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 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.

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.

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.

A braided sleeve is formed having complex geometry, including multiple geometries along the braided sleeve's longitudinal axis. In particular, along a first portion of the braided sleeve's longitudinal axis, multiple tows are intertwined with each other. Along a second portion, at least one of the tows is removed from being intertwined with the other tows and is relocated to an interior or an exterior of the braided sleeve. A third portion of the braded sleeve along the longitudinal axis includes the removed tow being intertwined with the plurality of tows again. In this manner, the braided sleeve may provide coverage of preforms with varying diameters along the longitudinal axis of the preforms.

A braided sleeve is formed having complex geometry, including multiple geometries along the braided sleeve's longitudinal axis. In particular, along a first portion of the braided sleeve's longitudinal axis, multiple tows are intertwined with each other. Along a second portion, at least one of the tows is removed from being intertwined with the other tows and is relocated to an interior or an exterior of the braided sleeve. A third portion of the braded sleeve along the longitudinal axis includes the removed tow being intertwined with the plurality of tows again. In this manner, the braided sleeve may provide coverage of preforms with varying diameters along the longitudinal axis of the preforms.

The present invention relates to a braiding machine with at least two impellers for displacing at least one clapper, wherein the clapper is made at least partially of a ferromagnetic material and wherein each of the impellers has at least one clapper receiver comprising a plurality of electromagnets, wherein the electromagnets enclose a partial circumference of the clapper of about 50° to about 120°.