FIELD OF mmrB

ΙΘΘΟΙ] ift- one: or more em&odinreius, the resent invention relates to a, rotary braiding tnachine. in certain mbodiments,; the present invention relates to rotary braiding machine for braiding wire having an improved actuator arm m ch nism..

BACKGROU D QE ^< mE mv iMM

Ct>©02] Ho ar bra ding machines are well known, in ar and k¾ been used to, among Other t «¾s _* braid strands of materials seeh. ..as sreeh sta nless steel bron¾e _; polyester, nyl rsj arraroed, carbon fibers, and similar materials around substmtes such, as hoses or cables and hav been of parrieu!ar nsed In forming pressure resistant bydranlie hose. In various £on%urations _; these rotary braidin machifi.es feature two sets: of bobbin carriers rotating in. opposite directions along th same axis and the strands paying out from on set of bobbin carriers are moved around one or more of the other set of bobbin carriers, to form a braid.

100031 There ar a number of significant drawback with the. rotary braiding machines known in the ait,, pamadarfy ^&eri used to braid metal strands. The rotary braiding machine known in the art are overly complex and complicated. This complexity' makes k difficult to keep the machi s properly adjusted so they ca be operated at higher speeds while maintaining high quality braids. Moreover, many prior art designs m fe it iflkuU and/o impossible to make th small timing adjustments riiat are necessary for the rpaehine to operar¾ efficiently, particularly at higher speeds.

[0 041 Accordingly:, what is needed in the art is a rotary braiding machine capable of braiding wire around a cable, hose, or other similar item that is simpler and. faster than conventionally available rotary braiding: systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005:1 One or more embodiments of the present invention provide braiding machine capable of braiding wire aronnd a. cable, hose* mandrel, or other similar item, having an improved.; actuator arm mech nism that Is simpler tha /fconveniionall available rotary braiding systems and can be fme^uned for fester and ^' more efficient braiding,

f 00061 in one or more emho i reritSi e present Invention is directed to an apparatus fo controlling the dwell timing of a transfer arm in a rotary braiding: machine comprising: crank; a earn for moving a transfer arm of a rotary braidin machine; an actuator arm mechanism operadvefy connected to said crank and said cam comprising: a first ac atar arnx having a crank end operatlvely connected to said crank and an adjtjster end having . a: threaded opening -with threads oriented to rotate in a first direction; a second actuator arm having a earn end operatlveiy connected to said cam and; an. adjuster end havin a threaded opening with: threads oriented to rotate in a second direction that Is opposite to said first direction; an actuating arpr adjuster connected to the adjuster end, of said, first actuator arm and: the: adjuster en of said second actuator arm for controlling the length of said actoator arm mechanism.

£00.073 in one or more of these emhodiments the acraadng arm adjuster comprises: a first threaded end sfeed to fit within the threaded opening In. the adjuste end of said drst actuator arm and the threads of the first threaded end of said actuating, arm adjuster being configured in mesh with th threads of th threaded opening In the adjuster end of said first actuator arm.; _: a second threaded: end. spied, to fit within the threaded opening of the adjuster end of: sai second actuator arm. and the threads: of the second threaded end of said, actuating ami adjnster being corsflgtued to mesh with the threads of the threaded opening in the adjuster end of said second aetn a tor arm; and. a central pordon-confignred to ma e with a ro ^' for turning said actuating arm adjnster to lengthen or shorten said actuator artn . mechanism,

[0008 ^' j In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention may include one or more of the above referenced embodiments wherein said actuating a m adjuste further comprises a first retaining nut having threads: configured to ntesh with the threads pf the first threaded end. of said aemating ann adjiister and second retaining nut having threads configured to mes with the threads of the. second threaded end. of said actuating: arm adjuster, in one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention may include one or. more of the above referenced embodiments wherein said actuator apt* mgeh n s . has dwell timi g the ma be adjusted hy turning sa d actu ring arm adjuster. In one or more mbodiments:, the ^• apparatus, of t e present invention may include one or more of the above referenced embodiments wherein said actuator arm mechanism has a dwell timin the may foe adjusted: ^' torning said acnsating a m. adjuster: to lengthen or sl rteu _: said actuator arm mechanism.

in one or more embodiments, the appar tus of the presen invention, may: include one or more of the above referenced embodiments wherein, said first actuator arm Is connecte to said crank via an arm. pivot, ¾ere¾i said, arm pivot comprises a. .crank end having a opening for receMng an o!&et post on said crank ami a forke end for receiving the crank end of said, first actuato arm. In one or more embodiments, the appa rains of the presenr invendon may Include one or more of the above referenced embodiments wherein the offset post on saiCf crank k free to rotate; with respect to said arm. pivot In a r rst plane and the crank end of said first aetuator arm is free to rotate with as ct to said arm pivot In a second plane, offset from said first plane by about.90 degrees.

© 103 In ode or more embodiments, the apparatus- of the present invention may Inehsde one or more of the above referenced embodiments wherein said second actuator arm. I connected to said cam. via an arm pi ot, wherein said arm. pivot comprises a cam end having an opening for receiving a post on. said, earn and a forked end for receivin the cam end of said, second actuator arm. i one or moree bo im nts _* the apparatus Of the present invention rpay include one or More of the above referenced embodiments wherein said cam is free to rotate with respect to said arm pivot In a. first p ane and the cam end of said second actuator arm is free to rotate with respect to said arm pivot In. a second plane, wherein said first, plane is: offset f om said second plane by about 90 degrees. I one or more embodiments,, the apparatus ol the present invention may include one or more of the above referenced embodiments wherein the crank end of said first actuator arm further comprises a substantially eylhkirieai opening having an axis and the c .end o said second actuator arm further comprises ¹ a. substantially cylindrical opening havin an axi perpendicular to the :a of the strhstandaily cylindrical openin in the crank end of said first ac tuator ami,

|0O11] in another embodiment, the present invention is directed a method of adjusting the dwell, timin us ng the apparatus, described above, comprising using actuating mi adjuster to chang the length of the aetnatin m. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed a method of adjusting the dwell timin using the apparatus: described above: comprising: securing tool to the central portion, of the actuating arm adjuste : using the tool to rotat the central, portion of the actuating arm a<¾¾ster to lengthen or shorten said actuator arm mechanism and: adjust the dwell timing, wEi &EBc iom& $ m$

[0Q1.2] For a more cornpiete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of tire invention along with the acc nyi g figures In which:

£013133 Fl<3. 1 is front elevaiional vie of a rotary braiding device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[001 } FIG. is a side elevational view in partial cross-section of a rotary braiding device according to one or mote embodiments of the present invention-

[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear ekvational view of the support and transmission elements: of a rotary braiding device according to one: o more euri>odinients of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-G are cross sectional views of the spindle assembly of a rotary braiding device according to one or more embodiments of d¾e present invention. FIGS 4B-C are enlargements of track assembly along the periphery of the full spindle assembly shown in FIG, A.

[00171 FIG, 5 M \ front elevationsl view of a rotary braiding device according t one or more embo iments of the present in ^ndem having most: of the front and rear earn rs removed,

IQ018J FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a trolley according to o e or more embodiments of the present mvention. [ 01 1 F10. is a. p rs ective vi νί the: rear carrier assembly and. actuator arm mBcb sisK eeeriiing to o or more embodmients of the present invention.

[0020] EIG, is an. exploded perspectiv View of a drive Sem¾ according to ne .or more e bodinrents of the present invention,

[0021 J FlG _: , 8 is a perspective view of a drive assembly according to: one or mm® enmodlme s of the present Invention.

[00223 FIG, 9A |s an exploded perspective view: of an actuating arnr assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[00231 FIG, B-£ are a perspective views ^" ; of a aetoat!ng arm assembly ccor ing to :one or more emfedlments of -the ^' present invention, with,: (FIG. and ^' without (FIG, B) ann pivots,

[0024J FiG. _: 1 3A i an exploded perspective view of a earn pivot assembly according to one or mor embodiments of the ^" present invention,

[00251 FIG. i OB is a per$pecp¾e iew of a earn pivot assembiy according: to ^' one or mote embodiments: ofthe present invention.

[ 0261 FIG. 1IA is an: exploded: perspective view of transfer arm assembl accordin to one or mote embodiments of the present invention _*

[ 0 71 FIG.. 1 IB is a perspective view of a trans er arm assen ly according ro one or more embodiments of the present invention,

£00281 H.Gv 12A Is an exploded perspective vie of a rear pivot assembly according to One or more embodiments of ^' the resent Invention.

[002S FIG. I2B is a perspective view: of a rear pivot assembly according to one; or more embodiments; of the present invention,.

|O030| In one or more aspect, the present invention is directed a rotary braiding machine capable of braiding wine around a cable, hose, mandrel, or othe similar irenr having an Improved actuato arm mechanism, track, design, and driv mechanism that Is simpler and faster than conventionally available rotary braiding systems, in various embodiments;, the rotary braiding machines of tne presen invention are parricularfy well stilted to braiding strands made .from s arp and/or abrasive material such as steel wire, spring steel, hard, stainless steel, soft stainless steel, pl in copper, tinned-eopper, goidtp!aied copper, aiunvir m, nickel, nionei, or bronze, but ma also be used for textile braiding.

£00313 in genera! outline, m y braiding system including those of the present invention in des: two . ets of. carriers, each containing: 8 .bobbiri holding the wire or other material to be braided, that are driven n opposite directions to form the desired braid around a cable, hose, mandrel .or other similar item. The rear set of carriers are mounted around the perimeter of a round: plat having an onter track, upon which the from set of earners ride. Faired with each rear carrier is an improved actuator arm mechanisrn that moves the wire strands from the rear set of carriers around the wire strands coming f om th front set of earners to iorrn a braid at braid point that is generally along the axis of rotatio of the two sets of cnrriers and in front of the front set of carriers,

[00323 Referring now to FIGS, I and 2, a rotary braiding machine is shown, generally indicated b the nurneral 10. Rotary braiding mac ine 10 inel ades a metal frame 12 configured to support a plate 14, an Internal ring gear 16, and an external ring gear S. A motor 20 Is configured to dtfee the plate 14 and external ring gear IS in first directio at two different speeds. The nieebanism by which, the motor 20 drives control plate 14 and external ring gear 18 at different speeds in the same direction is not pariieularly limited and may Include belts, pulleys, chains, rpecbanlcai transmissio s, gears and/or gear racks.

ί 00331 A representative drive nieehaniSTn for rotary braiding machine 10 is shown in. FIGS, 2, 3 and 4A. in. the embodimen best shown in FIGS; and 3, motor 20 drives a driv pulley 22 that Is connected by a first: belt 24 to a first pulley 26 ^' located on a jack shaft 21, As jack shaft 21 rotates, a second pulley 23 on jack shaft. 21 dr ves an intermediate shaft: 25 by means of belt 27 running to third pulley 28, intermediate s¾¾f "2S is- ep^eted-by foith prdl.ey 29 and belt 3(1 to outer shaft pulle 31 add drives hollow Outer shaft 34, whic is connected to and drives plate 14, intermediate shaft 25 i likewise connected by fifth pulley 35 and belt 37 to laser shaft pulley 3¾ and. drive hollow inne shaft 32, Hollo hnie haf 32 passes through hollow outer shaft 34 and drives external ring gear 18, Hollow inner shaft 32 further includes central opening S3. In these embodiments, the outer shaft .pulley 31

-()· connected to a hollow outer shaft: 34 will h ve a larger djameier than Inner shaft pulley 3 attaelied or secured to hoiiovunner shaft 32.

[0034] It will be appreciaied by those of skill in the art that in this eonigpratiou, rotation of the drive pulley 22 by motor 20 wOl cause control, plate 14 and external fig gea 18 to rotate at different speeds in the same direction, ft should likewise, he apparen tha I» these erfthadihsents, the differences in rotational speed, between control plate 14 and. external ring gear IS will depend upon the relative diameters of forth pulley 29, fifth: pulley 35, outer shaft pulley 31, _. and inner shaft ps!iey 39. These relative speeds of the control plate 14 d es mal rin gear 18 neede for braiding ar well known and one of ordinary skill, i the art will be able to select, forth pulley 2¾ fifth pulley 35. outer shaft pulley 31, nd inner shaft pulley 39 having: diameters necessary to produc the: required ratio or rotational, speeds between the. plate 14 and external ring gear 18 needed for braiding.

[0085] As can be seen i FIGS, A and S, eont ! plate 14 is generally round and has rear surface 3% a front surface ¾ and an outer edge surface 40, a thickness: 42, and a, center point 43. The thickness 42 of control plate 14 is not particularl limited provided that control plac 14 is thick enough to preven bending or deforming during the braiding process. Control plate 1 has a sexier of sio s 4- running r diall inward, from outer edge surface |0 toward the center point 43 of c t l plate 14 that are located, at regular btcervais around the circumference of control plate 14, The length of slots 44 will depend upon the s e and Operation of the rotary braiding Machine 10 and i not particularly limited provided that slots 44 ate long enough to permit braiding as described below., in some embodiments, siots 44 are ffo i about S inches to abfttt IB inches length.

0P ] It Is amidpated that plat 14 will have at least as hiany slots 44 a it ha working rear earners, in one or more embodiment of the present, invention, plate 14 may have from about 4 to abou 100 slots. In one or mor ernbodiments of the present- invention, plat 14 ma have from about 4 to about SB slots. In one or mor omhodimene of the present invention _^ plate 14 ma have from 4 to 60 siots. In one or more embodiments of the: present invention, plate 1 may have from to 20 slots, in one o more embodiments of the present invention, plate 14 may have. from. 10 t 100 slots. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, plate 1 ma have from 30 to 100 slots, hi. one or more emjbotiimems of the present invention, plate 14 may have from 50 to 100 s e. in . .one or more embodiments of the p esent Invention, plate 14 may have f¾rn 70 to 1.00 slots. In one or more embod me ts of the present invention, plate 14 ma have about 24 slots. M one or more embodiments of the presen mention, plate 14 may have about 36 shots. Adjacent: to and in line with the inward end of each of slots 44 is a slot roller 45.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4A-C, and 5, attached, on front surface 38 around the perimeter of control plate 14 and between slots 44 are: a pluralit of track sections 41 that together form a hour carriage track 46 having an upper track 47 that faces radially outward, a lower track.- 49 ^' hieing radially inward and a front face 61. Th track sections 41 may be secured to the control, plate 14 by any convendonal. mean known In. the art for thai purpose including without limitation, screws and/or bolts. Upper track 47 of front carriage track 46 ^: has an inner wall 48 and track botto S¾ that, together with curved plate 56, form an upper track depth 52 and an upper track width 54,

[09381 Lower track 49 fa s radially inward from track sections 41 toward center point 43 and has an inn r wail SI and lower track bottom 53 running aronnd the ^• circumference- of control plate 14 along the underside of track, sections 41, Lower track 49 has a depth. 55 and a width S7, defined by Inner wall 51, lower track bottom 53, and mn-ed. plates 56. While this need not be the case andpther embodiments are possible, lower track 49 Is preferably formed in such a wa ^ only lower track inner wall 51 and lower track bottom 53 of lower track 49 are formed by track sections.41. In some embodiments, length and width of upper track 4 and lower track 49 may be the same.

1003 1 in these embodiments, curved plates 56 are removably secured to the front surface 61 of track section 41 along the outer edge surface. 40 and between slots 44, These Ctrrvetl plates 56 have an. upper portion 67 extending radially outward, beyond upper track, bottom 50 and a lower portion 69 extending radially inward beyond ■lower track bottom S3, thereby forming an outer wail 58 for upper track 47 and ah outer wall 5:9 lor lower track 49» Cu bed plates further Include an arcnate npper edge 71 and a arcuate lower edge 73 that are substantially parallel, in some embodiments, arcuate upper edge 71 and arcuate lower edge 73 are substantially arallel to the perimeter &£ control plate 14. Curved plates 56 may be removably secured to the f ont surface 1 of track, sections 41 using g».y means known in the art for that purpose, including without limitation, screws and/or bolts. In some embodiments, curbed plates 56 are removably secured, to the front snrfaee: 61 of track sections 41 using bolts 7S received into two or mor threaded openings in front surface 6L In addition, curved pl es 56 may he emov d: to enable front carriers 62 m he installed on front carrier track 46 o removed for rnahvtenanee.

£00403 Secured a regular intervals to the rear surface. 36 and around the peripher of control plate 14 are a set of rear earners 60. The number of rear earners •60 is not particularly limited except that, theft must be at least enough rear carrier 60 to form the intended braid and ail. of the rea carriers 60 bein used mus fit a ound the periphery of control plat 14. in some embodiments, th re: are from about 4 to about 100 rear carriers .60. in some embodiments* there ar {mm about 4 to about 60 rear carriers 60. In some embodiments, there are from about 4 to about 20 rear carriers 60. in some embodiments _^ , there are from about 10 to about SO rear carriers 60. in some embodiments, there am about 12 rear carriers 60. In some ernbodinrents, there are about 24 rear carriers 60. In some embodiments, there are about 36 rear carriers 60.

[0041] Any conventional bobbin carrier known in the. art for use with, rotary braiding machines may be configured to work as rear carrier 60. Rear carriers 60 each contain a bobbin 79 wound with a suitable material to be braided, and a tensioning mechanism 48 for regulating the tension on _: the wire; or other materia! leaving: the rear carrier SO; Tensioning mechanism: 48; is; nor particularly limited and any suitahle tensional mechanism may be used without departing from spirit of the present invention, Suitable materials; for braidin - using the rotary braiding machine of various embodiments of the present invention include, wirliont limitation strand comprising steel wire, spring steel, hard stainless steel, soft stainless steel, plain copper,, tinned-copper,, gold-plated copper, aluminum, nickel moneh brorae, or various textiles, including ithdut limitation, cotton, polyester, nylon, and/or rayon, As will b«: apparent to those of skill in the art, rear carrier 60 in general, and bobbin. 79 and tensioning mechanism 48 in art cula , must be statable for the particular material to be _: braided, a i in particular, when strands made from steel wire, spring

-0- s el, hard, smlnless sreel, soft stainless gold-plated; copper, aJumlnyi , nickel, mone!, bronze, apd or other shar or abrasive materia! are to be braided, a rear earner 60 configured to be used with these materials should be used. One of ordinary skill n the art will be able to select a carrier .for nse a ear cat ler 60 without undue experimentation.

[0042 J A curt espoiKh ^' ng set . f front carriers 62: are mounter! on trollies 83 running along front carrier track 6 at regular intervals around the peripirerj of cotuxal plate 14, As- will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, there will he; the same .number pf front carriers 62 as rear carriers 60, In som embed intents, there are from, abotrr 4 t about 100 front carriers 62 are mounted on trollies d nmrjing along front carrier: track 46,

are _: mounte on trollies S3 ru iing along front carrier track 46. In some embodiments, there are from about 10 to about 40 front carriers 62 are mounted on trollies 83 running along fron carrier track- 46.

!$Q433 As with rear carrier 60, any conventional bobbin carrier known i the art for use: with rotary braiding; machines may he configured to work a front carrie 62, Each: of the front carriers 62 contains: a bobbin. I X wound wh r materia! to be braided and a tensioning mechanism 48 for regulatin the tension on the wire or other material leaving the carrier ^' 62. Again, tensioning mechanism. 48 is not partictdarly limited, and any suitable tensiona! eehanlsm. ma be used, without departing from spirit of the present invention. Sniiah! materials for braiding; using the rotary braiding machine of various embodiment of the present invention include, itnottt limitation strands comprising steel wire, spring steel, Bard stainless steel, soft; stainless steel, plain copper, tinned-copper, gold-plated copper, aluminum, nickel., monel, bronze, or various textiles, including without limitation, cottons, polyester, nylon, and/or rayon. As with rear carrier 60, fr nt carrier 62, In. general, and bobbin §1 and. tensioning mechanism 48 in patticular, must be suitable for the particular material to be braided and in particular,, when strands made from steel wire, spring, steel, hard stainless steel, soft stainless steel, plain copper, tinned-copper, gold-plated copper, aksminurn, tnckel, monel, broo¾e, and/or, and othe sharp or abrasive ^■ material, are to be braided, a front earner 62 configured to be used, with these nuitetial should he used. One of ordinary skill: i» the art will be abl to select a carrier for se: a fitmt carrier 6^

[©0441 As can be s en In FIG, 6 _; trollies S3 comprise a plurality of upper rollers 64 sked o fit wi hk- upper track 47, a plurality of lower rollers 6S siaed ro fit within lower track 49, a mpnrsilng plarform , 8S secured to upper rollers 64 and lower rollers :6¾. and a rack 87 secure to eaclrof the trollies 83 below lower rollers 65 as shown in FK3. §.· bfle nor partienlarly linnted, in some, embodiments each trolley 83 has roni 2 to 10 upper roller 64 arid front 2 to W fe er rollers 65. lit smn embodiments., eaeh trolley S3 has four uppe rollers 64: and thre lower toiler 63. Upper rollers §4 and lower rollers 65 may be/seemed to mounting platform. 85 by j suitable m ans, provided: upper rollers 64 and. lower rollers: 63 ar free t rotate. Suitable methods for secintig u pe rollers 64 to mounting platform 85 may include, without limitation, screws, holts, rivets, and/or snap rings. In some embodiments, upper rollers 64 are secured ¹ to mounting; plattorm 85 by means f stud or hok 93. likewise, raefc 8? may be secured to each of the trollies 83 below lower rollers 65 by any suitable means known in the art. In som embodiments, tack.87 may be secured t trollies 83 below lower rollers 65 by an elongated stud or bolt haying a threaded end, which extends throngs mounting platform 85 and lower roller 65 and received in a threaded opening (not shown) in the top surface of rack 87.

As can he seen in FIGS, X and a plurality of planetary gears 68 are mounted on the. front surface: 38 and arouu the periphery of control plate 14. Planetary gears 68 are conflignred to mesh with external ring gear 18 on die radial inward side and with facfe 37 on the: radially: outward side: as the trollies 83 move arotmd front track 46, in some embodiments, planetary- gear 68 rotate rou d pest 89, which is In a hearing (not shown) set in openings In eontrol plate 14.

100 63 In sortie embodiments, there are a set of 1.2 fron carriers 62 located at regular intervals along front earner track 6 aronnd the periphery of plate 14- As set forth ahoye, the: rotary braiding machine of the preseut . n e t on will have the sam mnnher of front carriers 62 as rear carriers: .60:,

[©64 ] Secured to the rear: surface 36 of plate 14 adjacent ro each, one of the reat carriers 60 is novel and improved actuator arm mechanism 70. An im roved actuator arm mechanism according to one or moire embodiment of the present irwentino Is s own In F!fJS. 7-12, The actuator arm mechanism 70 shown in FIG, 7 iuehides a housing; 7% which is secured to; plate 14 by holts. 74 mi hmm άήγν assembly 76> While in the embodiment shown: In FIG. housing 72 is removably: secured to plate 14 by bolts 74, the Invention Is: nbt to be so limited and housi : 72 may be secured to plate .14 by any suitable means known in the art without departin from spirit of the present Invention:.:

[0&4SJ A drive assembl 76 according to one or more embodiments of the present Invention Is shown in FIGS. SA-B, Drive assembly ;76 mdudes a. planetary gear 78 operatively eonneeted to a crank 80. Actuator rm housing 72 is secured to the. rea surface 36 of plate 14 In sueb a way that planetar gear 78 of drive assemM 76 Is located within, and meshes with the teeth of internal ring gear 16, which, as set forth above, ^' ^..stationary. Planetary gear 78 may operatlveb connected to a _: crarik ¾0 by m means know In the art for tha pn.rp.ose, provided: that : any such mechanism ^■ prevent . rotational movement of the planetary gear 78 relative to crank 80, or visa verm

[00491 As can be seen in FIG, 8A, crank 80 includes outer post 02, outer plate 84, inner post 86, inner plate 88, and offset post 90. Outer post 82 extends outward (i.e. away frcm plate 14) f m the outer surface 92 of outer plate 84 and is received by opening 94 i actuator arm housing ^" 7% Inner post 86 extend inward (ic. toward plate 1 ) from an inner surface 96 of inner plate 8 through opening 98 in planetary gear 78 and crank bushing 100 _» and is received by a hearing (not shown), which I fit within an opening (not shown) in plate 14. In the embodiment shown m FIG. 8A, inner post 86 has an upper portion 106 having a square shaped cross sectional area and a; lower portion 108 having a round, cross sectional area. In thes embodiments, opening $8 in planetary gear 78 will hav a. eorres ndihg square shap that Is cosbgwec! to mate with the upper pordon 106 of inner post 86 to prevent rotational movement between planetary gear 78 and. inner post 86; of crank 80. it should be appreciated, however, tha while in the embodiment shown In FIG, 8A the cross sectional, shape of upper portion 106 of inner post 66 and the shape of opening 98 of planetary gear 78 are both, square shaped,, thy invention Is not to he so limit d:. Upper portion 106 of inne post 86 and opening 98 of planetary gear 78 may ha any shapes: that will interlock to: prevent rotational inovernent between planetary gea W an inner post ÷8 of crank 80 , Lower ;po«¾ r¾ ^; 108 of : imier ost 86 Is configured to mate ith a bearing; set In an opening in plate 14 (not shown),

[0050| As should be apparent, i ier post 86 and o ter post 82 hav® a eOuirnon « around which crank 80 will rotate. Offse post 90 runs between the inner surface 110 o! enter p t®. 8 : and the: . outer ^■■ su ace 112 of inner plate §¾ and. will mo e In a generally eirenia path as crank 80 rota es.

[0OS11 In some embodiments, crank 80 may be constructed In two parts. In. these embodiments, crank. 80 may comprise an upper portion 114 contai i Bg onre ppst SJ. outer plate §4, and offset post 90 and a lower: portion 116 eontalnin inner post 86 and inner plate 88, Upper: portion. 14 and lower portion .118 of crank 80: may then be joined by any epi entipnal luean Including using a screw, Washer: and locking; washer, Moreover, in these _: embodiments, care must be taken to prevent rotational movemen between the upper and lower ppttfons 1 4 ₅ 116, of crank 80, The mechanism used to prevent rotational movement between the upper and lower portiops: 114, 16 of crank 80 is not particularly limited and. any suitable nieehanism known In. the art for that purpose, may be used,

10QS23 Turnin now t FIGS. 9A-C¼ : offse post 915 passes through cylindrical opening 130 in arm pivot end 132, thereby connecting crank 80 to actuating arm assembly 184- FIBS. 9A-C depict actuator ar assembly 134 according tq one o more embodiments of th present invention. Actuator m assembly 134 fo ms a flexible and. generally linea linkage between crank SO and cam pivot assembl 136 and has an adjustable length, in. these enfbodhnents, actuator arm assembl 134 mcipdes ami pivo end 13% arm pivot 138, long actuating arm. I4¾ short actuating: arm 14% and aetuating arm adjnster 144. As set forth a ove,, at one end, arm. pivot: end 130 Includes cylindrical openin 132. through which of set pos W of crank ΒΘ passes. In some _: embodiments:, cylindrical opening 130 may also: include needle beatings, which may be held: in place: by one or more thrust washers, but any suitaMe bearing arrangement toown hi the art may he used to reduce friction:; bet een;: ofiser post 9 and arm pivot end 132 as chink 80 turns may be used,. In some embodiments, needle bearings 148, may beluhrieated by means; of a grease fitting.

100531 .Arm pivqf end 132 hrrtber Includes forked end 152, configured to receive long actuating ana 140, Forked end 1S2 includes upper prong 54, lower prong 1S:6 _?

-S 3- slot ISBv aad ali ned openings 160;, 162. .As can be s n In FIG, 9A upper prong 1S4, lower prong 156, slot 158, and aligned openings 160, 1,62 are oriented along an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of offset post 90 within cylindrical opening 130. Long actuating a m 1 0 has a first end 1.64 sized to fit into slot 58 between upper prong 1S4 and lower pron 156 an includes opening 166, which Is config red to align with aligned openings 160, i£2 in tipper prong 154 and lower prong 156 of arm pivot end. 32. As shown in the embodiinenr of FIG, A, opening- 166 In long .actuating arm. 140 . _. may be fitted with bearing. 168, and lubricated by means of a grease fitting, Again, it should be: understood tha any suitable bearing rangemen known in the art ma be used to reduce friction between arm pivot end 132 and long actuating arm 140 ma be used. In the embodiment shown in FIG _* ¾ arm pivot end 132 is secured to long, actuating arm 140 by pivot pin 174 inserted through aligned openings 160, l-6¾ and secured by washer 176 and retaining ring 178.. in l c : by any means, known in the art for that purpose including but not limited to a cotter pin, nut, or sna ring.

fOOS4I The second end ISO Of long actuating arm 140 has a threaded internal opening 182 rruiping from, an end surface 184 of long actuating arm 1 0 to ard the first end 164 of long actuatin arm 140, along the longitudinal x s of long actuatin mm 140, A threaded internal opening 182 is configured to receive : first threaded, portion 186 of actuating arm adjuster 144,

[0055 j Turnin again to HG. # actuator ami assembly 134 inchtdes short actuating arm 142 havin a fest end: 188, i¼t includes a threaded internal opening 190 running from an end surface 19:2 of short actuating arm 142 toward a second end. 194 of short aduadng ann 142, along the axis of short actuating a m 142, Threaded internal opening 190 is configured to receive second threaded portion 196 of actuating arm adjuster 144, he second end 19 of short actuating arm 142 is conflgttred to fit within and he received ¾y, slot 198 hi hnted end 200 of arm pivot 138 and has an opening 202, As shown in. the embodiment of FIG, opening 200 in short actuating arm 142 may he fitted with bearing 204 and lubricated b means of ^■ a grease fitting. Again, it should be understood thai any suitable bearin arrangement lo dwn in the art may he used to reduce friction between, arm pivot 138 and short actuating arm 142 may be used, income embodiments, short aeruafing r 142 is oriented so that the axis of opening 202 is rotated 00 degrees from the axis of rotation of long actuating arm .140 with respeet to arm pivot end 32 as is shewn in piQS. 9A-C.

lOdSSJ As set forth, b ve, arm pivot 138 includes a forked end ,.200 baying first prong 210, second prong 212, aligned holes .214, 216, and slot l¾ a» a second end.: 218 thai includes opening 220, in the embodiment shown in FIG, 9A arm pivot X3 is secured to sho actuatin arm 142 by pivot pi 222 serted through aligned openings 214, 2 _} and secured by washer 224 and retaining ring 226, it should be understood, however that pivo pin 222 may be held in place by any mea s tews in the .8 for that purpose including, but not lmiited to. a cotter pid, nut, snap ring, tail or other similar fastener. As shown in the embodiment of PKb 9A, opening 220 in pivot srtn 138 may be fitted with bearing 228 and lubricated by means of, :grease fitting. Again, it should be understood that any sui able hearing arrangement known in the art may be used,.

£001173 Actuating arm adjuster 144 is connected, to the long actuating arm 140 and short actuating arm 14-2 as described above, and may be used, to change the fegth. pf th actuator arm assembly 134, An actuating arm adjuster 144 according to one or more embodiments of th pt¾sent Invention is slmwn in FIGS. 9 -C and: includes central nut 232, first threaded portion 186, second threaded portion: 196 _!: hrst retainin nut 231 and second retaining nut 233. in FIGS. 9A-C, central nut 232 has a hexagonal profile, but the invention s not so limited and central nut 232 may have any eonfiguration capable of interfacing with a tool in such a way as to permit actuating arm adjuster 144 to be turned,

! TOSa] The threads of the first threaded portion. 186 (and therefore the threads of thread d internal opening 182 of long actuating arm J.40) and the second threaded portion 196 (and therefore the threads of threaded interna! opening 190 of short: actuating arm 142} ru in opposite directions. As a result, If central nut 132 is turned in one direction, the first threaded portion 186 will move further into the threaded, internal opening 182 of long actuating ami 40 and the second threaded portion 196 viil .simultaneously move further into the threaded internal opening 190 of shor actuating am 142^ thereby pulling the kmg and short acroarot arm close together and reducing die length of actuator arm. assembly- 134. if the central nut 132 is _. turned in the opposite direction, however, the first threaded portion 186 will mov further out of threaded, internal: opening 182 of long actuatin arm, 140 and the second threaded porrio 196 will slBiuIianeousIy move fotthe ou of threaded Internal opening 1 0 of short actuating arm 1 2, thereby pushing the long and short- actuator arms f r her apart and increasing the length of actuato a m assembly 134. First retaining nut 231 and second retaining nut 233 may be tightened to secure the desired length of actuator arm assembly 134.

0859] iii he embodiments shown in FIGS, 7 and 9A-C, the portio the actuator arm connected to ami pivot end 132 (lon actuator arm 140) Is longer than the portion of the actuator arm c n cted to the arm pivo 138 (short actuator arm 142) to permit easier access to actuating arm adjuster 144 by moving; It further out; of actuator arm housing 72 and close to th edge of the machine. While this arrangement is preferable, the invention is not to be so limited, and other: embodiments are possible.

[©060 j Turning now to FIGS. l OA- , actuator ami assembly 134 is connected to the. cam pivot assembly 136. As ca h seen, in FiGS:. eam pivot assembly 13 meludes a pivo standoff 234, having a standoff stud 236, and cam pivot 240, and i bolted to actuator arm, housin 72 by bolts 238 received by corresponding threaded openings (sot shown) In. the bottom of pivot standoff 234, Pivot standoff 234 may be secured to actuator ami mechahism housing 72 any suitable means kao n in the art, including, but not limited, to, bolts, screws, rivets, welding or combinations thereof. £0061} In on or embodiments of the present invention, cam pivot 240 may be attached, to pivof standoff 234 as shown In FIG. IQA. In these embodiments, the top; surfnce: 342; of pi yot standoff 234 Includes standoff stud 236, which extends out h¾m the center of to surface 242 of pivot, standoff 234 and cont ins threaded opening 244, extending feotu the end of standoff stud 236 back Into standoff stud 236. In some embodiments, top surface 242 o pivot standoff 234 may further include a raised ring: 246 _J: concentric ^" i h standoff stud 236 but separated from it defining a recess _: into which one or more thrust, washers: and a thrust bearing may be placed. Cam pivot 241) is then, seated on pivot standoff :23 so that standoff stud 236 passes: through a first opening 2S4 in a pivot 240, in to which a bearing may be placed*

~i 6- and is secured by means of washer 25$ and hok 260 _? which is evived into threaded opening 244, Again, It should he underst d that the mvention is not to he limited o

be u ed. Likewise the mechanism, for connecting cam pivot 24© © pivot standoff 234 is not parried ariy limited and may include- other snltahle mechanisms _, known in the art. In some ø£ these: mbodiment^ lubrication maybe applied by means of grease fitting- f Cam pivot 240 has three points of activ tion formed y and/or around first pening 254 (which receives standoff stud 236), ..second opening 266 [which receives transfer arm assembly 268) , and, cam pivot pin 264 (which is received by opening 220 of arm pivot 138) and may hav the generall triangular shape shown i i FIGS, 7 and. OA-B. First opening 254, second openin 26% and cant pivot pin 2S are oriented In a triangular arran ement _* with cam pivot, pin 2.64 offsetfrom first opening 254 and second opening 266, In the embodiments shown m ICiS. _; 7 and 1QA-- , first opening 254 and second opening 66 are ¹ In general alignnient with e¾cli other and th longitudinal axis of actuator a m: assembl .134 and. the cam pivot pin 264 is located above and generally between first opening 2S.4 and second opening 266, in sbnie other embedment , first opening 2S4 and second opening 266 are in general alignment with each other and with the longitudinal axis of actuator arm assembly 134, and. cam pivot κ 264 is located below and generally between first opening; 25:4 and second opening: 266, The actual shape of cam pivot 240 is not particularly limited provided that first opening 254, . second opening 66, and earn: pivot: pin 264 are oriented in a tnangniar arrangement, with earn pivot pin 264 offset from first opening 254 and second opening 266, and. cam: pivot 240 Is free to rotate around standoff stnd 236 without obstruction durin braiding.

|1>063I As set forth: above,: in shown in the embodiments of Fig 7 and 10 A-B, cam pivot 240 can be described, as a triangle . shaped cam with three point of activation,. As should be apparen to those of skill In the art, the first point of activation is the mai pivot point, located, at f t. opening. 254, where cam pivot 240 pivots arotmd. standoff-stud 236 of pivot standoff 234. A second: point of activation Is formed by second pivot point: located at/amund second opening 266, which receives and moves; transfer arm assembly 268 and Is. generally In line with the first opening 254 as set forth above.: lii some emb dim nts, second opening 266 is fit with two: bearings 282 installed on either side of second opening 266 and hold and help actuate transfer arm. assembly 268. Again, it should e ^■ nderstood that the Invention Is not t be Ihnited m this bearing arrangement and any statable bearing arrangement known In the art may- he used. The third point of .activation is & third pivot point located at/around cant pivot p i 264, which is offset from, the: first two openings: As set forth above, the • ^• actuator arts assembly 134 Is mounted t cam pivot pin 264 thru opening 220 and. it is this interaction actuated the cam.

100641 (Sam pivo pin 264 is generally cylindrical In shape and i¾ at least lon enough to accommodate the thicknes of the second end 218 of arm pivot 1:38. in tne ^: embodiment shown in FIG. IQA, thrust washers 270 and thrust bearing (not shown) are: it over cam pivot pin 264 and may be received by a recess snrronnding cam pivot phi 264. in these embodiments, cam pivot pin 240 is then inserted throug openin 20: of arm piv t 138 and; secured by Washer 276 and holt 278. Bolt 278 if received into a threaded: internal openin 280 in can) pivot pin. 264-. As will be apparent, arm pivot 13.8· i secured to ca : pivot pin 236 in such a way as to allo rotational movement arm pivot 138 around cam pivot pi 236 as cam pivot - ..assembly 136 is driven by actuator arm assembly 134.

[00653 As can be seen in FIGS. llA-B, actuato arm mechanism 70 unther: indtsdes transfer: arm assembly 268, and rear pivot assembly 284, As can. he ;seen hi the embodiment shown in FIG, 11 B txansfor arm assembly 268 comprises a rotary spindle 286 and a transfer arm. 288. Tttr g to FIG. 1A, i can. be soon that rotary spindle 286 has body portion 0 and mounting post portion 292, the end of which Is: threaded. The mounting post portion 292 of rotary spindle 286 is inserted through the second opening 266 in cam pivot 240 and secured, thereto by beating lock- asher 296 and bearing lock-nut 293, The body portion 290 of rotary spindl 286 includes passage 36 configured to.;, permit transfer arm 288 t be inserted: tbrottgh rotary spindle 286 and on or more threaded openings 302 running from tbe outside: of body portion 290 of rotar spindle 286 to passage 300. Fitted to the side of rotary spindle 2 are side rollers 304 and fitted to one end of transfer arm 288 are end. roller 306. The other end of transfer arm 2B& interfaces with rear pivot, s m ly 284- Transfer mm 288 may be held in passage 300 by means of one or more set

- I E- screws 308 inserted through ¾readfs openings: 302, and tightened against transfer arm 288. In some embodiments, transfer arm 288 may ha.ve a series of indentures 310 to permit the set screws to better secure transfer arm 288 in place- 0C$66l As can be seen In FIGS, I2A-B rear pivot assembly 284: includes lever rm pivo 312. a d .rotary standoff 3 . I« the embodiment shown In l¾S. 12A-B lever am pivot 312 has a generally flat top portio 316 having a plurality of small rollers 318 si?ed to receive transfer arm 288 between item and a lower post portion 320 having a: threaded end 322. In these embodiments, rotary starsdofr ^' 314 has a bottom surface containing- two o more threaded o e n (not shown) and a central passagewa 324 eoiihgtmed to receive lower post portion 320 of lever arm pivot 3- 2^. and bearings 326. Lower post portion 320 of lever arm. pivot 312 may be secured to rotary standoff 314 by mea s of bearing lock-washer 328 and. bearing loch-nut 330. Large roller 332 Is seeured to the edge of the genera! flat top portion 316 of lever arm pivot 312 m shown in FIG, 12A In some embodin en s, rotary standoff 314 may be: mounted to actuator am housing 72 by bolts 334,. received by two: or more threaded^ openings (not shown) in the bottom surface of rotary standoff 314.

[00671 In general operation, the rotary braiding machine of the present invention may function as follows. As. set forth above, motor 20 drives eontroi plate ½ an external ring gear IB at two different speeds in a first direction, A set of rear carriers 60 and actn tor arnt mechanisms 70: ate attached to control plate 14 and will rotate with the eontroi plate 14 in a first direction. A set Of front carriers 62 are mounted on a set of trollies 83 running along front carrier track 46 such thai their rack 87 meshes with, the planetary gears :68, which swrionnd and are driven b external ting gear 1:8:, As: will be appreciated by those of sfcitl In the art. rotation of the .external rin gear 8: i a first direction will cause the planetary gears 68 to drive the trollies 83 carryin front carriers 62 along fron carrier track 46 in an opposite direction with respect to th direction of the externa! ring gear 18, eontroi plate 14,. rear carriers bCl and aetnator arm mechanisms 70, o permit effective braiding, this gearing is configure s that the rotational speed Of the feat carriers 60 and front carriers 62 will he th sarne,

C006SJ The cable, hose, or other substrat upon which the strands are to be braided Is fed. from the rear of the braiding: machine 10 through, a central passageway S3: a braidin poin (not shown) at a predetermined speed. The ca l , ^- or other substrate may he fed to the braiding poim by any suitable means known In the art. In some embodiments, cable, hose, or other substrate may be fed. te> the braiding point by m ans of conve tional caterpillar haul oil apparatus.

0)0691 As: the set of mi e rn rs S2 rotates, the strands to be braided are paid out from the bobbins 81 of the front carriers 62 tlirotif ienstoiitag .$*edi¾aism and the braiding point. At the same time, strands are paid, out from the bobbins 79 of th rear carriers 60 through the tensioning mechanism 48 and to the actuator arm mechanism 70. where it moves ihroogh large roller 332, side roller 304 and end rollers 306 befor eaching the braiding point. M plate 14 rotates, th planetary gears 78 of drive assemblies 76 are pulled along the stationary interna! ring gear 16 causing them to turn, thereby rotating crank 80.

[0O70 As set forth above, crank 80 is connected to cam. pivot pin 264 on c m: 136- Accordingly as crank: SO rotates it causes cam 136 to rotate. roHftd standoff stud 336 of pivot standoff 234, hic is attached to housing 72. Transfer ami assembly 268 is attached to cam 136 through rotary spindle 286. Movement of cam 136, therefore, causes transfer arm 288 to pivot around rear pivot assembly: 284 moving end rollers 306, and therefore the strand, alon a arc over outer edge stnface 40 of plate 14 between a first and a second, position. To form the braid, transfer arm 2SS Moves an associated rear strand to the first position within one of the. lurality of slot 44 in plate 14- ip allo one or more of the front earners and their associated strands to pass over the rea strand. In some emhodirnents, transfer arm 288 pulls the associated rear strand into contact with; slot roller 45, but this: need not e the ease provided that the rear strand Is sufficiently within slot 44 to ensure that the front carriers 62 and their associated strands can pas ove the rear strand. The transfe arm, and with, it the associated rear strand, then moves to a second position which is sufficiently forward as to allow one or more of the front carriers 61 and associated front stra¾ds: to pass under the rear strand. This proces is repeated: for all of the actuator arm mechanisms 70 to form a braid in the conventional manner,

711 As wiii be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the braiding speed of a rotary braiding machine is largely dependent upon and limited by the timin between the various moving parts of the braiding machine. In pardenla^ it

-2.0- ha been found that t e ^■ timing of the ^■ .movement of transfer arm ith respect: te the movement of the front set of carriers : is of particular importance, As: set forth above, the wire being paid out from the outside carriers needs to pass between, under, and over the inside, carriers to form, the ^■ braid. .As speeds and tensions increase their needs to be a way to time *festr¾» - t¾> -$&s§,¾e wee*v inder and over the mside ^rrmr ^g at the exact tirae without interfering with the carriers. Ai higher speeds, even small rimin problems can. result in strands: breaking or the machine bein damaged.. This i accomplished by retardin and advancing the timing of the strand as it goes from between the: outside caoler and inside earner < the way to the braid: point. In light pi this, the rotary braiding m chines according t one or more embodiment of the present includ : mechanism, for fine tuning the dwell tiniing of the lever arm, t00?2J As used herein, the term "dwell ^' ' o "dwell timing" refer to the length of time spe t by the transfer arm 268 at the top and the bottom its travel path of the to allow the opposite: traveling : Inside carrier to pass. like os rotary braiders, the rotary braidin machines of various embodiments of the present: Invention, ha a macro timin adjustment mechanism that adjusts the rotational position of all the rear carriers at the same time using a twnhuckie (sot shown) t move ah of the rear earrfers with respect to the slots 44 to advance est retard the: timing. As set forth, ab v'e, the rotary braiding machines of various embodiments of the present invention hrrther comprises Micro timing dwell adjustment mechanism on each lever arm module 70. This, arrangement allows individual adjustment of the timing of each lever arm module 70 to help eliminate or at least mitigate th effect of any manufacturing: Irregularities or o ther difference In the individual carriers,. By providing this level of precise control over the dwell timing, the rotar braiding machines of the present Invention are able to run faster with fewer broken strands.

[0073] As set fo th above, the dwell timing of each lever m) modul 70 may be fine-tuned by rotating central nut 132 of actuating m: adjuster 144 to increase, or decrease the length of actuator arm assembly 1.34. in : the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-12, It has been found that decreasing th length of ihe actuator arfn assembly 134, increases the dvvel! time through a dynamic interaction of actuator ar assembly 13 with- cam: pivot 136, as described above. Conversely _* it has been found that: increasing the lengt of the actuator arm assembly: !34 decreases the dwell time thro ug h a dynamic interaction of acmator a m ass mbly 134 with cam pivot Ϊ as described above.

[007 1 Further, the simplicity of the design of die dwell timing adjus ment mechanism, described above permits easy adjustment of die dwell timing for each, of the _: lever arms without signipeauiy adding to the complexity of the actuator arm mechanisrm VVhea eotnpared. to prior art systems, it is believed that the overall simplicity of die actuator am mech nis of d e various endwdinient ol the present toerrti n will, result In, reduced maiatEnance costs and system shut do fi time. Reduction number of moving parts and, use of a more linear linkage for the actuadng arm .mechanism, will likewise reduce aal adjustment of the mechanism caused by the wear ors the various moving. arts and permit eonsistentl ^' higher braiding speeds.

In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated mat the present Invention significantl advances, the art by providing a rotary braiding madiuie _: that Is structurally and furrctlorially Improved In. a nurnher of ways. While particular: embodiments of the invention h ve been disclosed in detail herein, it should he appreciated, that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby inasmuch as variations: on the invention herein, will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill iu the. art, The scope of the invention shall be appreciated honl. the claims that follow.