Abstract: A heat-treated cord comprising a low modulus yarn core that is wrapped by a plurality of high modulus wrapping yarns that were heat-treated for a time at a temperature and under a load sufficient to provide a free shrinkage of at least 2½ percent and a shrinkage force of at least 3 pounds.

Abstract: A steel cord (10) adapted for the reinforcement of rubber products, comprises a core strand (12) and six peripheral strands (14) concentrically surrounding the core strand (12). Each of the core and peripheral strands (12, 14) comprises a center of two or more center filaments (16) and two layers of filaments surrounding the center. The core strand (12) has a diameter D1 which is greater than the diameter D2 of the peripheral strands (14). All the filaments (18, 20) of each layer have substantially the same diameter and a radially outer layer has a twist angle which is greater than a twist angle of a radially inner layer of the same strand. Each of the strands (12, 14) in the cord is composed of no more than twenty-six filaments (16, 18, 20) being twisted together.

Abstract: A knot tying system is presented containing a feeding mechanism, a knot tying device, and a clamp. The feeding mechanism has a drive roller and an idle roller capable of guiding a wire. A truck is connected to the end of the wire, and fed into a guide track, fixed relative to the feeding mechanism. The guide track provides a curved track in the shape of a knot desired. The track has a tube having a wire extraction slot running along the length of the tube, an intersection region where an outer portion of the guide track intersects an inner portion of the guide track, and a slit through the inner portion of the guide track substantially at the intersection region. A sensing and control system may also be present.

Abstract: A double finger trap loop includes at least one braid having a first end and a second end. The braid is defined by an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion is a hollow conduit in the braid. The braid is readily adaptable to accept the first end and the second end into the hollow conduit. The first end and the second end are associated with each other. The association is capable of adhering the first end to the second end by a continuous internal stitch.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical opening roller unit of an open-end spinning device includes a unitary ring body having card clothing formed of at least one helical groove formed in the ring body, at least one helical ridge between courses of the groove, and saw teeth defined by transverse cuts on the ridge. The roller unit also includes an integrated annular collar that is at least codiametric with the teeth in order to protect the teeth. An integral transition area between the card clothing and the annular collars eliminates the problem of a tooth gap.

Abstract: A method for removing an occlusion is provided comprising introducing a transverse mode ultrasonic probe into a blood vessel, positioning the probe in proximity to the occlusion, and transmitting ultrasonic energy to the probe, until the occlusion is removed. The probe has a small cross-sectional lumen and is articulable for navigating in a tortuous vessel path. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion. The probe can also be used with a balloon catheter. The probe, sheaths, and catheter can be provided in a sharps container which further provides a means of affixing and detaching the probe from an ultrasonic medical device.