Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a therapeutic medical appliance, delivery device and method of use. In particular, plug therapeutic medical appliances are provided that allow for the interventional treatment of pulmonary disorders such as defects characterized by pulmonary blebs and/or diffused destructive parenchymal disease. The plug therapeutic medical appliances themselves combine many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal therapeutic medical appliances while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, these therapeutic medical appliances are preferably self-expanding in nature and allow the predetermined differential selection of relative hardness/softness of regions of the therapeutic medical appliance to provide additional patient comfort. An exemplary embodiment also provides a family of delivery devices that facilitate flexibility, durability and/or proper installation of one or more medical appliances in a single procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, an endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion suction and a detachable suction line. The endotracheal tube is an elongate tube having an outer wall defining an elongate central lumen and an elongate suction lumen. An inflatable cuff is attached near a distal end of the elongate tube. The shoulder of the inflatable cuff is inverted in order to increase the diameter of the cuff from its distal end to its proximal end. The endotracheal tube also includes a connector to couple the suction lumen to a source of suction to remove subglottic secretions from the area above the cuff.

Abstract: A respiratory auxiliary device includes a first conduit provided with a pair of nasal prongs and having two opposite end portions, two second conduits connected fluidly and respectively to the end portions, and a pressure-measuring pipe adapted for connection with a pressure-measuring device. One of the second conduits is adapted for discharging air exhaled by a patient. The other one of the second conduits is adapted to be connected to an air supply device. The pressure-measuring pipe is disposed within said one of the second conduits, and has one end extending into the first conduit in proximity to the nasal prongs.

Abstract: A protective shield. The protective shield is provided in a generally cupped structure sized to accommodate and shaped with sufficient volume to receive therein adult human female genitalia. The protective vaginal shield includes a soft, flexible outer lip that is generally configured in the shape of an arcuate section made through an ovoid shape substantially along the longitudinal axis thereof. Extending inwardly and downwardly from the outer lip are outer sloping sidewalls. A longitudinally extending nose portion is provided. Inner sloping sidewalls extend from the outer sloping sidewalls to the longitudinally running nose portion. In one embodiment, the inner sloping sidewalls comprise a pair of opposing concave shaped structures, to provide a secure handle grip. In an embodiment, the protective shield may be provided in a disposable material.

Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods resist posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. An implant device has a ferromagnetic structure that, when implanted, occupies only one lateral side of the tongue when implanted. The ferromagnetic structure magnetically interacts with a magnetized material placed in a desired relationship with the tongue to stabilize a preferred tongue orientation.

Abstract: To make interventional instruments such as catheters more easily identifiable in X-ray images, the catheters are provided with marking elements which can be recognized in the X-ray image. Examples of marking elements are sphere-shaped and ring-shaped marking elements, the ring-shaped marking elements being able to identify the catheters in the manner of a barcode and so being able to make different catheters distinguishable from one another in the X-ray image.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system for treating fibrillation in a patient comprises a steerable interventional catheter having an energy source that emits a beam of energy to ablate tissue thereby creating a conduction block for aberrant electrical pathways. The system also includes a handle disposed near a proximal end of the interventional catheter and has an actuation mechanism for steering the interventional catheter. A console allows the system to be controlled and provides power to the system, and a display pod is electrically coupled with the console. The display pod has a display panel to display system information to a user and allows the user to control the system. A catheter pod is releasably coupled with the handle electrically and mechanically, and also electrically coupled with the display pod.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises nicotine without harmful tar. The cigarette includes a shell, a cell, nicotine solution, control circuit, and an electro-thermal vaporization nozzle installed in the air suction end of the shell. The advantages of the present invention are smoking without tar, reducing the risk of cancer, the user still gets a smoking experience, the cigarette is not lit, and there is no fire danger.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified adsorbent material impregnated with a metal oxide, which can be used in a filter element adapted for use in a smoking article. The modified adsorbent material exhibits increased filtration efficiency with respect to certain gas phase species of mainstream cigarette smoke. Exemplary adsorbent materials that can be modified according to the invention include activated carbon, molecular sieves, clays, ion exchange resins, activated aluminas, silica gels, meerschaum, and mixtures thereof. One example of a metal oxide is cerium oxide. Impregnation with a metal oxide can be accomplished by directly treating the adsorbent with a metal oxide or impregnating the adsorbent with a metal oxide precursor, such as cerium nitrate, followed by calcining the impregnated material to convert the precursor to the desired metal oxide. Methods of forming the modified adsorbent material and smoking article filters incorporating the modified adsorbent material are also provided.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an artificial hair fiber bundle having a color tone with a gradation appearance at a tip portion thereof. An aspect of the invention is a fiber bundle (10) for artificial hair, with one end (1) thereof being bundled and fixed. The fiber bundle includes fibers (A1, B1) of two or more kinds having color tones different from each other, the fiber bundle being obtained by a heat treatment at a predetermined temperature. The fibers of two or more kinds have heat shrinkage rates different from each other, and a tip portion of the fiber (A1) out of the fibers of two or more kinds emerges in a portion (2) corresponding to the other end of the fiber bundle (10) which is not bundled and fixed.

Abstract: A comb for treating pediculosis id provided. The comb may include a handle and a plurality of teeth, each provided with successive ridges or grooves intended for trapping and removing nits and lice from the hair, wherein each ridge or groove is flanked by a raised edge on at least one of the sides thereof.

Abstract: A powder compact (10) comprising a case (20) forming a main make-up powder receptacle (21) and an applicator head (30) fitted to said case, said applicator head comprising a porous membrane (31) occupying the top part of said head and an auxiliary powder receptacle (32) used to retain part of said powder close to said porous membrane, said porous membrane being designed to come into contact with the skin to dispense said powder on said skin, wherein said powder compact comprises a cylindrical wall (35) which surrounds a communication channel (36) through which said auxiliary powder receptacle communicates with said main powder receptacle and at least one section of which is occupied by a sieve (40), the mesh of which is adapted to the particle characteristics of said powder in order to control its flow.

Abstract: An oral care dispenser and oral care system implementing the same. In one embodiment, the dispenser may comprise a collar having an axial passageway in which a drive component is rotatably coupled. The collar comprises a segmented neck portion and a non-segmented body portion that comprises a plurality of protuberances extending into the axial passageway. The drive component comprises at least one resilient arm that interacts with the plurality of protuberances to generate an audible signal during relative rotation.

Abstract: A washing/drying machine according to the present invention is capable of efficiently performing a drying operation to reduce a drying period. The washing/drying machine includes a tank (11) for storing used water, and the water is circulated from the tank (11) for dehumidification of air circulated through a drying air duct (20). Since the water is circulated from the tank (11), a great amount of water can be supplied as dehumidification water for higher dehumidification efficiency. The amount of the circulated water (the amount of cooling water (dehumidification water)) is reduced in a first half of a drying process, and increased in a second half of the drying process. As a result, the drying efficiency is improved during the drying operation, thereby reducing the drying period.

Abstract: With the waste container washing system described herein, the waste container can be moved into a washing compartment of the washing vehicle for washing thereof; in a first washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of water jets of grey water pumped from a grey water reservoir; and in a second washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of clean water pumped from a clean water reservoir. The water used in the first and/or second washing phase can be collected and stored in the grey water reservoir. Other improvements, such as a double-action pump for the two phases, a filtering system for grey water, a container movement system and path, and methods are also described.

Abstract: A tank system is described for dropping fluid onto a passing vehicle. The tank system includes a tank with a fluid supply inlet. Optionally, a soap injector is included for injecting soap into the water flow to create a fluid mix that is supplied to the tank. A lighting system is attached to the tank. The fluid mix, or any other chemical in the tank, may be heated with the heating unit. An air motor is included for providing air to an air manifold that is disposed within the tank. When air is introduced into the fluid mix, bubbles are created. As the fluid mix and bubbles fill the tank, they fall from the tank via an overflow lip, with the fluid mix and/or bubbles being illuminated by the lighting system as they fall onto a vehicle passing below.

Abstract: The invention provides an anti-wind eccentric umbrella, with a shaft, a framework, an upper ring, a lower ring and a canopy, in which the framework is composed of ribs, stretchers and a main frame. The two ends on one side of a main frame that is cross-hinged by a first main brace and a second main brace through a main frame hinge axis are respectively hinged with the upper ring and the lower ring. The anti-wind eccentric umbrella has a rib vacant position and the rib vacant position and the ribs are distributed in 360°. The main frame is on the rib vacant position, the top notch is hinged with an auxiliary rib, the runner is hinged with an auxiliary stretcher and the auxiliary stretcher is at the rib vacant position at the outer side of that occupied by the main frame.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a T-pipe designed for transfer of high pressure fluids through the main run and where the branch run is left in a standby position for possible use in the future. The opening, or outlet, of the branch run is sealed by a material continuous with the main run. An opening and fluid flow in the branch run while the main run is in production and remains under full pressure, is to be provided. The sealing includes a metal membrane which is in contact with the fluid flowing in the main run. The metal membrane is thinner than the wall thickness of the T-pipe and is supported by a plug inserted in the branch run.

Abstract: A metering valve assembly includes a metering valve sleeve and a metering valve spool. The metering valve sleeve includes an inlet window set and an outlet window set with a first outlet window having a first logarithmic contour and a second outlet window having a second logarithmic contour. A ratio of an inner width of the first outlet window to an inner length of the first outlet window is between 1.48 and 1.52. A ratio of an inner width of the second outlet window to an inner length of the second outlet window is between 2.21 and 2.29. The metering valve spool includes first, second, and third cylindrical portions. The metering valve spool is configured to move bi-directionally along a longitudinal axis of the metering valve sleeve and control fluid flow between the inlet window set and the outlet window set relative to the first, second, and third cylindrical portions.

Abstract: A servo minimum pressure valve assembly includes a servo minimum pressure sleeve and a servo minimum pressure valve spool. The servo minimum pressure sleeve includes an inlet aperture, a first window set, a second window set, and a third window set. A ratio of an outlet window diameter of the first window set to an outlet window diameter of the second window set is between 2.34 and 2.65. The outlet window diameter of the second window set is greater than an outlet window diameter of the third window set. The servo minimum pressure valve spool is configured to move bi-directionally along a longitudinal axis of the servo minimum pressure valve sleeve. The servo minimum pressure valve spool includes a cylindrical portion to control a fluid flow between the inlet aperture of the servo minimum pressure sleeve and the first, second, and third window sets of the servo minimum pressure sleeve.

Abstract: A process liquid feed mechanism includes a fixed cylinder with a thread around a peripheral surface, a movable cylinder provided coaxially with the fixed cylinder, a process liquid feed tube and an operating rotator. The movable cylinder is screw-engaged to the fixed cylinder. The process liquid feed tube is fixed in an axial position relative to the movable cylinder and passes through the lid and a cylinder including the fixed cylinder and the movable cylinder to be axially movable relative to the cylinder. The operating rotator includes an annular portion provided coaxially with the movable cylinder. An engaging portion and an engaged portion, which are provided in the movable cylinder and the annular portion respectively, rotate the movable cylinder through engagement therebetween with rotation of the operating rotator and release the engagement as a torque on the movable cylinder increases.

Abstract: A valve of the “Snap-In” type is intended to be mounted directly on the rim of a vehicle wheel fitted with a “tubeless” tire. The valve is secured to the rim through which it passes via a groove produced at the base of a bulb extended by a rubbery coating of an internal nozzle of the valve. The groove collaborates elastically with a hole in the rim, on the periphery of which hole it becomes lodged, the mass or the volume of the bulb being smaller in its region (A) toward the interior of the rim by comparison with its region (B) directed toward the exterior, this reduction taking place near the groove intended to collaborate with the hole in the rim, both in the part thereof that surrounds the nozzle and in the part thereof that is in contact with the bottom of the rim.

Abstract: A double pipe apparatus that includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe inserted into the outer pipe, and regulates a flow of a gas flowing through the double pipe apparatus. The double pipe apparatus includes a flow regulating valve, a valve stem which which penetrates the outer pipe and the inner pipe, and fluid leakage preventing parts including a bellows which is provided between the outer pipe and the inner pipe and which prevents the gas from leaking outside the outer pipe. One end of the bellows is attached to an inner wall of the outer pipe, and the other end of the bellows is attached to a flange formed on the valve stem, so that the gas flowing through the inner pipe is prevented from leaking outside the outer pipe.

Abstract: Manual-valve pistons, manual-valve assemblies comprising the manual-valve pistons, and compressed-gas systems comprising the manual-valve-assemblies are disclosed. A manual-valve piston for sealing a compressed-gas conduit may comprise a head portion, a sealing portion, and a stem portion between the head portion and the sealing portion. When the manual-valve piston in a conduit, a gap is defined between a blocking rim of the head portion that allows compressed gas to be trapped in an isochoric thermal isolation zone adjacent to the stem portion. The isochoric thermal isolation zone protects sealing rings seated in the sealing portion from extremely cold compressed gas being introduced into the compressed-gas system. Manual-valve assemblies comprise a manual-valve piston coupled to a coupling body. Compressed-gas systems comprise a fuel-storage vessel, a refueling port, internal conduits, and a manual-valve assembly disposed in one of the internal conduits.

Abstract: A heat transfer reduction apparatus and method for an article is disclosed that includes a first surrounding sidewall having a first base and an opposite first closure. The first sidewall, base, and closure all define a first interior, wherein a portion of the first sidewall is in contact with a first portion of the article. Also, a second surrounding sidewall that has a second base and an opposite second closure. The second sidewall, base, and closure all define a second interior, wherein a portion of the second sidewall is in contact with a second portion of the article. Further, a moldable insulating material is disposed within the first and second interiors. The first and second sidewalls form a separable clamshell interface to one another forming about the article first and second portions. Also included is structure for retaining the first and second sidewalls to one another at the clamshell interface.

Abstract: An irrigation valve vault including a base frame member having a plurality of sides forming an enclosed area including a first side having a water inlet passage with a plurality of apertures along its length and opening into the enclosed area, a second side having a plurality of apertures extending from the enclosed area to connection points for water lines located on the outside of the second side, a plurality of valves located within the enclosed area and connecting between apertures on the first side and apertures on the second side, a sloped compartment located on top of the base frame, and a lid placed on the top aperture of the sloped compartment.

Abstract: A flow rate controller is arranged such that a control circuit controls a proportional electromagnetic valve so that a flow rate detected by a flow rate sensor reaches a target flow rate. The proportional electromagnetic valve includes a coil supported in a holder, a bobbin and a fixed core, a valve element and a plate spring placed on a movable core, the valve seat, lead-in path, lead-out path, and orifice being formed in a body. The movable core is displaced by balance between an attractive force of the fixed core generated by excitation of the coil and an urging force of the plate spring, thereby adjusting the position of the valve element with respect to the valve seat to adjust the flow rate of a fluid. The orifice has an inside diameter set to a value of “?1 mm or more” and an axial length set to a value to have a ratio of “from 0.1 to 0.6 inclusive” to the inside diameter. The lead-out path has an inside diameter set to be larger than the inside diameter of the orifice.

Abstract: In a water flow detection device in which signals are output in response to movement of a detection rod that rotates in conjunction with the opening of a valve body, a pin that supports the detection rod is capable of being provided so as to be constantly parallel to a valve shaft of the valve body, and a water flow is capable of being accurately detected by the rotation of the detection rod while the detection rod contacts the valve body without being inclined, the detection rod rotating in response to opening and closing of the valve body. Accordingly, the water flow detection device includes a retainer and an extended block as holding members that hold the pin of the detection rod such that the pin is parallel to the valve shaft of the valve body, the retainer having a bearing for the pin, and the extended block holding the retainer to fix the retainer to the main body with a bolt.

Abstract: A fuel pressure controller used in a fuel supply device of an automobile has an open-close ball insertion groove formed to be protruding from a side of a valve pressing member. The valve pressing member has a predetermined open area in a circumferential direction and in a radial direction to prevent separation of an open-close ball even at the time of an operation, such that pressure may be accurately controlled and noise may be reduced.

Abstract: Suction jet pumps include a driving line which leads via a jet outlet into a suction chamber, where the suction chamber has a suction opening which interacts with a valve element and through which fluid is sucked into the suction chamber. The valve element together with the suction opening forms a suction valve. The suction jet pump is driven by a driving stream flowing via the driving line. The suction jet pump is arranged in a storage tank and sucks fuel out of a fuel tank into the storage tank. The driving line has a bypass opening which leads into the suction chamber and is arranged in such a manner that the bypass stream thereof acts on the valve element.

Abstract: A marine fuel backflow preventer and overfill alarm for use with marine vessels includes a housing provided for in-line installation in the fuel fill inlet line and directs fuel entering the a fuel filling inlet generally directly to a fuel filling outlet such that the fuel passes freely through the back flow preventer while being directed to the vessel fuel tank. The housing further functions as a reservoir for containing fuel which has accumulated therein due to over-filling and/or that has been carried into the housing via the fuel tank vent line. By providing a fuel containing reservoir disposed in-line the present invention thus functions to prevent unintended fuel spillage into the environment. The back flow preventer further includes an electro-mechanical float switch that automatically activates an alarm upon sensing the presence of fuel within the housing.

Abstract: In a cooling apparatus of an electronic equipment that cools down a heating element by circulating a refrigerant, air taken in once is prevented from taking in again into a water tank. A main water tank 1 includes two side surface parts 1a and 1b, and a cylindrical tubed part 1c. An inflow opening 2 is attached to a center of the side surface part 1a, and an outflow opening 3 is attached to a center of the side surface part 1b. A flexible pipe 6, which is made by a flexible material, is attached to the outflow opening 3 and a weight 7 is attached to an end of the flexible pipe 6.

Abstract: A bladderless reservoir tank is provided with a hollow body that forms a cavity for receipt of a working fluid. A pick-up tube is attached to the hollow body of the reservoir tank. A portion of the pick-up tube extends into the interior of the body such that a port of the pick-up tube is positioned at the centroid of the hollow body. The pick-up tube has a channel that extends from the port at the centroid to the exterior of the body of the reservoir tank.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a gas feed injector apparatus includes a mounting flange having an internal surface, a first internal gas inlet pipe coupled to the mounting flange, a second internal gas inlet pipe coupled to the mounting flange and an internal gas injection header coupled to the first and second internal gas inlet pipes.

Abstract: A method for controllably delivering hydrocarbon gas, comprises selectively opening and closing a valve to control the flow of hydrocarbon gas from a pressure vessel to a supply line for a hydrocarbon gas-fueled device, detecting any airborne hydrocarbon gas, attempting to move the valve from an open state to a closed state in response to detecting airborne hydrocarbon gas while the valve is in the open state, and releasing a liquid sealant to the supply line in response to detecting escaped gas after at least attempting to move the valve to the closed state.

Abstract: A control valve for a device for variably setting control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine. The control valve has a valve housing, which is hollow, and at least one inflow connection, at least one exhaust connection, and at least two working connections; a hydraulic medium conduction insert disposed in the valve housing and implemented as hollow, having hydraulic medium conduction channels, which are disposed in the wall of the hydraulic medium conduction insert and communicate with the working connections; and a control piston, which is disposed in the hydraulic medium conduction insert. The hydraulic medium conduction insert has a guide sleeve, in which the control piston is guided. The guide sleeve has a plastic encapsulation, in which at least two of the hydraulic medium conduction channels are disposed, and a filter fabric is provided between the plastic encapsulation and the guide sleeve.

Abstract: A system and method for installing and removing a flow restrictor assembly in a shower, while prevents tampering with the flow restriction system thus installed. Tampering is prevented by concealing the flow restrictor assembly behind a shower wall, attached directly to a water supply line. The system further prevents tampering by concealing the tool-hole necessary for its removal behind a flow restrictor disk, so that there are no visible means of removing the flow restrictor assembly. The flow restrictor assembly threads onto a showerhead arm and the flow restrictor assembly with the attached showerhead arm threads directly into the water line. When the showerhead arm is unthreaded, the flow restrictor assembly remains connected to the water line by an external screw thread. The flow restrictor must be removed to reveal the tool-hole which may only then be engaged by a tool for removal.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a beverage are provided. The system includes a liquid dispensing machine having a dispensing area capable of receiving a container, a scanner adjacent to the dispensing area, a container that is capable of being placed in the dispensing area, and annular barcode indicia extending around an exterior surface of the container and centered around a generally vertical axis of the container. The scanner can read the annular barcode indicia when the container is placed in the dispensing area at any rotational orientation relative to the scanner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary valve and rotary disk fluid dispensing system that sanitizes valve ports using UV radiation during non-use. Steam and ozinated water can also be used for stripping and disinfecting portions of the dispenser that can be accessed by the public. The system also uses detectors including hall detectors and a camera to inspect for blockage of valve ports, tampering or improper operation of the rotary valve disc.

Abstract: The system for filling a cartridge employs a piston setting device that has a plunger for moving the venting valve of the piston to an open position and a conduit for venting the air from the opened valve under the influence of a vacuum source connected to the conduit via an attachment device.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system of an aircraft refueling vehicle that is configured to distribute fuel from a hydrant pit valve at an airport. The fuel delivery system includes a first hose including a coupler that is configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrant pit valve at an airport to receive fuel from the hydrant pit valve. A fuel passageway is fluidly coupled to the first hose. An on-board fuel tank is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. A second hose is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. The second hose includes a nozzle that is configured to be coupled to a refueling point on an aircraft to distribute fuel into a fuel tank of an aircraft. A valve is coupled to the fuel passageway to control the flow of fuel to and from the aircraft refueling vehicle.

Abstract: A drug mixing system including at least one receptacle port adaptor adapted to be inserted into a port of a fluid receptacle, at least one syringe adaptor adapted to be attached to a syringe and to the at least one receptacle port adaptor and at least one vial adaptor adapted for connection to a vial containing a drug and adapted for connection to the at least one syringe adaptor, the system being characterized in that at least one of the receptacle port adaptor, the at least one syringe adaptor and the at least one vial adaptor being vented to the atmosphere in a manner which prevents release to the atmosphere of possibly harmful contents of the vial in a liquid, solid or gaseous form.

Abstract: A fuel tank opening and closing device is equipped with a flap valve mechanism having an opening and closing member for opening and closing an inlet inside a tank opening forming member. The nozzle positioning guide mechanism has a first support mechanism of an opening peripheral edge of an introduction port of an insertion path of a tank opening forming member, a second support mechanism having an introduction guide surface formed on the top surface of the pressing member of the opening and closing member, and a positioning ridge line that has a curvature almost the same but slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fueling nozzle and which touches by line contact on the outer peripheral surface of the fueling nozzle at the insertion completion position, and a third support mechanism having a valve positioning member which regulates the degree of openness of the opening and closing member by touching the inner wall of the tank opening forming member.

Abstract: A log splitter includes a trailer supporting a hydraulic pump, and a splitting beam coupled to the trailer. The splitting beam includes a housing maintaining a reservoir communicating with the hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic ram coupled to the housing, where the hydraulic ram is in communication with the reservoir and the hydraulic pump. The splitting beam is movable relative to the trailer between a first splitting position adjacent to the trailer and a second splitting position in which the splitting beam is displaced away from the trailer.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tire body having a crown portion and a pair of sidewalls. At least one reinforcing belt is disposed in the crown portion of the tire. A tag is carried by the reinforcing belt. In one embodiment, the tag is disposed in the location of one of the reinforcing cords that is disposed in the reinforcing belt. In another embodiment, the tag is disposed at the splice of the reinforcing belt. An alternative version of the tire has the tag carried in a depression formed in the outer surface of the tire sidewall. The tag may be encapsulated with an encapsulation material that is also disposed in the depression.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire with improved steering stability without raising air columnar resonance noise is provided. The pneumatic tire comprises first oblong holes 11 having an opening portion of a trapezoidal shape that is elongated in the depth direction of a main groove 1 and whose depth D1 on the tread surface side is shallower than a depth D2 on the groove bottom side and second oblong holes 12 having an opening portion of a trapezoidal shape that is elongated in the depth direction of the main groove and whose depth D4 on the groove bottom side is shallower than a depth D3 on the tread surface side, wherein number of the first oblong holes 11 is 50 to 100% of the sum of oblong holes 11 and 12, the depths D2 and D3 are at least not less than 0.5 mm and 0.05 to 0.3 times a width W of the main groove 1, the depths D1, D4 are not greater than 0.1 times a depth D of the main groove 1, widths w of the oblong holes 11, 12 are at least not less than 0.5 mm and 0.05 to 0.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a tread surface is provided with a groove portion, and a land portion sectioned by the groove portion. In wall surfaces facing the groove portion in the land portion, an inside wall surface facing an inner side at a time of being installed to a vehicle is formed by a zigzag surface, and an outside wall surface facing an outer side at a time of being installed to the vehicle is formed by a flat surface.

Abstract: To enhance uneven wear resistance with achieving higher levels of dry grip performance and wet performance, a tread surface 2 is provided with one circumferential main groove 3 in an outer region 2o thereof directed outward of a vehicle and with first and second circumferential main grooves 4 and 5 in an inner region 2i thereof directed inward of the vehicle, a central region Rc between the circumferential main grooves 3 and 4 is formed into a rib 10 extending continuously in the circumferential direction, an outer shoulder region Ro between the circumferential main groove 3 and TEo is formed into a row of outer blocks 12 defined by inclined main grooves 6, and the outer blocks 12 are provided with inclined sub-grooves 13 having an inclination direction different from that of the inclined main grooves 6, thereby dividing each of the outer blocks 12 into a first block portion 12A on a tire equator side and a second block portion 12B on a ground contact edge side.

Abstract: A layup mandrel includes a shell having a tool surface on which plies may be laid up. The shape of the shell is changed by an actuator.