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 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 apparatus for making surgical braids comprises a plurality of bobbin carrier assemblies. An active track engages at least some of the bobbin carrier assemblies. A passive track arranged to selectively engage at least one of the bobbin assemblies, and a gate positioned between the active track and the passive track. The gate defines an inter-track path and an intra-track path. The gate has an open position wherein the inter-track path is aligned between the active and passive tracks. The gate further has a closed position wherein the intra-track path is aligned with the active track.

An apparatus for making surgical braids comprises a plurality of bobbin carrier assemblies. An active track engages at least some of the bobbin carrier assemblies. A passive track arranged to selectively engage at least one of the bobbin assemblies, and a gate positioned between the active track and the passive track. The gate defines an inter-track path and an intra-track path. The gate has an open position wherein the inter-track path is aligned between the active and passive tracks. The gate further has a closed position wherein the intra-track path is aligned with the active track.

The present invention relates to a switch for sorting, deflecting, and supplying ferromagnetic elements. Here, the switch comprises at least two electromagnets, which are embodied curved or circular. The magnets may be installed fixed in the switch, on the one hand, or supported on an axis, on the other hand. The ferromagnetic elements are moved by a conveying element through the switches. Advantageously the switch can also be used to control bobbins in a braiding machine. Here, the bobbin can be transferred to another impeller. This way new options are generated with regard to flexibility of braids. Further, this invention offers a considerable reduction of braiding time in case of complex braids.

The present invention relates to a switch for sorting, deflecting, and supplying ferromagnetic elements. Here, the switch comprises at least two electromagnets, which are embodied curved or circular. The magnets may be installed fixed in the switch, on the one hand, or supported on an axis, on the other hand. The ferromagnetic elements are moved by a conveying element through the switches. Advantageously the switch can also be used to control bobbins in a braiding machine. Here, the bobbin can be transferred to another impeller. This way new options are generated with regard to flexibility of braids. Further, this invention offers a considerable reduction of braiding time in case of complex braids.

A method of making a surgical braid. The method comprises moving a plurality of bobbins along an active track, the active track being an endless track; and selectively moving a bobbin to a passive track while continuing to move the remaining bobbins along the active track.

A method of making a surgical braid. The method comprises moving a plurality of bobbins along an active track, the active track being an endless track; and selectively moving a bobbin to a passive track while continuing to move the remaining bobbins along the active track.

A method of making a cut braid. The method comprises moving a plurality of bobbins around an endless track in a braiding machine; braiding a plurality of strands from the bobbins into a braid; passing the braid through a take-up mechanism; moving the braid along a continuous path, the continuous path extending from the braiding machine, through a take-up mechanism, and at least partially through a cutting machine; and cutting the braid in the cutting machine to form a cut braid.

A method of making a cut braid. The method comprises moving a plurality of bobbins around an endless track in a braiding machine; braiding a plurality of strands from the bobbins into a braid; passing the braid through a take-up mechanism; moving the braid along a continuous path, the continuous path extending from the braiding machine, through a take-up mechanism, and at least partially through a cutting machine; and cutting the braid in the cutting machine to form a cut braid.