Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for the treatment of pain through activation of select neural fibers. The neural fibers may comprise one or more afferent neural fibers and/or one or more efferent neural fibers. If afferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with efferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate afferent pathways in a manner approximating natural afferent activity. The afferent fibers may be associated with primary receptors of muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, secondary receptors of muscle spindles, joint receptors, touch receptors, and other types of mechanoreceptors and/or proprioceptors. If efferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with afferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate intrafusal and/or extrafusal muscle fibers, which results in an indirect activation of afferent fibers associated therewith.

Abstract: A multi-component sponge has a central or main foam layer of reticulated single cell polyurethane flexible foam and an outer foam layer adhered to each of its two substantially parallel sides so that liquid can flow between the main foam layer and the two outer foam layers. Each of the two outer foam layers is preferably polyurethane flexible foam having a reticulated double cell structure although each could be a reticulated single cell structure having a porosity in the range of 3-110 pores per inch. The main foam layer preferably has a porosity in the range of 3-30 pores per inch. Each of the two outer foam layers is softer than the main foam layer.

Abstract: A carrier has a pair of bodies mounted on a vehicle roof in spaced longitudinal relation. Each of the bodies is mounted on the roof by a strap extending through a transverse passage in the body and having a pair of gutter hooks, one fixed on the strap and the other adjustable on the strap, for engaging gutters on opposite sides of the vehicle. The upper wall of each of the bodies has a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal passages to support skis therein. Each of the bodies has a plate disposed thereabove and resting on the skis disposed in the longitudinal passages with the plate having a slot in each end to receive opposite ends of the strap. Ski poles may be supported on the upper surface of each of the plates and retained by the strap when the ends of the strap are clamped to each other.