Abstract: A rotary wheel-end assembly (90) is provided that includes a disc-like member (26) that when secured to a vehicular wheel hub (16) is operative to rotate relative a stationary axle spindle as well as provide a first chamber (28) about the end of axle (2). Assembly (90) has a passageway (36) therethrough for conveying pressurized air to the tire from axle (2) and includes a cover (42) secured in spaced-apart relationship to a side of member (26) facing away from axle (2) to provide a second chamber (46). Chambers (28) and (46) are adapted to hold a lubricant for lubricating frictional interaction between rotary assembly (90) and stationary axle (2) as well as wheel bearings (12) and at least one opening (40) is provided through member (26) for providing fluid communication between chambers (28) and (46) in addition to the preferable inclusion of at least one resilient closable member (48) through cover (42) for conveying lubricant into chamber (46).

Abstract: An improved wheel end valve assembly for a Central Tire Inflation System having a single connection to the tire chamber and a single connection to the source of pressurized fluid, which requires no venting other than through the single supply conduit, is effective in response to pressurization and venting of the supply conduit to open and close communication to the tire, and to isolate the tire if inflation pressure thereof falls below a minimum reference pressure. A controlled bleed of air between the control circuit and the isolation circuit is provided by a elastomeric disk shaped, one way valve having an orifice formed therein which is self cleaning when the valve is actuated.

Abstract: In combination with vehicle wheels a means for performing reduction of effective vehicle bearing weight thereby mitigating rolling resistance thereof enhancing energy efficiency. Attachment to be radially fixed on and around a vehicle wheel and configured to extend beyond the periphery of the wheel in a prolapse condition not common to wheel art. The attachment shall be displaceable and capable of energy storage and release sequaciously.Operation shall be via the nutation of the extended attachment with each nutating cycle bifurcated by the vehicle bearing weight area thereof allowing the bearing weight to be transferred to the displaceable attachments dynamically. The effective bearing weight of the vehicle is reduced and thereof deformations to the vehicle wheel and roadway are mitigated. Reduction of the deformations mitigate nonproductive energy transfer from the vehicle wheel and roadway structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sleeve-mounted spike (10) fitted on a vehicle tire, comprising a rivet (11), a head (12), a tip (13) and a sleeve (14). The part (11a) of the rivet towards the tip and the part (11b) towards the head subtend an angle (.alpha.) having a magnitude in the range from 150 to 179 degrees, whereby no rectilinear contact is established between the rivet (11) and the sleeve (14), as a result of which when the rivet (11) is urged against the sleeve (14) in vehicle acceleration, braking or sideslipping situations a greater force is required to push the rivet (11) into the tire rubber, however without arresting the movement of the rivet (11) within the sleeve (14).

Abstract: An anti-skid device for ready application to a vehicle wheel, that is entirely installable from the outer or hub side of the wheel. A primary embodiment of my device comprises at least three curved cleats, each having an inner surface and an outer surface, and each also having an integral attachment flange having a deliberate bend therein. Each cleat is configured and designed to curve in a cantilever manner around the tread of the tire, and in a primary embodiment, the cleats are interconnected by a number of elongate connection rods. The elongate assembly so formed can be placed around a tire, to encompass substantially more than half of the periphery of the wheel when the cleats are arrayed in an approximately equally spaced relation in contact with the tread of the tire, with the inner surface of each cleat normally disposed in a stand-away relation to the tread of the tire.

Abstract: The tire (10) has asymmetric or inhomogeneous regions (14 g) which are disposed to produce a force component turning the fixed spike, respectively the sleeve-mounted spike (15) so that the fixed spike, respectively the sleeve-mounted spike (15), is arranged at first contact with the road surface (13) to meet the road surface (13) substantially in perpendicular position.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a sleeve-mounted spike. The sleeve (14) of the substantially symmetric sleeve-mounted spike (10) is provided with an oblique hole (15) for a rivet, the sleeve-mounted spike (10) being arranged, at first contact with the road surface (18), to meet the surface of the road (18) in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: An antiskid attachment for use with an automotive wheel having a tire includes a base plate adapted to be positioned on one side of the wheel. A plurality of spaced-apart ground-engaging band members are mounted peripherally around the base plate in cantilevered manner and are adapted to be positioned on the outer surface of the tire. Each of the band members has a transverse hole formed in the free end thereof. A fastening cord is passed through the holes of the band members for releasably tensioning the band members. Tying means is provided for releasably tying the fastening cord to the outside surface of the base plate with the band members tensioned by the fastening cord.

Abstract: A traction-enhancing device that is releasably attached to vehicle tires. A rigid base member having a central core and plural arms radiating therefrom is placed into overlying relation to the side of a tire. Plural flexible cords and rigid rod members in axial alignment therewith interconnect a like number of tread-overlying road-gripping members to a capstan mounted centrally of the base member. Rotation of the capstan draws the road-contacting members radially inwardly into tight-fitting engagement with the tire and effectively creates an enhanced tread. Counter rotation of the capstan enables the road-contacting members to be swung away from the tread so that the device can be removed from the tire.

Abstract: A system for inflating and deflating pneumatic tires of a vehicle through pneumatically actuated tire isolating valves is disclosed which isolates air under pressure in the tires from the system and which utilizes electronically controlled valves for achieving opening of the tire isolating valves and inflating, deflating or eluding the pressure. The system is improved by incorporation of a dump valve at each tire which permits rapid deflation of the tire pressure upon demand. The dump valve is tire and system pressure responsive and is integrated into the system in a manner to be responsive to any number of deflated tire pressures.

Abstract: A method of making a jacketed storage tank comprises applying a layer of wax over a rigid inner storage tank, applying fibrous reinforcing material and resinous material onto the wax, and then curing. The wax is subsequently melted and removed to create a continuous space. The resultant jacket is structurally independent from the storage tank, yet is in such close proximity thereto that the resultant jacketed storage tank has an integral structural strength capable of withstanding external load forces normally encountered by underground storage tanks. Secondary containment is provided by the jacket.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an automotive wheel including a tire to provide additional traction includes a first and a second ring member fabricated of hard grooved metal material, each having a sufficient diameter and held in a spaced-apart parallel relation by a plurality of transversely oriented angled bar members rigidly connected at each end and equally spaced along the circumference of the rings to the rings so as to be adapted to receive therein and therebetween the tire. The angled bar members each have a convex portion member oriented towards the tire and a concave portion oriented away from the tire. At least one selectively adjustable strap is provided for connecting both of the ring members to the tire in a rotataionally fixed, but removable relation. The selectively adjustable strap has sufficient length to engage both the ring members and the tire in a compressive relation.

Abstract: A stud for a tire to improve traction on a roadway which includes a hardened steel pin mounted in a plastic body and extending therefrom to engage the roadway, wherein the stud is sized for insertion into openings in a tire tread. The plastic body includes a portion that is collapsible so that the stud can self-adjust its position relative to the tread surface as it wears, whereby the steel pin is maintained in close relation to the tread surface throughout the life of the tire to provide the maximum road-engaging condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making reclosable bag material wherein a film has a longitudinal formation axis extending the length of a bag to be made therefrom and the film is incrementally advanced longitudinally, strips of extruded plastic profiled reclosable fastener strip are movable laterally axially across the film for location at one end of a bag made from the film with the profiles projecting in a direction toward the film, the strip is rotated to have the profiles facing away from the film and a strip base placed on the film and the base heat bonded to the film.

Abstract: Elongated, large diameter, helically wound, hollow fiber bundles which are stable, do not require "dead-end tubesheets" to keep the bundle ends from slipping and exhibit only slight "dog-boning" can be formed by controlling the winding parameters so that the bundle consists of successively shorter or longer "formations" of successively longer strata, each stratum consisting of from about one to a plurality of coverages (of the underlying core or bundle surface).

Abstract: A traction device for a vehicle wheel composed of pair of cable members each having at least one closed loop formed in each end thereof, such that one end of each cable member can be extended through an aperture in a vehicle wheel and then the cable member can be wrapped toroidally around the wheel and the other loop end of the cable member can be passed through the loop in the first end and extended radially inwardly towards the axis of the wheel. The radially inwardly extended loop end of the cable member is then joined to at least one other similar cable member by a linearly adjustable connector such as a turnbuckle or an elastically resilient member with hooks thereon.

Abstract: In order to attach a tire mat to the circumference of a tired wheel, a front flexible elongate member is slidingly passed through attachment fittings on the mat spaced around the periphery of the front side of the wheel, and a rear flexible elongate member is slidingly passed through attachment fittings on the mat spaced around the periphery of the rear side of the wheel. Respective sliding attachment members are then used to attach parts of each elongate member together so as to enable relative sliding movement between the parts and so as to cause the elongate member to form an intermediate loop portion which extends through the attachment fittings on the associated side of the wheel and a further portion outside the loop portion.