Abstract: A method of manufacturing a woven textile having a structural member integrally woven therein. The structural member may be either straight or an undulating member which, although straight when secured to the textile, is trained to undergo a shape memory transformation back to its remembered undulating shape. The structural member is secured to the woven textile by displacing one or more given warp yarns in a first direction to create a structural member receiving gap, inserting the structural member into the gap by passing a structural member-insertion shuttle therethrough, and thereafter returning the displaced warp yarn or yarns to secure the structural member.

Abstract: A woven fabric enhancing bulletproof ability by efficiently absorbing kinetic energy of a bullet discharged from a gun, which is not softened or molten by heat of the bullet at high temperatures, in which non-twisted multifilament yarns are opened and the filament yarns are aligned such that the cross-sectional shape thereof is flattened as a whole and the fabric is woven while keeping fiber axes of the filaments substantially linear. Warps and wefts comprise such multifilament yarns, the warp comprising polyethylene fibers excellent in mechanical property, the weft comprising aramide fibers excellent in thermal property. In order to prevent lowering of the bulletproof ability caused by crimping or the like of the multifilament yarns and to sufficiently utilize the mechanical properties of the fiber material, multifilament yarns each having a count of 50 through 1600 deniers comprising filaments each having a count of less than 10 deniers are used as the warps and wefts.

Abstract: A three-dimensional multiaxial circular woven fabric of a generally cylindrical shape having a core defined therein about a central axis. A plurality of concentric axial yarn layers extend radially outwardly in spaced-apart relationship from the central axis, and each of the layers comprises a plurality of axial yarns extending parallel to the central axis of the fabric. A plurality of radially spaced-apart circumferential yarns extend outwardly from the central axis of the fabric and define a plane substantially perpendicular thereto, and each of a selected number of the plurality of circumferential yarns is woven between a corresponding plurality of next adjacent and successive concentric axial yarn layers. A plurality of radial yarns is provided in the fabric wherein each of a selected number of the radial yarns is woven between a corresponding plurality of next adjacent and successive axial yarns and each axial yarn layer of a plurality of concentric yarn layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for weaving a three dimensional structure by providing a set of planar warp yarns arranged in a plurality of planes, where each plane contains yarns arranged in a decreasing spacing from top to bottom. The plurality of planes are also positioned in a perpendicular direction so that the spacing between adjacent planes decrease from top to bottom, and a weft yarn is inserted between the adjacent planes at a point where the spacing is largest. A moving rod and shaped reed are used to pull and beat the weft yarns into the three dimensional structure situated at a base of the planar warp yarns, where the shaped reed has reed wires arranged in decreasing spacing from top to bottom.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional stiffener having at least one wall (6, 8) extending outwardly from a generally planar base portion (4) comprises the steps of forming the base portion by weaving at least two layers (16, 18) using orthogonally disposed first and second yarn lengths (10, 12) and using a third plurality of yarn lengths (14) located within planes extending perpendicularly to the general plane of said stiffener. Each of said plurality of yarn lengths in said third pluratlity is woven between the topmost and bottommost ones (10, 12) of said plurality of first and second orthogonally disposed first and second yarn lengths. At least one stiffener wall (6) extending orthogonally to said plane is formed by overweaving along a given section of said planar portion and in a direction perpendicular to said general plane of said stiffener coincident with a section of one of said plurality of first and second yarn lengths.

Abstract: A three-dimensional weaving machine that enables biased yarn guide blocks to be reduced in size and their movement to be simplified and that reliably feeds biased yarns is described. A three-dimensional mechanism contains 2N guide blocks (13), each including a biased yarn through-hole (15) extending along the length direction. A guide block receiving and supporting device (18) forms guide block arrangement spaces (S1), (S2), and (S3) in a bottom stage, a middle stage, and a top stage wherein N of the 2N guide blocks can be arranged in each stage parallel with, and adjacent to, one another. A guide block moving device (22) is provided for moving the guide blocks in each stage in opposite directions along the respective stages, and a shifting device (44) operates for simultaneously shifting two adjacent sets of guide blocks movably arranged in the respective guide block arrangement spaces, each by one stage.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for weaving a fabric with a three dimensional bulging zone, which is formed by increasing the density of the crossing points of the warp and weft threads so as to naturally impart a bulging zone in the fabric. The density is changed by changing the number of threads and/or changing the weave pattern. The lengths of the warp threads can also be increased in the bulging zone. In a preferred embodiment, the threads include a material which is settable by thermal or chemical treatment, and such that upon being set a three dimensional rigid matrix is formed which includes the non-settable threads as a reinforcement. The apparatus for carrying out the process takes the form of a loom having the capability of individually drawing off selected lengths of the warp threads from a warp supply, and a jacquard head for forming the weaving sheds and which has a control for changing the number of threads woven and/or the weave pattern.

Abstract: In a loop holding mechanism (31), loop engaging pins (39) which are carried by pin blocks (38) are arranged successively to engage at a feed end (310) of the mechanism loop portions of yarns formed at opposite side edges of a multi-axial yarn structure being formed. The pin blocks (38) at each side of the mechanism (31) advance in abutting relationship along an advancement track (32) to a delivery end (311) of the mechanism (31) where they are returned along a return track (34) and again engaged in the successively formed loop portions.

Abstract: A machine that uses modified air jet technology for weft insertion, knitting needles for Z yarn insertion and "closers" to close the warp sheds before beating to produce three-dimensional fabric in flat, wide panels at high speed. The fabric is characterized by a pattern consisting of the conventional multiple rows of X, Y and Z yarns orthogonal at 90.degree. to each other but which has each Z yarn loop diagonally over a warp and a weft yarn alternately at +45.degree. and -45.degree. at both the top and bottom edges of the fabric. The diagonal loops permit the fabric to be made with either an equal number of rows of warp and weft yarns, or one more than or one less row of warp than weft yarns, and also have its right and left edges bound by Z yarns.

Abstract: A method of making a reinforcing fabric having wide angles between the warp yarns and the weft yarns by helically folding on itself a strip of fabric which has been skewed such that the angle .alpha. between the warp yarns and the weft yarns is from 100.degree. to 140.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus for production of a three-dimensional fabric including laminated fiber layers having a fiber arranged along axial lines and a connection yarn inserted into the fiber layers to connect the fiber layers with each other are described. The fiber layers are formed by arranging the fiber while folding the fiber back along the axial lines. The laminated fiber layers are formed by arranging the fiber along axial lines, by engaging the fiber to a plurality of restriction members located with a predetermined pitch on a frame so as to surround an area where the connection fiber is inserted into the fiber layers, and then folding the fiber back along the axial lines. A plurality of yarn inserting needles arranged in a series together with the connection fiber are simultaneously thrust into the fiber layers until a holding section of each yarn inserting needle projects outside of the fiber layers to make a loop of the connection yarn at each holding section.

Abstract: A method and machine for rapidly manufacturing transverse diagonal three dimensional fabric in flat panels of variable thicknesses and cross sections, wide widths and continuous length consisting of a yarn guide plate that holds all longitudinal yarns in exact position, two rows of knitting needles, or sewing needles with loopers, that insert rows of transverse yarns at +45.degree. and -45.degree. in the transverse plane, a beat mechanism that moves the yarn guide plate to compact the transverse yarns, and a shift mechanism that moves both rows of needles alternately one row to the right and to the left to bind the right and left side edges of the fabric. A three-dimensional fabric pattern that is produced by this method and machines, which consists of multiple rows of longitudinal yarns held straight in the longitudinal plane, aligned exactly with the longitudinal axis, multiple rows of straight transverse diagonal yarns alternating at +45.degree. and -45.degree.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven fabric structure is integrally woven by a multi-ply weave having three or more plies, and includes a form defining a plurality of bag portions extending parallel with one another, and arranged in a plurality of rows. The bag portions in each row are defined by two woven fabric plies, the intersection of which along a crossing locus creates a bound portion between adjacent bag portions. Cylindrical bag portions in adjacent rows have a woven fabric ply in common and are interconnected at staggered positions. The fabric structure is creased at midpoints between bound portions whereby the bag portions are set to retain a hollow three-dimensional form, but may be folded flat into a juxtaposed state by application of pressure.

Abstract: A fiber preform having a web and at least one flange has fibers disposed in the web such that each follows a zig-zag path and is interlocked with the fibers of the flange. A manufacturing method for the preform includes interlocking the web yarns with those of the flange and engaging the web yarns at a plurality of points spaced longitudinally of the prefrom and also spaced from the flange in the direction of the web to define the required web dimension.

Abstract: A device for forming from warp sheet a bias yarn assembly comprising two superposed bias yarn sub-assemblies in which the bias yarns of one sub-assembly are inclined to the bias yarns of the other sub-assembly and in both of which the bias yarns are inclined to the warp feed direction includes a yarn transfer mechanism having a lower yarn guide member with upstanding yarn guide elements which extend through the thickness of the warp sheet and define warp yarn guide openings through which the warp yarns of the warp sheet pass and which hold the warp yarns in positions spaced apart in the weft direction and an upper yarn transfer member which includes yarn guide elements which extend downwardly and which define transfer openings for the reception of yarns of the warp sheet from the yard guide openings for transfer to the other yarn guide openings.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for production of a three-dimensional fabric including laminated fiber layers having a fiber arranged along axial lines and a connection yarn inserted into the fiber layers to connect the fiber layers with each other are described. The fiber layers are formed by arranging the fiber while folding the fiber back along the axial lines. The laminated fiber layers are formed by arranging the fiber along axial lines, by engaging the fiber to a plurality of restriction members located with a predetermined pitch on a frame so as to surround an area where the connection fiber is inserted into the fiber layers, and then folding the fiber back along the axial lines. A plurality of yarn inserting needles arranged in a series together with the connection fiber are simultaneously thrust into the fiber layers until a holding section of each yarn inserting needle projects outside of the fiber layers to make a loop of the connection yarn at each holding section.

Abstract: A method of producing three-dimensional fabric in flat panels of variable thickness, variable cross sections, wide widths and continuous lengths consisting of stiff wires as the longitudinal fibers and consisting of transverse fibers arranged in a transverse diagonal fabric pattern. A hybrid weaving/knitting machine that is used to produce this fabric by performing the following functions. The rows of longitudinal wires are spread apart vertically to create diagonal yarn corridors between the wires. Knitting needles insert transverse yarns in the diagonal corridors. The spread wires are compressed at the fell of the fabric to the final fabric thickness. The inserted transverse yarns are moved to the fell of the fabric, pulled tight and beat into the completed fabric. The right and left edges of the fabric are bound with the transverse yarns.

Abstract: A method of producing a three dimensional angle interlock ceramic fiber which is stable to high aeroacoustic noise of about 170 decibels and to high temperatures of about 2500 degrees F. is disclosed. The method uses multiple separate strands of a ceramic fiber or ceramic tow suitable for weaving having multiple warp fibers and multiple fill fibers woven with a modified fly-shuttle loom or rapier shuttleless loom which has nip rolls, a modified fabric advancement mechanism and at least eight harnesses in connection with a Dobby pattern chain utilizing sufficient heddles for each warp fiber and a reed which accommodates at least 168 ends per inch. The method produces a multilayered top fabric, rib fabric and single-layered bottom fabric.

Abstract: A method to prevent fiber distortion in textile materials employed in a modified weaving process. In a first embodiment, a tacifier in powder form is applied to the yarn and melted while on the fabric. Cool air is then supplied after the tacifier has melted to expedite the solidification of the tacifier. In a second embodiment, a solution form of a tacifier is used by dissolving the tacifier into a solvent that has a high evaporation rate. The solution is then sprayed onto the fabric or fill yarn as each fill yarn is inserted into a shed of the fabric. A third embodiment applies the tacifier in a liquid form that has not been dissolved in a solvent. That is, the tacifier is melted and is sprayed as a liquid onto the fabric or fill yarn as it is being extracted from a fill yarn spool prior to the fill yarn being inserted into the shed of the fabric. A fourth embodiment employs adhesive yarns contained as an integral part of the warp or fill yarn.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming flexible, kink-resistant shaped fabric products which are particularly well adapted for protecting and/or covering elongate substrates, such as cables, conduits, wiring and the like. The shaped fabric products include a wall portion formed from a filamentary material which is resiliently set in a spiral configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaped product. The wall portion may also preferably formed with a filamentary material in the form of circumferential hoops substantially conforming in shape and size to the cross-sectional configuration of the shaped product.

Abstract: In a method of and machine for forming a non-woven bias yarn assembly comprising two superposed non-woven bias yarn sub-assemblies each yarn is transferred by a yarn transfer member from an opening it occupies in a yarn guide member to another opening in the yarn guide member in such a manner that each yarn is caused in a succession of forward transfer steps to follow the yarn preceding it from one opening to another along a non-intersecting path until the yarn at a first end opening in the path arrives at a second end opening in the path located at the opposite end of the path and the yarn at the second end opening in the path arrives at the first end opening and then in a succession of return transfer steps to follow the yarn preceding it from one opening to another along the non-intersecting path in the opposite direction until the yarn from the second end opening in the path arrives at the first end opening and the yarn from the first end opening arrives at the second end opening.

Abstract: A multi-axial fabric constructed as a triaxial fabric including oblique warp yarns running of different directions which are interwoven with weft yarns, and straight warp yarns at selected fabric locations interwoven with the weft yarns to form a quart axial fabric. At all of the locations where the oblique warp yarns are crossed with each other, the oblique warp yarns and the weft yarns are interwoven with each other. In addition, the straight warp yarns which are interwoven with the weft yarns are also interwoven with the oblique warp yarns.

Abstract: A multi-axial, three-dimensional fabric formed from five yarn systems. The yarn systems include warp yarn arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the fabric and a first pair of bias yarn layer positioned on the front surface of the warp yarn and a second pair of bias yarn layer positioned on the back surface of the warp yarn. Vertical yarn is arranged in a thicknesswise direction of the fabric in a perpendicularly intersecting relationship to the warp yarns. Weft yarns are arranged in the widthwise direction of the fabric and in a perpendicularly intersecting relationship to the warp yarns so as to provide a multi-axial, three-dimensional fabric with enhanced resistance to in-plane shear.

Abstract: Methods for weaving three-dimensional fabric structures which have a desired cross-sectional shape and devices for such weaving in each of two mutually perpendicular directions allow sheds to be formed in planar warps. The sheds enable the insertion of parallel weft yarns through rows of warp yarns. High density three-dimensional fabrics which may be used in the manufacture of advanced composite materials can be woven.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing multiaxial thick woven fabrics (8) using healds (3) through which warps are passed, a shuttle (5) reciprocating so as to insert wefts (6) in a warp shedding portion (19) formed by the healds, a reed (9), and a woven fabric removing device (10). A large number of healds are provided in parallel in the direction of woven fabric removal. The shedding portion is formed by passing a plurality of warps so that predetermined thickness and width of the woven fabric are produced through the healds and by widely reciprocating the healds in the width direction, moving the shedding position sequentially from one side to the other side, inserting a weft sequentially in the shedding portion and arranging it by shifting the weft position in the width direction. A texture of the first row of predetermined width and thickness is formed by fixing warps.

Abstract: A process for weaving using a reed having vertically aligned upper and lower reed portions with the reed portions being relatively movable in a weft direction. The process includes transferring warp yarns between the reed portions, moving the transferred warp yarns in the weft direction to define a selected array of warp yarns, and then shedding the array of warp yarns for insertion of weft yarn. A weaving loom head is also provided including a reed having vertically aligned upper and lower reed portions, a plurality of healds each releasably engagable with an individual warp yarn for moving selected warp yarns from one reed portion to the other, and a selectively operable drive mechanism for causing relative movement between the reed portions by a predetermined spacing in the weft direction. Weaves may accordingly be produced including warp threads extending parallel to and/or inclined to the fabric take-off direction. Inclination of the warp threads may be in a horizontal and/or vertical plane.

Abstract: A multi-ply three-dimensionally bonded textile fabric is provided, to be used especially in making protective space suits, protective space shielding and other protective garments or shields. The fabric is a three-dimensionally woven, knitted, netted, braided or otherwise interlocked structure of threads including organic fibers such as aramid, polyethylene and/or polytetrafluoroethylene fibers and preferably also metallic fibers such as copper, aluminum and/or stainless steel fibers. These fibers are chosen to provide protection against adverse thermal, chemical, electrical and mechanical environmental effects that may be hazardous to an astronaut, for example. The fibers are arranged substantially in respective plies, and each ply is bonded or interlocked only to respective adjacent plies over substantially the entire ply area to provide a flexible multi-ply fabric. The threads are arranged to provide a gradient or variation in characteristics or properties from an outer surface to an inner surface.

Abstract: A weaving machine having opposite arrays of first heddles which are subjected to an alternative weft-wise movement. The weaving machine is also provided with opposite arrays of second heddles which are arranged on one side of the respective arrays of the first heddles adjacent the cloth fell. The weaving machine is operative to manufacture a multi-axial fabric constructed by a triaxial fabric including oblique warp yarns of different direction which are interwoven in weft yarns, and straight warp yarns interwoven with the weft yarns constructing the triaxial fabric. At all of the locations where the oblique warp yarns are crossed with each other, the oblique warp yarns and the weft yarns are interwoven with each other, and the straight warp yarns are interwoven with the weft yarns which are interwoven with the oblique warp yarns.

Abstract: A tetraxial fabric and a weaving machine for manufacturing the fabric. The tetraxial fabric is formed by the crisscross of warp yarns, weft yarns, and bias yarns having two different diagonal directions. A first set of warp yarns is overlaid by the weft yarns and, in turn, overlies the bias yarns. A second set of warp yarns, which alternate with the warp yarns in the first set, overlies the weft yarns and is, in turn, overlaid by the bias yarns. Due to the yarn formation, the fabric has a constant isotropy and evenness and can be made with a fill coefficient of up to 100%. The weaving machine for the manufacture of the tetraxial fabric can alternately produce, in the fabric formation area, two sheds between the warp yarns for passing the weft yarns at opposite sides with respect to the bias yarns.

Abstract: In a three-dimensional fabric as woven on a rotor-carrier type 3D fabric weaving machine, there is provided a reinforcing three-dimensional fabric for composite material, which is imparted with unevenly functioning characteristics by arbitrarily changing the thread orientation angle in part of the fabric structure. In the weaving process of the three-dimensional fabric, a large number of threads, which are oriented with an angle of inclination relative to the longitudinal direction of the fabric, are folded back at the surface of the fabric as they are continuously interwoven in the longitudinal direction thereof, and varied orientation angle portions are formed in part of the sectional area of the fabric by partially changing the angle of inclination of thread portions which continuously extend between adjacent weave portions of the fabric.

Abstract: A profiled cross-section three-dimensional woven fabric having a plurality of woven, mutually intersecting filaments woven in longitudinal, transverse and vertical planes, with transverse planes of different widths and vertical planes of different height within a cross-section of the woven fabric perpendicular to the longitudinal woven filament planes. The woven filament in the transverse planes moving upward or downward while transversely reciprocating over a width which changes with the width of the woven filaments in each longitudinal woven plane and being disposed between vertically adjacent planes of longitudinal filaments. The woven filaments in the vertical planes moving longitudinally to the height of disposition of the longitudinal and transverse filaments in a plane perpendicular to the transverse filaments and being continuously disposed between longitudinally adjacent layers of transverse filaments, clamping the transverse and longitudinal filaments to unite them together.

Abstract: A reinforcing matrix is produced using a plurality of regulating members (pins) removably arranged in rows in a predetermined direction on a base. Yarns are woven between the pins on the base repeatedly looping back and forth between spaced apart positions to form a yarn lamination consisting of a plurality of yarn layers over the base. The yarns forming the yarn layers are arranged in at least two directions. Thereafter the yarn lamination is removed from the base together with the pins. Then the pins are replaced sequentially in rows arranged in the predetermined direction with separate vertical yarns which are inserted into the yarn lamination so as to form loops. A selvage thread is inserted in the predetermined direction through the loops of the vertical yarns.

Abstract: A tubular textile insert for strengthening material is made of a stack of successive layers of parallel and interlinked threads. More particularly, there is a first-direction layer defining a cylindrical shape and form by several parallel threads arranged in a spiral relative to the central axis of the cylindrical shape. A second cylindrical layer is also formed in a cylindrical shape by several parallel threads arranged in a spiral, but at a pitch in the opposite direction to the spiral pitch of the first layer. The cylindrical shape defines a plurality of generating lines that are angularly spaced apart from one another and extend generally parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical shape. Several binding threads are arranged parallel to the generating lines and link the threads of the first and second layers together without piercing or crossing those threads of the first and second layers.

Abstract: A rod-type three-dimensional weaving method and apparatus sends weft rods from within a rod magazine between groups of warp rods consisting of a large number of warp rods disposed parallel to one another by means of rod pushers substantially continuously by automatically changing a used-up magazine with another one filled with a new set of weft rod groups. To achieve such continuous weaving, a sensor senses a point where one of the rods in the magazine reaches the preset limit for a magazine change, and a control unit acting on the signal from the sensor removes the used-up magazine and brings another magazine filled with a new set of rod groups into the rod filling position. Or the same control unit stops the rod pushers on one side and starts feeding weft rods from the opposite side by employing the magazine and rod pushers on the opposite side of the group of warp rods, with a significant reduction in the weaving time.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabric has three axes defined along its length, width and thickness directions, and an imaginary plane that bisects the fabric along its thickness or transverse direction. The fabric comprises a plurality of warp layers that are symmetrically arranged with respect to the imaginary plane. A plurality of first and second bias-yarn layers are symmetrically arranged with respect to the imaginary plane. A vertical yarn runs through the fabric in the transverse direction, to couple all the yarn layers.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven structure which exhibits isotropic mechanical and structural properties by incorporating the highest possible degree of interweavement of its fibers or rods comprising a plurality of adjacent sets of lateral rods or fibers, a plurality of adjacent sets of transverse rods or fibers and a plurality of adjacent sets of vertical rods or fibers. These lateral, transverse and vertical sets of fibers or rods come together substantially mutually perpendicularly to one another at a plurality of intersection nodes with each intersection node being formed in such a fashion that the lateral, transverse and vertical rods or fibers are fully interwoven with one another.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven fabric for use in a battery is composed of three groups of filaments interlaced to form a three-dimensional weave, the filaments of one of the groups being formed of two kinds of electrode materials for a battery arranged parallely and alternately and the filaments of the other two groups serving as separators and being arranged so as to fix the filaments made of the electrode materials.

Abstract: A profiled cross-section three-dimensional woven fabric having a plurality of woven, mutually intersecting filaments woven in longitudinal, transverse and vertical planes, with transverse planes of different widths and vertical planes of different height within a cross-section of the woven fabric perpendicular to the longitudinal woven filament planes. The woven filament in the transverse planes moving upward or downward while transversely reciprocating over a width which changes with the width of the woven filaments in each longitudinal woven plane and being disposed between vertically adjacent planes of longitudinal filaments. The woven filaments in the vertical planes moving longitudinally to the height of disposition of the longitudinal and transverse filaments in a plane perpendicular to the transverse filaments and being continuously disposed between longitudinally adjacent layers of transverse filaments, clamping the transverse and longitudinal filaments to unite them together.

Abstract: A weaving mechanism for producing rod piercing type three-dimensional multiple-axis fabrics using a fall-preventive wall to prevent fall-off of inserted weft rods. The weaving mechanism being adapted to obviate the use of wastefully lengthy weft rods. For inserting weft rods into a warp rod group obliquely from a plural number of directions in the weaving process of a three-dimensional multiple-axis fabric, the inserted weft rod portions which protrude out of the warp rod group are received by a fabric guide which constitutes a fall-preventive wall. The fabric guide which guides the woven fabric is formed in a cylindrical shape enveloping the woven fabric in small gap relation therewith when seen in the axial direction of the warp rods. The weft rods are inserted at a position outside an end portion of the fabric guide or through notched grooves in the fabric guide.

Abstract: Planar or multilayer structural preforms are made having yarns extending in a bias direction of the preform. Angularly directed yarns can be inserted in planar and multilayer fabrics to increase shear strength of structural preforms made from the fabrics. In multilayer fabrics, the angle yarns can extend between layers to provide through-the-thickness reinforcement. Fabrics are formed by carrying yarns transversely across the fabric as the fabric advances. Fill yarns may be inserted by an insertion technique employing a pneumatic beating element. Angle yarn feeding arrangements are made readily removable to provide for the use of other weaving assemblies.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabric is disclosed that is appropriate for use in composite materials having various beam type shapes that are formed from a plurality of intersecting plate sections. A plurality of thread layers are woven such that they extend continuously through and between a pair of adjacent plate sections. The thread layers respectively include threads that are woven in at least two independent planar directions. The thread layers are bound together by transverse threads. When a load is applied to a plate section of a composite having this three-dimensional fabric as a frame member, the threads that extend continuously from a first plate section to a second plate section effectively receive the stress acting on the junction of the plate sections. The strength of the composite is therefore enhanced.

Abstract: An elongate carrier for use in the manufacture of extruded and other products comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending members (3 or 31) and means (9,11,13 or 83,85,87,89,90) extending lengthwise of the carrier to control the spacing of said members, wherein the transverse location in said carrier of said means (9,11,13 or 83,85,87,89,90) is varied along the length of said carrier. In one embodiment the carrier may be formed of zig-zag wire the longitudinal extension of which is controlled by textile or other warps extending lengthwise of the carrier but whose transverse location is varied, and in another embodiment of the invention, the carrier may be slotted or stamped metal or plastics, the location of the slots or slits in the stamped material being varied transversely. The invention also extends to a method of manufacturing the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for integral fill yarn insertion and beatup is provided. A modified rapier contains a channel for holding fill yarn. The channel is covered with a flexible and inflatable boot, and an inflating apparatus for this boot is also attached. Fill yarn is inserted into the channel, and the rapier is extended into a shed formed by warp yarn. Next, the rapier is pushed into the fell of the fabric, and the flexible and inflatable cover inflated, which both pushes the yarn into the fell of the fabric and performs beatup. The rapier is withdrawn and the shed closed to complete one step of the weaving process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three dimensional fabric including a warp layer consisting of a plurality of warps arranged in parallel along a longitudinal direction of the fabric, bias threads arranged in inclined directions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fabric in a place parallel to the warp layer, and a vertical thread arranged in a thicknesswise direction of the fabric such that it perpendicularly intersects the warps. It also relates to a method of producing the fabric. Where such fabric is employed for a composite material in which a resin or the like is used as a matrix, the composite material deforms less under the influence of forces acting in an oblique direction. It therefore has an increased range of applications as a structural material comparing with a conventional 3-axis three dimensional fabric.

Abstract: Method of weaving a variable cross-sectional shaped three-dimensional fabric which utilizes different weft yarn insertion from at least one side of the warp layers for selectively inserting weft yarns into different portions of the fabric cross-sectional profile defined by the warp yarn layers during the weaving process. If inserted from both sides of the warp yarn layers, the weft yarns may be inserted simultaneously or alternately from each side of the warp yarn layers. The vertical yarn is then inserted into the fabric by reciprocation of a plurality of harnesses which separate the vertical yarn into a plurality of vertical yarn systems as required by the shape of the three-dimensional fabric being formed.

Abstract: A triaxial textile fabric for use as a reinforcing textile fabric for a composite material wherein the modulus of elasticity is made isotropic and which can be readily deformed into a three-dimensional configuration without causing special changes in orientation angles and a process by which such a textile fabric can be easily produced. The fabric comprises a large number of oblique yarns extending in a radial direction from the center of the textile fabric, and a circumferential yarn woven spirally in a circumferential direction between the oblique yarns. Each adjacent ones of the oblique yarns are interlaced with each other and the circumferential yarn is woven between the thus interlaced oblique yarns such that such interlacing may appear between each adjacent coils of the spirally woven circumferential yarn. Such an interlacing step takes place after insertion of the circumferential yarn and before an upward and downward movement of the alternate oblique yarns.

Abstract: A bias weave fabric wherein the weft elements (2) have a tensile modulus of at least 30,000 N/mm.sup.2 and the angle .alpha. between warp (3, 4) and weft (9) is between 10.degree. and 85.degree. whereas the packing factor (b/c) is between 30% and 90%. A process and apparatus for transforming a regular weave fabric (11) to a bias weave fabric is also covered whereby the regular fabric is guided in a zig zag path between a set of rollers (22a-22b) crosswisely arranged in a frame (20).

Abstract: Improved supply yarn tensioning and path guide means comprising the provision of spindles and guides for supplying warp yarns from individual packages, together with tensioning means for controlling the tension in each individually supplied warp yarn strand, preferably by controlling the rolling resistance of a package on a spindle provided therefor, which resistance is overcome by pulling the yarn strand off the package. In a further embodiment, an improved elliptical guide means is provided for guiding the warp yarn path changes.

Abstract: A plurality of triaxial weaves particularly suitable for reinforcement in composite materials, for conformability to curved surfaces, and for inclusion of high modulus fibers. Each includes relatively unstabilized yarn courses, and each is weavable on a known machine.

Abstract: A heddle for a weaving machine for making triaxial fabrics has a nose portion with a rounded free end of substantially the same thickness as a major portion of the heddle. The nose postion is also provided with a warp strand guide opening therethrough and reduced thickness portions between the opening and the edges of the nose portion to minimize warp strand abrasion during weaving.