Patent ID: 7617847

Claim:
A stranded cable formed by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a source of generally cylindrical single strand wire defining a longitudinal axis; (b) twisting the single strand wire in a first direction about the longitudinal axis; (c) severing the generally cylindrical single strand wire along the longitudinal axis to form at least two severed strands, wherein the severed strands include a planar portion and an arcuate portion; (d) joining the severed strands together such that the arcuate portion of the severed strands define a substantially continuous and uninterrupted circumferential surface, wherein a planar portion of a severed strand is adjacent a planar portion of another severed strand when the severed strands are joined together to minimize gaps between the joined strands; and (e) twisting the joined strands in a second direction about the longitudinal axis to form a stranded cable.