A synthetic rope (20) comprises a core (22) and at least a first layer surrounding the core (22). The first layer has first layer strands (26). The core has a fluted outer surface with spaced apart helical concave grooves. Each of these grooves contacts one of the first layer strands (26). The grooves have a radius of curvature (24) that is greater than the radius of curvature (14) of a circle having a same diameter as the contacting first layer strand before twisting.

A synthetic rope (20) comprises a core (22) and at least a first layer surrounding the core (22). The first layer has first layer strands (26). The core has a fluted outer surface with spaced apart helical concave grooves. Each of these grooves contacts one of the first layer strands (26). The grooves have a radius of curvature (24) that is greater than the radius of curvature (14) of a circle having a same diameter as the contacting first layer strand before twisting.

A compressible rope is disclosed comprising a plurality of strands. Interconnected outer strands form a sheath, and one or more inner strands form an inner core encased by the sheath. The inner core comprises a non-planar outer surface in contact with the sheath. The strands may be a monofilament or polyfilament material. The interaction between the non-planer outer surface of the core with the interior surface of the sheath can reduce bunching as well as the separation of the strands due to compressional forces.

This application relates to cable assemblies with an outer (exterior) layer formed from braiding materials together. To achieve a desired pattern, a machine tool forming the outer layer undergoes several modifications. For a machine tool with two tracks (e.g., inner and outer track) with multiple carriers of material to be braided, each carrier position may include multiple bobbins, with each bobbin carrying a spool/coil of the material. During a braiding operation performed by the machine tool, each track rotates in opposite directions. Moreover, some bobbins include an arm that guides the material in a particular manner. For example, during rotation of the track, the arm provides a swinging motion, causing the material carried by the arm to move in a periodic (e.g., sinusoidal) motion. An additional track may be used to guide the arms.

A production method for a headline sonar cable characterized by steps of: a. providing a first strength member (14); b. coupling to strength member (14) a conductor (122); c. forming a layer of polymeric material about the combination of strength member (14) and conductor (122) while ensuring that the conductor remains slack; d. forming a flow shield around the layer of polymeric material, thus forming an elongatable internally located conductive structure; and e. braiding a strength-member jacket layer (52) of polymeric material around the elongatable internally located conductive structure while ensuring that the conductor is slack when surrounded by the jacket layer (52). For another embodiment, an optical fibre is wrapped around the exterior of the layer of polymeric material within which is enclosed a braided conductor formed about the first strength member (14). Other embodiments employ further thermo-plastic layers and further sheaths and further conductors.

A tie down ratchet and strap includes, a ratchet shaft rotatably mounted in a ratchet body having a slot for receiving a wind-up strap therethough, a pair of ratchet wheels mounted on the ratchet shaft, a ratchet handle with a pawl engaging the ratchet wheels to rotate the ratchet shaft, a locking bar securing the ratchet wheels and ratchet shaft in position when the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet wheels, an anchor strap with a connector for securing the ratchet assembly to a first anchor point, and a wind-up strap including a non-metallic fabric strap with a braided metal outer cover extending continuously over the length of the non-metallic fabric strap.

Disclosed is a blended rope having an outer sheath (8) enclosing at least a strength member (7), the strength member (7) having high-strength synthetic fibers, the strength member (7) being a blended strength member (7) formed with a combination of ARAMID fibers and HMPE fibers, the blended strength member comprising a non-homogeneous distribution of the ARAMID and HMPE fibers, wherein the weight ratio of ARAMID to HMPE in the strength member (7) is preferably a minimum of 80:20.

A protective textile sleeve and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve includes a seamless, tubular braided wall having a plurality of yarns braided with one another. A plurality of the yarns are high temperature, non-heat-shrinkable yarns and a plurality of the yarns are heat-shrinkable yarns, wherein the heat-shrinkable yarns are shrinkable at a temperature that does not cause the high temperature, non-heat-shrinkable yarns to shrink. The sleeve has a first length and first thickness upon being braided, and a second length that less than the first length and a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness upon being exposed to a single heat-treat process.

A tie down ratchet and strap includes, a ratchet shaft rotatably mounted in a ratchet body having a slot for receiving a wind-up strap therethough, a pair of ratchet wheels mounted on the ratchet shaft, a ratchet handle with a pawl engaging the ratchet wheels to rotate the ratchet shaft, a locking bar securing the ratchet wheels and ratchet shaft in position when the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet wheels, an anchor strap with a connector for securing the ratchet assembly to a first anchor point, and a wind-up strap including a non-metallic fabric strap with a braided metal outer cover extending continuously over the length of the non-metallic fabric strap.

Disclosed is a blended rope having an outer sheath (8) enclosing at least a strength member (7), the strength member (7) having high-strength synthetic fibers, the strength member (7) being a blended strength member (7) formed with a combination of ARAMID fibers and HMPE fibers, the blended strength member comprising a non-homogeneous distribution of the ARAMID and HMPE fibers, wherein the weight ratio of ARAMID to HMPE in the strength member (7) is preferably a minimum of 80:20.