Abstract: A safety system for use in a motor vehicle fuel system in which fuel flow components generate electrostatic charges. The system includes a fuel pump that has a housing that is electrically connected to ground potential and an electrically conductive safety device that connects each fuel flow component to the fuel pump housing for discharging static electricity to ground through the fuel pump housing.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to rescue, firefighting, or paying devices and, more particularly, to a fire hose dispensing device and method. The present invention includes a hose box, fire hose, and a hose box release mechanism. The device and method allow firefighters to release and pay hose without leaving the passenger compartment of a fire truck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot water delivery device (20), for application to trucks, tractor-trailer vehicles and the like, including a water tank (1) which can be housed in a casing (10) rigid with the platform of the vehicle The main feature of the invention is that the device further comprises an electric power supplied boiler (6), having a size adapted to allow the boiler to be housed in said casing.

Abstract: Large amounts of hazardous goods, especially liquid ones such as fuel, may be carried in safety containers, whether tank semitrailers, oil tankers, containers for hazardous goods or aircraft, and be transported with practically no risk for the environment, by completely filling the inside (10) of the container with glass wool, so that the hazardous materials or other fillings dispersed therein may not escape or be somehow spilled in the environment. The liquid components, for example hydrocarbons, are absorbed and held by a dense, water-proofed latticework (15), so that no oxygen can reach them. They are thus protected against explosions and spillage in the environment. At the same time, a safety container of this type acts as a kind of safety buoy, preventing water from entering the inside (10) of the container, so that the kerosene, gasoline or oil contained therein further increase buoyancy. As a whole, a simplification of the safety container design and a considerable increase in safety may be noted.

Abstract: A motor truck has a frame supporting a fuel tank, an oil tank and a water tank along with a container for sand for servicing a rail locomotive located at a remote location or rail yard. Pumps mounted on the frame move the fuel, oil, and water from the tanks through hoses to tanks on the locomotive. A hoist on the truck moves the sand container from the truck to a location adjacent the locomotive to allow sand to flow into a sand hopper on the locomotive.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system for a vehicle comprises a manifold assembly having an inlet attachable to a pressure gauge port on a vehicle's fuel line. The inlet is in communication with a pair of outlets, a first of which has an elongated flexible hose attached thereto. The flexible hose includes a nozzle at a distal end through which gasoline may be selectively delivered to an external source. A fuel pressure gauge may be attached to the second outlet, if neccessary. Each outlet includes an internally disposed safety valve means for automatically disabling fuel flow in the event that the fuel gauge or hose become detached therefrom. The hose may be conveniently disposed beneath the vehicle's engine hood when not in use.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for a vehicular fuel line installation which includes a fuel tank, an engine and delivery and return lines extending between the tank and the engine. A pump is operatively associated with the delivery line to feed fuel from the tank to the engine. Safety valves are provided in the delivery line at the pump and at the engine as well as in the return line at the tank and at the engine. A fuel filter is disposed in the delivery line and flexible hose sections may be disposed in the delivery line and/or the return line, and safety valves are disposed at opposite ends of the fuel filter and the flexible hose sections.

Abstract: Device for suction and collection of the exhaust gases of a vehicle, comprising a slotted suction duct, at least one carriage which is mobile along guide rails, with which there is integral one end of a flexible tube, by means of which the exhaust gases are sucked from the exhaust pipe of the vehicle; which device is characterised in that there are associated with the drive device of the carriage selective means for locking the drive wheel onto a shaft which is rotated by the drive device, and in that in all the operating steps, the drive wheel is always in purely rolling contact with the relative track.

Abstract: A water temperature regulator having a closed container that is provided with a cold-water inlet pipe and a hot-water inlet pipe having flow control connected thereto for introducing cold and hot water, respectively, into the container at a desired flow rate, a discharge pipe for guiding water in the container to an external water storage, at least one water service pipe for guiding water in the container to at least one water supply outlet, such as a showerhead or a faucet, at least one control for controlling open/close of the discharge pipe and of the at least one water service pipe, and a water temperature indicator for showing a temperature of water in the container. Instead of being drained, water introduced into the container that has not reached a desired temperature is discharged to and stored in the water storage for reuse later without being unnecessarily wasted.

Abstract: Hydraulic hoses coupled between the tractor and trailer units of an articulated vehicle are connected to each of the units by a swivel joint to permit the hydraulic hoses to swivel at the point of connection to the respective tractor and trailer units. The hydraulic hoses are individually positioned within separators to separate the hydraulic hoses and position them in a predetermined manner relative to forming a hose bundle. Each of the hydraulic hose supporting separators is positioned on a steel spring bow to control the shape of the hose bundle, with each end of the spring bow terminating in a coil spring at the point of connection with the tractor and trailer units. A support frame, preferably joined to the trailer unit, retains the hose bundle in a predetermined position to provide vertical stability and a spiral plastic or rubber outer wrap encircles the hose bundle to protect and keep the bundle together.

Abstract: Fluid delivery hose recovery systems for a movable, fluid delivery vehicle. There are several embodiments for the system as each has a fluid delivery hose, a rewinding mechanism for the hose, a wireless remote control for activating the rewinding mechanism and a receiver operatively connected to the rewinding mechanism for receiving a signal from the remote control to rewind the hose. Some of the embodiments for the system include a mechanism for disabling the rewinding mechanism. Additionally, some of the embodiments of the present invention can be used with vehicles delivering flammable fluids.

Abstract: Manifolds for mounting in the domed end cap of an air reserve tanks for a truck or the like have bodies which have central openings in communication with an opening formed in the tank end cap and which provide a plurality of outlet passages which are in communication with the inlet opening. The outlet passages may be provided with push-to-connect tube or hose retaining fittings, inlet check valves, pressure relief valves or the like by which the manifolds provide for multiple air line connections to a common tank. Embodiments of the manifold are shown as applied to metal and to composite tanks.

Abstract: A valve turning machine includes an adjustable length mount to retain the machine on the bed of a truck. Also, an improved track facilitates the movement of the table and motor assemble between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A short drain line extender assembly is provided for use with waste holding tanks on recreational vehicles or the like in conjunction with a removable waste discharge conduit. The extender assembly includes first rigid short, rigid fluid conduit member communicating with a holding tank of a recreational vehicle. A second rigid short, rigid fluid conduit member is telescopically mounted to the first short, rigid fluid conduit member. The second conduit member includes a first movable end secured to the first conduit member and a second distal end adapted for telescoping movement outwardly from the first conduit member. Fluid sealing members are disposed between the first and second short, rigid fluid conduit members.

Abstract: A system of three tanks and associated fluid communication lines and valves added to a conventional septage pumper/hauler truck to carry a supply of lime slurry and inject it into the septage hauling tank 1 in measured doses. Air vacuum or pressure is used for moving the fluids between tanks without fluid pumps. The three tanks of the invention include a lime slurry carrying tank 3, a lime slurry dosing tank 7, and a water tank 5 for flushing the system. Compressed air 37 is applied to each of these tanks as needed to push the fluid contents through the connecting pipes. An air vacuum that is normally provided to the main tank 1 for loading septage is also employed in the invention to load tank 3 with lime slurry. By manipulating the valves in an appropriate sequence, the dosing tank is filled from the lime slurry carrying tank, then the slurry in the dosing tank is injected into the septage carrying tank simultaneously with septage for mixing.

Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is disclosed for dumping water from a firetruck. The apparatus includes a flange sealingly secured to the firetruck, the flange defining an opening for the flow therethrough of the water. A faceplate has an inner and an outer face which define an aperture, the faceplate cooperating with the flange. A seal is disposed between the flange and the inner face of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is urged towards the flange, the flange and the inner face are sealed relative to each other. A dump valve chute is rigidly secured to the faceplate and extends through the aperture of the faceplate, the dump chute defining a valve seat. A hinge has a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end being pivotally connected to the inner face of the faceplate. The hinge freely pivots within the opening of the flange. A valve door has an inner and an outer surface, the valve door being pivotally secured to the hinge between the proximal and distal ends thereof.

Abstract: A valve flapper door return spring mechanism for an automotive HVAC housing is modified so as to compensate for tolerance variations, so that the door is held in a substantially rattle free return position regardless. One of a pair of resilient spring fingers sits in a V shaped notch created by the intersection of a pair of spring finger stop surfaces that are opposed in slope. The one spring finger can therefore continually seat itself into an equilibrium position at the bottom of the V, and always make solid contact.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve suitable for fitting to the fuel line (16, 18) of an internal combustion engine has a valve member (12) and a spring (14) urging the valve member (12) to a closed position where the valve member seals against a valve seat (13). A key-actuated setting mechanism (20, 21) allows the valve member (12) to be moved away from its closed position to an open position and a latch (31, 32) then holds the valve member in that open position. An electrically operated release (33) moves the latch (31) to free the valve member and permits the valve to close under the action of the spring (14). When fitted to a vehicle, energy may be provided to the release (33) automatically whenever the vehicle is left unattended so as to immobilise the vehicle.

Abstract: A film valve designed to replace a semi cylindrical, solid rotary valve, which rolls the film against or away from the perimeter seal of an HVAC outlet opening without relative rubbing. Spring biased take up rollers journaled on V shaped, resilient wire support legs keep a film sheet biased against interleaved, arcuate support fingers to hold the film in the necessary curved shape. The curved film sheet rolls up or winds out from the rollers as the legs are pushed toward one another, or allowed to swing away from one another. The film rolls down onto or up and off of the foam seal surrounding the outlet opening without relative rubbing.

Abstract: A brake bleeding tool allows one person to bleed the hydraulic lines leading to a vehicle wheel cylinder. A check valve allows hydraulic fluid and air to pass out of the wheel cylinder when the brake pedal is depressed and prevents back flow when the brake pedal is released. In one embodiment, a hose connects the check valve to the wheel cylinder and, in another embodiment, a rigid connector connects the check valve to the wheel cylinder. The hose or the rigid connector includes a permanent air trap preventing air bubbles from moving by gravity back into the wheel cylinder when brake fluid flow stops. The air trap is transparent so the air bubbles can be seen. The air trap is such that pumping hydraulic fluid through it purges air in the air trap.

Abstract: A leak compressed fuel gas discharging device in an automobile having a compressed fuel gas tank arranged within a shut-up compartment such as a trunk room is provided.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling the un-reeling and take-up of a hose on a reel that is primarily designed to be used in combination with a crane truck upon which the reel would be mounted. A turntable platform that is rotatable about a vertical axis is supported on a base secured to the bed of the truck. A telescoping boom assembly has its bottom end pivotally secured to support structure on the turntable platform. A hydraulic lift cylinder assembly is mounted on the turntable platform and its top end is secured to the telescoping boom assembly for raising and lowering it. The novel reel is mounted on the turntable platform and it has a hose having its bottom end coiled thereon. The hose has a high pressure pneumatic line running through its interior and this is surrounded by a plurality of medium delivery lines. A pair of fiber optic lines are also inside the hose and their bottom ends are connected to a base modem and their top ends are connected to a satellite modem.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved system of plumbing for transportation conveyances including over-the-road, domestic vehicles, railway cars and yachts. The system includes a compact, unitary water distribution manifold for distributing water from an external supply of water. The manifold defines a system of conduits having inlets and outlets for connecting the conduits alternatively to a pressurized external water supply, or, where the external supply is not pressurized, to a pump, with a valve for draining water from the manifold and connected piping, e.g. for cold weather storage.

Abstract: A fueling system for a vehicle equipped with an engine fueled by compressed gas and a storage system for storing the gas under pressure and providing the gas to the engine, includes a compressor on board the vehicle for receiving gas at a first pressure through an inlet and outputting the gas a second pressure higher than the first pressure through an outlet, an electric motor connectable to an electric power source outside the vehicle for powering the compressor, a low-pressure connection for removably connecting the inlet to a source of low-pressure gas at the first pressure, and a high-pressure connection between the outlet and the fuel storage system. The compressor preferably compresses in two to four stages. The fueling system permits an operator to recharge the fuel cylinders of a gas-powered vehicle from a source of low pressure gas, such as a metered residential gas line, using standard AC line power and simple gas fittings.

Abstract: A system in a land vehicle for the delivery of a hot or cold drink. The system includes at least one closed loop for heating or cooling with a circulating heat carrier fluid, and at least one open loop in which a drink is conducted from a reservoir to a dispenser via an indirect heat exchanger that forms part of the closed loop. In one embodiment the system delivers by choice either a hot or a cold drink and it includes two open loops and two closed loops.

Abstract: This invention concerns improvements to toroidal-shaped L.P.G. tanks (1) which, due to their particular shape, may be easily placed inside the spare wheel compartment (10). In the toroidal-shaped tank described herein, the hollow center of the tank is used for positioning the valve group connection rings (3), which may either project or be flush-mounted and also for allowing the passage of the pipes (4, 5) for connecting the tank with the engine fuel supply system and the filler. The valves are placed between a lid (6), at the top, and a bottom plate (7) tide to each other in such a manner as to constitute an airtight chamber.

Abstract: A refueling check valve assembly which provides for rapid, efficient, and safe refueling of compressed natural gas powered vehicles is provided and includes a receptacle adapted to mate with a fuel supply nozzle and a valve body having first and second gas flow passages therethrough. The respective first ends of the first and second gas flow passages communicate with the receptacle, while the respective second ends of the first and second gas flow passages are adapted to communicate with a fuel storage vessel, typically through a fuel supply line. A check valve is positioned in the first gas flow passage of the valve body and is normally biased into a closed position to prevent the flow of gas through the first gas flow passage. The check valve opens in response to a flow of fuel under pressure, permitting the flow of gas to the fuel storage vessel. A by-pass valve is also provided in the second gas flow passage in the valve body for depressurizing the fuel system prior to servicing.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved system of plumbing for over-the-road, domestic vehicles. The system includes a compact, unitary water distribution manifold for distributing water from an external supply of water. The manifold defines a system of conduits having inlets and outlets for connecting the conduits alternatively to a pressurized external water supply, or, where the external supply is not pressurized, to a pump, with a bypass valve for controlling the flow of water to the pump inlet. The system of plumbing further includes drain valves coupled to a cold water conduit and to a hot water conduit for draining water from the manifold and connected piping, e.g. for cold weather storage.

Abstract: A system for controlling the loading of fuel into a multi-compartmented transport tank interrupts loading of fuel when the level of fuel in any compartment is above a given upper level and prevents loading when the level of fuel is above a given lower level. Fail safe operation is provided by top and bottom liquid level sensors which generate a "dry" signal to indicate that the liquid level is below the upper and lower levels in each compartment. A "dry" signal from the bottom sensor is required to initiate loading of a compartment. Once initiated, a substitute signal permits continued loading of the compartment. The "dry" signal is a pulsing electrical signal which cooperates with a multivibrator to generate a signal for each compartment indicating that loading of fuel is appropriate. Indicia lights are provided for each compartment to indicate the level of fuel in each compartment. Diagnostic means enable these lights to identify the failure of a sensor or a faulty electrical connection therewith.

Abstract: A mechanism for multiplying rotation. The mechanism includes two armatures of differing lengths which rotate about different centers of rotation. The armatures are coupled together such that a rotation of one armature will produce a multiplied rotation in the other armature. The multiplying mechanism has particular application with a valve assembly of the type used in self-contained sanitary systems of recreational vehicles. The valve assembly includes a seal element having a sealing lip directed toward generally inward and downward of a fill opening a valve blade in the holding tank. The sealing lip terminates in a downwardly and outwardly oriented flange. The valve blade is actuatable through two movements. The first movement moves the valve blade generally vertically into and out of engagement with the seal element. The second movement moves the valve blade generally horizontally to a position out of registry with the fill opening.

Abstract: A plug for draining fluids from a vehicle transmission fluid pan is described that has an externally threaded tubular valve placed through a port in the transmission fluid pan. The tubular valve is placed through a port in the transmission fluid pan and held in place on the transmission fluid pan by a bolt head on one end of the tubular valve and an internally threaded lock nut screwed onto threads on the outer surface of the tubular valve. There is a seal on the tubular valve between the bolt head and the transmission fluid pan and a seal in the end cap to reduce leakage from the port and the tubular valve. An end cap is threadingly placed on another end of the tubular valve distal the bolt head to selectively allow flow of lubricant through the tubular valve from the transmission fluid pan. There is a retaining spring strap having a loop on one end through which the tubular valve is placed.

Abstract: A reliable, consistent, facile, and economical mounting of a fuel rail on an engine for attenuating vibration between the fuel rail and the engine. An attaching bracket that is joined to the fuel rail has a hole that aligns with a threaded hole in the engine. An elastomeric grommet is situated in the bracket hole and compressed in a controlled manner by a threaded fastener that is passed through the grommet and threaded into the threaded engine hole until a shoulder of the fastener abuts the engine.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transferring a liquid, particularly liquids, such as molten sulfur which are difficult to handle, from a liquid supply, such as a molten sulfur tank truck, to another location, such as a pug mill in which a sulfur/asphalt pavement material is blended. The apparatus comprises a relatively small transfer vessel, which is connected, through a shutoff valve, to the liquid for receiving a gravity flow of liquid therefrom, and an air compressor for pressurizing the transfer vessel through a pressurized air conduit. A check valve installed in the transfer vessel adjacent the liquid inlet of the vessel prevents the trasfer of liquid from the vessel back into the supply when the vessel is pressurized. An electrically-controlled valve in the pressurized air conduit enables an associated control unit to control the flow of pressurized air into the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a chemical additive into a fluid flow stream. In one embodiment, liquid petroleum fuel is being pumped from a storage unit into a tank of a tank truck and a controlled amount of a fuel additive is injected into the flow stream of the petroleum fuel. Preferably, the petroleum fuel is pumped through a line from the storage which is quick-connected to a loading line attached to the tank truck. The chemical additive is pumped from a supply container on the tank truck into the loading line by means of air pressure supplied to the additive container from the tank truck's own air pressure supply system. The fuel additive is pumped at a controllable rate and at a higher pressure than the pressure of the fuel stream.

Abstract: A pivotal control housing for enabling service access to a hydraulic control circuit is provided which is particularly useful with multi-power source service vehicles and includes hinge structure for enabling pivoting of the housing between an upright orientation and a horizontal position for servicing. The housing includes an access opening in the rear and enables the circuit to be easily accessed and serviced on the vehicle. The housing advantageously includes a pivotally mounted abutment bar for preventing the simultaneous opening of two valves leading to a single output which would otherwise overload the output.

Abstract: A concealed vent system is disclosed for closed system fire tank trucks, which permits the tank truck to be adequately vented while being filled completely by an auxilliary source of water. The vent system is a sloped conduit that originates in the clean out hatch atop the tank and terminates in a valving means external to the tank and rearward of the rearmost wheels of the tank truck, such that water vented does not pose a safety hazard to fire fighters.

Abstract: The subject valve fits into the drain fitting of crankcases and is operable by tension applied to a cable attached to it at one end. The other end of the cable is made readily accessible by attachment to a fitting attached at a convenient place to the vehicle of which the crankcase is a part. The valve is a poppet valve with a stem and is held closed by a conical compression spring. The operating cable is engaged in the valve fitting and poppet stem such that tension in the cable lifts the poppet off the valve seat to open the valve. The valve automatically closes when the tension on the cable is relieved.

Abstract: A hydrant refueler for aircraft is provided with a plurality of decks each at a different fixed height above ground to enable the refueler operator to connect to the fuel tanks of aircraft having wings at different heights above ground. The uppermost deck is provided with foldable side guard railings which when lowered will permit the refueler vehicle to clear the wing of a low wing aircraft and which when raised will provide necessary safety protection to a refueler operator as he services a high wing aircraft. A rigid cross bar guard is provided at at least one end of the foldable side guard railings.

Abstract: An emergency fuel transfer accessory adapted for mounting in a vehicle's fuel system is disclosed. In a normal or first mode the accessory directs fuel through the confidential fuel system of the vehicles. The accessory includes a valve adapted for utilizing the action of the vehicle's fuel pump for drawing fuel from an external fuel source and directing that fuel through the fuel system of the accessory fitted vehicle into said vehicles fuel tank. The valve is further adapted in another mode to transfer fuel from the accessory fitted vehicle outward to an external fuel source. In a fourth mode, the valve is adapted to direct fuel from a first external fuel source, through the accessory fitted vehicle's fuel system, and thereafter discharging that fuel into a second external fuel source. The valve includes a plurality of channels which are positionable to connect with conduits connecting the accessory vehicle's fuel pump, fuel tank and carburetor.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning unit for providing high pressure cleaning and rinsing sprays, comprising a van-type vehicle with separate sources of water and cleaning and treating solutions. The sprays may be heated by a self-contained water heater with a fuel ignitor operated by low voltage direct current. The separate solutions are selected by a pressure switch sensitive to an increase in spray line pressure caused by stopping the spray by operation of a valve at the spray applicator. The pressure switch acts to sequentially open a supply valve for each solution in turn.

Abstract: A fluid line deicer specifically designed for use on air brake lines of a tractor trailer includes an alcohol storage tank provided with fittings for engagement between the tractor air supply line and the trailer brake lines. The alcohol storage tank may be provided with a pressure gage for monitoring pressure in the system and a sight glass for monitoring the alcohol level of the tank. In use, when operating in cold conditions where brake line freeze up is encountered, alcohol is added through a screw on cap to the alcohol tank so that it may be introduced into the brake lines. The alcohol absorbs any moisture and thaws any ice deposits in the brake lines and prevents ice up.

Abstract: A fueling nozzle for pressurized fuel systems having a body connectable to a tank inlet. The body includes an axially displaceable valve movable between a closed retracted position and an extended open position. Connection of the body to the tank inlet occurs upon rotation of the connection sleeve and positioning of the valve is achieved by a rotatable cam sleeve having a cam slot in which a valve-mounted follower is located. An interlock senses mounting of the body on the tank inlet permitting rotation of the connection sleeve in a locking direction and upon the connection sleeve being fully rotated to a locked condition a second interlock permits rotation of the cam sleeve and valve movement from the closed to the open position. The nozzle is characterized by reduced flow resistance characteristics and safe operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods use a portable submersible pump to mix and fluidize waste material (sludge, liquid and floating crust) in a septic tank, to then pump it into a truck-mounted holding tank to recirculate it in the holding tank during transport, and to discharge it at a disposal site. The apparatus comprises a truck-mounted holding tank having tank inlet and outlet ports, a portable hydraulically driven submersible pump detachably mounted on the truck, and a truck-mounted motor-driven hydraulic pump for operating the portable pump. Hydraulic fluid supply lines, wound on a truck-mounted reel, are connected between the hydraulic pump and the portable pump motor. A waste hose is wound on a truck-mounted reel, several hose sections are detachably mounted on the truck, and a portable, multi-position, manually-operable selector valve is detachably mounted on the truck. In operation, the portable pump is disposed alongside or in the septic tank and pumps a stream of pressurized fluid from the septic tank.

Abstract: An overhead apparatus for transferring a fluid medium between a first moveable location and a second fixed location which comprises a container for a fluid medium; a conduit assembly for selectively communicating the container with a location spaced therefrom; a conduit support assembly adjacent to the container for pivotally supporting at least a portion of the conduit at a location above ground level to provide selective fluid medium communication between the container and the location spaced therefrom, such that a fluid medium may be transferred therebetween while permitting the unimpeded passage of traffic thereunder and whereby at least a portion of the conduit assembly may be pivotally rotated between a first storage position and a second operating position.

Abstract: An emergency fuel transfer accessory adapted for mounting in a vehicle's fuel system is disclosed. In a normal or first mode the accessory directs fuel through the confidential fuel system of the vehicles. The accessory includes a valve adapted for utilizing the action of the vehicle's fuel pump for drawing fuel from an external fuel source and directing that fuel through the fuel system of the accessory fitted vehicle into said vehicles fuel tank. The valve is further adapted in another mode to transfer fuel from the accessory fitted vehicle outward to an external fuel source. In a fourth mode, the valve is adapted to direct fuel from a first external fuel source, through the accessory fitted vehicle's fuel system, and thereafter discharging that fuel into a second external fuel source. The valve includes a plurality of channels which are positionable to connect with conduits connecting the accessory vehicle's fuel pump, fuel tank and carburetor.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel end assembly (10) is adaptable for use with an on-board central tire inflation system. The assembly provides a passage for the routing of air between a central source and the vehicle tire (25). The assembly comprises a stationary spindle (12) and a rotational hub (14) mounted thereon. A collar (34) is mounted on the inboard end of the spindle in interfacing relation with an inboard extension (50) of the hub. An air chamber, defined by the radial spacing of the collar (34) and hub extension (50), communicates air passages in the collar and hub (36, 44). The chamber is fitted with a pair of rotary seals (72, 74) to seal the air passage between the stationary collar (34) and rotating hub (14). The rotary seals (72, 74) each include an integral sealing lip (80) which responds to pressurization of the chamber by biasing into sealed relation with the outer surface of the collar (34).

Abstract: A vehicle wheel end assembly (10) is adaptable for use with an on-board central tire inflation system. The assembly provides a passage for the routing of air between the on-board system and the vehicle tire. The assembly comprises a stationary spindle (12) and a rotational hub (14) mounted thereon. The hub is supported for rotation by first and second axially spaced bearing sets (16, 18), each having an inner race (20, 26) and an outer race (22, 28) associated with the spindle and hub, respectively. The inner race of the inboard bearing set (18) is formed with an axial air pressure (46) which communicates with an internal chamber (36) in the hub to form a portion of the air passage between the tire and on-board system. In another feature, rotary seals (60, 62) are seated in opposed faces of the bearing sets and include sealing lips (72) which have a sealed contact with the upper surface of the inner bearing races.

Abstract: A vapor vent valve (16) comprises a housing (28) the interior of which is divided into two fluid chambers (32, 34) by a movable wall (30). The first chamber (32) provides a closable junction in the vapor recovery passageway (18, 20) between a liquid fuel tank (10) and a vapor storage canister (22). The second chamber (34) has a combined inlet/outlet (38) which is interconnected with a signal pressure region (44) in the fuel tank fill tube (12) adjacent to the fill tube cap (14). A valve plug (36) is fixed to the movable wall (30) so that when the pressure in the first fluid chamber (32), the signal pressure region (44 ) and the second fluid chamber (32) are substantially equivalent, the valve plug (36) is positioned to close the vapor recovery passageway (18, 20).

Abstract: A slide door locking device for vehicles during feeding of fuel to a fuel tank positioned near a slide door, wherein a stopper lever is so pivotally mounted inside a panel of a body, the panel defining the rear end of a door opening, that the front end of the stopper lever may project into the door opening beyond the front end of the panel and engage with a stop member attached to the slide door, and an actuating lever is pivotally disposed to the panel, projecting into a hollow formed in the panel, for a fuel supply inlet, and is coupled to the rear end of the stopper lever via a link member. When the actuating lever is operated during feeding of fuel to a fuel tank, the front end of the stopper lever engages with the stop member of the slide door to prevent it from opening when it is opened.

Abstract: A vehicle tire with traction-improving devices, wherein the basic tire has a plurality of uniformly spaced apart cross grooves running essentially from sidewall to sidewall. Each groove is fitted with an inflatable bag or bladder which, when uninflated, retracts within the circle of the road-engaging surface of the tread. An annular manifold is affixed to at least one sidewall and is connected by conduits to the cross members. This manifold has a valved air inlet which may be used to pressurize the cross members via the manifold and thus to project the inflated members radially beyond the circle of the tread so that they engage the road surface. Depressurizing the manifold of course causes the members to retract. Each cross member is equipped with some form of traction-improving substance, structure or the like to enhance road grippability, especially in slippery road conditions.