A medical balloon with a variable diameter that is reinforced with continuous fibers woven to form a fabric with a varying number of layers and fiber densities. Portions of the balloon having a relatively smaller diameter are reinforced with a fabric having a reduced fiber density and an increased number of layers to facilitate the placement of the layers. The fabric also includes a braiding pattern that facilitates the transition from a single layer fabric to a multiple layer fabric. Also described is a manufacturing method for the braiding and layering.

A medical balloon with a variable diameter that is reinforced with continuous fibers woven to form a fabric with a varying number of layers and fiber densities. Portions of the balloon having a relatively smaller diameter are reinforced with a fabric having a reduced fiber density and an increased number of layers to facilitate the placement of the layers. The fabric also includes a braiding pattern that facilitates the transition from a single layer fabric to a multiple layer fabric. Also described is a manufacturing method for the braiding and layering.

Systems and methods are provided for braiding Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) tape. One method includes drawing multiple lanes of MMC tape, comprising a matrix of metal reinforced by fibers, from bobbins arranged around a mandrel. The method also includes braiding the multiple lanes to form a preform at the mandrel for an MMC part and consolidating the preform via application of heat and pressure.

Systems and methods are provided for braiding Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) tape. One method includes drawing multiple lanes of MMC tape, comprising a matrix of metal reinforced by fibers, from bobbins arranged around a mandrel. The method also includes braiding the multiple lanes to form a preform at the mandrel for an MMC part and consolidating the preform via application of heat and pressure.

A braided tube formation apparatus and associated methods of use are disclosed for assisting in the manufacture of a braided tube. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides at least one elongated core mandrel, and at least one elongated, radially collapsible primary tube sized and configured for removably receiving the at least one elongated core mandrel therewithin. Each of the at least one primary tube provides a plurality of spaced apart primary tube portions circumferentially arranged and configured for cooperating to define said primary tube. During use, after the braided tube is circumferentially formed on an outer surface of the at least one primary tube, the at least one core mandrel is removed from within the at least one primary tube, thereby allowing the primary tube portions to radially move inwardly toward one another so that braided tube may be disengaged from the at least one primary tube.

A braiding apparatus includes a platform, a base plate, a core unit, a transmission unit, a track assembly, and strand carriers. The track assembly is divided into two braiding track groups each provided with transmission discs. The transmission discs of both braiding track groups are sequentially connected to define two braiding routes. The strand carriers shuttle on both braiding routes respectively and incessantly. Two intersection points are defined when the two braiding routes intersect. Accordingly, carrier strands fed by the strand carriers are wound around a core strand fed by the core unit while shuttling incessantly and are interwoven with each other while passing through the two intersection points during the incessant shuttling motion, thereby wrapping a multi-convolutional braided layer around the core strand to complete a rope. Each convolution of the braided layer has two crossing points, which increases the practicability of the rope.

A braiding apparatus includes a platform, a base plate, a core unit, a transmission unit, a track assembly, and strand carriers. The track assembly is divided into two braiding track groups each provided with transmission discs. The transmission discs of both braiding track groups are sequentially connected to define two braiding routes. The strand carriers shuttle on both braiding routes respectively and incessantly. Two intersection points are defined when the two braiding routes intersect. Accordingly, carrier strands fed by the strand carriers are wound around a core strand fed by the core unit while shuttling incessantly and are interwoven with each other while passing through the two intersection points during the incessant shuttling motion, thereby wrapping a multi-convolutional braided layer around the core strand to complete a rope. Each convolution of the braided layer has two crossing points, which increases the practicability of the rope.

A last system and a method of making the last system are disclosed. The last system includes a last member and an exterior layer. The exterior layer becomes deformable when heated above a characteristic temperature. The method can include forming a braided footwear component on the last system. The exterior layer may be joined with the braided footwear component by heating the last system above the characteristic temperature.

A last system and a method of making the last system are disclosed. The last system includes a last member and an exterior layer. The exterior layer becomes deformable when heated above a characteristic temperature. The method can include forming a braided footwear component on the last system. The exterior layer may be joined with the braided footwear component by heating the last system above the characteristic temperature.

An automatic circumferential insertion apparatus and method for a complex rotary preform. The apparatus includes a double-hinge yarn carrier and a U-shaped bracket. Two ends of the double-hinge yarn carrier are respectively provided with a cylindrical hinge structure. One cylindrical hinge structure is in revolving pair connection with an outer clamping buckle at one end of the U-shaped bracket, and the other cylindrical hinge structure is in revolving pair connection with an inner clamping buckle at the other end of the U-shaped bracket. Two sides of the U-shaped bracket are provided with an electromagnet, respectively. The outer clamping buckle is provided with a pin, which is controlled by triggering, and is triggered simultaneously with the electromagnet at the side where the outer clamping buckle is arranged.