Abstract: A suture system for closing a wound defined by tissue portions includes an elongate suture having a pair of ends adapted for threading relative to the tissue portions leaving the suture ends free. A securing mechanism has a first position for capturing the suture ends and a second position for permanently holding the suture ends in a fixed relationship, with the suture tensioned to maintain the tissue portions in close proximity. In a third position, the securing mechanism frictionally engages the suture ends in a sliding relationship. In an associated method, continuous tension is placed on the suture ends during operation of the securing mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swaging method and apparatus for swaging flemish eye splices. In particular, the invention concerns the production of swaged joints in which, by virtue of providing ferrules (5) and swage blocks (16, 17) of a particular construction, during a swaging operation displaced material of the ferrule (5) is channeled into the swage blocks, rather than out of them, and hence ovality of the swaged ferrule is avoided. In this manner, the swage blocks (16, 17) can be brought fully home in a single operation until top and bottom flats (10e, 10f) of the ferrule (5) are in contact with top and bottom flats of the swage blocks (16, 17).

Abstract: A cord retraction device for drawing excess cord lengths into a housing through a cord aperture, the housing, containing a rotating spool driven by a coiled spring, the cord being attached to the spool through a lead member and cord retention member, where the cord retention member has an open, non-attached configuration of greater dimensions than the cord aperture, and where the lead member is of sufficient length such that the cord retention member is positioned outside the housing when the coiled spring is fully wound, such that the cord retention member Can only pass through the cord aperture after it is joined to the cord in a closed, attached configuration of dimensions smaller than the cord aperture. An embodiment with oppositely rotating spools for use with looped cords is also presented.

Abstract: A retainer device for holding a pair of electrical connector plugs in interconnected relation includes an elongate flexible strip formed of velcro material. The strip is of rectangular configuration and has a pair of slits in the end portions thereof. The interconnected electric plugs extend through the slits and the end portions of the strip are folded over into overlapped relation and are releasably connected together.

Abstract: A termination assembly is disclosed, which termination assembly is adapted to retain an elongated, generally rigid member, such as a wire to a mounting surface. A mounting surface is configured to define a receiving channel, which may include an aperture. A deformable sleeve member is configured to engage the generally rigid member to be retained and the channel in the mounting member. Cooperative deformation of the deformable sleeve and the mounting member will cause the two members to deform to engage one another, thereby securing the generally rigid member to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A malleable clip for reversible application to a power line which connects a power tool to a power source to alter the angular relationship and/or offset distance of the power tool with respect to the power line. Malleable clips comprise one or more malleable links adjustably coupling a plurality of adjacent circumferential clips end-to-end. The malleable links have lateral bending compliances which may be substantially unequal. One or more resilient links may also be present between adjacent circumferential clips in a malleable clip. The lateral bending compliances of the resilient links, if two or more are present, may be substantially unequal. Malleable clips may additionally comprise adjacent circumferential clips adjustably coupled by substantially longitudinally fenestrated malleable links which facilitate adjustment of the link lateral bending compliance.

Abstract: A surgical clip having a double-leg side and a single-leg side. When the surgical clip is closed, the movement of the single-leg side towards the double-leg side displaces the tissue being clamped through a longitudinal opening between the legs forming the double-leg side. In order to increase the gripping area of the clip, the gripping surface of the single leg is a rounded wedge shape with smooth edges (not sharp) which are parallel to the inboard side of the double legs. The rounded wedge shape is used in order to avoid cutting the clamped tissue. When the surgical clip engages with tissue to be clamped, a plane of the tissue is displaced at the clamping region which increases the force needed to displace the clip from the tissue being clamped.

Abstract: A surgical clip for occluding an anatomical structure is disclosed. The clip has a hinge portions and at least three legs projecting from the hinge portion with a slot portion present between at least two of the legs. The hinge portion affords easy removal of the clip.

Abstract: A strapping structure for an optical instrument such as a camera, a video camera, a binocular and so on, which is capable of performing as more than two straps having different functions such as a grip strap and a shoulder strap. The strapping structure comprises a loop-shaped strap which is installed on the camera body, and a stopper provided on an intermediate portion of the loop-shaped strap. The stopper is shiftable along a longitudinal direction of the strap, and forms a large loop-shaped first strap serving for example as a shoulder strap and a small loop-shaped second strap serving for example as a grip strap. The loop-shaped strap, which is positioned adjacent to the camera body, is provided with a pad. This pad can be used as a pad receiving a back of hand or a shoulder pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assuring that a swaged fitting which is compressed upon a cable or holds an assembly together has been properly processed. A coating which changes when pressure is applied to it is placed on the outside of the swage fitting before it is subjected to the swaging step of the assembly procedure. This coating is then damaged, discolored or otherwise modified by the pressure applied to the swage fitting during swaging, so that a simple visual inspection can determine if an assembly has missed the swaging operation.

Abstract: A traction cable is provided for use on a vehicle tire to increase traction in snow and ice. The traction cable comprises a pair of elongated flexible side members having first and second ends, a plurality of flexible cross members interconnecting the side members, a transverse connector mechanism for transversely connecting the ends of the cross members to the side members, and a releasable connector mechanism for releasably connecting the first and second ends of each of the side members. The cross members have ends and each of the cross members includes a cable having a plurality of traction elements slidably and rotatably mounted thereon. Each of the traction elements define a plurality of edges. The releasable connector mechanism includes first and second metal stampings which are preferably identical, a metal ring, and a flexible strap having first and second ends.

Abstract: The closed loop cable system was designed for preventing the theft of coats, but could be used for many other applications. When used for theft prevention, a length of cable is passed through one or both sleeves of the coat to form a loop, and the cable ends, which are provided with mating ferrules are then mated together and then crimped. The cable loop through bath sleeves prevents anyone from trying the coat on, and through one sleeve enables customers to try the coat on, but alerts clerks that it has not been paid for, and thus prevents anyone from putting a coat on and walking out without paying for it. A specialized tool is used to crimp ferrules on the ends of the cable together, and the same tool can be used to cut the cable.

Abstract: The device is for preventing the casual theft of a saddle from a bicycle that has a quick-release saddle adjustment, and is particularly useful with mountain bikes. The device comprises a plastic-covered steel cable, with a loop at each end. One loop passes over the rail of the saddle, the other loop passes over the rear stay. The device includes two clips that are suitable for forming the loops in situ on the bicycle. The clips are squeezed down onto the cable with pliers. A preferred clip is 8-shaped.

Abstract: A seat belt system includes a cable for attachment of a seat belt buckle to a vehicle structure. The cable transmits forces from the buckle to the vehicle structure. The buckle has a base plate with a pair of facing channels. The cable has a loop intermediate its ends and parallel extending end portions. Opposite portions of the loop are located in the channels in the base plate. A member is attached to the base plate and located in the loop and has surface portions engageable with the loop. The channels retain the opposite portions of the loop against the member, and the member transmits forces acting on the buckle to the cable. An attachment plate connects the cable to the vehicle structure. The attachment plate has a channel with a bottom wall for receiving the end portions of the cable. A plurality of projections on the attachment plate clamp the end portions of the cable against the channel bottom wall to secure the cable to the attachment plate.

Abstract: An adjustable cable mounting bracket for automobile bodies is formed as a unitary structure in which a barbed locating member and a partially cylindrical backing member are hingedly connected to a slotted adjusting member to be folded into position where the resulting bracket assembly is rotatably mounted in an automotive body panel and provides for circumferential and axial movement of a portion of a flexible conduit or cable received in the bracket in snap-fit relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical clip for occluding the flow of blood through a blood vessel, artery or vein. The clip formed with longitudinal and transverse or lateral notches to prevent both longitudinal and lateral slippage of the clip with respect to the vessel. The clip is also provided with coined front legs to assist in deformation about a vessel and to further provide a self aligning feature when the clips are arranged in an abutting, forward facing row. The apparatus of the present invention forms the foregoing described clip and does so in a symmetrical way to provide a clip with a uniform stock length.

Abstract: A device for mending a broken cord in a sports net. The device includes a pair of ferrules having deformable flaps that can be crimped onto the broken cord ends. The ferrules can be connected with each other by a flexible cord element gripped by sleeves on the ferrules, by a rigid connecting strip, or by a flexible cord element threaded through openings and gripped by the flaps crimped onto the broken cord ends. In the latter case, the broken cord ends are threaded through the openings and knotted to enhance the security of the connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for affixing ornamentation support members to a cord-like member, wherein the ornamentation support members include a clamp and a tangentially extending base member which is bonded to the clamp. In accordance with the invention, the base member is supported by first support surface means and the legs of the clamp are supported against outward deformation by parallel walls of a channel formed in second support means. The cord-like member is positioned within the clamp. A slide member is provided in the channel which is moveable between a rest position and a crimping position for deforming the legs of the clamp to crimp the legs about the cord-like member.

Abstract: A telephone security clamp for preventing removal of modular telephone equipment which is electrically connected by its modular jack to a modular socket. The security clamp includes a wedge which is inserted beneath the release tang of the modular jack. The tang is thereby blocked and prevented from being depressed to thereby prevent removal of the jack from the socket. A housing clamps the wire directly adjacent the wedge and thereby prevents access to the wedge. The wedge and housing can be integrally formed of unitary construction.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for closing a flexible container which comprises a body portion having first and second opposed gripping arms extending therefrom. The arms are each adapted to be folded about a fold line relative to the body portion so that the arms, with the body, are capable of at least partially encircling the flexible container for closure thereof. Each of the arms has at least one gripping and engaging means extending inwardly therefrom, and the body has a first gripping and engaging means adapted to fixedly engage the flexible container in one direction and a second gripping and engaging means adapted to fixedly engage the flexible container in a second opposed direction. Means are provided in at least one of the body or arm members for passage of a tie member operatively associated therewith. The device provides a tamperproof closure for a flexible container when used in combination with a tie and deformable sealing element.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a unitary cable-clamp fitting adapted for equipment or other connection to an overhead-suspension cable or messenger wire. The fitting comprises two side panels integrally connected by a single bend establishing an initially acute angle between the side panels. In a preferred form, the outer edge of each panel is characterized by an elongate flange bent inward and generally toward the opposite side panel, and the initial space between flanges is slightly less than the cable diameter to be accommodated, so that cable assembly and loose retention are achieved via snap-action insertion between the flanges. A nut and bolt, loosely engaged via aligned openings in the panels, is tightened to set the clamp to the cable. Bracket hardware having a mounting opening may be clamped with the same nut and bolt, and the bolt itself may be formed for simple accessory or guy-wire connection.

Abstract: A thimble insert for placement in a thimble eye of a cable, the thimble insert including a rigid body having a groove therein for engagement with the thimble and a slot for receipt of an anchor device engaged by the thimble eye. The body can be prepared with either a cylindrical or a tear drop profile and may be fabricated as a two-piece assembly.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a unitary clip of ductile sheet metal in the form of a peripherally continuous elongate rectangular frame which is bent at its longitudinal midsection. The frame defines a window between its bent longitudinal legs, such that after inserting a loop-defining fold of cable, dropwire or the like through the window, the longitudinal ends of the frame may in a simple operation be crimped toward each other and into compressionally clamping engagement with adjacent regions of the folded cable, thereby also frictionally engaging to each other the adjacent regions of the folded cable.

Abstract: In a U-shaped clip made from strip material and intended to close bags and flexible tubes, said clip comprising a web connecting two limbs having outwardly angled end lugs, the improvement which comprises forming the surface of the clip which is to engage a bag so as to provide elevated and depressed zones to grasp the bag more securely. The elevated and depressed portions can be established by forming longitudinal beads on the inside of the clip along the web and limbs or by forming longitudinal grooves on such inside.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved clasp formed by a clasp bar including a pair of clasp arms extending outwardly from a central junction point, each of the clasp arms terminating in an outer end, the opposed outer ends being provided with cooperating lock means such that the clasp bar may be utilized to encircle a substantially flexible article and the lock means manipulated to encircle and lockingly engage the flexible article within the confines formed by the clasp arms and central junction point and the locking means. Various of the embodiments disclose a clasp bar wherein the clasp arms are formed of a resilient material and may be biasingly urged into touching contact in order to permit the lock means to cooperatively engage one another thereby to encircle and lock the flexible article therein.

Abstract: Process for marking slings or the like having a malleable metal sleeve crimped to the sling cable loop, characterized in that intaglio marking is effected on a plate, the plate is introduced into one of the sleeve shaping dies and the press is operated to simultaneously shape the plate and anchor it by stamping into the sleeve.

Abstract: In a U-shaped clip made from strip material and intended to close bags and flexible tubes, said clip comprising a web connecting two limbs having outwardly angled end lugs, the improvement which comprises forming the surface of the clip which is to engage a bag so as to provide elevated and depressed zones to grasp the bag more securely. The elevated and depressed portions can be established by forming longitudinal beads on the inside of the clip along the web and limbs or by forming longitudinal grooves on such inside.

Abstract: A cable pulling eye is disclosed which comprises a tubular shell having a rounded nose end to which an eye is secured and an open tail end through which the end of a cylindrical cable may be inserted and housed for cable drawing operations through a duct. The shell has a cylindrical tail section adjacent the open tail end of a substantially uniform outside diameter approximating that of the cable. The tail section of the shell uniterally joins a cylinderical nose section of reduced outside diameter adjacent the nose end. The nose section has a relatively thick shell wall while the tail section has a relatively thin shell wall. So constructed, the shell tail section may be swaged into gripping engagement with a cable housed therein without increasing the outside diameter of the shell.

Abstract: A U-shaped shut-off clip for bags, flexible tubes or the like, having an over-all uniform cross-sectional area comprising opposed limbs interconnected by a web at transitory points, said limbs having a pliability-prone segment therein.

Abstract: This method of covering a joint of two rope ends includes use of a joint cover constructed of plastic tubing, included heat shrinkable plastic tubing, with methods to form a conical wedge shaped cover. The joint cover functions to help provide a smooth movement of the joint around obstacles. Also included is the use of "selected area shrinkage.

Abstract: A U-shaped clip intended to be deformed to enclose and close the mouth of a flexible tube or bag, comprising a pair of limbs of substantially constant cross-section and a web joined to the limbs, respectively at a pair of transition points, the cross-sections of the web and transition points differing from and having a higher section modulus than the cross-section of the limbs. Advantageously the limbs are round in cross-section and the web at the middle is rectangular with rounded corners, the web changing in cross-section gradually from the middle to the transition points. Indentations may be provided on the outside of the limbs near their ends to facilitate buckling of the limbs toward one another when the clip is worked upon by a closing tool. The clips are assembled one behind the other with their limbs forming two parallel lines, constituting a magazine for supply to the closing tool.

Abstract: An elongate terminal body has a longitudinal bore which receives a wire rope or strand. A deformable member surrounds the rope or strand in an enlarged part of the bore adjacent the end at which the rope or strand enters. The terminal body is compressed to grip the rope or strand so that the deformable member is gripped between the terminal body and the rope or strand. The deformable member dissipates transverse and longitudinal vibrations transmitted along the rope or strand towards the terminal body.

Abstract: A rope clamp having a sleeve of plastic malleable material with an axial center hole of substantially the same cross-section throughout the entire length of the sleeve. The wall thickness of the sleeve is thinnest at the mid portion thereof and thickest at the end portions thereof.

Abstract: The interior passageway formed at the central axis of a bundle of at least three cylindrical elements which are drawn together within a contractable outer member serves to maintain the ends of optical fibers or the like in accurate axial alignment to provide a splice joint or connection thereat.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing swage sleeves upon a wire rope having a sling spliced thereon. The apparatus includes semi-automatic mechanisms for insuring the full and efficient fastening of the swage sleeve upon the splice in preparation for swaging, thereby effecting a stronger wire rope sling.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing together two elongated members, such as rope, at two portions thereof including a friction increasing member interposed between adjacent sides of the two portions and a heat shrinkable tube surrounding the two portions. A normally dry, heat activated adhesive is coated on the interior surface of the tube or on the two portions of the elongated members to adhere the heat shrinkable tube to the elongated members. In instances where only small stresses are encountered by the connecting apparatus, the friction member is eliminated.