Abstract: An electrical circuit element (16) is maintained in place within the drop center (24) of a vehicle wheel (10) by encasing the circuit within a cylindrical plastic housing (14) which is formed into an arcuate shape. The housing is held in place by wires (18, 19) which are connected to the ends of an extension spring (22) which applies sufficient tension to keep the housing from moving during heavy braking or due to centrifugal force. The mounting assembly is configured to move to an out of the way position when contacted by a tire iron or by elements of a tire mounting machine to prevent damage to the circuit when a tire is mounted or demounted. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the circuit (16) is encased within a unitary annular member (56).

Abstract: A combined unloader and check valve for use with a motor driven air compressor (70) in which pressure trapped in the compressor head when the compressor is shut down is unloaded by means of an unloaded valve element (44) which opens a port (26) to unload the head pressure to atmosphere through an exhaust port (62) in response to the closing of a check valve element (34) in the compressor outlet line. When the compressor is operating and the check valve is open, pressure above the unloading valve element keeps the unloading valve element in position to shut off flow through the exhaust port. Air trapped above the unloader valve element when the check valve is initially closed is bled off through a filter element (52). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the unloader valve element (144) is in the form of a diaphragm. The filter element (52) can be a compressible material to permit adjustment of the bleed rate therethrough by varying the density thereof by means of an adjustable bleed screw (48).

Abstract: A device for indicating whether the pressure in a pressurized vessel, such as a pneumatic tire, is at or above a desired predetermined level. The device employs pressure-biased indicating means held by releasable means employing a floating latch member in a position indicating vessel pressure at or above the desired level. The indicator means is released by movement of the release means and floating latch member, upon decrease of the pressure in the vessel below the desired level, to move to another position for indicating loss of pressure in the vessel.

Abstract: A two piece valve assembly is provided for snap-in installation in a mounting rim for a tubeless tire. The assembly comprises a generally cylindrical valve stem member insertable in a bore formed through an elastomeric grommet member, which is in turn insertable in a bore formed through the mounting rim. The valve stem and grommet members are sized to effect a fluid pressure seal when the insertions are accomplished, and an enlarged flange is provided on the valve stem to prevent outward removal of the assembly from the rim bore.