Abstract: A gymnastics balance beam includes a rigid elongate member of specific cross-section covered with a covering, the elongate member of specific cross-section including a planar upper surface on which is provided an elastic multilayer composite including at least two layers, namely an upper layer, and a lower layer in contact with the planar surface of the elongate member of specific cross-section. The upper layer is a layer of rubbery material and the lower layer is a layer of an elastic material of stiffness less than the stiffness of the rubbery material of the upper layer. Such a balance beam limits the risks of injury by reducing impact forces, while maintaining bearing security for gymnasts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gymnastics balance beam including a rigid elongate member of specific cross-section covered with a covering, the elongate member of specific cross-section including a planar upper surface on which is provided an elastic multilayer composite including at least two layers, namely an upper layer, and a lower layer in contact with the planar surface of the elongate member of specific cross-section. The upper layer is a layer of rubbery material and the lower layer is a layer of an elastic material of stiffness less than the stiffness of the rubbery material of the upper layer. Such a balance beam limits the risks of injury by reducing impact forces, while maintaining bearing security for gymnasts.

Abstract: In a method of conditioning crop which is continuously processed by means of movable tools of at least one driven tool carrier, the components of the crop are introduced into spaces between the movable tools of the same tool carrier before at least the stalks are squeezed by the tools by narrowing the interspaces, and the components are subsequently discharged by increasing the interspaces again. In the apparatus for carrying out the method, tools (W) are elongated and shaped in the form of rods, fingers or bristles and are arranged on tool carrier (T) with interspaces (Z) approximately in parallel with each other and at a predetermined adjusted density (G1) at which transverse distances (a1) of at least stalk thickness (d) exist between adjacent tools (W).