Abstract: A first stage pressure regulator for a two-stage underwater breathing apparatus, comprises a second movable wall (16, 18) for separating a balance chamber (10) from an ambient exposed chamber (17) . The second movable wall is formed by a disk-shaped piston (16) which is slideably and non sealingly guided along the peripheral walls that delimit the balance chamber (10), and by an elastically deformable diaphragm (18) , which overlies the side of the piston (16) facing forward the ambient exposed chamber (17) . The elastically deformable diaphragm (18) forms with said piston (16) a diaphragm type pressure relief valve (20, 318).

Abstract: A pressurized gas system controls a gas flow from one or more gas pressure storage vessels by means of an electronically controlled electromechanical shut-off valve located in close proximity to each of the vessels. The shut-off valves are electrically wired to actuation switches on the control panel. Pressure transducers mounted on each vessel provide a signal output which is electrically connected to a digital numeric display located on the control panel so that the pressure of each vessel can be monitored. Gas flow from the vessels is controlled by means of the electric shut-off valves operated from the control panel. A pressure regulator at the air access station controls the final output pressure delivered to the tool or personnel air bottle.

Abstract: A high pressure storage and delivery system having a fail-safe vacuum actuated valve is provided. In particular, through the innovative design of the vacuum actuated check valve, the system can accommodate up to three times the volume of product in similar size cylinders.

Abstract: Disclosed are: (i) a fluid recovery system of a molding system, (ii) a molding system including a fluid recovery system, (iii) a method of a molding system having a fluid recovery system, (iv) a molded article manufactured by usage of a fluid recovery system of a molding system, (v) a molded article manufactured by usage of a molding system including a fluid recovery system, (vi) a molded article manufactured by usage of method of a molding system having a fluid recovery system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-interruptible change out of a gas meter utilizing the meter set assembly swivel connections to create a bypass of the meter. The apparatus is machined to conform to the swivel and the threads of the meter inlet and outlet. A clamping mechanism maintains the meter and the apparatus in place while internal mechanisms create a gap between the swivel and the inlet or outlet of the meter. A sliding mechanism disengages the swivel gasket normally disposed between the meter inlet or outlet and the swivel for replacement during the meter exchange. Once the gap is created, a second apparatus similar to the first apparatus is attached to the other of the meter inlet or outlet. A hose providing fluid communication between the two apparatuses acts as the bypass during change out of the meter.

Abstract: A water trap apparatus for a fuel cell vehicle includes: an intake duct for intaking water and air to the apparatus; a water trap, coupled to a bottom of the intake duct, and in fluid communication with the intake duct, for collecting the water; and a first line in fluid communication with the water trap, for transferring the water to a blower. The apparatus may further include a second line in fluid communication with the first line. The first line may define an air intake hole, which intakes air into the first line. The water trap may have an inclined bottom face. A heater, for heating the water, may be mounted to the water trap.

Abstract: A gas convenience outlet for connecting an outdoor grill or other gas fired appliance to a home gas supply or other fixed position source of natural gas or liquid petroleum gas comprises a case having an open interior and an openable cover with a manifold mounted in the interior. The manifold has an inlet operatively connected with a supply of fuel gas and one or more outlets. A primary manual shutoff valve located in the interior is operatively connected with the manifold outlet. The outlet includes an outlet connector extending outside the interior. The connector has a standardized fitting that releasably couples in gas tight engagement with one or more gas fired appliances by means of standardized appliance connectors without adaptors and without loss of performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow in a flowline under pressure, said apparatus comprising a flow passage having a firs end and a second end, and hindering means for reducing the flow in the flow passage, the hindering means being arranged to move between a first and a second position under influence of a pressure difference between the first end and the second end of the flow passage. The reduction of the flow in the flow passage is larger when the hindering means is in the first and second position than when the hindering means is in an intermediate position between said first and second positions. Hereby an improved safety valve, which is adapted to shut off flow in a flow line in two directions, is provided.

Abstract: A bi-directional positive and negative pressure relief valve includes valve elements and flow passages that are configured to provide a fairly specific pressure distribution on the valve elements, and thus valve opening may be controlled in a more precise manner. The valve element and flow passage configuration results in a valve having a reduced size and weight, relatively higher rate and relatively smaller springs, and relatively smaller valve seat diameters. The bidirectional positive/negative pressure relief valve furthermore exhibits relatively high pressure and flow control accuracy, and exhibits good valve stability.

Abstract: To prevent explosion of an air tank in a vehicle collision, an apparatus includes a case defining a passage, configured for air stored in the air tank to be exhausted therethrough, the case being mounted to the air tank; a stopper movably disposed in the case and configured to selectively intercept the air based on a position thereof; an elastic member supporting the stopper; and at least one hook configured to secure the stopper in a position at which the air is exhausted.

Abstract: An approach is provided for minimizing failure of relief valve assembly and enhancing quality of control of making a relief valve conforming to the standards. An improved relief valve includes a body having a seat formed in a passageway. A relief valve core member is mounted in the seat, wherein the body and the relief valve core member are fixedly engaged by spinning the body into a receiving portion of one the relief valve member, wherein the relief valve member is configured to create a resilient force that control the pressure on the passageway.

Abstract: A utility hand-piece is adapted for being worn on a hand of a user. The hand-piece includes a body portion adapted for covering at least a portion of the hand, and incorporating at least one fluid channel. A fluid inlet is formed with the body portion and communicates with the fluid channel. A fluid outlet is formed with the body portion and communicates with the fluid channel downstream of the fluid inlet. Upon connecting a fluid source to the hand-piece, fluid is transferred from the fluid inlet through the fluid channel and dispensed from the body portion through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, the present invention provides a multiplexed hydraulic valve actuation device, systems utilizing the device, and methods of using such devices.

Abstract: A pinch valve is adapted to hold at least one flexible tube in a tube holding room (7) and comprises a plunger (13) adapted to protrude into the tube holding room and pinch the tube against an opposite side wall (11) thereof The plunger (13) is controllable to be positioned in at least two different positions, an open position where the tube in the tube holding room (7) is not pinched, and a pinching position where the tube is pinched between the plunger (13) and the opposing wall (11). The pinch valve further comprises a tube retaining means (19) adapted to prevent the tube from escaping from the tube holding room (7), especially when the plunger (13) is in the open position, and which can be pivoted into at least two different positions, a non locking position used during insertion of a tube into the tube holding room (7), and a locking position for retaining a tube inside the tube holding room (7) even when the plunger is in an open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a durable fluid manifold easy to handle and whose members for forming channels are thin and circuit volume is relatively small. The fluid manifold includes an admission-side base with fluid admission ports and an exhaust-side base with fluid exhaust ports. The fluid manifold additionally includes a flexible member made of a plurality of resin films bonded together by application of heat and pressure without using an adhesive. The flexible member is bonded on the upper surface of the bases and to form the fluid manifold, in which pumps and valves are mounted on the admission-side base via the flexible member. Formed within the flexible member are fluid channels placed in communication with the admission ports and the exhaust ports and coupled to the pumps and the valves.

Abstract: A dispenser for delivering beverages (e.g. beer) including a main body (20), an inlet (21), an outlet (23) and a piston stop valve (23). In use, the piston moves from a first closed position (A) to a second position (B) where fluid is permitted only through a restricted aperture (31) provided in a collar (27) that extends around the piston. The restricted flow path causes turbulence and hence foam formation on the beverage. In a third position (C), flow is completely open from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A spool valve 10 for a variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser for an internal combustion engine comprises a spool 11 slidable in a bore 12 in a valve sleeve 13, the spool 11 having spaced apart lands 14-17 dividing the bore 12 into chambers 41, 42, 43 between adjacent lands. The valve sleeve 13 has fluid passages 22-27 including a lock passage 26 communicating with a lock pin 31, a vent passage 27 communicating with a fluid sump 35, and a lock pin oil feed passage 22, with the spool 11 being slidable in the bore 12 to interconnect select passages via particular chambers, wherein the vent passage 27 and the lock pin passage 26 are connectable with different chambers 43 and 42 respectively. The arrangement avoids unnecessary operation of the lock pin 31.

Abstract: An elongate sleeve for protecting elongate members and method of construction thereof has a textile sleeve with a wall having an inner surface providing a cavity extending along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve for receiving the elongate members. A resilient support member is arranged in communication with the wall. The support member has an arcuate shape in lateral cross-section with an outer convex surface facing outwardly from the axis for flush engagement with the inner surface of the wall and an inner concave surface facing inwardly toward the axis. The support member extends less than completely about a circumference of the inner surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating fabric comprising a heating fabric element made by weaving woof fibers and warp fibers, a pair of conductive parts being a plain fabric made by a weaving method to extend from one side edge of the heating fabric element, for supplying electric power to the heating fabric element, wherein electrode fibers are woven in rows as warp threads in the conductive parts and a heating fiber is intermittently woven as woof threads at predetermined intervals so as to be conductive with the conductive parts, and wherein the heating fiber is woven in a zigzag pattern on the other side of the plain fabric of the conductive parts, in which one end of the heating fiber is woven into the conductive part, and a portion of the other end of the heating fiber is not woven into the conductive part, thereby forming a jumping portion having a length longer than a width of the conductive part, the jumping portion jumping over the conductive part so as not to be conductive with the conductive part.

Abstract: The shaft rod in accordance with the invention consists of only one (steel) metal sheet which is essentially configured without a large hollow chamber. The metal sheet has two stiffening means which are preferably located at the top and at the bottom of the shaft rod and are configured as edges. Preferably, the upper stiffening means (10) is implemented in the configuration of a small hollow chamber or of a solid reinforcement. The lower stiffening means (11) is implemented by attaching the heald support rail. Attachment may occur in accordance with any joining method, such as, for example, welding, cementing, clinching. The shaft rod may be manufactured by shape-rolling or roll-forming, as well as by all other reforming processes that are suitable for metal sheets. It is preferred that the heald support rail be directly integrated in the sheet metal form of the shaft rod. As a result, the entire shaft rod consists of a single metal sheet.

Abstract: A loom system, comprises a basic machine a heald loom, or a Jacquard machine, whereby the basic machine is coupled with the heald loom or with the Jacquard machine. The heald loom or the Jacquard machine are driven by a direct drive.

Abstract: A cloth draw-off apparatus (10) for taking up a cloth (8) in a weaving machine is presented which includes two driven draw-in rollers (3, 5) around which the cloth is led, and optionally or as the case may be, a respective pressing roller (4, 6) to press the cloth against each of the two draw-in rollers.

Abstract: A webbing can be used in a passenger restraint belt. The webbing includes warp yarns and wefts comprising synthetic filaments and woven so as to extend orthogonally to each other. At least one of the warp yarns and the weft yarns are formed using synthetic filaments comprising first filaments and second filaments in which the second filaments are provided in the first filaments and have a melting temperature lower than that of the first filaments. The synthetic filaments are middle shrinking synthetic filaments which are contracted at a dimensional shrinkage rate of 15% to 20% after the second filaments are melted under conditions of 150° C. or more for 180 seconds or more. The webbing has a weight of 60 g/m or less, a tensile strength of 25 kN or more, and a retention rate after hexagonal bar abrasion of 70% or more.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the insertion of weft threads in a weaving machine is presented. The apparatus includes a nozzle holder (9) and, secured thereto, at least one nozzle (3) with a mixing tube (6) for the insertion of a weft thread (2) as well as a clamping device (7) which can be charged with a medium in order to firmly clamp a weft thread which is introduced into the nozzle. In addition the apparatus (1) contains at least one control valve (8) which is arranged at or in the nozzle holder (9) or nozzle (3) in order to control the clamping device (7).

Abstract: A container for storing food at a predetermined vacuum or pressure condition. A lid includes a vacuum or pressure pump for removing or adding fluid, a controller and an electrical circuit including a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened by an indicator when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level above or below that outside the container and a normally-opened switch contact closed by a switch when the lid is attached and sealed to a container. The method includes attaching the lid to the container, closing the indicator and switch contacts to activate the pump to remove or add fluids to the container through the lid, and opening the indicator contact when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level of pressure or vacuum. The controller then cycles the pump on and off. Subsequently, the lid is removed from the container to open the switch contact and render the pump inoperable.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching substrates includes an upper chamber for holding an upper substrate and a lower chamber for holding a lower substrate which is to be attached to the upper substrate. The lower chamber is moved up and down so as to come together with the upper chamber to form a sealed attaching space. A substrate receiving part is fixed to a frame of the apparatus so that it does not move as the lower chamber is raised and lowered. The substrate receiving part alternatively projects from the lower chamber is the lower chamber is moved down, or is recessed into the top of the lower chamber when the lower chamber is lifted up.

Abstract: A brake fluid flush machine is adapted to simultaneously supply fresh brake fluid and vacuum used brake fluid in a vehicles braking system while controlled by a processor to allow a single worker to complete the fluid exchange operation. The automatic brake fluid exchange machine comprises a used fluid tank, a new fluid tank, a manifold connectable to four secondary brake cylinders corresponding to a front driver's side wheel, a front passenger's side wheel, a rear driver's side wheel, and a rear passenger's side wheel, a suction pump connecting the manifold to said used fluid tank for draining used brake fluid from said four secondary brake cylinders, a pressure pump connecting the new fluid tank to the master cylinder, and a processor.

Abstract: Particulate material, such as toner, is stored within a hopper (12) which leads to a feed screw (30). The feed screw (30) moves the particulate material through an outlet passageway (24) into a discharge spout (26). The outlet (46) of the discharge spout (26) delivers the toner into the inlet of a funnel (52). The funnel (52) delivers the toner into the inlet (50) of a toner cartridge (48). The toner cartridge (48) and funnel (52) are mounted by a carriage (56) for back and forth movement below the outlet (46). The rate of toner feed is coordinated with the cartridge travel so that the toner is substantially evenly distributed into the cartridge (48).

Abstract: A syringe is provided for the delivery of controlled, metered amounts of any of numerous different substances to humans or animals, such as medicaments, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, or to deliver materials which may react upon exposure to air, such as glue. The syringes include a body and a plunger. Means are provided in the syringe body and the plunger to effect controlled movement of the plunger into the syringe to permit delivery of a pre-determined amount of the substance contained in the syringe. A one-way valve is provided at the dispensing tip of the syringe to hermetically seal the portion of the syringe containing the substance to be dispensed.

Abstract: The router guide for electrical box cutouts facilitates the forming of openings for electrical outlet and switch boxes and the like in a solid wall structure. The guide includes a template, which is temporarily secured to the wall structure and aligned with previously marked lines indicating the location of the previously formed conduit passages within the solid structure. The template includes one or more electrical box pattern openings formed therethrough. A router attachment plate is attached to a router, with the plate having a fixed collar concentric with the router bit. The router is used to cut the opening in the wall, with the collar of the router plate following the inner edge of the template pattern to form a precisely dimensioned opening for the installation of the electrical box therein. The router guide is particularly useful in log construction, but may be used with other solid structures as well.

Abstract: A modular conical chipper/canter head and method. A preferred method adjusts the cutting head for changes in chip length. The method includes the steps of providing an annular facing module, providing a conical, solid hub module for mounting one or more chipping knives, and at least one of (a) installing one or more control plates between the facing module and the hub module, and (b) removing the one or more control plates from between the facing module and the hub module, for spacing the facing and hub modules apart a selected amount.

Abstract: [Problems] Addition of an organic acid such as a dicarboxylic acid to a soldering flux in order to improve wettability causes a reaction with copper oxide to form a metallic soap of copper having a green color. Although this metallic soap of copper is not corrosive and does not decrease reliability, its external appearance is impossible to distinguish it from verdigris which is indicative of corrosion. There is need for a soldering flux which does not form a metallic soap of copper. [Means for Solving the Problems] Addition of a tetrazole or a tetrazole derivative to a soldering flux can prevent carboxyl groups from reacting exclusively with copper ions, thereby suppressing the formation of a metallic soap of copper having a green color.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flux-containing brazing material, which is used to braze the same or different kinds of metal members with each other at low temperatures. The flux-containing brazing material includes a mixed powder, comprised of Zn alloy powder, containing 10 to 40 wt % of Al or Al and Si, and remaining Zn, and 10 to 40 wt % of cesium fluoride-based flux powder on a basis of the Zn alloy powder. The mixed powder is subjected to powder forging and extruding processes to form a three-dimensional flux. The flux-containing brazing material is advantageous in that the Zn alloy and flux powders are mixed with each other and machined to form the three-dimensional flux, thereby simplifying a brazing process because a flux coating process is omitted during the brazing process. The brazing quality is improved because the flux content in the brazing material is properly controlled.

Abstract: A method for providing enhanced corrosion protection of metallic components and surfaces when exposing the metallic component to a silicate medium while applying an AC (Alternating Current) current.

Abstract: Metallic glass alloys of palladium, copper, cobalt, and phosphorus, that are bulk-solidifying having an amorphous structure. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for controlling the cooling of a steel plate, characterized in that, in the control of the temperature at the end of cooling in the process of the cooling of a steel plate from the Ae3 temperature or higher, the enthalpies (H? and H?) of the austenite and ferrite phases at respective temperatures are determined in advance, a dynamic enthalpy (Hsys) defined by the formula (1) is determined from the proportion (X?) of untransformed austenite being determined in the correspondence to an objective temperature pattern, and a temperature of the steel plate is predicted by using an inclination of the above dynamic enthalpy to temperature as a dynamic specific heat for controlling the cooling of the steel plate. Hsys=H? (X?)+H? (1?X?) . . .

Abstract: High strength, thermoplastically processable (TPF) amorphous alloys composed of Beryllium and at least one ETM and at least one LTM, as well as methods of processing such alloys are provided. The TPF alloys of the invention demonstrate good glass forming ability, low viscosity in the supercooled liquid region (SCLR), a low processing temperature, and a long processing time at that temperature before crystallization.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high ductility and high hot tensile strength tungsten wire for incandescent lamp filaments is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing a tungsten alloy, swaging a tungsten rod from the alloy, and drawing the swaged rod to wire size in multiple drawing passes. In the method, the wire is annealed between predetermined draws. It is proposed that an annealing is performed before the final drawing pass, by annealing the wire at a temperature between 1100-1300° C. There is also provided a tungsten wire for incandescent lamp filament, which has high ductility and high hot tensile strength. The tungsten wire of the invention has a cold tensile strength-hot tensile strength ratio not exceeding 3.5.

Abstract: A wire rod or a steel wire of a bamboonano-stricture, whose mean grain diameter in a C-direction section is 200 nm or smaller, is prepared by applying a hot or warm working and additionally applying a cold working to a steel and next, by performing a forging, by a tool or a die such as cold pressure production, to a section, of a desired, limited site, other than a section parallel to an L-direction, an equiaxed nano-structure, whose mean grain diameter is 200 nm or smaller, is formed in this site. As a typical example of a formed article, there is enumerated a screw, and there is enumerated a high strength micro screw in which a shaft outer diameter is 1.6 mm or smaller, a surface layer part of a head part recess is the equiaxed nano-structure and a hardness HV?300, and a screw main body portion is the bamboo nano-structure and a hardness Hv?250. A constituent composition is a carbon steel of C<0.02%, and a strengthening element may not be added especially.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical discharge electrode is disclosed as comprising an electrode outline body forming step of conducting a given mechanical machining on an electrode material to form an electrode outline body, an electrode outline body annealing step of annealing the electrode outline body at least one time for removing residual stress therefrom, and an electrode segment forming step of removing a surrounding wall portion from an electrical discharge portion of the electrode outline body by wire electrical discharging to form an electrode segment portion with a given wall thickness and shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular handbag system that allows the user to select one or more pockets to be inserted in a bag. Each pocket has attachment means to secure the pocket to the interior of the bag and the pocket can be changed whenever desired or if there is more than one pocket, the entire pocket structure can be relatively easily removed from the bag and secured into another bag. This allows the user to change purses to match needs or outfits and allows users to have a bag with exactly the number and size of storage pockets they want at any given time. Knowing that the inside pockets can be customized allows users the freedom to choose an outside look to suit their style, without being frustrated by the interior storage capabilities.

Abstract: “STRUCTURE OF HANDBAG FOR FEMALE USAGE” which is indicated by numerical reference (1) that is essentially formed by a fabric piece (2) and by closure hardware (11), said structure contemplates the fact that the fabric piece (2) incorporates two alignments of passing openings (3), where each passing opening (3) is provided with a respective eyelet (4); the fabric piece (2) has its structure composed by an internal covering fabric (5), an internal structure fabric (gusset or similar) (6), and an external covering fabric (7), being that all fabrics are joined by a technique from conventional sewing techniques; the fabric piece (2) presents a drawing that is defined by two borders mutually opposed (8) that present an essentially arched contour being such borders mutually opposed (8) joined by small borders of essentially rectilinear contour (9) where such borders (9) are also mutually opposed and parallel; the fabric piece (2) includes along each one of its arched borders (8) correspondent alignment of the alread

Abstract: An adjustable size purse insert for easily transferring items from one purse to another. The adjustable purse insert has a plurality of accessory holders for holding and storing different items within a purse. A coupling device is coupled to a body section of each of the plurality of accessory holders. The coupling device allows for removably coupling successive accessory holders together. This allows the purse insert to be adjustable in size and to allow individuals to combine different accessory holders together to form different sizes and configurations of purse inserts.

Abstract: A sun shield assembly includes a case having a mandrel received therein and a fabric is wrapped around the mandrel. The case is fixed on a top of a vehicle by first suction members and the fabric is connected to a pull rod which has second suction members. The fabric can be pulled out from the case and fixed to the body of the vehicle to cover the vehicle so that the vehicle is not directly exposed under the sun. A separation member has a slit through which the fabric extends so as to define a gap between the body of the fabric and the fabric.

Abstract: A self-balancing wheel assembly includes a rim, a tire mounted to the rim and defining an inflatable chamber between the rim and the tire, and a valve mounted to the rim for inflating and deflating the tire. The valve includes a housing having a channel therein extending between an outer surface of the housing and the chamber. The valve includes a stopper movable within the channel between an open and a closed position for allowing and blocking fluid flow through the channel, the stopper being narrower in width than the channel. The assembly further includes balancing media in the chamber, the balancing media comprising solid particles sized sufficiently large to inhibit passage of the solid particles past the stopper. The assembly can be used in wheels having integral TPMS modules, and having aluminum valve stems connected to the modules and short, nickel plated valve cores mounted in the stems.

Abstract: A detection-alarm mechanism is provided. The detection-alarm mechanism for a tire includes a sensor, an electronic processing unit, a post-processing unit and a display unit. The sensor includes a substrate disposed in the tire and at least one photoelectronic element fixed to the substrate. If the tire is cracked, light passes through the cracks and reaches the photoelectronic elements to generate signals. The electronic processing unit receives signals from the photoelectronic elements to generate wear information. The post-processing unit is disposed in a vehicle on which the tire is installed and receives wear information from the electronic processing unit. The display unit is disposed in the vehicle for presenting the wear information.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a fiber comprising 0.5-30 wt. % based on the weight of the fiber of a composition comprising: a) a Bunte salt (A); b) a polysulfide compound (B) comprising the moiety {S]n— wherein n=2-6; and c) sulfur or a sulfur donor (C). Preferably the polysulfide compound has the formula: wherein n=2-6; R is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, nitro, hydroxyl, C1-C12 alkyl or alkoxyl or aralkyl; The invention further relates to a vulcanization process for making a fiber-elastomer composition comprising the step of vulcanizing: (a) 100 parts by weight of at least one natural or synthetic rubber; (b) 0.1 to 25 parts by weight of an amount of sulfur and/or a sulfur donor, to provide the equivalent of 0.1 to 25 parts by weight of sulfur; and (c) 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of said fiber.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire including a plurality of grooves which extend at least in the circumferential direction, and which are formed in a tread portion and sipes which are formed in a plurality of blocks formed by the grooves. In the pneumatic tire, the groove width of the sipe formed in each of the blocks constituting a center region of the tread portion is greater than the groove width of the sipe formed in each of the blocks constituting edge regions of the tread portion. At least the sipes formed in the blocks constituting the center region are three-dimensional sipes each having a zigzag shape extending in the width, circumferential and radial directions of the tire. Each of the three-dimensional sipes is provided with, on the inner side thereof in the tire radial direction, at least one cutout which has a length, in the tire radial direction, of 50 to 90% of the length of the three-dimensional sipe in the tire radial direction, and which has a length, in the tire width direction, of 1 to 5 mm.

Abstract: A plurality of shallow grooves which are shallower than a sipe are formed on land sections formed on treads of a pneumatic tire. The shallow grooves are configured so that a total sectional area of the shallow grooves per unit area in a cross section in a tire width direction in at least one of tread end areas arranged at end sides of the tread surface in the tire width direction or land end areas arranged at portions adjacent to a drain main groove on the land sections becomes larger than a total sectional area of the shallow grooves per unit on the other areas.

Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle. The device includes a microcompressor and a magnetic element. The compressor is mounted on the wheel and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and the tire. The magnetic element is mounted on a stationary member of the wheel assembly and produces a magnetic field. The compressor is activated by transiting the magnetic field during each wheel revolution. Alternatively, an electric coil mounted on the wheel may transit the magnetic field to generate electrical power for an electrically-driven compressor. Thus, the compressor may pump air into the tire to maintain the desired inflation pressure. For leaks or device failure, a driver may be notified and a battery can operate the compressor at a high rate to maximize tire use until a safe place is reached.