The “504” test machine at left is the industry standard for rigorous testing of ski binding release characteristics. We are proud to announce that Votey 223 will now host this machine along with a ski flex and boot stiffness tester. This will be part of our Mechanics Laboratory and support senior design projects. Design a better binding! The return of binding testing to the UVM will enable further collaborations with UVM Orthopaedics and will foster novel boot and binding designs to improve skiing world-wide.
The test equipment and lab renovation are thanks to a generous donation from William C. and Carolyn L. Stutt, longtime supporters of the University of Vermont (parents and grandparents of UVM alumni who love skiing).
The “504” was developed by Carl Ettlinger, UVM ME (BS 1967, MS 1969) who founded Vermont Ski Safety Equipment and Adjunct Professor, UVM Orthopaedics. Development of the standard for binding testing led to Carl being named Fellow of the ASTM. Prof. John O. Outwater was Carl’s research advisor at UVM and a longtime research collaborator.
- Vermont Ski Safety Equipment, founded by Carl and Trudee Ettlinger (Professor Emerita of Nursing, UVM)
- Carl’s accomplishments
UVM ME Department alumni such as Carl Ettlinger (1967, 1969) and Dave Dodge (1976) have made key contributions to ski safety and to novel binding and boot designs. Other ME alumni: James Cochran (2017), Scott Patterson (2013) and current student Ben Ogden (2022) have represented the US at the Olympics. We are very proud of our student athletes, and of our alumni’s outstanding contributions to ski safety!
Learn more about Dave Dodge and about the athletes.