Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame having a front portion and side portions, independently movable foot platforms connected to the frame, the foot platforms being movable in at least fore-aft and lateral directions, each of the foot platforms comprising a carriage and a movable portion, the movable portion being configured for elevational movement with respect to the carriage so as to provide a variety of exercises involving independent leg motion in any one, two or three axes and independently variable generally opposing resistance modules connected between the foot platforms and the frame where the variable resistance modules are configured to independently control elevational travel of the movable portion and fore-aft, abduction and adduction movement of the foot platforms and are conveniently adjustable during or before use.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame having a front portion and side portions, independently movable foot platforms connected to the frame, the foot platforms being movable in at least fore-aft and lateral directions, each of the foot platforms comprising a carriage and a movable portion, the movable portion being configured for elevational movement with respect to the carriage so as to provide a variety of exercises involving independent leg motion in any one, two or three axes and independently variable generally opposing resistance modules connected between the foot platforms and the frame where the variable resistance modules are configured to independently control elevational travel of the movable portion and fore-aft, abduction and adduction movement of the foot platforms and are conveniently adjustable during or before use.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a friable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) product that has particles of a desired size which are flowable and do not tend to agglomerate. To achieve this result, the PTFE starting material is handled at a temperature below 66.degree. F., and preferably below 55.degree. F., before irradiating. The PTFE starting material may be mixed with a wetting agent before irradiating to provide a product that has enhanced dispersibility. The source of radiation may include electron beam radiation, nuclear radiation, or radiation from a cobalt-60 (CO.sub.60) source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently depositing a dielectric film with a preselected thickness pattern, in particular, a homogeneous, uniform diamond or diamond-like film, on large area substrates through the use of opposing plasma torches and linearly superimposing of microwave modes within the reaction chamber creating and maintaining an extended linear plasma in close proximity to the substrate surfaces and utilizing laminar flow of the reactant gases in the plasma and over the surfaces. Substrate surfaces can be moved past the opposing torches permitting the coating of large area, rectangularly-shaped substrate surfaces in a simple manner. Alternatively, the plasma horn or horns can be moved across the substrate permitting coating of large area, rectangularly-shaped substrate surfaces.

Abstract: A system combining ski training and exercise includes side-by-side swing arms which are pivotally mounted on a frame with lower ends being free to swing through first and second arcs, respectively, resulting in both lateral and elevational travel of the lower ends. For receiving the associated foot of a subject, each swing arm has a foot platform mounted for elevational travel therealong as imparted by the subject between the upper and lower ends. The foot platforms are interconnected enabling the subject whose feet are received thereon to selectively cause the left foot platform and the right foot platform to travel elevationally and the left swing arm and the right swing arm to travel through first and second arcs, respectively, to thereby perform a series of successive stances and movements both laterally and elevationally which simulate a skiing run. The system of the invention may use ski boots and bindings, or other arrangements, for receiving the feet of the subject on the foot platforms.

Abstract: A sensing system with a multichannel fiber optic bundle (MFOB) sensitive probe for measuring displacement, vibrations, roughness and two angles between a probe tip and light reflected target. The MFOB sensitive probe includes three branches of transmitting and receiving channels. The tip end of the MFOB is arranged in a rectangular 3*3 matrix formation. The other end of the MFOB includes eleven optical tips and connectors for optically connecting the tip of each channel, through optical filters, with light sensors and light sources. The sensing system further includes an electronic portion, having a thermostabilized box, an analog portion of an electronic module, a multifunction input/output board for use with a computer, and a controller for programmably controlling and measuring all parameters using computer analysis.