Apparatus for propelling the weft thread carriers in travelling-wave looms

The apparatus includes a closed stationary guideway incorporating a chain conveyer having means for propelling the weft-thread carriers. The closed stationary guideway has two curvilinear and two rectilinear portions. Above one of the curvilinear portions and above the rectilinear portions of the guideway, except for the part thereof disposed in a cloth forming zone, there is installed an additional guideway slidably engaging a guide surface made on the top side of the weft thread carriers. Located above the other curvilinear portion of the closed stationary guideway are movable retainers contacting surfaces of the weft thread carriers. Thus, the above structure reliably retains the weft thread carriers against vertical displacements and to use for propelling the weft thread carriers out of the shed the very same elements used for propelling them in the shed.