Abstract: The invention relates to a weaving machine having plural heddle frames, into which heddles are threaded with a free floating characteristic or operational clearance onto thread rails. The heddles are arranged on the thread rails with the least possibility of movement and without a free floating capability during a portion of the heddle frame movement and with a free floating characteristic during the rest of the movement of the heddle frame to facilitate a self-alignment of the heddles with the warp threads. The free floating characteristic is initiated by periodically reducing the distance between the two thread rails.

Abstract: A method for controlling the heddle movement in a shed-forming machine and apparatus for performing the method. Reading needles are moved into and out of engagement with a pattern card having perforated and nonperforated portions therein actively cooperating with the needles which are adapted to move toward and away therefrom. Power amplifying structure is provided for converting the control operations noted by the reading needles into mechanical movements effecting selected control of the heddles dependent upon the position of the reading needle relative to the pattern card. A lock member is movably supported on a bar and its movement is controlled by whether the reading needle is received into a perforated portion of the pattern card or whether it engages a nonperforated portion of the pattern card. A shifting of the locking member will result in a selected and simultaneous control of a correcting element to either lift a draw hook or lower same into and out of engagement with a draw knife.

Abstract: A heddle frame arrangement for a weaving machine having freely suspended heddles for a fast-running weaving machine.The upper bar and the lower bar of the frame are movable parallel to one another, so that not the entire frame must participate in the up and down movement. The heddles which are suspended on the movable bar each have, for balancing the movement, an elastic part.

Abstract: Several heddles consist of a continuous cord, which is wound looplike around the bars of the heddle frame. The heddles have a thread guide in nonelastic section and an elastic section.