Abstract: Three-dimensional woven preforms are curved and have continuous fibers in the direction of curvature and wherein the base of the preforms is curved with the warp fibers continuous across the length of the preform and some of the warp fibers are longer than other warp fibers.

Abstract: Embodiments for clamps and shaping clamp systems are disclosed herein and drawn to such applications as, including but not limited to, an apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional woven preforms that can be curved and have continuous fibers in the direction of curvature. Embodiments of the clamps may include an upper clamp, and a lower clamp of complementary shape and mateable with the upper clamp, with the clamp being configured to receive a fabric therebetween.

Abstract: A crankshaft having a front end, a rear end, and a central axis extending from the front end to the rear end is provided. The crankshaft includes a front crankpin, a rear crankpin, and one or more central crankpins. The front crankpin is located in proximity to the front end and the rear crankpin is located in proximity to the rear end. Further, the one or more central crankpins are located substantially equidistant from the front crank pin and the rear crankpin. The crankshaft further includes pairs of counterweights disposed on each side of the front crankpin, the rear crankpin and the one or more central crankpin. The counterweights are disposed such that counterweights in each pair of counterweights are angularly offset with respect to each other.

Abstract: A clamping device (18) for temporarily clamping the fabric (2) in place is provided on the weaving machine (1), and interacts with a ventilating device (23) that effects the temporary elimination of the clamping action. The operation of the ventilating device (23) is controlled by the movement of the beat-up device (11) via a mechanical connection that exists between the beat-up device (11) and the clamping device (18), and is effected by a mechanical transmission (28)—to be understood in the broadest terms—via which the clamping force can be eliminated or also generated in some embodiments. Due to the controlled release of the fabric at times or during phases of operation of the weaving machine (1) that can be adjusted and selected, a simple adaptation of the operation of the weaving machine (1) to different types of fabric can be achieved. An operation with less longitudinal pull of the fabric is possible.

Abstract: Fabric support and a weaving machine using the support, in which the fabric support (1) includes several supporting elements (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) which can be arranged next to one another and a profiled section (20, 30, 40, 50, 60) which is supported by the supporting elements (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 18, 19) and includes a guide surface (22) for a fabric (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a tape having a curve, especially a curved flat line compound. The inventive device consists of several clamping jaw pairs that are arranged downstream in relation to a weaving device and serve for withdrawing the individual lines. The clamping jaw pairs are moveably arranged along the direction of withdrawal, are driven and can be swivelled. In a preferred embodiment, two clamping jaw pairs are used which can be moved to-and-fro along the direction of withdrawal in an alternating manner and by means of drives that engage on the ends of the clamping jaws. The amplitude of the movement can be changed in an independent manner on both sides. The drive device can be configured as a crank gear system. A crank gear engages on each side of each clamping jaw and the lifting movement of the crank gears of one side can be adjusted in relation to the lifting movement of the crank gears on the remaining side. Different warp threads (e.g.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus (1) for the measurement of the cloth tension in weaving machines comprises a probe element (2) and a guide part (3) to which the probe element (2) is connected in order to guide the probe element (2). The measuring apparatus (1) furthermore comprises a holder (4) to which the guide part (3) is secured and a sensor element (5) which is in contact with the probe element (2) in such a manner that a force which acts on the probe element (2) causes a corresponding change in the sensor element (5). In this the guide part (3) is attached at one side to the holder (4), the probe element (2) is spaced from the attachment of the guide part (3), and the measuring apparatus (1) is executed as a module.

Abstract: A gripper for transporting filling yarn in a projectile (A) across a loom for insertion during weaving is carried by spring arms (B). The gripper includes opposed jaws one of which has a V-shaped inner surface (C) and the other jaw has a W-shaped inner surface (D) receiving an end of filling yarn (Y) when the gripper is closed. The method includes transporting the filling yarn across the loom while engaged by the opposed interengaging inner surfaces of the jaws.