Abstract: The invention prevents dynamic airway compression during ventilatory support of a patient. The respiratory airflow is determined by measurement or calculation, and a measure of the degree of dynamic airway compression is derived from the determined airflow. This measure is servo-controlled to be zero by increasing expiratory pressure if the measure of the degree of dynamic airway compression is large or increasing, and by reducing expiratory pressure if the measure of the degree of dynamic airway compression is small or zero.

Abstract: An oral airway consists of an elongate tubular member having a leading distal end and a proximal end, the leading distal end leading the elongate tubular member as it is inserted into the mouth and pharynx of a patient. An opening at the leading distal end of the elongate tubular member is inclined so that a posterior portion of the distal portion extends beyond an anterior portion of the distal end. A flexible tip portion extends distally beyond the opening to aid in insertion of the oral airway into the mouth and pharynx of a patient. The tip is configured to flex toward the opening as it abuts tissue within the mouth and pharynx of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is a sealing piece that can releaseably form a seal around the outside surface of a naso-gastric tube, the sealing piece being adapted to be sealingly supported from a surface having a hole at least the diameter of a distal end of a naso-gastric tube. In a specific embodiment, an elastomer sealing piece has a hole about the diameter of or just smaller than the diameter of a naso-gastric tube or other feeding tube and the sealing piece has a continuous slit from the hole to an outside edge. The slit is adapted to permit the sealing piece to be pulled apart at least enough so that the tube part of a naso-gastric tube may be sealingly located in the hole or removed from it. In operation, the invention would permit the patient having an appropriately inserted naso-gastric tube to threat the distal end of the naso-gastric tube to an access location external to a pressurized ventilation environment, i.e., a ventilation or anesthesia mask and associated gas tubing and access ports.

Abstract: A kit to facilitate self-placement of an incontinence prevention device within the urethra includes a deployment base member, a deployment tube, a deployment pusher along with the incontinence prevention device in a sterile pack. The base member includes a rigid shaft of a predetermined length having a finger grip member at one end and a hook member at its opposite end. The shaft of the base member is adapted to fit through the lumen of the deployment tube with the hook projecting out from a proximal end of the deployment tube and with the hook engaging a retention loop on the incontinence prevention device when in its sterile package. Upon removal of the kit components, the deployment tube is slid off the deployment base member and, in doing so, the incontinence prevention device becomes loaded into the deployment tube. The pusher is then used to urge the incontinence prevention device from the deployment tube into the urethra.

Abstract: When a capsule is manufactured, a unique number such as a serial number is stored in non-volatile memory in the capsule. If the capsule is used with an external apparatus, the unique number is sent from the capsule to the external apparatus. The external apparatus relates each unique number with a capsule ID comprising a small number of bits in a management table formed in non-volatile memory and sends the capsule ID to the capsule, and the capsule ID with the small number of bits is set as an identifier in the capsule. In this manner, it is made unnecessary to provide a switch in the capsule for setting the identifier and it becomes possible to reduce and send the quantity of information sent as the identifier.

Abstract: Filter and process for producing filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry. The filter includes at least one filter component of multiple-component fibers. The multiple-component fibers have lengths shorter than a length of the filter. The process includes producing a rod including at least one type of multiple-component fibers having lengths shorter than a length of the filter to be produced. Further, the multiple-component fibers have a casing. The process further includes heating the rod to a temperature above a melting temperature of the casing, and cooling the rod to a temperature below the melting temperature of the casing. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention is a comb that can be produced inexpensively of any material conventionally used to make combs and used by almost anyone in a manual application. It includes curved or angular teeth placed perpendicular to a cylindrical handle. It can be drawn through a lock of hair to create a ringlet curl that hangs free from the scalp. It may optionally include a second row of teeth, or an individual tooth, that incorporate additional strands of hair into the curl as the user desires. The teeth may also be placed in a helical path around the handle. The comb may include an extension that smoothes hair over the curved teeth. It does not require a motor or heating element, although it may be adapted to use with either or both as an accessory to a hand-held hairdryer or curling iron.

Abstract: A device and method for combing eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or for applying makeup to eyelashes and/or eyebrows is disclosed. One exemplary device has a support and at least one row of projecting elements on the support. The row has a first group of the projecting elements and a projecting element outside the first group, the projecting element outside of the first group being spaced apart from the first group by a gap. The projecting elements can separate the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, while the gaps can group the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

Abstract: Deicing of an external mirror (10) on a vehicle is effected by applying a sudden deformation force to the mirror. Sandwiched between the mirror (10) and a mounting surface (12) is a structure that includes a ribbon conductor (14), portions of which overlap each other in such a way that current through the conductor passes through these portions in opposite directions. A capacitor (32) is discharged through the conductor (14), generating a magnetic field that results in mutual repulsion between the overlapping portions. The mounting surface resists this repulsion force, which is instead transferred to the mirror (10), causing momentary distortion, and dislodgment of ice on the mirror surface. The same technique is also applicable to deicing of windows.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit comprising a dishwashing applicator comprising a cavity capable of receiving a unit dose dishwashing composition, and a unit dose dishwashing composition. Preferably the unit dose dishwashing composition is a water-soluble or water-dispersible pouch comprising a hand dishwashing composition.

Abstract: The invention is broadly in a scrubber for cleaning the lumen of a cannula of an endoscopic medical instrument comprising:

Abstract: Process and plant for washing without waste water discharges. The washing is done with recycling wash water, which is continuously purified and regenerated between each use. The rinsing is done in at least two stages. The wash water and the rinse water are recycled in two separate circuits balanced against each other in such a way that the water additions to the system may be limited to correspond to the losses through withdraw. In this way the plant can operate without generating surplus of wash water that must be discharged to the sewage system.

Abstract: Methods of improving tableware cleaning, sanitizing and stain removal using an automatic dishwashing appliance containing an electrochemical cell and/or electrolytic device. The methods comprise steps for generating electrolyzed water by intermittently activating and/or intermittently deactivating the cell so as to sequentially provide a bleaching species at specific times during the wash and/or rinse cycle. Said methods include a signal-sensing system capable of detecting a composition comprising a signal-providing agent, methods of using said compositions, and articles of manufacture.

Abstract: This invention relates to liquid dispensing and to a method of rinsing micro-dispensing syringes. In particular, the invention relates to a method of rinsing syringes of the plunger-in-needle type provided in an array.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing appliance containing a cell and/or device comprising same for electrolyzing tap water and/or wash and/or rinse liquor for treating tableware to improve cleaning, sanitizing and stain removal. The present invention also relates to methods of use and articles of manufacture.

Abstract: A photoresist stripping apparatus and a corresponding method for removing photoresist layers after a patterned polyimide layer is developed. The photoresist-stripping apparatus includes a transporting unit, a stripping unit, a washing unit, a drying unit and a control unit. The transporting unit connects the stripping unit, the washing unit and the drying unit. The control unit is responsible for controlling the transport sequence and timing of the transporting unit. The method of stripping the photoresist layer off the OLED panel includes providing a stripping solution to the stripping unit to remove photoresist layers. The OLED panel is jet-cleaned with a washing solution in the washing unit so that any residual stripping agent is removed. Finally, the surface of the OLED panel is blown dry.

Abstract: A high-pressure device has a drill stem (242) with a drill head (244) delivering a high-pressure fluid jet. A shield (246) is movably coupled to the device, wherein the drill head (244) is at least partially enclosed by the shield (246) when the drill head (244) is removed from the container (23).

Abstract: This application discloses an apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a sewer pipe, which can remain in the sewer under active flow conditions. The apparatus includes at least one scarifying head, which may transverse back and forth along a rail assembly, which is configured to match the circumferential shape of the sewer pipe. The scarifying head includes a nozzle assembly and driving assembly. The nozzle assembly, located at the outer end of the scarifying head has nozzles. The nozzles emit jets of water under pressure to clean or scarify the interior surface of the pipe.

Abstract: This application discloses an apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a sewer pipe, which can remain in the sewer under active flow conditions. The apparatus includes at least one scarifying head, which may transverse back and forth along a rail assembly, which is configured to match the circumferential shape of the sewer pipe. The scarifying head includes a nozzle assembly and driving assembly. The nozzle assembly, located at the outer end of the scarifying head has nozzles. The nozzles emit jets of water under pressure to clean or scarify the interior surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A cane and stirrup assembly comprising an upright cane having a lower portion, a stirrup located at one side of the cane lower portion, the stirrup including a first side having connection to the cane lower portion, a second side opposite the first side, and a lowermost support for the shoe or foot or sock of the user, and a brace attached to the stirrup second side and also operatively attached to the cane above a connection to transmit loading from the stirrup second side to the cane.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure includes a series of fabric panels each tautly spread by a length of steel wire or other resiliently flexible, filiform material. The steel wire may form a closed loop, an open loop or a mere arc. The wire is selectively inserted into at least two of several pockets or fabric straps positioned around the periphery of the panel. The selection of the wire-holding pockets or straps defines the shape of the spread-out panel. Parts of the fabric which are not encompassed by a wire are held folded over it and against the spread-out portion. The shape of the structure can be quickly modified by repositioning of the wires.

Abstract: An inflatable tent includes a canopy, an inflatable main frame, and at least one inflatable intermediate arcuate support member. The inflatable main frame includes a first inflatable arcuate support member attached to the canopy and a second inflatable arcuate support member attached to the canopy. The first inflatable arcuate support member has a first end located in a first one of four corners of the canopy and a second end located in a second one of the corners of the canopy. The second inflatable arcuate support member has a first end located in a third one of the corners of the canopy and a second end located in a fourth one of the corners of the canopy. The intermediate arcuate support member is attached to the canopy and located between the first inflatable arcuate support member and the second inflatable arcuate support member.

Abstract: A framework structure adapted to be folded and stored in a collapsed state and erected in an expanded state on a support surface. The framework structure includes a support structure consisting of a number of legs, each having a firm upper mount with at least one pivot and a slidable lower mount with at least one other pivot, a peripheral structure of a number of scissors each having four rods connected in pairs between their ends by pivots and further connected in pairs at upper and lower end parts by upper and lower pivots, respectively, and a central structure having rods connected with the scissors at one or more of the pivot connections of the scissor rods. The upper and lower free end parts of the rods of each scissor are formed with a bore each engaging a pivot of the upper or lower mounts of a leg, respectively, whereby the pivot is attached to the mount with means having a clearance to the rod and the rod end part is axially fixed to the pivot.

Abstract: A concentrating photovoltaic module is provided which provides a concentration in the range of about 500 to over 1,000 suns and a power range of a few kW to 50 kW. A plurality of such modules may be combined to form a power plant capable of generating over several hundred megawatts. The concentrating photovoltaic module is based on a Photovoltaic Cavity Converter (PVCC) as an enabling technology for very high solar-to-electricity conversions. The use of a cavity containing a plurality of single junction solar cells of different energy bandgaps and simultaneous spectral splitting of the solar spectrum employs a lateral geometry in the spherical cavity (where the cell strings made of the single junction cells operate next to each other without mutual interference). The purpose of the cavity with a small aperture for the pre-focused solar radiation is to confine (trap) the photons so that they can be recycled effectively and used by the proper cells.

Abstract: A stacked photovoltaic device comprises at least three p-i-n junction constituent devices superposed in layers, each having a p-type layer, an i-type layer and an n-type layer which are formed of silicon non-single crystal semiconductors. An amorphous silicon layer is used as the i-type layer of a first p-i-n junction, a microcrystalline silicon layer is used as the i-type layer of a second p-i-n junction and a microcrystalline silicon layer is used as the i-type layer of a third p-i-n junction, the first to third layers being in order from the light incident side. In this way, a stacked photovoltaic device can be provided which is practical and low-cost and yet has high reliability and high photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: To provide an outflow prevention device which is capable of preventing refrigerant from flowing out into a vehicle compartment even when an evaporator has ruptured.

Abstract: A metering valve for metering dry powder material such as cement. The interior of the valve housing is expanded outward beginning at the sealing surface or lip located adjacent to the inlet opening, thereby forming an enlarged gap between the valve sleeve and housing to discourage powder accumulation in the gap and interference of large bulk particles and foreign materials with the sleeve and housing. An eccentric intermediate sleeve aligns the valve sleeve relative to the housing prior to rotation of the valve sleeve by either moving the valve sleeve away from or toward the valve inlet. The valve sleeve has a rubberized layer to seal with the housing's sealing surface or lip. A sleeve shield blocks entry of powder into the mouths of the vacuum breakers to prevent plugging of the vacuum breakers. Ball bearings are employed to suspend the valve sleeve within the housing, making the valve sleeve easier to rotate.

Abstract: A cargo or dunnage air bag inflation and deflation system comprises an inflation-deflation valve member, a cap-type plug member, and an air gun implement having a fill nozzle and an exhaust nozzle mounted upon opposite ends thereof for respective connection to the valve member in order to perform inflation and deflation operations. The valve member comprises a flapper or check valve element pivotally mounted upon the valve member so as to permit inflation or deflation of the cargo or dunnage air bag when the flapper or check valve element is moved away from its valve seat, and to substantially maintain the cargo or dunnage air bag in its inflated state when the flappper or check valve element is effectively seated upon its valve seat.

Abstract: An air-blow valve configured for clean-in-place capability is provided. The valve comprises a valve body defining a valve seat and internal fluid passageways. The valve further comprises valve components disposed within the valve body, including a plug, a piston, and a spring. The valve is separately operatively connected to a pressurized-air source and to a sanitizing-fluid source. In operation, the spring biases the piston, causing the plug to engage the seat, to prevent undesired fluid flow between the passageways and the connecting conduits. Alternatively, the spring biases the piston, causing the plug to disengage the seat, allowing fluid flow between the passageways and connecting conduits. Pressurized air is used to space the plug from the seat to achieve flow whenever desired, or alternatively to engage the seat to prevent fluid flow when desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining a predefined pressure in one or more reactors to which pressures from 1 to 500 bar can be applied, with simultaneous measurement of the gas mass flow, comprising at least one buffer container (A) which is equipped with a pressure gauge (B) and can be filled with gas via at least one valve (C), and the buffer container (A) being connected to at least one reactor (F) which is likewise equipped with a pressure gauge (B′), characterized in that the connection between buffer container and reactor contains a restrictor (D) and a valve (E) which is controlled via a control unit (H) which is connected to the pressure gauges of the reactor (F) and of the buffer container (A) via control lines.

Abstract: A fluid control system for use with toxic or corrosive gases (for example) has been provided that includes a fluid pressure regulator comprising a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a first fluid flow path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a valve seat positioned in the first fluid flow path and dividing the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a valve element regulating flow through the valve seat; a generally cylindrical membrane defining an inflatable fluid cavity that moves axially, responsive to inflation; a wall portion of the cavity that moves responsive to inflation and deflation of the cavity; a second fluid flow path communicating between the cavity and a source of pressure outside the cavity; and a link transmitting the movement of the wall portion to the valve element, thereby moving the valve element with respect to the valve seat responsive to inflation and deflation of the cavity.

Abstract: A flange is provided for a valve which extends in a radial direction outwardly from the valve and has a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge is comprised of a series of outer surfaces positioned at or beyond a first radial distance from a center point of the valve, and may be in the form of tabs, and an alternating series of inner surfaces positioned at or within a second radial distance from the valve or flange center point, as intervening portions. At least one of the outer surfaces and inner surfaces may be sized and arranged to supportingly engage a plurality of series of connecting bolts which extend perpendicular to the radial direction, wherein the plurality of series of connecting bolts are arranged on bolt circles of different diameters relative to the valve.

Abstract: A direct operated valve assembly is provided including a valve body having a pressurized inlet port in communication with a source of pressurized air, a cylinder port, a valve bore extending axially within the valve body, and a valve member supported within the valve bore and movable between predetermined positions within the valve bore to selectively direct pressurized air from said inlet port through the cylinder port. An actuator is also included that is mounted to the valve body for moving the valve member in a first direction and a biasing member disposed between the valve member and the valve body to provide a biasing force to the valve member in an opposite direction. Also, an air-assist passage is included for providing a source of pneumatic pressure that acts in combination with the biasing member to operatively move the valve member in a direction opposite to the movement induced by the actuator.

Abstract: A hose for use in automotive power steering applications is disclosed. The hose has an inner tube, at least one reinforcing layer, and a cover layer. The inner tube is formed of at least an innermost rubber layer and an adjacent thermoplastic layer. The thermoplastic layer is formed of a material with a modulus three to ten times greater than the modulus of the innermost rubber layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insulative support member typically for insulating piping. The insulative support member provides a supportive point of attachment for a hanger to attach the insulated pipe to a ceiling. The support member can provide both insulative value and structural support whereby a hanger can attach to the piping insulation without crushing the insulation.

Abstract: A manually-operated baling wire twisting and tying tool, and a method of twisting and together the wires together, comprises a first handle having a first wire-twisting implement mounted therein, and a second handle having a second wire-twisting implement mounted therein. An axially oriented slot is effectively defined within the tool throughout substantially the entire axial extent thereof for accommodating the wires, and when the first and second handles, having the first and second wire-twisting implements disposed therein, are rotated with respect to each other, the wires are twisted and tied together. A visually indicating mechanism is also provided upon the tool for indicating to the operator when a predetermined number of twists have been imparted to the wires.

Abstract: A fuel tank and a canister are connected to each other by a first evaporated-fuel passage and a second evaporated-fuel passage, and a valve chamber of a float valve separate from the fuel tank is disposed at an intermediate portion of the first evaporated-fuel passage. Thus, there is no limitation in the positional relationship between a filled-up liquid surface in the fuel tank and a valve seat of the float valve. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the vertical dimension of the float valve. Moreover, since the valve chamber is provided separately from the fuel tank, it is unnecessary to define an opening for mounting the valve chamber to the fuel tank.

Abstract: Device for supplying additives (A,B,C) and machine for filling containers (4) with a fluid product (6) supplied to delivery heads (5) by means of a header (7;7;107) and distribution ducts (7a;7b) comprising means (10a,10b,10c,11;110A,110B,110C,11) for supplying said additives (A,B,C) to the said header (7;7;107) receiving the base product (6).

Abstract: There are practical difficulties in dosing a component of a composition into its container, such as a personal care product into a hand-holdable dispenser on a filling line, due in part to the short time that is available for the operation. The difficulties can be ameliorated or overcome by employing dosing apparatus in which a metering pump feeds a flowable material such a liquid through a dosing nozzle positioned above a container intended to receive a charge, the nozzle having a plurality of individual spouts spaced apart from each other so as to prevent their individual streams coalescing and the spouts extending sufficiently below its support to prevent droplets from adjacent spouts coalescing.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener having a sharpening sub-assembly for sharpening pencils, and first and second external shells having internal ribs defining surfaces for supporting the sharpening sub-assembly. Components of the sub-assembly are placed into corresponding portions defined by the internal ribs. The ribs ensure proper alignment of the components relative to the shell and each other, e.g. in the x- and y-directions. All components may be placed in the shell in a single direction, e.g. in a single axial direction (the z-direction). The components of the pencil sharpener are mounted in place upon fastening together of the first and second external shells. No internal or additional fasteners are required. The sharpening sub-assembly may include an electric motor, a gear assembly, and a cutter assembly including a cutter gear module having an annular ring gear, acting as a carrier support, and housing a pencil insertion switch and/or a receptacle presence switch.

Abstract: A prescan of log cant is performed and the data derived from the prescan is fed to a computer which analyzes the data to control positioning arms on a downstream positioning conveyor which feeds the cant to cutting scan station which provided data for controlling a movable gang saw. The positioning arms adjust the position of the cant to improve the operation of the gang saw and increase the useful output of the saw.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing magnetic powder is disclosed. This method can provide magnetic powder from which a bonded magnet having excellent magnetic properties and reliability can be manufactured. A melt spinning apparatus 1 is provided with a tube 2 having a nozzle 3 at the bottom thereof, a coil 4 for heating the tube and a cooling roll 5. The cooling roll 5 is constructed from a roll base 51 and a circumferential surface 53 in which gas flow passages 54 for expelling gas are formed. A melt spun ribbon 8 is formed by injecting the molten alloy 6 from the nozzle 3 so as to be collided with the circumferential surface 53 of the cooling roll 5, so that the molten alloy 6 is cooled and then solidified. In this process, gas is likely to enter between a puddle 7 of the molten alloy 6 and the circumferential surface 53, but such gas is expelled by means of the gas flow passages 54. The magnetic powder is obtained by milling thus formed melt spun ribbon 8.

Abstract: A metal treating composition comprising at least a specific type of dissolved and/or dispersed organic resin, a dissolved vanadium compound in which the valence of vanadium is from 3 to 5, and a dissolved compound that contains at least one of the metals Zr, Ti, Mo, W, Mn, and Ce can provide metal surfaces with superior corrosion resistance, alkali resistance, and fingerprint resistance. The composition contains no chromium to cause pollution problems and/or require pollution abatement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic powder which can provide a magnet having a high magnetic flux density and excellent magnetizability and reliability especially excellent heat resisting property (heat stability). The magnetic powder is composed of an alloy composition represented by Rx(Fe1-yCOy)100-x-z-wBzAlw (where R is at least one kind of rare-earth element, x is 8.1 - 9.4 at %, y is 0 - 0.30, z is 4.6 - 6.8 at %, and w is 0.02 - 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steel sheet having a chemical composition comprising 0.15% or less C, 2.0% or less Si, 3.0% or less Mn, P, S, Al and N in adjusted amounts, from 0.5 to 3.0% Cu, or one or more of Cr, Mo and W in a total amount of 2.0% or less, and having a composite structure comprising ferrite and martensite having an area ratio of 2% or more. The steel sheet is in the form of a high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet, a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet, or a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet. There is thus available a steel sheet excellent in press-formability and in strain age hardening property as represented by a &Dgr;TS of 80 MPa or more.

Abstract: A nickel-base alloy includes, in weight percent, up to about 0.10 percent carbon; about 12 up to about 20 percent chromium; up to about 4 percent molybdenum; up to about 6 percent tungsten, wherein the sum of molybdenum and tungsten is at least about 2 percent and not more than about 8 percent; about 5 up to about 12 percent cobalt; up to about 14 percent iron; about 4 percent up to about 8 percent niobium; about 0.6 percent up to about 2.6 percent aluminum; about 0.4 percent up to about 1.4 percent titanium; about 0.003 percent up to about 0.03 percent phosphorous; about 0.003 percent up to about 0.015 percent boron; nickel; and incidental impurities. The sum of atomic percent aluminum and atomic percent titanium is from about 2 to about 6 percent, the ratio of atomic percent aluminum to atomic percent titanium is at least about 1.5, and the atomic percent of aluminum plus titanium divided by the atomic percent of niobium equals about 0.8 to about 1.3.

Abstract: A process for thermally treating an article made from an aluminum alloy. The process comprises providing the aluminum alloy that consists essentially of from about 5.7 to about 6.7 wt. % of zinc, less than 2.2 wt. % copper, less than 4.2 wt. % of the total weight percent of magnesium and copper combined, and less than 10.60 wt. % of the total weight percent of magnesium, copper and zinc combined, the balance being substantially aluminum, incidental elements and impurities. The article is artificially aged at a first temperature. The article is heated to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The article is artificially aged at the second temperature of from about 290 to about 360° F. for a duration of at least 6 hours. The article is cooled from the second temperature to 200° F. at a cooling rate of from about 20 to about 40° F./hour.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary vehicle wheel assemblies for use with a wide range of wheeled vehicles and apparatus. In one embodiment, a wheel assembly (100) includes first and second rim portions (210, 212) having edges (220, 222). The wheel assembly includes a cartridge disposed in a trough portion between the rim edges. The cartridge includes a chamber portion (300) having a plurality of spaced protrusions (310), a resilient member (400) disposed over the plurality of spaced protrusions, an actuator (500) disposed over the resilient layer, and a traction layer (600) disposed over the actuator. The actuator is adapted to compress the resilient layer at least partially into the chamber portion when the wheel assembly is loaded with a weight. In this manner, the wheel assembly is capable of providing energy return to the wheel assembly during rotation thereof.

Abstract: A two-piece tire assembly has a removable tread belt 12 for installing about the circumference of a tire carcass 14. The tread belt has a pair of lateral ends each axially extending beyond the inflated unloaded carcass 14 at the circumferential surface by a distance of at least 4% of the width as measured at the tread belt 12 and carcass 14 interface. The carcass 14 has an abrasion resistant rubber layer 82 at the tread belt interface. The tread belt 12 also has the abrasion resistance tread compound 82 at the carcass 14 interface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite of a melamine derivative, particularly a liquid melamine derivative, and carbon black. A representative melamine derivative is, for example, comprised of an alkoxymethylmelamine such as hexamethoxymethylmelamine. The invention further relates to a rubber composition containing such composite of a melamine derivative and carbon black and to a rubber composition containing such composite as a methylene donor in combination with a methylene acceptor and the reaction product thereof in situ within said rubber composition. Such rubber composition may be a component of an article of manufacture, which may contain or be exclusive of, wire reinforcement, such as for example a component of a tire, vehicular track or industrial belt or hose.