Abstract: A triaxially braided strap includes a plurality of axial strands and a plurality of longitudinal strands including a first boundary strand and a second boundary strand. Each strand of the plurality of axial strands is routed, in a repeating pattern and in the following order: under the first boundary strand; around the first boundary strand; between respective portions of a pair of axial strands that are routed between the first boundary strand and the second boundary strand; under the second boundary strand; around the second boundary strand; and between respective portions of a pair of axial strands that are routed between the second boundary strand and the first boundary strand.

Abstract: A triaxially braided strap includes a plurality of axial strands and a plurality of longitudinal strands including a first boundary strand and a second boundary strand. Each strand of the plurality of axial strands is routed, in a repeating pattern and in the following order: under the first boundary strand; around the first boundary strand; between respective portions of a pair of axial strands that are routed between the first boundary strand and the second boundary strand; under the second boundary strand; around the second boundary strand; and between respective portions of a pair of axial strands that are routed between the second boundary strand and the first boundary strand.

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 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 printing indicia onto a candlewick to provide identification of the wick following its removal from a supply spool. The candlewick is coated prior to the printing process and a printer is used to print the indicia onto the coated wick. A registration mechanism is provided to align the coated wick relative to the printer during the printing process.

Abstract: A candlewick for use in a candle system includes two or more wicks which are intertwined and at least one binding member, such as a generally non-wicking yarn, which holds the wicks intertwined. The binding member decomposes in response to heat generated by a single flame fueled by the wicks so that the wicks separate from each other to define a pair of wick ends which fuel the single flame.

Abstract: A candlewick for use in a candle system includes two or more wicks which are intertwined and at least one binding member, such as a generally non-wicking yarn, which holds the wicks intertwined. The binding member decomposes in response to heat generated by a single flame fueled by the wicks so that the wicks separate from each other to define a pair of wick ends which fuel the single flame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing indicia onto a candlewick to provide identification of the wick following its removal from a supply spool. The candlewick is coated prior to the printing process and a printer is used to print the indicia onto the coated wick. A registration mechanism is provided to align the coated wick relative to the printer during the printing process.

Abstract: A method of forming a tapered tubular part including the steps of: providing tows of filaments, the filaments being adapted to fuse together when subjected to combined heat and pressure; braiding the tows of filaments into a sleeve; providing a tapered mold and a matingly tapered mandrel; sliding the sleeve into the mold and securing the sleeve to the mold; forcing the mandrel into the mold to compress the wall of the sleeve and to stretch the length of the sleeve while applying heat to the mold to fuse the filaments of the sleeve together into a tube; cooling the mold; withdrawing the mandrel from the mold and removing the cooled tube from the mold.