Apparatus and method for correcting irregularities in a series shed weaving machine

A method for correcting an irregularity during the insertion of a weft yarn into a shed of a series shed weaving machine of the type having a loom width, the method comprising:

• storing a length of the weft yarn in a yarn storage assembly corresponding to at least one loom width of the series shed weaving machine;
• conveying the weft yarn towards the shed;
• detecting an irregularity in the weft yarn;
• and
• after the detecting step, feeding the entire length of weft yarn into the shed.

In a series shed weaving machine having a loom width, the combination comprising:

• a weaving rotor;
• and
• an apparatus for correcting irregularities which occur during the insertion of a weft yarn into the weaving rotor, the apparatus comprising:
• a separation and deflection apparatus for cutting the weft yarn and conveying the weft yarn to a selectable unit;
• at least one sensor for monitoring the weft yarn;
• a conveyor apparatus for determining a speed of conveyance of the weft yarn in a weft insertion direction, the conveyor apparatus comprising a yarn storage assembly for storing a length of weft yarn corresponding to at least one loom width of the series shed weaving machine;
• and
• an actuator for moving the conveyor apparatus in a direction opposite to the weft insertion direction.

An apparatus for correcting irregularities which occur during the insertion of a weft yarn into a weaving rotor of a series shed weaving machine, the series shed weaving machine having a loom width, the apparatus comprising:

• a separation and deflection apparatus for cutting the weft yarn and conveying the weft yarn to a selectable unit;
• at least one sensor for monitoring the weft yarn;
• a conveyor apparatus for determining a speed of conveyance of the weft yarn in a weft insertion direction, the conveyor apparatus comprising a yarn storage assembly for storing a length of weft yarn corresponding to at least one loom width of the series shed weaving machine and a conveyor roller for receiving a plurality of windings of the weft yarn and storing said windings, the conveyor roller being actuable in a rotational direction for conveying the weft yarn in the weft yarn insertion direction;
• an actuator for moving the conveyor apparatus in a direction opposite to the weft insertion direction;
• and
• an insertion nozzle and a capture nozzle defining an insertion axis therebetween for the weft yarn, the conveyor roller being pivotally journalled about a rotational axis and having a jacket surface for carrying the weft yarn, the conveyor roller being positioned below the insertion axis, the insertion axis and the rotational axis forming an acute angle therebetween.