Abstract: A self-locking adjustable loop construction and a method of forming the construction are disclosed. The construction can include a flexible member having a first end, a second end and a first portion therebetween. The first end can be passed back through the first portion at a first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from a first side of the flexible member to a second opposite side of the flexible member. The first end can be passed through the first portion at a second point spaced apart from the first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from the second side to the first side so as to place the second end outside of the first portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.

Abstract: An electrical device such as a headset may have a cable. Wires in the cable may be used to connect speakers in the headset to a connector such as an audio jack. The cable may have a tubular intertwined cable cover that covers the wires. Computer-controlled servo motors in fiber intertwining equipment may be adjusted in real time so that intertwined attributes such as intertwining density and intertwining tension are varied as a function of length along the intertwined cable cover. The fiber intertwining equipment may make these variations to locally increase the strength of the intertwined cable cover and the cable in the vicinity of a bifurcation in the cable and in the vicinity of the portion of the cable that terminates at the audio jack.

Abstract: A method, consisting of passing a cylindrical carbon fiber through a press so as to produce a flat ribbon. The method further includes weaving multiple strands of the flat ribbon together to create a cylindrical braid.

Abstract: A yarn object which, even though made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, can be satisfactorily prevented from color fading caused by contact with other objects or the like, can be produced easily at low cast, and can maintain high strength. The yarn object is colored with a colorant. The yarn object includes a core yarn 2 colored with a predetermined colorant and an outer-layer yarn 3 disposed on the periphery of the core yarn. The outer-layer yarn 3 is disposed in such a manner that the core yarn 2 is prevented from contacting with other objects. The outer-layer yarn 3 includes a transparent filament and a space 4 is formed between the outer-layer yarns 3. The color applied to the core yarn 2 is externally visible through the transparent outer-layer yarn 3 and the space therebetween 4.

Abstract: A tubular fibrous architecture is disclosed. According to one aspect, the tubular fibrous architecture includes a closed tubular part in at least one of its ends or bottom. The closed tubular part includes an architecture in which a textile material, such as a thread, roving, ribbon or bundle of threads, is continuously output from the bottom. Each textile material that is output from the bottom is continuously wound about the tubular part. All of the textile materials at the junction between the bottom and the remainder of the tubular part are continuous and there is a continuous geometric transition between the bottom architecture and the architecture of the remainder of the tubular part such that the textile materials in the tubular part cross over. A method of making such a tubular fibrous architecture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a plurality of fiber tape strips woven or braided together. Each of the plurality of fiber tape strips is made of a single layer of unidirectional fibers. The fibers are at least partially embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. A tubular composite part is made from this composite material and of an internal film. A method of manufacturing the composite material comprises weaving or braiding the fiber tape strips, especially in the form of a tube. A method of manufacturing a composite part comprises pressurizing the film inside the tube while heating both the tube and the film up to their forming temperature so as to bond the film to the woven fiber tape strips.

Abstract: A self-expanding, pseudo-braided device embodying a high expansion ratio and flexibility as well as comformability and improved radial force. The pseudo-braided device is particularly suited for advancement through and deployment within highly tortuous and very distal vasculature. Various forms of the pseudo-braided device are adapted for the repair of aneurysms and stenoses as well as for use in thrombectomies and embolic protection therapy.

Abstract: A toothed cable is provided in which a strand can be securely joined to a core cable while maintaining flexibility of the strand. The toothed cable includes the core cable, a wire disposed spirally around the core cable at a fixed pitch, and the strand having a core thread and piles fixed to the core thread, the strand being disposed spirally along a groove having side walls and a bottom formed by the wire and the core cable. The toothed cable is obtained by a manufacturing method of disposing a meltable filament thread in the groove, disposing the strand in the groove with tension after the filament thread is disposed, melting the filament thread after the strand is disposed, and joining the strand to the core cable by solidifying the melted filament thread.

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 method is presented for making a composite material from strips comprising longitudinal fibers and a binder or resin, which material comprises a number of layer assemblies one on top of the other. Each layer assembly comprises m sets (with m at least 2) of parallel strips each extending in a different direction, Each layer assembly is manufactured by successive steps of depositing groups of parallel strips according to a well defined pattern (without longitudinally interweaving strips with previously deposited strips). Before completing a layer assembly, with the exception of the last layer assembly, by depositing its last group of parallel strips, the first group of parallel strips of the following layer assembly is already deposited. A composite material manufactured with such a method is presented too.

Abstract: A yarn object which, even though made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, can be satisfactorily prevented from color fading caused by contact with other objects or the like, can be produced easily at low cast, and can maintain high strength. The yarn object is colored with a colorant. The yarn object includes a core yarn 2 colored with a predetermined colorant and an outer-layer yarn 3 disposed on the periphery of the core yarn. The outer-layer yarn 3 is disposed in such a manner that the core yarn 2 is prevented from contacting with other objects. The outer-layer yarn 3 includes a transparent filament and a space 4 is formed between the outer-layer yarns 3. The color applied to the core yarn 2 is externally visible through the transparent outer-layer yarn 3 and the space therebetween 4.

Abstract: A method, comprises providing a braid unit having a body braid section, at least two first arms at a first end of the body braid section, and at least two second arms at a second end of the body braid section. Each first arm is passed in through the second end and out through the first end of the body braid section. Each second arm is passed in through the first end and out through the second end of the body braid section. The first and second arms are pulled past each other after passing through the body braid section, so as to gather the body braid section into a ring.

Abstract: A fabric comprising a first plurality of yarns, a second plurality of yarns and a third plurality of yarns wherein the first, second and third pluralities of yarns have a yarn orientation that is different from each other. The third plurality of yarns is oriented in an axial direction. The second plurality of yarns is interwoven with the first plurality of yarns. The third plurality of yarns have no crimp. The yarns of the second plurality of yarns have an average linear density greater than or equal to the average linear density of the yarns of the first plurality of yarns and the yarns of the third plurality of yarns have an average linear density greater than the average linear density of the yarns of the second plurality of yarns and less than three times the average linear density of the yarns of the first plurality of yarns.

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: A metal matrix composite lightweight compressor airfoil. The airfoil comprises a braided fabric embedded in a lightweight aluminum-lithium alloy. The airfoils are fabricated by forming a plurality of fiber tows by twisting filaments or fibers. The tows are then braided into a fabric. The fabric may be impregnated with an optional fugitive polymer that temporarily occupies interstices of the fabric to facilitate handling of the pre-formed braided fabric, but which is subsequently removed. The airfoil may then be formed as a MMC by one of two separate methods. In the first method, aluminum-lithium alloy is pressure augmented casting into a die that includes a preform of fabric impregnated with fugitive polymer. In a second method, a preform is formed using a tool and mandrel by impregnating fabric with aluminum-lithium alloy. Then aluminum-lithium alloy is pressure augmented cast into a die that includes the alloy-impregnated preform.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a plurality of fiber tape strips woven or braided together. Each of the plurality of fiber tape strips is made of a single layer of unidirectional fibers. The fibers are at least partially embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. A tubular composite part is made from this composite material and of an internal film. A method of manufacturing the composite material comprises weaving or braiding the fiber tape strips, especially in the form of a tube. A method of manufacturing a composite part comprises pressurizing the film inside the tube while heating both the tube and the film up to their forming temperature so as to bond the film to the woven fiber tape strips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high strength fibers comprising a coating of cross-linked silicone polymer, and ropes made thereof. The fibers are preferably high performance polyethylene (HPPE) fibers. The coating comprising a cross-linked silicone polymer is made from a coating composition comprising a cross-linkable silicone polymer. The rope shows markedly improved service life performance in bending applications such as cyclic bend-over-sheave applications. The invention also relates to the use of a cross-linked silicone polymer in a rope for an improvement of bend fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stent includes forming a first cylindrical mesh structure by bending a first member in a zigzag-shape having peaks and valleys and a plurality of turns wound around an outer circumference of a manufacturing frame and forming a second cylindrical mesh structure by bending a second member in a zigzag-shape having peaks and valleys and a plurality of turns wound around an outer circumference of a manufacturing frame, wherein a bending track the second member crosses a bending track of the first member.

Abstract: A fiber cable for helicopter rescue winches includes a plurality of load-bearing synthetic-fiber strands braided with one another, at least one electrically conductive insert, and a wear indicator providing a visual check of a state of the fiber cable, where the load-bearing synthetic-fiber strands are encased in a radial direction by a friction-reducing stable fiber layer, an inner cable jacket, and outer cable jacket.

Abstract: A tubular braid and a composite hollow fiber membrane using the same are disclosed. The tubular braid is made by braiding yarns, the yarn made by combining thin filament and thick filament, wherein the thin filament is comprised of a plurality of monofilament having a fineness of 0.01 to 0.4 denier, and the thick filament is comprised of at least one monofilament having a fineness of 3 to 50 denier. Also, the composite hollow fiber membrane using the tubular braid of the present invention can realize excellent water permeability, high mechanical strength, good filtration reliability, great peeling strength, low dope permeation, and high stiffness.

Abstract: A double finger trap loop includes at least one braid having a first end and a second end. The braid is defined by an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion is a hollow conduit in the braid. The braid is readily adaptable to accept the first end and the second end into the hollow conduit. The first end and the second end are associated with each other. The association is capable of adhering the first end to the second end by a continuous internal stitch.

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: The invention relates to a rod-shaped fiber composite material (400) composed of a matrix (412) and a circular braid (402) embedded into the matrix. To increase the stability of the fiber composite material (400) and also to perform ducting functions for electricity and fluids, the wall of the circular braid is provided with wall chambers (408) which are separated by a phase boundary from the matrix (412) of the fiber composite material (400). These wall chambers (408) lead to inner and outer sections of the wall of the circular braid (402) being spaced apart, which is useful for the stability with regard to flexing and torsional loading in particular. Rod-shaped fiber composite materials (400) according to the invention can be used for creating stable structural components as well as for producing efficiently protected ducts. The invention further relates to an apparatus and a process which are useful for producing fiber composite material according to the invention.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component. The method comprises braiding a plurality of fibers over a non-cylindrical mandrel to form a variable thickness shaped fiber preform, flattening the shaped fiber preform and cutting the flattened shaped fiber preform to obtain the at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component. Spars made according to various embodiments of the present invention are faster and less expensive to manufacture than conventional composite spar components.

Abstract: A fast rope, which includes a weighted core, a first braid surrounding the core, a second braid surrounding the first braid, and a third braid surrounding the second braid. The core is constructed from lead wires extruded over a polyester yarn, the first braid is strands of polypropylene, the second braid is strands of composite press material, and the third braid is strands of spun polyester.

Abstract: A fiber cable for helicopter rescue winches includes a plurality of load-bearing synthetic-fiber strands braided with one another, at least one electrically conductive insert, and a wear indicator providing a visual check of a state of the fiber cable, where the load-bearing synthetic-fiber strands are encased in a radial direction by a friction-reducing stable fiber layer, an inner cable jacket, and outer cable jacket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibres, tapes, monofilaments and the like comprising copolymers of ethylene and ?-olefins which exhibit improved tensile properties expressed as a balance between tenacity and elongation at break. The copolymers may preferable be prepared by use of metallocene catalyst systems in particular by use of monocyclopenadienyl catalyst systems. The fibres, tapes, monofilaments of the invention are particularly suitable for end-use applications including artificial grass, woven and nonwoven fabrics, cordages, ropes, netting and flexible intermediate bulk containers.

Abstract: A trawl system component includes T90 netting and a first seam formed of a first netting panel attached to a second netting panel with the first seam having a seam ratio of less than one. The first netting panel is selected from a group consisting of: i) T0 meshes; and ii) T90 meshes having a mesh size of 160 mm or less. The second netting panel is T90 netting having a mesh size of 160 mm or less. The stretch measure of the second panel's netting has a lesser horizontal value than the horizontal stretch measure of the first panel's netting. The first panel is situated forward of the first seam, and the second panel is situated aft thereof. The trawl system component also third netting panel secured into the trawl system component by a third seam that is located further aft in the component from the location of the first seam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a braided rope for bend-over-sheave applications consisting essentially of n braided primary strands being made of polymeric filaments, which rope has an oblong cross-section with aspect ratio in the range 1.2-4.0. Such a rope shows markedly improved service life performance in cyclic bend-over-sheave applications. The invention also relates to the use of a braided rope according to the invention as a load-bearing member in bend-over-sheave applications; and to a system comprising such a rope and at least one sheave with a groove, the dimensions of which groove are adapted to the rope dimensions.

Abstract: A rope is disclosed that is firm for climbing purposes and in which the end of the rope can be spliced. The rope includes a core of a plurality of strands; a first braided tubular sheath disposed about the core; and a second braided tubular sheath disposed about the first braided tubular sheath. The plurality of strands fill at least a length of a center void formed in the first braided tubular sheath. The plurality of core strands are formed in an un-braided manner in at least one of twisted and non-twisted strands. At the splice the splice tucks fill the center void while the core strands fill only center void outside of the splice.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and method for a carrier rope for use in the transport of paper webs in paper threading machine systems. The carrier rope constructed in accordance with the invention comprises a multi filament yarn assembly (A) having an initial twist, a composite yarn assembly (B) comprising mono filament yarn imparted around the multi filament yarn assembly via a second twist, wherein the multi filament yarn assembly (A) is not further twisted, a braided plait assembly (C) comprising a braid of composite yarn assemblies, and a carrier rope (D) comprising a braid of braided plait assemblies.

Abstract: A composite yarn comprising an ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene filament and an additional synthetic resin filament, at least a part of which comprises a light storage agent. The composite yarn has both visibility in a dark place and properties necessary for a fishing line or other yarns made of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene filament.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective retractable pet leash has an omnidirectionally reflective pet leash housed within a retractable housing device. The omnidirectionally reflective pet leash reflects an incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate illumination of the pet leash and the location of the pet during dusk or nighttime hours. This retractable pet leash is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of braided narrow width reflective strips each comprising a plurality of reflective threads worked together to form a weave. Due to the braided weave of the reflective threads and the arrangement of the microscopic reflectors light incident thereon from virtually any angle is reflected back to its source.

Abstract: Method of producing fiber composite semifinished products by means of a circular braiding technique, a braiding core being braided with braiding threads which are unwound by means of bobbins circling concentrically about the braiding core in different directions, characterized in that the bobbins of one circling direction are fitted with reinforcing threads and the bobbins of the opposite circling direction are at least partially fitted with supporting threads, the supporting threads at least partially consisting of thermoplastic threads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a braided rope for bend-over-sheave applications consisting essentially of n braided primary strands being made of polymeric filaments, which rope has an oblong cross-section with aspect ratio in the range 1.2-4.0. Such a rope shows markedly improved service life performance in cyclic bend-over-sheave applications. The invention also relates to the use of a braided rope according to the invention as a load-bearing member in bend-over-sheave applications; and to a system comprising such a rope and at least one sheave with a groove, the dimensions of which groove are adapted to the rope dimensions.

Abstract: Rope-like structures, in particular, kernmantel ropes, cords and cables in which the individual fibres, threads or thread bundles are connected to each other such that the above are non-slip relative to each other. Such rope-like bodies have an improved resistance to extension and an improved knot stability. Kernmantel ropes have a proportion of the core fibres in the sheath region and connected therein to the sheath fibres, while a proportion of the sheath fibres lie in the core region and are connected therein to the core fibres, such that the at least one sheath is fixed to the at least one core, such that the above are non-slip relative to each other. Cords and cables with similar properties are disclosed. Such ropes are applicable in the field of work security, in water, sailing and mountain sports and for the fire service, army, police and rescue units and in Jacquard machines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of optimizing setting parameters for braiding a shielding sheath using spindles carrying coils of wires on a braiding machine, the sheath being braided onto a bundle of electrical conductors, and the invention also relates to such a bundle. According to the invention, the method consists in determining for each diameter in a series (s1) of consecutive electrical conductor bundle diameters, a single group (N) of spindles and a single group (M) of braiding wires so as to minimize the number of actions that need to be taken in order to adapt the machine to braiding a required diameter.

Abstract: A stent includes regions of differing numbers of braided filaments to provide different dimensions and/or properties in different regions along the stent length. The stent may include a first and second plurality of braided filaments each braided together. The second plurality of braided filaments is braided into the first plurality of braided filaments to form a region of different properties than the first. A method of constructing a braided stent includes the steps of braiding a first plurality of filaments to form the flexible portion, combining a second plurality of filaments to the first plurality of filaments, and then braiding the second plurality of filaments with the first plurality of filaments to form the more rigid region from the combination of the first and second plurality of filaments, where the second plurality of filaments is braided only in the rigid region.

Abstract: A braided device comprising: filaments of a first type and of a second type, the second type differing from the first type in at least one characteristic; the first type of filaments defining an integral symmetrical 1×1 sub-pattern; and the combination of the first type of filaments and the second type of filaments being braided together into a braided device exhibiting a uniform braid pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a complex, three-dimensional structure (12), such as a truss, from composite fiber/resin includes pulling a plurality of continuous fibers (50) from a feed source (62) along a processing path (58) about a longitudinal axis (14). At least some of the fibers are wound around the longitudinal axis in opposite directions (70,72) by rotational elements to form helical and reverse helical components (30, 34) that intersect at nodes (26,28). Select nodes are engaged by engagement members (84) and are maintained radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis by a support frame (80) to create sequential discrete segments (22) in the helical and reverse helical components. The select nodes can be engaged and maintained from outside the helical and reverse helical components. Resin can be applied to the fibers by resin applicator (90) and cured.

Abstract: A device for supporting a musical instrument on a shoulder of an individual is disclosed. The device includes a first end segment adapted to be connectable to a first portion of a musical instrument, a second end segment adapted to be connectable to a second portion of a musical instrument and a plurality of discrete body segments. Each body segment of the plurality of body segments is interlinked with at least one other body segment between the end segments to form a unitary segmented strap. A method of making a device for supporting a musical instrument on the shoulder of an individual is also disclosed.

Abstract: This water board sport system comprises a water skimming board device attached to one end of a resilient buoyant tether, the other end of which is secured to an anchor to provide a rider of the board with motive force from flowing water. The tether comprises a braid of mandrel-dipped latex tubing for extreme elongation. A rider may maneuver the board to stretch the tether, charging it as a cocked spring. Release of the force stored in the stretched tether propels the board and its rider upstream at speeds much greater than that of the water flow alone allowing the rider to fly at or above the water surface. Control features designed into the board enhance its maneuverability. Safety features are part of the system to ensure that the user may safely enjoy using it.

Abstract: A knitted, woven, or braided textile ribbon including fibers and having a length and selvage edges and one or more transmission elements running the length of the ribbon in place of one or more of the fibers and integrated with the fibers to transmit data and/or power along the length of the ribbon.

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 wind tunnel blade (30) connected to a base (32) and held in position by a two-piece cuff (34). The wind tunnel blade (30) is formed in a resin transfer molding process in which central, fore, and alt foam core sections (70, 72, 74) are placed together to form the wind tunnel blade (30). Radius fillers (120) are used to fill the gaps between the outer edge of the foam core sections. The radius fillers (120) used in the wind tunnel blade (30) are formed by a braided sleeve (122) surrounding a number of unidirectional tows (124). A tip (68) is formed separately from the rest of the wind tunnel blade (30) and is glued to the top thereof. Stacked layers of braided fibers (100) are used to reinforce the central core section (70).

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: The present invention relates to spliced, braided, cords having a nearly constant cross-section along the cord and at the location of the splice. The invention also relates to a splicing process.