Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; an auxiliary lumen adjacent the primary lumen; and one or more reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and at least some of the windings surrounding both the primary and steering element lumens. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: To ensure during the braiding of braiding cores, which have a complex braiding core geometry or vastly different side lengths, that the braiding threads are always correctly following the braiding core contour in terms of storage, at least two braiding rings are provided, which have a constant opening cross-section and are arranged in series directly adjacent to one another. The opening cross-sections delimited by the braiding rings overlap at least partially. The braiding rings are adjustable independently of one another.

Abstract: A braiding machine comprising a support structure, a track, an enclosure, a plurality of rotor metals, and a passageway having a first opening and a second opening, and a method of forming an upper using a braiding machine, the method comprising braiding over a forming last that passes from a first side of a braiding point to a second side of the braiding point of the braiding machine. The braiding machine is capable of forming intricate braided structures and may include different sized rings and non-linear passageways through which a forming last passes. Multiple forming lasts may be attached together by connection mechanisms and passed through the braiding machine.

Abstract: Tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, a central lumen, a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends adjacent the central lumen, reinforcement members including windings extending helically around the central lumen, and an outer jacket. The tubular device includes a first portion in which the conductor extends helically around the central lumen, and a second portion in which the conductor extends longitudinally and either a) all of the windings surround the central lumen and the conductor remains outside the windings, b) at least some of the windings pass between the central lumen and the conductor and at least some of the windings surround both the central lumen and the conductor, and c) all of the windings surround both the central lumen and the conductor. Methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: Provide is a braided wire manufacturing method and a braided wire manufacturing apparatus which can produce a braided wire accurately braided without distortion. In a braided wire manufacturing apparatus, a plurality of conductive wires fed from a wire feeding mechanism are braided into a braided wire from a convergence position after passing through a mesh hole die, and the braided wire after passing along a guide roller is wound up using a capstan unit. The guide roller has a guide width for horizontal direction restriction so that movement of the braided wire in the horizontal direction falls within a predetermined restriction width from an ideal center position. The guide roller is provided at a height of a braid pitch of the braided wire in the perpendicular direction from the convergence position as a second feature.

Abstract: A jacket for a load-bearing, lengthy body, wherein the jacket is comprised of a plurality of braid elements which, when braided, enclose at least a portion of the lengthy body, and wherein the braid element is comprised of a braided ribbon. A method of forming the jacket is also described.

Abstract: Woven structures and associated systems for weaving such structures are disclosed. Some disclosed innovations pertain to braided structures, such as braided wire structures, with axially asymmetric woven structures (or “directional meshes”) being examples. Other innovations disclosed herein pertain to methods of manufacturing woven structures, with automated methods of braiding directional meshes being examples. Some directional mesh embodiments can be configured and used as energizable electrodes for electrosurgical therapies, for example, bipolar vaporization therapies.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a compression packing seal including a braided dual-sided jacket, methods for producing and using such a seal, and apparatuses suitable for producing such a seal. The compression packing seal is made up of a core and a jacket braided round the core. The jacket may include two or more different materials that are braided together in such a way that, in cross-section, the jacket has an asymmetrical configuration relative to a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is substantially perpendicular to a side of the jacket. Accordingly, when viewed in a cross-sectional plane, the jacket may expose substantially only a first material along a first side, and substantially only a second material along a second side.

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: A mountaineering rope (7) with the diameter 10.1 mm to 10.8 mm characterized in that the core (8) made from such number of yarns being necessary for achieving required static strength and resistance to dynamic stress. A braiding (9) around the core (8) is made using a circular braiding machine with 44 carrier, and from yarn having linear density 1500 dtex to 6000 dtex on each carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for braiding cables, sheathings or similar workpieces comprising a braided strand chain consisting of a plurality of textile, metallic or similar braided strands, whereby the braided strand chain is produced by using a plurality of gripping elements which manipulate the braided strands. The gripping elements are controlled in such a way that one gripping element takes up the braided strand material of the gripping element positioned in front of the same.

Abstract: To enable a braid to be formed with high precision by continuously stabilizing the position of a braid formation point regardless of the shape of a mandrel. A plurality of yarns delivered between a bobbin carrier and a mandrel m cross each other and are intertwined around the mandrel, and the yarns are mounted to a braider so as to form a braid on the mandrel. A formation stabilizing guide for a braider comprises a ring 1 disposed in front of a turning face of the yarns in the formation direction of the braid and passed through by means of the mandrel and a support member 2 which is mounted on the braider body and supports the ring 1 flexibly in a plane perpendicular to the direction of braid formation.

Abstract: A utility loop includes a loop of fiber which forms the loop core. The loop of fiber is made from a thread wrapped into a plurality of loops. The two loose ends of the thread can then optionally be tied together to form the loop of fiber. The outer loop cover of the utility loop is a tube of braided material, which surrounds loop of fiber. The tube of braided material has a tube axis running along a length of the tube of braided material. The tube of braided material includes a relatively small number of relatively large-diameter monofilament fibers, which are braided together in a tubular form. All of the relatively large-diameter mono-filament fibers are oriented to form acute angles with the tube axis. The two loose ends of the tube of braided material are connected together to form the utility loop. Specifically, a first opposing end of the tube of braided material is slipped over a second opposing end of the tube of braided material to thereby form an overlap.

Abstract: A gasket is disclosed for shielding from electromagnetic emissions and interference (EMI) that exhibits excellent characteristics of recovery, bending, and tangential compression over a wide range of frequencies. The gasket includes a knitted core of monofilament synthetic polymer yarns, and a circular warp knitted sheath over the monofilament knitted core, with the sheath being sufficiently conductive to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference over a wide range of frequencies.

Abstract: A braider having a mandrel support member which is pivotable around a braiding point and linearly movable toward and away from the braiding point. Since control of the position of the mandrel is performed by pivotal motion around the braiding point and linear movement in a direction toward the braiding point, the mandrel can be moved to an arbitrary position without depending upon movement of the mandrel by a great distance in one direction.

Abstract: Multi-layer tubular braided structures are produced by apparatus including a plurality of generally concentric pairs of serpentine, intersecting bobbin carrier-guiding tracks. A bobbin carrier driving gear group is associated with each pair of tracks, adjacent gear groups meshing at a plurality of bobbin carrier crossover points. According to the method, multi-layer tubular braided structures are produced by circulating a first group of bobbin carriers exclusively along one track of a first pair of tracks, circulating a second group of bobbin carriers exclusively along one track of a second pair of tracks, and circulating at least one other group of bobbin carriers exclusively along at least portions of the other tracks of said pairs of tracks via the crossover points.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing braided reinforcement for tubular conduits such as hose is disclosed. The reinforcement is characterized by a three over, three under braid pattern. The apparatus comprises a Maypole type braider wherein each driver of the braider includes six pockets to accommodate carrier spindles, and the number of carriers is three times the number of drivers. The invention provides a braided product which can be produced at lower cost with increased output.

Abstract: A braided reinforcement for tubular conduits such as hose, and a method and apparatus for producing such reinforcement are disclosed. The reinforcement is characterized by a three over, three under braid pattern. The apparatus comprises as Maypole type braider wherein each driver of the braider includes six pockets to accommodate carrier spindles, and the number of carriers is three times the number of drivers. The invention provides an improved braided product which can be produced at lower cost with increased output.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically braids a plurality of rope forming strands onto a center core member in a braiding pattern that causes the resulting rope to have a generally square shaped cross section. The braiding strands are fed to a braiding point on the center core member from a plurality of eight strand feed assemblies which are transported on a mechanism in two distinct but crossing orbits that encircle the center core member. The constituent strands are themselves formed by prebraided or pretwisted substrands or filaments to cause the resulting rope to exhibit pronounced ribs along the corners of the square cross section for a secure hand-to-rope grip.

Abstract: A braiding nose for use in forming a braided cover for hydraulic hose includes a right frustum portion connected between a larger diameter cylindrical portion and a smaller diameter tip portion. A central aperture is formed in the braiding nose for the passage of a flexible tube and means are provided for attaching the braiding nose to a braiding machine. Strands of wire are directed over the outer surface of the right frustum portion and the tip portion, which portions function to absorb the braiding forces which would otherwise tend to deform or collapse the flexible tube as the strands are braided together.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a braided covering over an article, such as a wire harness, which is continuously operable for forming a braided covering throughout the entire length of the wire harness. A sensor, operable in response to movement of the material being utilized for forming the braided covering, is actuable to control the operation of a mechanism for advancing the braided harness out from the zone of braiding operation to permit the continuous braiding of the harness throughout the length thereof. A detector, operable in response to the presence of deformations in the braided harness, controls operation of the advancing mechanism and braiding operation to detect, for example, breaks in the threaded material being supplied for the braiding operation.

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 mechanism for timing strand movement relative to rotation of holders or carriers for strand supply spools or bobbins, being rotated in opposite directions by the drive mechanism of a braiding machine. The drive mechanism is mounted around a stationary shaft extending from a frame member. The mechanism includes an adjustable actuator means carried by the frame member radially of the stationary shaft and housng a selectively rotatable control shaft carrying a first sprocket. A second sprocket connected to the first sprocket by a chain means is connected to a journal sleeve around the stationary shaft. The journal sleeve carries a circular control element. The control element carries either a series of passive deflector cam plates for yarn strands or a cam track for a series of positive wire strand guiding mechanisms. There is also an improved drive mechanism for a braiding machine having a rotating table for carrying a set of outer spool holders.

Abstract: A welt cord includes a core made of a polymeric, flexible material and enclosed within a cellulose cover. A heat conductive filament is enclosed within the polymeric core and extends the length of the cord. The cellulose cover is held on the polymeric core by a jacket of threads.

Abstract: A fire retardant welt or beading cord having an aluminum foil element provided to dissipate the heat but which normally would be distorted when bent, in which cord memory is provided by an inner core formed from an elongated cylindrical, flexible member, preferably a foamed, flexible polymer.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for the central axis stationary shaft and power input shaft of a braiding machine having a set of strand carriers mounted on the rear side of a first table, another set of strand carriers movable around the front side of the first table for rotation by a second table, and a drive mechanism for rotating the tables in opposite directions. The mounting assembly has a frame base, a frame stanchion for mounting the central axis stationary shaft and having a medial lattice opening, a drive torque tube extending from the lattice opening and housing and rotatably mounting the power input shaft, and, an arcuately adjustable means projecting into the lattice opening for support of the rear end of the drive torque tube.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for rotating two tables around the central axis stationary shaft of a braiding machine having a set of strand carriers mounted on the rear side of a first table and another set of strand carriers movable around the front side of the first table for rotation by a second table. The drive mechanism is connected to a power input shaft extending substantially parallel to the stationary shaft and toward the rear side of the first table and includes a series of six sprockets, a postshaft and three chains so that the two tables are rotated in opposite directions in response to rotation of the power input shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for the control of relative strand movement, without significantly affecting or altering strand tension, on a braiding machine with two sets of carriers for a strand supply bobbin being rotated in opposite directions and being generally axially aligned, as a set of front and rear strand carriers and supply bobbins. A set of rear strands pass through peripheral and radially arcuate slots in a carrier mounting table and are guided prior to movement into the slot by a set of cam actuated swing arms movable in a common plane perpendicular to the machine axis. The rear strands move through an arc segment relative to the machine axis for interweaving with a set of front strands. The interwoven rear and front strands are led to a circular ring at the front of the machine having an effective diameter coincident with the rotational axis of the front bobbins. The interwoven strands are then pulled from the machine to a "work center" for tight braiding around a core or mandrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for rotating a set of braiding machine front strand carriers around the front side of a first table carrying a set of contra-rotating rear strand carriers on the rear side. Strands from the rear carriers pass through arcuate slots in the first table. A second table is in front of the first table. The tables rotate in opposite directions. The apparatus of the invention has a shuttle for mounting each front carrier, with an arcuate slide tang having a length less than the distance between any two first table slots and carrying a radially inner drive block with two actuator slots. A circular shuttle mounting track carried on the first table front side has inner and outer roller segments between any two first table slots engaging the shuttle slide tangs. A circular actuator cam track carried on the first table has a set of inwardly directed V's with an apex inwardly of an inner end of each table slot. A set of shuttle drive assemblies is mounted on the rear side of the second table.

Abstract: Braided stranded rope forming machine comprising a series of spools moving along a circular path and a series of stationary spools that can be mounted also at a distance from the machine. The movable spools are mounted on carriages which through a gearing unit are operated by the same vertical axis controlling the thread guide devices associated with the stationary spools.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an improvement in a braiding assembly having a structural framework and a main rotating braider deck carrying a plurality of bobbins, each having a plurality of spools from which cable is pulled at the desired tension for being braided into a master cable for being wound into respective layers in the hose or the like. The improvement comprises respective bushings and nuts non-rotatably supported on the shafts of the bobbins, the bushings have respective radially protruding bases, or flanges, against which the nuts can tighten respective pairs of adjustably loadable bearings for providing the requisite accurate rotation and adjustable tension for the respective cables.

Abstract: A braided packing comprises a plurality of outer core strands, braided together with a plurality of braid strands, the outer core strands extending helically along said packing and forming with the braid strands a braid having a normal twist extending helically in one direction, the braid strands extending over the core strands in a continuous helical pattern at an angle to the outer core strands and the normal helical twist of the braid, and a plurality of warp strands in rows between said braid strands extending helically in a direction opposite said braid strands. Apparatus for making the braided packing comprises a rotatable condenser adapted to grip the braid at the point to which the braid strands extend for braiding together and means for rotating the condenser. The method of braiding comprises rotating the braid at the point at which the braid strands come together.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving one or a plurality of displaceable elements around a closed path, such as a circle, constituted by a linear induction actuator associated with means for constraining the displaceable elements to move in the closed path. A capacitive feedback control system determines the position of the element or elements around the path and controls the windings of the linear induction actuator in dependence on an error signal generated therefrom. An open path drive mechanism having a plurality of linear induction actuators and a capacitive feedback control system is also encompassed by the invention as are hybrid linear induction motors using sets of arcuate linear induction actuators around the rim of a reaction member which drives an output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A faired article comprising a cable having a core surrounded by a braided jacket is provided with at least one row of fairing loops extending lengthwise of the jacket for the purpose of reducing strumming, drag and cable fatigue when the cable is installed underwater. The faired article is manufactured by guiding a length of fairing yarn into proximity with the upstream side of the ring of a braider, entraining the fairing yarn in an air stream directed across the path of movement of the braid yarns inside the braider ring, and causing the fairing yarn entrained therein to pass through the path of movement of the braid yarns as they advance around the braider ring, thereby enabling the braid yarns to form the fairing yarn into loops as the braid yarns form the jacket around the core. Preferred apparatus for practicing the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A braiding machine for use in the manufacture of braided hose. The machine has the rear deck interconnected to the front deck which front deck is composed of three separate elements, the inner deck plate, the outer deck plate and the quoits. The respective elements are of a sandwich construction, wherein a viscoelastic material is bonded to outer plate members to provide a dampening of the noise. In addition, the carrier members are similarly constructed to dampen the noise by a sandwich construction, wherein the flanges of the carrier have an inner layer of viscoelastic materials. The carriers which support the wire spools are driven in a criss-crossing pattern to provide a braiding action of the wire as it is layed onto a longitudinally moving hose.

Abstract: A braiding machine which has higher speeds of operation, versatile material handling characteristics and is able to handle larger lengths of strands between reloads. Inside and outside sets of a plurality, e.g., eight, of circumferentially spaced bobbins are mounted in axially spaced relationship for rotation in opposite directions on a common axis. The carriers for the inside bobbins are also circumferentially spaced and mounted on slotted plates rotatable in the same direction as the outside bobbins. These carriers alternately bridge and clear the slots. An eyelet for each of the outside bobbins rotates in the same direction as the plates and the outside bobbins and synchronously move into and out of the slots to carry the strands from the outside bobbins between, under, between and over adjacent inside bobbins as the supports rotate.

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.

Abstract: A method of braiding yarns wound on a plurality of carriers arranged in groups as two sets of carriers, the sets moving in opposing directions along continuous, sinusoidal, overlapping paths, such that the spacing of the carriers in a group within at least one set differs from the spacing of adjacent groups within that set.

Abstract: Apparatus for interweaving bundles of wire strands over the surface of a tubular core to form a braided sheath. Each multi-strand bundle is wound on a supply bobbin which forms part of a bobbin-carrier. The bobbin-carriers are driven in opposing directions around the tubular core along sinuous paths as the core is drawn longitudinally with respect to the carriers. Each bundle of wire strands is passed through an elongated slot in a twisting member which, when rotated, wraps those strands under less tension about those strands under greater tension, continually equalizing length and tension among the bundled strands during the braiding operation.

Abstract: An elongated article such as a rope or cord having a series of fairings spaced apart along its length is produced in a continuous manner by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The rope comprises a core having a plurality of yarns surrounded by a layer of resilient material, and a braided jacket surrounds the core and anchors the fairings thereto. The fairings are provided by a resilient fairing yarn which is fed toward the core and which is manipulated by a needle during braiding of the jacket to cause each fairing to have a base portion anchored between the jacket and the resilient layer of the core and streamer portions extending outwardly from the base portion. The needle is mounted for reciprocation parallel to the moving core upstream of the braider, and the fairing yarn passes through the eye of the needle and a first length is displaced through the path of movement of the braid yarns into engagement with a gripping assembly located downstream of the braid yarns.