Abstract: An air supported structure includes a wall portion formed from a plurality of elongated panel members joined together by seams. Webs are interconnected along the seams to relieve stress. A plurality of header cables carry the loads placed on the structure. The header cables extend between corner support assemblies and a funicular cable assembly. The funicular cable assembly extends in an arcuate path around an apex of the structure. More specifically, the funicular cable assembly includes first and second independent strands. The webs passing through the apex of the structure are alternatively connected to these two cable strands. These same webs extend between and are connected to a ground anchoring structure at one end and a crown harness at the other that extends along the apex. The funicular cable assembly advantageously serves to balance the loads placed on the header cables by, for example, changes in wind speed and direction, so as to significantly enhance the stability of the structure.

Abstract: A cicatrisive strip suture is formed from an elastic sheet material oriented on a bias so as to provide even compressive forces all along a wound. The sheet material includes a transparent central portion allowing visual alignment of the wound during suture application. Adhesive coated tongues extend outwardly from opposite sides of the central portion to engage the tissue on each side of the wound and hold the suture in proper position. The suture also includes doubled-over backing strips for simple application of the suture to the wound and a sanitary outer wrapper. A sterility bridge formed across the wrapper and suture maintains the sterility of the remaining portion of the suture when a segment of the suture is removed for use.