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 arranged in weftwise rows guide respective warp strands, and are transferred between weftwise rows. In accordance with this invention, mechanism for engaging heddles and for moving the same and guides extending from one end of one row to an adjacent end of another row cooperate so that heddles are engaged and moved by the mechanism and transferred between the rows. Mechanisms and guides are disclosed for accommodating transfer of heddles between substantially opposing weftwise rows lying substantially in a common plane and between substantially opposing weftwise rows spaced warpwise one from another.