Abstract: The ski pole has normal strength when the pole is normally gripped at its handle and reduced strength when not gripped. The poles permanently deform when a predetermined level of excessive bending force is applied. The pole shaft is hollow with a short circumferential segment having reduced cross-section. When the handle is gripped, a plug slideable within the shaft spans the reduced cross-section and reinforces the pole at that region. When the handle is not gripped, the plug slides away from the reduced wall segment and reduces pole strength. A button on the handle connects to the plug by a rod, cable, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc. Alternatively, button actuation electrically drives a magnetic solenoid to move the plug. The weakened portion is replaceable so the pole is reusable.

Abstract: The ski pole has normal strength when the pole is normally gripped at its handle and reduced strength when not gripped. The poles permanently deform when a predetermined level of excessive bending force is applied. The pole shaft is hollow with a short circumferential segment having reduced cross-section. When the handle is gripped, a plug slideable within the shaft spans the reduced cross-section and reinforces the pole at that region. When the handle is not gripped, the plug slides away from the reduced wall segment and reduces pole strength. A button on the handle connects to the plug by a rod, cable, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc. Alternatively, button actuation electrically drives a magnetic solenoid to move the plug. The weakened portion is replaceable so the pole is reusable.

Abstract: A computer system and method solve the problem of getting a useful three dimensional representation of an object like the spine using a small amount of data. This is done by gathering and combining three dimensional data in the form of computer tomography (CT) scans of a patient's bones with two dimensional data consisting of CT scout images (or scouts), which are digital two dimensional X-ray images that can be produced by a CT scanner. The main features of spinal deformation are captured by combining the two dimensional data from CT scouts and the three-dimensional information from the CT scans using simple modeling of vertebrae. Scouts are usually used to monitor CT scan acquisition. Here, they are also used as an essential source of data.