Abstract: A hair styling device for twirling locks of hair together including a main body, and at least two hair grabbers for respectively grabbing separate locks of hair. Each of the hair grabbers is connected to respective hair twisters, and each of the hair twisters rotates respective locks of hair to form twists of hair. The device further comprises a hair twist rotator body connected to each of the hair grabbers. The hair twist rotator body is connected to and rotatable relative to the main body. Rotation of the hair twist rotator body cables the twists of hair to form a cord of hair. The hair grabbers are substantially stationary relative to the hair twist rotator when the hair twist rotator rotates relative to the main body.

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 method for manufacturing a packing made of a three-dimensional net-like structure which constitutes an internal structure of device which performs material transfer, heat exchange or mixing between gases, liquids or gas and liquid, the internal structure being divided in a plurality of chambers or channels connected to one another is provided. The three-dimensional net-like structure is made of a plurality of unit structures which are arranged continuously in vertical and horizontal directions of the three-dimensional net-like structure. Each of the unit structures is formed by conversion and dispersion of three or four line elements. The method comprises a step of forming a conversion section of the unit structure where the three or four line elements converge by twisting the three or four line elements together.

Abstract: A stiffened fabric of interlaced filamentary members is disclosed, stiffening of the fabric being effected by joining the filamentary members together at mutual points of contact within the fabric to prevent relative motion of the filamentary members. Joining of the members is effected by heat fusing, chemical fusing or adhesive bonding at selected points to control the stiffness of the fabric. Bio-absorbable materials are used to form some of the filamentary members so that the stiffness and porosity of the fabric changes over time as the bio-absorbable material is absorbed when the fabric is implanted in living tissue.

Abstract: A supported lattice is disclosed having a support substrate formed of a plurality of resilient filamentary members braided together to yield a coarse mesh having relatively large interstices and a cell cultivation lattice formed of a plurality of flexible filamentary members braided together and with the resilient filamentary members to form a fine mesh having small interstices. The cell cultivation lattice provides a bed adapted for growing cells in a two-dimensional array across the large interstices of the support substrate to form a continuous surface of living tissue useful to form a graft.

Abstract: A light weight, strong and flexible, braided electrical fence rope, for fences to contain livestock and keep unwanted animals out, combines in its outer braided jacket electrically conductive elements with high strength non-conductive elements in a double helix configuration. The outer braided jacket will preferably surround an inner core of non-conductive high strength elements. The high strength non-conductive elements and the physical properties of the braided rope construction provide inherent strength and flexibility properties to the fence rope. The conductive elements in the outer braided jacket are selected to provide an effective electric shock when contacted by an animal. This electric fence rope combines barrier strength and psychological deterrence to both domestic and wild animals.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing novel composite microtubing with variable stiffness over the length of the tubing. By varying the pick count of a braided layer the stiffness of the microtubing may be varied by a factor of 100 from proximal end to distal end. The continuous process allows a predetermined stiffness pattern to be repeated over a measured length for economical manufacture and results, if desired, in tubing of extremely small diameter and extremely thin tube walls.

Abstract: A machine is provided for forming a decorative twisted spiral garland from at least one continuous ribbon web, and a pair of continuous wires. One or more ribbon webs are guided to the outside of a pair of elongated threaded rods which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of and generally parallel to a main axis. The rods form part of a loop frame which is rotated about the main axis to wind the ribbon webs around the rods in a series of continuous loops and draw the webs from supply reels, while the rods are simultaneously rotated about their own axes to advance the ribbon loops along the main axis. A wire supply rotates in synchronism with the loop frame, guiding a pair of wires into paths respectively on opposite sides of the ribbon loops and thence along the main axis between pinch rollers for pulling the wires longitudinally along the axis. The rotation of the wire supply twists the wires and the ribbon loops to form the garland.

Abstract: A triaxial braided sleeve in which the axial strands are reinforcing and the bias strands are elastic. Due to the elastic bias strands, the sleeve can be used as the reinforcement in a fiber-reinforced plastic part having a tapered, curved, or other irregular shape.

Abstract: A braided tubular article (FIG. 1) comprises a tubular form of helically braided yarns to which is coupled a plurality of spaced axially extending restraining elements, conveniently as warp elements braided with the tubular form. The yarns are braided with a small helix pitch that permits the tubular form to be extended axially and contract radially onto a substrate as a protective sleeve. The warp elements are essentially inextensible and frictional coupling between then and the braid yarns inhibits extension of the article, permitting it to be handled and passed over a substrate before applying a deliberate extension force to overcome the friction and contract it into the substrate. The restraining elements may be other than branded warp elements and the extension-inhibiting coupling may be a disruptable bond instead of, or supplementing, friction. Frictionally acting warp elements permit the extended article to assume a bent form in one or more directions.

Abstract: A hair braiding apparatus is disclosed comprising a two arms for receiving hooks. The hooks hold a first and second strand of hair, respectively, in slideable engagement and can be retracted and extended by the operator. A third stand of hair is braided with the first and second strands as the arms and books are caused to automatically rotate cyclically and reverse their previous positions. The cyclic rotation carries the first and second strands with it and produces a braid as the operator moves the third strand upward and downward through the opening defined by the arms and the first and second strands. The apparatus may be powered by a DC motor.

Abstract: A continuous intersecting braided composite preform including a first member with at least one ply of biased fibers and a second member also with at least one ply of biased fiber. The first member intersects with the second member and passes continuously through the second member such that the biased fibers of the first member are interstitially arranged with respect to the biased fibers of the second member at the intersection.

Abstract: A braided wire according to the present invention is constituted by weaving a plurality of first long conductors arranged in parallel and a plurality of second long conductors arranged in parallel so as to cross the first long conductors each other. Each of the first and second long conductors has a section which is perpendicular to an axis thereof and flattened such that a thickness of the conductor is decreased toward both end portions in a width direction. The first and second long conductors each having the flattened section are woven such that they are put one on another in a thickness direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rope for the taking along and transferring of paper webs in the manufacture on paper machines of paper and cardboard made from round-braided textile fiber material. In accordance with the invention, raised positions are distributed over the circumference of the rope at regular or irregular distances. The raised positions are generated by design measures such as the selection of a different multiple thread count in the different running directions and/or the use of twisted and laid fiber elements, and/or by the use of fibers with profiled fiber cross-sections and/or textured or crimped fiber yarns and or by the use of fibers with profiled fiber crosssections and/or textured or crimped fiber yarns.

Abstract: A method for construction of a large diameter braided rope. The rope is formed of high strength, low elongation synthetic fibers which are twisted together at a twist factor in the range from about 125 to about 145 to form a plurality of comparatively small diameter yarns. The small diameter twisted yarns are then braided together at a pick multiplier in the range from about 1.0 to about 2.0 so as to form a plurality of braided strands, and the strands, in turn, are braided together with a pick multiplier of about 2.0-3.6 so as to form the large diameter braided rope. The braiding of the strands imparts a degree of coherence which permits a lower twist factor to be used in the yarns. This results in a significant increase in translational efficiency over conventional twisted-strand construction, by avoiding the over twisting of low elongation fibers which occurs when forming large diameter yarns.

Abstract: A method for producing packing for the stuffing of boxes, among other purposes. In one embodiment, the packing enables compressive forces to be transmitted uniformly from a gland along an entire winding of the packing so as to eliminate stresses within the packing itself. The method includes a step in which elementary yarns converge to form the packing at an assembly point and a step in which the packing is wound into a coil starting at the assembly point.

Abstract: A method for forming a braided rope. Twisted yarns are first braided together to form braided strands, and the braided strands are then braided together to form the rope. The diameter of the individual twisted yarns is kept to a minimum, thereby reducing the number of twisting stages required to form the yarns and also permitting heat stretching treatment using existing systems. Moreover, in-line connections can be made within the individual strands using conventional braided rope splices, which both eliminates the need to use long splices during manufacture of the rope and enables individual strands to be spliced in the field to so as to repair snags, cuts, and other service damage without having to replace an entire length of the rope.

Abstract: A cut-resistant braided yarn and apparel knit from the yarn; the braided yarn may be constructed as a simple hollow braid, but preferably comprises a core and a covering braided on the core; the braid or the braided covering on the core of the yarn comprises three or more strands of fiber selected from high and normal-strength fibers; the core comprises a high-strength fiber core-strand and may include a stainless steel wire core-strand; the denier and number of braiding strands is such that the final diameter of the yarn does not exceed about 0.035" (thirty five thousandths of an inch).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial ligament device, which may be a ligament augmentation device, a delivery device for an autologous graft, or a prosthetic ligament, comprises securing a plurality of tows of biocompatible material side-by-side in a flat elongate array, as by light braiding, looping the tows back at one end of the device to form an eye with the tows grouped together around the eye, and applying whipping around the grouped tows around the eye.

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: Braided tubular sleeving with at least two rib strands braided into and around the circumference, optionally encased in a smooth unribbed braid, and in one aspect coated with a vermiculite coating.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fiber braid having at least a first fiber extending spirally along an imaginary axis such that the first fiber forms a predetermined angle with the imaginary axis and at least a second fiber interlaced with the first fiber and extending spirally and coaxially with the first fiber such that the second fiber and the first fiber form a tubular network, with the imaginary axis serving as the axis. At least a third fiber is added to the tubular network so that it extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the tubular network, and is interlaced through a selected number of openings in the tubular network.

Abstract: A turbomachine blade, particularly a fan blade for an aircraft jet engine, is made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibres embedded in a thermosetting resin matrix, wherein the reinforcing fibres form a multilayer woven fabric in which the warp fibres of each layer are interwoven not only with the weft fibres of the layer but also with the weft fibres of at least the layers immediately above and below it so that the layers are all interconnected. Also, each layer only partly covers the layer below it so that the ends of the warp and weft fibres of a layer extend to near the surface of the blade, and the thickness of the blade at any point is determined by the number of layers present at that point.

Abstract: A machine for three-dimensional braiding of fibers is provided in which carrier members travel on a curved, segmented and movable braiding surface. The carrier members are capable of independent, self-propelled motion along the braiding surface. Carrier member position on the braiding surface is controlled and monitored by computer. Also disclosed is a yarn take-up device capable of maintaining tension in the braiding fiber.

Abstract: A braided member has a longitudinal axis and a plurality of braided strands of structural fiber. At least one elongate member having a rigidity greater than that of the strands of structural fiber is intertwined into the braided strands parallel to the longitudinal axis of the braided member. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the structural fibers are selected from the group consisting of aramid, glass, and carbon fibers and the braided member is a triaxially braided tube. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongate member is a pultruded rod having compressive strength approaching its tensile strength.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite structure comprises the steps of forming a radially inner portion of a preform with braided reinforcing fibers extending substantially transverse to an axis of the preform and forming a radially outer portion of the preform circumscribing the inner portion with braided reinforcing fibers extending substantially parallel to the axis of the preform. The preform is heated and consolidated in a mold into the composite structure. The composite structure has braided reinforcing fibers extending throughout a radially inner portion substantially transverse to an axis of the structure along which the structure is subject to splitting to resist splitting of the composite structure along the axis and braided reinforcing fibers extending throughout a radially outer portion substantially parallel to the axis to resist bending of the composite structure. The composite structure is particularly suitable for manufacturing a bone plate.

Abstract: A lightweight braided metallic shielding is applied to wiring harnesses to protect against lightning strikes and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The braided shielding has an open braid construction which may be as much as 40% lighter in weight and which provides better electromagnetic shielding than conventional braided shielding. The decrease in weight is achieved by utilizing a braid carrier application angle, as measured from the axis of the wire harness, which is as small as about eighteen degrees, so as to produce a braided shield that has as few as four picks per inch. The ensuing braided shield is very flexible and results in a degree of wire harness coverage which may be as low as about 60%, but which exhibits low electrical resistance which contributes significantly to lightning protection and EMI shielding.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced ceramic composite material exhibiting high tensile strength, high fracture toughness and high-temperature oxidation resistance is produced by simultaneously depositing a thin coating layer of refractory metal carbide with fugitive carbon onto the fiber reinforcement prior to the subsequent densification with the ceramic matrix. The energy behind propagating matrix cracks in the resulting composite material are effectively dissipated by crack deflection/branching, fiber debonding and frictional slip through the relatively weak and compliant fiber coating layer. These energy release and arrest mechanisms sufficiently impede the driving force behind unstable crack propagation and render the cracks non-critical, thereby serving to blunt and/or divert propagating matrix cracks at or around the reinforcing fiber.

Abstract: Each of two risers is composed of a number of braided cords that are woven together. Each cord of one of the risers has a slit located where the two risers converge. Each slit provides communication with a concentric cavity in that cord. Each opposing cord for the other riser is inserted through the slit and has a section which lies in the cavity. When tension is applied, the braided cord enclosing the cavity radially constricts and the friction of the cavity walls holds the enclosed cord section in the cavity. The cords enclosing cavities continue on to become suspension lines connected to the parachute canopy. In one embodiment, each cord lying inside another terminates inside the cavity. Alternatively, the cord lying inside the cavity exits the cavity through a second slit and continues on to become another extension line. To connect the risers to an article to be decelerated by the parachute, the cords for both risers have slits near their ends. Each slit communicates with a concentric cavity.

Abstract: A machine for three-dimensional braiding of fibers is provided in which carrier members travel on a curved, segmented and movable braiding surface. The carrier members are capable of independent, self-propelled motion along the braiding surface. Carrier member position on the braiding surface is controlled and monitored by computer. Also disclosed is a yarn take-up device capable of maintaining tension in the braiding fiber.

Abstract: A braiding method comprising moving bobbin carriers along tracks connecting a plurality of braiding regions to braid cords or strands in a specific braiding region, in another braiding region or in all the braiding regions. The braid may be used as core structure for fiber-reinforced plastics.

Abstract: A packing material having improved chemical resistance formed of poly(phenylene) sulfide yarn and polytetrafluoroethylene yarn is provided. Each of the yarns may be treated with PTFE dispersion and, optionally, with graphite. The two yarns may be twisted together or laid-up side-by-side and braided together and the structure may be impregnated with a polytetrafluoroethylene based binder and lubricant. The resulting packing material has improved temperature characteristics, heat transfer characteristics, wear resistance, provides a dense impervious packing and is dimensionally stable in addition to the improved chemical resistance. A packing material prepared from yarns treated only with a PTFE dispersion is especially useful in the paper making industry and for other applications wherein dark colored yarns are not permissible.

Abstract: A seal for use at high temperatures in an interface between a ceramic component and a metal component has a multi-layer construction arranged so that the seal expands disproportionately more in cross-section than in elongation at increasing operating temperatures. The seal comprises a central core made up of a bundle of elongate ceramic fibers surrounded by a layer of braided metal wire and an outer sheath of braided ceramic fiber. The seal may be formed as an O-ring.

Abstract: A solid braid structure comprising a plurality of interlocked layers is created by causing a plurality of package carriers of yarn to move along a plurality of defined serpentine paths by track modules. The track modules extend in a first direction to define a longitudinally extending path corresponding to a first layer of the braid structure and in a second direction to provide at least one crossover path between adjacent serpentine paths. The package carriers which move in the first direction create a first layer of braid and, at a crossover path, move between adjacent serpentine paths to cause the yarn forming the first layer of braid to interlock with the braid of an adjacent layer.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced rubber article has a rubber body portion with a fiber reinforcement embedded therein. The fiber reinforcement includes a plurality of tubular braided cords braided by yarns. Each of the tubular braided cords is braided by more than three yarns at a braid angle in a range between 10.degree. and 35.degree., wherein said braid angle is an angle between a yarn of the tubular braided cord and the axial line of the tubular braided cord. Each tubular braided cord also has a fistulous center hole defined by the tubular braided cord.

Abstract: A layout and manufacturing method for fiber-reinforced, laminated composite shells utilizes as a reinforcement a nested assembly of braided sleeves. The original sleeve diameters are selected individually such that, upon being deformed into the final shape, the fibers acquire angular orientations prescribed by the shell design. Shells of desired shapes are obtained either by pulling the sleeves on a rigid mandrel or, alternately, by statically defoming the nested sleeve assembly, thereby eliminating the use of mandrels. The statical means involve proper combinations of tensile edge forces and surface loads exerted, e.g., by a pressurized bladder or by spinning the assembly. In one embodiment, the sleeves are tensioned and, if necessary, vibrated prior to matrix curing so as to force the fibers to approach geodesic trajectories (isotensoid layout). By releasing the sleeve tension after curing, a favorable compressive prestress is induced in the matrix material.

Abstract: A multi-strand nylon rope having improved abrasion resistance is comprised of a plurality of strands. Each strand is comprised of a plurality of yarns wherein each yarn is formed of a predetermined number of filaments. The filaments of each yarn are twisted together to form a yarn of a predetermined size, the twist direction being opposite that of the final ply yarn direction. For a right lay rope a sufficient number of filaments are twisted together in the left or "S" direction to produce a yarn of a predetermined size. Three or more yarns prepared in this manner are then plied or twisted together in the opposite or right direction. The cover for each strand is formed of alternate yarns of standard (i.e. round) and oblong filaments, respectively, the oblong filaments having a modification ratio of three, forming a rope having increased abrasion resistance, a hand and feel that is not stiff or unmanageable and which resists strand-to-strand wet abrasion.

Abstract: A tensionable member is disclosed for installation on an archery bow as a bowstring or a cable of a compound bow. The tensionable member has an outer tubular component of braided construction and a core of multiple strands. A suitable material is polyethylene fiber for use in both the tubular outer member and the core. End loops are formed on the tensionable member by reversing the ends of same and inserting the ends back into the tubular member. A locking element passes transversely through the reversed and inserted end segment and through the tubular outer member to retain the loop configuration. A modified form of tensionable member includes provision for retention of a sight and includes a sight retainer member having its ends secured within the tubular outer member by locking elements passing therethrough. The locking elements are of a fusible material to facilitate securement.

Abstract: Fibrous substrates for the production of carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) fiber reinforced carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) composites and to methods of manufacture of same. A shaped filamentary structure comprising at least a first braided filamentary tape layer of a width generally corresponding to that of the filamentary structure to be formed, the first braided filamentary tape layer superposed upon and joined to least one other filamentary layer by needlepunching to produce cross-linking of the layers by filaments displaced out of the layers and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the faces of the layers, and methods of making same. The structure may include a plurality of hellically wound braided tapes arranged to form a flat, hollow annulus having a plurality of interleaved braided layers. The structure may be used in the production of friction discs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving yarn in a selected pattern to form a braided article. The apparatus includes a segmented grid of stationary support elements and a plurality of shuttles configured to carry yarn. The shuttles are supported for movement on the grid assembly and each shuttle includes a retractable plunger for engaging a reciprocating shuttle plate that moves below the grid assembly. Such engagement at selected times causes the shuttles to move about the grid assembly in a selected pattern to form a braided article of a particular geometry.

Abstract: Fibrous substrates for the production of carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) fiber reinforced carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) composites and to methods of manufacture of same. A shaped filamentary structure comprising at least a first braided filamentary tape layer of a width generally corresponding to that of the filamentary structure to be formed, the first braided filamentary tape layer superposed upon and joined to least one other filamentary layer by needlepunching to produce cross-linking of the layers by filaments displaced out of the layers and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the faces of the layers, and methods of making same. The structure may include a plurality of hellically wound braided tapes arranged to form a flat, hollow annulus having a plurality of interleaved braided layers. The structure may be used in the production of friction discs.

Abstract: An expandable braided product having greatly reduced tendency to splay at its ends when cut is provided by coating the braided product with a thin layer of elastomeric material which provides the desired anti-splaying property, while retaining the expandable characteristic whereby the product expands laterally when compressed longitudinally and when released returns to its original size and shape.

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: An eye splice is disclosed for a hollow braid type of cord for use in a parachute shroud or the like. It comprises a bight 22 in the free end of the cord which is folded back to form an eye 16 with the bight extending through braided wall of the cord at an entry point 34 and then through the center to a take-out point 36 and then through the wall to provide a cinch loop 28 of the bight extending beyond the wall. The end of the standing part of the cord passes through and the cinch loop which is tight around the standing part.

Abstract: A flexible catheter comprises at least one resilient, tubular layer in telescoping relation with a tubular sheath made of helically disposed crossing strands. At least one of the strands has a width that substantially exceeds its height, preferably having a width that is 4 to 8 times greater than its height. At least one of the strands is circular in cross section.

Abstract: Preforms and composite articles from carbon fiber reinforced matrix resins braided to shape on a mandrel and then converting to a final composite article by fully or partially curing in a mold followed by post curing if required.

Abstract: The method involves braiding a plurality of fiber bundles, each comprising a reinforcing fiber overwrapped by a plurality of glass or metal matrix-forming fibers, to form a 3D braided preform having stuffer fiber bundles extending longitudinally therethrough and heating the preform at a temperature and applying pressure to form the matrix-forming fibers into a bonded matrix in which the reinforcing fibers are disposed in a 3D braided pattern and in a longitudinal (stuffer) pattern.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plurality of fiber strand carrier members that are movable on a carrier surface defined by multiple, movable, side-by-side support members and a plurality of fiber guides affixed on the support members for dispensing axial stuffer fiber strands as the carrier members move along predetermined paths to intertwine the fiber strands from the fiber guides. The carrier members are disposed on the support members for movement therewith and for movement from one support member to abother. The fiber guides are affixed on the support members for movement only with the respective support member. The stuffer fiber strand for each fiber guide is dispensed from a spool that is carried on a respective support member or is mounted on a stationary base.

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: Edge-reinforced packing is provided for steam service, with wire-reinforced secondary yarns on carriers driven along one or more diagonal tracks of a braiding machine to provide edge-reinforcing which reduces valve stem abrasion while providing sufficient resistance to high pressure, high temperature steam leakage. Wire-reinforcing only the edges of the packing minimizes the amount of reinforcing wire necessary to counteract high pressure steam and thus minimizes valve stem wear. An offset, alternating braid embodiment further reduces wire usage at the packing edges, while at the same time providing complete circumferential reinforced sealing around the valve stem. In cases where the offset braiding results in voids in the steam barrier produced by the reinforced braid, keystone-resisting technology corrects this problem. In one embodiment, the packing is a non-asbestos packing which eliminates both hardening and packing disintegration normally associated with so called "plastic-core" packings.