Abstract: A triaxial fabric weaving machine in which a plurality of elongate heddles for guiding warp yarns are arranged in weftwise rows and are shifted weftwise of the rows to thereby move the warp strands from one weftwise location to another. During weaving, heddles are supported by stationary guides and are moved longitudinally relative to the stationary guides for forming the warp strands into warp sheds in which wefts are inserted.

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: A triaxial fabric weaving machine and method in which a plurality of elongate heddles for guiding warp yarns are arranged in weftwise rows amd are moved longitudinally in passageways for forming the warp strands into warp sheds through which wefts are inserted. During weaving, heddles are shifted weftwise of the rows and from one passageway to another to thereby move the warp strands from one weftwise location to another.

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.