Abstract: An obturator is disclosed as being of a throwaway, single use, structure, preferably fully formed of thermoplastic, polymeric material and with a piercing and cutting end defined by non-planar faces having depressions formed therein to present cutting edges. The depressions are shaped by compound curves including a partial spherical surface, and angularly related, generally flat surfaces which define the cutting edges. The surfaces are of a shape and orientation as to provide spatial relief to the edges of the walls of a body to which the obturator is applied, thereby preventing stretching and tearing of the wall.

Abstract: A cylindrical yarn carrier having improved means for producing a transfer tail adjacent an end thereof. The cylindrical yarn carrier may be a solid tube, a perforated rigid tube for dyeing or a collapsible yarn dye tube. An end of the tube at which the transfer tail is produced may have a segment along the lengths thereof where the surface of the carrier is irregular or roughened and has a groove therearound that receives a plurality of wraps of yarn therein to produce the transfer tail while further serving as a storage area for same. An opposite end of the tube has a yarn hook means to engage the yarn and permit same to be wound around the package.