Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes an array of filament engagement elements, a mandrel extending from the center of the circular array, a plurality of actuators disposed operably about the array, and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The plurality of filaments are loaded onto the mandrel by looping a middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments over an end of the mandrel and extend radially toward and contact the circumferential edge of the circular array of filament engagement elements. The plurality of actuators are operated to engage a first subset of the plurality of filaments and move the engaged filaments in a generally radial direction to a position beyond the circumferential edge of the array. The rotating mechanism is operated to move the engaged filaments about the mandrel axis.

In an aspect, a braiding machine is provided, and has a set of spool shuttles that each dispense a strand of flexible material under tension. A strand retractor releasably retracts the strands from the spool shuttles. A plurality of shuttle stations at which the spool shuttles can be positioned are arranged in a circuit. At least one shuttle carriage, when driven, repeatedly selects an immediately previously unselected spool shuttle and moves the immediately previously unselected spool shuttle from an associated shuttle station to another shuttle station along the circuit spaced from the associated shuttle station by at least one shuttle station that is intermediate the associated shuttle station and the other shuttle station. At least one spool shuttle is parkable at the at least one shuttle station. A drive arrangement is coupled to the shuttle carriage to drive the shuttle carriage.

In an aspect, a braiding machine is provided, and has a set of spool shuttles that each dispense a strand of flexible material under tension. A strand retractor releasably retracts the strands from the spool shuttles. A plurality of shuttle stations at which the spool shuttles can be positioned are arranged in a circuit. At least one shuttle carriage, when driven, repeatedly selects an immediately previously unselected spool shuttle and moves the immediately previously unselected spool shuttle from an associated shuttle station to another shuttle station along the circuit spaced from the associated shuttle station by at least one shuttle station that is intermediate the associated shuttle station and the other shuttle station. At least one spool shuttle is parkable at the at least one shuttle station. A drive arrangement is coupled to the shuttle carriage to drive the shuttle carriage.

In an aspect, a braiding machine is provided, and has a set of spool shuttles that each dispense a strand of flexible material under tension. A strand retractor releasably retracts the strands from the spool shuttles. A plurality of shuttle stations at which the spool shuttles can be positioned are arranged in a circuit. At least one shuttle carriage, when driven, repeatedly selects an immediately previously unselected spool shuttle and moves the immediately previously unselected spool shuttle from an associated shuttle station to another shuttle station along the circuit spaced from the associated shuttle station by at least one shuttle station that is intermediate the associated shuttle station and the other shuttle station. At least one spool shuttle is parkable at the at least one shuttle station. A drive arrangement is coupled to the shuttle carriage to drive the shuttle carriage.

In an aspect, a braiding machine is provided, and has a set of spool shuttles that each dispense a strand of flexible material under tension. A strand retractor releasably retracts the strands from the spool shuttles. A plurality of shuttle stations at which the spool shuttles can be positioned are arranged in a circuit. At least one shuttle carriage, when driven, repeatedly selects an immediately previously unselected spool shuttle and moves the immediately previously unselected spool shuttle from an associated shuttle station to another shuttle station along the circuit spaced from the associated shuttle station by at least one shuttle station that is intermediate the associated shuttle station and the other shuttle station. At least one spool shuttle is parkable at the at least one shuttle station. A drive arrangement is coupled to the shuttle carriage to drive the shuttle carriage.

An apparatus for manipulating a material is provided. The apparatus may comprise a magnetic device arranged in a three-dimensional configuration. The apparatus may comprise a surface on which at least one carrier is configured to move. The magnetic device may be configured to provide a magnetic field for driving the carrier on the surface to manipulate a material. The apparatus may comprise a controller configured to control the magnetic device to modulate the magnetic field. The controller may be further configured to detect a position and/or motion of the carrier.

A braiding machine comprising a support structure, a track, an enclosure, a plurality of rotor metals, and a passageway having a first opening and a second opening, and a method of forming an upper using a braiding machine, the method comprising braiding over a forming last that passes from a first side of a braiding point to a second side of the braiding point of the braiding machine. The braiding machine is capable of forming intricate braided structures and may include different sized rings and non-linear passageways through which a forming last passes. Multiple forming lasts may be attached together by connection mechanisms and passed through the braiding machine.

A braiding machine comprising a support structure, a track, an enclosure, a plurality of rotor metals, and a passageway having a first opening and a second opening, and a method of forming an upper using a braiding machine, the method comprising braiding over a forming last that passes from a first side of a braiding point to a second side of the braiding point of the braiding machine. The braiding machine is capable of forming intricate braided structures and may include different sized rings and non-linear passageways through which a forming last passes. Multiple forming lasts may be attached together by connection mechanisms and passed through the braiding machine.

Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding machine includes first and second annular members, the second annular member being concentric with the first annular member. A mandrel extends perpendicularly to and intersects a horizontal plane defined by a substantially circular region of the second annular member substantially at the center of the circular region. 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. The first annular member rotates circumferentially relative to the second annular member. The first plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially inward 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.

Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding machine includes first and second annular members, the second annular member being concentric with the first annular member. A mandrel extends perpendicularly to and intersects a horizontal plane defined by a substantially circular region of the second annular member substantially at the center of the circular region. 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. The first annular member rotates circumferentially relative to the second annular member. The first plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially inward 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.