Abstract: The warp beam and/or cloth beam of a loom is driven by a programmable stepping motor. The speed of the motor is regulated, preferably in such a way that the tension of the warp threads remains constant. Improved tension control is obtained by further programming the motor to take into account the type of weave in the fabric being produced. This is accomplished by inputting information pertaining to the distance covered by the warp threads between their intersections with neighboring weft threads.

Abstract: A weaving installation includes a weaving machine and a dobby which can be driven by the weaving machine. In order for the weaving machine to drive the dobby, the weaving machine may be provided with a pulse generator for the transmission of pulses to a control unit which, in turn, regulates a motor coupled to the dobby. Alternatively, the camshaft of the weaving machine may be provided with an extension which is directly connected to the dobby. The dobby may also be driven independently of the weaving machine. In the case where the weaving machine has a pulse generator which controls a motor coupled to the dobby, this is accomplished in that the motor is operable even in the absence of pulses from the pulse generator. In the case where the camshaft of the weaving machine has an extension which is directly connected to the dobby, the dobby can be driven independently by a planetary gear on the extension.