between the delivery edge and the braking member to receive a braking action by friction from them. The driving elements comprise at least one piezoelectric actuator which is deformable in response to a voltage applied thereto and has a movable operative end which is operatively connected to the braking member and a stationary operative end which is anchored to a stationary support.

Abstract: A motorized yarn-winding drum holds a plurality of loops of yarn wound thereon and is driven to rotate for drawing said yarn from a reel and feeding it to a general downstream machine. A movable guiding member is biased to slideably engage the yarn unwinding from the drum and to deviate its path, by a spring acting in contrast to the tension of the yarn, thereby generating a reserve releasable in response to tension peaks on the yarn. The stroke of the guiding member is limited by a stop defining a position of maximum deviation of the yarn. The spring has one end operatively connected to the guiding member and one opposite end connected to driving elements operable for applying a load to the spring, with the guiding member abutting against said stop. The driving elements are controlled by a control unit which is programmed to adjust the load as a function of a desired feeding tension.