A method of manufacturing a preform including a core and a sole includes contour weaving the preform on a lap roller having a groove or an outgrowth allowing shape weaving of the core and the sole of the preform. At least one portion of the core and at least one portion of the sole include weft yarns which cross each other on common warp yarns.

A method of manufacturing a preform including a core and a sole includes contour weaving the preform on a lap roller having a groove or an outgrowth allowing shape weaving of the core and the sole of the preform. At least one portion of the core and at least one portion of the sole include weft yarns which cross each other on common warp yarns.

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.

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.

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional woven preforms that can be curved and have continuous fibers in the direction of curvature. Also disclosed are woven preforms formed thereby.

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional woven preforms that can be curved and have continuous fibers in the direction of curvature. Also disclosed are woven preforms formed thereby.

An apparatus for drawing-off a web-shaped product from a weaving machine in a drawing-off direction includes: at least one clamp carrier having clamps for the web-shaped product; a carrier frame apparatus on which the clamp carrier is guided; a drive arrangement by which the clamp carrier is drivable back and forth in a motion range; and a support system for the web-shaped product. The support system is arranged in an area between the apparatus side facing toward the weaving machine and the clamp carrier, within the carrier frame apparatus, in such a manner so that a sagging of the web-shaped product in this area is avoided or limited by the support system.

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional woven preforms that can be curved and have continuous fibers in the direction of curvature. Also disclosed are woven preforms formed thereby.

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional woven preforms that can be curved and have continuous fibers in the direction of curvature. Also disclosed are woven preforms formed thereby.

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional woven preforms that can be curved and have continuous fibers in the direction of curvature. Also disclosed are woven preforms formed thereby.