Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of a ski boot and for convectively heating substantially the entire inner surface of the ski boot while the ski boot is firmly, but removably, clamped against a flat surface with the flat sole of the ski boot in extensive surface-to-surface contact therewith so as to permit drying of wet boots, warming of cold boots, and/or softening of the molded foam interiors of the boots, to render such boots more comfortable while maintaining the flat sole of the ski boot rigidly clamped in a flat planar condition to prevent warpage thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and radiantly heating at least a portion of the sole of each of a pair of ski boots removably carried by, and clamped to, a boot and shoe tree and for simultaneously convectively heating the inner surfaces of both ski boots.

Abstract: A shock absorbing ski pole having a hand grip mounted for up and down motion on the upper end of the ski pole. To cushion shocks imparted to the ski pole, a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly is mounted in the upper end of the ski pole and operatively connected between the hand grip and the shaft. In addition, a compression spring is mounted in the upper end of the shaft to urge the hand grip to an upper position and also cushion impacts on the ski pole. An elongate friction and positioning sleeve is positioned securely within the hand grip and frictionally engages the outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to provide a frictional drag force and provide firm engagement between the hand grip and the shaft.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing ski pole grip is provided that includes a return spring, a retaining element or screw for holding a piston, cylinder and shaft to a grip, and a piston that is movably mounted in a cylinder on the upper end of the ski pole shaft.

Abstract: Useful olive-processing liquor is recovered from olive-processing waste solution by a process wherein lime, charcoal, and calcium carbonate are successively added to the olive-processing waste solution to form a mixture and the mixture is allowed to settle. The treated liquor is separated from the settled contaminants and is then immediately recyclable to process fresh olives.