Abstract: A wheel assembly has a rim with an outer radial surface. A tire coupled to the rim defines a first interior region between the outer radial surface and the tire. A bladder coupled to the rim defines a second interior region between the outer radial surface and the bladder. A third interior region is defined between the bladder and the tire. The wheel assembly includes a valve fluidly coupled to the second interior region and the third interior region. The valve is movable between a first position and a second position. The second interior region and the third interior region are fluidly isolated from one another when the valve is in the first position. The second interior region and the third interior region may be fluidly coupled to one another when the valve is in the second position.

Abstract: A wheel assembly has a rim with an outer radial surface. A tire coupled to the rim defines a first interior region between the outer radial surface and the tire. A bladder coupled to the rim defines a second interior region between the outer radial surface and the bladder. A third interior region is defined between the bladder and the tire. The wheel assembly includes a valve fluidly coupled to the second interior region and the third interior region. The valve is movable between a first position and a second position. The second interior region and the third interior region are fluidly isolated from one another when the valve is in the first position. The second interior region and the third interior region may be fluidly coupled to one another when the valve is in the second position.

Abstract: A debris guard is provided for an assembly having a variable length cylinder coupled to a housing. The cylinder has a barrel pivotally coupled to the housing and a rod which extends and retracts with respect to the barrel. The debris guard includes a body of flexible material filling a space between the barrel and the wall of the housing and preventing debris from entering the space. The body compresses as the barrel moves toward the housing wall and expands as the barrel moves away from the housing wall. The body of flexible material is bonded to a surface of the barrel and to the wall of the housing. The flexible material is molded and comprises a closed cell elastomeric material.

Abstract: A variable fan drive for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine is provided. A drive side assembly utilizes a hydraulic actuator to actuate a variable sheave assembly. The variable sheave assembly drives a sheave assembly of a driven side assembly by way of a v-belt. The hydraulic actuator has a piston coupled to the variable sheave assembly. The piston is hydraulically translated by pressurized engine oil from the internal combustion engine. An electronically controlled solenoid valve controlled by an engine or vehicle controller selectively controls the flow of engine oil for piston actuation. Thus the speed of the fan can be controlled based on various engine or vehicle operating parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle cooling package has a fan shroud mounted to a heat exchanger assembly. A diverter plate is mounted adjacent to the shroud and spaced therefrom with a fan interposed therebetween. A diverting surface of the shroud and the diverter plate are angled from the axis of the fan when the shroud and plate are assembled to the vehicle. A vehicle hood has upper and side surfaces each having air discharge apertures corresponding with the space between the diverting surface and the diverter plate when the hood is closed. The diverting surface and the diverter plate both extend fully to the hood assembly when the hood is closed. The angles of the diverting surface and the diverter plate closely match a natural discharge angle of the fan, so that air is discharged from the fan at a high velocity from under the hood through the air discharge apertures.

Abstract: The entire outer surface of a ground rod, including its pointed end portion, has a continuous and uniform electroplated coating. The rod has a blunt end portion shaped to minimize mushrooming when it is hammered for driving the rod into the ground. Jets of plating solution directed against the rod produce swirling motion of plating solution around the rod while it moves longitudinally through a plating bath. Uniformity of the plated coating may be enhanced by rotating the rod during longitudinal movement through the plating bath.