Abstract: The invention relates to a diaphragm (1) for throttling a volume flow in an air distribution ducting system of an air-conditioning unit of a commercial aircraft. The diaphragm includes a plurality of spring-elastic elements (10) that effect a throttling of the volume flow through the diaphragm (1). The invention also relates to the use of such a diaphragm (1) for installation in an air distribution ducting system of an air-conditioning unit on board a commercial aircraft.

Abstract: [Problem] To completely close the space between the hot-water valve 3a and the hot-water valve seat a when ejecting the cold water, without increasing the size of the temperature-sensitive coil spring 5 constituted by the SMA spring.

Abstract: A pressure releasing device contains a tubular body member with a slidable slider member inside. The pressure releasing device is connected to the output of the high-pressure pump and high-pressure water will flows through the pressure releasing device when the pump is turned on and, when the pump is turned off, the high-pressure backflow will force the slider member to quickly block the inlet of the pressure releasing device. A pressure releasing opening controlled by a low-pressure valve is provided along the tubular body member. When the pump is turned off, the high-pressure backflow will be quickly released through the pressure releasing opening and the low-pressure valve helps to keep the water pressure inside the hose below a low pressure level to prevent dripping.

Abstract: A valve is provided comprising a housing, said housing containing a channel for a fluid medium, and the channel having associated therewith a sealing element which cooperates with a sealing seat. Said sealing seat is positioned in a chamber with which are associated a particle retention element in order to provide simplicity in construction and ease of installation. Said valve is designed and improved in such a manner that, once installed, it ensures optimal operation at all times while being simple in construction and easy to install.

Abstract: A new and improved mounting system, for fixedly mounting an exhaust gas deflector component upon the upper cap member of a pneumatically-powered fastener-driving tool, comprises a fastener disposed internally within the upper cap member of the pneumatically-powered fastener-driving tool and not extending externally through the exhaust gas deflector component. In this manner, not only does the exhaust gas deflector component of the pneumatically-powered fastener-driving tool exhibit an aesthetically pleasing external appearance, but in addition, the absence of any externally visible fastener structure, extending through the exhaust gas deflector component, permits various indicia, such as, for example, the company logo, to effectively be incorporated upon the external surface portion of the exhaust gas deflector component.

Abstract: A system for determining a fluid level in a pressurizable container comprising is disclosed. The system includes a service valve having a set of wrench flats defining parallel flat surfaces, one of the wrench flats having a recess defined entirely within its flat surface, a stop-fill device interconnected with the service valve and operable to rotate a first magnet inside the service valve in proximity to the recess in proportion to the amount of fluid in the pressurizable container, and a dial assembly having a dial face and a pointer attached to a second magnet, the second magnet housed in a magnet protrusion on a side of the dial face opposite the pointer and operable to fit into the recess in the service valve such that the dial moves on the dial face proportionately to the degree of rotation of the first magnet inside the service valve.

Abstract: A refillable external dosing valve for use in dispensing a hydrocarbon fuel for a gas auto-feed drive tool. The re-fillable dosage valve includes an entry point (5) and a non-return valve so that a fuel canister (2) is able to be reloaded after the fuel bag internally of the canister has been totally deflated. The valve is adapted to engage the canister in a manner allowing the valve to establish fluid communication with the fuel in the canister and co-operate with a refilling nozzle of apparatus adapted to deliver a substance from a reservoir through the dosing valve to refill a receptacle with said substance. The valve is also configured to include an internal metering chamber which enables a predetermined amount of fuel to be delivered to a metering chamber within the gas auto-feed drive tool. Residual gas within the canister can also be removed when the canister is to be disposed of.

Abstract: The hydraulic system safety shut off valve is a safety valve for use immediately downstream from a hydraulic pressure power supply line and before the operational control valves and subsystems. It includes a velocity fuse having an inlet and an outlet, a surge chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and, a connecting port, which connects the inlet outlet of the velocity fuse to the inlet of the surge chamber.

Abstract: A water supply system (1) having at least one pressure pump (9), at least one pressure tank (3) and a plurality of water tanks (2) and (36). A submersible pump (37) is connected to a well (38) and a main water tank (36), which is connected to the other water tanks (2) via hoses (4), is connected to the pressure pump (9). The pressure pump (9), in turn, is connected to the pressure tank (3). Finally, the pressure tank (3) is connected to a plurality of water supply pipes (5) which supply water to varying areas of a plant. The main water tank (36) contains a plurality of float switches (28) at varying levels so as to indicate when the water supply needs to be activated, when the water tanks (2) and (36) are getting low and when the water tanks (2) and (36) are extremely low and the pressure pump (9) needs to be deactivated. When the pressure pump (9) is deactivated, the water is pumped from a submersible pump (37) to fill the water tanks (2) and (36).

Abstract: A system for mixing together a dry material and a liquid binder has a first mixing device for mixing the liquid binder with a fluid and a second mixing device for mixing the resulting mixture mixed by the first mixing device with the dry material.

Abstract: Holding means for holding an article onto a conveyor system, particularly for holding pharmaceutical vials onto a conveyor system for performing a filling and sealing operation thereon. The holding means bears downwardly on the article. A conveyor system incorporating the holding means is also provided. In a further aspect an aerodynamically shrouded processing station for use with the conveyor is provided which minimizes disruption of a downward laminar flow of purified air.

Abstract: A gas delivery system for a recreational vehicle comprising an inlet hose configured to be connected to a source of gas, a manifold connected to the inlet hose, a plurality of supply hoses connected to the manifold, and a plurality of appliances configured to be positioned within the recreational vehicle, with each one of the appliances being connected to one of the supply hoses. Gas can be supplied to each of the appliances via the inlet hose, the manifold and one of the supply hoses.

Abstract: There is provided a valve assembly with an inlet passage and an outlet passage in communication with a valve chamber, a diaphragm mounted at the valve chamber for movement between a closed position, substantially preventing the flow of fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage, and an opened position, defining a path of fluid flow between the inlet passage and the outlet passage, and a pressure chamber disposed in the valve chamber above the diaphragm for retaining fluid pressure to control the diaphragm position. The valve assembly provides improved support for the diaphragm at an outlet aperture from the pressure chamber, air bleed from the pressure chamber, and upstream shutoff.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional valve unit (10) for use on a gas cylinder to which it is attached for the controlled filling of the cylinder and for the controlled discharge of gas therefrom. The unit has a unitary or monolithic valve body (32) providing a filling port (12) and a cylinder connector (14) in gas flow communication with the filling port (12), for releasable attachment of the unit to a gas cylinder. The unit further comprises a manually operable manual shut-off valve (16), a gas pressure regulator (18), a minimum retention valve (20), a pressure gauge (22), a flow control device (24), and a pressure relief safety valve (26), all of which are mounted on the valve body. The flow control device is, as a whole, replaceably removable from the remainder of the multifunctional valve unit while the cylinder connector is connected to a gas cylinder containing gas and the manual shut-off valve is closed.

Abstract: A disposable breakaway hose connector for a fuel line prevents untimely decoupling, and avoids unnecessary leakage. The breakaway connector includes a pair of fittings, for connecting to the fuel line, an inner sleeve provided for limited sliding movement upon one of the fittings, with each fitting incorporating a poppet valve, to provide for closure when decoupling occurs, or other unseating, from within the respect fittings, during normal aggregate and usage. Detents are provided within one of the fittings for interconnecting to normally retain the connector as assembled, but various O-rings arranged within an inner sleeve and upon one of the fittings, provide for limited movement when tensioning force is exerted and clearance for disconnection. A fluid chamber is provided intermediate of the O-rings, to equalize and counterbalance fluid pressures that occasionally spike within the connector and hose line.

Abstract: A metering device for at least one medium, with a medium storage unit and a pumping system connected to the medium storage unit, and in which the medium storage unit or the pumping system comprises a venting valve (44) which is elastically held in the closed position, is known. According to the invention, a control member (41) is associated with the venting valve (44) in such a way that the control member opens the venting valve as a result of a pumping movement of the pumping system. The device is used for metering a medium.

Abstract: The Sleeved Spool Fluid Power Control Valve uses the longitudinal movement of a sleeved spool to open and close the fluid inlet and exhaust ports in a valve body. The sleeve that surrounds the spool is integral with the spool. The longitudinally ported sleeve traverses the valve bore and always maintains contact with the sealing mechanisms. This provides for greatly extended seal life in high cycle valve applications such as found in a pneumatic pile driving hammer, where cycles of 60 per minute and more are common with air flows of 250 cfm and higher.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device for improving, for example, valve operation by reducing “error forces” occurring due to fluid communication between ports of a valve having two or more ports. Incremental pressure drop passages bleed incrementally the flow of fluid between first an second ports as the valve spool is moving between the first and second positions to decrease the pressure differential generated force exerted on the spool whereby the energy required to be applied to the spool for moving the spool between the first and second positions is decreased.

Abstract: A fluid contactor is taught for mixing and reacting of fluids. Mixing is enhanced by providing a suitable residence time and suitable surface area contact by forming eddy flow within the fluid and thereby the formation of vortexes. Such a contactor does not require the use of mechanical mixers. The contact chamber of the present invention can enhance chemical modification by use of chemical modifiers such as ultraviolet lamps, by allowing the positioning of such modifiers adjacent the vortexes.

Abstract: A flow liner includes a flexible conduit having a first end and a second end. A gasket has an outside diameter and an aperture. A first portion of the first end is positioned to extend through the aperture and fold around the outside diameter such that a folded over portion of the first portion is in contact with the outer surface of the flexible conduit to define a seal therebetween.

Abstract: A hose for use in bio-pharmaceutical applications includes an innermost tubular layer made from a fluoropolymer material. The tubular layer has an inner, relatively smooth and pure surface that defines an opening for transfer of various media. A layer of silicone is disposed next to an outer surface of the innermost tubular layer through use of, for example, an extrusion method. The outer surface of the tubular layer may first be modified by various treatments or chemicals to facilitate the adhesion of the silicone layer thereto. The silicone material may be solid or foamed. A reinforcement layer may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the silicone layer. The reinforcement layer may be formed of a wire braid having gaps. An outer jacket of silicone may be attached to the reinforcement layer and to the inner silicone layer through the gaps in the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire-reinforced flexible rubber hose that is particularly suitable for use in breathing air applications. The method includes positioning a section of wire-reinforced tubing on a forming mandrel and then positioning a sleeve of uncured rubber to cover the section of wire-reinforced tubing. Cording is then wrapped around the sleeve of uncured rubber such that each adjacent wrapping of cording is disposed between and separated by the wire helix of the wire-reinforced tubing. The sleeve of uncured rubber is cured while the cording is wrapped thereon to form a cured hose.

Abstract: Double layer forming fabrics, woven to an overall repeating weave pattern requiring at least 8 sheds in the loom, provide a low drainage area in a notional centre plane between the paper and machine side layers, to resist and retard initial impingement drainage. Transverse binder yarn pairs follow a single combined path interweaving with paper side layer and machine side layer yarns, with long internal floats under at least four paper side layer yarns between exchange points and interlacing points in the machine side layer. The members of the pairs are laterally displaced in relation to each other along the single combined path. The fabric has a total warp fill after heatsetting of at least 100%. The drainage areas of the paper side layer and the machine side layers are between 25% and 50%, and the centre plane drainage area is between 8% and 20%.

Abstract: Paper making composite forming fabric comprising paper side weft and warp yarns, wear side warp yarns and binder yarns, wherein the paper side wefts and the binder yarns are interwoven with the paper side warp yarns, and wherein the binder yarns are interwoven with the wear side warps, wherein the total number of paper side and wear side warp yarns per weave repeat is greater than 24.

Abstract: A cable tie installation tool tensions a cable tie about a plurality of elongated objects and severs an excess portion of the cable tie. The cable tie includes a head portion and a tail portion. The tool includes a housing having a blade guard having a front portion and an anvil portion, a tensioning mechanism operatively supported by the housing for tensioning the cable tie to a predetermined tension setting and retaining the cable tie head portion at least partially against the blade guard, and a severing mechanism including a linearly reciprocating blade for severing the excess portion of the cable tie near the head portion once the cable tie has been placed into the predetermined tension setting by the tensioning mechanism. The linearly reciprocating blade passes behind the front portion of the blade guard and in front of the anvil portion of the blade guard.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling syringe barrels (1) with a product (A, B), includes at least one vacuum unit, at least one filling device, and a metering head (10) which can be moved with respect to the syringe barrel (1). The metering head (10) has a first material inlet valve (11a) and a second material inlet valve (11b) as well as a first vacuum valve (20a) and a second vacuum valve (20b). The material inlet valves (11a, 11b) and the vacuum valves (20a, 20b) are connected to channels (25a, 25b), to each of which a chamber (2a, 2b) of the syringe barrels (1) can be connected, as a result of which the syringe barrel (1) can be filled through the same openings (5a, 5b) as those through which the product (A, B) can be forced out of the chambers (2a, 2b) by pistons (3) for use of the product, where the pistons (3) are inserted into the syringe barrels (1) before the barrels are filled.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated medication preparation system according to the present invention includes automated preparation of a dosage of medication in a drug delivery devices, such as a syringe, and includes an automated transport device for controllably delivering each drug delivery device from one location to another location and a receiving member that is associated with the automated transport device and includes at least two pockets for receiving and retaining at least two differently sized drug delivery devices according to a predetermined orientation. The system also includes a controller in communication with the automated transport device for moving the automated transport device in an indexed manner.

Abstract: A fuel device for a mobile body comprises a fuel tank, a power consuming device, a fuel filling connector for receiving a fuel supply, and a power supplying connector for receiving a power supply. A fuel filling system comprises a vehicle having a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and a fuel filling device for filling the vehicle with fuel, wherein the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling or started by power supply from the outside of the vehicle when the fuel tank is filled with fuel based on tank information. The vehicle comprises a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling. The fuel filling device has a filling nozzle which is connected with the fuel filling connector and provided with a feeding side connector for supplying power.

Abstract: The invention provides a shutter-operated fuel filler port closing apparatus in which a countermeasure for static electricity is applied. The shutter-operated fuel filler port closing apparatus includes a dust cover which is capable of tilting for closing up a fuel filler port and a hinged haft for the dust cover which have electrical conductivity, and the hinged shaft and a filler neck are electrically connected by an electrically conductive leaf spring, so that static electricity is discharged from the dust cover to the filler neck through the hinged shaft and the electrically conductive leaf spring. Since the dust cover is opened always with a hand or hands for fueling, the static electricity can be discharged inevitably to the filler neck through actions to open the dust cover, so that spark discharge can be prevented.

Abstract: A gas filling system includes a work platform installed in a pod storage cabinet and defining an accommodation chamber for holding a photomask pod, a pod detaching mechanism disposed in one side of the work platform and controllable to unlock the locking members of the photomask pod for allowing removal of a cover member of the photomask pod from its support tray, and a displacement mechanism mounted in a second side of the work platform and controllable to separate the support tray and the cover member of the photomask pod for allowing filling of an inert gas into the accommodation chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing gases and liquids having a high trans-migration rate through containment surfaces due to their molecular size. An inner pressurized retaining enclosure for the storage of gas and liquids has a second enclosure wall about the first enclosure defining a gap between the respective enclosure surfaces which is filled with a containment gas or liquid having a molecular size greater than the porosity of the storage wall and stored gas or liquid. The containment gas effectively impedes the transmission of the storage gas and liquid through the first inner pressure retainer enclosure by creating a pressure barrier on its outer surface.

Abstract: A nozzle attachment for a conventional pump nozzle for preventing dripping or leaking of liquid after a pre-determined amount of liquid has been dispensed. The attachment is configured for telescopically mounting on a dispensing end of a standard pump nozzle. The nozzle attachment has a hollow body and a spring-mounted valve moving in the hollow body between a normally closed position and an open position, allowing a flow of liquid, such as gasoline fuel, to be dispensed through a central opening of the nozzle attachment.

Abstract: A non-spilling, detachable pouring spout is configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. The spout has a spout body defining a first hollow passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end, wherein this open passageway having a generally tubular hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is received in the spout and seals against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body, preferably the flow of liquid out of the spout and air into the spout as a venting system. The movement of said sleeve may be controlled by movement of an external sheath and may include child-resistant features. The preferred spout may achieve smooth air venting and liquid flow, and minimizes transverse/sideways flow and openings that tend to cause splash and leaks.

Abstract: A water dispenser is adapted to provide water on demand to both humans and pets. An upper water dispenser provides water to humans and a lower water dispenser provides water to pets. The upper dispenser can be adapted for voice actuation. The lower water dispenser can be automatically actuated by a sensor which detects the presence of a pet and trigges release of water into a pet bowl.

Abstract: A disc cutting apparatus for chipping wood chips from a log includes a chipper frame, a rotary cutting disc having a plurality of substantially radially disposed knife assemblies in relation to a proximal facing side of the disc and a feed spout into which a log is fed into the chipper apparatus. The apparatus further includes a bedknife, the bedknife having a first surface and an opposing second surface that is nonparallel to the first surface such that a wedge is produced between the first surface and the second surface for fitting within a corresponding nonparallel gap in the chipper frame. The bedknife further includes at least one secondary trimming edge for more complete reduction of wood chipped and for reducing the size of slivers formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified metal surfaces, methods of preparing the same, and intermediates thereto. These materials are useful in a variety of applications including biomaterials.

Abstract: A method of production of conductive particles able to suppress growth of the conductive particles at the firing stage, able to effectively prevent spheroidization and electrode disconnection, able to effectively suppress a drop in electrostatic capacity, and able to efficiently produce core particles covered by thin coating layers without abnormal segregation of the coating layer metal particularly even when the internal electrode layers are reduced in thickness. A method of producing conductive particles comprising cores 51 having nickel as their main ingredients and coating layers 52 covering their surroundings. A core powder, a water-soluble metal salt containing a metal or alloy forming the coating layers 52, and a surfactant (or water-soluble polymer compound) are mixed to deposite by reduction a metal or alloy for forming the coating layers 52 on the outer surfaces of the core powder.

Abstract: A soft magnetic alloy including iron, cobalt, and at least one alloying addition including a platinum group metal, rhenium, or combinations thereof is provided. A device including an article including a soft magnetic alloy including iron, cobalt, and at least one alloying addition including a platinum group metal, rhenium, or combinations thereof is provided.

Abstract: A thrust bearing component is formed of cold-reduced steel sheets and strip having surface roughness of Rmax?2 ?m and provided by cold rolling a high-carbon steel containing 0.9 wt % to 1.2 wt % of carbon, 1.2 wt % to 1.7 wt % of chrome, 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of manganese, and 0.15 wt % to 0.35 wt % of silicon.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a high-strength high-ductility hot-dip galvanized steel sheet and hot-dip galvannealed steel sheet having high fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance; a high-strength hot-dip galvanized steel sheet excellent in ductility, which improves non-plating defects and plating adhesion after severe deformation, and a method of producing the same; a high-strength and high-ductility hot-dip galvanized steel sheet having high fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance; a high-strength hot-dip galvanized steel sheet and hot-dip galvannealed steel sheet having superior appearance and workability, which suppresses the generation of non-plating defects, and a method of producing the same; and a high-strength hot-dip galvannealed steel sheet and a high-strength hot-dip galvanized steel sheet, which suppress non-plating defects and surface defects and have both corrosion resistance, in particular corrosion resistance in an environment containing chlorine ion, and high ductility, and a meth

Abstract: A hot-rolled austenitic iron/carbon/manganese steel sheet, the strength of which is greater than 1200 MPa, the product P (strength (in MPa)×elongation at break (in %)) of which is greater than 65 000 MPa % and the nominal chemical composition of which comprises, the contents being expressed by weight: 0.85%?C?1.05%; 16%?Mn?19%; Si?2%; Al?0.050%; S?0.030%; P?0.050%; N?0.1%, and, optionally, one or more elements chosen from: Cr?1%; Mo?0.40%; Ni?1%; Cu?5%; Ti?0.50%; Nb?0.50%; V?0.50%, the rest of the composition consisting of iron and inevitable impurities resulting from the smelting, the recrystallized surface fraction of said steel being equal to 100%, the surface fraction of precipitated carbides of said steel being equal to 0% and the mean grain size of said steel being less than or equal to 10 microns.

Abstract: Iron-carbon-manganese austenitic steel sheet, the chemical composition of which comprises, the contents being expressed by weight: 0.45%?C?0.75%; 15%?Mn?26%; Si?3%; Al?0.050%; S?0.030%; P?0.080%; N?0.1%; at least one metal element chosen from vanadium, titanium, niobium, chromium and molybdenum, where 0.050%?V?0.50%; 0.040%?Ti?0.50; 0.070%?Nb?0.50%; 0.070%?Cr?2%; 0.14%?Mo?2%; and, optionally, one or more elements chosen from 0.0005%?B?0.003%; Ni?1%; Cu?5%, the balance of the composition consisting of iron and inevitable impurities resulting from the smelting, the amounts of said at least one metal element in the form of precipitated carbides, nitrides or carbonitrides being: 0.030%?Vp?0.150%; 0.030%?Tip?0.130%; 0.040%?Nbp?0.220%; 0.070%?Crp?0.6%; 0.14%?Mop?0.44%.

Abstract: A process for casting titanium alloy based parts includes the steps of melting a quantity of titanium alloy to form a molten titanium alloy; adding to the molten titanium alloy a quantity of boron in an amount of about 0.2 weight percent to about 1.3 weight percent of the molten titanium alloy to form a molten boron modified titanium alloy; and casting a boron modified titanium alloy based part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular member.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel element (10, 110, 210) includes a heat-generating pyrotechnic charge (12) which comprises any suitable pyrotechnic material and an ammonia borane encasement (16, 116). The encasement partly (encasement 16) or wholly (encasement 116) encases the pyrotechnic charge (12). An ignition train (14) is powered by electrical leads (28a, 28b) to ignite pyrotechnic charge (12) to heat both the ammonia borane binder it contains and the encasement (16, 116), which itself includes or is made entirely of ammonia borane. Hydrogen is evolved from the heated ammonia borane binder and encasement. The hydrogen fuel element (10, 110) may be encased within a suitable housing (30) which may be made of a carbon open-cell foam.

Abstract: A protective cover for handheld devices. The protective cover containing a hardened plastic protective inner layer and a soft outer layer. The protective cover containing at least one cavity for mounting the associated segment of the handheld device therein and at least one fitted notch to secure the piece to the associated segment. The protective cover further containing at least one window for providing exposure to the surface of the associated segment.

Abstract: The Trunk Mate Bumper Cover is a device that lays folded and secured inside the trunk until needed. It is used for covering the bumper of a vehicle when one needs to reach into the cargo space to place or retrieve items. It will protect the users clothing from being soiled as they contact the bumper with their legs. It will also allow for added back support during loading and unloading through the freedom to lean against the bumper and not consequently soil the clothes. It is also designed to protect the interior floor and edge of the cargo space from soiling and scratching when loading potentially soiled objects or heavy and abrasive objects, which may be dragged across the inner plastic edges of the cargo space. The device will be manufactured in various sizes beyond that which is stated in the attached diagram (FIG. 01), in order to complement the varied sizes of cargo spaces in motor vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a protector for protecting a golf club with an identification number comprising a body, and a window made of transparent or semi-transparent material wherein said window is aligned with the identification number so that the identification number can be observed through said window.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread surface having a middle rib defined by a first circumferential groove and a second circumferential groove in its center region. Middle lateral grooves, that obliquely extend in the widthwise direction of the tire, are disposed at predetermined intervals in the tire circumferential direction in the middle rib; only one terminal end of each middle lateral groove communicates with one circumferential groove of the first and second circumferential grooves. An assistant groove is provided between each of adjacent middle lateral grooves; the assistant groove extends in such an inclined manner that the inclination direction thereof with respect to the tire circumferential direction is opposite to that of the middle lateral grooves; a block is defined by the assistant groove, middle lateral grooves and one circumferential groove.

Abstract: A device for increasing friction between a vehicle wheel and a road surface during winter driving conditions, the device comprising a continuous belt intended to encircle the largest circumference of the wheel; a flexible inner side portion that is fittable over the largest circumference of the wheel along a substantial portion thereof and capable of pulling the continuous belt into position over the remaining portion of the largest circumference of the wheel as the wheel is rotating while remaining in contact with the road surface; and a flexible outer side portion disposed against the outer side surface of the wheel when the device is fitted on the wheel; wherein at least the flexible inner side portion has an elastic member; and wherein the device is capable of being tightened against an inner side surface of the wheel by the elastic member when the device is fitted over the wheel.