Abstract: A method including measuring time periods in which a reflex point of a subject is struck and a reflex response is observed. A method including determining a resting metabolic rate of a subject by applying the Kail-Waters equation. An apparatus including a striking instrument capable of delivering a kinetic energy to a reflex point of a subject; and a measurement instrument capable of being coupled to a subject and measuring a reflex response. A machine-readable storage medium containing executable program instructions which when executed cause a digital processing system to perform a method including determining time periods in which a reflex point is struck and a reflex response is observed. A machine-readable storage medium containing executable program instructions which when executed cause a digital processing system to perform a method including determining a resting metabolic rate of a subject by applying the Kail-Waters equation.

Abstract: Composite utility pole structures and methods of manufacture using a pultrusion process. The poles may be N sided, with longitudinal pre-stressed rovings in each corner. The inner periphery of the poles may have flat regions centered between the outside corners, with the flat regions joined by circular arcs in the corner regions. Various pole structures and methods of manufacture are described, including curved poles and poles having walls that are tapered in thickness and structure.

Abstract: A composite utility pole which has a polygonal shaped outer surface and a circular shaped inner channel. Also disclosed is a truss structure which can support an assembly such as a windmill power generator. The truss structure may include a plurality of composite beams that are coupled together by a coupler. Each composite beam may have a curvature along a longitudinal axis of the beam.

Abstract: A utility pole constructed from a pultruded composite material. The composite material includes a tensioned wooven sock that is impregnated with a resin by a pultrusion process. The pole has a triangular shaped first composite member which has an inner channel defined by three walls that intersect at three corresponding apexes. Within the first composite member is a second triangular shaped composite member which also has three walls that intersect at three corresponding apexes. The apexes of the second member intersect with the walls of the first member such that the second member walls extend across the inner channel. The extension of the second member walls across the inner channel provides structural support for the walls of the first member and creates a relatively rigid composite utility pole.

Abstract: A utility pole constructed from composite material. The pole has a triangular shaped first composite member which has an inner channel defined by three walls that intersect at three corresponding apexes. Within the first composite member is a second triangular shaped composite member that has three walls that intersect at three corresponding apexes. The apexes of the second member intersect with the walls of the first member so that the second member walls extend across the inner channel. The extension of the second member walls across the inner channel provides structural support for the walls of the first member and creates a relatively rigid composite utility pole. The utility pole may have additional triangular shaped composite members that are nested within the second member to further increase the stiffness of the pole.