Braiding mechanism and methods of use

US11352724B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sequent Medical, Inc. · US

Inventors

• James M. Thompson · Lake Forest, US
• Brian J. Cox · Laguna Niguel, US
• Robert F. Rosenbluth · Laguna Niguel, US
• Philippe Marchand · Lake Forest, US
• John Nolting · Santa Rosa, US
• Darrin J. Kent · Murrieta, US
• Tan Q. Dinh · Santa Ana, US
• Hung P. Tran · Westminster, US
• James A. Millburn · Irvine, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 22, 2020
• Grant date: Jun 7, 2022
• Expiry date: Dec 22, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC D): Textiles; Paper
• CPC primary: D10B2509/06
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

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.