US Patent 7178558 Modular weaving for short production runs

A modular weaving machine includes a loom chassis and a plurality of modular warp units. The warp units are each configured for being pre-loaded with a plurality of warp threads. The loom chassis is configured to receivably support the warp units thereon, so that the warp threads are disposed in parallel, spaced relation to one another, extending in a downstream direction. A plurality of shedding actuators are coupled to the loom chassis and configured to form a shed with warp threads of each of the warp units. A weft insertion module is configured to insert a weft thread through the shed.