Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for installing a fuel delivery system in a vehicle fuel tank of the type having a sender opening extending through a top of the tank, a flange cover configured to seal the sender opening, and a sender module mounted within the fuel tank. The sender module includes a fuel pump, a fuel inlet for drawing fuel from the bottom of the tank, a fuel outlet, and a detector module for detecting the fuel level in the tank. A coupling assembly includes an electrical conduit for transferring a fuel level signal to the flange cover, and a hydraulic conduit for transferring fuel from the pump to the flange cover. A retainer is mounted to the bottom of the fuel tank, preferably laterally offset from the vertical axis of the flange cover, and secures the sender module to the tank bottom.

Abstract: A fluid jet device including a fluid chamber with variable capacity and a capacity varying section adapted to vary the capacity of the fluid chamber in response to supply of a drive signal. A drive waveform section making the capacity varying section operate so as to compress the capacity of the fluid chamber and a restoring drive waveform section making the capacity varying section operate to restore the capacity of the fluid chamber before compressing the capacity in a signal waveform. The drive signal supply section controls supply content of the drive signal to provide a restoring period adapted to restore a steady state of the fluid flowing toward an inside of the fluid chamber in a period from when the compressing drive waveform section in the drive signal is supplied to when a subsequent compressing drive waveform section is supplied.

Abstract: A rotary medical manifold, for delivering various fluids through a patient delivery mechanism is described. The rotary manifold can include a manifold body and a valve stem. The manifold body can include a central cavity, an output port, a first fluid port, and a second fluid port. The valve stem can include an injector port, and a single central fluid passage. The valve stem can be adapted to slidably engage the central cavity of the manifold body and provide selective fluidic connectivity between the injector port and the output port, the first fluid port and the second fluid port.

Abstract: A diffuser for a multiway valve, in particular for a two-way valve, includes a tip (2) to be secured to the portion of the valve stem that projects above the cup. To withdraw a single product, the tip includes a cylindrical portion having a circular cross-section with as many transfer channels (22a, 22b) are there are pathways in the multiway valve, for sealingly connecting each transfer channel to the outlet of the corresponding pathway of the valve, each transfer channel opening outside the cylindrical portion of the tip in a different radial plane and in a different angular sector of the cylindrical portion. The diffuser is also provided with a pivotable cap (3) with a blind hole (31) having a shape complementary to the cylindrical portion of the tip, the pivotable cap having as many outlet channels (32a, 32b) as there are pathways in the multiway valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid actuator for influencing the flow along a flow surface through ejection of a fluid. By means of a like fluid actuator, a continuous flow is distributed to at least two outlet openings in order to generate fluid pulses out of these outlet openings. Control of this distribution takes place inside an interaction chamber which is supplied with fluid flow via a feed line. Into this interaction chamber there merge at least two control lines via control openings to which a respective different pressure may be applied. Depending on the pressure difference at the control openings, the flow in the interaction chamber is distributed to the individual outlet openings.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydraulic device is described, in which at least one hydraulic channel and at least one connection are manufactured and/or hydraulically connected to one another, the hydraulic device being manufactured from at least two plates, and the plates being formed and connected to one another with the aid of the processes of cold forming, deep drawing, punching, punch riveting, and/or clinching.

Abstract: A corrosion protected metal pipe for installation in an offshore structure or for producing a pipeline laid in water is provided. The metal pipe has an at least two-layer covering on the pipe with a lower layer facing the pipe and an upper layer on a side of the lower layer not facing the pipe is provided. The layers are formed such that the lower layer is electrically conductive and the upper layer is electrically insulating, the lower layer is optically contrasting to the upper layer, or the lower layer is electrically conducting and optically contrasting to the upper layer and the upper layer is electrically insulating. Thus, in the event of damage to the layer or layers lying above, a visual or electrical signal can be detected. Damage to the corrosion protection covering can therefore be detected easily and, if appropriate, reported by remote monitoring.

Abstract: An inflatable purge dam apparatus for use with pipes of different nominal pipe size (NPS) includes first and second inflatable purge bladders, and an intermediate bridge conduit. In a first aspect, the purge bladders each comprise an expandable inner purge gas retaining liner and a heat-resistant stretchable outer protective cover. The protective covers comprise a heat-resistant stretchable material that is constructed to undergo variable stretching to increase the size of the purge bladders as they are inflated with purge gas to a desired sealing pressure, thereby allowing the purge bladders to form an effective weld zone seal in pipes of different NPS. In a second aspect, an air vent conduit extends between first and second ports located proximate to a longitudinal centerline of the first purge bladder. The air vent conduit provides a vent pathway for venting air from the weld zone through the first purge bladder.

Abstract: A rehabilitating pipe segment comprises first and second segment halves linked together to provide a variable-width segment. The first segment half has an internal surface plate, a convex plate extending parallel to the internal surface plate, and a side plate extending perpendicular to the internal surface plate. The second segment half has an internal surface plate, an internal plate extending parallel to the internal surface plate and forming a concavity, and a side plate extending perpendicular to the internal surface plate. The convex plate and a braking rubber are fitted into the concavity to link the first and second segment halves together to provide the variable-width segment. When tension of a specified amount or greater acts on the variable-width segment, the first and second segment halves move relative to each other in the pipe length direction against the braking force of the braking rubber.

Abstract: The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber having plurality of interlocking loops. The knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters. Continuous application of the matrix material avoids overlapping seams that are prone to delamination. Identification and labeling of the composite tube may be achieved with distinguishing knitted patterns having different types and colors of knitted fibers within the knitted reinforcing layer. A clear or translucent matrix material enables viewing of the underlying knitted patterns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit comprising a fuel conduit comprising an external annular bead, and a locking member comprising inwardly extending resilient tongues and the being arranged to retain the fuel conduit in a locked position and receive the fuel conduit in an open position, wherein the external annular bead of the fuel conduit is arranged to put the locking member in the open position when receiving.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural improvement of a drain pipe, which mainly consists of a flexible pipe member combined with a spiral loop at the outer periphery thereof and the interior thereof is in a smooth state, adjacent loops and two ends of the pipe member are respectively installed with a connector for being connected with a water related equipment and a water draining hole of a water draining pipeline, thereby achieving an excellent connection relation by utilizing the two connectors at two ends of the pipe member to connect the water related equipment and the water draining hole of the water draining pipeline, the configuration of the pipe member can be properly bent and adjusted according to the installation space thereby obtaining a smooth water draining effect, and after the pipe member is bent and set, the smoothness of the inner pipe wall can be kept.

Abstract: An expandable hose is provided formed of a sidewall formed of a spirally wound flexible member which defines an axial passageway surrounding a center axis of the formed hose. Both side edges of the flexible member in the spirally wound position are engaged with a cap member which provides a skeletal structure to maintain the axial passageway open and to bias the hose back to a collapsed length from the extended length. A fold formed in the spirally wound flexible member allows for increased distance between the two side edges and an increased maximum extended length. A telescopic pole engaged with the formed hose provides an improved extendable vacuuming tool.

Abstract: The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber characterized by a plurality of interlocking loops. The tubular knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical tube options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may include a combination of resin and epoxy constituents. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters. Continuous application of the matrix material avoids overlapping seams that are prone to delamination. Methods are provided for reinforcing the composite tube construction including one or more folded layers of knitted fiber, a reinforcing wrap made of knitted fiber, and an inflatable balloon element in combination with a layer(s) of knitted fiber.

Abstract: In the present spinning method using elements including: a tube material; a pair of chucks which hold both ends of the tube material; and a roller having a predetermined curved shape in order to shape the tube material, in a state that circumferential portions at the both ends of the tube material are fitted in and held by circumferential grooves provided on side surfaces of the chucks, the method includes a step of transferring a curved shape on a side surface of the roller to a side surface of the tube material by rotating the chucks which hold the tube material around a first axis, rotating the roller around a second axis, moving the rotating roller in an X direction, and pressing the side surface of the roller against the side surface of the tube material between the rotating chucks.

Abstract: An industrial two-layer fabric has an inner space between an upper side fabric and a lower side fabric. Some or all of upper side wefts or lower side wefts are secondary wefts interwoven with upper side warps or lower side warps so as to make the number of warps passing on an upper surface of the upper side fabric or passing on a lower surface of the lower side fabric larger than that on an inner space side of the upper or lower side fabric and a long crimp in the inner space is formed by the secondary weft.

Abstract: The invention is an improved ice handling container and methods for using the container. The container includes a bottom wall with upstanding sidewalls terminating in a mouth. A bail having an apex and opposing ends is pivotally attached to opposing sidewalls of the container. The bail has a handle generally at the apex and a hook extending generally outwardly from the bail generally near the apex of the bail for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally upward. One sidewall has a handle generally adjacent the bottom wall and a hook generally adjacent the handle extending generally outwardly and upwardly from the sidewall for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally downward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the control of a filling machine (A) for the filling of containers (C) with liquid filling material, wherein the filling machine comprises at least two controllable filling elements (1, 2, 30, 31) each having at least one filling sensor, and wherein by way of the filling sensors the termination of filling of the respective filling element is controlled. According to the invention a first filling element (1) will, in case of failure of its filling sensor, be controlled synchronously to a following second filling element (2).

Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle comprises a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion movable between a valve closed position whereat liquid is precluded from being dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit and a valve open position whereat liquid is permitted to be dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is reconfigurable between an operating configuration whereat force can be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve to thereby move the first movable valve portion to the valve open position, and a non-operating configuration whereat force cannot be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve. A liquid sensor has a rest state and an actuated state whereat the liquid sensor reconfigures the manually operable valve control mechanism from the operating configuration to the non-operating configuration.

Abstract: A filling element for a container treatment machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material includes a first channel formed in a filling element housing and forming a dispensing opening for controlled dispensing of filing material into a container, and a second channel formed in or on the housing for delivering a cleaning or disinfecting medium. On an outer face of the housing, a spray nozzle or spray-nozzle assembly connects to the second channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling a therapeutic substance or drug within a hollow wire that forms a stent. The stent is placed within a chamber housing a fluid drug formulation. During filling, the chamber is maintained at or near the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the solvent of the fluid drug formulation. To fill the stent, a portion of the stent is placed into contact with the fluid drug formulation until a lumenal space defined by the hollow wire is filled with the fluid drug formulation via capillary action. After filling is complete, the stent is retracted such that the stent is no longer in contact with the fluid drug formulation. The solvent vapor pressure within the chamber is reduced to evaporate a solvent of the fluid drug formulation. A wicking means may control transfer of the fluid drug formulation into the stent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling a therapeutic substance or drug within a hollow wire that forms a stent. The stent is placed within a chamber housing a fluid drug formulation. During filling, the chamber is maintained at or near the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the solvent of the fluid drug formulation. To fill the stent, a portion of the stent is placed into contact with the fluid drug formulation until a lumenal space defined by the hollow wire is filled with the fluid drug formulation via capillary action. After filling is complete, the stent is retracted such that the stent is no longer in contact with the fluid drug formulation. The solvent vapor pressure within the chamber is reduced to evaporate a solvent of the fluid drug formulation. A wicking means may control transfer of the fluid drug formulation into the stent.

Abstract: A vehicle-carried air compressor device includes a case installed with an air compressor therein, a tire repairing container containing a liquid adhesive, and a flexible linking tube. An air inlet coupler of the tire repairing container is connected with an air outlet manifold of the air compressor. An end of the flexible linking tube is coupled to an adhesive outlet coupler of the tire repairing container, and the other end of the flexible linking tube is provided with a protection adapter for coupling to a tire nipple. Before the protection adapter is connected with the tire nipple, the other end of the flexible linking tube is closed by the protection adapter, so that the liquid adhesive in the tire repairing container will not shoot out suddenly because of improper handling.

Abstract: In the present invention, a difference between a pressure displayed by a manometer of a compressor device and an actual internal pressure of a ti re can be reduced. A compressor device (2) and a bottle unit (3) are directly connected. A cap (6) attached to the bottle unit (3) comprises a unidirectional valve (14) for preventing a reverse flow of a flat ti re sealing agent to the side of the compressor device. A cylinder (12) of the compressor device (2) is provided with a pump chamber (11), and a surge chamber (18) which receives the compressed air from the pump chamber through an exhaust valve (16), wherein a volume (Q2) of the surge chamber (18) is 1.0 to 3.0 times of the stroke volume of a piston (10) in the pump chamber (11).

Abstract: A water container includes a bottle body containing water and a bottle mouth, a cup body detachably assembled to the bottle body, and a valve assembly secured to the bottle mouth. The valve assembly includes a ball and an elastic member. The ball and the elastic member are received in the receiving cavity. The elastic member is pressed between the ball the upper case and biases the ball towards sealing the opening. When the cup body is pushed toward the bottle body, the cup body drives the ball to unseal, to allow flow of water into the cup with no risk of spillage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a funnel for a funnel for a baby bottle, which includes a downwardly narrowing funnel bowl (1) and a funnel nozzle (4), wherein the funnel nozzle (4) encompasses several different diameters which are adapted to different bottle neck diameters and are fixable thereon. The invention is characterized in that the funnel nozzle (4) comprises at least three stepped external diameters that decrease downwardly toward the funnel outlet (10) and are adapted to at least three different bottle neck internal diameters, and in that at least one elastic, inwardly enclosed clamping groove (5) is provided from the funnel bowl (1) to over the funnel shaft (4).

Abstract: A bushing for the preparation of a suspension or solution formed by mixing a first product with a second product, to allow a first bottle initially containing the first product to communicate with a second bottle initially containing the second product is provided.

Abstract: A machine for processing trees includes a trailer; a loader and a tree processing unit mounted on the trailer. The tree processing unit is configured to independently process loaded trees.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma nitriding surface treatment method for a gray cast iron part. In the plasma nitriding surface treatment method, a nitride layer is formed on a surface of the gray cast iron part by a selective ion nitriding treatment. The plasma nitriding surface treatment method is carried out such that the surface of the gray cast iron part is prevented from being deformed, and a reduction of the frictional coefficient of the part is prevented.

Abstract: A high strength, high toughness steel alloy is disclosed. The alloy has the following weight percent composition. Element C 0.30-0.55 Mn ?0.6-1.75 Si ?0.9-2.8 Cr ?0.6-2.5 Ni 2.70-7.0? Mo + ½ W 0.25-1.3? Cu 0.30-1.25 Co ?0.01 max. V + (5/9) × Nb 0.10-1.0? Ti ?0.01 max. Al 0.015 max. Ca 0.005 max. The alloy further includes a grain refining element selected from the group consisting of 0.0001-0.01% Mg, 0.001-0.025% Y, and a combination thereof. The balance of the alloy is iron and usual impurities. Also disclosed is a hardened and tempered steel article having very high strength and fracture toughness and formed from the alloy set forth above. The alloy article according to this aspect of the invention is further characterized by being tempered at a temperature of about 500° F. to 600° F.

Abstract: Provided is a cast-iron product that satisfies demands for both weight reduction and strength enhancement with good balance. A cast-ion product having an inner honeycomb structure is produced by a process including: a decarburization step, in which a cast-iron product made of a hypoeutectic cast iron is heated to form a decarburized layer on the surface of the cast-iron product; an outflow-hole formation step, in which an outflow hole penetrating through the decarburized layer into an inner region is formed; and a liquation step, in which the cast-iron product is heated to a temperature lower than the melting point of the decarburized layer and higher than the melting point of the hypoeutectic cast iron remaining inside, while being held in such a manner that the outflow hole is located in the lower portion thereof.

Abstract: A multi-phase steel including in % wt. C: 0.14-0.25%, Mn: 1.7-2.5%, Si: 0.2-0.7%, Al: 0.5-1.5%, Cr: <0.1%, Mo: <0.05%, Nb: 0.02-0.06%, S: up to 0.01%, P: up to 0.02%, N: up to 0.01% and optionally at least one of Ti, B, and V according to the following stipulation: Ti: up to 0.1%, B: up to 0.002%, V: up to 0.15%, with the remainder iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein the microstructure has at least 10% vol. ferrite and at least 6% vol. residual austenite and the steel has a tensile strength Rm of at least 950 MPa, a yield point ReL of at least 500 MPa and an elongation at break A80 measured in the transverse direction of at least 15%. A method of producing the multi-phase steel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aluminum alloy for the manufacture of thick blocks comprising (as a percentage by weight), Zn: 5.3-5.9%, Mg: 0.8-1.8%, Cu: <0.2%, Zr: 0.05 to 0.12%, Ti<0.15%, Mn<0.1%, Cr<0.1%, Si<0.15%, Fe<0.20%, impurities having an individual content of <0.05% each and <0.15% in total, the rest aluminum, The alloy may be used in a process comprising the steps of: (a) casting a thick block of an alloy according to the invention (b) solution heat treating said cast block at a temperature of 500 to 560° C. for 10 minutes to 20 hours, (c) cooling said solution heat treated block to a temperature below 100° C., (d) tempering said solution heat treated and cooled block by heating to 120 to 170° C. for 4 to 48 hours, In this process, said block is not subjected to any significant deformation by working between the casting and the tempering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Cu—Co—Si—Zr alloy material which contains 1.0-2.5 wt % of Co, 0.2-0.7 wt % of Si and 0.001-0.5 wt % of Zr with the elemental ratio Co/Si being 3.5-5.0. The Cu—Co—Si—Zr alloy material contains second phase particles having a diameter of 0.20 ?m or more but less than 1.00 ?m at a density of 3,000-500,000 particles/mm2, and has a crystal grain size of 10 ?m or less, an electrical conductivity of 60% IACS or more and good bending workability. The alloy material can be produced by setting the temperature of heating that is carried out after casting and before a solution heat treatment to a temperature that is higher than the later-described solution heat treatment temperature by 45° C. or more, by setting the cooling rate from the start temperature of hot rolling to 600° C. to 100° C./min or less, and by selecting the solution heat treatment temperature from (50× Co wt %+775)° C. to (50× Co wt %+825)° C. (inclusive).

Abstract: Provided is a steel sheet for an oil sand slurry pipe having excellent abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and low-temperature toughness including 0.2 wt % to 0.35 wt % of carbon (C), 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of silicon (Si), 0.5 wt % to 1.8 wt % of manganese (Mn), 0.1 wt % to 0.6 wt % of nickel (Ni), 0.005 wt % to 0.05 wt % of niobium (Nb), 0.005 wt % to 0.02 wt % of titanium (Ti), 0.03 wt % or less of phosphorous (P), 0.03 wt % or less of sulfur (S), 0.05 wt % or less (excluding 0 wt %) of aluminum (Al), 0.01 wt % or less (excluding 0 wt %) of nitrogen (N), and iron (Fe) as well as other unavoidable impurities as a remainder.

Abstract: An alloy having an ?? martensite which is a processing starting structure is hot worked. The alloy is heated at a temperature increase rate of 50 to 800° C./sec, and strain is given at not less than 0.5 by a processing strain rate of from 0.01 to 10/sec in a case of a temperature range of 700 to 800° C., or by a processing strain rate of 0.1 to 10/sec in a case of a temperature range of 800° C. to 1000° C. By generating equiaxial crystals having average crystal particle diameters of less than 1000 nm through the above processes, a titanium alloy having high strength and high fatigue resistant property can be obtained, in which hardness is less than 400 HV, tensile strength is not less than 1200 MPa, and static strength and dynamic strength are superior.

Abstract: A nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy comprises nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, boron at a concentration of up to about 0.1 at. %, with the balance of the alloy being titanium. In addition to enhanced radiopacity compared to binary Ni—Ti alloys and improved workability, the Ni—Ti-RE alloy preferably exhibits superelastic behavior. A method of processing a Ni—Ti-RE alloy includes providing a nickel-titanium-rare earth alloy comprising nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, the balance being titanium; heating the alloy in a homogenization temperature range below a critical temperature; and forming spheroids of a rare earth-rich second phase in the alloy while in the homogenization temperature range.

Abstract: A copper alloy for an electric device contains Mg in a range of 1.3 atomic % or more and less than 2.6 atomic %, Al in a range of 6.7 atomic % or more and 20 atomic % or less, and the balance substantially consisting of Cu and unavoidable impurities. A method of producing a copper alloy includes: performing heating of a copper material to a temperature of not lower than 500° C. and not higher than 1000° C.; performing quenching to cool the heated copper material to 200° C. or lower with a cooling rate of 200° C./min or more; and performing working of the cooled copper material, wherein the copper material is composed of a copper alloy containing Mg in a range of 1.3 atomic % or more and less than 2.6 atomic %, Al in a range of 6.7 atomic % or more and 20 atomic % or less.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is disclosed, the wheel assembly including a rigid wheel and an airless tire mounted on the wheel. A portion of the tire is separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure. A spacer is interposed between the wheel and the portion of the tire separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to limit the inward flexing of the tire. The spacer may be permanently affixed to the wheel assembly or may be removably attached to the wheel assembly. The spacer may be adjustable between a first size and a second size.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes foam spacers positioned between the annular reinforcement band. The foam can be a reticulated foam into which a matrix material such as a polyurethane is introduced. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more features of the non-pneumatic wheel such as spokes, a mounting band, and a hub.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a carcass ply, a tread rubber, a side wall rubber and a rim strip rubber. A topping rubber of the carcass ply and the side wall rubber are formed by a non-conductive rubber. The rim strip rubber is formed by a conductive rubber. A height of an outer end of the rim strip rubber is equal to or more than 50% of a tire cross section height. JIS A hardness of the side wall rubber is equal to or more than 59 degrees. A side conductive layer formed by the conductive rubber is provided between the side wall rubber and the carcass ply. The side conductive layer is connected to the tread rubber and the rim strip rubber. A conductive route reaching the outer end of the side conductive layer from a ground-contacting surface is constructed in the tread rubber.

Abstract: A tire that discharges static electricity from a vehicle to a road surface includes tread rubber 2G that includes base portion 9 made of a non-conductive rubber which is disposed radially inward and extends continuously from one tread edge e1 side to the other tread edge e2 side, cap portion 10 made of a non-conductive rubber and disposed radially outward of the base portion 9 to form ground-contacting surface 2a, and conductive portion 11 made of a conductive rubber and having one end exposed on the ground-contacting surface 2a and the other end connected to sidewall rubber 3G electrically conductive with a rim when the tire is mounted on the rim. The cap portion 10 are divided into right and left and includes first cap portion 10A and second cap portion 10B.

Abstract: The present invention comprises tire treads having sipes or other voids formed of non-curable inserts, as well as methods for forming sipes or other voids within a tread using non-curable inserts and apparatus for performing the same. Such methods include providing an uncured tread having a width and a thickness bounded by an outer side and a bottom side. Such methods further include providing a strip of non-curable material, the strip having a width and a length. Furthermore, such methods include inserting the strip of non-curable into the tread thickness from the tread outer side and to a predetermined depth within the tread thickness to form a void-forming insert within the tread thickness. Finally, these methods include curing the tread with the non-curable strip arranged within the tread thickness. The inserts may be folded, which may occur as the strips are inserted into the tread or prior to such insertion.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for running on rough terrain is provided in the tread portion with crown blocks, middle blocks and shoulder blocks. Aspect ratios of the crown blocks are less than those of the middle blocks and shoulder blocks. The crown blocks include shifted blocks provided with a slot to form two subdivided block pieces circumferentially shifted from each other. The middle blocks and the shoulder blocks including cut blocks provided with a U-shaped cut opened at the top face and a side face of the block.

Abstract: A tire tread is provided having a layered design that includes bridged and unbridged circumferential grooves during earlier stages of tread life while transverse and unbridged circumferential grooves are provided at later stages of tread life. Together, the combination of grooves can provide desired wet adherence performance without unacceptable compromises of tread wear and/or rolling resistance. Pockets can also be provided at the end of the transverse grooves to increase the volume available for receipt of water during wet traction.

Abstract: A tire tread having a layered design is provided. In a first layer of the tread, sipes extend transversely to provide traction in the first stage of the wear life of the tread. In a second layer of the tread, the width of the sipes along the circumferential direction is increased to provide for improved traction in a second stage of the wear life. The increased width is provided by a void that opens to a circumferential groove only along one end. Because the void opens only along one end, a decrease in acoustical effects such as drive by noise can be provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a base tire with a uniform degree of cure (vulcanization) by preventing undercure or overcure in curing an uncured base tire, a method for manufacturing a tire using such a base tire, and a base tire thus manufactured are provided. In a method for manufacturing a cured base tire having a tread region where a tread rubber is attached, an uncured base tire is enclosed within a curing mold, the side regions of the base tire are heated by a first heating means, the tread region with a thicker tire thickness than the side regions is heated by a second heating means, and a cure-molding is performed such that the amount of heat given to the tread region by the second heating means is smaller than the amount of heat given to the side regions by the first heating means.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a carcass and a belt reinforcement structure. The carcass has one ply of parallel cords extending proximately to bead portions. The belt reinforcement structure is disposed radially outside of the carcass. The belt reinforcement structure includes an overlay ply. The overlay ply includes a strip of parallel cords wound spirally and circumferentially from a first axially outer side of the overlay ply to a second axially outer side of the overlay ply. The distance between corresponding parts of adjacent strip windings defines a winding pitch. The winding pitch of the strip changes in an axially inward direction of the pneumatic tire towards the equatorial plane of the pneumatic tire such that the winding pitch in a central region of the belt reinforcement structure is increased relative to respective first and second axially outer sides of the overlay ply on each side of the equatorial plane of the pneumatic tire.

Abstract: Graphene and graphene-like materials may be formed by preparing a solution of a suitable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in a solvent that is immiscible with water (or other suitable underlying liquid). A suitably thin layer of the PAH solution is formed on the surface of a thin layer of water. The solvent is evaporated from the solution layer to form a film of PAH material organized in contiguous molecular discs. The organized PAH material may be further processed by careful removal or evaporation of the water layer to deposit the PAH residue on a desired surface. The PAH residue may then be heated to remove hydrogen atoms and form a carbon-enriched or wholly carbon, graphene structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to lightweight, environmentally durable, structurally rigid ballistic protection methods. An exemplary method of fabricating the ballistic protection system comprises the steps of assembling the sections separately and curing each section at a specific temperature and pressure. Once the sections are individually assembled and cured, the sections are joined together and cured at a separate temperature and pressure.