Rescue on the Fly
From the creators of ZipRider comes a new cable rescue device based on the trolley used in the ZipRider high-speed cable thrill ride. Called the ZipRescue, the device features an adjustable braking system--when the rider mounts the unit on the haul rope, it automatically moves to a max braking position. The rescuer can adjust the brakes with a foot Aider. According to designers, the system requires only one rescuer per span. The trolley is designed for haul rope riding and also includes a lowering system, which doesn’t require the rescuer to detach or unclip from the unit/haul rope.

ZipRescue weighs nine pounds and is designed for a rescuer up to 275 pounds. The system also comes with a Power Point manual.

For more information, contact Terra-Nova LLC at (435) 658-0075, or check out their website at www.ziprider.com.


Let the Sun Shine
Even in the middle of winter, ski properties with large expanses of glass can experience overheating. While tinted and reflective window films block out much of this heat, most transmit less than 34 percent of visible light. To combat this, V-Kool introduces clear, spectrally-selective applied window film, which selects and allows in desirable daylight, while reducing solar heat and ultraviolet radiation. According to manufacturers, the film does not change the appearance of the glass, either.

V-Kool is installed by professional installers at an installed-per-square-foot cost of between $9 and $12, depending on the size and difficulty of the job.

For more information, contact V-Kool at 1-800-217-7046.


Stand Your Ground
From Keuka Café Footwear comes a new occupational slip-resistant shoe, the men’s athletic hiker. The shoe is made with full-grain leather, is water repellent and comes with the company’s Air-Flow insole and SureGrip outsole. The shoe is also constructed without metal. The hiker sells for $50.

For more information, contact Keuka Footwear at 1-877-566-7547 or check out their website at www.kuekafootwear.com.


On a Roll
To ease transporting items around the resort, Techstar Plastics has come up with the Starcart Indoor/Outdoor Model 20 (I/O 20). According to manufacturers, one person can handle up to 400 pounds and the cart has a level carrying capacity of 10 cubic feet. The rotomolded construction in linear LDPE resists corrosion by salt, chemicals and oil. LDPE is also a non-toxic material, so foodstuffs can be transported, as well. The I/O 20 is fitted with 20-inch semi-pneumatic wheels, fitted with ball bearings, to ease carriage over tough surfaces, including snow.

Overall dimensions of the cart are 63 inches long by 31.5 inches wide by 27 inches deep, and it weighs 65 pounds.

For more information, contact Techstar Plastics at 1-800-263-7943 or go on-line to www.techstarplastics.com.


Keep it Together
To combat snowboarding injuries to the wrist, Flexmeter Wrist Guards and Gloves have hit the market. Unlike most wrist guards, the Flexmeters are designed so the flexible splint is worn on the back of the hand, flexing a measured degree upon impact to absorb the shock of the fall. The guards and gloves come in small, medium and large and are available in volume discounts for rental shops.

For more information, contact Sport Secrets LLC at (914) 764-0115 or check out www.flexmeters.com.


À La Carte
To help those beleaguered parents haul the family gear, Snow Tiger Enterprises introduces the Ski Wagon. The all-aluminum wagon can carry skis and snowboards, with room below for all the extras. For storage, the wagons can be stacked on top of each other or sat upright in a row.

For more information, contact Snow Tiger Enterprises at (479) 721-2420 or e-mail labuckley@cox.net.


Let’s Rock
From Milestone Inc., comes a rock called Porphyry, which can be used for sidewalks, driveways and roads. The hard stratified granite is impervious to freeze/thaw dynamics, say representatives, and comes in a purple luster. Porphyry comes in various cuts, including cobble, paver, saw cut or snap cut, giving installers many options. Materialwise it is more expensive than concrete, but with installation costs factored in, Porphyry carries only a 20-percent premium.

For more information, contact Milestone Inc. at (505) 989-1999, ext. 25, or check out their website at www.milestoneimports.com.


Snap Back
From ColorID comes a new season pass accessory, the Ski Pass Carabiner Reel. The carabiners attach to belt loops or jacket zippers with a pressure release latch, made out of metal. The holders come in many colors and the reel extends 36 inches. The carabiners can also be customized with full-color labels.

For more information, contact ColorID at 1-888-682-6567 ext. 125 or 225. Or, e-mail jay@colorid.com.



Just in Time
TAG Heuer presents a new timing concept that is an automatic Chrono­Split, which is worn by the athlete, and is triggered by radio transmitters that are connected to a start gate and photocells. According to representatives, there are no range limitations due to the length of run or terrain changes, or false times due to interference by others in or around the course. The ChronoSplit’s memory can be downloaded through a wireless device directly to an Excel file on your PC.

For more information, contact Reliable Racing Supply at 1-800-223-4448 or check out either www.reliableracing.com or www.chronosplitusa.com.


Meeting a New Standard
Shell Lubricants has introduced Shell Rotella T with Triple Protection technology, a new and improved formulation designed to meet the new API CJ-4 service category for heavy-duty diesel engine oils. According to manufacturers, and after 5.5 million miles of on-highway road testing, Rotella T provides, on average, 50 percent greater wear protection (ranging from 27 percent to 88 percent) than the previous formulation. Rotella T is also formulated with 30 percent more active ashless chemistry for protection against deposits and sludge. The motor oil is designed for both pre- and post-2007 engines.

Rotella T is available in bulk and drums and will be available in quart, gallon and pail packages beginning October 15.

For more information, visit www.shell.com.


Be Free
From SkiData comes the Freemotion system, a ticket reader with a no-barrier option. The Freemotion.Gate scans ski passes over a wider range, and also comes with a height sensor to ensure the kids’ passes are on the right people. A graphic display shows the current operating status, an integrated camera keeps an eye on things, and during open-gate mode, a gate will swing up blocking attempted ticket misuse.

The system also comes with a Direct-to-Access feature that allows ski passes to be pre-booked over the Internet or cell phone. Freemotion also supports the integration of third-party systems, and several software modules are available for back-office tasks. The system is modular, allowing it to grow with an area’s needs.

For more information, contact SkiData at (908) 243-0000 or check out www.skidata.com.


Going Automatic
CR-TEC Engineering released a new product line of cost-effective electric valve operators designed for the automation of ball, butterfly and other types of valves. The electric operators are made in sizes from 90 lb-in to 2,700 lb-in and are available in On/Off modulating versions. Each model includes standard manual override, visual position indicator, torque limiter and adjustable position switches. Options such as internal thermostatic heaters, battery backup and feedback potentiometers are offered.

Standard power input voltage choices are 12 and 24 VDC, as well as 115 VAC, 230 VAC and 440 VAC.

For more information, contact CR-TEC Engineering at (203) 318-9500 or visit their website at www.crtec.com.


Know Before You Go
3M has come up with Dynatel, a locating and marking system, in order to identify your underground assets. The line has two options: a cable/pipe locator 2250M or the cable/pipe/fault locator 2273M. According to manufacturers, the Dynatel series has a highly accurate multi-antenna design for various user-selected locating modes—Directional Peak, Multi-Directional Null, plus Special Peak for extreme depths. The system is designed to locate cable and pipe path, measure cable/pipe depth, measure signal current, identify cable and cable pairs, tone shorts and grounds in aerial cable, and locate energized power cable.

For more information, contact 3M at 1-800-426-8688 or check out www.3M.com/dynatel.


Let There Be Light
For search and rescue operations or late-night repairs, AE Light introduced a shorter version of their HID Powerlight, PL24/6-S. The new version measures 13 inches and weighs 32 ounces, but still maintains a 1,300 lumen output for 60 minutes—an optional output battery increases burn time to 75 minutes. The flashlight accepts all AE lenses and accessories and uses the same chargers. According to manufacturers, the bulb has a lifespan of 2,000-plus hours and the battery has a lifespan of 500-plus charges.

For more information, contact AE Light at (541) 471-8988 or at www.aelight.com.