Knotters Patents (Class 289/2)
  • Patent number: 11229164
    Abstract: A knotter system of a baler for performing a knotter cycle including at least a first knot forming cycle and a second knot forming cycle. The knotter system includes a needle; a tucker arm; a billhook assembly including a billhook with a lower lip and an upper lip mounted pivotally with respect to lower lip; and a driver to make the billhook perform at least a first full rotation and a second full rotation. The billhook assembly is configured to position the upper lip away from the lower lip in a first angular range and to position the upper lip away from the lower lip in a second angular range of at least one of the first and second full rotation. The first angular range is located within a range between 0° and 160°, and the second angular range is located within a range between 160° and 360°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Karel Naeyaert, Fernando Alvarez Guerra
  • Patent number: 11045233
    Abstract: A bolster system having a first bolster device, a second bolster device, and an adjustable tether that includes a one-way pre-tied slideable adjustment knot. The adjustment knot is at a first position prior to insertion of the first bolster device into a passageway in one or more bones. The second bolster device includes a body portion having an outer portion that is sized to be received in the passageway and/or in an aperture of a bone plate. The body portion also includes a channel that is sized to accommodate recessed and/or embedded placement of the pre-tied slideable adjustment knot. The second bolster device can also include an oversized plate portion that abuts against a cortex of a bone or a wall of a bone plate. The second bolster device can also include a threaded member or retention tab that lockingly secures the second bolster device to a bone plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, Michael Charles Ferragamo, William R. Davis, Rajesh Sivakumar
  • Patent number: 10986784
    Abstract: A knotter system for a baler includes a needle and a tucker arm for delivering a needle twine and tucker twine respectively, a twine receiver for holding the needle and the tucker twine, a billhook assembly including a billhook with a lower and an upper lip being mounted rotatably around an axis and being arranged for receiving the needle and the tucker twine, a twine finger for guiding the twine. Further, a driver is foreseen to make the billhook perform a first full rotation during the first knot forming cycle and a second full rotation during the second knot forming cycle. The knotter system is configured such that, at the end of the second knot forming cycle, a bale movement of a bale in the baler exerts a pulling force on the twines which removes the twines from the billhook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kenny Maelfeyt, Bram Willem
  • Patent number: 10863980
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-layer suture fastener that includes a generally disc-shaped body defining a plurality of axially spaced-apart layers. Each layer can include an inner axial surface and an outer axial surface. A suture opening can extend from the inner axial surface to the outer axial surface of each layer. The suture openings can have an open configuration and a closed configuration. One or more lines of suture can be passed through the suture openings when in the open configuration. The suture openings can be placed in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the one or more lines of suture can be restricted by radial surfaces of the suture opening from sliding through the suture openings in at least one longitudinal direction of the one or more lines of suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Manouchehr A. Miraki
  • Patent number: 10779868
    Abstract: A bolster system having a first bolster device, a second bolster device, and an adjustable tether that includes a one-way pre-tied slideable adjustment knot. The adjustment knot is at a first position prior to insertion of the first bolster device into a passageway in one or more bones. The second bolster device includes a body portion having an outer portion that is sized to be received in the passageway and/or in an aperture of a bone plate. The body portion also includes a channel that is sized to accommodate recessed and/or embedded placement of the pre-tied slideable adjustment knot. The second bolster device can also include an oversized plate portion that abuts against a cortex of a bone or a wall of a bone plate. The second bolster device can also include a threaded member or retention tab that lockingly secures the second bolster device to a bone plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, Michael Charles Ferragamo, William R. Davis, Rajesh Sivakumar
  • Patent number: 10781070
    Abstract: A device and method for forming a knot to elongated material is provided. The device includes a body, a central cavity inside the body, a material track along which the elongated material is guided in the device, the material track including opening extending along the material track and open to the central cavity. The device further includes one or more barrier elements for blocking at least part of the opening for preventing the elongated material from escaping from the material track also prevents collapsing/folding of the material to the central cavity via the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: GLADSTONE PROPERTY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Jarkko Nikkanen
  • Patent number: 10647541
    Abstract: A knot-tying head adapted to form a knot with a filament around a cylindrical part, and wherein the knot-tying head includes a first body and a second body, wherein both bodies are configured such that when they are attached they form a hollow space between one another for receiving the part; wherein the first body and the second body include at least one conduit forming a path substantially around the hollow space, and the conduit being adapted to receive the filament, and at least one groove communicating the conduit with the hollow space along all or part of its path, the width of the groove being less than the width of the conduit and greater than the width of the filament used to form the knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE, S.A.U.
    Inventors: José Carlos Díaz Cruz, Tamara Ramos Santana, Josef Ignacio Hotz Ordoño, Juan Torres Moreno, Alberto Perez Barthelemy, Ángel David Fraile Martín, Carlos Páez Crespo
  • Patent number: 10631549
    Abstract: A method for tying sausages in a rope of sausage using a tying twine supplied from a reel of twine (9) that rotates about the rope of sausage and to which a counterweight (7) is assigned, wherein the counterweight (7) and the reel of twine (9) are adapted to one another when unreeling the tying twine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Inotec GmbH Maschinenentwicklung Und Vertrieb
    Inventor: Miroslav Domlatil
  • Patent number: 9883633
    Abstract: A knotter system has a bill hook, a twine receiver, a cutting arm and drive components. The twine receiver is adapted to let the twines slip during a second full rotation of the bill hook so that cutting of the twines is avoided when forming the second knot. The drive components can maintain the cutting arm in the extended position after the second rotation of the bill hook for a predetermined period which is sufficient to allow removal of the second knot from the bill hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Frederik Demon
  • Patent number: 9492160
    Abstract: A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member movably attached to the second anchor, positioning the first anchor against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second anchor against tissue, and pulling on a free end of the flexible member to shorten a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors, thereby closing the wound. A wound closure device includes a first anchor, a second anchor; and a flexible member connecting the first anchor to the second anchor, the flexible member being movably attached to the second anchor, such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Torrie, George Sikora, Raymond A. Bojarski, Steven W. Ek
  • Patent number: 9408600
    Abstract: A suture anchor assembly includes a length of suture having an anchor attached to an end thereof. A releasable suture clamp is disposed in a clamped configuration about the suture. The releasable suture clamp includes a plurality of independent stackable components rotatable about a common axis, which is transverse to opposing faces of the stackable components. Each of the stackable components has a first opening passing through the opposing faces, spaced from the common axis, and sized for receiving the suture therethrough. The releasable suture clamp has an unclamped configuration in which the first openings are aligned relative to an alignment axis and the clamped configuration in which the first openings are misaligned relative to the alignment axis, wherein the alignment axis is parallel to the common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jeffry S. Melsheimer, Kristyn Gadlage
  • Patent number: 9149096
    Abstract: A disclosed device for creating an item consisting of a series of links includes at least two posts spaced part from each other in a first direction with each of the posts including a first arm and a second arm and an access slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Choon's Design LLC
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Publication number: 20150097370
    Abstract: A twine knotter has a knotter frame (2). An intermediate shaft (3) is rotatably supported on the knotter frame (2) around a longitudinal axis L. A shaft input (4) connects the intermediate shaft (3) to an output element (61) of a knotter drive shaft (54). At least one knotter hook shaft (9, 10) is rotatably supported around a knotter hook axis (K1, K2) on the knotter frame (2). The at least one knotter hook shaft (9, 10) is drive-wise connected to the intermediate shaft (3). The at least one knotter hook shaft carries a knotter hook (11, 12) to form a knot. The twine knotter (1) is formed as an independent assembly. The twine knotter (1) is drive-wise detachably connectable, via the shaft input (4) of the intermediate shaft (3), to the knotter drive shaft (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Friedrich-Wilhelm SCHUMACHER, Heinrich Gunter SCHUMACHER, Michael FLANHARDT, Andreas ACIMAS
  • Publication number: 20140367965
    Abstract: A knotter for a baler, the knotter comprising a knotting system with at least one movable part, and a driver, operatively connected to the at least one movable part. The knotter is further provided with a first cover, associated with at least one movable part, having a first covering position wherein the first cover at least partly covers the at least one movable part, and a second uncovering position, wherein the first cover no longer covers the at least one movable part. The knotter further comprises a safety mechanism, operatively connected to the driver and the first cover, such that positioning or enabling the positioning of the first cover in the second uncovering position stops the moving of the at least one movable part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Stijn Vergote
  • Publication number: 20140103648
    Abstract: A device for producing intertwining knots in a multifilament thread has a rotating nozzle ring with an encircling guide groove on an outer casing and an encircling sealing surface on an inner casing. At least one nozzle bore opens radially into the guide groove and passes through the nozzle ring. The nozzle ring is guided on a stator that has an encircling sliding surface on its periphery for guiding the nozzle ring and that forms a pressure chamber having a chamber opening that opens into the sliding surface. The sealing surface of the nozzle ring interacts with the sliding surface of the stator in order to provide air sealing. The nozzle ring is formed in a pot-like manner with an end wall having a disc-like end sealing surface which interacts with an end sliding surface formed on an end side of the stator to provide air sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: OERLIKON TEXTILE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Claus Matthies, Jan Westphal
  • Publication number: 20140070532
    Abstract: A knotting mechanism includes a rod having a tapered end. The retaining mechanism includes a first leg and a second leg. A nook is defined between the first and second legs. The retaining mechanism is actuatable between an open configuration to selectively provide access to at least a portion of the nook and a closed configuration to selectively restrict access to at least the portion of the nook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Ruderer
  • Patent number: 8622440
    Abstract: A system includes a knot tying device for tying a filament in a knot around an article and a filament delivery device from which is drawn the filament. The filament delivery device may be in the form of a cartridge having a housing sized and arranged to be releasably attached to the knot tying device where the housing has an opening through which pre-cut or loosely coupled lengths of the filament can be drawn. The knot tying device includes a shuttle attachable to the filament where the shuttle is caused to be moved during a knot tying process around an article to be tied and a device for at least pulling the filament away from the article at appropriate times during the knot tying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ideal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter John Crichton, Monte Douglas Tweten, Thomas Peterson, James Davidson, Alan Zantout, Ganapathi Balasubrahmanyam, John Desouza, Paritosh Singh, Alok Kulkarni, Puneetkumar Birla, Manish B. Patil, Raveesha Shettigara, Sachin Seth, Vinodkumar Shrawan Shirsath, Sampat Namdeo Dighe, Vikas Mali
  • Patent number: 8602461
    Abstract: A device for precisely spacing knots in a string that includes: a generally flat, rectangular board; a centered post projecting outwardly of and generally perpendicular to the board and for enabling tying the free end of the string about the post and enabling forming knots in the string upon tightening of same; and, a plurality of selectable measurement points on the board, aligned longitudinally, transversely of the board and extending outwardly from the post in equi-distantly spaced relation and for enabling positioning a predetermined point along the string at one of the selectable measurement points, the spacing between the string predetermined point and a knot formed at the post being determined by the spacing between the post and the selected measurement point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Maureen A. Oliveto
  • Patent number: 8590945
    Abstract: A double-knot twine-knotter unit with twine tying having a plurality of double-knot twine knotters combined on one knotter drive shaft. Each double-knot twine knotter comprises at least one knotter drive disc, a knotter chassis, a knotter assembly and a blade lever. The knotter drive disc is fastened fixedly on the knotter drive shaft which can be driven about its axis. The knotter chassis carries a knotter assembly, which forms two knots following one another, and the blade lever which is driven by a cam track of the knotter drive disc. The knotter assembly is arranged so as to overlap in the axial direction of the knotter drive shaft with the knotter drive disc of the adjacent double-knot twine knotter on a part length of the knotter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rasspe Systemtechnik Gmbh & Co., KG
    Inventors: Friedrich Wilhelm Schumacher, Heinz-Guenter Schumacher, Andreas Acimas, Michael Flanhardt
  • Publication number: 20130298361
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for making knots in flexible element attached to a medical device and methods using said apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: ODYSSEA PHARMA S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Pasteels
  • Patent number: 8573656
    Abstract: A multi-actuator robotic device for performing knot-tying is provided herein. The device performs an automatic knot-tying to mimic human hand making a clove hitch knot using a sequence of coordinated string delivery and capturing actions and is particularly useful in the field of hop twining. In one example, the device uses four pneumatic actuators to perform nine coordinated knot-tying actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: S.S. Steiner, Inc.
    Inventors: Qin Zhang, Long He, Henry J. Charvet
  • Publication number: 20130285375
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making knotted string accessories. Embodiments of a device comprise a base that has a substantially planar surface, a perimeter, and a center axis. Furthermore the embodiments include a plurality of holders connected to the substantially planar surface proximate to the perimeter of the base, located at a distance from the center axis, wherein the plurality of holders are configured to retain individual strings. Embodiments of a kit comprise the device, a plurality of strings for use with the device, and storage compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: David J. Crorey
  • Patent number: 8555780
    Abstract: A bale press includes a pressing channel in which a piston is displaceable for forming a bale from crop material supplied to the pressing channel. The bale press includes a yarn supply and a knotter device arranged at a side of the pressing channel. The knotter device has a first holder for releasably holding an end portion of a yarn, a yarn deflecting member and a knotter beak. The yarn extends between the first holder and the yarn supply across the deflecting member and a side of the bale facing away from the piston. The knotter beak ties a knot in a first stretch of the yarn extending between the first holder and the deflecting member. A second holder holds the yarn at the deflecting member in an initial phase of bale formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Usines Claas France S.A.S.
    Inventors: Thorsten Scharf, Ulrich Hesselmann
  • Patent number: 8491018
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for tying material into a bow around an object. The system includes a tying assembly for tying the material around the object into the bow and a jig assembly moveable relative to the tying assembly for positioning the material relative to the tying assembly. The tying assembly includes a first loop gripper and a second loop gripper configured to grip respective first and second portions of the material. The first loop gripper is configured to pull the first portion of the material through the second portion of the material. The second loop gripper is configured to pull the second portion of the material through the first portion of the material. A first tail gripper and a second tail gripper are provided to grip respective first and second ends of the material. The jig assembly includes a first jig half and a second jig half that are each rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the first jig half and the second jig half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Innoventor, Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric L. Borrowman, J. Edgar Biggs, III
  • Publication number: 20120326442
    Abstract: A system includes a knot tying device for tying a filament in a knot around an article and a filament delivery device from which is drawn the filament. The filament delivery device may be in the form of a cartridge having a housing sized and arranged to be releasably attached to the knot tying device where the housing has an opening through which pre-cut or loosely coupled lengths of the filament can be drawn. The knot tying device includes a shuttle attachable to the filament where the shuttle is caused to be moved during a knot tying process around an article to be tied and a device for at least pulling the filament away from the article at appropriate times during the knot tying process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Peter John Crichton, Monte Douglas Tweten, Thomas Peterson, James Davidson, Alan Zantout, G. Balasubrahmanyam, John Desouza, Paritosh Singh, Alok Kulkarni, Puneetkumar Birla, Manish B. Patil, Raveesha Shettigara, Sachin Seth, Vinodkumar Shrawan Shirsath, Sampat Namdeo Dighe, Vikas Mali
  • Publication number: 20120319402
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tying radiant heat tubing to wire mesh accomplished by an adjustable telescoping housing which allows an installer to remain in a standing position while performing the tying operation. The installer, by actuating a power drill, or other electrically driven device, rotates a shaft that is attached to a drive roller in close proximity to an idler roller. These rollers frictionally engage an end of a preformed plastic binding coil. The preformed plastic binding coil end is advanced in the direction of a funnel shaped enclosure that forces that end through a feeding tube that allows the end of the preformed plastic binding coil to wrap around the intersection where the radiant heat tubing and wire mesh meet. As the preformed plastic binding coil resumes its coiled configuration, the tying operation is complete. A cutter blade actuated by the user frees the apparatus from the tied radiant heat tubing and wire mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew Nord
  • Publication number: 20120211979
    Abstract: A double-knot twine-knotter unit with twine tying having a plurality of double-knot twine knotters combined on one knotter drive shaft. Each double-knot twine knotter comprises at least one knotter drive disc, a knotter chassis, a knotter assembly and a blade lever. The knotter drive disc is fastened fixedly on the knotter drive shaft which can be driven about its axis. The knotter chassis carries a knotter assembly, which forms two knots following one another, and the blade lever which is driven by a cam track of the knotter drive disc. The knotter assembly is arranged so as to overlap in the axial direction of the knotter drive shaft with the knotter drive disc of the adjacent double-knot twine knotter on a part length of the knotter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Rasspe Systemtechnik GMBH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Friedrich Wilhelm Schumacher, Heinz-Guenter Schumacher, Andreas Acimas, Michael Flanhardt
  • Patent number: 8215681
    Abstract: A jewelry loom for assisting in jewelry knotting comprising: a base; a knotting bow, where said knotting bow extends vertically from the base; a hook, where the hook extends downwardly from a top end of the bow; and a plurality of advancement knobs along the length of the bow. In the one particular embodiment, the bow extends from the base at an angle. The base may also include a cleat, where the cleat is used as a further mounting piece for the twines during the knotting process. The bow may also include a connecting wedge, where the wedge slides into a receiving slot in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Lesley Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20110316275
    Abstract: An automatic machine that holds, inflates, then securely knots ordinary latex party balloons without using accessories includes a filling nozzle, surrounding clamps, and a balloon neck stretcher. Two closable jaws can be raised, lowered, advanced, retracted and twisted about the stretched neck so that a knot is formed in the stretched neck prior to release of the balloon. Mechatronics techniques make the required motions. An optional supply mechanism pre-mounts balloons on rows of nozzles on parallel sliding strips, so that a particular strip can be selected and moved to cause inflation and knotting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: NEWCO PROJECTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Warren Verndell Wainohu, Keith Blenkinsopp, Michael Edward Menhinick
  • Publication number: 20110298212
    Abstract: A device for precisely spacing knots in a string that includes: a generally flat, rectangular board; a centered post projecting outwardly of and generally perpendicular to the board and for enabling tying the free end of the string about the post and enabling forming knots in the string upon tightening of same; and, a plurality of selectable measurement points on the board, aligned longitudinally, transversely of the board and extending outwardly from the post in equi-distantly spaced relation and for enabling positioning a predetermined point along the string at one of the selectable measurement points, the spacing between the string predetermined point and a knot formed at the post being determined by the spacing between the post and the selected measurement point. In use, a pre-determined point along the string is placed on the board at one of the selectable measurement points. The free end of the string is tied about the post. The free end of the string is pulled tightly to form a knot at the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Maureen Oliveto
  • Publication number: 20110233930
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for tying material into a bow around an object. The system includes a tying assembly for tying the material around the object into the bow and a jig assembly moveable relative to the tying assembly for positioning the material relative to the tying assembly. The tying assembly includes a first loop gripper and a second loop gripper configured to grip respective first and second portions of the material. The first loop gripper is configured to pull the first portion of the material through the second portion of the material. The second loop gripper is configured to pull the second portion of the material through the first portion of the material. A first tail gripper and a second tail gripper are provided to grip respective first and second ends of the material. The jig assembly includes a first jig half and a second jig half that are each rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the first jig half and the second jig half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: INNOVENTOR, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Eric L. Borrowman, J. Edgar Biggs, III
  • Publication number: 20110187100
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Dartmouth College
    Inventor: Matthew Bell
  • Patent number: 7946631
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making knotted string accessories. One embodiment of a device comprises a base having a substantially planar surface with a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis. A securing member is connected to the substantially planar surface proximate to the first end and is configured to secure a first end of the plurality of individual strings. An elongated holder is connected to the substantially planar surface proximate the second end and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of raised portions positioned along the elongated holder and extending outward from the substantially planar surface in close proximity to one another, wherein adjacent raised portions are configured to retain individual strings. An embodiment of a kit comprises the device and a plurality of string for use with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: David J. Crorey
  • Patent number: 7900555
    Abstract: A large square baler is equipped with a plunger drive incorporating a flywheel configured as a fan which creates a flow of air within a housing disposed about the flywheel. A duct arrangement is coupled between the housing and a knotter table housing so that air is directed across and maintains a plurality of knotters located at the knotter table free of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jerry Don Webber
  • Patent number: 7841631
    Abstract: A shoelace tying apparatus allows individuals with limited or no use of one hand to tightly tie footwear with standard shoelaces. The apparatus is lightweight and portable. The apparatus alleviates the need for special shoelaces or shoes, such as those equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Leah D. Holmes, Ross T. Borchardt, Jacob J. Mikulsky, David M. Moseler, Michael E. Vioski
  • Publication number: 20100194110
    Abstract: Apparatus for knotting at least one string of material has a fixed knotter plate, a primary knotter plate, a secondary knotter plate, means to apply tension to the string, and means for threading the string through the knotter plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Tony C. Ng
  • Publication number: 20100148503
    Abstract: A shoelace tying apparatus allows individuals with limited or no use of one hand to tightly tie footwear with standard shoelaces. The apparatus is lightweight and portable. The apparatus alleviates the need for special shoelaces or shoes, such as those equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Leah D. Holmes, Ross T. Borchardt, Jacob J. Mikulsky, David M. Moseler, Michael E. Vioski
  • Patent number: 7666196
    Abstract: A knot tying device for tying knots including an inner rod having a longitudinal slot extending between the two open ends from an outer diameter to a hollow center. An hollow cylinder is disposed on the inner rod and has a longitudinal slot extending between the two open ends from an outer diameter to a hollow center. A cord clamp is formed between the hollow cylinder and the inner rod, and secures a cord to an end of the outer hollow cylinder. A cord winding cylinder is rotatably disposed on the inner cylinder and has a cord catch and a longitudinal slot extending between the two open ends from an outer diameter to a hollow center. The cord catch can catch a cord secured by the cord clamp and can wind the cord around the outer hollow cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher R. Miles
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7600470
    Abstract: A baler is described for forming square bales made up of several separately tied slices. The baler has a bale chamber and a plurality of needles movable in unison through the bale chamber to pass respective strands of twine from one side of the bale chamber to associated knotters located on the opposite side of the bale chamber. A first set of permanently operative knotters knot strands of twine tied around individual slices on each occasion that the needles are moved through the bale chamber. A second set of knitters configured to be selectively disabled by movement of a frame carrying their twine engaging components to a position out of reach of the tip of the needles, knot the remaining strands of twine only at the end of the formation of a complete bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Kris Eylenbosch
  • Publication number: 20090250930
    Abstract: A knotter had a twine holder, a bill hook, an arm carrying a crotch and a cutter and a twine finger operated by a drive mechanism to form two knots consecutively, the first to tie together two runs of twine passed around a completed bale and the second to tie together two runs of twine drawn from respective supply rolls for the commencement of the next bale. The twine holder serves to grip the two runs of twine drawn from the supply rolls throughout the formation of the two knots. The bill hook serves to knot the runs of twine gripped by the holder. The cutter serves to sever the runs of twine between the holder and the bill hook. The crotch pushes the twine runs off the bill hook during the completion of each knot. The twine finger is pivotably mounted on the opposite side of the bill hook from the twine holder to bring the sections of the runs of twine to be knotted within the reach of the bill hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kris Eylenbosch, Marnix J. Schoonheere
  • Publication number: 20090044710
    Abstract: A baler is described for forming square bales made up of several separately tied slices. The baler has a bale chamber and a plurality of needles movable in unison through the bale chamber to pass respective strands of twine from one side of the bale chamber to associated knotters located on the opposite side of the bale chamber. A first set of permanently operative knotters knot strands of twine tied around individual slices on each occasion that the needles are moved through the bale chamber. A second set of knitters configured to be selectively disabled by movement of a frame carrying their twine engaging components to a position out of reach of the tip of the needles, knot the remaining strands of twine only at the end of the formation of a complete bale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Kris Eylenbosch
  • Patent number: 7488011
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding and knotting a thread around a sewing thread of a button for clothes so that a gap between the button and a suit, on which the button is sewn, is maintained. The thread, which is twisted at least twice, passes over and winds around the sewing thread, thereby forming firm knots of the thread around the sewing thread and preventing the knots from being disentangled. Since guiding means accurately and reliably guides the thread to pass over the sewing thread, and the knot-guiding means and the thread take-up means of the apparatus are simultaneously operated by a single driving means, the invention performs firm and effective winding of the thread around the sewing thread and reduces production costs and energy consumption rate of the apparatus, and reduces failure rate, thereby improving reliability of winding and knotting the thread around the sewing thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Myung Jin S. M. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung-won Seo, Eui-Suk Oh
  • Publication number: 20090007805
    Abstract: A baler has a bale chamber and a needle movable through the bale chamber to pass a strand of twine from one side of the bale chamber to a knotter located on the opposite side, the twine being engaged by a tip of the needle. In the invention, pressurized air is directed at the needle tip. The supply of pressurized air may be discontinuous and timed to coincide only with certain phases of the needle operating cycle. The air stream avoids crop material being caught up in the knots formed by the knotter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Jan C. Van Groenigen
  • Publication number: 20080315023
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device and a method for forming elongated material. A device (824-864) according to the present invention for forming elongated material, is characterised in that the device comprises a track (821) for guiding the material in the device, wherein the track is arranged to guide the movement of the material into a desired form when the material is fed into the device, and the device comprises an opening (823, 824) along the entire length of the track for removing the elongated material from the device after the formation. With this invention it is possible to make knots and other structures of desired geometry easily and efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Samuli Orko, Tero Liimatainen
  • Publication number: 20080265576
    Abstract: This invention provides a device, or product of manufacture, for use as a teaching device for tying knots, or as an aid in tying knots, e.g., as for use by handicapped or disabled individuals. The invention provides device, or product of manufacture, completely automated for tying knots using the device and/or methods of the invention. The invention also provides methods for making and using these devices of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: San Diego State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Karen MAY-NEWMAN, Peter NEWMAN, Edward BEAIL, Meral DEMIR
  • Patent number: 7334822
    Abstract: A Bimini knot tying assist device having a line twister for twisting together in a pre-designed manner portions of a standing line section and a tag line section of a Bimini knot to form a twist or spiral segment, a movable compression element for axially, proximally, linearly compressing the segment and holding it at a predetermined axial distance from the twister, a slide structure for mounting the twister on an elongated support for allowing limited axial movement therealong of the twister during formation of the knot by an operator wherein the operator applies a forward pulling force on the line sections, and a retraction component connected to the support and to the twister for applying a retraction force to the twister against the forward pulling force applied by an operator to the line sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert S. Hines, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7296828
    Abstract: A double knotting method and apparatus capable of producing two successive knots in a pair of strands during one full operating cycle of a tying mechanism. The tying mechanism is comprised of a twine holder for maintaining a pair of strands in a suitable position, a cutter that co-operates with the twine holder for severing the strands during formation of successive knots, and a release mechanism for releasing the pair of strands from the twine holder before frill successive knot completion. The method and apparatus avoid twine tail formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Marnix J. Schoonheere, Karel Naeyaert, Johan A. E. Vande Ryse
  • Patent number: 7287782
    Abstract: A device for firmly holding the twines in an agricultural knotter as they are being knotted and cut. The length and geometry of the curved edge of the twine holding device are such that the clamping pressure on the twines in one notch is only released after the twines have been securely gripped within the next notch in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Karel O. R. Naeyaert
  • Patent number: 7152521
    Abstract: In a method and a device for compressing square large bales for stalk material on large baling presses by using twines that engage across longitudinal sides and end faces of bales and are tied together, wherein compressed large bales can be formed by a number of adjacently positioned, individually compressed and tied small bales, a first tying unit and a second tying unit at a pressing channel of a large baling press are provided, wherein the first and second tying units have knotters. The first tying unit for tying individual small bales can be activated. Alternatively, the first and second tying units can be activated individually together for simultaneously tying several small bales to form a large bale, wherein the first and second tying units interact with the same knotters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Freihart