Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a device for attaching a polygonal baluster end to a handrail or base. This device includes a connector which is generally cylindrical. This connector also defines an internal axial channel having a polygonal cross-section. The axial channel is adapted to receive the polygonal baluster end.

Abstract: A non-crosslinked, decellularized and purified mammalian tissue (e.g., bovine pericardium) having particular use as an implantable resorbable material. The material is treated by alkylating its primary amine groups in a manner sufficient to reduce the antigenicity of the tissue, permitting the treated tissue to be used in vivo and without crosslinking, and in turn, permitting it to be resorbable. The material can be used in surgical repair of soft tissue deficiencies for a certain period of time while the implant itself is gradually remodeled or absorbed by the host. Also provided are a method of preparing such a material, as well as a method of using such a material for surgical repair.

Abstract: A self-aligning multi-tool for use in a punch press having a ram. The multi-tool includes a housing carrying a striker and a magazine bearing a plurality of circumferentially spaced tools and rotatable with respect to the housing so as to bring a single desired tool into alignment with the striker. The housing has a striking surface adapted to be engaged by the ram of a punch press and configured to rotationally lock to the ram when correctly rotationally aligned therewith to prevent the housing from rotating as the magazine is rotated. The housing is provided with at least one alignment pin having a tapered cam surface and positioned such that the ram will contact and cam against the tapered cam surface of the pin as the ram approaches the striking surface if the machine ram and the striking surface are rotationally mis-aligned so as to urge the housing to rotate into correct alignment with the ram to enable rotational locking therebetween.

Abstract: An adjustable gage block for a press brake comprises a base attachable to the press brake and a body pivotally carried by the base for pivoting movement about a vertical axis. The body carries a first guide member, and a second guide member is pivotally carried by the body for pivoting movement about said vertical axis with respect to the first guide member. One or both of the guide members have upwardly-facing guide surfaces laying in a horizontal plane to support a workpiece, and each guide member has a vertical guide surface, with the vertical guide surfaces laying in convergent planes. Adjustment means are provided for adjusting the angle between the vertical guide surfaces of the guide members to accommodate the shape of a workpiece. Desirably, a workpiece support is mounted to the press brake spaced from the gage block, the workpiece support having an edge guide surface positioned to engage an edge of the workpiece and to orient the workpiece with respect to the gage block.