Abstract: Force modulating tissue bridges, and associated applicators, kits and methods are provided. A force modulating tissue bridge can be a medical article for at least partially covering a wound and/or scar tissue. The medical article can include an elastic arch extending over an area, and a medial strut connected to the arch and extending into the area over which the central section extends.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising: (a) from about 60 to about 98% by weight of one or more alcohols; (b) from about 0.5 to about 20% by weight of one or more alkyl cellulose derivatives, wherein each alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more OH, O-alkyl, O-hydroxyalkyl and/or O-alkoxyalkyl; (c) from about 1 to about 25% by weight of one or more carboxylic acid salts; and (d) from 0 to about 30% by weight of water. There is also provided uses, processes for manufacture, methods and products relating to the same.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising: (a) from about 60 to about 98% by weight of one or more alcohols; (b) from about 0.5 to about 20% by weight of one or more alkyl cellulose derivatives, wherein each alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more OH, O-alkyl, O-hydroxyalkyl and/or O-alkoxyalkyl; (c) from about 1 to about 25% by weight of one or more carboxylic acid salts; and (d) from 0 to about 30% by weight of water. There is also provided uses, processes for manufacture, methods and products relating to the same.

Abstract: A process for installing piles for supporting a structure upon the earth including the steps of driving a first pile segment into the earth a desired distance from the structure, aligning a second pile segment upon the first pile segment such that a conduit in the second pile segment is axially aligned with the conduit of the first pile segment, driving the first and second pile segments into the earth a desired distance from the structure, affixing a strand into the conduits of the first and second pile segments so as to form a starter section, and sliding another pile segment along the strand so as to reside upon the starter section. A plurality of pile segments are positioned along the strand so as to reside in stacked relationship upon the starter section. A cap member is positioned between a portion of the structure at an uppermost pile segment of the plurality of pile segments. An end of the strand is anchored in the cap member.

Abstract: A method of forming an in-situ void system including the steps of determining an expansion potential of soil adjacent to a structure and forming an array of voids in an area adjacent to the structure so as to accommodate the expansion potential of the soil. The array of voids is formed by drilling an array of holes beneath the structure or around a perimeter of the structure. The holes are drilled to a depth of the expansion potential. A liquid can be introduced into the voids so as to swell the soil. The top of the array of voids is covered prior to laying the foundation over the array of voids.

Abstract: A method of forming an in-situ void system including the steps of determining an expansion potential of soil adjacent to a structure and forming an array of voids in an area adjacent to the structure so as to accommodate the expansion potential of the soil. The array of voids is formed by drilling an array of holes beneath the structure or around a perimeter of the structure. The holes are drilled to a depth of the expansion potential. A liquid can be introduced into the voids so as to swell the soil. The top of the array of voids is covered prior to laying the foundation over the array of voids.

Abstract: A process of installing piles for supporting a structure upon the earth including the steps of forming a receptacle in a first pile segment, affixing an end of a strand into the receptacle such that the strand extends outwardly from the first pile segment, sliding a second pile segment onto the strand until the second pile segment contacts a surface of the first pile segment, and driving the second pile segment a desired distance into the earth. The receptacle is formed in the first pile segment while the first pile segment is in the earth. The step of affixing an end ofthe strand includes the steps of introducing a structural adhesive into a hole formed in the first pile segment, introducing an end of the strand into the hole such that the adhesive contacts the strand and the pile segment, and solidifying the adhesive around the end of the strand such that the end of the strand is rigidly and non-removably secured within the hole in the pile segment.

Abstract: A block for use in a revetment system comprising a plurality of blocks arranged to form a mat. The block has a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second opposed side surfaces that extend between the top and bottom surfaces, and third and fourth opposed side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces and the first and second side surfaces. The first and second opposing side surfaces have a mating recess and projection, such that a recess on a first side surface mates with a projection on a second side surface of an adjacent block in a revetment system. On each of the third and fourth sides is a channel and two interlocking tips disposed on either side of the channel. The interlocking tips of a third or fourth side of one block are adapted to fit into the channel of the third or fourth side of another block. The channel is configured so that there is the possibility of lateral movement when the blocks are configured into a mat.

Abstract: A revetment system having a plurality of blocks arranged to form a mat. Each block having top and bottom surfaces and pairs of opposed and substantially parallel side surfaces. One of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second projections and the other of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second recesses. The projections and recesses are sized and configured so that they mate with projections and recesses on the side surfaces of adjacent blocks. The bottom surface of the block may be provided with projections to enhance the frictional stability of the blocks. The blocks are connected together by cables which pass through tunnels between the side surfaces of the blocks. A sleeve fitted into each opening of the tunnel in the side surface is provided to protect the cables from breakage.

Abstract: A revetment block for use in a revetment system, the block having top and bottom surfaces and pairs of opposed and substantially parallel side surfaces. One of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second projections and the other of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second recesses. The projections and recesses are sized and configured so that they mate with projections and recesses on the side surfaces of adjacent blocks. The bottom surface of the block may be provided with projections to enhance the frictional stability of the blocks. The blocks are connected together by cables which pass through tunnels between the side surfaces of the blocks. A sleeve fitted into each opening of the tunnel in the side surface is provided to protect the cables from breakage.

Abstract: A pocket former having a body with a tapered exterior surface. The body has a top surface and a bottom surface and a tubular member extending therethrough. The top surface extends outwardly from the tubular member for a greater distance than the bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface define a pocket therebetween. The top surface tapers to the bottom surface. The pocket has a generally semi-circular configuration at one end with a top surface forming a linear edge of the semi-circular configuration. The pocket has another portion of generally circular configuration. A plurality of radial struts extend from the tubular member to the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A continuously reinforced segmental precast concrete underpinning pile using a method of installation where a high strength strand aligns the precast segments during installation, provides a means for measurement of pile penetration depth, and continuously reinforces the pile when bonded or anchored upon completion.

Abstract: A post-tensioned anchor assembly having an anchor, a tendon affixed within the anchor and having an end extending outwardly from the anchor, and a cap affixed in direct electrical connection onto the tendon. The tendon is of an electrically conductive material. The cap covers the end of the tendon. The cap is made of an anodic material such as zinc or magnesium. The cap has an inner surface which matches a diameter of the tendon so that the inner surface is in surface-to-surface contact with the tendon. The cap can also be brazed to the tendon for establishing electrical contact.

Abstract: A multi-station press, having a press frame, a press bed and a ram tooled for performing sequential work operations at plural stations and a transfer mechanism for transporting work pieces from one station to the next, has positively driven finger operating mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes transfer rails and fingers extending inwardly toward the work station. The finger operating mechanism includes an actuating rod mounted for sliding movement on each transfer rail, a finger pull-back lever pivoted to the transfer rail and engaging the finger, with the actuating rod including an upstanding tooth for engaging the finger pull-back lever. In one embodiment two teeth are provided for rotating the lever to both open and close the fingers. An actuating lever pivotally mounted to the transfer rails operates the actuating rods.

Abstract: A metal forming press having a reciprocating ram and a transfer mechanism for transferring workpieces sequentially between a multiplicity of work stations located on a multi-post die set has a quick change die set arrangement enabling the press to be utilized in a "just-in-time" manufacturing system. The knockout and stripper mechanism of the press are designed to eliminate the need for disassembly of the same during removal and replacement of die sets.

Abstract: A wire forming apparatus for making springs with coiled body portions and end loops is modified by providing a digital controlled wire feeding accessory. The accessory permits the normal mechanical feeding of the wire and tooling to be interrupted for desired intervals during the spring forming process thereby allowing digital controlled wire feeding to occur. The digital controlled wire feeding enhances the normal operation of the apparatus by allowing specified lengths of wire to be added to the coiled body portions and/or end loops of the manufactured spring.

Abstract: A multi-station strip metal forming press has a safety release mechanism for the transfer slide to protect the press components in the event of a jam or internal breakage. A press frame has a plurality of horizontally spaced work stations and supports a vertically reciprocable ram; a plurality of tools carried by and movable with the ram, positioned to be operatively disposed at the stations and cooperate with dies thereat to perform work on workpieces positioned at the work stations. A horizontally movable transfer slide and associated transfer rails are provided for carrying workpieces sequentially in a predetermined manner to the stations. A powered mechanism reciprocates said transfer slide and ram in timed relationship. A safety release mechanism for the transfer slide operatively disconnects the powered mechanism from said transfer slide on the occurrence of a jam anywhere in the press regardless of the point in the cycle of press operation or position of the jam and causes the transfer slide to stop.

Abstract: A multi station metal forming press comprising: a single reciprocating ram; a plurality of tools carried by said ram in fixed positions relative thereto and individually being disposed at the stations, said tools being mounted for simultaneous movement with said ram jointly the same linear distance, whereby the maximum amount of linear movement of said ram and said tools is limited by the inherent configuration of said press thereby limiting the length of work piece drawing capacity of said tools; a transfer means for carrying work piece sequentially in a predetermined manner to each station; and an additional pair of tools at two of the stations; and means mounting said additional pair of tools on said ram for simultaneous movement therewith but a linear distance greater than the linear distance said ram moves, whereby said additional pair of tools have a work piece drawing capacity greater than that of said tools.