Abstract: A novel ski-mounting stabilizer for the sole purpose of holding a snow ski in a stationary position relative to the snow surface, and to provide a proper lateral alignment between the ski-binding mechanism and the ski boot, until the ski mounting operation is completed, and including a rigid receptacle which is attached to the upper side of a snow ski to receive the lower ends of a conventional ski pole, in the establishment of a rigid engagement between a ski and ski pole, for the sole purpose of holding the ski in a stationary position relative to the snow surface, and to provide a proper alignment between the ski-binding mechanism and the under side of the ski-boot until the ski mounting and step-in operation is completed. Wherein, immediately upon completion of the mounting and step-in operation, the ski-pole is removed from its receptacle, to be used in its conventional intended fashion while skiing.

Abstract: A one-shot device for detecting the application of a compressive load of predetermined amount which includes a first and a second electrically conductive metallic member, each of which has a substantially planar face. The first member is made of a material which is harder and less ductile than the material of the second member. A brittle insulation layer is sandwiched between the faces. A wall recedes from the first face partially to define an open region adjacent to the first face. When the members are pressed toward one another under a load of said predetermined amount, the insulation layer fractures abruptly at the wall, and material of one of the members moves to make contact at the wall with the other member so as to signal application of the predetermined force. This change of conductive condition can be utilized to complete an electrical circuit for indication and control purposes.

Abstract: A method of converting scrap or other small pieces of metal into a useful, commercial product while maintaining the metal in a solid state. According to the process, the pieces are maintained together for further processing. They are impacted, while heated, to produce a metal body and thereafter subjected to continued impaction so that the pieces forming the body are welded together into a cohesive, homogeneous slab. There is also disclosure of a novel press and method of operating the press. The press is of the harmonic type. Its novel aspects include control of movement of novel platens during rotation of shafts which drive the platens and perimetral constraint of a workpiece being forged to achieve rapid impaction and self feed of a workpiece.