Abstract: A portable test apparatus (and associated method) for measuring nonuniformity of a tire/wheel assembly in situ on a wheel bearing hub of a vehicle are characterized by a lightweight assembly of components including, in particular, a probe for monitoring deflections of a surface of the tire/wheel assembly during rotation of the tire/wheel assembly and producing an electrical output indicative of the surface deflections, and an indexing device for producing an electrical output indicative of the rotational position of the tire/wheel assembly during rotation thereof, the indexing device having an attachment mechanism for removable coupling to the tire/wheel assembly.

Abstract: A noise-reduction system for a vehicle wheel assembly which is comprised of a usual rim and a tubeless pneumatic tire having a pair of sidewalls and bead areas mounted thereon. A plurality of flexible, non-self-supporting pieces of cloth or other sheet material are attached to the rim or are attached to the bead areas and extend therebetween, preferably at equally spaced intervals, and form baffles within the annular air chamber of the wheel assembly to reduce noise by changing the characteristics of the sound waves created within the wheel assembly. When the wheel assembly is stationary, the baffles collapse on the rim, and when the wheel assembly is rotating, the baffles move outwardly by centrifugal force and substantially conform to the transverse cross section of the air chamber to obstruct the movement of acoustic waves traveling with the chamber to reduce tire noise.

Abstract: A portable machine for testing on site the uniformity of a tire or other components of a tire/wheel assembly. A compact rigid frame has a base formed by a plurality of longitudinal and transverse frame members for supporting the machine on a planar surface. A box-like subframe is mounted on the base and supports a mounting plate for the tire/wheel assembly. The mounting plate is slidably mounted on a pair of slide rods extending upwardly from the subframe. A road wheel and drive motor are mounted on the base, with the motor being mounted within the subframe and the load wheel being located beneath the tire/wheel assembly mounting plate. An air spring raises and lowers the mounting plate for placement and removal of a tire/wheel assembly thereon. A loading mechanism applies a force on the tire/wheel assembly mounting plate to forceably move a tire into contact with the road wheel, and is measurable by a first load cell.

Abstract: Borer-resistant waterfront retaining bulkheads. Such bulkheads feature a wall of sheeting placed seaward of the piles, rather than landward, as in conventional structures. Alternatively, the bulkheads may employ no piles but rather be supported by anchors. These structures improve water current flow over the bulkheads and thus help eliminate marine borers which typically attack the sheeting. A number of upper and lower wales hold the sheeting in place with respect to piles with no appreciable loss in overall strength or durability of the structure. The sheeting may be formed in two or more layers of boards, some of which may be tongue-and-grooved and/or shiplapped. Outer layers of boards in the sheeting, which bear heavier exposure to wind, water and waves, may be formed of sapwood or other materials for maximum strength and durability at minimum expense. Some or all of the wales may be formed of laminated sapwood to lend additional strength and durability.

Abstract: A hard metal wear insert to be force fitted into a steel body of a tool or stabilizer which has a serrated cylindrical side surface, as in the prior art, but is provided with air relief passages on the sides to relieve air in the receiving recess as the insert is driven in. A diametrical cross-passage between the air relief passages aids in the expulsion of air and provides a fracture line for destructive removal of the inserts. A central axial passage in conical form allows ready inspection of progressive wear as well as functioning to vent the interior end to prevent excessive air pressure in the heating of the body. A receiving recess in the body is shaped to provide a bottom surface to seat the insert solidly while permitting the air relief passages to function.