Inflating Devices Patents (Class 152/415)
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Patent number: 9511633Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for managing an interface between a machine or work vehicle and a surface that the machine/work vehicle travels on in order to provide an optimum work performance level that balances fuel efficiency and surface adversity. Fleet management and reporting capabilities pertaining to such interface management are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Noel Wayne Anderson, Larry Lee Hendrickson
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Patent number: 9505276Abstract: A pneumatic tire assembly includes a tire having a pneumatic cavity and a filter disposed between the pneumatic cavity and atmosphere. The filter is constructed of a hydrophobic material for avoiding all liquid adhesion. First and second sidewalls extend respectively from first and second tire bead regions to a tire tread region. The first sidewall has at least one bending region operatively bending when radially within a rolling tire footprint. A sidewall groove is defined by groove walls positioned within the bending region of the first tire sidewall. The sidewall groove deforms segment by segment between a non-deformed state and a deformed, constricted state in response to bending of the bending region of the first sidewall while radially within the rolling tire footprint.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: William Alain Talbot, Jason Mark Middelberg, Paul Welbes, Annette Lechtenboehmer
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Patent number: 9469165Abstract: An axle assembly, including an axle shaft, annular member, hub, inner and outer hub bearings, abutment ring, first and second seals, and an air inlet port. The annular member is disposed about the axle shaft. The hub is coupled for rotation with the axle shaft and defines an outlet port. The first and second shaft seals form seals between the hub and the annular member. The air inlet port is mounted to one of the annular member and the abutment ring and includes an inlet boss. A first fluid conduit is defined by the abutment ring or both the abutment ring and the inlet port. The first fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the air inlet boss. The second shaft seal is spaced apart from the first shaft seal along the rotational axis to at least partially define a second fluid conduit in fluid communication inlet and outlet ports.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: John C. Hibbler, James W. Platt
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Patent number: 9452645Abstract: A tire inflation system having a spindle that has a spindle fastener hole and spindle passage through which a pressurized gas flows for inflating a tire. An adapter or a fastener tube may inhibit pressurized gas from flowing from the spindle passage into the spindle fastener hole.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: James G. Polubinski, Timothy J. Boothby, Kevin Tracy, Nicholas S. Lakin
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Patent number: 9346330Abstract: An automatic tire inflation system or wheel end assembly may be provided with a pressure reduction valve to allow rapid deflation of a tire. A method of rapidly reducing tire pressure may include use of a pressure reduction valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Equalaire Systems, Inc.Inventors: Tim Musgrave, Frank Sonzala, Kevin Hennig
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Patent number: 9346329Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. The tire inflation system may include a damped valve that moves from a closed position to an open position faster than from the open position to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: James Keane
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Patent number: 9333290Abstract: The present invention discloses an anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump (DDS) and methods for avoiding anti-free-flow. The mechanism comprises: a passive mechanical interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a portion of the flexible infusion tube, and an anti-free flow valve (AFFV) which is a spring-activated latch, which is incorporated within said MS. The maneuverable latch is secured in the MS either in CLOSED or OPEN configurations: in its CLOSED configuration no flow is provided, and in its OPEN configuration, a free flow is facilitated. Said anti-free flow mechanism is configured in a manner such that when the MS is not properly mounted in the DDS, said AFFV is automatically actuated via one or more integrated springs, to its CLOSED configuration. When the MS is properly mounted in the DDS, said latch is adapted to be automatically switched to the OPEN configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Q-CORE MEDICAL LTD.Inventor: Shachar Rotem
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Patent number: 9278587Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. Tire inflation pressure may be adjusted based on a target tire pressure that may vary with vehicle load.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: Jonathan L. Honig
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Patent number: 9114673Abstract: An air maintenance tire and pump assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity, first and second sidewalls extending from first and second tire bead regions, respectively, to a tire tread region, an elongate substantially annular air passageway enclosed within a bending region of the sidewalls, the air passageway operatively closing and opening, segment by segment, as the bending region of the sidewalls passes adjacent a rolling tire footprint to pump air along the air passageway, an air inlet port assembly coupled to, and in air flow communication with, the air passageway, the air inlet port assembly being operable to channel inlet air from outside of the tire into the air passageway, the air inlet port assembly including an inlet control valve and an outlet tee structure positioned 180° opposite the inlet control valve in the air passageway for moving air into the tire cavity, the inlet control valve including two inlet check valves for ensuring air flow only into, and not out of, the inlet control valve, tType: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventor: Thulasiram Gobinath
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Patent number: 9027608Abstract: A vehicle-carried air compressor device includes a case installed with an air compressor therein, a tire repairing container containing a liquid adhesive, and a flexible linking tube. An air inlet coupler of the tire repairing container is connected with an air outlet manifold of the air compressor. An end of the flexible linking tube is coupled to an adhesive outlet coupler of the tire repairing container, and the other end of the flexible linking tube is provided with a protection adapter for coupling to a tire nipple. Before the protection adapter is connected with the tire nipple, the other end of the flexible linking tube is closed by the protection adapter, so that the liquid adhesive in the tire repairing container will not shoot out suddenly because of improper handling.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Inventor: Wen-San Chou
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Patent number: 8997801Abstract: Disclosed is a puncture repair kit in which a bottle unit is positioned with greater stability. A puncture repair kit (1) comprises a compressor device (2), and a bottle unit (3) in which a cap (6) is attached to an opening (5) in a bottle container (4) which houses a puncture sealing agent. The compressor device (2) comprises a compressed air discharge port (8). The cap (6) comprises an air intake port (27) for feeding compressed air from the compressed air discharge port (8) into the bottle container (4), and a sealing agent/compressed air removal port (7) for removing puncture sealing agent and compressed air in succession from the bottle container (4) by feeding in compressed air. The compressed air discharge port (8) and the air intake port (27) can be directly connected.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignees: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., Unik World Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihide Kojima, Wen San Chou, Yasuhiro Ito
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Patent number: 8978717Abstract: A cap unit is provided with: a cap body having a first flow channel for feeding the compressed air from a compressor into a bottle container, and a second flow channel for sequentially taking out a puncture repair agent and the compressed air from the bottle container; and a first and second inner lids which are independent from one another and which close the first and second flow channels. The cap body has a boss portion extending upward from the bottom surface of a mouth portion securing recess, and provided with a first inner lid securing portion. The first inner lid is fitted into the first inner lid securing portion The upper opening portion of the first flow channel opens further inward than the first inner lid securing portion, and the upper opening portion of the second flow channel opens further outward than the first inner lid securing portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Nakao, Chou Wen San
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Patent number: 8973633Abstract: A vehicle tire inflation system includes an air supply source in fluid communication with multiple tires of the vehicle. A pneumatic conduit extends between and is in fluid communication with the air supply source and the tires. Means are fluidly connected to the pneumatic conduit for enabling selective inflation and deflation of the tires. The means include a first pneumatic circuit for inflation of the tires, and a second pneumatic circuit for deflation of the tires. The second pneumatic circuit is discrete from the first pneumatic circuit and is common to more than one of the tires. The means provides controlled deflation of the tires in the second pneumatic circuit based upon a predetermined condition, preventing deflation of the tires until the vehicle is parked, or limiting the deflation of the tires, which in turn enables the tire inflation system to accommodate a desirable increased pressure in the tires.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: Matt J. Wilson, Jesse W. Cervantez, Santo Padula
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Patent number: 8955567Abstract: An air maintenance tire includes a tire carcass; a flexible tire component strip such as a chafer component forming a portion of the tire carcass, the tire component strip having a channel formed within an upper surface defined by opposed strip lip portions and a channel bottom wall; an air passageway within the flexible tire component extending between air inlet and air outlet cavities in the flexible tire component, the air passageway extending at least a partial circumferential path around the tire carcass; and an elongate passageway-shaping strip assembly occupying and enclosed within the air passageway of the flexible tire component, the passageway-shaping strip assembly operative forming and maintaining the air passageway to a cross-sectional configuration replicating a cross-sectional configuration of the passageway-shaping strip assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Inventors: Daniel Paul Luc Marie Hinque, Gilles Bonnet, Olivier Di Prizio, Michel Jacques Albert Ghislain Meunier, Germain Dehez
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Patent number: 8948967Abstract: The present invention relates detecting the conditions of tires for a vehicle. In the present invention, signals are received from a plurality of wheel speed sensors, a reverse gear sensor, and a brake sensor. Errors of the wheel speed sensors are estimated using the received signals, a signal having a corrected error is obtained using the estimated errors, linear interpolation and band-pass filtering processing are performed on the signal, a tire resonant frequency is estimated using the processed signal, tire pressure is estimated based on the estimated resonant frequency, and whether or not to generate an alarm is determined based on the calculated tire pressure. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that whether or not pressure within a tire of a vehicle is abnormal can be determined in a cheap calculation device for a short time using a conventional wheel speed sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Hyundai Autron Co., Ltd.Inventor: Guy Championnet
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Patent number: 8931534Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Accuride CorporationInventors: James K. Eaton, David E. Kritzell, Daniel E. Shy, Donald A. Hohman
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Patent number: 8919401Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheel end assembly having a high temperature warning system for giving a warning in the event that the temperature in the assembly reaches a predetermined value such as caused by hub bearing failure or a brake related failure. In one embodiment the system may be a stand-alone system for installation on any vehicle such as a trailer. In another embodiment the system may be combined with an automatic tire inflation system.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Equalaire Systems, Inc.Inventors: Frank Joseph Sonzala, Mark Kevin Hennig
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Patent number: 8915277Abstract: An air maintenance tire and connector system includes a tire carcass having an elongate integral air passageway contained within a flexible tire component of the tire carcass between an air inlet and an air outlet cavity and a connector assembly inserted within one or both of the cavities. A coupling post having an axial bore extends from the hollow body through a tire wall thickness to a tire central cavity. A remote end of the coupling post is operative for sequential alternative attachment to a punch device for penetrating in a pre-cure procedure through the tire wall thickness to the tire central cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Daniel Paul Luc Marie Hinque, Gauthier Piret, Gilles Bonnet, Olivier Di Prizio
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Patent number: 8915275Abstract: This is an apparatus and system for integration of Central Tire Inflation (CTI) valve functionality directly into a wheel. The CTI valve may be attached to the wheel or integrated into the wheel. In addition, the CTI valve may have a valve body or the valve components can be installed directly into the wheel. An air passageway between the vehicle air source and the CTI valve and/or an air passageway from the CTI valve to the tire cavity can also be employed.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Hutchinson S.A.Inventors: Lars Johan Resare, Olivier Marsaly, Larry K. Rogers, Pascal Serdarian
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Patent number: 8910683Abstract: A high temperature warning system for a vehicle steer axle an air pressure supply, a normally-closed valve in fluid communication with pressure supply, a heat sensitive control capable of opening the normally-closed valve upon a predetermined temperature, the heat sensitive control mounted adjacent to the wheel end assembly in a heat exchange relationship therewith, and a warning system connected to the air pressure supply for actuation upon opening of the normally-closed valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Equalaire Systems, Inc.Inventor: Mark Kevin Hennig
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Patent number: 8887769Abstract: The present disclosure describes a structure for a wall-mountable tire inflator that includes a housing having a variable pressure pump motor and rechargeable battery therein, a face, a backside opposite the face, four sides extending between the face and the backside, and an opening sized to receive a post of an air hose support tray. The backside of the housing may include at least one wall mounting element adapted to couple with a wall mount structure extending from a wall. The tire inflator may also include a coiled air hose extending from the housing, a light bar pivotally coupled to the housing. The detachable air hose support tray may include an annular channel on a side surrounding a raised central projection, a post extending radially from the support tray, and a wall mounting aperture extending through a portion of the support tray.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Bell Automotive Products, Inc.Inventors: Patrick L. Ohm, Alan Okamura
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Patent number: 8875762Abstract: An air maintenance tire and connector system includes a tire carcass having an elongate integral air passageway contained within a flexible tire component of the tire carcass between an air inlet and an air outlet cavity and a connector assembly inserted within an outlet one of the cavities. The connector assembly includes a hollow right angled elbow-shaped body fitting within the outlet cavity. The elbow-shaped body's second housing segment has an axial length sufficient to project axially inward from the first housing segment through a tire wall thickness to a tire central cavity. A valve device attaches to a remote end of the second housing segment within the tire cavity, the valve device operative to regulate air flow between the elbow-shaped body central chamber and the tire cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Daniel Paul Luc Marie Hinque, Yannick Raymond Georges Haegel, Olivier Di Prizio, Gilles Bonnet, Andreas Frantzen, Raphael Beck, Patrice Clausse
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Patent number: 8869850Abstract: An automatic onboard drive axle tire inflation system configured for use in vehicles having an articulating joint, including but not limited to drive axles that include a steerable axle and a vertically movable wheel such as used in independent suspension systems. Various embodiments of the invention deliver pressurized air from an inner axle to an outer axle, such as through a CV joint, which embodiments can withstand the significant heating generated by braking systems. One preferred embodiment includes a flexible tube extending from an inner drive axle to an outer drive axle, wherein the tube maintains a seal there between, and articulates in one or both drive axles to accommodate the varying distance and angle therebetween during the steering of the associated wheel. The system can be employed in any vehicle including an automobile, truck and tractor.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Fleet Technologies, LLCInventor: Clyde G. Stech
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Patent number: 8869819Abstract: A bi-directional inflating device, comprising: a handle rod comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, an adapter tube communicating with the inner tube, two inflating fittings each having a passage communicating with the adapter tube, a bushing fixed with the outer tube and slidable in parallel to the passages, and two detent assemblies located between two step portions in the bushing and the adapter tube respectively. The inflating fittings each have two grooves formed with a through hole respectively. The detent assemblies each comprise two detents and an elastic piece. The detents each have a body disposed in a corresponding one of the grooves and two end portions extending outwards from the outer surface of the corresponding inflating fitting respectively. The body has an abutting portion that extends through the through hole of the corresponding inflating fitting and is located inside the corresponding passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Jin Dai Auto Supplies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jui-Meng Huang, Yen-Chang Huang
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Patent number: 8863779Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated supplying apparatus for gas and sizing. It comprises a sizing barrel, a gas supply unit and a switching unit. The sizing barrel and the gas supply unit are both connected with the switching unit. When the switching unit is fixed in a first state by a safety component, the gas supply unit can only output high pressure gas through the switching unit. When the switching unit is converted into a second state by releasing the safety component, the gas supply unit in turn outputs some high pressure air into the sizing barrel through the switching unit, so that the sizing inside the sizing barrel is output under the action of the gas pressure and the gas inside the sizing barrel is then output when completing the output of the sizing.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Active Tools International (HK) Ltd.Inventor: David Hong
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Patent number: 8849500Abstract: A system for predicting tire casing life remaining for a casing in a tire, the system including: a tire condition measurement unit that measures one characteristic value including tire internal pressure information indicating at least one of a tire condition and a vehicle running condition; a temperature history estimation unit that estimates a temperature history of at least one location in at least one casing structural member based on the characteristic value; a member physical property calculation unit that calculates at least one current physical property value of the at least one casing structural member that degrades due to tire internal air temperature based on at least the tire internal pressure information and the temperature history; and a remaining drivable distance prediction unit that predicts a drivable distance of the tire until the current physical property value reaches a physical property value limit set in advance.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Syunsuke Gokyu, Takashi Tomomoto, Kenjiro Yanai
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Patent number: 8844596Abstract: 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, and to sensing devices that supply information regarding the operational conditions of the vehicle to the controller to assist in adjusting the inflation of the tires as necessary.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Global Engineering Marketing LLCInventors: Martin A. Medley, Douglas P. Miller, Donald E. Blackman, Thomas Varghese
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Patent number: 8843269Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for managing an interface between a machine or work vehicle and a surface that the machine/work vehicle travels on in order to provide an optimum work performance level that balances fuel efficiency and surface adversity. Fleet management and reporting capabilities pertaining to such interface management are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Noel Wayne Anderson, Larry Lee Hendrickson
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Publication number: 20140261939Abstract: A tire pressure maintenance device is shown and described. The tire pressure maintenance device may include a sensor mechanism configured to detect at least one predetermined condition of a vehicle. The tire pressure maintenance device may also include a control mechanism operatively coupled with the sensor mechanism, the control mechanism applying a predetermined pressure to a tire of the vehicle in response to the predetermined condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Jeff Therber, Clyde Stech
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Publication number: 20140261940Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first axle hub assembly operably coupled to the first end of the axle member, and a second hub assembly operably coupled to the second end of the axle member and including an axle hubcap coupled to the second end of the axle member by a first coupling arrangement located at a first position. The axle assembly further includes a mounting bracket coupled to the second hub assembly by a second coupling arrangement located at a second position that is at least a select one of inwardly and outwardly radially spaced from the first position, and a hubometer attached to the mounting bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Helmer, Riley Carter, Perry Thomas
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Publication number: 20140261942Abstract: A tire pressure maintenance apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus and system comprises a high pressure reservoir and a pressure regulator secured to the high pressure reservoir. A high pressure relief valve is also provided. The high pressure reservoir is circumferentially continuous. Further, the pressure regulator has a passive valve in fluid communication with the high pressure reservoir and the pressure regulator opens at a low pressure point and closes at a high pressure point.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Dayco IP Holdings, LLCInventors: David Fletcher, James Miller, Craig Markyvech, Brian Graichen
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Patent number: 8794258Abstract: An air pressure harmonizing system comprising: a central chamber hub, the hub having a longitudinally hollow body with a first and second end; a gauge means, positioned between the first and second ends extending radially outwardly from the body; an inlet port means, positioned between the first and second ends extending radially outwardly from the body, wherein the inlet port being configured and dimensioned to receive a standard sized air chuck; an outlet port means, positioned between the first and second ends extending radially outwardly from the body, the means being configured and dimensioned to selectively discharge surplus air to desired target pressure; and a plurality of air exchange ports extending radially outwardly from the chamber, wherein each air exchange port has a flexible conduit connected thereto, each conduit having a proximal and distal end, wherein an air chuck is cooperatively connected to the distal end of the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Inventor: Andrew Galasso
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Patent number: 8794280Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. The tire inflation system includes the first gas supply and a second gas supply. The first gas supply is configured to provide a first compressed gas mixture. The second gas supply is configured to provide a second compressed gas mixture having a greater concentration of nitrogen than the first compressed gas mixture. The first or second compressed gas mixtures may be provided to inflate a vehicle tire.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Ken Flory, Jeff Lloyd, Cesar Nunes
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Patent number: 8763661Abstract: A tire inflation system that couples to the wheel of a vehicle, the tire inflation system including a pumping ring that rotates with the wheel; a positioning system rotatably coupled to the wheel, the positioning system including a positioning mechanism and an eccentric mass; a planetary roller disposed in non-slip contact with the pumping ring and the positioning system; and a flexible diaphragm that defines a pump cavity, wherein relative motion between the pumping ring and positioning system is translated by the planetary roller into an occluding force that deforms the diaphragm to occlude the pump cavity. Relative motion between the pumping ring and the positioning system is achieved by coupling the eccentric mass to the positioning mechanism to offset the center of mass of the positioning system from the center of rotation of the positioning system.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Aperia Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Brandon Richardson
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Publication number: 20140174619Abstract: A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air passageway in the tire that is operable to be sequentially flattened by the tire footprint in a direction opposite to a tire direction of rotation to pump air from an inlet device through the passageway to an outlet device for direction into the tire cavity. A valve device for a tire is also disclosed. The valve device includes an insert mounted in the tire, a valve body mounted within the valve insert; wherein the valve body has a first, second and third chamber, wherein a first and second check valve is positioned in the first and second chamber. A pressure membrane is received within the valve body, and positioned to open and close the third chamber. The pressure membrane is in fluid communication with the tire cavity and the third chamber of the valve body. A spring is received within the third chamber and is positioned to exert force upon the pressure membrane to bias the pressure membrane position relative to the channel in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventor: Daniel Paul Luc Marie Hinque
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Publication number: 20140174620Abstract: A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air passageway in the tire that is operable to be sequentially flattened by the tire footprint in a direction opposite to a tire direction of rotation to pump air from a valve device through the passageway to an outlet device for direction into the tire cavity. The valve device has an internal pressure membrane that regulates the inlet flow of the air to the tube pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventor: Daniel Paul Luc Marie Hinque
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Patent number: 8757232Abstract: Systems for monitoring and adjusting the air pressure in a rotating wheel in air-tight connection with a non-rotating axle. In one embodiment, a non-rotating tank air pressure system is separated from a wheel air pressure system by a fill-purge valve. Manipulating the fill-purge valve changes the air pressure in the wheel air pressure system, while the wheel may be rotating, and the change in air pressure is monitored by a gauge.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Inventor: Brandt Austin Weibezahn
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Patent number: 8757194Abstract: A valve assembly includes a rotary nut unit having a threaded wall portion, a first wall portion near the threaded wall portion and defining a first shoulder, a second wall portion below the first wall portion and defining a second shoulder. A valve stem is disposed within the nut unit, has a lower portion projecting axially and outwardly from the lower end of the nut unit and an upper portion received in the second shoulder. The stem has an axial hole in spatial communication with an axial hole in the nut unit. The upper portion has a head part formed with first and second outward flanges defining a ring-reception recess therebetween. A leak-proof ring is sleeved around the ring-reception recess in the head part to abut hermetically against the second wall portion, thereby providing an air-proof effect between the leak-proof ring and the second wall portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Inventors: Ying-Che Huang, Chun-Ming Huang
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Patent number: 8752595Abstract: A kit for inflating and repairing inflatable articles, in particular tires, the kit having a compressor assembly, a container of sealing liquid and connectors for connecting the container to the compressor assembly and to an inflatable article for repair or inflation; the compressor assembly being housed in an outer casing defining a seat for the container of sealing liquid. The container is housed removably in the seat and functionally connected to the compressor assembly so as to form a compact unit ready for use.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: TEK Global S.R.L.Inventor: Maurizio Marini
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Patent number: 8746293Abstract: A sealing and inflating assembly includes a tire repairing container for receiving a sealing preparation, an outlet piece attached to a mouth opening of the tire repairing container and having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, the outlet piece includes a pipe extended into the tire repairing container and includes a cover releasably attached to the pipe for releasably blocking the bore of the pipe, and includes a cap releasably blocking the outlet conduit, and an actuating device selectively disengages the cover from the pipe and selectively disengages the cap from the outlet piece for supplying the pressurized air into the tire repairing container and to force the sealing preparation to flow out of the outlet piece.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: Wen San Chou
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Patent number: 8742913Abstract: A method of programming a tire pressure monitoring device includes the step of forming a physical interface between a tire pressure monitoring device and a programming device. The programming device includes a first memory including a plurality of selectable programs that provide instructions defining a communication protocol for communication between a tire pressure monitoring device and a receiver. The method further includes the step of selecting through a user interface of the programming device a desired one of the plurality of selectable programs and loading the selected one of the plurality of selectable programs from the first memory device of the programming device to a second memory device disposed within the tire pressure monitoring device.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Brian J. Farrell, John R. Costello, Tejas B. Desai, Franck Bigot
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Patent number: 8744679Abstract: A tire pressure adjustment method and system is provided. The method includes receiving from a plurality of sensors in a vehicle, tread depth data associated with tread depths at multiple points on a tire tread comprised by a tire on the vehicle. The tread depth data is analyzed. A tire pressure value for an internal portion of the tire is determined based on results of the analysis. The tire pressure value is associated with modifying a group of tread depths during operation of the vehicle. In response, a command signal is generated. The command signal is configured to command a tire pressure modification device to adjust a current tire pressure value of the internal portion of the tire to the determined tire pressure value. The command signal is transmitted to the tire pressure modification device resulting in the current tire pressure value being adjusted to determined tire pressure value.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Boss, Andrew R. Jones, Kevin C. McConnell, John E. Moore, Jr.
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Patent number: 8726958Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for adjusting the inflation pressure of a pneumatic tire. Particular methods include the step of arranging a tire in fluid communication with an inflation pressure source on a vehicle. Further steps may include arranging a rotational fluid passage between the tire and a vehicle axle and arranging along the rotational fluid passage an inertia valve that is biased in a closed arrangement while the valve is stationary or rotating below a desired speed about a rotational axis. Such methods may further include the steps of opening the inertia valve when the valve is rotating about the rotational axis at or above the desired speed and adjusting automatically the inflation pressure of the tire through the rotational fluid passage while the valve is open. Other embodiments comprise a system for adjusting the inflation pressure of a pneumatic tire.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique. S.A.Inventor: Zachary A. Merrill
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Publication number: 20140130357Abstract: A pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an inner cavity and an inner surface at least partially defining the inner cavity, a rigid structure for facilitating operation of the tire assembly, and a docking base for securing the rigid structure to the inner surface of the inner cavity. The docking base has been integrally bonded to the inner surface during curing of the pneumatic tire. The docking base has a shape formed by a mold attached to the inner surface of the inner cavity during curing of the pneumatic tire. The mold subsequently is removed thereby resulting in the docking base integrally secured to the inner surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Daniel Paul Luc Marie Hinque, Anne Therese Peronnet-Paquin, Yannick Raymond Georges Haegel, Gilles Bonnet
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Patent number: 8723661Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring sensor moveable inside a tire includes a housing holding a pressure sensing/transmitting unit, one or more batteries and an antenna for transmitting a signal indicating interior tire pressure. In one embodiment, the components are assembled within the housing such that the center of gravity is along a housing geometric center. During tire rotation, the monitor independently rotates within the tire and is particularly useful for slow-rotating tires, such as those used in gantry systems. Alternatively, the pressure monitoring sensor components are assembled within the housing such that the center of gravity is offset from a housing geometric center. Centripetal force generated during tire rotation causes the monitor to rotate with the tire itself and is useful for faster-rotating tires, such as motor vehicle tires. A tire pressure monitoring system includes the monitor and a receiver positioned outside the tire for receiving the monitoring signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedInventors: Man Lung Sham, Xiang Chen, Ziyang Gao, Shi Wo Chow
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Patent number: 8695661Abstract: A groove defined by groove sidewalls is positioned within the bending region of a tire sidewall. An elongate air tube positioned within the sidewall groove is in contacting engagement with the groove sidewalls and resiliently squeezes and collapses segment by segment as the groove constricts segment by segment within the rolling tire footprint. A longitudinally oriented projecting locking rib extends from a tube sidewall and registers within a complementary configured and located detent extending adjacent the groove to deter lateral movement of the tube within the groove after insertion. An annular projecting ridge extends from the groove for engaging the sidewalls of the air tube to deter an axial movement of the tube within the groove after insertion.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Andres Ignacio Delgado, Christopher David Dyrlund
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Patent number: 8696845Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of constructing a tire, comprising: constructing a coated filament, the coated filament constructed by coating a filament with a coating material, the coating material comprising at least one substance dispersible in an uncured rubber compound; encasing the coated filament into containment within an uncured flexible tire component, the coated filament extending between an air inlet and an air outlet cavity in the pre-cured flexible tire component; building on a tire building drum a green tire carcass from uncured tire components including the uncured flexible tire component and encased coated filament; curing the green tire carcass into a cured finished tire including the flexible tire component containing the coated filament; removing the filament from the cured flexible tire component to leave within the flexible tire component a substantially unobstructed air passageway.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventor: Andreas Frantzen
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Publication number: 20140096881Abstract: A device for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle which includes a flexible compression chamber and a magnetic element not on the wheel. As the compressor passes the magnet each wheel revolution, a small amount of atmospheric air is pumped into the tire, if needed. The magnet and the compressor need no other contact with the vehicle or the wheel and require no energy source on the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventor: Richard Loewe
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Patent number: 8692661Abstract: A programming system for a tire pressure monitoring device includes a programming device capable of communicating which of a plurality of communication protocols is to be utilized by the transmitter/receiver of a tire pressure monitoring device. The programming device including a user interface actuateable for communicating which of a plurality of communication protocols is to be utilized by the transmitter/receiver of the tire pressure monitoring device.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Brian J. Farrell, John R. Costello, Tejas B. Desai, Franck Bigot
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Patent number: 8684046Abstract: A puncture repair kit has a bottle unit positioned with greater stability. A puncture repair kit includes a compressor device, and a bottle unit in which a cap is attached to an opening in a bottle container which houses a puncture sealing agent. The compressor device includes a compressed air discharge port. The cap includes an air intake port for feeding compressed air from the compressed air discharge port into the bottle container, and a sealing agent/compressed air removal port for removing puncture sealing agent and compressed air in succession from the bottle container by feeding in compressed air. When the cap of the bottle unit is oriented downwards, the air intake port is directly connected with the compressed air discharge port. When this direct connection is made, the basal plane of the cap and the basal plane of the compressor device are flush with each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignees: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., Unik World Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihide Kojima, Wen San Chou, Takaaki Ishida