Abstract: An implantable graft device is disclosed. The device comprises a graft body forming a lumen defining a longitudinal axis and comprising proximal and distal ends. The graft body comprises a woven fabric having warp yarns aligned in a first direction and weft yarns aligned in a second direction. The weft yarns are woven with the warp yarns. A portion of the warp yarns along the longitudinal axis of the graft body are not interwoven with the weft yarns, defining floating yarns having loops aligned in one of the first direction and the second direction. The device further comprises an expandable stent disposed circumferentially about the longitudinal axis and received through the loops of the floating yarns to attach the stent to the graft body.

Abstract: A three-dimensional distance woven fabric including two outer fabrics, at least one inter-layered fabric and a plurality of inter-yarns connected with each one of the outer fabrics and the inter-layered fabric, wherein a gap between the inter-layered fabrics and each one of the outer fabrics of the three-dimensional distance woven fabric is greater than 20 centimeters and is less than 300 centimeters. A weaving machine and a method for weaving the aforesaid three-dimensional distance woven fabric are also provided.

Abstract: Cotton denim fabrics and methods of making denim fabrics that are soft to the touch, have a smooth surface, and have bright colors, without encountering any of the difficulties associated with denims made from silk or rayon fibers.

Abstract: A woven preform for a reinforced composite material, which may be woven flat and folded into shape. The preform has a three-dimensional weave architecture with weft fibers woven to provide layer-to-layer interlocking of layers of warp fiber as well as interlocking of fibers within each layer. One or more legs extend from a base, the base and legs each having at least two layers of warp fibers. The legs may be parallel or angled to each other and/or may move along a sine wave in the warp and/or weft direction. The outer ends of the base and/or the legs preferably have tapers formed from terminating layers of warp fibers in a stepped pattern.

Abstract: A method for weaving single-layered and/or multi-layered woven fabric, especially airbag fabric, includes interweaving warp threads delivered by at least two warp beams.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus to produce a novel woven fabric with a pattern integral therewith. The pattern is formed in the fabric during weaving by selectively stretching the warp yarn between the fell line and the warp beam so that the stretched warp yarn creates an open area and upon release creates an area of high density fill yarn.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for driving a let-off beam of a fabric weaving loom and maintaining a predetermined tension in the warp threads. The drive arrangement includes an electric motor operably connected to the let-off beam by a speed-reducing apparatus and an electrically operated clutch. A tension-sensitive device is positioned adjacent the warp threads and cooperates with same to sense the tension therein. The tension-sensitive device has a switch operably connected to said clutch wherein at a predetermined tension in the warp threads the switch closes and actuates the clutch to effect selective driving of the let-off beam in a forward direction and thereby control the tension in the warp threads.