Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a disc defining a plane and a circumferential edge, a mandrel extending from a center of the disc that is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc, a plurality of catch mechanisms positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc, a plurality of actuators adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc, and a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel towards circumferential edge of the disc. A middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments contacts an end of the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a disc defining a plane and a circumferential edge, a mandrel extending from a center of the disc that is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc, a plurality of catch mechanisms positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc, a plurality of actuators adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc, and a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel towards circumferential edge of the disc. A middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments contacts an end of the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a disc defining a plane and a circumferential edge, a mandrel extending from a center of the disc that is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc, a plurality of catch mechanisms positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc, a plurality of actuators adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc, and a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel towards circumferential edge of the disc. A middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments contacts an end of the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding machine includes first and second annular members, the second annular member being concentric with the first annular member. A mandrel extends perpendicularly to and intersects a horizontal plane defined by a substantially circular region of the second annular member substantially at the center of the circular region. Each of the annular members has a plurality of tubular guide wires slideably mounted thereon and a plurality of wires extend from the mandrel through each of the tubular wire guides. The first annular member rotates circumferentially relative to the second annular member. The first plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially inward to align with the second annular member, and the second plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially outward so as to align with the first annular member.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding machine includes first and second annular members, the second annular member being concentric with the first annular member. A mandrel extends perpendicularly to and intersects a horizontal plane defined by a substantially circular region of the second annular member substantially at the center of the circular region. Each of the annular members has a plurality of tubular guide wires slideably mounted thereon and a plurality of wires extend from the mandrel through each of the tubular wire guides. The first annular member rotates circumferentially relative to the second annular member. The first plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially inward to align with the second annular member, and the second plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially outward so as to align with the first annular member.

Abstract: Methods for forming a tubular braid are described. The method for braiding includes providing a braiding mechanism including a disc, a mandrel, and a plurality of actuators. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge and the mandrel extends from a center of the disc. A plurality of filaments are loaded on the mandrel, each extending radially toward the circumferential edge and contacting the disc at a point of engagement. The plurality of actuators are operated to engage and move a first subset of filaments in a generally radial direction to a position beyond the circumferential edge. The disc or the engaged first subset are rotated relative to one another, thereby crossing the first subset over a second subset of filaments. The actuators are then operated to move the first subset to a radial position on the circumferential edge different from its previous point of engagement.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a circular array of filament engagement elements, a mandrel extending from the center of the circular array, a plurality of actuators disposed operably about the circular array, and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The circular array of filament engagement elements and the plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another. The plurality of filaments are loaded onto the mandrel and extend radially toward and contact the circumferential edge of the circular array of filament engagement elements. The plurality of actuators are operated to engage a first subset of the plurality of filaments and move the engaged filaments in a generally radial direction to a position beyond the circumferential edge of the circular array. The rotating mechanism is operated to move the engaged filaments about the mandrel axis.

Abstract: Methods for forming a tubular braid are described. The method for braiding includes providing a braiding mechanism including a disc, a mandrel, and a plurality of actuators. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge and the mandrel extends from a center of the disc. A plurality of filaments are loaded on the mandrel, each extending radially toward the circumferential edge and contacting the disc at a point of engagement. The plurality of actuators are operated to engage and move a first subset of filaments in a generally radial direction to a position beyond the circumferential edge. The disc or the engaged first subset are rotated relative to one another, thereby crossing the first subset over a second subset of filaments. The actuators are then operated to move the first subset to a radial position on the circumferential edge different from its previous point of engagement.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for forming a tubular braid are described. The mechanism for braiding includes a disc, a mandrel, a plurality of catch mechanisms, a plurality of actuators, and a computer program. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge. The mandrel extends from a center of the disc and is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc. The plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc and are adapted to engage a filament. The plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another and are adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a circular array of filament engagement elements, a mandrel extending from the center of the circular array, a plurality of actuators disposed operably about the circular array, and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The circular array of filament engagement elements and the plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another. The plurality of filaments are loaded onto the mandrel and extend radially toward and contact the circumferential edge of the circular array of filament engagement elements. The plurality of actuators are operated to engage a first subset of the plurality of filaments and move the engaged filaments in a generally radial direction to a position beyond the circumferential edge of the circular array. The rotating mechanism is operated to move the engaged filaments about the mandrel axis.

Abstract: A braiding machine and methods of braiding are described. The braiding machine includes first and second annular members having inclined surfaces, the second annular member being concentric with the first annular member. The inclined surfaces are inclined at a non-zero angle formed between an axis of the outer ring and a horizontal axis that lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. Each of the annular members has a plurality of tubular guide wires slideably mounted thereon and a plurality of wires extend from the mandrel through each of the tubular wire guides. One of the first and second annular members rotates circumferentially relative to the other. The first plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially inward so as to align with the second annular member, and the second plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially outward so as to align with the first annular member.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for forming a tubular braid are described. The mechanism for braiding includes a disc, a mandrel, a plurality of catch mechanisms, a plurality of actuators, and a computer program. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge. The mandrel extends from a center of the disc and is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc. The plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc and are adapted to engage a filament. The plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another and are adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: A braiding machine and methods of braiding are described. The braiding machine includes first and second annular members having inclined surfaces, the second annular member being concentric with the first annular member. The inclined surfaces are inclined at a non-zero angle formed between an axis of the outer ring and a horizontal axis that lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. Each of the annular members has a plurality of tubular guide wires slideably mounted thereon and a plurality of wires extend from the mandrel through each of the tubular wire guides. One of the first and second annular members rotates circumferentially relative to the other. The first plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially inward so as to align with the second annular member, and the second plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially outward so as to align with the first annular member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The method for braiding includes the step of loading a plurality of filaments on a mandrel and extending the filaments radially from the mandrel, the plurality of filaments have a first subset and a second subset. Tension is applied to the plurality of filaments using a weight attached to each filament. The first subset of the plurality of filaments is engaged, moved circumferentially relative to the second subset, and then released. The second subset of filaments is then engaged and moved circumferentially relative to the first subset of filaments, such that a tubular braid of filaments is formed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The braiding machine includes a circular array of filament guiding members defining a plane; a mandrel defining an axis and adapted to carry one or more filaments extending from the mandrel to the circular array; a plurality of filaments extending from the mandrel in a radial array; a plurality of actuator mechanisms disposed operably about the disc; and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The actuator mechanisms and rotating mechanism are configured to move each of the one or more filaments about the mandrel axis in a path comprising a series of arcs and radial movements. The braiding machine may alternately first and second annular members, a mandrel, first and second plurality of tubular wire guides, and a plurality of wires extending from the mandrel.

Abstract: A tubular braid and mechanisms for forming the braid are described. The mechanism for braiding includes a disc, a mandrel, a plurality of catch mechanisms, and a plurality of actuators. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge. The mandrel extends from a center of the disc and is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc. The plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc and are adapted to engage a filament. The plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another and are adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: A suspension system for a cab of an off-road vehicle includes a superstructure configured to receive a cab frame. The superstructure forms a framework, the corners of which receive suspension assemblies and dampers. The suspension assemblies include one or more springs or resilient elements to resist suspension motion, and the dampers provide dampening of the motion. Lateral and longitudinal suspension motions are resisted by links between the corners of the superstructure. An anti-roll bar reduces roll. The entire suspension system may be pre-assembled and then joined to the vehicle chassis frame. The cab frame may then be placed on the suspension system. Parts of the suspension system may interface with and be housed by roll-over protective structures.

Abstract: A suspension system for a cab of an off-road vehicle includes a superstructure configured to receive a cab frame. The superstructure forms a framework, the corners of which receive suspension assemblies and dampers. The suspension assemblies include one or more springs or resilient elements to resist suspension motion, and the dampers provide dampening of the motion. Lateral and longitudinal suspension motions are resisted by links between the corners of the superstructure. An anti-roll bar reduces roll. The entire suspension system may be pre-assembled and then joined to the vehicle chassis frame. The cab frame may then be placed on the suspension system. Parts of the suspension system may interface with and be housed by roll-over protective structures.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The method for braiding includes the step of loading a plurality of filaments on a mandrel and extending the filaments radially from the mandrel, the plurality of filaments have a first subset and a second subset. Tension is applied to the plurality of filaments using a weight attached to each filament. The first subset of the plurality of filaments is engaged, moved circumferentially relative to the second subset, and then released. The second subset of filaments is then engaged and moved circumferentially relative to the first subset of filaments, such that a tubular braid of filaments is formed.

Abstract: A tubular braid and mechanisms for forming the braid are described. The mechanism for braiding includes a disc, a mandrel, a plurality of catch mechanisms, and a plurality of actuators. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge. The mandrel extends from a center of the disc and is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc. The plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc and are adapted to engage a filament. The plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another and are adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc.