An apparatus for manipulating a material is provided. The apparatus may comprise one or more stator coils arranged in a three-dimensional configuration, and a surface on which at least one carrier is configured to move. The stator coils of the apparatus may be configured to generate an electromagnetic field for driving the carrier on the surface to manipulate a material.

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.

A method of producing a component for an article of footwear or apparel or a sporting goods accessory. The method of producing a component includes forming at least a first layer by braiding a first braided tube. Braiding may be performed with an empty braiding center. The method further includes arranging the first layer on a form.

The present invention discloses an integrated braiding and needle punching preform forming method, comprising the following steps: arranging gripping devices at both ends of a braiding machine, allowing a mandrel to move in a certain direction along the axis of the braiding machine while forming a first layer of fabric on a surface of the mandrel; then laying felt on top of the first layer of fabric by using an automatic felt laying device, and employing a needle punching device to perform pre-needle punching on the felt layer to ensure the felt adheres to the braided fabric surface; restarting the braiding machine, moving the mandrel in an opposite direction while forming a second layer of fabric on a surface of the felt; repeating the above steps to achieve multiple layers of braided fabric and felt in alternate adhesion; finally, performing main needle punching on the preform.

The present invention discloses an integrated braiding and needle punching preform forming method, comprising the following steps: arranging gripping devices at both ends of a braiding machine, allowing a mandrel to move in a certain direction along the axis of the braiding machine while forming a first layer of fabric on a surface of the mandrel; then laying felt on top of the first layer of fabric by using an automatic felt laying device, and employing a needle punching device to perform pre-needle punching on the felt layer to ensure the felt adheres to the braided fabric surface; restarting the braiding machine, moving the mandrel in an opposite direction while forming a second layer of fabric on a surface of the felt; repeating the above steps to achieve multiple layers of braided fabric and felt in alternate adhesion; finally, performing main needle punching on the preform.

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.

An apparatus for manipulating a material is provided. The apparatus may comprise one or more stator coils arranged in a three-dimensional configuration, and a surface on which at least one carrier is configured to move. The stator coils of the apparatus may be configured to generate an electromagnetic field for driving the carrier on the surface to manipulate a material.

A rotational braiding machine (100) has a plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a), a plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b), a movement unit, a drive and a controller. The movement unit is arranged and designed in order to move relocating elements (300) associated with the first braiding material carriers (200a) in each case between a first position and a second position. The drive is designed to drive the plurality of first braiding material carriers (200a) such that they rotate about the common braiding center in a first rotation direction and to drive the plurality of second braiding material carriers (200b) such that they rotate about the common braiding center in a second rotation direction which is different from the first rotation direction. The controller is additionally designed to control the movement unit such that the movement of at least one of the relocating elements (300) can be adjusted.