Abstract: A fishing reel for receiving signals from an underwater sensor assembly includes a housing having a receiver disposed therein. The fishing reel receiver is adapted to recieve signals from under water sensors which provide data related to fish catching conditions proximate a fish attractor such as a lure. The fishing reel further includes a transmitter which transmits signals to an output module. A fishing line is provided having an inner line for transmission of electrical signals disposed within an outer line.

Abstract: An anti-extrusion lip seal device is disclosed for use that includes a flexible sealing lip portion supported by an annular braided anti-extrusion element. The braided anti-extrusion element is less resilient than the sealing lip portion to resist extrusion forces acting on the seal device. The braided anti-extrusion element includes fibers that are interconnected both laterally and radially. It is further impregnated with elastomeric or resinous material. Resiliency of the braided element may be adjusted during manufacture by varying the tightness of the braid as well as by variation of the resiliency of the impregnated material.

Abstract: A layout and manufacturing method for fiber-reinforced, laminated composite shells utilizes as a reinforcement a nested assembly of braided sleeves. The original sleeve diameters are selected individually such that, upon being deformed into the final shape, the fibers acquire angular orientations prescribed by the shell design. Shells of desired shapes are obtained either by pulling the sleeves on a rigid mandrel or, alternately, by statically defoming the nested sleeve assembly, thereby eliminating the use of mandrels. The statical means involve proper combinations of tensile edge forces and surface loads exerted, e.g., by a pressurized bladder or by spinning the assembly. In one embodiment, the sleeves are tensioned and, if necessary, vibrated prior to matrix curing so as to force the fibers to approach geodesic trajectories (isotensoid layout). By releasing the sleeve tension after curing, a favorable compressive prestress is induced in the matrix material.

Abstract: A tensionable member is disclosed for installation on an archery bow as a bowstring or a cable of a compound bow. The tensionable member has an outer tubular component of braided construction and a core of multiple strands. A suitable material is polyethylene fiber for use in both the tubular outer member and the core. End loops are formed on the tensionable member by reversing the ends of same and inserting the ends back into the tubular member. A locking element passes transversely through the reversed and inserted end segment and through the tubular outer member to retain the loop configuration. A modified form of tensionable member includes provision for retention of a sight and includes a sight retainer member having its ends secured within the tubular outer member by locking elements passing therethrough. The locking elements are of a fusible material to facilitate securement.

Abstract: Heterogeneous braided multifilament of first and second set of yarns mechanically blended by braiding, in which first and second set of yarns are composed of different fiber-forming materials.Heterogeneous braids are useful for preparation of surgical sutures and ligatures.

Abstract: Sleeves of braided monofilament formed resilient materials are fabricated incorporating flexible, nonresilient (i.e. limp) multifilament warp yarns. Monofilaments are braided from strands of high modulus engineered plastic materials to provide enhanced pushback and springback propeties in sleeves formed of the braided material. Yarns, such as, spun or texturized yarns, impart body, coverage, and improved tensile strength without sacrificing springback properties. "Loopies", which are characteristic of monofilament warps, are avoided.

Abstract: A braided insitu consolidated structure of fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin strands is formed by braiding the strands on a mandrel and then advancing the mandrel and the braided structure as it is formed continuously through a heating zone to heat the resin to a flowable condition then cooling the structure as it leaves the zone. Pressure may be applied or developed against the braided structure during its formation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piston for transferring an output force to a member in responsive to pressurized fluid being communicated to a bore in a housing. The piston has a cylinder body made of a plurality of triaxial braided layers of carbon fibers which are placed on a mandrel with spacers located between the layers to form an annular projection of a first end and a taper of a second end. The carbon fibers are inpregnated with a thermoset resin and cured to define a unitary solid structure. Thereafter a cone and collar, throughwhich an output force is suppled to member, is attached to the second en dand the unitary structure inserted in the bore.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a braided jacket with fairing members on a cable core using a standard dual sinusoidal path braiding apparatus comprising apparatus to perform the following steps:a) picking up a thread bundle from the selected bobbin-thread tensioning device in at least one sinusoidal pathway by using a hook above the bobbin-thread tensioning device through the use of an extension associated therewith; b) allowing the hook to pull a loop of the thread bundle by the action of the braiding operation; and c) cutting the loop of thread by a cutting edge mounted on the hook when the loop of thread moves up an incline in the hook to the location of the cutting edge as a part of the braiding operation; and d) the cut end of the thread loop being free of the braided jacket so as to function as fairing.

Abstract: This invention provides a liquid propellant round of ammunition having a traveling charge which is ignited after both such charge and the projectile have received an initial forward acceleration.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plurality of fiber strand carrier members that are movable on a carrier surface defined by multiple, movable, side-by-side support members and a plurality of fiber guides affixed on the support members for dispensing axial stuffer fiber strands as the carrier members move along predetermined paths to intertwine the fiber strands from the fiber guides. The carrier members are disposed on the support members for movement therewith and for movement from one support member to abother. The fiber guides are affixed on the support members for movement only with the respective support member. The stuffer fiber strand for each fiber guide is dispensed from a spool that is carried on a respective support member or is mounted on a stationary base.

Abstract: A flanged bearing includes a layer of woven braid which is continuous throughout a sleeve and a flange portions thereof, with at least one braid strand substantially parallel to a bearing axis. The sleeve may be cylindrical in shape and the flange portion washer shaped, and the braid may include carbon fiber strands impregnated with a polyimide resin so that the bushing is lightweight and self-lubricating at high temperatures.

Abstract: A braided surgical suture is provided which in a first embodiment is woven in a spiral braid. The suture is braided by moving thread carriers from position to position around a circular path. As each carrier moves it moves from its present position to a succeeding position which is at least two positions removed from its present position. Such spiral braided sutures are advantageously produced without core filaments, providing benefits in strength, smoothness, pliability and cylindrical uniformity without the discontinuity of properties characteristic of conventionally braided cored sutures. In a second embodiment the suture is woven in a lattice braid, providing a plurality of distributed core passageways for individual core fibers.

Abstract: Edge-reinforced packing is provided for steam service, with wire-reinforced secondary yarns on carriers driven along one or more diagonal tracks of a braiding machine to provide edge-reinforcing which reduces valve stem abrasion while providing sufficient resistance to high pressure, high temperature steam leakage. Wire-reinforcing only the edges of the packing minimizes the amount of reinforcing wire necessary to counteract high pressure steam and thus minimizes valve stem wear. An offset, alternating braid embodiment further reduces wire usage at the packing edges, while at the same time providing complete circumferential reinforced sealing around the valve stem. In cases where the offset braiding results in voids in the steam barrier produced by the reinforced braid, keystone-resisting technology corrects this problem. In one embodiment, the packing is a non-asbestos packing which eliminates both hardening and packing disintegration normally associated with so called "plastic-core" packings.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plurality of movable support members that are arranged side-by-side and collectively form a quadratic carrier surface, such as a cylindrical carrier surface. A plurality of fiber strand carrier members are movable on the carrier surface to intertwine the fiber strands. Each fiber strand extends from its carrier member along an axis that intersects the axes of the other fiber strands at a generally common consolidation point near a fiber gathering device that gathers the fiber strands from the carrier members. The carrier members are generally equidistant from the fiber consolidation point as a result of moving on the quadratic carrier surface so that the gathering device can maintain a generally constant tension in the fiber strands regardless of their position on the carrier surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament includes a braided jacket with an unbraided core which is formed with a portion of the fibers of the braided jacket. This portion is isolated from the remaining braided jacket over a predetermined length of the prosthetic ligament.

Abstract: A composite article is made by braiding a 3D article shaped preform including non-fugative braider reinforcing fibers and fugative fibers and removing the fugative fibers to form a plurality of matrix-ingress passages in the braided preform. During impregnation of the braided preform with a matrix material, matrix material is supplied to the interior of the preform via the passages. The fugative fibers typically comprise fugative monofilaments which are substantially larger in size than the non-fugative fibers to permit one or more dimensions of the preform and thus the composite article to be increased beyond the capacity of the particular braiding apparatus employed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabric is braided with an apparatus having a floating yarn creel and a floating forming plate, each having movable elements. Fibers are fed from the creel through the forming plate to a forming zone where the fibers are braided by synchronous movements of said movable elements. Beaating combs may also be provided in the forming zone.

Abstract: Method of forming a hollow, carbon/carbon composite article around an axis of symmetry, in which method a heat refractory mandrel is shaped to provide a desired inner surface configuration and tolerances of the article, and one or more plies of thermally stable carbon filaments are braided over the surface of the mandrel. The filaments have a diameter of substantially not greater than about 6 microns and a modulus of elasticity of substantially not less than about 45.times.10.sup.6 psi. The plies are then impregnated with a carbonizable liquid impregnant, and the assembly of impregnated plies and mandrel is heat treated so as to carbonize the impregnant. The resulting composite article has a high translation of the original strength of the filaments and has an inner surface defined by the outer surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: A braided mechanical compression packing including relatively low and high-strength yarns is provided with greater mechanical strength along a given diagonal direction to provide a reinforced corner by providing the higher strength yarn along only one diagonal track of the braider. This reduces extrusion of the packing from the confines of the stuffing box in which it has been sequentially installed; produces a packing with rectilinear non-symmetry having directionally different friction, for instance, to facilitate gravity return of a hydraulic ram; and lowers operating friction by reducing the overall amount of high-strength yarn in the packing braid.

Abstract: A braided rug method and construction is based on securing by stitching a relatively small auxiliary strand over the junction of large stitched together strands of braid. By selection of auxiliary strand color, alternating the side of the rug on which the auxiliary strand appears or by employing auxiliary strands on both sides of the rug new appearances in braided rug color, texture and appearance are achieved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elongated braided structural member having high mechanical strength, including the steps of providing at least three primary elongated cores, parallel and spaced from one another, and helically winding a plurality of threads around said cores, at least two threads being wound around any pair of primary cores.

Abstract: A surgical repair device having a length to width ratio of greater than one is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of fibers. The majority of the fibers are in a direction essentially parallel to the device length.The device has an absorbable component comprising a glycolic or lactic acid ester linkage. The remainder of the device, if any, has a non-absorbable component. The device can be used as a flat braid in the repair of a ligament or tendon.

Abstract: Disclosd is a pre-expanded braided sleeving made from flexible strands of either conductive or nonconductive filaments, or a combination thereof, along with entrapped warp filaments of heat shrinkable material. The warp filament material is commonly known as heat reactive material and, when briefly subjected to heat below its fusion temperature, shrinks in the order of 30% to 50% of its length and very substantially expands the sleeving thereby greatly expediting the assembly thereof over an elongated object. Thereafter the sleeving is readily contracted into a snug fit with the object upon being tensioned between its opposite ends.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making pre-expanded braided sleeving from flexible strands of either conductive or nonconductive filaments, or a combination thereof, along with entrapped warp filaments of heat shrinkable material. The warp filament material is commonly known as heat reactive material and, when briefly subjected to heat below its fusion temperature, shrinks in the order of 30% to 50% of its length and very substantially expands the sleeving thereby greatly expediting the assembly thereof over an elongated object. Thereafter the sleeving is readily contracted into a snug fit with the object upon being tensioned between its opposite ends.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure of interlocked strands is formed of axial and intertwining yarns which spiral in a path through the structure. Each strand has a distinct zone of occupancy in every cross section of the structure and does not depart from that zone.

Abstract: A non-symmetrical construction of braided mechanical compression packing which does not undergo undesired deformation when placed in use. This non-symmetry of construction results in longer packing life and reduced shaft wear when used to prevent leakage about rotating shafts.

Abstract: A complex braided composite structure is formed of axial and braiding yarns using an interlacing pattern which allows all braiding yarn reversals to occur outside a multi-layer array of axial yarns concurrently at one location in the pattern thus allowing free manipulation of the yarns for forming complex shapes.

Abstract: A wrapped core for a ski comprising a wood or foamed plastic longitudinally extending core having first longitudinal strands of material positioned on the top and or bottom surfaces of the core and second strands of fiber reinforcement braided thereover to surround the core and capture said first strands. Third longitudinally extending strands of fiber reinforcement are intertwined with said second braided strands. The method and apparatus for forming the wrapped ski core.

Abstract: A non-symmetrical construction of braided mechanical compression packing which includes warp yarns removed from the inner corners to prevent "popping" of these yarns during manufacture or when the packing is wrapped about a shaft. Additionally, a number of embodiments involving interior space filled with varying numbers of warp yarns at different positions produce an optimal warp density gradient in the finished braid, such that the braid has a more regular trapezoidal cross-section prior to being wound about a shaft, with the higher density occurring at the outside of the packing and tapered in density toward the inside of the packing. This non-symmetry of construction results in longer packing life and reduced shaft wear when used to prevent leakage about rotating shafts.

Abstract: An elastomer rope is disclosed which is useful among other things for clamping goods to the platform of a load carrying vehicle and for mooring boats, floating landing stages, buoys, navigation marks and the like. A mooring device is also shown for anchoring floating landing stages, buoys, navigation marks and the like. The elastomer rope has the property of becoming progressively ever stiffer at increasing elongation and consists of a core of an elastomeric material, a reinforcement wound helically about the core and consisting of a material considerably less elongatable than the elastomeric material of the core, and an outer covering layer of elastomeric material. The progressivity is attained in that the reinforcement is helically wound about the core at a reinforcement angle of 50.degree.-65.degree. between the longitudinal axis of the core and the reinforcement projected at right angles thereto.

Abstract: Cores (a1-a4) pass through separate points in a plate (1) of the machine, over which plate thread-carrying spools (17.sub.1 -17.sub.24) are free to move. Two pairs of spools (i.e. four spools) are associated with each of the six possible pairs of the cores (a1-a4). Both spools in each pair are wound in the same direction around the corresponding pair of cores. The other two spools corresponding to the same pair of cores wind round the pair in the opposite direction. At successive steps of the method, each spool in each pair of spools is swapped with the other spool of the pair to occupy the position previously occupied by the said other spool. As a result, each pair of cores is covered by two helical windings in each winding direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to welt cord constructions in general, and more specifically to a combustion inhibiting construction for welt cords, wherein heat conducting elements are wrapped around, and/or form the core of, the welt cord, for dissipating the heat of combustion away from the point of contact with a source of heat such as a burning cigarette.

Abstract: A non-symmetrical construction of braided mechanical compression packing which does not undergo undesired deformation when placed in use. This non-symmetry of construction results in longer packing life and reduced shaft wear when used to prevent leakage about rotating shafts.

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 braided preform fabrication for annular refractory articles such as an integral monolithic throat section and exit cone of a rocket motor nozzle is formed on a mandrel and includes closely spaced radially oriented carbon rods that extend to a uniform length from the mandrel surface and carbon fibers braided on the surface of the mandrel around the carbon rods in a triaxial braid whereby the fabrication has a 4-D fiber architecture. The density of the fabrication is increased by a process that is repeated four times and involves the steps of vacuum impregnation thereof with pitch, subjecting the impregnated preform to high pressure at a temperature that is gradually increased to about 700.degree. C. to convert the pitch to coke and to form the braided preform and mandrel into a billet, and producing graphitization of the braided preform by subjecting the billet to an argon atmosphere in a vacuum furnace at a temperature that is gradually increased to 2,500.degree. C.

Abstract: An elastic tension member comprises a jacket surrounding a core, the latter comprising a non-stretchable line in working relation with at least one elastic member. The line may comprise a cord, the terminal portions of the elastic member being fastened to the cord at spaced mounting joints. Tension forces applied to the elastic member are transferred to the non-stretchable line as soon as a predetermined maximum tension load value has been reached. This characteristic contributes to rendering the elastic tension member suited for towing purposes, or as a start-cord for surf boards, or as a tieing device for tieing up goods.

Abstract: Sheet materials for cardiovascular and other prosthetic implants are fabricated of synthetic elastomers. These materials are characterized by molecular configurations that produce a nonlinear tensile modulus characteristic similar in shape to that of natural tissue. Selected elastomers, when formed as sheet material of appropriate geometrical configuration, promote the formation of natural tissue thereon which is appropriate for the mechanical characteristics desired.

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 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 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: The present invention relates to flexible, three-dimensional articles consisting of a flexible, two-dimensional, unimpregnated, braided structure based on yarns or tows preferably having a high modulus of elasticity and possessing a varying cross-section. These articles are intermediates in the production of shaped articles which are both strong and light.

Abstract: Prostheses for inadequate or diseased heart valves and blood vessels, formed of fabrics comprising multifilament synthetic yarns. For a heart valve the fabric is supported on a three-lobed frame. During manufacture, the fabric is subjected to a plural step compressive shrinking and crimping process to impart nonisotropic elastic compliance approximating the natural mechanical properties. The resulting composite structures are free of thrombogenic complications.

Abstract: An endless power transmission belt, method of making same, and drive system using same are provided wherein such belt has a portion which has a plurality of spaced belt elements defined by alternating projections and recesses and a triaxial fabric bonded against the elements which defines an abrasion-resistant exposed surface of the elements with the triaxial fabric also minimizing shearing stresses in each element due to the isotropic character of such fabric which provides improved load distribution therethrough as well as improved tear resistance thereof. The belt may have elements in the form of load-transmitting teeth with the triaxial fabric having three sets of yarn courses in which one of the three sets is substantially protected by the two other yarn sets and the one yarn set provides reinforcement of the teeth after substantial wear of the two other yarn sets resulting in an increased service life for the belt.

Abstract: A yarn or fiber is incorporated into the jacket of a long suspended small ameter cable for reducing low velocity current cable strumming in water. The yarn or fiber comprises at least one-quarter of the strands of a braided cable. A nap or mossy cable effect is produced when the jacket is brushed.

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.

Abstract: A rope is formed by using at least four warps running parallel to each other and positioned such that when viewed in cross section, their centers fall on the corners of a square. These parallel warps are held together by bobbin threads passing about diagonally opposite warps. The parallel warps result in minimum elongation of the rope when under tension.