Abstract: A machine and method for applying braid by means of a braiding machine to a mandrel, where the mandrel has a shape that approximates a wheel but has an irregularly varying radius of curvature. The machine includes drive/positioning wheel assemblies that are used to continuously reposition a cross-section of the mandrel relative to the braiding machine such that a center point of cross-section of the mandrel is maintained to be coaxial with a braiding point of the braiding machine as the mandrel 18 is rotationally advanced by the drive/positioning wheel assemblies. Repositioning of the drive/positioning wheel assemblies is controlled by a computer numerical control (CNC) controller, based on information describing one or more radiuses of curvature for sections of the mandrel and a current position of the mandrel relative to the drive/positioning wheel assemblies.

Abstract: The strand guiding device is designed for a circular braiding machine having a braiding point (35) and a first spool (38) for a first strand (37) fed to said braiding point (35). The strand guiding device for strand guiding includes a guide part or guide device (42) for the first strand arranged between the first spool (38) and the braiding point (35), which is movable back and forth to cross the first strand (37) over at least one second strand (32) coming from a respective second spool (31) so that a length of a section of the first strand (37) between the first spool and the braiding point (35) continuously changes, and a device for compensating changes in the length of that section.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool for cutting, prying and punching in the event of an emergency situation comprising a handle having a pair of similarly shaped handle halves each with a plurality of end apertures and a center aperture extending therethrough in axial alignment for being coupled together for operation and use; a first part formed as a blade having a cutting end and a support end; a second part formed as a punch having a housing end and a support end; a plurality of spacers between the housing halves and the adjacent parts and between the adjacent parts with apertures at ends and center for coupling the housing halves and the parts and the spacers; and a plurality of fasteners extending through the apertures of the housing halves to couple together the housing halves, spacers and parts for movement between interior inoperative positions and exterior operative positions.

Abstract: Braided line is manufactured by drawing off filaments (3) from a carousel of bobbins (1) which are caused to follow interweaving paths about a common axis. The line can be tapered by cutting selected filaments at intervals and continuing the braiding with a progressively reduced manner. Each cut off filament (14) leading from the braid point (8) is kept co-axially aligned by the air flow into a suction tube (6) within the carousel while the remaining filaments (3) are braided around it. The selection and cutting of the filaments can be automated, under computer control.

Abstract: The present speed control apparatus and method operates to progressively increase the speed of travel of the strand supply carrier shuttles of the braiding machine as the amount of strand material wound on the supply carriers is decreased and to thereby increase the efficiency of the braiding machine. The speed control includes an ultrasonic sensor supported adjacent the path of travel of the strand supply carrier shuttles and being operable to detect the amount of strand material remaining on the strand supply carriers during each serpentine path of travel of the strand supply carriers past the sensor. Computers are provided for progressively increasing the speed of travel of the strand supply carrier shuttles in response to detected decreases in the amount of strand material on the strand supply carriers.

Abstract: A system and components thereof to control the covering of a flexible core with reinforcing strands by rotary braiding on tandem or adjacent machines. When used to control covering the core with multiple-braided strands formed in successive passes through tandem machines, the system has mechanical and electrical components which function to monitor and detect positions of the core, with a first covering of braided strands thereon, within and relative to the predetermined parameters of a chorded festoon and a zone of operational tolerance established between the machines, and to regulate the operating speed of both machines and of one machine relative to the other machine. In an alternative mode of control, the system has components permitting individual operation of each machine.