Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for in vivo imaging. More specifically, the present invention relates to a catheter that incorporates an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system and an Intravascular Ultrasound (“IVUS) system for concurrent imaging of luminal systems, such as imaging the vasculature system, including, without limitation, cardiac vasculature, peripheral vasculature and neural vasculature.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear is formed by incorporating different braided portions. The upper may be formed by incorporating a first braided portion with a second braided portion. The top portion of the upper may have the first braided portion. The lower portion of the upper may have the second braided portion.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a braiding machine and method of forming a braided upper for an article of footwear. The braiding machine includes a support structure that includes a track defining a plane with a plurality of rotor metals arranged along the track. The method of forming an article of footwear includes extending a plurality of threads through a ring located along a plane at a braiding point of the braiding machine, and braiding over a forming mandrel that passes from a first side of the braiding point to a second side of the braiding point. The braiding machine being capable of forming intricate braided structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for in vivo imaging. More specifically, the present invention relates to a catheter that incorporates an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system and an Intravascular Ultrasound (“IVUS) system for concurrent imaging of luminal systems, such as imaging the vasculature system, including, without limitation, cardiac vasculature, peripheral vasculature and neural vasculature.

Abstract: An implant for medical use, and methods of making same, having a body formed of a plurality of single strands of a first material. The body further includes at least one multi-strand of radiopaque material incorporated among the single strands, the multi-strand having at least two side-by-side filaments of radiopaque material that lie substantially contiguous to each other over substantially the entire length of the multi-strand.

Abstract: A braider and a tube body in which braids are arranged on an outer peripheral surface of a mandrel uniformly even if the diameter of the mandrel is uneven. A braider 1 has bobbin carrier conveyance mechanisms 50A and 50B in which bobbin carriers 40A and 40B are conveyed from traveling tracks W1 and W2 to an outside of the traveling tracks W1 and W2 so as to stop winding of braids Y1 and Y2 onto a mandrel 2 and the bobbin carriers 40A and 40B are conveyed from the outside of the traveling tracks W1 and W2 to the traveling tracks W1 and W2 so as to start the winding of the braids Y1 and Y2 onto the mandrel 2.

Abstract: A surgical braid comprising two non-flat sections; a tape section, the tape section being generally flat, the tape section being positioned between the two non-flat sections; and the tape section comprising a single braid, and the two non-flat sections and the tape section being formed with a continuous and gap-less braid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stent including at least one member having a first portion and a second portion and at least one radiopaque connector joining the first portion to the second portion. In one or more embodiments, at least one radiopaque connector may form a first radiopaque pattern distinguishable from a second radiopaque pattern formed by at least one radiopaque marker. Methods for manufacturing a stent including at least two member portions connected by at least one radiopaque connector are also provided.

Abstract: A vascular device is provided that includes a tubular structure and an occluding structure. The tubular structure has inner and outer layers, with the occluding structure located between the inner and outer layers. Each of the inner and outer layers may define a different pick count, and the tubular structure may include a leading edge at a transition between the pick counts. The leading edge may be disposed at the distal end of the vascular device when the device is deployed from a delivery device. Furthermore, the occluding structure may have first and second layers formed by the inversion or eversion of the occluding structure and the subsequent coupling of its free ends to form a continuous structure. Thus, any loose ends may be sealed to minimize unraveling and/or shifting of the occluding structure within the tubular structure. A method of making the vascular device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant, particularly a stent, having a wall (11) braided out of multiple wires (10a, 10b) said wall extending along a longitudinal axis L and curving around the longitudinal axis L at least in sections, wherein in each case at least two wire ends (12) of the wires (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) are connected to at least two first braid ends (13a, 13b) forming a first circumferential section (16a) of the wall (11) extending around the longitudinal axis L. The invention is characterised in that in each case at least two first braid ends (13a, 13b) are connected to one or more second braid ends (14a, 14b), wherein the second braid ends (14a, 14b) form a second circumferential section (16b) of the wall (11) extending around the longitudinal axis L and following the first circumferential section (16a) in sequence in the longitudinal direction or the second braid ends (14a, 14b) are arranged in the circumferential direction U of the wall (11).

Abstract: A continuous braid structure has one or more first braid sections, each having a respective single flat braid or a respective single tubular braid. A plurality of second braid sections each have at least two flat braids with a gap between them. The second braid sections alternate with the one or more first braid sections. The adjacent first and second braid sections are continuous with each other. A length of material extends through the respective gap of at least one of the one or more second braid sections, so the length of material crosses one or more times between a first side of the continuous braid and a second side of the continuous braid.

Abstract: A mandrel for manufacturing a vascular device for treating a vessel includes an elongate strand and a plurality of bulbs coupled to the elongate strand. The elongate strand may extend through each of the plurality of bulbs. The mandrel may include first and second elongate strands each including a plurality of bulbs. The first and second elongate strands may be separable at an intermediate portion coupling the first and second elongate strands. A vascular device manufactured utilizing the mandrel may be configured to treat a vessel.

Abstract: Methods of forming a structure for treating a vessel include providing a mandrel and braiding a plurality of filaments around the mandrel. The mandrel may include a strand having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of balls coupled to the strand along the longitudinal axis. Pairs of the plurality of balls may be spaced along the longitudinal axis. Braiding the plurality of filaments around the mandrel may include, during braiding, forming a plurality of bulbs around the plurality of balls and forming necks between pairs of the plurality of balls. The methods may include, after braiding the plurality of filaments, heat treating (e.g., shape setting) the plurality of filaments on the mandrel. Portions of the braided plurality of filaments may be secured to the mandrel, for example using bangles, wire, and/or adhesive.

Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

Abstract: Branched braided stent or graft devices and processes for fabrication of the devices are disclosed in which a trunk portion and two hinge leg portions are fabricated in one piece braided from a single plurality of filaments, whereby the legs contain the full plurality of filaments and the trunk portion contains a subset of the same plurality of filaments. The fabrication process involves braiding the hinged legs on a mandrel while retaining loops of filament between the hinged leg portions for subsequent braiding of the trunk portion of the stent or graft.

Abstract: A continuous braid structure has one or more first braid sections, each having a respective single flat braid or a respective single tubular braid. A plurality of second braid sections each have at least two flat braids with a gap between them. The second braid sections alternate with the one or more first braid sections. The adjacent first and second braid sections are continuous with each other. A length of material extends through the respective gap of at least one of the one or more second braid sections, so the length of material crosses one or more times between a first side of the continuous braid and a second side of the continuous braid.

Abstract: A vascular device is provided that includes a tubular structure and an occluding structure. The tubular structure has inner and outer layers, with the occluding structure located between the inner and outer layers. Each of the inner and outer layers may define a different pick count, and the tubular structure may include a leading edge at a transition between the pick counts. The leading edge may be disposed at the distal end of the vascular device when the device is deployed from a delivery device. Furthermore, the occluding structure may have first and second layers formed by the inversion or eversion of the occluding structure and the subsequent coupling of its free ends to form a continuous structure. Thus, any loose ends may be sealed to minimize unraveling and/or shifting of the occluding structure within the tubular structure. A method of making the vascular device is also provided.

Abstract: A medical balloon with a variable diameter that is reinforced with continuous fibers woven to form a fabric with a varying number of layers and fiber densities. Portions of the balloon having a relatively smaller diameter are reinforced with a fabric having a reduced fiber density and an increased number of layers to facilitate the placement of the layers. The fabric also includes a braiding pattern that facilitates the transition from a single layer fabric to a multiple layer fabric. Also described is a manufacturing method for the braiding and layering.

Abstract: A braider comprises a plurality of horngears. The horngears can be arranged for forming at least two closed paths for braiding. Each horngear has a driving gear and a hornplate. Each horngear can be selectably operated in a first mode, to rotate with the driving gear, and in a second mode, in which the driving gear rotates, but the hornplate does not. Bobbin carriers are positioned on some of the horngears. A track is configurable in: a first flat braiding mode with the carriers arranged on the horngears, so that there is one or more separate closed path for forming a first flat braid configuration; and a second flat braiding mode for forming a second flat braid configuration different from the first flat braid configuration. A switch is provided for changing a configuration of the track between the first and second flat braiding modes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multidirectionally reinforced fiber preforms that conform easily to complex curvatures, such as, composite turbine fan cases, jet engine containment rings, aircraft fuselage frames, aircraft window frames, and flanged rings for attaching nacelles to aircraft engines. The present invention provides multidirectionally reinforced shape woven preforms with improved strength for composite structures that are axisymmetric as well as non-axisymmetric in nature. The invention is a preform used to reinforce a composite structure which includes a contour woven fabric portion, bi-axially braided, tri-axially braided or bias fabric portion, and/or a polar woven fabric portion, and a method of making thereof. The preform may optionally include a three-dimensionally woven portion. The combination of different forms of fabrics allows the preform to be produced without cutting and darting of the individual plies.

Abstract: Branched braided stent or graft devices and processes for fabrication of the devices are disclosed in which a trunk portion and two hinge leg portions are fabricated in one piece braided from a single plurality of filaments, whereby the legs contain the full plurality of filaments and the trunk portion contains a subset of the same plurality of filaments. The fabrication process involves braiding the hinged legs on a mandrel while retaining loops of filament between the hinged leg portions for subsequent braiding of the trunk portion of the stent or graft.

Abstract: A medical balloon with a variable diameter that is reinforced with continuous fibers woven to form a fabric with a varying number of layers and fiber densities. Portions of the balloon having a relatively smaller diameter are reinforced with a fabric having a reduced fiber density and an increased number of layers to facilitate the placement of the layers. The fabric also includes a braiding pattern that facilitates the transition from a single layer fabric to a multiple layer fabric. Also described is a manufacturing method for the braiding and layering.

Abstract: A braider comprises a plurality of horngears. The horngears can be arranged for forming at least two closed paths for braiding. Each horngear has a driving gear and a hornplate. Each horngear can be selectably operated in a first mode, to rotate with the driving gear, and in a second mode, in which the driving gear rotates, but the hornplate does not. Bobbin carriers are positioned on some of the horngears. A track is configurable in: a first flat braiding mode with the carriers arranged on the horngears, so that there is one or more separate closed path for forming a first flat braid configuration; and a second flat braiding mode for forming a second flat braid configuration different from the first flat braid configuration,. A switch is provided for changing a configuration of the track between the first and second flat braiding modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for braiding fibers into a braided structure, the device comprising a braiding machine, comprising a continuous track plate, a forming device, comprising a forming ring, a braiding mandrel about which the braiding machine braids at least one layer of the braided structure, and positioning means to effectuate relative movement of the mandrel and the braiding machine during braiding. The continuous track plate and/or the forming ring are build up of at least two parts that may be separated and reattached to each other, the parts being arranged such as to allow the track plate and/or the forming ring to enclose the mandrel. The invention further relates to a method for braiding fibers into a braided structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic method for manufacturing a stator or rotor blade preform for a turbine engine, comprising at least the following successive steps: a) a step for the helical braiding of a plurality of interlocked tubular braids (1), called nested braids, said step being conducted on braiding machines (2) placed in a row in a braiding direction; b) a step for flattening the nested braids (1); c) a step for stitching the nested braids (1) together in a direction perpendicular to the braiding direction; d) a step for winding the nested braids (1) on a transport mandrel (3); e) a step for cutting the nested braids (1) unwound from the transport mandrel (3), said cut being performed in a direction perpendicular to the braiding direction.

Abstract: A yarn layer forming apparatus includes: an annular braider that supplies braider yarn; an annular first supply device that supplies first yarn; an annular second supply device that supplies second yarn; and an actuating device that moves a mandrel. At least one of the first supply device and the second supply device is rotatable. A layer structure of yarn layers is formed on a peripheral surface of the mandrel. The layer structure of yarn layers includes at least yarn arrangement layers formed respectively by the first and second supply devices and a woven layer formed by the braider.

Abstract: A braiding bobbin includes a shaft and a spool from which a fiber thread can be drawn off through a thread guide mounted to rotate on the shaft. At least one torsion spring joins the shaft and the spool to each other. The spool is rotatable in a draw-off direction against the spring force and in an opposite, backwinding direction by the spring force of the torsion spring. A brake having an adjustable braking torque brakes rotation of the shaft in the draw-off direction.

Abstract: A textile product (1) comprising individual elements (4) interconnected by a textile technique, characterised in that the interconnected individual elements (4) hold at least one decorative or functional element (2, 2?, 2?, 12, 12?, 22) between each other, e.g. by braiding in or braiding around.

Abstract: A braider has a track for guiding 4N bobbin carriers and 4N horngears, where N is an integer greater than one. The horngears each have four horns for forming at least two paths. The bobbin carriers are positioned on the horngears in a tubular braiding mode with the track and horngears configured to provide two paths intersecting each other, to form a tubular braid section. The bobbin carriers are positioned on the horngears in a flat braiding mode, with the track and horngears configured so that there are N separate closed paths that do not intersect each other, to form a flat braid section. The braider is switched between the tubular and flat braiding modes while N of the horngears are free of contact with the bobbin carriers, to form a continuous braid having at least one tubular braid section and at least one flat braid section.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a motor component includes a cylindrical-shaped braided cord of twenty-four or more strands using both a multifilament strand and a monofilament strand made of synthetic fibers having a melting point or a decomposition temperature at 280° C. or more. The protective sleeve has oil resistance at high temperatures of 50% or more, the oil resistance at high temperatures being represented by the following formula: oil resistance at high temperatures (%)=(T/T)×100. Here, T denotes a tensile strength of the protective sleeve before a treatment and T? denotes a tensile strength of the protective sleeve after the treatment. The tensile strength is measured in accordance with JIS L1013-8.5.1, and the treatment is carried out in such a manner that the entire protective sleeve is put into a closed container containing a mixture of 5 weight % of water and 95 weight % of automatic transmission fluid, followed by heating the container so that a temperature of the mixture is maintained at 150° C.

Abstract: A striped braided element comprising: a first set of members having a common direction of winding, the center axis of said first set of members being axially displaced relative to each other in relation to a common braiding axis; and a second set of members having an opposite direction of winding, the center axis of the second set of members being axially displaced relative to each other in relation to the common braiding axis, the braided element exhibiting a uniform uninterrupted braid pattern and an average uniform distance between the center axis of members having a common direction of winding at a particular circumferential section along the common braiding axis; characterized by having at least one stripe comprising two adjacent members of the same set exhibiting a significantly reduced distance between the center axis of the adjacent members in the particular circumferential section.

Abstract: A pair of braiding threads 11, 12 and having braiding angle ±?° to the axis of the mandrel are composed of wide yarns WY having a band shape with a wide width, and the wide yarns are braided around the mandrel without any gap in the width direction to form a cylindrical braiding layer 15 so that the resulting layer is cut in the axis direction of the mandrel to be formed into sheets; thus, a braiding composition backing is formed by these sheets. The objective of the present invention is to provide a braiding composition backing made of thin, uniform braiding layers that are formed by braiding wide yarns having a band shape with a wide width (prepreg slit yarns) around a mandrel without any gap.

Abstract: A large diameter rope having improved fatigue life on a sheave, pulley, or drum is disclosed. This rope includes a blend of HMPE filaments and liquid crystal polymer filaments selected from the group of lyotropic polymer filaments and thermotropic polymer filaments. The rope may be constructed as a braided rope, a wire-lay rope, or a parallel core rope.

Abstract: A braiding apparatus and method of forming braided product. The braiding apparatus may have one or more former rings having an adjustable inner diameters. The former rings may have a plurality of elements at least radially movable so that the inner diameter may be adjusted. The former ring may also include means to actuate the elements to adjust the inner diameter. The braided product made by the braiding apparatus may be multi-layered without a winding between layers.

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 fibers. 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 process for manufacturing a braided birfurcated stent involves the use of two or more braiding machines. In this process, a first discrete plurality of filaments are braided to form a first leg, and a second discrete plurality of filaments are braided to form a second leg. Either the same braiding machine may be used or two different braiding machines may be used. The process also involves braiding the first plurality of filaments and the second plurality of filaments together to form the body using yet another braiding machine. Either the legs or body may be braided first.

Abstract: A braided modular stent comprising a first component and a second component, each component comprising an hourglass-shaped interface having a reduced diameter section positioned between two sloped sections. Each sloped section extends between the reduced diameter section and one of a plurality of nominal diameter sections. The reduced diameter section has a greater radial strength than the nominal diameter sections. One of the components may have a sealing region, such as a circumferential elevation, for providing an endoleak-resistant seal between the stent and a body lumen. One exemplary method for fabricating a circumferential elevation comprises affixing a plurality of filaments, such as sutures, between overlaps of braided filaments in one region and overlaps in another region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braider comprising a guiding plate, of which a plurality of the paths are intersected with one another; and a corresponding conveying gear. With combination of the guiding plate and the conveying gear, it is possible to produce polygonal braids, such as rectangular braids or triangle braids, and to provide various colors on the braids as different braided yarns are braided on the corresponding surfaces respectively. Furthermore, with the rectangular braids or triangle braids, the banding force is enhanced as the frictione is increased when they are united. Therefore, the braids are not easy to loosen if they are used as banding braids for footwear or clothes.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of braided multifilament structures for an endoprosthesis for ramification of an anatomical conduit. The method includes the operation of braiding filaments, made of a matter chosen from among the biocompatible elastic, superelastic and shape-memory materials, around a first mandrel, along the length of the first mandrel whose diameter corresponds to a branch of a base element. The method further includes setting up at least one auxiliary mandrel parallel to the first mandrel. The auxiliary mandrel includes a first end and a second end, of cross-section corresponding to those of a lumen. The first end is inserted in a straight line with the braid in progress, upstream of the braiding point, and the assembly has a cross-section corresponding to that of a trunk of a base element. The method further includes continuing the braiding around the assembly along a length corresponding to at least that of the trunk of a base element.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a method for manufacturing a three dimensional structure employing the principle of braid composition to compose a three dimensional X confounding section (a 3X confounding structure, a 4X confounding structure, a 6X-3X confounding structure) and a manufacturing apparatus for a three dimensional structure which is applicable to the method. A method for manufacturing a three dimensional structure with a linear structure 1 pulled out individually from a plurality of bobbin carriers 2, comprising the steps of: supporting said plurality of bobbin carriers transferably and loadably; and moving the bobbin carrier so that linear structures from at least three directions are joined to converge at intervals in a composing direction and diverge in at least three directions.

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 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: Nanofibers are produced having a diameter ranging from about 4 .ANG. to 1 nm, and a nano denier of about 10.sup.-9. The use of the electro-spinning process permits production of the desired nanofibrils. These fibrils in combination with a carrier or strengthening fibers/filaments can be converted directly into nonwoven fibrous assemblies or converted into linear assemblies(yarns) before weaving, braiding or knitting into 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional fabrics. The electrospun fiber can be fed in an air vortex spinning apparatus developed to form a linear fibrous assembly. The process makes use of an air stream in a properly confined cavity. The vortex of air provides a gentle means to convert a mixture of the fibril fed directly or indirectly from the ESP unit and a fiber mass or filament into an integral assembly with proper level of orientation. Incorporation of thus produced woven products into tissue engineering is part of the present invention.

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 member for use in net construction comprises a sheathing with an internal core, the internal core has a very low stretch capacity and the outer sheathing has a much larger stretch capacity but allows intersplicing of crossing members within the lattice or between a border member comprised of such a material and the free end of the weft and warp members.

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 braided packing has a number of longitudinal strands around which a braid strand is wound in a lattice pattern to form a substantially square braid. The longitudinal strands include at least two lubricant sink strands, the lubricant sink strands having a material composition and configuration to give the lubricant sink strands a higher lubricant absorbency than the other longitudinal strands and the braid strand. The packing is immersed in a lubricating fluid which is absorbed and retained in higher amounts by the lubricant sink strands, thereby providing a long-lasting source of lubricant for the overall packing during use.

Abstract: A slip resistant shoe lace is produced by weaving or braiding a plurality of standard yarns with special yarns. The special yarns have a special effect in the form of slubs or eccentricities at regular intervals or throughout the length of the yarn and when woven or braided along with the standard yarns produce protuberances along the length of the shoe lace for resisting untying of the lace.