Abstract: An airship hull is disclosed. The airship hull comprises a gas-tight shape fabricated from a membrane. The airship hull comprises one or more fibers applied to an outer surface of the gas-tight shape in a continuous manner such that a particular one of the one or more fibers wraps around a circumference of the gas-tight shape multiple times, wherein the applied one or more fibers are affixed to the outer surface of the gas-tight shape.

Abstract: A module element for driving and retaining braiding bobbin carriers on a predetermined bobbin path has at least one base element that can rotate about an axis of rotation, and at least one retaining element that is formed integrally with the base element. The retaining element is configured to releasably hold at least one braiding bobbin carrier offset from the rotary axis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a medical implant or structures for a medical implant. Disclosed is an improved occluder (1), which does not damage the surrounding body tissue. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a 3D fabric of strands for forming an occluder is provided. The method comprises intertwining the strands along a length of the 3D fabric for forming a primary 3D fabric structure. The intertwining is non-continuous, i.e. the braiding procedure can be halted, for forming a secondary structure of the 3D fabric without intertwining.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for making surgical braids, the apparatuses and methods having active and passive tracks. Additionally, various embodiments of surgical braids having changing patterns of traces, alternating colors, alternating cores, and tubular and flat sections, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A rotary braiding machine, in particular for producing wire mesh, includes a plurality of braiding spools, a braiding rotor, a braiding head, a draw-off disk, a machine frame. The braiding rotor rotates about an axis which coincides or nearly coincides with the draw-off direction of the braiding material. The draw-off direction of the braiding material runs obliquely in space, i.e. neither horizontally nor vertically. In this manner, advantages of the conventional horizontal and vertical design of such a rotary braiding machine are combined such that only one product variant must be produced and distributed.

Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

Abstract: A triaxial textile armature is provided for making high quality composite materials. The armature includes a central layer of axial yarns and at least two side layers of axial yarns.

Abstract: A jacket for a load-bearing, lengthy body, wherein the jacket is comprised of a plurality of braid elements which, when braided, enclose at least a portion of the lengthy body, and wherein the braid element is comprised of a braided ribbon. A method of forming the jacket is also described.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The braiding machine comprises a disc with a mandrel extending from the center in a perpendicular direction and a plurality of catch mechanisms arranged circumferentially around the edge of the disc. A plurality of filaments are temporarily affixed to the mandrel, each filament extending from the mandrel toward the edge of the disc and engaging the edge of the disc at a discrete point of engagement. The plurality of catch mechanisms are attached to actuators adapted to move the catch mechanisms in a generally radial direction relative to the edge of the disc to allow the catch mechanism to engage a subset of the filaments and move the engaged filaments beyond the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a braided dual-sided compression packing seal, methods for producing and using such a seal, and apparatuses suitable for producing such a seal. The braided dual-sided compression packing seal is made up of two or more different materials that are braided together in such a way that, in cross-section, the compression packing seal has an asymmetrical configuration relative to a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is substantially perpendicular to a side of the compression packing seal. Accordingly, when viewed in a cross-sectional plane, the compression packing seal may expose substantially only a first material along a first side of the seal, and substantially only a second material along a second side of the seal.

Abstract: A method of braiding a stent includes braiding a number of elongate filaments around a mandrel using tensioned braiding carriers without spooling the filaments to the tensioned braiding carriers to form a braided stent having atraumatic ends.

Abstract: A braided carbon nanotube thread includes at least three carbon nanotube filaments braided into a thread. The carbon nanotube filaments include a plurality of carbon nanotubes, each of the carbon nanotubes having a length L. The carbon nanotube filaments are braided such that the carbon nanotube thread has at least 8 intersections per the length L of each carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube thread has a tensile strength greater than the tensile strength of the constituent carbon nanotube filaments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating microbraided structures is provided. A microbraiding device includes first and second carrier members that are movable with respect to each other. Each carrier includes a plurality of shelters. Spool-less strands of microfiber are retained in shuttles that are movable between the first and second shelters under magnetic forces. The microbraid structure is fabricated as the shuttles move between the first shelters, and as the first carrier member moves relative to the second carrier member.

Abstract: A high speed braider, includes a main shaft, driven by a prime motor. The main shaft drives rotating shafts of inner and outboard spindle driving disks through a cylindrical gear transmission mechanism. The cylindrical gear transmission mechanism includes a main shaft gear and two translating gears. The main shaft gear engages with one of the cylindrical gears on the shaft of the inner or outboard spindle driving disks, and the two translating gears rotate together, of which, one engages with the cylindrical gear on the main shaft, another engages with the other of the cylindrical gears on the shafts of inner or outboard spindle disks. The transmission ratio between the rotating shaft of the inner spindle driving disk and the main shaft is equal to the transmission ratio between the rotating shaft of the outboard spindle driving disk and the main shaft.

Abstract: A hair braiding machine makes it possible to mechanically braid hair in a short period of time and to stably braid hair regardless of the state of hair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rod-shaped fiber composite material (400) composed of a matrix (412) and a circular braid (402) embedded into the matrix. To increase the stability of the fiber composite material (400) and also to perform ducting functions for electricity and fluids, the wall of the circular braid is provided with wall chambers (408) which are separated by a phase boundary from the matrix (412) of the fiber composite material (400). These wall chambers (408) lead to inner and outer sections of the wall of the circular braid (402) being spaced apart, which is useful for the stability with regard to flexing and torsional loading in particular. Rod-shaped fiber composite materials (400) according to the invention can be used for creating stable structural components as well as for producing efficiently protected ducts. The invention further relates to an apparatus and a process which are useful for producing fiber composite material according to the invention.

Abstract: A surface-dimensional track having a plurality of rails and a car for use therewith is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the car include a car carriage for motion along the surface-dimensional track in accordance with a two-dimensional velocity vector. Preferred embodiments of the car also include first driving means for securing the car carriage to the surface-dimensional track while causing a component of the motion of the car carriage in accordance with a first component of the two-dimensional velocity vector. Preferred embodiments of the car also include second driving means for causing a second component of the motion of the car carriage in accordance with a second component of the two-dimensional velocity vector. Additional embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for the manufacture of composite lattice structures comprising a weaving mechanism 104 configured to position fibers in a lattice structure, the weaving mechanism 104 comprising one or more bobbins 304, each one or more bobbin 304 configured to carry fiber and a plurality of horn gears 302 configured to move the one or more bobbins 304 across the face of the weaving mechanism 104 to control the position of the fiber carried by the one or more bobbins 304 in the lattice structure, and a shape retention structure 108 configured to hold the fibers in lattice structure. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would automate the process of manufacturing composite lattice structures and reduce the costs associated with the existing methods for manufacturing such structures.

Abstract: A braided water resistant flexible strong plastic rope and method of making, comprising a first, second and third braided strand of three flexible ribbons of connected plastic bags operable to sustain substantial tensile forces. When the central, left and right braided strands are braided together they form a braided water resistant flexible strong plastic rope. The rope can be used for braided belts and handles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of optimizing setting parameters for braiding a shielding sheath using spindles carrying coils of wires on a braiding machine, the sheath being braided onto a bundle of electrical conductors, and the invention also relates to such a bundle. According to the invention, the method consists in determining for each diameter in a series (s1) of consecutive electrical conductor bundle diameters, a single group (N) of spindles and a single group (M) of braiding wires so as to minimize the number of actions that need to be taken in order to adapt the machine to braiding a required diameter.

Abstract: A guiding device for a carrier braiding machine is mounted on a cover of the machine and comprises a center guide member and an outer guide member. The transfer plates are located between the center guide member and the outer guide member and the inner and outer guide members limit the support plates of the carrier so that the eccentric force cannot push the carrier away from the transfer plates. The contact between the support plates of the carrier and the guide members also reduces the torque and sped of the carrier so that the carrier is protected.

Abstract: A spindle for a braiding machine includes a stem mounted on a base, a disc on the stem, and a reel of thread mounted on the step atop the disc. A thread guide is mounted on two columns adjacent the stem. A capsule mounted on the top of the columns includes a spring that biases the thread guide downward. The capsule includes an opening which is large enough such that the spring can be inserted into and removed from the opening in the capsule. A washer can be included between the base and the disc to reduce wear to the base and the disc. Also, a single piece reel head may be mounted on the top of a reel of thread.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a braided birfurcated stent involves the use of two or more braiding machines. In this process, a first discrete plurality of filaments are braided to form a first leg, and a second discrete plurality of filaments are braided to form a second leg. Either the same braiding machine may be used or two different braiding machines may be used. The process also involves braiding the first plurality of filaments and the second plurality of filaments together to form the body using yet another braiding machine. Either the legs or body may be braided first.

Abstract: A braiding apparatus for braiding the perforated braid with constant intervals of perforation forms a first braid section to braid one strand with a plurality of yarns, sequential braid section to braid a certain length of braid with two strands and another sequential braid section to braid a final strand with the previous strands. The braiding apparatus equips a carrier guide plate (10) which has a pair of core yarn holes (12, 12′), two tracks of carrier contours (14, 14′) and a plurality of coupling holes (13, 13′), a base plate (40) disposed underneath the carrier guide plate (10), a plurality of carriers (20), feed gears (30) rotatably mounted on the base plate (40), feed discs (31) which are fixed on top of feed gear shafts (32), a pair of carrier contour changers (50, 50′), actuators (42, 42′) mounted underneath the base plate (40) for repetitively crossing and separating operations.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a braided birfurcated stent involves the use of two or more braiding machines. In this process, a first discrete plurality of filaments are braided to form a first leg, and a second discrete plurality of filaments are braided to form a second leg. Either the same braiding machine may be used or two different braiding machines may be used. The process also involves braiding the first plurality of filaments and the second plurality of filaments together to form the body using yet another braiding machine. Either the legs or body may be braided first.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braider comprising a guiding plate, of which a plurality of the paths are intersected with one another; and a corresponding conveying gear. With combination of the guiding plate and the conveying gear, it is possible to produce polygonal braids, such as rectangular braids or triangle braids, and to provide various colors on the braids as different braided yarns are braided on the corresponding surfaces respectively. Furthermore, with the rectangular braids or triangle braids, the banding force is enhanced as the frictione is increased when they are united. Therefore, the braids are not easy to loosen if they are used as banding braids for footwear or clothes.

Abstract: A braiding machine has a support defining an upright axis, a lower rotor rotatable on the support about the axis and defining an annular guide centered on the axis, and an upper rotor having slides bearing at an interface on the guide and rotatable on the lower rotor about the axis. A drive connected to the rotors rotates same in opposite directions about the axis with the slides sliding on the guide. Dosers feeding a lubricant to the interface and a sensor detects a temperature of the guide at the interface. A computer-type controller connected to the doser and to the sensor feeds the lubricant to the interface at a rate only sufficient to prevent the detected temperature from exceeding a predetermined limit.

Abstract: In a braiding machine having a braiding assembly which comprises a plurality of yarn carriers moving about a bed to interlace the yarns to form a braided fabric, a take-up including take-off rolls engaging and drawing off the just braided fabric, and a drive for driving the braiding assembly about the bed and the take-off rolls of the take-up. The drive comprises a drive train connecting the braiding assembly and the take-up with a power source. The drive train includes a first mechanical variator, having a control knob, interposed between the braiding assembly and the power source for driving the yarn carriers about the bed, and a second variator, having control knob, connected with the power source for driving the take-off rolls of the take-up. The variators are operative to adjust the rate of rotation of the yarn carriers about the bed and the rate of rotation of the take-off rolls of the take-up to achieve a desired product at maximum machine efficiency.

Abstract: A braid folding unit of a shielded wire is provided, which includes: a primary expanding means to beat a braid 22 exposed on an inner cover 24 of the shielded wire 15 so as to outwardly expand the braid; an expanding pipe 135 to enter an inside of the braid 22 along the inner cover so as to further outwardly expand the braid; and a braid folding member 137 to advance along an outside surface of the expanding pipe so as to push the braid 22 in an axial direction of the shielded wire and to fold back the braid. The primary expanding means has a pair of openable-and-closable expanding teeth 134, a pair of sliding members fixing the respective expanding teeth, and a driving means to open and close the pair of sliding members in opposite directions.

Abstract: A machine for producing complex-shaped, three-dimensional engineered fiber preforms having unitary, integral and seamless structures and, a method for making the preforms on the machine, and preforms produced thereby. The integral design and structure of the preform is formed by a combination of interlacing and non-interlacing fiber systems that permits variable cross-sectional area and dimensions from a first end to a second end along an axis via selective activation and control of at least one module, preferably a plurality of moduli connected to each other in any desirable configuration.

Abstract: The manufacturing device for the three-dimensional composition comprising by composing three dimentional X interconnecting structural part (the 3X interconnecting structural composition ST1, the 4X interconnecting structural composition ST2, and the 6X-3X interconnecting structural composition ST3) by applying the composition principle of the braid.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide the envelope manufacturing method by the braider such that the envelope like the airship is formed as one object composed by the braider. The envelope manufacturing method by the braider, wherein a pair of the braiding material whose braiding angle is ±&thgr;° to the axis and the axial material whose angle is 0° to the axis are organized as the braiding layer by the braider BR and the envelope En like the airship is composed as one body by said braiding layer and the thickness of the braiding layer in the axial both end parts of said airship envelope is arranged to be formed thinner than the thickness in the axial central part.

Abstract: A braiding machine has a support defining an upright axis, a lower rotor rotatable on the support about the axis and defining an annular guide centered on the axis, and an upper rotor having slides bearing at an interface on the guide and rotatable on the lower rotor about the axis. A drive connected to the rotors rotates same in opposite directions about the axis with the slides sliding on the guide. Dosers feeding a lubricant to the interface and a sensor detects a temperature of the guide at the interface. A computer-type controller connected to the doser and to the sensor feeds the lubricant to the interface at a rate only sufficient to prevent the detected temperature from exceeding a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A braiding machine with components comprising a support table mounting a plurality of individual segments forming a bed having a substantially circular tracking groove. Each segment comprises a segment groove which comprises a pair of opposed transfer openings formed through the outer wall with the transfer openings of adjacent segments being in contact forming the tracking groove as an endless ring. The size of the endless ring is determined by the number and size of the segments used. The tracking groove may be coated with a selected material other than the material forming the segment.

Abstract: The strand guiding device is designed for a circular braiding machine having a braiding point (35) and a first spool (38) for a first strand (37) fed to said braiding point (35). The strand guiding device for strand guiding includes a guide part or guide device (42) for the first strand arranged between the first spool (38) and the braiding point (35), which is movable back and forth to cross the first strand (37) over at least one second strand (32) coming from a respective second spool (31) so that a length of a section of the first strand (37) between the first spool and the braiding point (35) continuously changes, and a device for compensating changes in the length of that section.

Abstract: In a braiding machine having a braiding assembly which comprises a plurality of yarn carriers moving about a bed to interlace the yarns to form a braided fabric, a take-up including take-off rolls engaging and drawing off the just braided fabric, and a drive for driving the braiding assembly about the bed and the take-off rolls of the take-up. The drive comprises a drive train connecting the braiding assembly and the take-up with a power source. The drive train includes a first mechanical variator, having a control knob, interposed between the braiding assembly and the power source for driving the yarn carriers about the bed, and a second variator, having control knob, connected with the power source for driving the take-off rolls of the take-up. The variators are operative to adjust the rate of rotation of the yarn carriers about the bed and the rate of rotation of the take-off rolls of the take-up to achieve a desired product at maximum machine efficiency.

Abstract: To enable a braid to be formed with high precision by continuously stabilizing the position of a braid formation point regardless of the shape of a mandrel. A plurality of yarns delivered between a bobbin carrier and a mandrel m cross each other and are intertwined around the mandrel, and the yarns are mounted to a braider so as to form a braid on the mandrel. A formation stabilizing guide for a braider comprises a ring 1 disposed in front of a turning face of the yarns in the formation direction of the braid and passed through by means of the mandrel and a support member 2 which is mounted on the braider body and supports the ring 1 flexibly in a plane perpendicular to the direction of braid formation.

Abstract: A hand held braiding apparatus is operative for braiding elongated filaments in the nature of natural hair and filaments of synthetic material. The apparatus includes a rotatable actuator having an opening operative for receiving a plurality of filament holders in the form of elongated cylindrical tubes. By repetitive operation of the actuator, the filament holders are manipulated into a sequence of positions which effect braiding of filaments received therein.

Abstract: A braiding machine which operates to deliver a first set of yarns about a vertical axis along a first plane to a braiding point and a second set of yarns about the vertical axis along a second plane located above the first plane to the braiding point and a third set of yarns stationarily arranged about the vertical axis for delivery along a third plane intermediate of the first and second planes to the braiding point. The machine includes an interlacing mechanism which is associated with each yarn of the third set of yarns and including a rotating interlacing member.

Abstract: A hair braiding apparatus is disclosed comprising a U-shaped rod having a left arm and a right arm, the arms offset from one another relative to the plane of the U shape, a guide for holding a first strand of hair and a second strand of hair in alignment with the left arm and the right arm, respectively, and a clamp for holding the first and second strands of hair in slideable engagement with the left and right arms of the rod respectively. Methods of braiding with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One or more of the strands may be artificial hair. A method of braiding natural hair with artificial hair using the braiding apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing a prothesis for intraluminal implantation. The prosthesis is formed with a flexible tubular interbraided structure of metal or polymeric monofilaments, and polymeric multifilament yarns, and can be elastically deformed to reduce its diameter through axial elongation. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are wound on a mandrel arranged in axially spaced apart helices, concentric on a common central axis of the prosthesis. The monofilaments are selectively shaped before their interbraiding with the multifilament yarns, either by an age-hardening or other heat-setting stage while wound on a mandrel, or by a cold-working stage that controllably plastically deforms the strands. The shaped structural strands cooperate to impart to the prosthesis its nominal shape and resilience.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a prosthesis for intraluminal implantation. The prosthesis has a flexible tubular three-dimensionally braided structure of metal or polymeric monofilaments, and polymeric multifilament yarns. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed to reduce its diameter through axial elongation. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are interbraided into axially spaced apart helices, concentric on a common central axis of the prosthesis. The monofilaments are selectively shaped before their interbraiding with the multifilament yarns, either by an age-hardening or other heat-setting stage, or a cold-working stage that controllably plastically deforms the strands. The shaped structural strands are arranged to impart to the prosthesis its nominal shape and resilience. The textile strands are braid into one or more layers of sheeting that reduce permeability and thereby enhance the utility of the prosthesis as a vascular graft.

Abstract: The instant invention is a lubricating system used in a braiding machine having a pair of relatively rotating parts sliding on each other at a location. The system has a stationary tube shaft extending vertically as a single piece along an axis and formed with a passage having an axially extending section and, extending therefrom, a radially outwardly open section. A pump supplies a lubricant fluid under pressure to the axially extending passage section and a distributor star fixed to one of the parts has a flow passage with a radially outer end at the location and a radially inner end. A bearing supports the star on the shaft for rotation about the axis with the inner passage end of the star opening into the outwardly open passage section of the shaft so that fluid from the pump flows along the shaft passage and then along the star passage to the location. Seals between the star and the shaft axially flank the inner passage end of the star.

Abstract: A hand held tool for starting lace stitching or braiding, including a firm, stabilizing ridge about the perimeter with a relatively thin, flexible plastic panel within the perimeter. The panel includes a systematic scheme of holes that are interconnected by channels. The holes are sized and shaped to accommodate a particular lacing material and the holes are arranged to permit a particular design in the finished gimp. The tool is removed from the finished gimp with the exertion of a gentle separating force.

Abstract: The invention concerns a braid structure comprising a plurality of braided layers of stranded material in which the layers are laid down in a single pass of a braiding machine, with at least one strand of each layer extending into a contiguous layer to form an interlock between the layers. The invention also concerns a machine and a method of making the structure by supplying groups of strands, (R, B, G, O, W), to a braid forming station, whereby each group of strands forms a braid layer. A strand (R) from one of the groups passes into or through the strands (B) of a group of an adjacent layer to form an interlock therebetween.

Abstract: Multi-layer tubular braided structures are produced by apparatus including a plurality of generally concentric pairs of serpentine, intersecting bobbin carrier-guiding tracks. A bobbin carrier driving gear group is associated with each pair of tracks, adjacent gear groups meshing at a plurality of bobbin carrier crossover points. According to the method, multi-layer tubular braided structures are produced by circulating a first group of bobbin carriers exclusively along one track of a first pair of tracks, circulating a second group of bobbin carriers exclusively along one track of a second pair of tracks, and circulating at least one other group of bobbin carriers exclusively along at least portions of the other tracks of said pairs of tracks via the crossover points.

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 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 three-dimensional fabric is woven by disposing a large number of contiguous rotors in columns and rows in an area in which carriers move about, with a carrier holding a thread being held between a pair of adjoining rotors. One of the paired rotors turns to move the carrier held between them while using the other rotor as a guide to help the transfer of the carrier. The carrier is caused to move along a predetermined path by repeating the above cycle.