Abstract: A line holder includes a spool about which line is wound and a spool housing. The spool is rotatably supported in the housing. The spool housing has an aperture through which the line is extendable. The spool housing includes a member that applies a variable force to the spool to resist rotation of the spool relative to the spool housing. A cutter may be connected to the spool housing for cutting the line. A method of providing fishing line is also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabric is braided with an apparatus having a floating yarn creel and a floating forming plate, each having movable elements. Fibers are fed from the creel through the forming plate to a forming zone where the fibers are braided by synchronous movements of said movable elements. Beaating combs may also be provided in the forming zone.

Abstract: A method and device for forming a three-dimensional fabric continously is disclosed. The fabric has a plurality of warp yarns arranged in a two-dimensional array and two sets of weft yarns are interwoven with the weft yarns to form alternate courses. The courses of corresponding weft yarns are interlocked at opposite sides to form a fabric with high dimensional stability to resist deforming. The method and device can be operated at high speed to produce fabrics of any length.