Abstract: A weft inserter for weaving machines wherein the weft supply is provided from a stationary package located outside the shed including a hand and a weft gripper having a rigid lower portion and a resilient upper portion. Ramp guiding means are provided for guiding the weft into an angle over a center ramp having a finger that bears downward upon the resilient upper portion of the gripper with the result that when tension increases in the weft, at least a portion of the increased tension is transmitted to the weft gripper in the gripping direction.

Abstract: Weaving machine with weft supplied from spools located outside the shed, has at least one weft inserter actuated by a driving wheel which is driven in a reciprocal movement of rotation, and further includes, for the control of the driving wheel, a toothed belt in cooperating relation with a pulley which is coupled with the driving wheel, and a driving system coupled to the belt in order to impart a reciprocal movement thereto.