Patents by Inventor David E. Kritzell

David E. Kritzell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8931534
    Abstract: Wheel assemblies and valves for use with central tire inflation systems are provided. A wheel assembly may include a wheel having a rim and a wall extending radially inwardly from the rim. The wall may include an inboard side and an outboard side, and a central opening therethrough. The wheel may include a wheel duct for communicating pressurized fluid to a tire. A valve may be secured to the wheel wall. The valve may include an inboard side and an outboard side. The valve may include a hub interface adapted to extend from its inboard side. The hub interface may be adapted to extend around the wheel wall. The valve may include an inlet duct opening on the hub interface to communicate with a duct in a wheel hub on which the wheel is mounted. The valve may also include an outlet duct configured to communicate with the wheel duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Accuride Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Eaton, David E. Kritzell, Daniel E. Shy, Donald A. Hohman
  • Publication number: 20110221261
    Abstract: Wheel assemblies and valves for use with central tire inflation systems are provided. A wheel assembly may include a wheel having a rim and a wall extending radially inwardly from the rim. The wall may include an inboard side and an outboard side, and a central opening therethrough. The wheel may include a wheel duct for communicating pressurized fluid to a tire. A valve may be secured to the wheel wall. The valve may include an inboard side and an outboard side. The valve may include a hub interface adapted to extend from its inboard side. The hub interface may be adapted to extend around the wheel wall. The valve may include an inlet duct opening on the hub interface to communicate with a duct in a wheel hub on which the wheel is mounted. The valve may also include an outlet duct configured to communicate with the wheel duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: James K. Eaton, David E. Kritzell, Daniel E. Shy, Donald A. Hohman
  • Patent number: 6705369
    Abstract: A single piece valve extension support for vehicles with dualled tires and wheels using inflation valve extensions on the inner wheel. The valve extension support, made from a compressible elastomeric foam material, has an orifice through which the valve extension can pass. The valve extension support is inserted in the vent hole of the outer wheel, compressing the foam elastomeric material and generating an interference fit with the vent hole. The valve extension support is compressed around the valve extension passing through its' orifice. In this way, the valve extension support is able to dampen vibration that can lead to fatigue cracks in the inflation valve assembly, causing loss of air pressure in the inner dual tire and wheel assembly. Retention flanges on either side of the wheel prevent accidental removal of the valve extension support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Vincent T. Russell, Douglas M. Terrill, David E. Kritzell