Abstract: A heddle shaft (1) with heddles (3) that are supported with little play or free of play has at least one heddle support rail (7), which is supported movably for elastically tensing the heddles (3) as a whole, or has at least one movably supported part (55). A spring means (16, 56) serves to exert a tensing force on the heddle head (5) of each heddle (3) for supporting that heddle without play. This makes a high operating speed of a power loom, provided with such a heddle shaft, possible without the heddles digging into the heddle support rails and without producing excessive noise.

Abstract: In order to reduce or to prevent wear on the tufting gripper (16) at the contact point with the tufting needle (18), an additional insert 28 is provided in addition to a wear-resistant cutting insert (27), said additional insert (28) being directed at interacting with the tufting needle (18). Said additional insert consists of a material that, paired with the tufting needle (18), forms an optimal sliding combination. Preferably, the additional insert (28) is a soft needle-saving insert. Preferably, the cutting insert (27) is a hard wear-resistant insert. The two inserts (27, 28) may be accommodated separately in different pockets (36, 37) or together in one pocket (31). They may be connected with each other or be made in one piece.

Abstract: A cutting needle (1) for knitting machines and similar applications has been provided, said cutting needle having a needle body (2) on which a knife (6) is detachably held, preferably by means of a detent device (19). Such a cutting needle (1) reduces the maintenance costs of knitting machines and discloses ways for optimizing needle bodies (2) and knives (6) in view of manufacturing technology and materials.

Abstract: A take-off comb, in particular for a flat-bed knitting machine or a loop-forming machine, comprising a number of take-off elements that are held in a bed (19), with the bed consisting exclusively of bent sheet metal parts. The take-off elements (10) may comprise closing elements (15) that can be shifted by a closer ledge (35). The closer ledge (35) and, optionally, a slider (45) assigned to the ledge, are preferably also bent sheet metal parts. Consequently, the thusly configured take-off comb (7) can be manufactured in a cost-effective and precise manner.

Abstract: A stitch needle (10) is provided with a tip (29) which is shaped as a center punch and has no recognizable rounding at its terminus (31). The tip (29) is preferably arranged at mid height of the hook-shaped aperture (36) which is structured for capturing the yarn (13). The particular shape of the tip (29) and its positioning minimize the wear of the stitch needle (10) and also minimize damages to the yarn (13).