Abstract: An apparatus and method for trapping particles disposed in a fluid. The apparatus may comprise one or more cavities disposed axially along a length of a tubular housing, one or more connecting components disposed at opposing ends of the housing, and may optionally comprise a check valve system. Alternate embodiments are provided for forming each of the one or more cavities, which may comprise a combination of a cavity frame and cavity surface. The method may comprise flowing a fluid into a first end of a particle trap apparatus at a rate of fluid flow, directing the fluid flow at least partially through one or more cavity sub-assemblies disposed in the particle trap apparatus, collecting the particulate matter in one or more of the cavity sub-assemblies when the rate of fluid flow may slow or become suspended, and clearing collected particles from the one or more cavity sub-assemblies upon restoration of fluid flow in a primary direction of travel.

Abstract: An asymmetrical tread for a tire has a midcircumferential plane and an inner side and an outer side when mounted on a vehicle wheel. The longitudinally extending ribs in a central segment have substantially equal surface contact areas and their contact surface ratios sequentially decrease when taken from the outer side to the inner side of the tread. Two lateral ribs have equal surface contact areas with the first lateral rib at the innermost lateral segment having a contact surface ratio less than the second lateral rib at the outermost later segment of the tread. The tread rubber volume is equal on the two sides of the midcircumferential plane of the tread. The improvements in performance compared to other asymmetrical tire treads is realized in maintaining good straight ahead driving features for the tread of this invention. Improvements in tire performance for vehicle turn maneuvers and for unsymmetrical vehicle wheel camber are realized.