Abstract: A method of weaving a three-dimensional article by which, an area arranging carrier members (1) in the form of a matrix is segmented into a plurality of rectangular blocks (G1 to G6) to choose prescribed blocks therefrom, and then a basic weaving operation is sequentially and alternately performed with respect to the prescribed blocks. According to the weaving method, it is possible to easily weave many kinds of three-dimensional articles (2) having different sectional forms. An apparatus for weaving a three-dimensional article having, first guide means (16) for guiding the movement in row direction of the carrier members (1) and second guide means (17) for guiding the movement in column direction of the carrier members (1), so that the carrier members (1) are smoothly moved in the row and the column directions by the first and the second guide means (16 and 17).

Abstract: Apparatus for braiding an article from a plurality of fibers, comprising a plurality of flexible annular members of substantially the same size which are disposed side-by-side in axially aligned relation and have means for supporting fiber carriers for axial movement relative thereto. The annular members are mounted for circumferential movement about a common central axis relative to each other. A plurality of rows of fiber carriers are mounted on the annular members for axial movement relative to the annular members. Actuating means are provided to move the annular members and to move the rows of fiber carriers axially in a predetermined manner to intertwine the fibers.

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: The method involves braiding a plurality of fiber bundles, each comprising a reinforcing fiber overwrapped by a plurality of glass or metal matrix-forming fibers, to form a 3D braided preform having stuffer fiber bundles extending longitudinally therethrough and heating the preform at a temperature and applying pressure to form the matrix-forming fibers into a bonded matrix in which the reinforcing fibers are disposed in a 3D braided pattern and in a longitudinal (stuffer) pattern.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament is constructed from a three-dimensional braider. The prosthetic ligament includes an eyelet at a first end and a pigtail at a second end. The pigtail is removed during surgery so that the remaining implantable prosthetic ligament is defined by a continuous three-dimensional braided structure from the eyelet at the femur to the other end at the tibia.

Abstract: Combing apparatus for a braiding machine or the like, comprising a plurality of smooth, flexible lines mounted on one side of the fibers in the area between the braiding machine and the braid point. The lines are fixed at the end near the braiding machine and are attached at the opposite end to a flexible and resilient member, such as a spring or rubber band. A plurality of pusher members are mounted on the one side of the fibers in alignment with the lines, and a plurality of gripper members are mounted on the opposite side of the fibers in alignment with the lines and pusher members. The pusher members engage the lines in an area near the braiding machine so as to push them between the fibers. The gripper members extend through the fibers to grip the lines, pull them through the fibers and then pull the lines toward the braid point to separate and comb the fibers in a uniform manner.

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: A skein of yarn is drawn through a protective tube prefabricated of a woven, tubular textile fabric and is connected in order to form an endless sling. The protective tube is formed of two length sections. These length sections, which are of approximately the same length, are pushed together only slightly during the manufacturing process. In this pushed-together form, they surround the upper reach and the lower reach of the drive formed during drawing in of the skein of yarn by the strands of yarn which are placed around the wheel discs of the manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: A torque transmitting guiding catheter adapted for insertion into vascular vessels with a body and a method for its construction is disclosed. The guiding catheter includes a flexible tubular member surrounded by a pair of torque transmitting layers that are formed of a flat braided material. A flexible (plastic) casing that initially is applied as a viscous material impregnates and encases the torque transmitting layer to hold them in place and eliminate their rough edges. The ends of the torque transmitting layers are soldered using a radiopaque solder to enhance the catheter's visibility within a body. The tubular member is also folded about the distal end of the catheter over the distal extremity of at least one of the torque transmitting layers to provide a smooth and soft distal catheter tip. The formed catheter has a flexible curving distal tip. The tip's shape memory is enhanced by at least partially curing the casing material while the tip takes the form of its desired final shape.

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 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: 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: This invention provides a braided tubular sleeve having increased abrasion resistance. The braided tubular sleeve according to this invention have a resilient self-conforming "springback" property which enables the sleeve to conform in close contact with the surface of substrates, such as wire or cable bundles. The increased abrasion resistance is provided by braiding in with the resilient plastic yarns about one to about twenty ends of a resilient monofilament yarn such as nylon for every two ends of a resilient engineering plastic monofilament yarn such as polyester.

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: Method and composition for preserving fibrous materials. A urethane and thinning agent are mixed, and a fibrous material is contacted with the mixture and dried. An anti-oxidant, thinning agent or drier may optionally be mixed with the urethane and thinning agent. Extenders, plasticizers and ultraviolet light absorbers may also be used to advantage in some applications. The method and composition have particular application for use as a preservative for fishing and shrimping nets, uralkyd resins being the preferred urethane for this use.

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: A multiple-layer braided line having a high tensile strength composite steel core in which the innermost braided fibrous sheath layer is nylon, securely bonded to the composite steel core. An outer braided fibrous sheath is polyester formed over the inner sheath. The core is selected with a tensile strength over the desired rate load-carrying ability of the line, but less than that of the overall tensile strength of the inner and outer sheaths. The line is lightweight and has a high tensile strength and improved resistance to severing, melting and burning results, suitable for use by mountaineers, firemen and rescue workers. The line substantially eliminates backlash.

Abstract: A rope comprises of twisted textile fibers in the form of threads, yarns, twines, ply yarns or strands, which fibers consist mainly of synthetic resin, and a reinforcement made of a material which has strength properties differing from those of the textile fibers. The rope is intended for industrial use or as a safety rope, particularly as a climbing rope. In order to increase the life and the abrasion resistance of the rope when it is frequently flexed and to increase the tensile strength of the rope when it extends around a sharp edge, those threads, yarns, twines, ply yarns and strands which consist of twisted textile fibers and are disposed on the outside surface of the rope or of a core of the rope are reinforced by monofilaments of synthetic resin or metal, and/or said threads, yarns, twines, ply yarns or strands of twisted textile fibers are or a core of the rope or the entire rope is provided with a covering consisting of wound or braided monofilaments.

Abstract: A braiding method wherein fiber carriers are arranged in rows and columns which are moved in a predetermined alternating sequence to intertwine the fibers and form a braided article. A selected intermediate row is moved a distance sufficient to block movement of a column on one side thereof. While the column is blocked, a tamping force is applied thereto to move it against the one side of the selected row to facilitate proper alignment of the fiber carriers in the column.

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: Textile flat-shaped structures exhibiting specific properties, such as flame-resistance or adsorbing capacity, are required for technical purposes, said structures being at the same time characterized by a high flexibility and tensile strength, as well as good wearing characteristics when used for protective suits. This is achieved by the invention by yarns that are sheathed with active ingredients, such as adsorbents, fire-proofing agents, ion-exchangers, decontaminating agents for chemical combat agents, catalysts or fixed enzymes. The active ingredients are adhered to the surface of the yarn or embedded in a binding agent. The sheathing may be additionally braided or flocked.

Abstract: A flexible elongated tubular attachment to be interposed between the fly fishing line and the leader line to eliminate the necessity of knot tying the leader to the fly fishing line.

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 rope assembly which floats on water comprises a load-bearing rope (e.g. of polyamide or polyester fibres or filaments), a layer of buoyant, substantially non-absorbent, flexible material (e.g. closed-cell plastics foam) arranged around the rope, and a flexible jacket (e.g. of polyamide, polyester or polypropylene fibres or filaments) outside the buoyant layer holding it in place, the buoyant material being present in such quantity that the rope assembly will float on water.

Abstract: Ceramic sealing rope, with a core of a strand (1) of yarns (2), each yarn (2) around a solid metal wire (3) and around the core one or more sleeves (4, 5, 7), each sleeve woven crosswire of multiple yarns, each yarn around a solid metal wire.

Abstract: A packing material comprises glass or other inorganic fibers in combination with organic fibers such as sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE) or other selected fibers with or without an impregnant, a preferred impregnant being a lubricant with a binder. Ceramic fiber or quartz fiber can be substituted for glass fiber. Specific metal disulfides or talc can be substituted for the dispersed graphite and dispersed polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE) can be used as a binder for the lubricant. Aramid, polyethylene, polypropylene, graphite, carbon, vegetable, nylon or rayon fibers or filaments can be substituted for the sintered TFE fiber in combination with inorganic fiber.

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: An improved safety mooring line of the type having an inner high stretch ety line and an outer high strength, low elongate synthetic fiber strength member also has an armor layer of a high strength, heat resistant synthetic fiber material braided over the safety line underneath the strength member. The armor layer is braided with a high braid angle so that it can elongate when the strength member parts, yet insulate the safety line from the heat and flailing ends of the strength member resulting from the released energy of parting.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a novel multiple quartz fiber or similar yarn braided, supportable cylindrical sleeve carrying catalytic coatings for effective flameless catalytic combustion of an air-gas mixture axially fed to the cylinder.

Abstract: A packing material of braided yarns is provided wherein the yarns have a glass and/or acrylic core and an outer layer of polyphenylene sulfide fibers, either alone or in combination with other unreactive fibers such as aramid, carbon or graphite fibers.

Abstract: A device and method are shown for splicing a rope of the type made up of multiple strands. A frame is adapted to receive a length of rope to be spliced. A flexible cable extending between sides of the frame secures the rope within the frame. A fluid actuated piston-cylinder and cable-pulley arrangement cooperate to provide an upwardly biasing force to bias a selected strand of the rope outwardly from the remaining rope strands secured within the frame. The user of the device can then pass a strand free end through the opening to effect a splice.

Abstract: A string for the stringing of rackets, bows, musical instruments and the like has a thread-like structure comprising at least one monofil of a synthetic resin mixture containing 99-86% by weight of polyvinylidene fluoride and 1-14% by weight of at least one polyacrylate. The monofil is melt-extruded and is stretch-oriented to impart improved elasticity thereto.

Abstract: A hand held, hand operated hair braiding apparatus having a plurality of aligned gear members, each having an aperture therethrough for passage therethrough of a strand of hair, with a first pair of adjacent gear members having the positions interchanged in response to actuation of a lever member in a first direction with the remaining gear member then being interchanged with the adjacent one in response to pivoting of the lever member in the reverse direction. There is also disclosed an accessory device for facilitating the use of the hair braiding apparatus.

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 composite fishing line comprising a core and braided jacket the core being made of material which will break under a predetermined tensile loading of the line, said braided jacket being made of a different material which does not break under said predetermined tensile loading and having a braid tightness which permits reoccurrent breaks in the core under the reoccurrence of said tensile loading without affecting the utilization of the line.

Abstract: Fabrication techniques for making nickel boron stranded wire braze preforms are described. The techniques involve the provision of the wire material in a stranded form having a large surface to volume ratio. This general form consists of a plurality of fine wires, having the desired cross-sectional area, which may be twisted or braided to produce the preform.

Abstract: Continuous filament rope and method of making same whereby high strength continuous synthetic filaments may be used to provide a rope which in use will have a strength approaching the theoretical strength of the fibers therein. The rope is made by combining a plurality of filaments and twisting the filament group into a light twine in comparison to the rope ultimately desired. The twine is then impregnated with a suitable flexible resin system and wound in a loop having at least a substantial number of turns of the twine. Thereafter the loop is allowed to twist back on itself in response to the twist initially set in the twine so as to form a rope-like center section with loops at each end thereof. Curing of the flexible resin system results in a suitable flexibility of the rope while providing for abrasion and fraying resistance. The loops at the end of the rope may be looped over hooks or pins when in use, with the resulting strength of the rope approaching that of the combined fiber strength.

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: A braided rope construction comprising a plurality of singles yarns twisted together to form a plurality of plied yarns which are then braided, with the helical angle of twist of the singles yarn within their respective plied yarn being equal and opposite to the helical angle of the plied yarns in the braid, whereby the singles yarns extend substantially parallel to the axis of said rope.

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: A relatively short and improved multistranded rope member, commonly referred to as a pigging string, particularly adapted for rodeo applications and the like. The improved pigging string includes an integrally back spliced loop in one end thereof and is therein fabricated without twist bias to provide a smooth and reliable interconnection in a hard, yet pliable tying element for binding calves' feet during rodeo competition. The back splice is formed during twist fabrication of the pigging string in an intermediate section thereof and is so configured as to alleviate twist-ridges and loose strand lays which often interfere with maximum efficiency in use of pigging strings. Likewise, the pigging string is assembled in a taut configuration around the back spliced loop, then immersed in a preheated wax mixture prior to being post stressed during cooling.

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: This invention consists of a weight loaded rope for attachment to an anchor for the purpose of increasing the weight of the anchor without increasing its size. It consists of providing a flexible strand or strands of a heavy metal to be included with the other strands which make up the said rope, whether it is a stranded or braided rope. The additional weight strand provided to the rope may also consist of heavy metal beads which are strung together to form the weight strand; or it may consist of a flexible tubular container which is filled with such metal beads.

Abstract: A double braided hollow rope assembly and method for making same wherein the rope consists of an inner hollow braided rope core and an outer braided rope jacket. The braid on the side of the outer jacket is opened and through that opening, a loop of the inner rope is pulled. A retaining ring with barbs formed thereon to engage the braids of the outer jacket is placed on the end of the rope to be spliced or formed into a loop or eye. The braid on the side of the inner core which has been pulled through the opening in the outer jacket is opened. The end of the rope with a retaining ring around it is inserted into the opening in the side of the hollow core of the inner rope. The outer jacket is then worked backwards until it once more covers the inner loop with the end of the rope with the retaining ring now contained within the hollow longitudinal central opening of the inner core.

Abstract: A high-strength parallel yarn rope comprises a series of multi-filament rope yarns which are bounded together in parallel relation along their lengths by a binder distributed only on the surfaces of the yarns to form a flexible rope core. The core is surrounded by a braided jacket, and a flexible layer of water-impervious material adhesively and mechanically bonds the core to the jacket.A method is also disclosed for manufacturing the rope.