Abstract: A method and apparatus for weaving a continuous fabric having parallel selvedges, including a doubleheaded needle being passed from one side of the shed to the other transversely, forming a weft double pick alternately from one side and the other. The apparatus includes an oscillating shaft moving a pair of arms supporting gripper means adapted to grip the needle on either side of the shed as the needle is being passed through the shed.

Abstract: A loom includes a take-up assembly to which the forward ends of longitudinal strands are attached and a tensioning assembly to which the rear ends of the strands are connected. The tensioning assembly maintains the strands taut and further arranges the strands in a predetermined array in which a plurality of strands exist in both crosswise directions. A shedding assembly is located between the take-up assembly and tensioning assembly and includes a plurality of vertical wires which pass crosswise through the array and a plurality of horizontal wires which also pass crosswise through the array. The vertical and horizontal wires are arranged in pairs with the two wires of each pair being on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline for the array and spaced equally therefrom. Each pair of wires is supported on a single cable system having an actuator. The actuator when energized moves the cable system such that the wires either move together or spread apart.

Abstract: A method of making a woven zipper is disclosed, and an apparatus for carrying out the method.A zipper tape is woven from warp threads and weft threads. A coil-forming filament is advanced longitudinally of the weft threads and additionally is made to perform a movement about the surface of an imaginary cone whose base extends transverse to the longitudinal advancement of the filament. Cover threads, extending lengthwise of the weft threads are stepwise moved to the vicinity of the imaginary surface and held until the filament has passed them; thereupon, they are moved through the surface to the interior of the cone and a binding thread is passed behind them in longitudinal direction of the weft threads.This is a division of application Ser. No. 484,031, filed June 28, 1974.

Abstract: A helical series of slide fastener links is fed parallel to warp threads and the filling threads are inserted to weave the tape. The helical or meandering series of slide fastener links is extended adjacent to the zero plane of the weaving machine and is moved along a straight line and without formation of a shed during the weaving operation. At least two joining warp threads are warped which are spaced from the series of slide fastener links and disposed before the coupling surfaces thereof. Warp threads of the backing woven fabric are warped on the other side of the series of slide fastener links. Two joining warp threads lying in upper and lower sheds are formed into a first shed. The warp threads of the backing woven fabric and any remaining joining warp threads lying in a middle shed and the lower shed are formed into a second shed.