Abstract: A triaxial weaving machine of modular construction comprises separable warp supply and weaving modules to simplify manufacture and permit more efficient use of the machine. Modules of the same kind are interchangeable.

Abstract: A weaving machine for making triaxial fabrics and which has a plurality of heddles arranged in weftwise rows for guiding warp strands, an arrangement for shifting warp strands weftwise during weaving, and a creel for supplying warp strands and for rotating in timed relation with the weftwise shifting of the warp strands. In accordance with the present invention, structure is provided for guiding warp strands passing from the creel to the heddles along substantially constant length paths and takes the particular form of a generally circular upper guide having a diameter less than the weftwise length of the rows of heddles and a lower guide arrangement substantially in weftwise alignment with the rows of heddles and yarn separators for the warp strands which move in timed relation with weftwise shifting of the warp strands and rotation of the creel.

Abstract: A weaving machine for making triaxial fabrics in which a creel for supplying warp strands is mounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis in timed relation with interweaving of warp strands and wefts. In accordance with this invention, weaving instrumentalities for interweaving warp strands and wefts include a plurality of elongate heddles arranged in weftwise rows for guiding warp strands and means for moving the heddles and the warp strands guided thereby weftwise in timed relation with interweaving of warp strands and wefts.

Abstract: A weaving machine and method for making triaxial fabrics in which a plurality of elongate heddles are arranged in weftwise rows for guiding respective warp strands, for forming the warp strands into warp sheds through which wefts are inserted, and for shifting the warp strands weftwise. In accordance with this invention, heddles are engagingly received at one end of one row and are transferred to an adjacent end of another row. Preferably, transferring of heddles involves pivotal movement thereof in particular relationship to other instrumentalities of the weaving machine.

Abstract: In making triaxial fabric, the warp strands cross each other so that different positions for the beaters are required for successive insertions of weft strands. One of two beaters holds the fell until the other is ready to come down. In order to stabilize the position of the beater bar in the beat-up position, two toggle links in the beat-up linkage are maintained in aligned compression, so that the effective number of links is reduced by one.

Abstract: A heddle for a weaving machine for making triazial fabrics is adapted to be moved longitudinally during a warp shed forming operation and also is adapted to be shifted weftwise of the weaving machine. The heddle is characterized by having a nose portion with a warp strand guide opening extending therethrough, with means on the heddle adapted to be engaged for imparting longitudinal movement thereto, and other means thereon adapted to be engaged for shifting the heddle weftwise of the weaving machine.

Abstract: An elongate heddle for a weaving machine for making triaxial fabrics is provided with a frontal portion having a warp strand guide opening extending therethrough, with means on the heddle adapted to be engaged for imparting longitudinal movement thereto during warp shed forming operations. The heddle also has means thereon adapted to be engaged for shifting the heddle weftwise of the weaving machine, and the frontal portion of the heddle has guide means thereon adapted to aid in guiding the heddle by cooperating with an adjacent heddle during movement thereof.