Patent ID: 7793576
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: D04C,D10B

Abstract:
1. A method for depositing a tubular braid by means of a braiding machine over a mandrel, wherein the braiding machine has a central axis along which braiding yarns are drawn toward a braiding point on the central axis where the braid is initially formed, and wherein the mandrel is characterized by a radius of curvature that varies along a length of the mandrel, the method comprising the steps of: advancing the mandrel along its length in a direction moving away from the braiding point along the central axis of the braiding machine; and adjusting a position of the mandrel within a plane orthogonal to the central axis at the braiding point, so that a center point of a cross-section of the mandrel that is currently in the orthogonal plane is coincident with the braiding point.