Apparatus for coupling a weaving machine and shed-forming machine for effecting pick finding and slow speed operation

An apparatus for operatively coupling a weaving machine and a shed-forming machine, comprising first and second coupling parts which are supported for rotation independently of each other about an axis and are supported for axial movement relative to each other between a first position in which said coupling parts are drivingly engaged and a second position in which said coupling parts are spaced from each other and free of driving engagement;

• first resilient means yieldably urging said first and second coupling parts toward said first position;
• an axially facing, annular cam surface provided on said first coupling part coaxial with said axis, said cam surface having an axially projecting cam portion, a recess portion and a ramp portion connecting said recess portion and said cam portion;
• drive means cooperable with said first coupling part for effecting rotation of said cam surface about said axis;
• an actuating member fixed against axial movement relative to said second coupling part and supported for movement substantially radially of said axis between a retracted position spaced from said cam surface and an actuating position substantially radially aligned with and engageable with said cam surface;
• and control means for selectively moving said actuating member between said retracted and actuating positions, rotation of said cam surface by said drive means when said actuating member is in said actuating position and in said recess portion of said cam surface causing said actuating member to move along said ramp portion to said cam portion of said cam surface and thus effect movement of said first coupling part toward said second position against the urging of said first resilient means.