With Pressure-responsive Pressure-control Means Patents (Class 137/224)
-
Publication number: 20100147387Abstract: The present invention is a valve for use in a central tire inflation system including a casing securable to the rim of a vehicle in communication with the tire that houses a main body connectable to a pressurized fluid supply of the central tire inflation system, and a valve member moveable within the main body to control the flow of air through the valve. The valve can be mounted flush on the exterior surface of the rim or in a recessed position within the rim, and can be connected to a manifold that is able to control the flow of pressurized fluid from the central tire inflation system to each valve and tire connected to the valve. The operation of the manifold and pressurized fluid supply can be controlled utilizing a controller operably connected to the manifold and fluid supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Martin A. Medley, Douglas P. Miller, Donald E. Blackman, Thomas Varghese
-
Patent number: 7726330Abstract: The invention relates to an air core filling system for reclining or seating furniture, for example, for a mattress, an armchair, a car seat, a piece of camping furniture or similar, comprising an air core and an integrated air core filling system, reacting to a load, which independently, supplies a dosed amount of air into the air core, in order to maintain the same at a given adjustable pressure in the non-loaded state. Said air core filling system comprises an air pump system (3) with at least two separate chambers (2, 6) and control system (17), whereby the first chamber (2) is directly connected to the air core by a line (1) and a second chamber (6) is connected to the air core by a line (7) through a pressure regulation valve (13) and to the ambient air by a line (9).Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventor: Kurt Schuster
-
Patent number: 7686051Abstract: The present invention is a wheel assembly having a rim with a valve aperture extending therethrough that is designed to receive a valve having a simplified a construction that can be seated directly within a tire wheel assembly to minimize the number and type of components necessary for the valve. The valve includes a main body that is positionable in a sealed and recessed or embedded configuration within the aperture in the wheel rim in communication with the interior of the tire and with a pressurized air source that is used to inflate or deflate the tire. The main body encloses a valve mechanism that includes a components situated within the main body in a manner that enables the parts to be easily removed, cleaned and/or replaced if necessary without having to remove the entire valve assembly from the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventors: Martin A. Medley, Douglas P. Miller, Donald E. Blackman
-
Publication number: 20090314354Abstract: A system includes a fluid controller coupled to an inflatable bladder and configured to add fluid to and remove fluid from the inflatable bladder, a control unit configured to provide information used by the fluid controller to adjust the pressurization of the inflatable bladder, the control unit including a user interface configured to constantly display a plurality of indicia corresponding to a range of pressure levels in which the inflatable bladder is employed by a user, where each of the plurality of indicia is associated with a different level of pressure of the inflatable bladder, respectively. In one embodiment, the fluid controller is configured to adjust the pressurization, in response to a user input at the user interface, to a pressure level selected by the user based on a current pressure level of the inflatable bladder, the pressure level selected by the user and an operating time of the fluid controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
-
Patent number: 7597118Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic test plug that seals a portion of a pipe section having a generally cylindrical internal pipe wall. In general, the pneumatic test plug includes an inflation valve mounted in the bladder wall of an inflatable bladder. The inflation valve includes a main air passageway through which air is introduced into the bladder and a separate release channel. The separate release channel includes an inlet disposed toward an interior end of the inflation valve and an outlet in fluid communication with an exterior environment outside the bladder. When in a sealed position, a sealing portion of the bladder engages the interior end of the inflation valve and sealingly closes the inlet of the release channel. When the sealing portion is elastically deflected by overinflation of the bladder, the sealing portion uncovers the inlet of the release channel to allow air to escape from the interior area of the bladder through the release channel to the exterior environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: IPS CorporationInventors: Stephen Peterson, Richard Larson
-
Patent number: 7551992Abstract: A method for detecting decompression of tires based on the rotational speed of wheels mounted on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: detecting the rotational speed of each of the above-mentioned wheels, determining the speed against ground of the vehicle, calculating the speed information of a fixed wheel from the rotational speeds of said wheels, calculating the judgment value of the wheel position by comparing the speed information of the wheels with the speed against ground of the vehicle, comparing the judgment value of the wheel position with the basis value of the wheel position obtained by preliminarily comparing the speed against ground of the vehicle with the speed information of the wheels at prescribed inner pressure, and judging decompression of tires based on relation between the comparison value of the basis value with the judgment value and a fixed threshold. A region of judging decompression of tires can be broadened and the accuracy of reduced pressure judgment can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Masashi Kitano
-
Patent number: 7538661Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Stephen P. Claussen, Daryl J. Stacer
-
Publication number: 20090095358Abstract: A configurable fluid transfer system for inflatable footwear includes a manifold. The manifold is part of an inflation system having an underfoot pump connected to one of the plurality of openings in the heel side of the manifold, an inflatable forefoot bladder connected to two of the plurality of openings in the bottom surface of the manifold and an inflatable heel bladder connected to one of the plurality of openings in the bottom surface of the manifold. Fluid flows from the underfoot pump to the inflatable forefoot bladder through a one-way valve and into a first channel in the manifold connected to a forefoot bladder. The fluid inflates the forefoot bladder and exits into a second channel in the manifold. Fluid flows from the inflatable forefoot bladder to the inflatable heel bladder through the second channel and inflates the heel bladder. A pressure regulator including a porous material may be in fluid communication with the fluid transfer system to control the rate of fluid exiting the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Brian Christensen, Paul M. Davis
-
Publication number: 20080302420Abstract: An apparatus and method for simply and inexpensively positioning mounted automobile and truck tires for effective setting of a bead, with subsequent inflation in an efficient manner. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is a wheel-like structure with an outer rim in the shape of a polygon, such as a circle, octagon, hexagon, or square. The outer rim supports a plurality of mounting brackets adapted to hold tires for inflation. The tires are not in the same horizontal plane as the outer rim. Tires that have been mounted on wheel rims are placed on the mounting brackets, a bead is set by a blast of air, and an air inflation hose is connected to the tire. The wheel rotates, so that additional tires can be placed on subsequent mounting brackets, resulting in a series of tires being inflated continuously and simultaneously. When a tire is completely inflated, the hose is disconnected and the tire removed from the device for storage, shipping or further handling.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: David Strickland, JR.
-
Patent number: 7395702Abstract: This present invention discloses a step-adjustable tire pressure monitoring sensor signal housing assembly including a valve and a valve core fixed on a rim, a sensor signal housing which consists of a housing holder and a connecting part, the connecting part has a curve connecting face where a Slot 1 is provided, and a Slot 3 is provided on the housing holder under the connecting part; a D block, which is in D shape and has a flat part and a cylinder part, a Slot 2 is provided in the center of the cylinder part perpendicular to the flat part, some ratchet teeth are provided longitudinally in the cylinder part by the side of a mounting hole; a U-pawl and a spring, which are installed in the Slot 3, the spring is in the bottom of the U-pawl and the top of the U-pawl is corresponding to the ratchet teeth on the D block; and a connector which fixes the sensor signal housing and the D block onto the tire valve through the Slot 1 in the signal housing and the Slot 2 on the D block.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Shanghai Baolong Automotive CorporationInventors: Zhenfang Qiu, Jiansong Huang, Zhidong Chen
-
Publication number: 20080142634Abstract: A landing gear noise attenuator mitigates noise generated by airframe deployable landing gear. The noise attenuator can have a first position when the landing gear is in its deployed or down position, and a second position when the landing gear is in its up or stowed position. The noise attenuator may be an inflatable fairing that does not compromise limited space constraints associated with landing gear retraction and stowage. A truck fairing mounted under a truck beam can have a compliant edge to allow for non-destructive impingement of a deflected fire during certain conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2005Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicants: ROHR, INC., GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey W. Moe, Julia Whitmire, Hwan-Wan Kwan, Amal Abeysinghe, Virinder Duggal
-
Patent number: 7320345Abstract: An air inflation device is a pass-thru vehicle tire inflation device. It ensures exact air pressure without the use of an air gauge. It works by attaching to a tire valve, and then to an existing air supply, such as those found at gas stations, and utilizing an internal pressure relief valve that is pre-set to exact PSI recommendations. This means that the inflation device will put only the amount of air needed in every tire without having to use a pressure gauge. Air moves through an internal air chamber constructed of plastic or rubber tubes that runs through the nozzle to the head that attaches to the valve of the tire. A plastic valve located on the back of the apparatus connects to any existing air supply. A pressure relief valve is integrated into the bottom of the nozzle that ensures that the exact PSI recommendations are maintained.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventors: Tim Matthews, Joshua A. Matthews, Howard Ashcraft
-
Publication number: 20070235084Abstract: A valve (10) for use on a large truck with a tire inflation system, flows air into a leaking tire and energizes a light to indicate the presence of a leak to the driver. The valve has a passage (22) that connects a high pressure inlet (14) to an outlet (16) that connects to the tire. The passage has a blockable part (24) extending in forward-rearward (F, R) longitudinal directions, and the valve has a piston (26) with a front end (30) that slides in the blockable passage part and that is biased forwardly by a spring (36). The spring lies in a spring chamber (40) extending rearward of the blockable passage part. An electric switch (50) senses rearward piston movement to energize a warning light (62) in the vehicle cab. In one valve, the passage blockable part has a tapered rear end (24R) to rapidly increase air flow as the piston begins to allow air flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventor: Yong C. Kim
-
Patent number: 7273066Abstract: A valve connector for coupling with inflation valves of vehicle tyres, comprising a housing, within the housing a coupling hole for coupling with an inflation valve, the coupling hole having a central axis and an outer opening, positioning means for positioning the inflation valve when coupled in the coupling hole, and an activating pin, which is arranged coaxially with the coupling hole, for depressing a central spring-force operated core pin of the inflation valve, a cylinder (303) having a cylinder wall provided with a pressure port which is connected to a pressure source, wherein the activating pin is shiftable between a proximal pin position and a distal pin position relative to the positioning means so as to depress the core pin of the inflation valve in its distal pin position and disengage the core pin of the inflation valve in its proximal pin position when the inflation valve is positioned by the positioning means, the activating pin is coupled with a piston (304) and the piston (304) is slidingly aType: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: NVB InternationalInventor: Nicolass van der Blom
-
Patent number: 7233238Abstract: A tire air-pressure alarming device includes wheel speed sensors for detecting wheel speeds of wheels of a motor vehicle and also includes a microcomputer-base control device and an alarming unit. The control device is programmed to execute function steps of: deriving a decision value based on the wheel speeds detected by the wheel speed sensors; judging the occurrence of air-pressure drop of the tires constituting wheels, based on the decision value; and outputting a command when the occurrence of the air-pressure drop of the tires is judged. The alarming unit is responsive to the command from the control device thereby to raise an alarm indicating the occurrence of the air-pressure drop of the tire. The tires are monitored by the tire air-pressure alarming device, wherein the control device is also programmed to execute a function step of standardizing the speed dependency of a rolling radius of the tires thereby to standardize the performance in judging the air-pressure drop of the tires.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignees: Advics Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Motoshi Suzuki, Hidenori Kajino, Minao Yanase
-
Patent number: 7215243Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for characterizing tire pressure on the four tires of a conventional passenger automobile. The method uses an apparatus disposed on a key fob. The key fob includes a tire valve stem interface that is capable of taking manual measurements of tire pressure. The fob further includes a pressure transducer that translates tire pressure into electronic form where it can be displayed on an LCD screen and transmitted by RF to an automobile computer. The automobile computer further includes a program that provides for the measurement of tire pressure in a sequential method thereby assuring that the tires are at placarded pressure or more. The method includes steps of using the key fob to measure the tire pressure and transmitting the tire pressure to the computer for processing.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Robert A Rimkus, Allen J. Walenty
-
Patent number: 7191796Abstract: The dual outlet air valve is design feature that would greatly enhance the convenience of the standard valve stem design. In order to accomplish this the dual outlet air valve comprises a multi-port design whereby air can be released or injected through more then one port. The sealing and release of air for each port is controlled by a novel mechanism comprising a spring mounted plug. This spring is helical and surrounds a rod. One end of the rod is attached to a plug that is held in alignment with a hole defined by a wall formed to separate the upper portion of the port from the lower portion. The other end of the rod passes through a partition formed to define a hole at its center. The spring is larger in diameter then the center hole of the partition and is seated between the partition and the plug. The partition is threaded on its circumferance and is seated on threads defined by the inner surface of the port. Rotating the partition causes it to move up or down and alters the compression of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Inventor: Paul E. Rehmert, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7104274Abstract: There is an apparatus for regulating air flow into a rim mounted pneumatic vehicle tire. The apparatus has an elongated valve housing 1? with an inlet end 1A?, an outlet end 2? and a central portion between the outlet and inlet. The outlet end includes a rim insertion portion 3? configured to fit into an aperture in the tire rim. There is a piston 8? disposed within the housing. The piston includes a valve member 19?. A coil spring 22? acts between the housing and piston so that in use of the apparatus the piston is biased to a open position for passage of air into the tire and is movable against the spring bias under air pressure build-up in the tire to a closed position at which the valve member seals against a valve seat. The piston and spring are located in the central portion of the housing clear of the rim insertion portion. The rim insertion portion is of a reduced size not obstructive to the mounting of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: William Darcy Sampson
-
Patent number: 7074511Abstract: A liquid feed fuel cell system having a unique fuel container and delivery assembly is provided. The container and delivery assembly allows liquid fuel which, in a preferred embodiment, is in the form of either pure methanol or an aqueous methanol/water mixture, to be placed under pressure so that it is delivered to the cell in a continuous manner. The fuel substance is stored in a flexible bladder that is housed in an outer container. The inner flexible bladder containing the fuel is fitted with a for supplying instrument that compresses the flexible bladder such that the fuel is expressed through a conduit in the container, to the direct oxidation fuel cell in a continuous manner. Other embodiments include the force-applying instrument being employed in a fuel cell system that includes inlet and outlet ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: Juan J. Becerra, Michael S. DeFillipis
-
Patent number: 7051777Abstract: An axle assembly has a fixed axle housing, a rotating axle body rotatably mounted in said axle housing, and a first chamber which surrounds the axle body. The first chamber is partially bounded by a ring member which rotates with the axle body. An annular disc is mounted on the axle body adjacent to the ring member. The disc extends radially outwardly beyond an outer rim of the ring member and radially overlaps the ring member. The disc is axially slidable towards and away from the ring member. When the disc is spaced apart from the ring member an opening or space is formed therebetween through which may be communicated pressurized air to inflate a tire. The disc is moved axially by a ring mounted on an annular piston member which is mounted on and axially movable with respect to the axle housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Bernd Kneer, Hans-Christian Jungmann
-
Patent number: 7044176Abstract: A device for controlled activation of the pressurized supply of air for inflating tires in machines for tire dealers comprising air feeders, at least one pair of regulators for air pressure regulation to two predefined extreme values, a first regulator to a minimum value and a second regulator to a maximum value, the regulators being connected in parallel to each other to the air feeders, at least one dispenser for dispensing pressurized inflation air connectable alternately to one of the regulators, at least one selection valve, interposed between the first and second regulators and the dispenser for selecting alternate connection of the dispenser to the regulators, the selection valve being kept, by a return element, normally connected to the first regulator and forcibly temporarily connectable, in contrast with the return element, to the second regulator, interruption of direct actuation causing automatic reconnection of the selection valve to the first regulator.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: SICAM S.r.l.Inventor: Dido Boni
-
Patent number: 6978670Abstract: A tire valve-gauge combination utilized to inflate and deflate conventional tubed or tubeless tires while giving the user an indication of the amount of air pressure within the tire's chamber. The accessory device of the present invention comprises; a flexible rim-attaching base having a larger lower body portion than the rim perforation of a conventional tire and a central neck portion having an outside diameter equal or lesser than said rim perforation, a rigid gauge portion having a transparent molded tube-like form imprinted with markings identifying the location of a moveable luminescent indicator adapted to travel longitudinally within said gauge portion, a cap base portion adapted to securedly attach to the upper portion of the gauge portion and slidably communicating with a cap portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Inventor: William Cousineau
-
Patent number: 6966220Abstract: A device for automatic tire inflation and tire pressure display has a tire pressure measurement unit, a tire temperature sensor (a thermometer) and a gradienter for measuring the tire balance. The tire pressure measurement unit has a tire pressure measurement unit, a voltage regulating circuit of power source, a microprocessor control unit, a wireless transceiving module and an inflation/deflation control component. The tire pressure measurement unit measures the tire pressure value of a tested tire. The tire pressure value is then wirelessly displayed on a display unit in a vehicle so that the user can know the present status of a tire. The user can also maneuver a function key to select an operation according to the displayed data and send this message to the tire room to execute inflation or deflation of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Partner Tech Corp.Inventor: Wen Hsiang Yueh
-
Patent number: 6948516Abstract: An excess tire air pressure relief valve positioned on an automobile tire for relieving the pressure within the tire caused by heat or over inflation. The valve has a main tube that extends through the tire rim, to selectively communicate air from the tire interior to the tire exterior. The tube has a spring that extends between a pair of disks. A seal is positioned below the spring support disk and is pressed against a lower lip by the spring to prevent air leakage through the tube. The spring is selected to exert sufficient force against the seal to prevent air leakage through the main tube. When internal pressure is greater than normal within the tire, the spring is urged outward, allowing air to escape around the edges of the spring support disk until the internal pressure lowers such that the spring can once again hold the seal tightly against the bottom lip.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Harold Williams
-
Patent number: 6943673Abstract: An automatic tire-filling apparatus for a motor vehicle has an electronic controller which, in response to sensors for the operating state of the vehicle, controls pneumatic valves for the tires and a compressor to enable the tire pressure to be matched to such conditions as travel speed, vehicle load, roadway conditions and terrain. The compressor is in a normal operating state part of a closed system with the tire and the pressure reservoir and is directly connected to the pressure reservoir without the intermediary of a switching element.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug AG & Co. KGInventors: Gerhard Skoff, Heinz Christely
-
Patent number: 6923200Abstract: A safety device for inflating an envelope at risk of bursting comprising: a tubular body, a piston element slidably and sealably mounted within at least one inner portion of the tubular body; at least one piston rod integral with the piston element and extending so as to protrude from a first end of the tubular body; an annular bottom member, located in the tubular body or at the first end of the tubular body and suitable for slidably guiding the piston rod and for closing the tubular body whereby delimiting an annular space together with the tubular body and with the piston; removable anchoring device suitable for acting at a protruding end of piston rod and for constraining the piston rod to a support; at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening formed in the tubular body at the annular space, in operation said inlet opening being suitable for being connected to a pressurize fluid source and the outlet opening being designed to be connected to the envelope to be pressurized; and a yielding reType: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventor: Tullio Gonzaga
-
Patent number: 6918403Abstract: In a tire valve for the rim (10) of a pneumatic tire on a vehicle comprising a valve body (14) of a rigid material and a valve insert (60) and an air outlet (51), which is disposed at a spacing in relation thereto, of a flow path (48, 50), a slider or plunger (44) including the flow path (48, 50) is mounted movably in the valve body (14) and the flow path is adapted to be connected at one end selectively to one of at least two air outlets (62, 64) provided on the valve body. The cup-like valve body (14) which comprises rigid material, in particular a metal material, has a wall (16) and a bottom plate portion (17). In addition the plunger (44) is to be provided with the valve insert (60).Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Alligator Ventilfabrik GmbHInventor: Volker Gabelmann
-
Patent number: 6901944Abstract: There is an apparatus for regulating air flow into a rim mounted pneumatic vehicle tire. The apparatus has an elongated valve housing 1 with an inlet end 1A, an outlet end 2 and a central portion between the outlet and inlet. The outlet end includes a rim insertion portion 3 configured to fit into an aperture in the tire rim. There is a pistion 8 disposed within the housing. The piston includes a valve member 19. A coil spring 22 acts between the housing and piston so that in use of the apparatus the piston is biased to a open position for passage of air into the tire and is movable against the spring bias under air pressure build-up in the tire to a closed position at which the valve member seals against a valve seat. The spring acts in tension and the piston and spring are located in the central portion of the housing clear of the rim insertion portion. The rim insertion portion is of a reduced size not obstructive to the mounting of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: William Darcy Samson
-
Publication number: 20040231776Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a system for monitoring and wirelessly signalling a pressure change, and for automatically regulating the pressure in pneumatic tyres on vehicles. The invention is characterised in that an electronic sensor mechanism (12) inside the tyre provides pressure information for the electronic tyre pressure regulation system. This enables both an increase in the reliability and the safety of the wheel system and an improvement in the driving dynamics.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Gerhard Skoff
-
Patent number: 6772812Abstract: A dual-function tire inlet valve mountable on a tire in communication with a compressor in a tire pressure maintenance system is disclosed. The inlet valve has a conduit extending from an ambient air supply to an interior chamber of the tire. A first check valve and a second check valve are positioned within the conduit to define a pump between the first and second check valves. The pump channel is in fluid communication with a compressor in the tire pressure maintenance system. The first check valve opens automatically only when the compressor is active and the tire is rotating about its axis with at least a pre-determined velocity. The second check valve only opens when it is manually actuated. Manually actuating the first check valve opens the second check valve to permit manual adjustment of the tire pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Brian Hamilton
-
Publication number: 20040066287Abstract: Arrangement for providing a boosted signal from a signal-generating device, such as a SAW device or an RFID tag, including an antenna and a circulator having a first port connected to the antenna to receive a signal therefrom and a second port connectable to the device to provide a signal thereto and receive a signal therefrom. The circulator amplifies the signal from the antenna and the signal received from the device such that a twice-amplified signal is directed to the antenna. A receiving and processing module transmits a signal to the antenna causing the antenna to generate its signal and receive a signal from the antenna derived from the twice-amplified signal. Various pumping systems for vehicle tires and electricity generating systems which generate energy upon rotation of a tire are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: David S. Breed, Wendell C. Johnson, Wilbur E. DuVall
-
Publication number: 20040060597Abstract: The invention relates to an inflation or deflation valve 1 to at least a predefined pressure intended to adjust and/or control the pressure of a fluid inside a volume 10, comprising a membrane 4 placed between a first body 2 and a second body 3 connected together by linking means, said membrane delimiting a first chamber 5 with the first body 2 and a second chamber 6 with the second body 3 and pressing, through the action of a spring 18, on a seat delimited by the lower body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Jean-Michel Boulicault
-
Patent number: 6691730Abstract: The invention is an inflatable pad with a built-in pump, including an inflation unit with a laminated fringed chamber and an interior air pump assembly with an inflation and deflation channel. The pump chamber has two pieces of unidirectional membrane tubing in a reverse loop. One tubing is a channel between the pump chamber and the inflation chamber. The other tubing is installed inside the pump chamber so that one end connects to the pump chamber and the other to a piece of round tubing on the chamber edge. The round tubing connects to the laminated edge of the inflation chamber and has an insertable hollow bolt so that an inflation access is formed. On the round tubing surface ther is a vent hole. When the bolt is removed from the tubing, a deflation channel is formed.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Chin-Tang Chen
-
Publication number: 20030234041Abstract: A pressure measuring and inflation/deflation control system for tires, comprising:Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventor: Jean-Francis Boulot
-
Publication number: 20030230342Abstract: An automatic tire-filling apparatus for a motor vehicle has an electronic controller which, in response to sensors for the operating state of the vehicle, controls pneumatic valves for the tires and a compressor to enable the tire pressure to be matched to such conditions as travel speed, vehicle load, roadway conditions and terrain. The compressor is in a normal operating state part of a closed system with the tire and the pressure reservoir and is directly connected to the pressure reservoir without the intermediary of a switching element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: STEYR-DAIMLER-PUCH SPEZIALFAHRZEUG AG & CO. KGInventors: Gerhard Skoff, Heinz Christely
-
Patent number: 6659404Abstract: An inflation system for inflating an inflatable evacuation slide includes an enclosure containing an uninflated, stored evacuation slide. The enclosure is sealed by means of a tightly fitting enclosure door that optionally includes a seal for excluding dirt and moisture. The system also includes a source of pressurized gas comprising a conventional pyrotechnic gas generator, stored pressurized gas, or hybrid inflator. The inflation system includes an overpressure relief vent, which vents inflation gas outside of the inflatable member in the event of an overpressure condition in the gas source. The overpressure relief vent includes a directional vent connected to a conduit. The conduit passes from the overpressure relief vent to an opening in the aircraft fuselage, which allows any vented gas to be safely directed away from the inflation system enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventor: Lowell W. Roemke
-
Patent number: 6648005Abstract: An activating pin which comprises a valve part, the piston part comprises within it a channel, the cross-section of said channel is, at least one part of said piston part, consisting of sectors, wherein in each sector the distance between the center point of the channel cross-section and the outermost limiting surface of the channel is larger than the corresponding distance measured along the line separating the sector from an adjacent sector, and said valve part is positioned movably with respect to said piston part between a first valve position and a second valve position for enabling the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part is in said first valve position, and inhibiting the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part is in said second valve position.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: NVB InternationalInventor: Nicolaas van der Blom
-
Publication number: 20030159731Abstract: A combination or hybrid pressure relief and topping valve for use with inflatable devices such as life rafts and escape slides. The valve including a valve body with a fluid passage therein that includes an internal shoulder. The valve further includes a first poppet with a seal seated therein where the first poppet is biased against the shoulder by a first spring. The first poppet and seal further having an aperture therein. The valve also includes a second poppet biased into the aperture by a second spring. The combination of poppets, springs and the seal provide for a neutral mode where the valve is sealed, a topping mode where fluid is allowed to pass through the valve and into an inflatable device sealed to one end of the valve, and a pressure relief mode where fluid is released from the inflatable device to the atmosphere when overpressure within the inflatable device exists.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: Lloyd Wass, Bob Venne
-
Patent number: 6561212Abstract: An apparatus mounted on a valve for indicating a pressure of tire comprising a pressure indicator formed of transparent plastic and including a base having a scale, base consisting of an inner hollow cylinder sleeved on valve and an outer hollow cylinder with tops of cylinders open, a spring put on inner hollow cylinder, a seal put on inner hollow cylinder being urged by spring for eliminating a potential air flow through an inner or outer periphery of seal, and a cap having a downward peg engaged with valve, cap being releasably secured to a top of base. In indicating pressure of tire, air is flowed from within tire to push down seal through valve and pressure indicator so that a top of seal is aligned with one of marks of scale. Further, pressure indicator is disengaged from valve prior to inflating tire.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: L&F Plastics Co. Ltd.Inventor: Mu-Chuan Hsu
-
Publication number: 20030041901Abstract: A safety device for inflating an envelope (32) at risk of bursting comprising: a tubular body (2), a piston element (3) slidably and sealably mounted within at least one inner portion of the said tubular body (2); at least one piston rod (6) integral with said piston (3) element and extending so as to protrude from one first end (5) of the said tubular body (2); an annular bottom member (11), located in the said tubular body (2) or at the said first end (5) thereof and suitable for slidably guiding the said piston rod (6) and for closing the said tubular body (2) whereby delimiting an annular space (19) together with the said tubular body and with the said piston (3); removable anchoring means (14; 39; 44) suitable for acting at the protruding end of said piston rod (6) and for constraining the said piston rod (6) to a support (18); at least one inlet opening (21) and at least one outlet opening (23) formed in the said tubular body (2) at the said annular space (19), in operation the said inlet opening (21) bType: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventor: Tullio Gonzaga
-
Publication number: 20020157707Abstract: There is a valve assembly for controlling the admission of a fluid such as air into a vehicle tyre or other pressure vessel. The assembly includes a housing (1) with a valve assembly (10) movable therein by a predetermined pressure in said vessel against a spring 5A. The valve member (10) is movable from a first position at which ports (14) of an inlet passage (13) in the housing (1) are open to fluid flow into the vessel to a second position at which the ports (14) are closed by the valve member (10). In use of the valve assembly when the valve member (10) is biased to the first position by the spring 5A the fluid can flow into the vessel until pressure therein reaches the predetermined pressure and the valve member (10) is moved to the second position to terminate flow into the vessel. The valve assembly also includes a low pressure indicating means comprising a transparent cap 3A with an opaque band (23) and a collar (8) movable with the valve member (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventor: Ronald Spencer Sampson
-
Publication number: 20020134428Abstract: In a tire valve for the rim (10) of a pneumatic tire on a vehicle comprising a valve body (14) of a rigid material and a valve insert (60) and an air outlet (51), which is disposed at a spacing in relation thereto, of a flow path (48, 50), a slider or plunger (44) including the flow path (48, 50) is mounted movably in the valve body (14) and the flow path is adapted to be connected at one end selectively to one of at least two air outlets (62, 64) provided on the valve body. The cup-like valve body (14) which comprises rigid material, in particular a metal material, has a wall (16) and a bottom plate portion (17). In addition the plunger (44) is to be provided with the valve insert (60).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventor: Volker Gabelmann
-
Patent number: 6401744Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a valve actuator with an activating pin of a simple construction.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: NVB InternationalInventor: Nicolaas Van Der Blom
-
Automatic tire inflation system having a pressure regulator with an integrated leak detection switch
Patent number: 6401743Abstract: Alternate embodiments of a vehicle tire inflation system equipped with a low tire pressure warning device are illustrated wherein a pressure regulating valve controls the pressure delivered to the tires from a pressurized air source and has an integrated electrical switch to indicate if the pressure regulating valve is supplying air to a tire.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Vehicle Inflation TechnologiesInventor: Mark H. Naedler -
Patent number: 6378547Abstract: An activating pin which comprises a valve part, the piston part comprises within it a channel, the cross-section of said channel is, at least one part of said piston part, consisting of sectors, wherein in each sector the distance between the center point of the channel cross-section and the outermost limiting surface of the channel is larger than the corresponding distance measured along the line separating the sector from an adjacent sector, and said valve part is positioned movably with respect to said piston part between a first valve position and a second valve position for enabling the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part is in said first valve position, and inhibiting the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part is in said second valve position.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: NVB InternationalInventor: Nicolaas van der Blom
-
Patent number: 6357469Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a tire that is sealed to a rim. The tire is inflated with air to a desired pressure level via a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve stem with an elongated body having a central bore extending longitudinally through the body. A pressure sensor is mounted within the bore to measure the air pressure within the tire. A ball and plunger valve member is engagable and disengagable with a valve seat formed within the bore. A central tire inflation system uses the pressure sensor to monitor the tire pressure for each wheel on the vehicle. When the pressure sensor measures an air pressure in the tire that is below a desired level the central tire inflation system inflates the tire with air until the desired pressure is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLCInventor: Dale K. Bell
-
Patent number: 6296010Abstract: This invention is an automatic shut-off valve and gauge for tires during inflation. Configured as a double stem valve joined either on the outside or inside the rim of the tire. One stem serves as an air valve for inflating tires with a metal or plastic line attached to it extending into the second stem, which is a valve that regulates the air pressure in the tire. Air supplied during inflation of the tire causes a linkage to move and open a vent to the atmosphere which was otherwise closed. A spring loaded valve is designed to open when the air pressure in the tire exceeds the correct operating pressure and to allow excess air to escape to the atmosphere. A retracting and extending indicia is provided on the top of a spring loaded valve to indicate when the tire is properly inflated to a preset pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Gerard Michael DeLauer
-
Patent number: 6293297Abstract: A tire pressure indicator is mounted onto the fill stem of a tire and provides a window for indicating if the tire has adequate pressure or not. The indicator show adequate, marginal and underinflated conditions by color bands opposite the window. The pressure indicator may be permanently mounted onto the tire and used to fill the tire and maintain pressure in the tire. As the tire is filled the indicator moves from one color band to the next until the indicator shows that adequate pressure has been attained whereupon the hose may be disconnected.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Inventors: Brandon Maldonado, Gene Scott
-
Publication number: 20010015224Abstract: An improved fluid flow valve (10) for a fluid flow control system. The flow valve (10) includes a flow-regulating assembly (40) having a housing (44) having a piston bore (15) within which is slideably disposed a piston-like member (42). The piston-like member (42) has a primary flow passage (52) and at least one secondary flow passage (54) formed therein. A first portion (42a) of the piston-like member (42) is configured for mating with a seat (46) of the housing (44), and a resilient member (48) biases the piston-like member (42) away from the seat (46). When at least a predetermined fluid pressure differential exists, the first portion (42a) mates with the seat (46) and causes the at least one secondary flow passage (54) to be at least substantially closed such that fluid can substantially flow only through the primary flow passage (52).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventors: Alan R. Freigang, James A. Beverly, Kurt R. Gerlofs
-
Patent number: 6257269Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple-purposed air valve component for air mattress. The air valve is designed mainly for rapid injection and release of air for the air mattress. This invention can be incorporated with electric exhaust (intake) fan for rapid injection and release of air. In particular, the present invention is the first device of which the air valve can be opened and closed by winding, thereby ensures the correct motion. When it is switched to the release position, the air inside the mattress will be released rapidly to facilitate the execution of CPR. The additional function of automatic pressure release makes this device a practical and innovating one.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Shang-Neng Wu