Abstract: A method for supplying weft yarn to the shed of a weaving machine of the type in which weft yarn is inserted into the shed from at least two feed bobbins, via respective weft accumulators and insertion devices, includes the step of altering the average yarn extraction speed at which the weft yarn of at least one of the feed bobbins is extracted during unspooling of the bobbin in order to prevent yarn breakage due to an excessively high extraction speed. The method may be carried out by a device which generates a signal representative of the available supply of yarn on a feed bobbin, and controls the yarn extraction speed as a function of the available supply signal. An alternative device for carrying out the method generates a signal representative of a yarn extraction tension and regulates the yarn extraction speed as a fuction of the yarn extraction tension signal.

Abstract: When a weft thread is not used for weaving for a certain preset time, at least one weft length of this weft thread is automatically inserted into the shed and removed to prevent weaving errors caused because the weft thread is held too long in the insertion nozzle and consequently may be damaged. The weaving process then continues with a new length of new weft thread.

Abstract: In a weaving machine, one of the guiding elements used to normally guide a weft thread between a thread preparation mechanism and the shed of the weaving machine is made moveable. The moveable guiding element may, for example, be an auxiliary weft insertion nozzle and can be used in place of supplemental threading and guiding mechanisms for such as purposes as retrieving a broken weft thread for automatic rethreading or extracting a defective weft thread from the shed.

Abstract: A method of threading a weft insertion jet nozzle so that a correct length of the leading end of the weft thread extends from the jet nozzle in the direction of the shed includes the steps of bringing a weft thread into its corresponding jet nozzle, inserting at least one weft length of said weft thread into the shed, cutting off the length of weft thread which has been inserted into the shed so that the correct length of weft thread extends from the outlet of the jet nozzle, and finally removing the cut-off length of weft thread from the shed. A weaving machine adapted for carrying out the described method includes a control unit connected to the weaving machine's prewinders, jet nozzles, a suction nozzle, a cutter, and to the drive of the sley of the weaving machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remove a defectively inserted weft thread includes preventing the severing of the weft thread from the ready supply of weft thread, releasing lengths of weft thread less than twice the width of the material from the ready supply of weft thread, blowing the released weft thread by pulsating blowing into the shed containing the defectively inserted weft thread, severing the newly inserted weft thread and the defectively inserted weft thread from the ready supply, and removing the weft thread from the shed by pulsating blowing of the weft thread.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a weft thread are disclosed in which a completely separate, independent drive system for the weft thread cutter and clamping device enables the cutting time to be optimized without affecting the main drive system for the loom. By using its own, independent drive system, which is completely independent of the main loom drive, the cutter can be actuated at any time during the loom cycle. The cutter and clamp drive system is controlled by a computer, which may be programmed to determine the optimum cutting time as a function of the weaving parameters and the weft thread data. A device may be provided to detect an improperly inserted weft thread. Once this has been detected, the computer may deactivate the cutting device to prevent the separation of the improperly inserted weft thread from the weft thread supply.