Automatic repair of broken warp threads in weaving machines

Apparatus for automatically repairing broken warp threads in weaving machines or looms, comprising:

• a) a computerized control system having a memory storing predetermined characteristics for harness drawing-in and reeding of each of a plurality of weaving machines as well as characteristics of selvages and a number of threads used, as well as characteristics of warp threads used in said weaving machines;
• means for receiving information on a row of drop wires which has brought about a stoppage in one of said weaving machines as well as information given by a device detecting a position of a fallen drop wire in relation to a row;
• means for processing said information and sending a transfer order for a moving reed space counting device to position itself opposite a reed space corresponding to said fallen drop wire;
• data processing means for sending orders to operation devices constituting repair apparatus, as well as for sending orders and controlling displacement of support means;
• b) a moving detecting device adapted to count weaving machine drop wires so as exactly to determine a numerical position of said fallen drop wire in relation to a row where it is located;
• c) a moving reed space counting device having means for positioning itself directly opposite the reed space corresponding to a space occupied by a broken warp thread;
• d) a device for removing the broken warp thread which is joined to a cloth;
• e) a device for removing the broken warp thread which is joined to the warp;
• f) a device for selecting and feeding an auxiliary yarn having the same characteristics as the broken warp thread;
• g) means for joining said auxiliary yarn to the broken warp thread which is joined to the warp;
• h) a drawing-in device for drawing said auxiliary yarn into the corresponding drop wire of said broken warp thread, once said auxiliary yarn has been joined to said broken warp thread;
• i) a threading device for picking up said auxiliary yarn which has been drawn in by said drawing-in device and threading it in a heddle of a harness and in a corresponding reed space;
• and
• j) means for retaining and tensioning said auxiliary yarn which has been drawn in the heddle of the harness and in the reed and has been positioned on the cloth for its binding into the cloth by means of weft courses, including means for cutting off excess yarn once said joining has been carried out.