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 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: Braider carriers for multiple yarn packages include separate supports for separate packages and separate guides for the yarns from each package. Insulating tubular gaskets having low porosity and comprised of an insulating yarn and wire are manufactured using the carriers. A circular braider used in the manufacture of the gaskets is loaded with a group of carriers each carrying a single yarn package of insulating yarn. The multiple package carriers, each of which is selectively positioned between carriers of the first group, supply insulating yarn and wire.

Abstract: A braiding machine with components comprising a support table mounting a plurality of individual segments forming a bed having a substantially circular tracking groove. Each segment comprises a segment groove which comprises a pair of opposed transfer openings formed through the outer wall with the transfer openings of adjacent segments being in contact forming the tracking groove as an endless ring. The size of the endless ring is determined by the number and size of the segments used. The tracking groove may be coated with a selected material other than the material forming the segment.

Abstract: An improvement in internal cam rotary braiding machines wherein each lower carrier member thereof includes a plurality of oppositely disposed movably mounted and fixedly mounted pulleys used to convey a strand of material from a supply bobbin upwardly to the upper carrier members thereof, the pulleys being arranged to reduce the unwanted stresses which are normally imposed on the strand as it is conveyed upwardly over a deflector member and thence as it drops off the trailing edge of the deflector. Further structural improvements are made with respect to the spindle assembly used for the supply bobbin to reduce the normal movement, or "play," of the spindle assembly components during operation and, hence, to reduce further undesired stresses on the strand.

Abstract: A yarn tensioning device which is arranged to impart a high unwinding tension to a feed yarn in a yarn draw-out phase of operation and to impart a low unwinding tension with a large yarn draw-back capacity. The yarn tensioning device is is particularly suitable for use on a textile machine which is arranged to produce at three-dimensional fabric by interweaving a large number of yarns 24 fed from yarn carriers 20 which are driven by a carrier drive mechanism to shift the respective positions along predetermined loci of movements within a common carrier shifting plane. Mounted on each carrier 20 is a high tensioning mechanism which acts with a small yarn draw-back capacity and a high yarn tensioning capacity for a feed yarn 24 being unwound from a bobbin 23, in combination with a low tensioning mechanism 22 which acts on the feed yarn with a large yarn draw-back capacity and a low tensioning capacity.

Abstract: A yarn tensioning device which is arranged to impart a high unwinding tension to a feed yarn in a yarn draw-out phase of operation and to impart a low unwinding tension with a large yarn draw-back capacity. The yarn tensioning device is is particularly suitable for use on a textile machine which is arranged to produce a three-dimensional fabric by interweaving a large number of yarns 24 fed from yarn carriers 20 which are driven by a carrier drive mechanism to shift the respective positions along predetermined loci of movements within a common carrier shifting plane. Mounted on each carrier 20 is a high tensioning mechanism which acts with a small yarn draw-back capacity and a high yarn tensioning capacity for a feed yarn 24 being unwound from a bobbin 23, in combination with a low tensioning mechanism 22 which acts on the feed yarn with a large yarn draw-back capacity and a low tensioning capacity.

Abstract: A spool carrier capable of delivering yarn under tension from a spool to a braiding machine includes a frame having a base, a center rod mounted on the base in a position that it extends upwardly therefrom along a vertical axis, and a support which axially retains the spool in place. The spool carrier further includes a tensioning mechanism for providing tension on the yarn of the spool. The tensioning mechanism releases yarn from the spool upon reaching a predetermined amount of tension on the yarn. The tensioning mechanism includes a power spring mounted on the base and engagable with the spool for providing a resisting tension being applied to the yarn and spool when reeling yarn off the spool, and a yarn releasing mechanism for enabling the rotation of the spool and for releasing yarn off the spool when the tension on the yarn exceeds a predetermined tension of the power spring.

Abstract: A yarn tensioning device which is arranged to impart a high unwinding tension to a feed yarn in a yarn draw-out phase of operation and to impart a low unwinding tension with a large yarn draw-back capacity. The yarn tensioning device is is particularly suitable for use on a textile machine which is arranged to produce a three-dimensional fabric by interweaving a large number of yarns (24) fed from yarn carriers (20) which are driven by a carrier drive mechanism to shift the respective positions along predetermined loci of movements within a common carrier shifting plane. Mounted on each carrier (20) is a high tensioning mechanism which acts with a small yarn draw-back capacity and a high yarn tensioning capacity for a feed yarn (24) being unwound from a bobbin (23), in combination with a low tensioning mechanism (22) which acts on the feed yarn with a large yarn draw-back capacity and a low tensioning capacity.

Abstract: A yarn carrier apparatus particularly suited for use in braiding machinery or the like due to its capability of continuous yarn feeding and retraction of long lengths of yarn. The yarn carrier apparatus comprises a yarn supply spool which is rotatably mounted within the housing, a spring motor also mounted within the housing and operatively connected to the yarn supply spool through a mechanical transmission assembly which is adapted to multiply rotational movement between the first element of the gear assembly operatively connected to the spring motor and the final element of the gear assembly operatively connected to the yarn supply spool. The spring motor is adapted to tension the yarn during both feeding and retraction thereof, and it is further adapted to periodically rotatably slip within the housing and partially unwind so as to allow for continuous withdrawal of a long length of yarn without the spring motor becoming fully wound and preventing further yarn retraction.

Abstract: The tension head of a strand carrier for a braiding machine comprises coaxial head members, the first of which is fixed and the second of which is axially displaceable toward the first member, and a plurality of tension spring cartridges therebetween biasing the second head member away from the first head member. The carrier further includes a bobbin and strand guide components coaxial with the tension head, and the tension head further includes a clutch arrangement including a clutch plate interposed between the bobbin and the second head member of the tension head, and a plurality of clutch spring units interposed between the first head member of the tension head and the clutch plate to bias the latter toward the bobbin. The tension head, bobbin and strand guide components are releasably mounted on a support shaft of the carrier by a latch arrangement between the shaft and first head member of the tension head.

Abstract: The tension head of a strand carrier for a braiding machine comprises coaxial head members, the first of which is fixed and the second of which is axially displaceable toward the first, and a plurality of tension spring cartridges therebetween biasing the second head member away from the first head member. The carrier further includes a bobbin coaxial with the first and second head members and a clutch arrangement including a clutch plate interposed between the bobbin and the second head member of the tension head. A plurality of clutch spring units are interposed between the first head member of the tension head and the clutch plate to bias the latter toward the bobbin. Each of the clutch spring units includes a compression spring releasably compressed in place by a corresponding retaining member mounted on the first head member.

Abstract: A yarn carrier apparatus particularly suited for use in braiding machinery or the like due to its capability of continuous yarn feeding and retraction of long lengths of yarn. The yarn carrier apparatus comprises a yarn supply spool which is rotatably mounted within the housing, a spring motor also mounted within the housing and operatively connected to the yarn supply spool through a mechanical transmission assembly which is adapted to multiply rotational movement between the first element of the gear assembly operatively connected to the spring motor and the final element of the gear assembly operatively connected to the yarn supply spool. The spring motor is adapted to tension the yarn during both feeding and retraction thereof, and it is further adapted to periodically rotatably slip within the housing and partially unwind so as to allow for continuous withdrawal of a long length of yarn without the spring motor becoming fully wound and preventing further yarn retraction.

Abstract: The tension head of a strand carrier for a braiding machine comprises coaxial members, the first of which is fixed and the second of which is axially displaceable toward the first member, and a plurality of tension spring cartridges therebetween biasing the second member away from the first member. The spring cartridges are removable without disassembly of the fixed and movable members and each cartridge includes a spring guide supporting a compression spring in a precompressed condition in which the spring has a length considerably shorter than its uncompressed length. When the cartridge is in place, the spring is adapted to be further compressed from its precompressed length to bias the second member away from the first member.

Abstract: A braider having a braider bed. The bed has first and second closed tracks defining an intersecting serpentine path. The tracks define an average path which is non-circular. A plurality of yarn package carriers travel along said tracks. Yarns fed from the packages form a braid at a location substantially central of the bed.

Abstract: A fiber spool apparatus for a braiding machine or the like, comprising a support, a fiber supply spool rotatably mounted on the support, a housing fixedly mounted on the support and having a plurality of recessed portions on the inner surface thereof, and a coil spring mounted within the housing. The coil spring has an inner end operatively associated with the spool and an outer end in engagement with the inner surface of the housing. When fiber is fed from the spool to the braiding machine, the spool is rotated in a first direction to wind and tension the spring by engagement of the outer end thereof in one of the recessed portions in the housing rotation of the spool in the first direction until the spring reaches a predetermined tension. Continued rotation of the spool in the first direction causes the outer spring end to slip from one recessed portion to another after the spring has reached the predetermined tension.

Abstract: A zinc alloy body for a braiding machine carrier. The zinc alloy body includes an upper modified oval tear drop member, a similarly shaped lower modified oval tear drop member and a vertical bar extending perpendicularly therebetween.

Abstract: A bobbin control mechanism for a strand carrier for operational mounting before a braid point on a strand fabricating machine. A carrier base member (28) has an axial post (29) for rotatable mounting of a bobbin. The carrier has a series of posts radially around the axial post, a series of guide rollers, a mechanism for tensioning a moving strand on the guide rollers and a reciprocating rod (55) projecting into the base member and reacting to strand tension. The bobbin control mechanism (60) includes a finger cam (61) connected to the reciprocating rod, a free cam (62) movable by the finger cam, a ratchet gear (63) rotatable around the base of the axial post, a first pawl cam (64) preventing clockwise rotation of the ratchet gear, and a second pawl cam (65) preventing counter-clockwise rotation of the ratchet gear. A detachable cover plate (66) around the axial post closes off the interior of the base member.

Abstract: An improved strand supply carrier and tensioning mechanism which has yarn guides that are associated with a cantilevered tensioning spring of variable length, the spring having a strand guide wheel on the free end and a pawl to engage ratchet means to achieve strand let-off length that is essentially constant throughout the depletion of the strand package.

Abstract: A braider carrier for wide ribbon and/or composite strand is disclosed. The braider carrier guide pulley assembly includes a support, a pulley frame operatively, pivotly mounted to the support, a generally cylindrical guide pulley operatively, rotatably mounted to the pulley frame to accommodate movement of the carrier during the braiding operation, openings through the support and pulley frame at the point of pivot and aligned with the guide pulley, a delivery eye operatively connected to the pulley frame, the eye and the openings capable of holding strand to be braided against the cylindrical surface of the pulley preventing the strand to be braided from twisting during the braiding operation which pivots the pulley frame. The braider carrier bobbin assembly utilizes a magnetic clutch and a torsion spring, the spring capable of providing slack control of strand to be braided and the clutch capable of providing tensioned feed of strand as strand is wound off of the bobbin.

Abstract: A strand carrier for a braiding machine enables the braiding machine to operate at greater speeds and with fewer and shorter interruptions for replenishment of strand supply or for other service. The carrier is an enlongated assembly comprising a longitudinal sequence of spring, bobbin, clutch, and tension controlling components, and is radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and rotatably mounted at one end thereof to a braiding machine shuttle.

Abstract: The fiber spool apparatus comprising a main fiber spool mounted within an elongated housing of the fiber carrier. Fiber from the main spool is fed outwardly around a guide and through an aperture extending from the end portion to the middle portion of a take-up spool that is mounted on a cover that is removably mounted on the upper end of the housing. The longitudinal or rotational axis of the take-up spool is generally perpendicular to the lognitudinal or rotational axis of the main spool and the housing. The take-up spool is provided iwth a pre-tension spring assembly for allowing the fiber to be fed through the take-up spool to the braiding apparatus and to maintain a predetermined tension on the fiber during such feeding. The carrier housing may be provided with wheels or the like at the bottom end thereof for allowing the carrier to be easily moved during the braiding process.

Abstract: A braider carrier for wide ribbon and/or composite strand is disclosed. The braider carrier guide pulley assembly includes a support, a pulley frame operatively, pivotly mounted to the support, a generally cylindrical guide pulley operatively, rotatably mounted to the pulley frame to accomodate movement of the carrier during the braiding operation, openings through the support and pulley frame at the point of pivot and aligned with the guide pulley, a delivery eye operatively connected to the pulley frame, the eye and the openings capable of holding strand to be braided against the cylindrical surface of the pulley preventing the strand to be braided from twisting during the braiding operation which pivots the pulley frame. The braider carrier bobbin assembly utilizes a magnetic clutch and a torsion spring, the spring capable of providing slack control of strand to be braided and the clutch capable of providing tensioned feed of strand as strand is wound off of the bobbin.

Abstract: Fast-moving eyelet guide for use on a braiding machine, such as a Wardwell braiding machine having a lower carrier mounting track with a plurality of carriers movable along the track. Each carrier holds a spool of strands with a guide clamped onto the carrier. The guide includes a pair of spaced parallel guide rods with a very lightweight spool-shaped eyelet mounted for free movement up and down while remaining captured between these parallel rods. The strands are threaded through and carried by the eyelet, and thus the strands are controlled by the eyelet and are kept closely together as a controlled group during their up and down movement along the parallel guide rods which avoids separation of the strands, thereby dramatically limiting the incidence of breakage of the strands.

Abstract: In a braider carrier comprising a main body adapted to move on a base of a braider, a plate rotably mounted on the main body having a ratchet on the bottom, a latch pivoted to the main body and having a pawl adapted to engage and disengage from the ratchet, a vertical operation rod extending from the main body, said rod being spring loaded and operatively connected at the lower end to said latch for pivoting movement about a guide rod for guiding one end of payed out material for braiding, the improvement comprising means for converting said braider carrier from a wire braider carrier to a yarn braider carrier by modification of the top of said plate comprising the addition of projections adapted to engage tubes onto which yarn is wound.

Abstract: A wire winding device pays out thin wires from a plurality of wire reels with the same tension in an orderly manner and winds them on a take-up bobbin. The winding device is comprised of a plurality of revolving shafts juxtaposed to one another on a base and supporting the reels on which the wires are coiled; a plurality of pulleys each two of which are mounted on respective one of the revolving shafts; a plurality of braking belts trained between the neighboring pulleys for producing sliding friction; the aforementioned take-up bobbin; and a winder having a revolving shaft on which the take-up bobbin is mounted.

Abstract: A carrier for a strand supply bobbin used on strand fabricating machines. The carrier has a raisable and generally circular cap (32) housing a sleeve (37), a disc (38), a ring (39), a compression spring (40), a leaf spring (41), an actuator rod (42), a collar nut (43), a retainer cup (44), a planar reaction surface (45), an actuator plug (46) and freely movable force transmitting elements (47), as operative elements for bobbin control during letoff of strand material. Radial movement of the force transmitting elements (47), to brake or clutch the supply bobbin is determined by (i) the position of the bobbin control actuator rod (42), (ii) the position of the bobbin control actuator rod (46), and (iii) the position of the bobbin control disc (38) within the raisable cap (32) on the carrier.

Abstract: A cylindrical tensioning device fits over a fixed shaft against a rotatable bobbin containing a supply of wire such as used in a wire braiding machine. The device includes an outer tensioning section cylinder enclosing a spring supported between two bushings. A fixed bushing at one end holds an external friction pad which engages the end of the bobbin to apply a force that controls the tension on the wire drawn from the bobbin. A locking section at the other end includes a smaller outer cylinder enclosing another spring around an inner cylinder. The spring is held between an end of the outer cylinder and a ridge on the inner cylinder. The other end of the inner cylinder includes holes holding ball bearings which are slidable along the shaft. A wedged ring fits over the inner cylinder and bearings. The other end of the smaller outer cylinder is press fit within the other bushing which is movable within the larger outer cylinder against the first spring.

Abstract: A spring tension carrier in a braiding machine comprising a main body adapted to move on a base of the braiding machine, and bobbin rotatably mounted on the main body and having a ratchet on the bottom, a stopper lever pivoted to the main body and having a pawl adapted to engage and disengage from the ratchet, a vertical operation frame guide rod extending from the main body, a spring loaded operation frame operatively connected at the lower end to the stopper lever for movement along the guide rod, an intermediate thread guide mounted on the guide rod for guiding one end of the threaded payed out of the bobbin, a hook support rod extending uprightly from the main body in parallel to the operation frame guide rod, a hook assembly mounted on the hook support rod, a spring mounted on the hook support rod to act on the hook assembly and a second thread guide attached to the upper end of the operation frame guide rod.

Abstract: Filament is unwound under tension from a bobbin; a brake controls the speed of rotation of the bobbin; the brake includes one clutch plate that rotates with the bobbin and another clutch plate that is hydraulically urged against the first clutch plate; a self-container hydraulic fluid filled, hydraulic system communicates with the latter clutch plate and also with a piston; biasing means urge the piston to increase the pressure on the latter clutch plate which brakes the bobbin and increases filament tension; as the filament is drawn away from the bobbin under greater tension, the piston is urged, against the force of biasing means, to reduce the pressure on the latter clutch plate which releases the brake and decreases filament tension.

Abstract: A strand carrier for a strand fabricating machine includes a support structure and a shaft mounted thereon. A hub is mounted for rotation around the shaft for receipt of a bobbin of strand thereon for common rotation about the shaft. A helical clutch spring includes a first end secured to the support structure so that it closely encircles an outer cylindrical surface of the hub to restrict rotation thereof. A clutch release sleeve is rotatably mounted on the support structure around the clutch spring and receives the other end of the spring in an opening therein so that rotation of the clutch release sleeve in a first direction will tend to unwind the clutch spring to reduce friction on the hub. A control lever pivotally mounted on the support structure has a first section which includes a strand guide thereon and is connected to the sleeve. The lever is biased in a direction tending to rotate the sleeve in an opposite direction from the first direction.