Abstract: A step-in ski electronic binding having a housing for engaging a ski boot, the housing being moveable between ski boot releasing and latching positions, releasable latching means for releasably latching the housing in its latching position and cocking means for cocking an electrically controlled release actuator when the housing is moved to its latching position.

Abstract: A release member is pivotally mounted on the heel portion of a ski boot for swinging about a transverse horizontal axis. Control mechanism normally holds the release member in fixed relationship relative to the remainder of the boot for fitting in a safety ski binding but is actuated by force in excess of a predetermined force being exerted on the boot to unlock the release member to allow it to swing so as to release the ski boot from the binding.

Abstract: A safety ski binding having a release member actuable in response to forces or moments exceeding a threshold value, a carriage biased forwardly by a carriage spring, a sole holder mounted on the carriage and biased to an open position, a locking lever mounted on the carriage for releasably locking the sole holder in the open position, a locking lever spring biasing the locking lever to the position for opening the sole holder and for biasing the carriage rearwardly, a locking pawl for controlling the condition of the locking lever, and a connecting mechanism responsive to actuation of the release member for actuating the locking pawl to effect rearward movement of the carriage under the influence of the locking lever spring without overcoming the force of the carriage spring.

Abstract: A step-in heel piece for a safety ski binding which yields, in its latching position, away from the sole plate of the binding in response to the influence of external forces. The yielding heel piece improves skier comfort and accommodates various ski boot heel sole thicknesses without mechanical adjustment.

Abstract: A ski tracking alarm comprises a self-contained unit for mounting on a ski between the toe and heel bindings so that it is located beneath the ski boot during skiing. The unit comprises an audible alarm device and a triggering device for actuating the alarm to produce an audible alarm signal on separation of the ski boot from the ski. The triggering device includes a spring-loaded actuator which is held in an inoperative position by pressure of the ski boot acting on the unit, but springs up into an operative position when the ski boot is separated from the ski.

Abstract: An electronic ski binding incorporating a capacitor for generating actuating signals to a release circuit, and a recharging circuit for recharging the capacitor from an energy source according to the energy level of the capacitor. A charge measuring circuit is provided for measuring the charge of the energy source according to the time required to recharge the capacitor.

Abstract: A release mechanism for assisting a binding to resist pivoting about an element fixed to the ski. The mechanism includes an adjustable mechanical release mechanism for producing an initial release retention force, and a hydraulic pneumatic or mechanical assistance mechanism controlled by an electronic control, for increasing the initial release retention force. The initial release retention force is produced by a spring biasing a piston against the element fixed to the ski. The assistance mechanism increases the initial release retention force in response to a signal received by sensors on the binding indicating that the boot is attached to the binding. When shocks are sensed by the sensors, a signal is produced reducing the release retention force added by the assistance system. In the event that the electronic control fails, the binding still experiences the initial release retention force produced by the mechanical release mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic ski binding incorporating an induction coil and a magnet movable relative to the coil to induce signals in the coil when a skier steps into the binding, to generate control signals to an electronic switch to connect an energy source to an electrical load.

Abstract: A safety ski binding for releasably securing a ski boot on a ski includes a bearing block adapted to be supported on the ski, a stepping member supported on the bearing block for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis which extends transversely of the ski, and a sole holder adapted to engage a sole of the ski boot and supported on the sole holder for generally vertical movement relative thereto. A spring urges the sole holder downwardly relative to the support member, and an electrically controlled locking mechanism is adapted to releasably maintain the stepping member in a first position. An electrical switch of the locking mechanism closes when the sole holder has moved upwardly a predetermined distance relative to the stepping member and thereby causes the locking mechanism to release the stepping member for pivotal movement about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A safety binding for a ski the disengagement of which for the release of a skier's boot is controlled by a signal provided by an electrical circuit. The safety binding comprises a stress detection device located on or in a test member which serves as a connection member between the boot and ski.

Abstract: A release mechanism for safety ski bindings activated by a magnetic release system and movable between a cocked and a release condition. In its release condition, the mechanism releases a ski binding from a closed to an open condition. The mechanism has a holding lever movable between a holding and a releasing position, with the holding lever abutting a connecting lever which, along with a handle lever and a release lever, forms a spring retaining mechanism. The release lever is spring biased from a cocked to a releasing condition.

Abstract: A safety ski binding which can releasably hold a ski boot on a ski includes a release mechanism having a slide member which operatively engages the ski boot when it is held in the binding and moves from an initial position in a first direction in response to movement of the ski boot during a release thereof. A coupling mechanically couples the resilient arrangement to the slide member, the resilient arrangement biasing the slide member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The coupling automatically interrupts the coupling of the resilient arrangement and the slide member when the slide member has moved a first distance from its initial position in the first direction. A pickup responsive to movement of the slide member sends signals to a circuit which, when the slide member has moved a second distance less than the first predetermined distance from its initial position, actuates an arrangement which causes the coupling to interrupt the coupling of the slide member and resilient engagement.

Abstract: A safety ski binding includes a releasable jaw having a pivotally supported holding mechanism which is adapted to engage a ski shoe. The jaw includes first and second cylinders with fluid actuated pistons therein, and a fluid channel interconnects the cylinders. A check valve in the fluid channel resists fluid flow from the first cylinder to the second, and a solenoid controlled valve in the fluid channel, when open, creates a bypass around the check valve. A mechanism is provided for applying forces to the piston of the second cylinder to pressurize the first cylinder via the check valve causing the piston of the first cylinder to itself be urged against or to urge another member against a locking track in a manner which maintains the jaw in a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the cylinders are provided on the holding mechanism and the locking track is fixed to the ski.

Abstract: An electronic ski binding including orthogonal, obliquely mounted transducers for detecting oblique components of skiing forces applied to the binding. The binding may include isolation means for structure the transducers from the effects of ski bending. A means of mechanical compensation for the forces applied to the binding by the leaning of a skier may be included. A pivoted linkage between a sole plate and base plate of the binding may compensate for leaning forces by varying the portion of the force applied to the binding that is transmitted to the transducers depending upon the degree and direction of leaning by a skier.

Abstract: A safety ski binding includes a holding jaw and a jaw which can be released electrically under control of a control circuit. The holding jaw includes two movable sole holders having thereon pistons movable in respective, fluid-filled chambers. The holding jaw also includes a movable stepping plate, and the stepping plate and one sole holder can each flex respective membranes of a further fluid-filled chamber. Each of the three chambers communicates with a respective piezoelectric element which is connected to the control circuit. Forces applied to the holding jaw by a ski boot can increase the pressure in the various chambers and the piezoelectric elements each produce a signal proportional to such pressure, the control circuit electrically releasing the other jaw if the forces exceed predetermined values.

Abstract: A means for adjusting an electrical value within inaccessible electrical circuitry is disclosed including a proximity stimulus means acting upon and within the vicinity of a proximity stimulus response means to produce a response which is converted into an electrical signal by a transducing means. The number of electrical signals produced are accumulated and placed into the appropriate electronic form to adjust the electrical value. The magnitude of the adjustable electrical value and its adjustment may be monitored on an optional monitoring means.

Abstract: A power supply for the release circuitry of an electronic ski binding having a plurality of electrical sources, switches for controlling the connecting of the respective electrical sources to the release circuitry, and comparator circuits for actuating the appropriate switches to connect the electrical source having the highest electrical potential to the release circuitry.

Abstract: The device comprises a locking lever having a bearing surface adapted to cooperate with a complementary bearing surface formed on a heel-gripping member. The angle of slope of the two surfaces is such that the resultant force of the bearing force and the friction force passes through the axis of rotation of the locking lever.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving programmed release in ski bindings determines release criteria in order to minimize selected types of lower extremity ski injuries, the release criteria being formulated from biomechanical models and associated equations. Analog and digital control circuits compute the release variables from the biomechanical model equations and for comparing the variable values to the release criteria in order to precisely generate a release initiating signal. Loads measured in the ski binding drive the biomechanical model equations. The ski binding assemblies have a releasable binding for rigidly securing the ski boot to the ski with a release actuating element for releasing the ski boot from the binding upon occurrence of a release condition as determined by the associated control circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic release system of a safety ski binding having a permanent magnet, a release mechanism, a core disposed between the magnet and release mechanism in which a temporary magnetic field may be induced, an electromagnet coil associated with the core for cancelling or diminishing the magnetic field induced in the core by the magnet, and a spring biasing the release mechanism from a non-actuating to an actuating position.

Abstract: In safety ski bindings with electronic evaluation and release circuits, which can be supplied from a voltage source through a switching device and which activate, in case of risk of injury, a release mechanism for the release of a ski boot held in the binding, there exists the problem that the control circuit is supplied with voltage even when the skier stands still with attached skis or travels on a chairlift, which results in an unnecessary current consumption. To solve this problem, a selectively activatable acceleration responsive device is provided in the switching device, which acceleration responsive device is connected to an electronic switching element through a time circuit and, if desired, through a threshold switch.

Abstract: A safety ski binding includes a jaw for releasably holding a ski boot sole, which jaw has strain sensors which produce electrical signals in response to forces exerted on the jaw and an electrically operated release mechanism. A plug board provided in the jaw behind a protective cover is connected electrically to a control circuit which is responsive to the strain sensors and controls the release mechanism. A replaceable plug-in unit insertable in the plug board determines the release characteristics of the jaw on the basis of the skier's ability level and personal characteristics. In one embodiment, the plug-in unit contains fixed circuit components which define the ability level and variable circuit components adjustable to define the personal characteristics. In another embodiment, the plug-in unit contains a program storage or a micro-processor which defines the ability level and personal characteristics.

Abstract: A ski binding having a portion which holds the ski boot and moves relative to a ski over a predetermined distance and in predetermined directions, which may be perpendicular to each other, relative to the ski. The binding employs a mechanical or electromechanical transducer for sensing the skier's movement which triggers a relative movement of the binding. Guides are provided to direct and limit the movement of the binding. A power activator for the binding is generally disposed between the sole of the ski boot and the ski and utilizes relatively minor movements of the ski boot sole, or electrical power, to move the binding portion relative to the ski.

Abstract: A method for achieving programmed release in ski bindings determines release criterial in order to minimize selected types of lower extremity ski injuries, the release criteria being formulated from biomechanical models and associated equations. Analog and digital control circuits compute the release variables from the biomechanical model equations and compare the variable values to the release criteria in order to precisely generate a release initiating signal. Loads measured in the ski binding drive the biomechanical model equations. The ski binding assemblies have a releasable binding for rigidly securing the ski boot to the ski with a release actuating element for releasing the ski boot from the binding upon occurrence of a release condition as determined by the associated control circuit.

Abstract: A clamping and releasing mechanism is disclosed. In the exemplary embodiment the mechanism comprises a housing accommodating a telescopic piston-pin, the rearward end of which is mechanically locked. Pressure sensors located at the forward portion of the housing indicate the actual pressure applied to the piston pin. In the event a predetermined pressure is exceeded, a circuit produces an electric signal which actuates the mechanical lock to release the object being clamped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically releasing a ski boot from a ski on which the ski boot is held by a ski binding. Circuitry is provided for continuously monitoring over a time integral the forces exerted by the ski on the leg of the skier. The monitored forces are compared with a characteristic threshold value representing a product of force .times. time, which lies above an integration threshold value corresponding to the holding force of the ski binding. The connection between the ski and boot is released when the monitored forces exceed the characteristic threshold value. The characteristic threshold value is varied independently of a static actuating force by varying the integration threshold value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a safety ski binding, for the purpose, in hazardous situations, of automatically releasing a ski boot from a ski on which it is held. The forces exerted by the ski on the leg of the skier are continuously integrated with respect to time. The thus formed time integral of the force releases the connection between the ski and boot on reaching a threshold value representing a product of force.times. time which is higher than the integration threshold value corresponding to the holding force of the ski binding. To avoid a summation of pulses, a pulse that has not resulted in actuation is cleared through downward integration.

Abstract: A safety ski binding includes a first jaw which is fixedly mounted on a ski and a second jaw which is supported movably on the ski and includes an electrically activated release mechanism. A piezoelectric sensor is provided on each jaw, the sensor in the first jaw being wired to a signal-processing circuit provided in the ski and powered by a battery provided in the ski. An electromagnetic coupling is provided to couple the circuitry in the ski with and to provide power to the release mechanism and sensor in the second jaw. Signals from the sensor in the second jaw are transmitted to the signal-processing circuit through the electromagnetic coupling. The signal-processing circuit evaluates the signals received from both sensors and, when a release is required, sends a signal through the electromagnetic coupling to activate the release mechanism.

Abstract: An electrically releasable safety ski binding in which a measuring system determines the load applied to a skier's leg during skiing and a release mechanism incorporating an electromechanical converter such as a solenoid acts on a clamp device securing the ski boot to the binding to release the ski boot when the aforementioned load reaches a dangerous level. To prevent the binding becoming inoperative on failure of the electrical power supply the binding is equipped with an auxiliary release mechanism having a first inoperative state and a second operative state which can be selected either manually or automatically should the electrically operated release mechanism fail.

Abstract: A ski binding for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski includes strain gages mounted between the ski and the ski binding housing. The strain gages measure forces induced on the binding and develop electrical signals commensurate thereto. The signals are analyzed to develop a release signal when any component of a force exceeds a predetermined limit. The ski binding includes bias elements for maintaining a pair of clamps in a locked position for securing a boot plate of the ski boot to the housing and in response to the release signal releases the clamps to free the ski boot from the ski binding to prevent injury to the user.

Abstract: A locking device for an electronic safety ski binding comprises two interengaged locking members of which the locked member is connected to a sole retainer and is movable between its releasing and its retaining position in which it is held by the locking other member which is movable by an electromagnet. To provide a shockproof lock for an electronic safety ski binding with a reliably operative electromagnet, a rotary magnet is provided to move the locking member.

Abstract: A safety ski binding comprises force-pick-ups for generating electric signals in response to forces and/or torques acting on the skier's leg, an electronic integrated circuit for initiating the operation of the releasing mechanism by a tripping signal generated in response to the occurence of dangerous forces or torques, and a rechargeable battery for feeding the circuit. In order to avoid a continuous maintenance of the battery (B) it is supplied with charging current from a generator (8, 10; 21, 22). The generator comprises parts that are movable relative to each other for a generation of electric power and are respectively connected to a member (1) of the ski binding and to the surface of the ski (5).

Abstract: An electronic safety ski binding comprises force sensors for generating electric signals in response to forces and/or torques acting on the skier's leg, and an electronic integrated circuit for processing the electrical signals and initiating the operation of the releasing mechanism of the binding by the generation of a triggering signal generated in response to the detection of the sensors of forces or torques which may endanger the safety of the skier. At least two force sensors are provided, as redundant protection against sensor failure for sensing one of the loads (forces and torques) which typically act on a skier's leg. Each of the two sensors is independently capable of detecting the same load so that the electronic circuit can generate, in response to the detection of a load which may endanger the skier, a triggering signal which initiates the operation of the releasing mechanism of the binding.

Abstract: A system for processing analog electrical input signals to produce output signals having frequencies determined by electrical adapting signals, in which the adapting signals may depend upon characteristics of the input signals.

Abstract: A ski safety binding is provided with a measuring system for determining the occurrence of a dangerous bending moment about a transverse axis 11 passing through the weakest point of the skier's leg lying generally somewhat above the ankle. In a first embodiment first, second and third measuring transducers 14, 15, 12 are strategically arranged between the sole of the ski boot and parts of a binding 33, 35 and the output signals from these measuring transducers are fed to a processing circuit 17 which computes the size of the bending moment about the transverse axis 11 and passes a release signal to an actuation device A to release the binding as soon as a dangerous level is reached. In a modification (FIG. 3) the ski boot is supported in the binding in such a manner that only two pressure measuring transducers are required. A variety of other embodiments are disclosed which show the use of ski bindings incorporating sole plates 24 (FIGS.

Abstract: In a step-in electrical releasable ski binding (1) there is provided clamping means (5,6) having an open condition and a closed condition and a force unit (15) for providing a clamping force for releasably securing a ski boot (4) to a ski (2). A holding means (32) is provided for holding the clamping means (5,6) in its open condition against the force of the force unit (15). An electrically operated solenoid assembly (40) is provided which is responsive to the placing of the ski boot (4) in skiing position in the binding for releasing the clamping means (5,6) from the holding means (32) for closing the clamping means (5,6) with the force of the force unit (15).

Abstract: A circuit arrangement embodied within the construction of a ski. A conductor plate is provided inside the ski and has at least one threaded opening therein for threadedly receiving a screw which facilitates a fastening of a base plate for a ski binding member to the upper surface of the ski. The screw is threadedly received in the opening and the base plate of the ski binding member is clamped between the head of the screw and the upper surface of the ski. The screw is electrically insulated from the base plate of the ski binding member but does provide a metal-to-metal contact with the conductor plate. The base plate of the ski binding member and the conductor plate are electrically conductive so that these two plates can function as components of an electrical circuit embodied within the ski.

Abstract: A system for integrating signals at a rate according to the characteristics of the signals. These characteristics include the direction of change of the signals and their magnitude. A ski binding release system incorporating a force responsive integration circuit having a variable integration rate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasing a binding which fastens a ski boot to a ski, produces one or more electrical signals corresponding to the force between the ski and the ski boot and the torque between the ski and the ski boot, and actuates a ski boot release mechanism when the force or torque or a combination of both exceed predetermined values.

Abstract: A safety binding for a ski, includes a main circuit for providing a signal to control the release of the binding and thus the freeing of a user's ski boot. The binding includes at least one additional circuit for providing an electrical signal which is independent of signals produced during skiing and which is applied to at least one point of the main circuit to enable simple checking of the condition of the binding.

Abstract: A ski safety binding has a ski boot clamping member on a ski and a means for locking the member. An electric release for the safety binding comprises means for detecting a force on the skier's leg and for producing a signal as a function of this force. The release also comprises a threshold circuit and means electrically controlling the locking means. The latter is operated to release the locking mechanism when the threshold circuit emits an output signal. A circuit for increasingly attenuating the output signal the shorter its duration is interposed between the detecting means and the threshold circuit.

Abstract: A ski binding having a locking device tripped electromechanically.The device includes an electromagnetic circuit comprising means producing a permanent magnetic field and a winding able to move in said field, the winding being connected to a member for retaining the locking member in order to move the retaining member into an unlocked position when a current is established or interrupted in the winding.

Abstract: A safety binding for skis incorporates a device for adjusting the binding employing an electrical circuit assembly for detecting the stress exerted during skiing, or values representative of this stress, enabling alteration of the adjustment of the binding dependent upon the result of the detection.The adjusting device is applicable to all types of safety bindings, abutments, heel members, bindings comprising plates or boots, and to all mechanical and/or electrical safety bindings.

Abstract: A safety ski binding whereby a ski is secured detachably to a ski boot including an electrical or electronic device connected to a supply of electricity. A switch is located between the device and supply and includes a moveable part which is actuated automatically when the ski is fitted to the boot or removed from the boot. The switch may either be a normally open switch or a normally closed switch.

Abstract: A safety binding for skis in which release of the boot from the ski is effected by a signal issuing from an electrical circuit. The electrical signal is a function of the force applied to a skier's leg, and is received in a circuit which compares the signal with different successive threshold levels, which are functions of different duration of application of the force. The release mechanism of the binding is operated if the value of this signal reaches, in an interval of time corresponding to a determined threshold level, the value of this level.

Abstract: A ski binding for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski and for releasing the ski boot upon the application of predetermined forces to the boot, the ski binding comprising a boot engaging member movable in a linear path between a boot engaging position and a releasing position, apparatus for biasing the boot engaging member towards the releasing position, a latching mechanism for retaining the boot engaging member in the boot engaging position, and an unlatching mechanism for deactivating the latching mechanism in response to the application of the predetermined forces to the ski boot to free the biasing means to drive the boot engaging member to the releasing position.

Abstract: The device is automatically re-armed and comprises at least one pyrotechnic jack and a push-member actuated by the jack for unlocking the fixture. A loader carries a plurality of pyrotechnic charges for actuating the jack in succession. A device is provided for igniting the charges and a device is provided for positioning the charges of the loader with respect to the push-member and with respect to the device for igniting the charges.The present invention relates to an automatically re-armed electro-pyrotechnic unlocking device and more particularly, although not exclusively, to such a device applied to a safety fixture or binding for a ski.Safety fixtures are known which are opened by a pyrotechnic charge which is ignited by means responsive to critical exterior influences when said influences appear or act.An object of the invention is to provide an unlocking device of the aforementioned type which is relatively simple in construction and easy to use.

Abstract: An improved ski binding assembly includes front and rear magnetic coupling units which are attachable to a ski and boot attachments which coact with the coupling units to hold the boot to the ski. Each coupling unit comprises means for providing an adjustable magnetic field as well as means for providing adjustable pressure relief. The boot attachments include a magnetically sensitive material so that when the ski boot is secured between the units the magnetic field provided by each unit will couple the unit and the adjacent boot attachment as a result of magnetic attraction.