Abstract: In one aspect, a system for collecting light directed through an architectural opening includes a plurality of optical fibers positioned within the architectural opening. A portion of light from a light source is absorbed by the plurality of optical fibers. One or more optical fibers of the plurality of optical fibers are configured to transmit the absorbed light to one or more light collection elements.

Abstract: A cord comprises a braided sheath of strands having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a central hollow portion defined by the inner surface and having a volume and a core within the central hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath, such that when the cord is in a relaxed state the tubular braided sheath has a cylindrical shape and a relaxed volume of the central hollow portion wherein the core does not fill the relaxed volume of the central hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath; when the cord is in a longitudinal tensioned state, the tubular braided sheath elongates under the longitudinal tension such that a tensioned volume of at least a part of the central hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath is less than the relaxed volume; and the inner surface of the tubular braided sheath of tensioned volume contacts and cinches a surface of the core.

Abstract: A high-pressure washer has a housing and an actuator rotatably supported about an actuator rotation axis. A control element is arranged rotatably at the housing and is provided to control the actuator. The control element and the actuator are fixedly connected to each other for joint rotation by one or more universal joints.

Abstract: An article includes a completed fabric structure that has multiple plies of fiber reinforced fabric. A first portion of the fabric structure has a three-directional fiber reinforced configuration and, exclusive of the first portion, a second portion of the fabric structure having a two-directional fiber reinforced configuration. In the three-directional fiber reinforced configuration there are multiple plies that are bound together via a matrix and a plurality of fibers normal through the multiple plies. In the two-directional fiber reinforced configuration the multiple plies are bound to one another via the matrix and not fibers normal through the multiple plies.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed apparatuses, systems and methods that include forming a constraining mechanism for an implantable medical device delivery. The apparatuses, systems and methods may include reducing a diameter of the implantable medical from a deployed diameter to a reduced diameter and interlocking one or more fibers along a length of the implantable medical device while the implantable medical device is in the reduced diameter to form the constraining mechanism.

Abstract: A cable is composed of a cable core including one or more electric wires, a shield layer covering around the cable core, and a sheath covering around the shield layer. The shield layer includes a braided shield braided in such a manner that first metal wires composed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy intersect with second metal wires composed of copper or a copper alloy. An outer diameter of each of the second metal wires is larger than an outer diameter of each of the first metal wires.

Abstract: A method for making a neutral hybrid braided structure may involve positioning a first set of wires on a braiding machine in a first set of positions, positioning a second set of wires on the braiding machine in a second set of positions so that the first set of positions and the second set of positions form a neutral hybrid braiding pattern, and braiding the first set of wires and the second set of wires on the braiding machine to form the neutral hybrid braided structure. Each wire in the first set of wires has a first cross-sectional diameter, and each wire in the second set of wires has a second cross-sectional diameter that is smaller than the first cross-sectional diameter.

Abstract: A cable includes a cable core including one or more electric wires, a shield layer covering around the cable core, and a sheath covering around the shield layer. The shield layer is composed of a braided shield including a plurality of first metal wires composed of aluminum or aluminum alloy and a plurality of second metal wires composed of copper or copper alloy. The plurality of first metal wires and the plurality of second metal wires are cross-braided.

Abstract: A triaxially hybrid braid reinforcement material for polymer matrix composites. The braid includes hybrid tows, which include at least one carbon fiber tow commingled with carbon nanotube yarns to introduce toughness to the hybrid tows. The hybrid tows may be arranged in any and all of the braiding directions. The braid may also include carbon fiber tows, which can be arranged in the axial direction or other braiding directions not occupied by the hybrid tows. The braid is infiltrated with resin, which is impregnated into the braid and cured, to form the toughened polymer matrix composite.

Abstract: Described herein is a medical device for treating a target site. The medical device includes a proximal end including a disc and a distal end including a lobe. The disc and lobe are connected by a connecting member. The disc includes a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a central surface extending between and connecting the proximal surface and distal surface, wherein the central surface separates the proximal surface from the distal surface by a predetermined depth distance.

Abstract: A braiding path generating method includes the following steps. Firstly, a mandrel model is received. Then, an outer diameter of the mandrel model is obtained. Then, a target braiding angle is obtained according to a target coverage rate and the outer diameter of the mandrel model. Then, a braiding simulation path is generated according to the target braiding angle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a braided footwear upper is provided. The method includes braiding a two-layer, single-tube structure with a first end that couples a first braided layer to a second braided layer, and second end that couples the first braided layer to the second braided layer of the tubular braided structure. The first end is proximate the second end. At least one yarn from the first end, and at least one yarn from the second end are braided with at least one draw yarn. The draw yarn is braided to be easily removable, such that the first end is selectively de-coupled from the second end. When the draw yarn is removed, the double-layer tubular braided structure is expandable to form a larger diameter tubular braided structure.

Abstract: A medical device for treating esophageal atresia may include a woven tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a body portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first end may have a first flange extending radially outwardly from the body portion. The second end may have a second flange extending radially outwardly from the body portion. The woven tubular member may be configured to transition from an initially-deployed state toward an equilibrium state. In the initially-deployed state, the body portion may include an inner region extending from the first flange to a transition region and an outer region extending from the second flange to the transition region. The outer region may surround the inner region. The woven tubular member may be self-biased to be in the equilibrium state.

Abstract: A method of forming a braided coating over a product (2, 2A), in particular a flexible product such as a cable, a rope, a pipe, etc., is provided, in which the product (2, 2A), while leaving a coating zone (17) of a braiding machine (100), is submitted to a continuous rotation about its longitudinal axis. A braiding machine (100) for carrying out the method and a coated product obtained with the method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes, in one embodiment, a method of forming a suture having various cross-sectional shapes, the method including the steps of braiding the suture such that the suture has a first cross-sectional shape along a length; holding a first end of the suture and holding the suture at a second position at a location in between the first end and a second end such that a first portion of the suture is defined between the first end and the second position; manipulating the first end relative to the second position to alter the first portion of the suture into an altered cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape; and releasing the first end and the second position, wherein the step of manipulating is performed such that, upon release, the first portion maintains its manipulated shape.

Abstract: A chain is provided which includes a plurality of interconnected chain-links. At least one chain-link of the chain has a braided core which includes a first primary strand having polymeric elongated elements having a tenacity of at least 1.0 N/tex. The braided core is braided from at least 2 consecutive turns of the primary strand. Also disclosed is a braided endless shaped element suitable as chain-link for the chain as well as a chain which has a tenacity (Ten) in N/Tex and a combined titer of the 2 legs of the chain-link having polymeric elongated elements (T) in MTex satisfying the relationship of Ten?0.50*T?0.05.

Abstract: Methods for applying layers to medical devices and related devices are provided. Such devices can include stents. For example, the device can include a sidewall and a plurality of pores in the sidewall that are sized to inhibit flow of blood through the sidewall into an aneurysm to a degree sufficient to lead to thrombosis and healing of the aneurysm when the tubular member is positioned in a blood vessel and adjacent to the aneurysm. The device can have an anti-thrombogenic outer layer distributed over at least a portion of the device.

Abstract: A grease formulation containing a thickener and a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil, in particular a heavy or extra heavy base oil. The use of a Fischer-Tropsch oil results in an increase in thickener concentration and in improved properties such as anti-wear and copper corrosion performance. Also provided is the use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil in a grease formulation, for the purpose of improving its anti-wear and/or copper corrosion performance, and/or for reducing the concentration of an additive in the formulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing an additive comprising the steps of: (1) reacting a polymer derived from of an olefin containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms with an acylating agent to form an acylated polymer, and (2) reacting the acylated polymer of step (1) in a medium substantially free of to free of sulphur with: (a) ammonia or an amine to form a succinimide product; or (b) water to form a hydrolyzed product, wherein the mole ratio of the acylating agent to polymer in step (1) is from 0.3:1 to 1.6:1. The invention further relates to compositions containing the additive and its use.

Abstract: A medicament container for a liquid medicament is disclosed, the medicament container includes a flexible bag with an outlet, the bag surrounded by a braid, arranged for lengthening and narrowing when being pulled in longitudinal direction (L).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an endoprosthesis comprising a graft component and at least one support component with varying compressibility along the length of the endoprosthesis. In various embodiments, the endoprosthesis comprises at least a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is more compressible than the second. In another embodiment having a second segment between the first and third segments, the third segment can also be more compressible than the second segment. Alternatively, in an embodiment, a second segment can have greater rigidity than a first segment, as well as a third segment, if present.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided, including an upper having an acute angular opening in a vamp region, a base of the acute angular opening being disposed in a first region of the vamp proximate to a forefoot region of the article of footwear and an end of the acute angular opening being disposed in a second region of the vamp proximate to an ankle opening region of the article of footwear; and at least one lace having a length, including a first thickness in a center region of the lace length and a second thickness at each of the two end regions of the lace, and a change in thickness of the lace between the first thickness and the second thickness varying continuously and gradually along the length lace from the center region to each of the end regions.

Abstract: The embodiments relate generally to medical devices and to methods of their manufacture. One aspect provides devices including chitosan fibers that are a free of chemical cross linking. Another aspect provides a method of manufacturing such devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a corrugated preform that allows a fiber volume fraction and an orientation angle to be substantially the same at a concave portion and at a convex portion when the corrugated preform is manufactured based on a braiding process. The method includes braiding a composite material corresponding to an outer diameter of a cylindrical cylinder shape, braiding the composite material by connecting a plurality of separate composite materials to one side of the braided composite material, and braiding the composite material to one side of the separate composite material corresponding to the outer diameter of the cylindrical cylinder shape.

Abstract: An improved kernmantle cord in part comprises 550-Paracord manufactured to exceed MIL-STD-C-5040H Type III. The improved kern at the core includes three nylon fibers in each of seven yarns, one continuous filament of waterproofed paraffin-waxed jute twine fiber tinder, one continuous abrasion-resistant nylon or fluorocarbon monofilament, and one continuous copper wire. The monofilament is strong enough for 50# test, yet small enough not to adversely impact the pliability of the cord as a whole. The copper wire itself may be multistrand or braided to improve flexibility or solid to provide more body. The mantle sheathing is of woven nylon and provides abrasion resistance for the whole cord, and functions as an electrical insulator for the copper wire and fireproofing for the paraffin-waxed jute twine fiber tinder.

Abstract: The abrasion resistance of organic fiber based ropes and cords is increased by a outer woven cover of tapes of high molecular weight and more preferably ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene

Abstract: A medical probe includes a proximal section, a transition region, and a distal section. The proximal section includes a braid that is braided with a cross-braiding configuration. In the transition region, which follows the proximal section, the braid transitions between the cross-braiding configuration and a helical coiling configuration. In the distal section, which follows the transition region, the braid is coiled with the helical coiling configuration.

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 method, consisting of passing a cylindrical carbon fiber through a press so as to produce a flat ribbon. The method further includes weaving multiple strands of the flat ribbon together to create a cylindrical braid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a rope that is useful for forming mesh in pelagic trawls, that is stronger for a given amount of material, has lesser drag, is capable of exhibiting same or bettered lift when subjected to water flow at trawl mesh angles of attack, while also being less costly to manufacture, in comparison to known helix rope constructions. Most broadly the construction of the rope of the present disclosure includes a spiraling strand having a greater pitch in comparison to a pitch exhibited by other strands forming the braided sheath that forms the coverbraid about a strength member core.

Abstract: A mandrel for manufacturing a vascular device for treating a vessel includes an elongate strand and a plurality of bulbs coupled to the elongate strand. The elongate strand may extend through each of the plurality of bulbs. The mandrel may include first and second elongate strands each including a plurality of bulbs. The first and second elongate strands may be separable at an intermediate portion coupling the first and second elongate strands. A vascular device manufactured utilizing the mandrel may be configured to treat a vessel.

Abstract: The protective sleeve for a motor component of the present invention is obtained by braiding multifilament yarns made of synthetic fibers into a cylindrical braided cord of at least 24 strands. The multifilament yarns have a single-yarn fineness of at least 15 dtex but less than 30 dtex and the yarn total fineness of a single braid unit of the braided cord is in the range of 800 to 1500 dtex. This protective sleeve has good covering properties and few voids. Therefore, a protective sleeve for a motor component is provided that has high partial discharge characteristics (electrical insulation performance) and good electrical insulation properties even when a step of washing away the raw yarn oil solution applied to the filaments was omitted.

Abstract: Methods of forming a structure for treating a vessel include providing a mandrel and braiding a plurality of filaments around the mandrel. The mandrel may include a strand having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of balls coupled to the strand along the longitudinal axis. Pairs of the plurality of balls may be spaced along the longitudinal axis. Braiding the plurality of filaments around the mandrel may include, during braiding, forming a plurality of bulbs around the plurality of balls and forming necks between pairs of the plurality of balls. The methods may include, after braiding the plurality of filaments, heat treating (e.g., shape setting) the plurality of filaments on the mandrel. Portions of the braided plurality of filaments may be secured to the mandrel, for example using bangles, wire, and/or adhesive.

Abstract: The application relates to a tube for being introduced into an object. The tube (1), which is preferentially a catheter, comprises a tube-like braid (2) made from electrically conductive strands (3), wherein ends (4) of the strands (3) are staggered in the longitudinal direction of the tube (1). Since the ends of the strands are staggered in the longitudinal direction of the tube, local radio frequency heat generated during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure is not concentrated at a single longitudinal location, but distributed along a staggered region in the longitudinal direction of the tube, in which the ends of the electrically conductive strands are staggered. This distribution of the radio frequency heat along the longitudinal direction of the tube reduces the maximum temperature produced by radio frequency heating and, thus, the likelihood of damaging the object, in which the tube is to be introduced, due to heat.

Abstract: A braiding machine and methods of braiding are described. The braiding machine includes first and second annular members having inclined surfaces, the second annular member being concentric with the first annular member. The inclined surfaces are inclined at a non-zero angle formed between an axis of the outer ring and a horizontal axis that lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. Each of the annular members has a plurality of tubular guide wires slideably mounted thereon and a plurality of wires extend from the mandrel through each of the tubular wire guides. One of the first and second annular members rotates circumferentially relative to the other. The first plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially inward so as to align with the second annular member, and the second plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially outward so as to align with the first annular member.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for forming a tubular braid are described. The mechanism for braiding includes a disc, a mandrel, a plurality of catch mechanisms, a plurality of actuators, and a computer program. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge. The mandrel extends from a center of the disc and is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc. The plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc and are adapted to engage a filament. The plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another and are adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

Abstract: A high traction synthetic rope comprising a braided sheath (8) adhered to a synthetic strength member (7) by means of a first synthetic portion (9) and portions of material (23) adhered to the outside surface of the braided sheath by means of a second synthetic portion (21), where the portions of material (23) are formed of a substance that differs from a substance mainly forming the second synthetic portion (21) and exhibits greater friction when wet or with greasy conditions and measured on an iron surface than does the substance mainly forming the second synthetic portion. Also methods of manufacturing such a high traction synthetic rope are disclosed. The rope shows reliable traction on driven rotating elements during wet/greasy conditions.

Abstract: A tubular structure which includes a plurality of axial sites in circular relation to one another and a plurality of bias sites that interconnect the axial sites to form the tubular structure. The tubular structure's axial sites have a greater diameter than the structure's bias sites.

Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a high strength synthetic strength member (7) containing rope (1) capable of being used with powered blocks where such rope has lighter weight and similar or greater strength than steel wire strength member containing ropes used with powered blocks. Disclosed also is the product resulting from such method. The product includes a synthetic strength member, a first synthetic portion (9) and a second synthetic portion. The first synthetic portion is enclosed within the strength member and the second synthetic portion is situated external the strength member. At least a portion of the second synthetic portion also is situated internal a sheath (8) formed about the strength member. The second synthetic portion has a minimal of 8% at a temperature of between negative 20 and negative 15° C.

Abstract: A round braid includes a plurality of warp strands and a binding strand. Each of the warp strands has at least one thread. The binding strand has at least one thread. The binding strand binds a part of the warp strands along an extending direction of the warp strands so as to form a plurality of exposing segments and a plurality of bulging segments on an outer surface of the round braid. The exposing segments are exposing parts of the binding strand and the bulging segments are uncovered parts of the warp strands. The exposing segments and the bulging segments are disposed staggeredly.

Abstract: A method, consisting of passing a cylindrical carbon fiber through a press so as to produce a flat ribbon. The method further includes weaving multiple strands of the flat ribbon together to create a cylindrical braid.

Abstract: Devices and systems for use in soft tissue repair are provided, as are methods of manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, an implantable surgical construct includes an implant and a continuous braided closed filament loop that is attached to the implant. The continuous loop can be formed from a single strand of filament such that portions of the filament, sometimes referred to as tails, can be arranged with respect to each other to form a braided configuration. A related method of manufacture can involve passing portions of a single strand of filament around different sets of posts and selectively over and under each other to create the braided configuration. Other devices, systems, and methods of manufacturing are also provided, including some that involve using multiple strands of suture to form a continuous braided closed filament loop.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion device for effectively occluding blood flow and pressure to a vascular defect while simultaneously not occluding blood flow and pressure to adjacent vasculature is provided. The vascular occlusion device can include a tubular member that has variable porosity regions along its length. The tubular member can be formed of a plurality of filaments that have different cross-sectional shapes along their length that are indexed to the variable porosity regions along the length of the tubular member.

Abstract: Methods of forming a structure for treating a vessel include providing a mandrel and braiding a plurality of filaments around the mandrel. The mandrel may include a strand having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of balls coupled to the strand along the longitudinal axis. Pairs of the plurality of balls may be spaced along the longitudinal axis. Braiding the plurality of filaments around the mandrel may include, during braiding, forming a plurality of bulbs around the plurality of balls and forming necks between pairs of the plurality of balls. The methods may include, after braiding the plurality of filaments, heat treating (e.g., shape setting) the plurality of filaments on the mandrel. Portions of the braided plurality of filaments may be secured to the mandrel, for example using bangles, wire, and/or adhesive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to medical devices for treating a target site. For example, a medical device comprises a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member having an expanded preset configuration when deployed at the target site and a reduced configuration for delivery to the target site. The tubular member comprises at least one layer of braided fabric, and the at least one layer of braided fabric comprises a plurality of first strands having a first diameter and a plurality of second strands having a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The plurality of first strands and the plurality of second strands are intertwined to define regions of varying radial stiffness between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member.

Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

Abstract: A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.

Abstract: A woven, self-expanding stent device has one or more strands and is configured for insertion into an anatomical structure. The device includes a coupling structure secured to two different strand end portions that are substantially aligned with each other. The two different strand end portions include nickel and titanium. The coupling structure is not a strand of the device.