Abstract: A tension member with at least one loop made from fiber-reinforced plastic, which tension member has a plurality of fibers that run substantially parallel to each other, so that the loop is formed by the plurality of fibers, wherein a first group of fibers is turned over along the loop in a first turning direction, while a second group of fibers is turned over along the loop in a second turning direction, which is opposed to the first turning direction. Some of the turned-over fibers of both groups end in a different distance from the vertex of the loop than others of the turned-over fibers, so that a cross-section of the tension member that results from the respective number of fibers that run approximately parallel to each other outside the turning-over area of the fibers approximately continuously decreases until it reaches the cross-section size of the tension member.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses transitional lengths of build material to facilitate changes from one color to another during a fabrication process, and more generally to achieve multi-color objects corresponding to color patterns on the surface of a three-dimensional model. The transitional lengths of build material may be positioned inside a fabricated object, such as for infill, or outside the fabricated object where undesirable aesthetic properties of the transitional lengths will not impact the desired distribution of colors on the surface of the fabricated object.

Abstract: A rope system (10, 20) comprising a splice structure (12, 22) with an intact portion (23) comprising at least 8 intact strands (32, 34), and a disassembled portion (26) comprising at least 4 loose strands (30), wherein the intact portion (23) is a braid of at least 4 S oriented (32) and at least 4 Z oriented intact strands (34), wherein at least one loose strand (30) of the disassembled portion (26) passes under and over intact strands (32, 34) of the intact portion (23), and at least one loose strand (30) passes under at least one X-tuck (38) of intact strands (32, 34). By this means the splice length can be minimized resp. slippage of the splice at high loads can be avoided.

Abstract: A fiber bundle which has a pieced part formed by jetting a pressurized fluid against a fiber-bundle overlap is formed either by directly superposing the ending part of a fiber bundle composed of many fibers on the beginning part of another fiber bundle composed of many fibers or by superposing the end part and the beginning part on a jointing fiber bundle composed of many fibers, whereby the many fibers of the fiber bundles are interlaced with one another to thereby piece up the fiber bundles. The pieced part comprises an opened-fiber part in which the fibers have been opened and interlaced-fiber parts respectively located on both sides thereof, each interlaced-fiber part being composed of a plurality of constituent interlaced parts located apart in the width direction for the fiber bundle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. The solar panels can incorporate single or dual tracking capabilities to enhance sunlight capture. The embodiments encourage dual land use in which installation of the systems minimizes disruption of the underlying ground. Supplemental power may be provided by vertical axis windmills integrated with the columns. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts. Simplified support systems with a minimum number of structural elements can be used to create effective support for solar panel arrays of varying size and shapes. These simplified systems minimize material requirements and labor for installation of the systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rope end which is spliced, whereby a loop is formed, comprising a rope end piece folded back in order to form the loop and a rope section leading to the loop, wherein a spliced area is provided in which the rope end piece is guided within the rope section leading to the loop, and wherein the rope is a core/sheath rope. The rope end according to the invention is characterized in that, in the rope end piece, part of the core, preferably the entire core, is removed in the spliced area, that a load-bearing sewing of the rope end piece to the rope section leading to the loop is provided in the spliced area and that a load-bearing sewing is provided in an area of the rope section leading to the loop which comprises part of the core, preferably the entire core.

Abstract: Rope (4) having an eye (2). The rope (4) comprises a first rope portion (8) and a second rope portion (10). The first rope portion (8) and the second rope portion (10) are spliced into each other for forming a spliced connection for obtaining the eye (2). The first rope portion (8) and the second rope portion (10) are formed from an end portion of the rope (4).

Abstract: Rope (4) having an eye (2). The rope (4) comprises a first rope portion (8) and a second rope portion (10). The first rope portion (8) and the second rope portion (10) are spliced into each other for forming a spliced connection for obtaining the eye (2). The first rope portion (8) and the second rope portion (10) are formed from an end portion of the rope (4).

Abstract: A plain stepped splice lay-out scheme is presented that can be used for splicing strips to one another that comprise longitudinally arranged cords. The strips can take the form of a conveyor belt, transmission belt, timing belt, elevator belt, a rubber track or a reinforcing strip. The splice is optimised for uniform bending stiffness and maximum strength retention. The cross section of the strip and the splice are substantially equal: there is no increase in thickness or width at the splice. The splice lay-out is characterised by the fact that the abutments (130)—those positions where cord ends (111, 121) meet—are positioned sufficiently far away from one another and by preference as far away from one another as possible. Preferred embodiments in terms of length common between cords of the different strips and local strength are given.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a spliced eye (220) of a sling (222) made from a rope that includes a core rope (37) and includes a braided sheath (398).

Abstract: A rope structure or method of forming a rope structure comprises a rope comprising a plurality of strands. The rope comprises first and second splice locations, an eye region between the first and second splice locations, and a main region. The main region of the rope is located adjacent to the first splice location and in an opposite direction along the rope from the eye region. At least one of the strands is a selected strand. An extracted portion of the at least one selected strand is extracted from the rope and inserted into the rope such that a bridge portion of the at least one selected strand extends between the first and second splice locations and a diameter of the rope is substantially consistent in the main region.

Abstract: A braided eye splice is presented that is formed with the braider yarns of the rope, in which the braider yarns are braided back into the rope. A braided section of rope may be used as a braider yarn or combined with another braider yarn to form the splice. The tensile failure of ropes made with this splice occurs outside the spliced section, suggesting that full rope strength is maintained.

Abstract: A braided eye splice is presented that is formed with the braider yarns of the rope, in which the braider yarns are braided back into the rope. A braided section of rope may be used as a braider yarn or combined with another braider yarn to form the splice. The tensile failure of ropes made with this splice occurs outside the spliced section, suggesting that full rope strength is maintained.

Abstract: A rope system comprising a rope structure comprising an intact portion comprising intact strands and a disassembled portion comprising loose strands. The loose strands are passed into an interior of the rope structure. Each loose strand is passed from the interior of the rope structure to the exterior of the rope structure adjacent to an associated intact strand. Each loose strand is extended along and wrapped around its associated intact strand at at least one wrap location.

Abstract: The invention relates to spliced fiber glass rovings and systems and methods for splicing rovings. In one embodiment, a method for joining fiber glass rovings comprises overlapping a leading end of a first roving with a trailing end of a second roving to create an overlapped region; pneumatically splicing a portion of the overlapped region to form a spliced region; and applying an adhesive to the spliced region. In one embodiment, a spliced fiber glass roving comprises a spliced region comprising a plurality of glass fibers of a leading end of a first roving intertwined with a plurality of glass fibers of a trailing end of a second roving, wherein the spliced region is between about 1 and 20 centimeters long and has a tensile strength between about 50 and 150% of the first roving prior to splicing.

Abstract: Rope (4) having an eye (2). The rope (4) comprises a first rope portion (8) and a second rope portion (10). The first rope portion (8) and the second rope portion (10) are spliced into each other for forming a spliced connection for obtaining the eye (2). The first rope portion (8) and the second rope portion (10) are formed from an end portion of the rope (4).

Abstract: A rope system comprising a rope structure comprising an intact portion comprising intact strands and a disassembled portion comprising loose strands. The loose strands are passed into an interior of the rope structure. Each loose strand is passed from the interior of the rope structure to the exterior of the rope structure adjacent to an associated intact strand. Each loose strand is extended along and wrapped around its associated intact strand at at least one wrap location.

Abstract: A connection for connecting steel cord ends to one another is described. The connection solves the problem of filaments that break off at the connection during handling of the cord. In the inventive connection a fixation section is introduced before or after the jointing section. The fixation section immobilizes the filaments relative to one another. A method to make such a connection is also described. The connection and the method turn out to be extremely useful for connecting steel cords of the open type.

Abstract: Method to make a splice in a laid rope construction containing at least two strands includes splitting one end of the laid rope into a first part having a first number of strands and a second part having a second number of strands, then tucking the first part of the first rope from a first direction into an opening in the laid rope, and thereafter tucking the second part into the opening from an opposite direction. The first and second parts are tucked at least 3 times into additional openings being separated from one another such that the first part and the second part cross over at least once all the strands of the laid rope and leave the second rope at the last opening.

Abstract: To provide a clump cutter apparatus of an elastic yarn for improving a success ratio of clump cutting when cutting the elastic yarn running in a draft state. A clump cutter apparatus of an elastic yarn configured by overlapping and combining a plurality of laminate layer blocks 2 forming a penetrating yarn running path RP for allowing running of a yarn to a direction of a yarn running, wherein the plural laminate layer blocks include first and second slide blocks 4 and 5; and the clump cutter apparatus comprising: yarn holding means 12 for holding the yarn in the yarn running path due to movement of the first slide block and yarn cutting means 13 for cutting the yarn due to movement of the second slide block after holding the yarn by the yarn holding means.

Abstract: A method for producing a spliced yarn comprising alternating predetermined lengths of a first and a second yarn and to the yarn is disclosed. A predetermined length of a first yarn is drawn through an intermingling jet. A leading portion of a second yarn is forwarding into the intermingling jet and into overlapping relationship with a trailing portion of the first yarn. The yarns are held in the intermingling jet, as by a clamp disposed forwardly of the jet. Using a pressurized fluid the overlapped portions are intermingled. The first yarn is then severed, and the spliced portion and a predetermined length of the second yarn are drawn through the intermingling jet. The cycle is repeated with the second yarn being the currently drawn yarn and the first yarn being forwarded into overlapping relationship therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a spliced yarn includes a yarn conduction member with an intermingling jet disposed forwardly thereof. The yarn conduction member has respective yarn conduction channels through which the first and second yarns are conveyed to the intermingling jet. The yarn conduction member has a first and second knife blade disposed adjacent to one of the yarn conduction channels. The first and second knives are insertable into and retractable from the channel to which they are adjacent. In the inserted position the passage in the knife aligns with the channel into which it is inserted, while in the retracted position the solid portion of the blade interdicts the passage to prevent movement of a yarn therethrough.

Abstract: A process for the pneumatic splicing of threads or yarns containing an elastomer or with a high torque comprises at least the following phases: introduction into a splicing chamber (11, 110) of a splicer (10, 100) of threads (12, 15) to be joined to each other; withholding by friction of the thread-ends (12, 15) by means of friction elements or devices (27, 20, 21) close to or inside the splicing chamber (11, 110); cutting of the thread-ends (12, 15); opening of the thread-ends (12, 15) cut by means of preparation units (22, 23); pulling of the cut and opened thread-ends (12, 15) in the direction of the junction chamber (11, 110); expulsion of the threads and contemporaneous entry of one or more jets of compressed air into the chamber (11, 110) to effect the splicing of the thread-ends (12, 15) and releasing of the spliced thread with the return of all the units of the splicing device (10, 100) to their initial position. The invention also relates to a device for the embodiment of said process.

Abstract: A yarn splicing device with a splicing channel that can be charged with compressed air for the pneumatic connection of two yarn ends. The yarn splicing device has two rotatably seated prism elements, each of which is pivotable between a non-splicing position and a splicing position. The two prism elements are designed such that in the splicing position, a splicing channel is formed between them.

Abstract: A device for the pneumatic splicing of threads or yarns which includes a splice box (11), equipped with lateral outlet edges (12, 13) and an upper lengthwise slot (30) through which the thread ends (14, 15) are introduced into the splice box (11) and into which it is possible to blow in pressurized air. The device includes means to open and close, at least partially, the lateral outlet edges (12, 13) so as to be able to carry out an initial introduction of at least one blast of compressed air into the splice box (11) when the lateral outlet edges (12, 13) are mostly closed, and a second introduction of at least one blast of compressed air into the splice box (11) when the lateral outlet edges (12, 13) are mostly or completely open. Besides, the present invention has, as its aim, a process for the pneumatic splicing of threads or yarns.

Abstract: A plastic driving cable for attachment and use in driving systems. The plastic driving cable is comprised of an all-plastic inner core, with or without an outer jacket, and all-plastic molded end fittings. The inner core has a configuration of interwoven or bundled fibers of high performance polymer providing a cable of increased strength and flexibility that fits a smaller bending radius and has high performance at low temperatures. The outer jacket comprises a non-metallic material that surrounds the inner core providing improved performance at low temperatures.

Abstract: A continuous precursor fiber bundle for manufacture of carbon fibers comprising a plurality of precursor fiber bundles each of which comprises at least 30,000 filaments, having a joined portion formed by joining at the terminal end of one of the precursor fiber bundles and the starting end of another one of the fiber bundles directly or through an intervening fiber bundle comprising a plurality of filaments, wherein the individual filaments at the joined portion are substantially uniformly interlaced with each other and wherein the interlacing of filaments is in a pattern selected from the group consisting of continuous substantially uniform interlacing in the transverse direction of said fiber bundles, interlacing at many joints on the joining portion, and interlacing of the entire face of said joining portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spliced, braided, cords having a nearly constant cross-section along the cord and at the location of the splice. The invention also relates to a splicing process.

Abstract: A wire rope sling made of wire rope having a core and multiple strands of wire helically laid around the core and cut from a predetermined length. Approximately half of the strands of wire are separated from the core and the remaining strands of wire, shifted, relative to the core, a predetermined distance and rewoven with the core and remaining strands of wire into a continuous loop. A splicing sleeve surrounds first and second ends of the approximately half of the strands and a continuous section of the core and remaining strands in a tightly engaged manner and another splicing sleeve surrounds first and second ends of the core and the remaining strands and a continuous section of the approximately half of the strands in a tightly engaged manner.

Abstract: A rope or line having a permanent loop of fixed diameter spliced in each end thereof provides for the suspension of innumerable articles in various industries, but is particularly well suited for use in underground mining, where it may be used to support continuous miner machine cables, electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic lines, air ventilation ducts, etc., above the floor of the mine drift. The line is preferably formed of a braided synthetic fiber which has been treated to provide flame retardant properties and which is also electrically non-conductive. Treated, braided polypropylene is a suitable material for the present double looped line. The closed loops are formed by passing the first end of the line diametrically through its opposite portion, and then coaxially through that same portion and diametrically through the portion captured within the hollow braided core to secure the first end therein and to form a closed loop.

Abstract: Braided line splices and methods of making such splices using an inverted sleeve formed from a part of the braided line sheath, the steps forming the sleeve being at least a part of the method. The sleeve is formed by inverting it (turning it inside out), and then running a braided line part through the sleeve, tensioning the sleeve and having it grip the line part within the sleeve. Variations include making eye splices, both slipping and non-slipping; belt or loop splices, both slipping and non-slipping; and butt splices. Kits may be packaged which provide the necessary items and information to complete such splices.

Abstract: A flexible sling construction, without external compression sleeves or termination splices, made from three strands of material twisted into a single length of cable and formed into a nine strand body section having eye closure loops comprising six strands at each end thereof which eye closures are formed by looping each end of the cable back upon itself and inserting the cable end through the strands of cable at points removed from each end, and which body is formed by helically winding the first end of cable which extends from a first eye closure back around the body in the direction of the second eye closure and then wrapping it around the second eye closure to form a flemish eye, then leading the first end of cable and winding it in a helical wind back around the body and returning it in a direction toward the first eye closure, and wrapping it to form another flemish eye, and terminating the construction by splitting apart the end of the three strands of the first end of cable length and splicing the sep

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming diagonal splices in flexible, fusible material and the material spliced accordingly. The splice is formed by overlapping the material, tensioning the material at the area to be spliced, and heating a strip of the material under tension to its fusion temperature, thereby fusing and separating the material at the strip. The splice is nearly undetectable to the untrained eye.

Abstract: The invention provides a rope splicing apparatus having an elongated tool portion including a main portion, a tip portion and a transitional portion. The main portion comprises a pair of straight and parallel main rod portions which are spaced apart at a main portion width along the length thereof. The tip portion comprises a generally U-shaped rod portion having a bend portion and leg portions which are spaced apart at a width narrower than the main portion width. The transitional portion has a pair of short rod portions flaring outwardly from the tip portion to interconnect the main rod portion to form a unitary tool. The tip portion is of a size which can penetrate strands of a single or dual braid rope to draw portions of the rope therethrough. The apparatus is used to practice a method of splicing such ropes to form eye splices, and marriage splices, with less difficulty than using conventional fids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a procedure for splicing yarns, whether textile or otherwise, with a joint made by coupling two single untwisted yarns and thereafter retwisting them, wherein the single yarns are untwisted beyond a substantially nil twist value and are then coupled and retwisted so as to impart to the single yarns a desired twist at least the same as the twist comprised in the original yarn, the untwisting phase being carried on beyond the nil value until a negative twist value has been imparted which is equal to at least 15-20% of the initial twist value comprised in the single yarn, and the value of the negative twist being at least in proportion to the desired reciprocal thrust induced between the yarns at least in the transitory phase when the fibers are parallel to the axis of the single coupled yarns during retwisting.The invention also relates to a splice made by the above procedure.

Abstract: After winding of a thread into a package, the thread is severed and, in order to prevent whirling of the thread end around the package, the end portion is interlaced with the package surface during the braking phase of the package. Interlacing is performed by blowing pressure jet against the thread end and the package surface within an interlacing chamber defined by a pivotally mounted shoe from which the pressure jet is emitted.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for stringing up or re-stringing a balanced ply-twisted combination yarn of two components to insure strong piecing-up points. The end of the combination yarn and the end of a continuous filament yarn, which becomes a component of the combination yarn, are both prepared for piecing and inserted into the rotor of an open-end spinning device. Upon start up, the combination yarn engages staple fibers in the rotor consolidating groove while the continuous filament yarn engages the combination yarn within the rotor without any contact of the continuous filament yarn with the rotor consolidating groove.

Abstract: This invention relates to a procedure for splicing yarns, whether textile or otherwise, with a join made by coupling two single untwisted yarns and thereafter retwisting them, wherein the single yarns are untwisted beyond a substantially nil twist value and are then coupled and retwisted so as to impart to the single yarns a desired twist at least the same as the twist comprised in the original yarn, the untwisting phase being carried on beyond the nil value until a negative twist value has been imparted which is equal to at least 15-20% of the initial twist value comprised in the single yarn, and the value of the negative twist being at least in proportion to the desired reciprocal thrust induced between the yarns at least in the transitory phase when the fibers are parallel to the axis of the single coupled yarns during retwisting.The invention also relates to a splice made by the above procedure.

Abstract: Improvements to procedures for the splicing of yarns (20-21), whether textile or not, the splice being obtained by coupling two single untwisted yarns (20-21) and re-imparting the twists thereafter, in which improvements a part of the single yarns is untwisted until twists of a sign opposite to the original sign have been imparted, and such part is then coupled and small tails (220-221) are obtained, and the coupled segment is then retwisted by imparting a desired twist, such small tails (220-221) being obtained after a substantial parallelization of the fibres to be plucked and/or torn (42) and after a successive plucking and/or tearing action (40) along the axis of the yarns, the tapering (320-321) of such tails (220-221) reaching the neighborhood of the periphery of the retwisting rings (28), the resulting tails (220-221) being controlled and positioned alongside the yarns (21-20) before the beginning of such action to impart such desired retwisting, at least part of the segment of yarn being untwisted und

Abstract: A procedure for splicing textile yarns mechanically whereby two yarns which are initially placed crosswise, awry or parallel to each other are first untwisted and then retwisted together by two rings, the rings being placed face to face and opposite to each other and act on yarns positioned between the rings, and whereby the excessive tail ends are eliminated and the yarns are untwisted up to a desired value in positions of mutual non-interference and are then brought together until they are substantially pressed against each other and are clamped at a position lying at about the beginning of the desired taper of each remaining tail end in cooperation with the rings so as to determine the length of the remaining tail ends and to effect a plucking/tearing action on the tails to be discharged, thereby obtaining progressive remaining tail ends before the retwisting action, and whereby the remaining tail ends are doubled and retwisted at least by the rings, which control the tail ends in at least two points locat

Abstract: This invention concerns improvements to procedures to splice yarns (20-21), whether textile yarns or otherwise, the splice being obtained by coupling two single untwisted yarns (20-21) and by reconstituting the twists thereafter, by which improvements a part of the single yarns (20-21) is untwisted until twists of a sign opposite to the sign of the original twists have been imparted, such part then being coupled and reduced tails (220-221) of yarns being obtained, the coupled tract then being retwisted until a required twist has been imparted, the improvements envisaging that the reduced tails (220-221) are obtained after the fibers to be plucked and/or torn (42) have been made substantially parallel and after a substantially axial plucking and/or tearing action has been applied to such fibers (42), and that the taper (320-321) of the remaining reduced tails (220-221) reaches the neighborhood of the periphery of retwister rings (28), the resulting remaining tails (220-221) being controlled and positioned besi

Abstract: A structure of a joint of spun yarns formed by lapping the tops of two yarn ends in the untwisted state and jetting a compressed fluid to the lapped portion while keeping the tops of the yarn ends free without securing the tops of the yarn ends. In at least one portion of the joint, fibers of the two yarn ends are integrated to form one yarn having twists of the same or opposite twisting direction as or to the twisting direction of inherent twists of the spun yarn.

Abstract: In a splice between ends of multi-ply yarn, each ply end (G1a, G1b) of an end of the multi-ply yarn (Z1) is disposed adjacent to an associated ply end (G2b, G2a) of the end of the other multi-ply yarn (Z2) so as to overlap it over a predetermined length (U1, U2), and each of these two ply ends (G1a, G2b, or G2a, G1b) has the respective other ply end (G1b or G2b) of the multi-ply yarn wrapped around it in the region of overlap (U1, U2), different regions of overlap (U1, U2) of a splice being disposed in the longitudinal direction of the multi-ply yarn without overlaps.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for binding fiber bundles which reduces an abrupt cross-sectional course at each end of the fiber bundle resulting from the loose ends of the bundles having been removed. The loose ends are, during the binding operation, severed in a fraying manner by abrasive edges and the frayed bound ends are worked into the resulting binding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for avoiding untwisting during the formation of a binding of two fiber bundles. The rotational direction of deformation members acting on the fiber bundles is selected to be different in different groups of deformation members in order to reproduce or to increase the original twist during the binding operation.

Abstract: Continuous filament rope and method of making same whereby high strength continuous synthetic filaments may be used to provide a rope which in use will have a strength approaching the theoretical strength of the fibers therein. The rope is made by combining a plurality of filaments and twisting the filament group into a light twine in comparison to the rope ultimately desired. The twine is then impregnated with a suitable flexible resin system and wound in a loop having at least a substantial number of turns of the twine. Thereafter the loop is allowed to twist back on itself in response to the twist initially set in the twine so as to form a rope-like center section with loops at each end thereof. Curing of the flexible resin system results in a suitable flexibility of the rope while providing for abrasion and fraying resistance. The loops at the end of the rope may be looped over hooks or pins when in use, with the resulting strength of the rope approaching that of the combined fiber strength.

Abstract: Broken ends of a spun yarn are introduced into a hole of an air nozzle device from upper end and lower end of the hole respectively and the yarns are doubled. The doubled yarns are slightly slacked and subjected to air jetting by the air nozzle device to produce a spliced joint. The distribution of twists inherent of spun yarns is changed in the region of the spliced joint by twists imparted to the yarns by the air jet nozzle and at least one fixed portion of the new twist distribution is formed in the spliced joint.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of splicing together two rope lengths each of which is made up of a plurality of strands individually covered with thermoplastic material. Each alternate strand of each rope length is unwound back to a predetermined point and one of the strands of the other rope length is wound in its place back to that point. This process is repeated for each of the other strands, with the respective points at which the winding and unwinding process is terminated being spaced apart along the length of the splice with respect to each other. At each of these points, the end regions of the two strands of each pair at that point are placed together and then bonded together by means of their coverings of thermoplastic material. An outer covering of thermoplastic material may then be placed over the entire splice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming an eye at the end of a multiple-stranded rope, string or other cordage by dividing the strands into bundles, twisting them longitudinally, overlapping the end portions and reverse twisting them to form a flemish eye. The apparatus includes a frame and rotatable strand retaining clamps to retain and twist the strands of the string to form the desired eye, a string retaining means to help position the string, and rotating means to rotate the strand retaining clamps in either direction.