Abstract: A modular energy absorbing soft wall system consisting of a plurality of partially overlapping interlocking panel structures slidably mounted on anchors on the side surface of an elongated concrete roadway barrier or median. Each panel consists of a flexible core layer sandwiched between an front and rear high density plastic layer. The core layer consists of a plurality of vertically extending air chambers. An elongated top piece with a flat bottom and an arched top is secured to the top portion of the core layer. The bottom portion of the system rests upon intermittent supports which extend to the road surface. During a vehicular impact energy is absorbed when the plastic layers deform, the chambers collapse, and the trapped air in the chambers escapes out apertures in the inner plastic layer and through the bottom of the rubber layer.

Abstract: A portable audible beacon comprises a housing that encloses a signal generating means and an acoustic transducer. The signal generating means generates an oscillating signal that is periodically interrupted by a zero signal, where the fundamental frequency of the oscillating signal corresponds to a frequency of high auditory sensitivity to the human ear, where the frequency of interruption of the oscillating signal corresponds to a directionally discernible frequency to the human ear, and where the period of duration of each zero signal is less than or about the same as the period of duration of the oscillating signal between each zero signal. The acoustic transducer receives the signal from the signal generating means and converts it into sound. The portable audible beacon of the present invention achieves the combined advantages of power efficiency, auditory sensitivity, and directionality.

Abstract: In a ski binding including a toe release unit, a heel retainer unit, a sole plate adapted to be received between and releasably retained by the units, and securing devices on the sole plate whereby the sole plate may be attached to a ski boot, the improvement including structure at the interface of the sole plate and the heel retainer unit for releasably capturing the sole plate in the heel retainer unit upon the application of force to the sole plate in a direction tending to align the heel retainer unit and the sole plate to allow a skier having the sole plate attached to a ski boot to step into the toe release and heel retainer unit on a ski on which they may be mounted.