Abstract: A thread clamp for a weaving machine includes a clamp having at least two clamping parts between which a thread may be clamped and an actuator arranged to move the clamping parts between clamping and unclamped positions. The actuator is arranged to operate the clamp so that it moves at least in one direction by a negative fluid pressure. The actuator may be formed as a small piston that may be actuated both by positive pressure and negative pressure to move the clamp between clamping and unclamped positions.

Abstract: A device for inserting weft threads in an airjet weaving machine including at least one main blower and a respective thread clamp associated with the main blower. The thread clamp is constituted of an element configured in a modular form. Such modular form enables several such elements to be assembled in a modular configuration, including one on top of another. Pneumatically actuated elements are used to engage and disengage the thread clamps whereby the thread clamps may be engaged or disengaged by pressure and vacuum supplied through a single supply conduit. A method for inserting weft threads in the shed of an airjet weaving machine includes holding each weft thread at least temporarily in a thread clamp that moves with the sley of the weaving machine and using a thread tensioner outside the shed at a location between the thread supply and the thread clamp.

Abstract: A device for inserting weft threads in an airjet weaving machine including at least one main blower and a respective thread clamp associated with the main blower. The thread clamp is constituted of an element configured in a modular form. Such modular form enables several such elements to be assembled in a modular configuration, including one on top og another. Pneumatically actuated elements are used to engage and disengage the thread clamps whereby the thread clamps may be engaged or disengaged by pressure and vacuum supplied through a single supply conduit. A method for inserting weft threads in the shed of an airjet weaving machine includes holding each weft thread at least temporarily in a thread clamp that moves with the sley of the weaving machine and using a thread tensioner outside the shed at a location between the thread supply and the thread clamp.

Abstract: Thread clamp, in particular for a weaving machine, which at least consists of an actual clamp (2) with at least two clamping parts (34) between which a thread (5) can be clamped, as well as of actuation means (6) for moving said clamping parts (3-4) in mutual respect between at least two positions, a closed position, whereby the clamping parts (3-4) are pushed towards each other, and an open position whereby the clamping parts (3-4) are situated at a distance from each other, respectively, characterized in that said actuation means (6) comprise at least a pneumatically actuatable part (7) for bringing the clamp (2) into at least one of said two positions, which part can be actuated by means of a negative pressure, more particularly vacuum, fed thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to monitor filling insertion in a weaving machine. A filling (3, 4) is severed during insertion by a filling-scissors (15), and the actual time at which the filling (3, 4) is severed is detected.

Abstract: A method for supplying weft threads into the shed of a weaving machine includes the step of controlling at least one of the weaving machine elements which can influence weft insertion times as a function of the reopening of the shed. The method is particularly applicable to weaving machines of the type in which weft threads are inserted by a transport fluid. A device for carrying out the above method includes a computing unit and memory which controls an insertion time influencing element in response to signals related to a moving pattern of the harnesses and information regarding the weft pattern.