A retaining device configured for retaining at least one medical device adjacent to a supporting surface. The retaining device includes a plate shaped holding portion defining a peripheral edge, a slot extending from the peripheral edge defining a loading channel, and communicating with an internal holding area. The internal holding area is dimensioned to accept the largest medical device the retaining device is configured to be used with. An attachment mechanism is connected to the holding portion to secure the retaining device to a supporting surface. A section of medical device may be inserted into and along the loading channel to enter the holding area and be retained within.

The specification discusses various lacing engine configurations for use in an automated footwear platform. For example, lacing engines with mechanisms to detect lace cable position and/or lace cable tensions are discussed. In an example, the lacing engine can include a housing, a lace spool and a detection mechanism. The lace spool can be at least partially disposed within the housing, and be adapted to collect a portion of the lace cable in response to rotation in a first direction during tightening of the footwear platform. The detection mechanism can detect a state of the lace cable manipulated by the lacing engine.

A method for producing a synthetic tensile member having a precisely known and stable length. The invention also comprises equipment configured to carry out the method. A tensile member is prepared by attaching terminations to an assembly of synthetic filaments. The tensile member is then attached to a loading apparatus that subjects the tensile member to a pre-defined loading process. The tensile member is thereby conditioned to a stable length. The length is then measured and a length adjusting component is incorporated into the tensile member to create a precise and stabilized length that is configured for the tensile member's particular application.

A simple two-piece easily and inexpensively manufactured cord tightening device and method thereof, the device comprising: a base, cylindrical in form with walls, an interior bottom having ridges, a hollow central column, and a protrusion in the walls with an opening, the protrusion; and a handle, fashioned in the shape of a spool, with a top flange with at least one hole therein, central cylindrical cavity, and bottom flange with ridges on the bottom. The cord tightening device wherein the central cylindrical cavity of the handle fits onto the hollow central column of the base. The cord tightening device may further comprise threading in the hollow central column of the base. The cord tightening device may further comprise a screw. The cord tightening device may further comprise a spring washer. The cord tightening device may further comprise at least two holes in the top flange of the handle. The cord tightening device may further comprise a circular ridge around the central cylindrical cavity of the top flange. The cord tightening device may further comprise ridges on the outer rim of the top flange.

A simple two-piece easily and inexpensively manufactured cord tightening device and method thereof, the device comprising: a base, cylindrical in form with walls, an interior bottom having ridges, a hollow central column, and a protrusion in the walls with an opening, the protrusion; and a handle, fashioned in the shape of a spool, with a top flange with at least one hole therein, central cylindrical cavity, and bottom flange with ridges on the bottom. The cord tightening device wherein the central cylindrical cavity of the handle fits onto the hollow central column of the base. The cord tightening device may further comprise threading in the hollow central column of the base. The cord tightening device may further comprise a screw. The cord tightening device may further comprise a spring washer. The cord tightening device may further comprise at least two holes in the top flange of the handle. The cord tightening device may further comprise a circular ridge around the central cylindrical cavity of the top flange. The cord tightening device may further comprise ridges on the outer rim of the top flange.

A modular attachment device for insertion into a plurality of strands of a braided rope, comprising: at least one braiding segment that is braidable into the plurality of strands; at least one first lateral fixation segment that is mountable to the at least one braiding segment at a first lateral attachment interface; and at least one second lateral fixation segment that is mountable to the at least one braiding segment at a second lateral attachment interface, wherein at least one of the first and second lateral fixation segments comprises at least one anchor point for attachment of an external component, and wherein the first and second lateral fixation segments are mountable to the at least one braiding segment for securing the plurality of strands on the at least one braiding segment.

In an example, a lacing engine apparatus can include a housing and a drivetrain. The housing can be securable within a footwear article. The drivetrain can include a motor, a sun gear, a planet gear, a rotating ring gear, and a spool. The spool can be secured to the ring gear and can be rotatable therewith. The spool can be configured to control a lace of the footwear article and can be configured to wind the lace as the ring gear rotates in a first direction.

A cable securing device facilitates secure connection to a cabling end, and employs a retaining cap, a barrel and a cable receiving component. The cable receiving component can include a spacer gland, a fastening ring and a retaining jaw, or a subset thereof, and the elements of the cable receiving component may either be joined together as individual elements or provided as an integrated cartridge.

A flexible wire holder for use with a fish tape includes a lead end for attachment to the fish tape. The lead end includes an oblong loop. The flexible wire holder includes a trail end with a fastener that is engageable with an adjacent wire holder and a separate or integral wire sheath.

A wire terminator device for fences and barriers which has two bodies. The first body houses a wire retaining mechanism and the second body stems from the first body and includes an engagement element where the wire is retained in the usage position. The engagement element forming the second body is defined by a through passage in the direction of passage of the wire and a single inlet groove that is oblique with respect to the direction of passage of the wire. The single inlet groove is arranged in the same plane of the direction of passage of the wire in the usage position.