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.