Abstract: Graft prostheses are woven with cross-weave patterns to prevent unravelling and to increase suture hold strength. A vascular graft according to the invention is woven as a continuous tube by shuttling a continuous weft thread through a double-layer array of warp threads. As the weft thread is shuttled through the warp pattern, groups of warp threads are retained in parallel relationship to each other while interspersed pairs of warp threads are crossed over each other. This results in graft having normal weave patterns circumferentially alternating with cross-weave patterns.

Abstract: A three-dimensional weave is formed having a triple set of rods and yarns. The network of rods is placed about the generatrices of the body of revolution to be made and ordered regularly around the axis of the latter in coaxial layers of revolution and in successive radial bunches. Circumferential yarns and radial yarns are laid in helical courses and woven into said network of rods around the axis.

Abstract: Sheet materials for cardiovascular and other prosthetic implants are fabricated of synthetic elastomers. These materials are characterized by molecular configurations that produce a nonlinear tensile modulus characteristic similar in shape to that of natural tissue. Selected elastomers, when formed as sheet material of appropriate geometrical configuration, promote the formation of natural tissue thereon which is appropriate for the mechanical characteristics desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing a unique, continuous and endless, bias cut fabric employing ceramic and synthetic fibers is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a take up roll system positioned at the output of a tubular weaving operation.The roll system takes up the tube evenly and ensures a uniform movement of the tube through the system to maintain a uniform weave oriented at 90.degree. to the fabric length.This permits the tube, as it leaves the system, to be cut diagonally and to be unwound as a lay flat fabric having a uniform weave pattern oriented at a bias to the fabric length.

Abstract: Prostheses for inadequate or diseased heart valves and blood vessels, formed of fabrics comprising multifilament synthetic yarns. For a heart valve the fabric is supported on a three-lobed frame. During manufacture, the fabric is subjected to a plural step compressive shrinking and crimping process to impart nonisotropic elastic compliance approximating the natural mechanical properties. The resulting composite structures are free of thrombogenic complications.

Abstract: A fabric and containers constructed therefrom, formed of interwoven warp and weft yarns, characterized by a plurality of continuous reinforcing means woven into the fabric at spaced intervals among and parallel to the warp or weft yarns, or both, each reinforcing means comprising a plurality of periodically spaced unwoven sections lying on one or both sides of and in juxtaposition with the fabric.

Abstract: A composite structure containing a weave and a rigidifying resin matrix is formed in a hollow configuration with inwardly directed ring stiffeners. This is achieved by arranging longitudinal strands in radial rows or groups around a base mandrel and weaving a circumferential strand through the longitudinal strands. When a wall section of normal width is desired, a submandrel is placed around the base mandrel and those longitudinal strands located innermost in their respective groups are passed behind the submandrel so that the circumferential strand is woven only through the longitudinal strands located outwardly from the submandrel. Where a ring stiffener is desired, the thickness of the weave is increased by weaving the circumferential strand through all of the longitudinal strands located beyond the base mandrel, and this of course takes place beyond the end of the submandrel. Longitudinal stiffeners may be provided along with the ring stiffeners by forming depressions in the submandrels.

Abstract: A papermaker's belt particularly suited for use as a forming fabric, the fabric being of biplanar construction with sets of upper and lower filling yarns interconnected by warp yarns extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the fabric, the fabric being characterized by diagonally disposed sets of upper and lower filling yarns with the warp yarns extending diagonally between adjacent sets of the filling yarns in one direction and diagonally between the upper and lower yarns of another set of filling yarns in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A fabric in a tubular shape is provided suitable for slipping over an expansible member which can be filled with fluid to thereby expand the expansible member and the tubular shape of the fabric, the fabric being expansible by at least 200% and having a uni-directional recovery force to provide the force to dispense the fluid from the expansible member, the fabric being made of elastomer yarn providing the recovery force and yarn in engagement with the elastomer yarn to maintain the fabric position of the elastomer yarn so as to prevent blow out of the expansible member between the yarn of the fabric during expansion of the expansible member.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces an inflatable flat tubular fabric which is coated on its outside surfaces with synthetic rubber or plastic and is constructed by weaving the fabric in tubular form with basic threads having a given tensile strength with the two layers of the fabric being joined together by auxiliary threads which have a substantially lower tensile strength than the basic threads so that, when the fabric is inflated, the auxiliary threads will be broken to permit expansion of the fabric to its full volume capacity.

Abstract: A narrow woven tubular fabric having an upper layer and a lower layer resiliently separated by a plurality of monofilament warp yarns alternately and intermittently woven with said layers.

Abstract: Three-dimensional impregnated filamentary materials and methods for making the same.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with continuous longitudinal reinforcement strands has a mechanical transverse barrier to prevent longitudinal ripping slitting or tearing. The mechanical transverse barrier is a fabric with warp and weft threads embedded in a cover layer of the conveyor belt. The longitudinally running threads have a substantially lower tensile strength than the transversely running threads, i.e. the tensile strength of the transverse threads is at least 8 times that of the longitudinal threads and preferably upwards of 20 (e.g. 30 to 50) times that of the longitudinal threads.

Abstract: A unitary woven composite tube and web includes a tubular section and an interwoven web section which may be formed as a tube, and which is useful for inflatable safety belts and other uses. The composite article is woven wherein the filling runs are successively interwoven with the longitudinal warps along an upper forward first run, a lower return second run below the first run, a third forward run extending to and interweaving the second run at a point intermediate its ends and a return fourth run and the cycle is repeated. Various warp filling weaves may be employed. The tubular section may house a longitudinally extending cable. The filling and warp may be interwoven in any desired pattern.

Abstract: An inflatable hollow belt which is longitudinally self shapeable, includes a woven body having warps on one side of lesser length and greater overall strength than the warps on the other side, and an interwoven weft so that the deflated belt can be compactly collapsed and the inflated belt curves along its length. The belt is produced by weaving the hollow belt with the warps along one side having a relatively high heat shrinkage, and then applying heat to the belt to shrink such warps. The wefts and the longer warps are of sufficient strength to withstand the inflation pressure.