Abstract: A precast modular piling system of square-sectioned reinforced concrete sections of standard interchangable lengths are capable of being connected by a joint constituted by a steel jointing piece appearing at either end of the pile sections for purposes of enabling any length of pile to be constructed. Each jointing piece includes a shaped plate secured to the end of a pile section with a framing sleeve extending laterally from each plate. A recess extends inwardly from each corner of the jointing piece through the plate, adjacent parts of the framing sleeve and concrete of the pile section. The recesses are so dimensioned and shaped to receive an end of a substantially I-shaped locking pin which serves to join a driven pile section to a driving pile section upon placement of the respective facing plates in bearing relationship with one another. The abutting surfaces of the and the facing plates are planar to optimize surface-to-surface contact between these parts.

Abstract: An improved method and means for culturing an osmotically fragile microorganism in contact with a rehydrated nutrient-incorporated web matrix, which comprises rehydrating said matrix with an aqueous liquid containing a water soluble polyhydric alcohol prior to or simultaneous with the inoculation of the matrix. The polyhydric alcohol is preferably of the general formulaHOCH.sub.2 -- (CHOH).sub.n -- CH.sub.2 OHWherein n = 0-4, which includes such substances as ethylene glycol and glycerol. Rehydration of the nutrient-incorporated web matrix with an aqueous liquid containing a polyhydric alcohol greatly enhances the reproducibility of the culturing method, the polyhydric alcohol serving primarily as a protective agent against fatal osmotic shock to the microorganism.

Abstract: A pile connecting device having a plurality of plate members each adapted to be secured to the end of a pile section and each having a recess extending inwardly from its periphery, frame means for operatively interconnecting said plate members, a further plurality of plate members each adapted to be secured to the end of a further pile section and each having a recess extending inwardly from its periphery, and a further frame means for operatively interconnecting said further plate members, each plate member prior to connection in with their recess registering, and a longitudinal pin substantially I-shaped in cross-section adapted to be inserted and retained in each pair of registering recesses, the underfaces of the heads of the pin bearing against the outer surfaces of the abutting plate members.