Abstract: A subjective test method for characterizing the deflated handling performance of self-supporting tires includes the steps of positioning tires on selected wheels of a test vehicle and then subjecting the tire—test vehicle combination to a plurality of different driving maneuvers such that a variety of testing objectives can be evaluated. Exemplary driving maneuvers are representative of a vehicle's operation in steady state, transient state, throttle lift-off, and/or emergency driving situations. Testing objectives that are obtained in accordance with each test maneuver may include both objective criteria that may be obtained via vehicle instrumentation and subjective criteria that may be assigned grade ratings by a test driver. Uniformity of testing maneuvers and driver solicitation is preferred to minimize dispersion in test results.

Abstract: A ring loader device is used for expanding an elastic cincture band prior to application to a user's male sex organ for cincturing an engorged condition thereof as a treatment for impotence. A cone component has a conical shaped pyramid with vertical grooves. A corresponding dome component has matable ribs which are received in the cone grooves. The ribs enter the grooves and align the cone and dome as they are matably pressed together. As a prior step, a suitable elastic ring is placed over the tapered smaller end of the cone component, and becomes expanded against the cone outer surface as the dome is pressed onto the cone. The cone may include particular surface contours for corresponding receipt of inside diameter features of the elastic ring, such as a urethra channel or radially inward points for added cincturing pressure. The cone and dome arrangement may be used to expand and align an elastic ring onto a transfer collar, or directly onto the outside diameter of a vacuum chamber.