Abstract: A flow control device is disclosed. The flow control device includes a solenoid, the solenoid including an armature. Also, a piston connected to the armature. The piston includes a primary orifice. The piston having an open position and a closed position. A piston spring connected to the piston is also includes and at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the piston to the open position at least partially opens the at least one secondary orifice and the movement of the piston to the closed position at least partially closes the at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the armature actuates the piston movement and controls fluid flow from the primary orifice through the at least one secondary orifice.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a tire tote for at least one of a tire and a wheel. The tire tote can include a shell configured to surround the tire or wheel. The shell can include a central shell portion having at least one slit and being configured to extend around an annular wall of the at least one of the tire or wheel. The shell can also include a pair of side shell portions attached to the central shell portion, the pair of side shell portions configured to cover opposing faces of the at least one of the tire or wheel. The tire tote can further include a support strap inside the shell extending along a circumferential direction of the central shell portion. The tire tote may include a handle disposed outside the shell and attached to the support strap through the at least one slit.

Abstract: A roof rail for mounting to a vehicle. The rail has an elongated base of plastic and a metal stay member. The stay member has a first surface oriented for mating with a vehicle roof and a second surface oriented for receiving a cross bar. The stay member is encapsulated by the plastic forming the elongated base. The first surface includes at least two openings configured for receiving a fastener. The second surface includes at least two passages configured for receiving a fastener. An elongated plastic cap element is also provided. The cap element has a first edge engaging the elongated base adjacent the first surface of the stay member and a second edge engaging the base adjacent the second surface of the stay member, but does not cover the second surface of the stay member.

Abstract: A roof rail for mounting to a vehicle. The rail has an elongated base of plastic and a metal stay member. The stay member has a first surface oriented for mating with a vehicle roof and a second surface oriented for receiving a cross bar. The stay member is encapsulated by the plastic forming the elongated base. The first surface includes at least two openings configured for receiving a fastener. The second surface includes at least two passages configured for receiving a fastener. An elongated plastic cap element is also provided. The cap element has a first edge engaging the elongated base adjacent the first surface of the stay member and a second edge engaging the base adjacent the second surface of the stay member, but does not cover the second surface of the stay member.