Abstract: A knot stretcher for use in tightening splice knots that connect twine balls on an agricultural baler. The knot stretcher includes a pair of pulling bars connected at pulling bar pivot at one end of each of the pulling bars, and a pair of levers, where one of the pair of levers is attached in a middle section of its respective pulling bar. Each lever has a handle portion at one end and an arm portion extending from an elbow formed in the lever. Each lever attaches to its respective pulling bar with a fixed pivot located near the elbow and distal ends of the arm portions of the two levers are attached at a moving pivot. The knot stretcher has clamping jaws positioned on the pulling bars to securely clamp a respective one of the twine tails of the splice knot that is to be tightened.

Abstract: A string loop tensioning pliers device includes a first member comprising a first handle and a fixed arcuate jaw comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The lower jaw has an arcuate claw end and the upper jaw has a first lateral dowel pin end and three in-line lateral facing beveled prongs. A second member comprises a second handle pivotally connected above the first member and includes a notched end opposite the handle and a second lateral dowel pin configured to join with the middle prong when the pliers are closed. A method for using the disclosed tensioning pliers includes tensioning a string knotted to the bowstring, spreading a loop created on the bowstring and tensioning the created loop by inserting the middle prong joined with the second lateral dowel through the formed loop and squeezing the pliers to separate the middle prong and the second lateral dowel.

Abstract: A string loop tensioning pliers device includes a first member comprising a first handle and a fixed arcuate jaw comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The lower jaw has an arcuate claw end and the upper jaw has a first lateral dowel pin end and three in-line lateral facing beveled prongs. A second member comprises a second handle pivotally connected above the first member and includes a notched end opposite the handle and a second lateral dowel pin configured to join with the middle prong when the pliers are closed. A method for using the disclosed tensioning pliers includes tensioning a string knotted to the bowstring, spreading a loop created on the bowstring and tensioning the created loop by inserting the middle prong joined with the second lateral dowel through the formed loop and squeezing the pliers to separate the middle prong and the second lateral dowel.

Abstract: A thoracic closure device. The device has a handle member, a base member, and a feed path, and is designed to accept and, with a ratcheting mechanism, tension a toothed closure tie. A guide member is also provided, and assists in the placement of a closure tie prior to tensioning. Methods of closing a median sternotomy using toothed closure ties are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for applying tension to string-like material includes a first member having a first handle section and a first engaging section opposite the handle section facing a first direction for receiving and engaging a first strand. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member and has a second handle section and a second engaging section opposite the second handle section. The second engaging section faces a second direction opposite the first direction for receiving and engaging a second strand, and moving the handle sections of the first and second members towards each other urges the first and second engaging sections apart. The first strand can be attached to the second strand so that when the first and second handle sections are moved toward each other the first and second engaging sections move away from each other thereby tensioning the first strand.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for applying tension to string-like material includes a first member having a first handle section and a first engaging section opposite the handle section facing a first direction for receiving and engaging a first strand. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member and has a second handle section and a second engaging section opposite the second handle section. The second engaging section faces a second direction opposite the first direction for receiving and engaging a second strand, and moving the handle sections of the first and second members towards each other urges the first and second engaging sections apart. The first strand can be attached to the second strand so that when the first and second handle sections are moved toward each other the first and second engaging sections move away from each other thereby tensioning the first strand.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for applying tension to string-like material includes a first member having a first handle section and a first engaging section opposite the handle section facing a first direction for receiving and engaging a first strand. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member and has a second handle section and a second engaging section opposite the second handle section. The second engaging section faces a second direction opposite the first direction for receiving and engaging a second strand, and moving the handle sections of the first and second members towards each other urges the first and second engaging sections apart. The first strand can be attached to the second strand so that when the first and second handle sections are moved toward each other the first and second engaging sections move away from each other thereby tensioning the first strand.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for applying tension to string-like material includes a first member having a first handle section and a first engaging section opposite the handle section facing a first direction for receiving and engaging a first strand. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member and has a second handle section and a second engaging section opposite the second handle section. The second engaging section faces a second direction opposite the first direction for receiving and engaging a second strand, and moving the handle sections of the first and second members towards each other urges the first and second engaging sections apart. The first strand can be attached to the second strand so that when the first and second handle sections are moved toward each other the first and second engaging sections move away from each other thereby tensioning the first strand.

Abstract: A vice like grip for chains comprised of an elongated main handle. A pivoting jaw portion is pivotally coupled with the elongated main handle. The device includes a pair of gripping elements. One of the gripping elements is secured to the elongated main handle. Another gripping element is secured to the pivoting jaw portion.

Abstract: A knot tightening tool for use in mending or making a fishing net, which fishing net has a heavy rope or the like to which a flexible line such as a cord line is secured by a knot around the rope. The knot tightening tool has a pair of handles aligned in the same plane with end portions adjacent the rope and being interconnected by cross links such that rotation of the grip ends of the handles causes the end portions to move apart. Each end portion has gripping jaws that grip the free ends of the line and in the opposing movement pulls the free ends of the line, tightening the knot.