Method of picking weft yarns in shuttleless looms

Claim 3

The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the weft thread is initially picked up and carried through at least part of the length of the shed by a primary pressure fluid.

Claim 4

The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the weft thread is initially picked up and carried through at least part of the length of the shed by rotating feeding rollers.

Claim 5

The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the weft thread is carried into a guiding channel formed by a comb having a plurality of plates and openings and which is periodically immerged into the shed.

Claim 6

The method as defined in claim 4 including means for regulating the pressure of the flow of fluid along the longitudinal length of the shed.

Claim 7

The method as defined in claim 5 wherein the plurality of successive, pressure fluid flows are directed obliquely into the guiding channel of the guiding combs.

Claim 8

Apparatus for inserting weft threads in the shed formed on a shuttleless weaving loom having a batton comprising means for picking up and carrying a weft thread through at least part of the length of the shed, a comb having a plurality of plates supported on said batten, said comb forming a guiding channel for said weft thread upon being periodically inserted in said shed, a plurality of nozzle means supported on said batten for directing a plurality of individual pressure fluid flows into said guiding channel, valve means connected to the nozzle means for activating and deactivating the individual nozzle means and means for successively controlling said valves to exert a fluid flow on the leading end of said weft thread whereby said weft thread may be pulled from its leading end in a selectively controlled and directed manner through said shed.

Claim 9

Apparatus for inserting weft threads in the shed formed on a shuttleless weaving loom having a batton comprising means for picking up and carrying a weft thread through at least part of the length of the shed, a comb having a plurality of plates supported on said batten, said comb forming a guiding channel for said weft thread upon being periodically inserted in said shed, a plurality of nozzle means supported on said batten for directing a plurality of individual pressure fluid flows into said guiding channel, valve means connected to the nozzle means for activating and deactivating the individual nozzle means and means for successively controlling said valves to exert a fluid flow on the leading end of said weft thread whereby said weft thread may be pulled from its leading end in a selectively controlled and directed manner through said shed.

Claim 10

Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein the nozzle means for directing a plurality of pressure fluid flows into the guiding channel comprises, a plurality of independent nozzles serially mounted on the batten, each being directed obliquely into said guiding channel.

Claim 11

Apparatus as defined in claim 8 including sensing elements located adjacent the plates of the guiding comb to selectively control activation and deactivation of the nozzles.

Claim 12

Apparatus as defined in claim 9 including means for regulating the pressure in each of said nozzles.

Claim 13

Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein the valve means for activating and deactivating the nozzle means for directing the plurality of pressure fluid flows is a distributor connected to a source of pressure fluid and connected through hoses to the nozzle means and includes a rotary slide valve synchronized with the movement of the main shaft of the shuttleless loom.

Claim 14

Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein the rotary sLide valve is of a size sufficient to cover at least two exits to the hoses at the same time.