Abstract:
This application describes a braided cord containing a braided sheath and optionally a core surrounded by the braided sheath. The braided cord has changing cross-sectional area ranging from 0.0004 mm2 to 30 mm2 and contains one or more sections having a tapering angle ranging from 1° to 60° when observed in one direction along the cord axis. The change in the cross-sectional area of the cord can be achieved by changing the thickness of the braided sheath and/or changing the cross-sectional area of the core when the core is present. The thickness of the braided sheath can be adjusted by changing the size and/or twist level of one or more sheath strands, changing the pick count of the braided sheath, and/or using one or more shaped sheath strands. This application also describes a process of producing the braided cord with changing cross-sectional area.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a tow warp construction and a process for forming such tow warp construction where such tow warp construction has a longer life span, that is retains its useful dimensions and characteristics longer than known tow warp constructions and consequently has a longer useful life span than known tow warp constructions. Most broadly the construction of the tow warp construction of the present disclosure and process for forming such includes gradually and progressively introducing fibers from a second group of fibers (or “second group of linear elements”) into an otherwise conventional stranding process where fibers from a first group of fibers (or “first group of linear elements”) are being stranded to form strands (or “third group of linear elements”), so as to either or both increase the diameter of the strands and/or substitute the first group of fibers by fibers from the second group of fibers, so as to: a) in the first instance, increase the diameter of the formed strands and subsequently of a strength member formed of the strands, especially for increasing the diameter and strength of the tow warp's strength member in and about the splice braid zone where it connects to a towed object such as a paravane; and b) in the second instance, substitute in a predetermined region on the long dimension of the strands and subsequently in a predetermined region on a long dimension of a strength member formed of the strands fibers of higher creep and/or lower melting points by fibers of lower creep and/or higher melting points, especially for increasing the resistance of the tow warps strength member to bending fatigue.
Abstract:
A tapered rope structure comprises a first rope region, a second rope region, and a splice region. The splice region is between the first and second rope regions and comprises a taper portion, a finish portion, and an overlap portion. The finish portion is arranged between the taper portion and the first rope region. The overlap portion is arranged between the taper portion and the second rope region. A diameter of the first rope region is smaller than a diameter of the second rope region. A diameter of the overlap portion is greater than the diameter of the second rope region. A diameter of the splice region generally decreases from the overlap portion to the first rope region.
Abstract:
A rope and a method of constructing the rope. The rope may be of 12×12 braided construction and include a core for its length. The rope includes a plurality of primary strands, and each of the primary strands includes a plurality of fibers which may be made of a high-friction material. The rope also includes a secondary strand surrounded by the plurality of primary strands. The secondary strand includes a plurality of fibers which may be made of a low-friction material.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a tow warp construction and a process for forming such tow warp construction where such tow warp construction has a longer life span, that is retains its useful dimensions and characteristics longer than known tow warp constructions and consequently has a longer useful life span than known tow warp constructions. Most broadly the construction of the tow warp construction of the present disclosure and process for forming such includes gradually and progressively introducing fibers from a second group of fibers (or “second group of linear elements”) into an otherwise conventional stranding process where fibers from a first group of fibers (or “first group of linear elements”) are being stranded to form strands (or “third group of linear elements”), so as to either or both increase the diameter of the strands and/or substitute the first group of fibers by fibers from the second group of fibers, so as to: a) in the first instance, increase the diameter of the formed strands and subsequently of a strength member formed of the strands, especially for increasing the diameter and strength of the tow warp's strength member in and about the splice braid zone where it connects to a towed object such as a paravane; and b) in the second instance, substitute in a predetermined region on the long dimension of the strands and subsequently in a predetermined region on a long dimension of a strength member formed of the strands fibers of higher creep and/or lower melting points by fibers of lower creep and/or higher melting points, especially for increasing the resistance of the tow warps strength member to bending fatigue.
Abstract:
A cord comprises a braided sheath of strands having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a central hollow portion defined by the inner surface and having a volume and a core within the central hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath, such that when the cord is in a relaxed state the tubular braided sheath has a cylindrical shape and a relaxed volume of the central hollow portion wherein the core does not fill the relaxed volume of the central hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath; when the cord is in a longitudinal tensioned state, the tubular braided sheath elongates under the longitudinal tension such that a tensioned volume of at least a part of the central hollow portion of the tubular braided sheath is less than the relaxed volume; and the inner surface of the tubular braided sheath of tensioned volume contacts and cinches a surface of the core.
Abstract:
A fiber tow and methods for separating a fiber tow are disclosed. The fiber tow may include adjacent filaments and a polymer coating covering at least a portion of the adjacent filaments. The polymer coating may include a polymer that is configured to contract in a direction generally parallel to the adjacent filaments and expand in a direction generally perpendicular to the adjacent filaments. The polymer coating may contract/expand in response to an energy source, such as heat or a UV light source. The methods may include coating at least a portion of a plurality of filaments with a polymer, bundling the filaments into a fiber tow, and exposing the fiber tow to an energy source to contract the polymer in a direction generally parallel to the filaments and to expand the polymer in a direction generally perpendicular to the filaments. The filaments may be carbon fiber filaments.
Abstract:
A longitudinally stretchable and transversely compressible member is made by coating each of a bundle of generally parallel, continuous, non-interengaged strands with a vaporizable material (blowing agent), applying a thermosetting elastomeric material to the bundle so as to impregnate and surround the bundle and to separate the strands. A vapor impermeable skin is formed on the surface and the vaporizable material vaporized to form randomly disposed voids and to cause the strands to take an undulating path.
Abstract:
A minimum weight suspension line in the form of a braided filament rope is used in parachute apparatus to interconnect a payload with a canopy. To achieve the minimum weight characteristics of the suspension line, additional filament material is braided into the rope at the points of attachment to the canopy and the payload for increasing the strength of the line attachment point so that it is at least equal to the basic strength of the suspension line.