CPC D04C 3/42 (2013.01) [D04C 1/12 (2013.01); D04C 3/40 (2013.01); D04C 3/48 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A mechanism for braiding, comprising:
a disc defining a plane and a circumferential edge;
a mandrel extending from a center of the disc and generally perpendicular to the plane of the disc; the mandrel adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc,
a plurality of catch mechanisms positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc, each catch mechanism extending toward the circumferential edge of the disc, wherein each catch mechanisms is adapted to engage a filament;
a plurality of actuators adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc;
a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel towards circumferential edge of the disc, wherein a middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments contact an end of the mandrel, wherein a first end portion and a second end portion of each of the plurality of filaments extend radially from the mandrel, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion of each of the plurality of filaments contacts the circumferential edge of the disc at a point of engagement, each point of engagement being spaced apart a discrete distance from adjacent points of engagement; and
wherein the disc and the plurality of catch mechanisms are configured to move relative to one another.
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