Abstract: A method for the insertion of a weft thread into a shed of a rapier weaving machine is presented in which the weft thread (3) is taken up by a bringer rapier (10) and fixedly clamped in the same by means of a thread clamp, is inserted into the shed by means of the bringer rapier and is taken up by a taker rapier. In the said method the clamping force of the thread clamp in the bringer rapier is additionally controlled during the weft insertion in such a way that the clamping force (F0) during the take-up of the weft thread and/or during the transfer of the weft thread is reduced relative to the clamping force (F1) in the insertion phase lying therebetween.

Abstract: A thread clamp for a rapier head (10) for the firm clamping of weft threads (2, 2?, 2?, 2??) in a rapier weaving machine is presented. The thread clamp (1) has first and second holding members (3, 4) which can be pressed against one another in a clamping region (3a, 4a) in order to hold the weft threads. Moreover, one or more deflection elements (7, 7?) are provided at the thread clamp in order to deflect the weft thread or threads (2, 2?, 2?, 2??) and to increase the holding force, with at least one deflection element (7, 7?) being controllable.

Abstract: A cutting device (10) for a weaving machine (1) is presented which includes a first blade (12.1) on a first blade carrier (11.1), a second blade (12.2) on a movable and guided blade carrier (11.2) and a drive which cooperates with the movable blade carrier and includes a pneumatic actuator (14, 14?) and a spring (15) in order to part a weft thread (2) to be inserted into a shed or inserted into a shed. The spring (15) can be stressed by means of the pneumatic actuator (14, 14?) and the two blades (12.1, 12.2) can be closed by means of the action of the spring.

Abstract: A method for the insertion of a weft thread into a shed of a rapier weaving machine is presented in which the weft thread (3) is taken up by a bringer rapier (10) and fixedly clamped in the same by means of a thread clamp; is inserted into the shed by means of the bringer rapier and is taken up by a taker rapier. In the said method the clamping force of the thread clamp in the bringer rapier is additionally controlled during the weft insertion in such a way that the clamping force (F0) during the take-up of the weft thread and/or during the transfer of the weft thread is reduced relative to the clamping force (F1) in the insertion phase lying therebetween.

Abstract: The rapier loom employs a runner on the underside of a picking tape at the rapier head in order to space the picking tape from the guide teeth used to form a slideway for the rapier within a shed of warp yarns. The runner may have a convex shape while the guide teeth have a curvilinear shape to slidingly support the runner. Alternatively, the runner may have a longitudinal groove to receive the guide teeth. A guide bar may also be disposed outside the shed to form a slideway for the runner while also being spaced from the picking tape.