Abstract: In one aspect, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary braiding machine capable of braiding wire around a cable, hose, mandrel, or other similar item, having actuator arm mechanism that includes a mechanism for fine-tuning of the dwell timing of the transfer arms. In another aspect, one or more embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for controlling the dwell timing of a transfer arm in a rotary braiding machine by adjusting the length of the actuator arm mechanism.

Abstract: A bobbin post locking mechanism (30) for selectively operatively retaining a cop (C) having a throughbore (C') on a bobbin post spindle (15) including, a cylindrical post (20) fixedly mounted on a spindle, a bore (21) in the cylindrical post, an axially extending cutout (26) in the cylindrical post communicating with the bore, and a lever mechanism (40) supported within the bore mounted to move radially outwardly of the cylindrical post for engaging the throughbore of the cop to preclude relative rotation and axial displacement of the cop relative to the cylindrical post.

Abstract: A bobbin control mechanism for a strand carrier for operational mounting before a braid point on a strand fabricating machine. A carrier base member (28) has an axial post (29) for rotatable mounting of a bobbin. The carrier has a series of posts radially around the axial post, a series of guide rollers, a mechanism for tensioning a moving strand on the guide rollers and a reciprocating rod (55) projecting into the base member and reacting to strand tension. The bobbin control mechanism (60) includes a finger cam (61) connected to the reciprocating rod, a free cam (62) movable by the finger cam, a ratchet gear (63) rotatable around the base of the axial post, a first pawl cam (64) preventing clockwise rotation of the ratchet gear, and a second pawl cam (65) preventing counter-clockwise rotation of the ratchet gear. A detachable cover plate (66) around the axial post closes off the interior of the base member.

Abstract: A system and components thereof to control the covering of a flexible core with reinforcing strands by rotary braiding on tandem or adjacent machines. When used to control covering the core with multiple-braided strands formed in successive passes through tandem machines, the system has mechanical and electrical components which function to monitor and detect positions of the core, with a first covering of braided strands thereon, within and relative to the predetermined parameters of a chorded festoon and a zone of operational tolerance established between the machines, and to regulate the operating speed of both machines and of one machine relative to the other machine. In an alternative mode of control, the system has components permitting individual operation of each machine.