Abstract: A method and article of manufacture is herein disclosed for eliminating the need for pressurized air in a vehicular pneumatic tire. A resilient tubular insert is inserted and carried within a tire casing to simulate pneumatic conditions. The resilient material possesses a longitudinal bore which in combination with a particular range of durometers, enhances the "pneumatic" characteristics of the tire insert. Preferably, the tire insert is discontinuous and is designed to have a diameter greater than the internal diameter of the tire casing under deflated conditions.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture is herein disclosed for eliminating the need for pressurized air in a vehicular pneumatic tire. A resilient tubular insert is inserted and carried within a tire casing to simulate pneumatic conditions. The resilient material possesses a longitudinal bore which in combination with a particular range of durometers, enhances the "pneumatic" characteristics of the tire insert. Preferably, the tire insert is discontinuous and is designed to have a diameter greater than the internal diameter of the tire casing under deflated conditions.

Abstract: A free wheeling tire having the ability to resist increased rotational speed under load is comprised of a hub portion, rim portion, and a multiplicity of flexure members defining voids extending continuously from one side of the tire to another. Deleterious heat generated during operation is successfully dissipated through the increased surface area provided by the voids and by the nature of geometrical element configuration. The tires are placed in a gravity roller conveyor in arrays where each array may have different speed control characteristics permitting variations in speeds of objects as they move from one array to another.