Knots Patents (Class 289/1.2)
  • Patent number: 11058414
    Abstract: Methods for tissue repairs with direct pass cinch are disclosed. A direct pass cinch is created with a suturing construct using only one portal and without shuttling steps. The suturing construct may be a loop terminating in a single tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Cole, Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Patent number: 11006989
    Abstract: A method for providing a bone cerclage according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, wrapping suture around a bone, tensioning the suture to tighten the suture relative to the bone, and securing the suture to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Dooney, Laurence D. Higgins, Evan Lederman, Andrew Christian Petry, Donald K. Shuler
  • Patent number: 10758274
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a variety of transitional or terminal components that may be implanted as part of a spinal fixation construct to decrease the potential for subsequent development of junctional disease. The fixation construct may extend any number of levels from a single level construct to a long construct spanning multiple spinal levels and multiple spinal regions from the lumbosacral to cervical regions, and with any variety of combination of anchors, rods, and connectors. Terminal and/or transitional components may be utilized at the caudal and or cephalad ends of the fixation construct to reduce stresses endured by the construct adjacent pathology and prevent or reduce incidence and degree of junctional disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Shay Bess, Regis W. Haid, Frank Schwab, Christopher Shaffrey
  • Patent number: 10542971
    Abstract: A knot for suturing includes a temporary knot for suturing a wound, in which the temporary knot has a first loop extending form a start part and wound clockwise, a ring part extending from the first loop and formed at different position from the first loop, a second loop extending from the ring part and wound counterclockwise at the same position as the first loop, and a spare part extending from the second loop to be pulled by a suturing needle. A suturing device includes a suturing needle formed in a hook shape at a front end of a suturing body formed in a plate shape to pierce a wound and a knot supply unit disposed on the suturing body and holding and supplying knots for suturing toward the suturing needle so that the suturing needle stitches the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventors: Sang soo Yuk, Eun young Baik, Min soo Yuk, Geun ji Yuk
  • Patent number: 10470772
    Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a retrieval suture that is separable from the anvil head following delivery of the anvil assembly. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly, a delivery assembly secured to the anvil assembly, and a retrieval suture selectively secured to the anvil assembly for retrieving the anvil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10314628
    Abstract: A method for providing a fractured bone with a bone cerclage according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes wrapping suture around bone a first time using a suture passer, wrapping the suture around bone a second time using a shuttling suture, and securing the suture to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Dooney, Laurence D. Higgins, Evan Lederman, Andrew Christian Petry, Donald K. Shuler
  • Patent number: 10292694
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, said apparatus comprising: an anchor body which is longitudinally and laterally deformable; and a working suture which is connected to said anchor body; said anchor body and said working suture being configured such that, when at least one of said anchor body and said working suture receives a repair suture which is connected to the first object, and said anchor body is thereafter disposed in a hole in the second object, applying tension to said working suture secures said anchor body to the second object and secures said repair suture to said anchor body without requiring that a knot be tied after said anchor body is disposed in the hole in the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Pivot Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Graul, Brett Page, J. Brook Burley
  • Patent number: 10245016
    Abstract: Systems and methods for bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone, repairs without knot tying. The repair systems include self-cinching constructs which are tensionable and which include a flexible strand with a knotless, adjustable loop with at least one splice and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand. A final splice is formed by pulling on the shuttle/pull device subsequent to the knotless, adjustable loop being assembled with or secured to tissue (for example, a soft tissue graft or BTB graft), to allow desired tensioning of the graft to be fixated relative to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Eric S. Zajac, Jacob A. Jolly
  • Patent number: 10143506
    Abstract: A method for providing a fractured bone with a bone cerclage according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, wrapping a folded piece of suture around a bone at least once, and securing the suture to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Dreyfuss, Andrew Christian Petry, Donald K. Shuler, Brian S. Cohen, Reuben Gobezie, Peter J. Millett, Laurence D. Higgins, Paul C. Brady
  • Patent number: 10132016
    Abstract: A device comprising: (a) a body portion including: (i) a first end and ii. a second end; (b) a holder at the first end; (c) a holder at the second end; (d) a station device at the first and in communication with the holder at the first end; and wherein the holder is fixedly attached to a spilt gear having a channel therethrough so that one or more flexible mediums may be placed through the channel and removed from a work area located between the holder at the first end and the holder at the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Sheila A. Wright
  • Patent number: 10052094
    Abstract: Devices and methods for soft tissue reconstruction are provided. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes a body a suture filament extending through through-holes formed in the body. The suture is formed into an overhand knot having three collapsible openings with filament limbs extending from the knot. The limbs can be passed through the thru-holes of the body and selectively into the collapsible openings of the overhand knot to form coils extending to an opposite side of the body. For example, one limb can be passed through first and second collapsible openings to form two coils, while the other limb can be passed through the first and third collapsible openings to form two coils. The collapsible openings are collapsed around the limbs disposed in the openings, resulting in a secured overhand knot. Other configurations of knots, as well as devices and methods for use in tissue reconstruction, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRL
    Inventor: David B. Spenciner
  • Patent number: 10010062
    Abstract: A knot tying tool can include an elongated housing and an insert member. The housing can have first and second body portions having different outer cross-sections. A first chamber can extend within the housing with a slit that opens into the chamber. The insert member can also have a slit opening into a second chamber. The insert member can have an inner cylinder rotatable and movable within the first chamber. Rotation of the inner cylinder within the first chamber can move the knot tying tool between a locked and an unlocked position, the first and second slits being aligned in the unlocked position to allow a line to pass through the first and second slits into the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Amal Mashhour
  • Patent number: 9913634
    Abstract: In one illustrative example, a device for sealing an opening in a vessel wall and/or tissue tract may include an anchor, a filament, a plug, and a knot. The anchor may be configured to be disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the vessel wall adjacent the opening in the vessel wall. The filament may have a distal end coupled to the anchor and may be configured to extend proximally through the vessel opening and/or tissue tract. The plug may be disposed about at least a portion of the filament member. The knot may be disposed about the filament proximal of the plug and may be configured to move over the filament and secure the plug relative to the anchor. The knot may be independent of the filament member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9662473
    Abstract: A deflectable, catheter includes a catheter body, an intermediate section, a tip electrode and a control handle for deflecting the catheter by manipulation of a puller element that is made of a high modulus fiber material and extends through the catheter body and the intermediate section. The proximal end of the puller element is housed in the control handle and the distal end of the puller element is in a wrapped configuration and engages with a distal tip member or the intermediate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Dean M. Ponzi, Darrell Drysen
  • Patent number: 9636103
    Abstract: A surgical suturing instrument including a handle assembly, an elongate member extending distally from the handle assembly and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate member. The end effector may include a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position for grasping tissue. Each of the jaw members define a knife slot, a first needle slot, and a second needle slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the end effector. The end effector also includes a knife assembly and an upper assembly pivotably coupled to an upper knife flange of the knife assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper bellcrank, a first needle, a first suture passing through a first aperture defined by the first needle, a second needle and a second suture passing through a second aperture defined by the second needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Christopher Penna
  • Patent number: 9517060
    Abstract: A wound closure device including a first tissue anchor with a first suture filament fixedly coupled thereto at a proximal end and extending along a length to a free distal end, and a second tissue anchor with a second suture filament fixedly coupled thereto at a proximal end and extending along a length to a free distal end. The first suture filament is configured to form a slip knot at its proximal end substantially adjacent the first tissue anchor, and the second suture is configured to form a slip knot at its proximal end substantially adjacent the second tissue anchor. The length of the first suture filament passes through the slip knot of the second suture and the length of the second suture filament passes through the slip knot of the first suture filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Flint
  • Patent number: 9486188
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving severed tissue or foreign bodies from within a subject is disclosed. The device comprises a support unit and a tissue retrieving net system. The net system is carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to retrieve tissue that has been severed by a conventional method. The net system comprises a net, a net actuator, a net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator. The net system further comprises at least one net connector disposed such that only one connector is within an articulation zone, defined by locations of severe bending of the device during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: United States Endoscopy Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean J. Secrest, Marlin E. Younker
  • Patent number: 9474521
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for cutting a filament or suture having an extrudable inner core member are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a device includes a compression element to compress an inner core away from a knot disposed at a distal end of the suture, and a cutting element disposed within a portion of the compression element to cut the inner core after it has been compressed. As a result, an amount of extrudable inner core that extends distally beyond the knot is minimized without negatively impacting the integrity of the knot. In other embodiments, the compression and cutting elements are separately provided as two different devices. The actions of compressing and cutting can be performed using a variety of techniques, including those known to those skilled in the art. Methods for clamping the inner core and then cutting a portion of the inner core are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÀRL
    Inventor: David B. Spenciner
  • Patent number: 9033374
    Abstract: A flexible multi-load connection includes a coil of a flexible high strength cord having a loop end and two running ends, a releasable connection joining the two running ends, the releasable connection comprising a knot, and a connecting arrangement releasably joining the loop end and the two running ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: James E. Sadeck
  • Patent number: 8172860
    Abstract: A method for closing an opening in tissue using a suturing device includes inserting at least a portion of a suture through a tissue tract and through a tissue wall. Following inserting at least a portion of the suture, the method includes advancing a first end of the suture through a bight of the suture, the bight pre-formed about a periphery of a knot tube of the suturing device. Once the first end is advanced, the method includes tensioning the first end of the suture and a second end of the suture adjacent the bight to form a knot affixing a loop of suture across the puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Michael Zung, Jasper Jackson
  • Patent number: 8104486
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hair increasing device that improves the freedom of hair styles and, is constituted in such a manner that each hair is knotted to a rib constituting a hair-secured frame with one end portion being twice wound, and the other end portion being once wound and pulled out thereafter. The one end portion of the tied hair is supported so as to stand upright with regard to a rib, and the other end portion is knotted so as to extend longitudinally on and along a rib, and thereby hair flow is formed in the longitudinal direction on a plurality of ribs so that the plurality of ribs is covered and hidden, and becomes hardly visible. Hence the rib or wig base linear member is hardly visible, the knot does not loosen, and the hair increasing device provides a rich voluminous appearance and allows versatility of hair styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Unihair Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sakiko Imai, Katsuo Sugai
  • Publication number: 20110115221
    Abstract: A method is provided for tying a continuous sequence of substantially identical overhand knots from a single piece of material. The sequence of knots is useful in the art of clothing design, accessory ornamentation, and decorative design, but may also be used for other aesthetic purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: CHARLOTTE KAPLAN
  • Publication number: 20110100472
    Abstract: We describe various methods for making preprogrammed logic systems using knotted yarns. We show that the topology of the knots controls the mixing ratio of the reagents coming into the knots, and thus the ratio can be adjusted by choosing a specific knot. A serial dilutor is built by knotting multiple yarns into a web of well defined dimension. In addition stretchable yarn can be used to control the capillary pressure and hence the flow rate of the liquid, by pulling the yarn. Furthermore, we demonstrate the possibility of patterning impermeable/hydrophobic regions in to the yarn. Finally, we propose that biodegradable yarns can be used into these platforms to build various multi/single cellular scaffolds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: DAVID JUNCKER, ROOZBEH SAFAVIEH
  • Patent number: 7875043
    Abstract: A solution is provided to release a tissue cinching loop within a body having a first thread having a first end and a second end, and a second thread having a first half having a first tip, a second half having a second tip, a bottom half having a link, and a top half, wherein the first end is inserted through the link. A first knot is formed around the first thread with the top half thereby forming a loop where the diameter of the loop decreases as the knot is pushed into the body and the first thread is pulled out of the body and where the loop is released within the body when the first end is pulled out of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sub-Q, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ashby, Roy D. Bertolet, Tin T. Tran, Andrew H. Cragg
  • Publication number: 20090256358
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for tying a necktie in a proper Windsor knot to the appropriate length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Philip Jacob Fay
  • Publication number: 20090209978
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and computer-readable media for real-time winding analysis for knot detection are disclosed. For example, one embodiment of the present invention includes a method having the steps of receiving a first wrapping signal indicating a first wrapping of the simulated thread around a second tool to create a first loop. The method further includes determining a first wrapping direction based at least in part on the first wrapping signal; receiving a first tightening signal indicating a pulling of a first end of the simulated thread through the first loop; determining a first half-hitch based at least in part on the first winding direction and the first tightening signal; and outputting the first half-hitch. In another embodiment, a computer-readable media includes code for a carrying out such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Donald Douglas Nelson, Milan Ikits, Chih-Hao Ho, Kevin Kunkler
  • Publication number: 20090038206
    Abstract: The invention relates to a knot for linking two lines, ropes or similar, such as a float line or a ballast line and a mounting yarn having at least one netting connected thereto. The invention is characterised in that it comprises the following steps consisting in: forming a loop with the first line, said loop comprising two strands which are connected at the tip of the first loop and which separate from one another at the base of the first loop; bending the upper part of the first loop downwards and placing the lower parts of the strands between the upper parts of the strands that are connected at the tip, such as to form a second loop; forming a third loop with the lower parts of the strands under the second loop; introducing the third loop into the second loop; and separating the end of the third loop from the lower parts of the strands, such as to form the knot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: ETABLISSEMENTS ARMAND MONDIET
    Inventor: Jean-Bernard Conte
  • Publication number: 20080281422
    Abstract: An arthroscopic method of resurfacing with a collagen patch. A collagen patch is prepared by dimensioning the patch to correspond to the articular surface, and by providing a series of loops installed along the edge of the patch. The loops correspond to holes on the articular surface. Once the patch has been successfully placed on the surface, the loops are positioned in close proximity to the pre-drilled holes. Fixation devices such as anchors may be installed over the loops, to attach the perimeter of the graft to the surface through the pre-drilled holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Reinhold Schmieding
  • Patent number: 6872079
    Abstract: A method and device for assisting and teaching a child to tie a bow in a shoestring which includes a base member and an extended string attached to the base member with the two sides thereof extending loosely from the base member. A holding member is supporting above the base member and has securing elements thereon spaced from one another and formed to temporarily hold said ends of said string in place thereat to permit said child to manipulate the string and form a bow in the string. Preferably, the string and the securing elements are color coded to assist the child in manipulating the string in a series of steps to form a bow in the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: John Herndon
  • Publication number: 20040251688
    Abstract: The present invention includes an improved method of making knotted netting panels (62) in which pairs of mesh bars (66) are knotted at intersections between lines (22, 34). The improved method includes forming a first loop (24) in the line (22) through which the line (34) helixes to form a second loop 36). Another aspect is improved knotted netting which includes at least two continuous lengths of line (22, 34) that form pairs of mesh bars (66) that are knotted together using the knot described above. A final aspect of the invention is an improved trawl that includes improved knotted netting made from twines (22, 34) that have a lay direction (IIZ” or lIS”). The lay direction (IIZ” or lIS”) of twines (22, 34) are opposite to the direction (lIS” or IIZ”) of loops forming the knots. Cambered sections (41) in the lay direction twines (22, 34) which face outward from an outer surface of the improved trawl are oriented generally toward the front and back of the trawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Sherif Adham Safwat, Valentin Gavrilovich Perevoshchikov
  • Patent number: 6767037
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sliding and locking knot that does not require an additional half hitch to lock and suture retaining structures having such a knot. The sliding and locking knot has a low knot profile suitable for use in surgical areas with low clearance and to avoid interference with surrounding tissue. Additionally, the sliding and locking knot maintains suture strength and is easy to form. Also provided are methods for anchoring tissue to a bony structure using the bone anchor and sliding and locking knot of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Wenstrom, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040017085
    Abstract: A decorative necktie knot device that replaces the need for a necktie knot altogether. The decorative necktie knot consists of a one-piece continuous body having a pair of slots for receiving the bottom portions of a conventional necktie knot. The decorative necktie knot has a generally triangularly shaped front face (38) with side panels (39, 37). The right side panel and left side panel fold upon one another to form a cavity to receive the necktie. Attached to the side panels are fastening means (53, 54) to secure and define the shape and cavity. A single opening at the bottom of the front face permits the traditional necktie to emerge from the decorative necktie knot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: David Daniels
  • Patent number: 6672045
    Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for splicing together two threadlines in a manufacturing process and, more specifically, to a manually assisted apparatus and method resulting in a knot-induced twist entanglement splice that joins a threadline from a standby spool to the running threadline from an active spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Patrick J. Heaney, David R. Roland
  • Patent number: 6648378
    Abstract: An automatic knot-tying device for tying a discrete knot about a workpiece, such as a bundle of wires, has been developed. The present invention works by pulling a filament, such as the FAA-approved lace, transversely around the workpiece. The preferred embodiment of the device comprises a hand-held housing and a knot-tying mechanism within that housing comprising a plurality of carriage rings, for wrapping the filament around the workpiece, at least one shuttle for moving the filament between the carriage rings and along the workpiece at the appropriate steps, and a plurality of hooks for pulling the filament away from the workpiece at the appropriate steps. The operation is finished by cinching, cutting, and reloading so that the resulting knot is discrete and secure. A method for automatically tying a knot around a workpiece uses the present invention to pull, instead of push, a filament around the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Via Science LLC
    Inventors: Michael Torres, George E. Riehm
  • Patent number: 6641181
    Abstract: A knot-tying machine, including a package support for holding a package having a supply of a strand material with an exposed free end wound onto an outer surface of the package, a strand gripper for releasably gripping and holding a length of the strand adjacent the exposed free end of the strand, a loop-forming assembly for forming a loop in the length of the strand adjacent the exposed free end of the strand and intermediate the gripper and the package, the package support and the loop-forming assembly mounted for rotational movement relative to each other for forming the loop in the strand, and a knot-forming assembly for forming a slip-knot in the loop of the strand formed by the loop-forming assembly adjacent the free end thereof, the slip-knot being adapted to be subsequently removed when desired by pulling on the free end of the strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Belmont Textile Machinery Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Dee Thomas, Ralph S. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20030178852
    Abstract: The Irish hitch is a flat knot that combines two cow hitches together to form a new knot. The Irish hitch is twice as strong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph McNicholas
  • Patent number: 6619703
    Abstract: The invention relates to a knot in a first and a second rope, each rope having a left and a right end, between which is a turning point, characterised in that, at the turning points, the first and the second rope cross both ends of the second, on one side, and of the first rope, on the other side, respectively, the left and right end of each rope forming an intersection after the turning points and the knot between the intersections comprising at least four crossings of the two ropes. The invention also relates to a method for making the knot and to the use of the knot in fishing nets. In particular, the invention relates to HPPE fishing nets comprising knots according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventors: Christiaan H. P. Dirks, Jozef M. R. H. Goossens
  • Patent number: 6616198
    Abstract: With a first thread being held at its tail end, a first loop is made. The first thread is passed through the first loop and a second loop is made thereinto. A beginning end of a second thread is inserted into the second loop, and the second loop is pulled into the first loop, and the beginning end of the second thread is tied in the first loop of the first thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 6578883
    Abstract: A machine for tying knots in a linear substrate that is woven simultaneously on the machine or prewoven and fed through the machine. A cutter system uses a knife and a looper independently operated by a series of clamp blocks and connecting links. A yarn needle carries the yarn to the looper for cross weaving. A roller assembly maintains the cut yarn in a taut position. An adjustable picker assembly having cams gathers a number of yarn strands together. A knot tying needle assembly has one end affixed to the machine with an open eyed movable needle for grasping the gathered strands. An adjustable knot tightener interacts with the movable needle to tighten the knot with the aid of an oscillating gear. A rake assembly moves the tied knots to the completion end of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Freddie M. Richmond
  • Patent number: 6543819
    Abstract: A necktie knotter having a plurality of paired retractable slidable pegs movably mounted within horizontal slots and a hook having upper and lower members forming a hook cradle therebetween. The plurality of paired retractable slidable pegs and hook are connected to and controlled by a motor having a microchip and software to control automatically tying a necktie knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: John Hakimain
  • Patent number: 6540267
    Abstract: A balloon tie-aiding device for allowing users to easily and quickly tie balloons. The balloon tie-aiding device includes a clamping assembly being adapted to be fastenably mounted to a support structure such as a work bench; and also includes a pair of finger-like support members being attached to the clamping assembly and being spaced parallel relative to one another with the pair of finger-like support members being adapted upon which a balloon is wrapped thereabout for the tying thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventors: David A. Rohbock, Becky C. Rohbock
  • Publication number: 20020190524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a knot in a first and a second rope, each rope having a left and a right end, between which is a turning point, characterized in that, at the turning points, the first and the second rope cross both ends of the second, on one side, and of the first rope, on the other side, respectively, the left and right end of each rope forming an intersection after the turning points and the knot between the intersections comprising at least four crossings of the two ropes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Christiaan H.P. Dirks, Jozef M.R.H. Goossens
  • Patent number: 6485065
    Abstract: A knot teaching, tying, and developing system that provides a knot tie contiguity that combines knot tie elements in various embodiments. The knot tie contiguity can further include a knot material differentiation element. The knot tie contiguity can further include a hold down that allows the device to be secured for various knotting applications. A kit may comprise a container in which the knot tie contiguity, knotting material, and instructions are placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Darryl S. Lusk, Sara K. Lusk
  • Patent number: 6419283
    Abstract: A knot-tying machine, including a package support for holding a package having a supply of a strand material with an exposed free end wound onto an outer surface of the package, a strand gripper for releasably gripping and holding a length of the strand adjacent the exposed free end of the strand, a loop-forming assembly for forming a loop in the length of the strand adjacent the exposed free end of the strand and intermediate the gripper and the package, the package support and the loop-forming assembly mounted for rotational movement relative to each other for forming the loop in the strand, and a knot-forming assembly for forming a slip-knot in the loop of the strand formed by the loop-forming assembly adjacent the free end thereof, the slip-knot being adapted to be subsequently removed when desired by pulling on the free end of the strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Belmont Textile Machinery Company
    Inventors: Jay Dee Thomas, Ralph S. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6409230
    Abstract: A multipurpose cinch cleat and method of securing a line thereto with maximum simplicity, to prevent longitudinal movement of the line relative to the cleat in one direction, or if desired, in both directions. The cleat includes an elongated support having a cantilevered post with a free end extending outwardly therefrom, the support having opposite end portions which are fixedly mounted upon a supporting surface with the support being spaced from therefrom. Securing a line to the cleat includes passing the line around one side of the post to create opposing right and left-hand line segments; then passing one of the segments toward and around the support, and then around the opposite side of the post. The passed segment effectively becomes a tension line under load, restricting outward longitudinal movement, and the opposite segment becomes a take-up line which, when pulled, allows free longitudinal movement to take up slack in the tension line for tightening same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Guy J. Entenmann
  • Publication number: 20020063429
    Abstract: A knot teaching, tying, and developing system that provides a knot tie contiguity that combines knot tie elements in various embodiments. The knot tie contiguity can further include a knot material differentiation element. The knot tie contiguity can further include a hold down that allows the device to be secured for various knotting applications. A kit may comprise a container in which the knot tie contiguity, knotting material, and instructions are placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Darryl S. Lusk, Sara K. Lusk
  • Patent number: 6347816
    Abstract: A method permits a knot to be tied in a rope that is being held with one hand. The rope includes a first end and a weighted second end, and has a length extending therebetween that permits a user implementing the method to tie a knot therein. Initially the rope is held in one hand such that the weighted second end of the rope is suspended and the rope is taut between the hand and the second end. Moving the hand holding the rope in a first direction and in a second direction causes a loop to form between the hand and the rope second end. As the rope is moved in the opposite direction, momentum permits the rope weighted end to pass through the rope loop to form a knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Glynn Donaho
  • Patent number: 6322112
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tying knots, and in particular knots used in sport fishing. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a holding member configured to allow a user to hold the apparatus, and a first arm defined by a longitudinal axis. The first arm has a free end and a junction end, and the junction end is attached to the holding member. The apparatus also has a second arm having a free end and a junction end. The junction end of the second arm is also attached to the holding member. The first arm free end and the second arm free end are positioned, or are configured to be positionable, in spaced apart relationship. Preferably, the arms are positioned in a splayed-apart position of between about 15 degrees and 160 degrees. The first arm defines a groove parallel to the longitudinal axis, the groove opening out of the free end of the first arm. The second arm free end defines a hook support configured to support a fishing hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Franklin R. Duncan
  • Publication number: 20010030423
    Abstract: A knot teaching, tying, and developing system that provides a knot tie contiguity that combines knot tie elements in various embodiments. The knot tie contiguity can further include a knot material differentiation element. The knot tie contiguity can further include a hold down that allows the device to be secured for various knotting applications. A kit may comprise a container in which the knot tie contiguity, knotting material, and instructions are placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Darryl S. Lusk, Sara K. Lusk
  • Patent number: 6279970
    Abstract: An automatic knot-tying device for tying a discrete knot about a workpiece, such as a bundle of wires, is disclosed herein. The present invention works by pulling a filament transversely around the workpiece. The preferred embodiment of the device comprises a hand-held housing and a knot-tying mechanism within that housing comprising a hollow nozzle for leading the filament toward the workpiece, a wrapping ring for wrapping the filament around the workpiece, and a plurality of pins that extend into and retract out of the path of the filament to form the knot. The operation is finished by cinching and cutting the loose filament so that the resulting knot is discrete and secure. Also disclosed is a method for automatically tying a knot around a workpiece by pulling, instead of pushing a filament around the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Torres