APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING BRAIDED SUTURE PRODUCTS

摘要

An apparatus is disclosed for braiding fine denier yarns to form a braided suture product which includes a frame with a main carrier support plate and a plurality of yarn carriers supported on the main carrier support plate, and a bobbin supported by each carrier for dispensing fine denier yarn. Means associated with the yarn carrier and bobbin dispense yarn under predetermined tension. Means are positioned above the yarn carriers for reception of the yarns in a common braiding zone while the yarn carriers are directed through intersecting paths to form a braided sheath from the yarns. A core may be included within the sheath and means are provided for dispensing a core and directing the core to the braiding zone under predetermined tension. Means for controlling the tension of the final braided product within predetermined ranges permits formation of a braided product of predetermined appearance. A method of producing the braided product on the inventive apparatus is also disclosed.