Abstract: A sealing and inflating assembly includes an air compressor for generating a pressurized air, a tire repairing container for receiving a sealing preparation having a mouth opening, an outlet piece attached to the mouth opening of the container for guiding the pressurized air to flow into the container, and having an inlet conduit for allowing the sealing preparation to flow out of the outlet piece, a pipe coupled to the inlet conduit of the outlet piece for directing and guiding the pressurized air to flow into an upper space of the container without flowing through the sealing preparation when the container is disposed upside down.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement includes a stationary first machine part configured as an axle stub including at least one axial inflow hole adjoining with at least one opening that faces towards an outside surface of the axle stub in a radial direction of the axle stub. A second machine part configured as a container includes a hub rotatably surrounding the axle stub. The hub includes at least one opening that corresponds to the at least one opening of the axle stub in the radial direction so as to form one or more pairs of adjacent openings along an axial direction. A radial seal is disposed between each pair of adjacent openings.

Abstract: A device for adapting actual tire pressure of a tire of a wheel of a vehicle axle to a current setpoint tire pressure during travel includes a chassis-side central device and a wheel-related pneumatic pressure-control device. The pressure control device includes a second connection which is at the actual tire pressure. A control valve with an open position connects a first connection to the second connection, and with a blocking position blocks this connection. A pilot control valve performs pilot control of the control valve. The pressure control device also has a bypass line, which bypasses the control valve and the pilot control valve, connects the first connection to the second connection, and has a non-return valve which opens in the inflation direction of the tire and blocks in the deflation direction of the tire.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing and/or inflating a damaged and/or deflated inflatable article, includes a first container (1) for receiving and retaining for dispensing a sealant composition, a second container (100) which has housed thereon a compressor assembly which is releasably connectable to the first container (1), and means (200) allowing for controlled dispensing of the sealant composition from the first container (1) to the inflatable article, the said compressor assembly includes a housing (201) for a compressor which defines, with the interposition of valve means (200) a seating for the first container (1). The valve means (200) includes a main body portion which, in use, is releasably connected to neck portions of both the first and second containers (1,100). The valve means (200) includes passageways (203, 220) to be connected, via hoses (205, 223) to the first container (1) and inflatable article respectively.

Abstract: An automatic micro-pump which is able to replace the depleted air in a tire without any required action from the driver of a motor vehicle. Using the kinetic energy of the rotating tire, the micro-pump maintains the tire pressure from losses due to rubber permeability or temperature changes. The micro pump has an off-balance winding wheel (26) and a primary gear set (50). The off-balance winding wheel drives the primary gear set (50), and a secondary gear set (58) connected to and driven by the primary gear set (50). A pump assembly (86) is connected to and driven by the secondary gear set (58) such that as the off-balance winding wheel rotates, the off-balance winding wheel drives the primary gear set (50), and the primary gear set (50) drives the secondary gear set (58), driving the pump and increasing the air pressure in the tire. The pump assembly (86) draws air from the atmosphere, and forces the air into the tire.

Abstract: A sealing and inflating assembly includes an air compressor device engaged in a receptacle for generating a pressurized air, and 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, a pipe is disposed in the container and includes one end coupled to the outlet piece and includes a bore for directing the pressurized air to flow through the bore of the pipe and to flow into a base portion of the container without flowing through the sealing preparation, for allowing the tire sealing preparation to be effectively supplied to seal and inflate the inflatable objects.

Abstract: A tire inflation system including a drive mechanism having a rotational axis, a pump cavity positioned a radial distance away from the axis of rotation, and a force translator coupling the rotational axis to the pump cavity. The drive mechanism includes a cam comprising an arcuate bearing surface having a non-uniform curvature, the cam rotatable about the rotational axis, and an eccentric mass couple to the cam that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis. The pump cavity is rotatably coupled to the cam, wherein the pump cavity includes an actuating element and a chamber. The force translator couples the arcuate bearing surface to the actuating element, wherein the force translator includes an axis having an arcuate position fixed to an arcuate position of the pump cavity.

Abstract: A wheel hub extends from an outboard end to an inboard end and has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface spaced radially inward of the outer peripheral surface. A first air passage extends from the outboard end toward the inboard end. A second air passage extends from the inner peripheral surface to intersect the first air passage. The second air passage comprises a removed portion that extends circumferentially beyond a cross-section of the first air passage at the intersection.

Abstract: Vehicle tires are filled with perfluorocarbon gas to extend tire life.

Abstract: A tire management system for a truck or trailer comprising an axle having a first tire mounted thereto, the system comprising an air pressure supply connected to the tire so as to allow sealed communication of pressurized air between the air pressure supply and the first tire, and a first pilot-operated check valve in sealed fluid communication with the air pressure supply and with the first tire, the first pilot-operated check valve being configured to allow air to flow only from the air pressure supply to the first tire when a pilot of the first pilot check valve is not activated, and to allow air to flow between the first tire and the air pressure supply when the pilot of the first pilot-operated check valve is activated.

Abstract: A method is described for determining a vehicle tire tread depth using at least one sensor situated in or on the vehicle tire, the tire tread depth being determined as a function of a tire contact area detected by the sensor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a vehicle includes an axle spindle having a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface, a sleeve having a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface, an inboard end portion and an outboard end portion with a flared end. A cavity is located between the radially inner surface of the axle spindle and the radially outer surface of the sleeve. The cavity being in fluid communication on an inboard end portion with a first rotary seal and in communication on an outboard end portion with a second rotary seal, wherein the flared end of the sleeve closes the cavity on the outboard end portion.

Abstract: A sealing and inflating assembly includes a piston slidably engaged in a cylinder housing and coupled to a motor with a piston rod for forming an air compressor, an outlet tube extended from the cylinder housing and having an outlet port, and a tire repairing container for receiving a sealing preparation and having an upper coupler for detachably attaching to the outlet port of the outlet tube and having a lower opening coupled to a nozzle for easily and quickly coupling the outlet tube of the air compressor to an inflatable object and for quickly repairing the inflatable object, and for quickly inflating the inflatable object by disengaging the tire repairing container from the outlet tube of the air compressor.

Abstract: A flat tire sealant storage container is provided for a flat tire repair device in a formed in a simple configuration which enables the container to be stably secured. The flat tire sealant storage container includes an air inflow pipe for injecting compressed air under pressure into the container filled with a flat tire sealant and a sealant outlet discharge pipe for discharging the flat tire sealant under pressure to the outside of the container. The flat tire sealant storage container further includes an attachable and detachable fixing device formed on the outer surface of the container. When the container is secured to an external object by the fixing device, the inlet of the sealant outlet discharge pipe is positioned at the inner lower part of the container.

Abstract: A pneumatic circuit whereby small amounts of variations in pneumatic pressure in a tire occurring during tire testing can be adjusted in a short time. The pneumatic circuit includes an air supply source which generates compressed air to be supplied to a tire retained in a tire testing device; a pressure regulating valve which regulates the pressure of the compressed air generated; a discharge/supply valve provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve and by which compressed air is supplied to, or discharged from, the tire; a pressure detection unit provided downstream of the discharge/supply valve and which detects the tire pressure inside the tire; and a volume adjustment mechanism provided between the pressure regulating valve and the tire and which increases or decreases the volume of compressed air in an airflow path between the tire and the pressure regulating valve, as well as in the tire.

Abstract: A rotary union is integrated into the interior of a heavy-duty vehicle hub cap. The hub cap includes a cylindrical sidewall, and an outboard wall that is integrally formed with an outboard end of the sidewall, and which extends generally perpendicular to the sidewall. The hub cap also includes a radially-extending flange that is formed on an inboard end of the sidewall, which receives fasteners to mount the hub cap on a wheel hub. The sidewall and the outboard wall form an interior compartment in the hub cap, and a rotary union is mounted to the hub cap in the interior compartment. The rotary union is mounted on the inboard surface of the outboard wall of the hub cap and is in general axial alignment with an axial centerline of a wheel end assembly, providing fluid communication from a tire inflation system to the tires of the vehicle.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for maintaining tire inflation on a vehicle is provided. The central tire inflation system includes a rotary union assembly having a housing that is coupled to and rotates with the hubcap. The housing is rotationally coupled to a stationary shaft. A flexible torque transfer shaft is connected to the stationary shaft on one end and to an axle plug on the other end. The axle plug has a hub forming, a bore where the hub is movable on a web of material. The flexible torque transfer shaft and hub have cooperative non-circular shapes to resist rotation. An air vent is provided in the rotary union assembly that is isolated from the lubrication area, which inhibits the pressurized air from the central tire inflation system from pressurizing the lubrication area.

Abstract: A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles has a compressor assembly; a canister assembly containing sealing fluid; and releasable connecting means defining an assembly direction and for connecting the compressor assembly to the canister assembly. The kit has a control device for controlling turn-on of the compressor assembly, and at least one movable electric terminal connected to the control device and loaded elastically into a predetermined position; and the canister assembly has a sensor, and at least one electric contact connected to the sensor and cooperating with the movable electric terminal to transmit a signal from the sensor to the control device when the canister assembly is connected to an inflatable article; the movable electric terminal being designed to exert force on the canister assembly to move the canister assembly in the assembly direction when the releasable connecting means are released.

Abstract: A method of allowing control of a vehicle with at least two-wheels in case of puncture of a tire, each wheel including a rim and a tire associated therewith, includes the steps of: inflating each tire to an operating pressure; admitting a fluid compressed to a first pressure higher than the operating pressure of the tire into at least one tank associated with at least one of the rims; bringing the tire into communication with the tank when the inner pressure of the tire is lower than a predetermined first threshold value; detecting a variation of an inner pressure of the tank; activating a pressure measuring device when the inner pressure variation corresponds to a reduction and is higher than a first predetermined value; measuring the inner pressure of the tank with a predetermined frequency by means of (through) the pressure measuring device; calculating a variation in the inner pressure in a time unit; generating an alarm signal when the calculated inner pressure variation corresponds to a reduction and is

Abstract: A tire pressure equalization system for controlling air pressure between a first tire and a second tire has a housing with a bore extending therethrough, a first air passageway with an end opening to an interior of the bore, a second air passageway with an end opening to an interior of the bore, and a valve positioned in the bore. The first air passageway is connected to the first tire. The second air passageway is connected to the second tire. The valve is movable between a first position in which the first air passageway communicates with the second air passageway so as to allow the air to equalize between the first and second tires and a second position that blocks communication between the first air passageway and the second air passageway so as to prevent air from flowing between the first tire and the second tire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle wheel, preferably a light alloy wheel, in which the compressed-air non-return valve is positioned axially in a valve unit (3a) in the center of the wheel hub (1), the pressure medium, air or other gases, being supplied either manually from the exterior via the valve (2a) or automatically from the vehicle side via the valve (2b) of the axial bore (9a). The pressure medium reaches the wheel base (35) and the tires via radial channels (9b) or pipes (9g) inside the wheel or the spokes. The axial and central valve (2a) allows the position of the valve to remain accessible irrespective of the position of the wheel, both for the manual filling of the tire from the exterior and for connection to the fully automatic tire pressure control system of the vehicle on the vehicle side. During operation, no shear forces or torques, which put a strain on wrist and elbow joints, are produced.

Abstract: A sealing and pump-up device (10) includes: a liquid agent container (18) containing a sealing agent (32); an injection unit (20) that is connected to an outlet (29) of the liquid agent container (18) and has a liquid pressurization and supply chamber (40) and a jig insertion hole (44); a jig (82) that by insertion into the jig insertion hole (44) pierces an aluminum seal (30) by means of a piercing member (62) and closes off the jig insertion hole (44); and a leading end portion (85), of an insertion portion (84), having a step (85A) that catches on an edge (44B) of a jig insertion hole (44) before the jig (82) that has been inserted into the jig insertion hole (44) reaches a piercing position, when the aluminum seal (30) is pierced.

Abstract: A rotary transmission leadthrough as part of a vehicle tire pressure regulating system, comprising a rotor structural group that can be connected in a torque-connected manner to a shaft of the vehicle which supports a wheel, and a stator structural group stationarily mounted opposite the rotary movement of the rotor structural group. A sealable conduit between the rotor structural group and the stator structural group is a path for transferring gas from the stator structural group to the rotor structural group and/or the inverse to regulate tire pressure. The rotor structural group is multipartite. A first rotor part is a closed annular body that can be pushed on the vehicle shaft. A second rotor part mounted axially to the first rotor part and connected to it in a torque-connected manner is designed as a tensioning ring for connecting the rotor structural group to the vehicle shaft in a torque-connected manner.

Abstract: A kit for sealant material that has a container with a piston is provided. The container has a piston with a piston seal and an outlet seal that prevent sealant material from leaking. In one aspect, a method for dispensing sealant is disclosed that uses the contained with a piston.

Abstract: The specification discloses a tire inflation pressure regulator facilitating precise tire inflation. The regulator includes a body, a two-position valve within the body, and a rotational lock. The body includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent. In one position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air outlet when the tire pressure is below a preset level; and, in a second position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air vent when the tire pressure exceeds the preset level to prevent overfilling. The valve moves rapidly between the two positions, and is unstable between the two positions. The valve includes a regulator enabling the preset level to be adjusted. The rotational lock enables the regulator to be screwed onto a tire stem, but prevents removal of the regulator from the tire stem without a key.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A purge valve for a mounted assembly for a vehicle consisting of a wheel comprising a rim and of a tire, the valve comprising a body associated with the rim and a piston able to move with respect to the body between a closed position and a purge position and the valve being normally closed. The opening of the valve is obtained by the moving of the piston into the space radially external to the rim, the opening being obtained by action of a control force on the piston, exerted from the space radially internal to the rim, and provided by compressed air led from the space radially internal to the rim to the radially interior surface of the piston and the compressed air led from the space radially internal to the rim to the radially interior surface of the piston being at a pressure lower than or equal to that of the mounted assembly.

Abstract: A groove is positioned within the bending region of the first tire sidewall and deforms segment by segment within the rolling tire footprint. An air tube positioned within the sidewall groove is in contacting engagement with groove sidewalls and resiliently squeezes and collapses segment by segment as the groove constricts segment by segment within the rolling tire footprint. A series of adjacent projecting ridges extend from a groove sidewall segment into the groove air passageway, the projecting ridges operatively positioned to vary the applied pressure on the air tube increase the air pressure within the air tube passageway as the air tube rolls segment by segment with the tire through tire footprint. The series of projecting ridges are constructed having a variable amplitude and/or spacing frequency in a direction of air flow within the air passageway to increase the pressure applied to the air tube and air pressure of the air flowing through the tube passageway.

Abstract: A self-inflating tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity between first and second sidewalls that extend respectively from first and second tire core beads to a tire tread region. At least one of the sidewalls is provided with an air tube peristaltic pump assembly. An air tube has an internal tube air passageway and is positioned within a sidewall groove in contacting engagement with opposite groove surfaces surrounding the air tube. The sidewall groove operatively bends within a rolling tire footprint to compress the air tube from an expanded diameter to a flat diameter adjacent the rolling tire footprint. A core bead passageway extends within a core bead adjacent the one tire sidewall for operatively storing air evacuated from the air tube passageway. Conduits are provided to route air from the air tube to the core bead passageway and valve mechanisms are positioned within the core bead passageway to control the flow of air from the core bead passageway into the tire cavity.

Abstract: An adaptive tire utilizing active material actuation to sense and/or modify an excessive and/or low inflation pressure, so as to autonomously maintain proper inflation pressure.

Abstract: A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles comprises a compressor unit, a container unit containing a sealant fluid and a fluidic line to connect the compressor unit to the container unit. The kit also comprises a first non-return valve placed along the fluidic line, a duct connected to the fluidic line between the compressor unit and the first non-return valve and a second non-return valve to close the duct; the first and second non-return valves are normally closed and respectively open automatically when the container unit is connected to the fluidic line or when the duct is connected to the inflatable item.

Abstract: Apparatus deflates a tire following unauthorized access to a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, a self-damaging tire valve assembly is capable of being damaged to such a degree by damage inflicting apparatus in close proximity to the valve assembly that air escapes from the corresponding tire. An activation device housed within the damage inflicting apparatus, when activated, following unauthorized access of a motor vehicle is able to damage the body and grommet of the valve assembly without damaging the tire rim. In one embodiment, a processor transmits an activation signal to a wireless switch following reception of an unauthorized access signal when the motor vehicle is in an armed state. In one embodiment, a housing containing the tire deflating apparatus is in contact with the valve assembly, and the tire deflating apparatus is activated to cause the tire to be deflated following unauthorized access of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A sealing body disposed about a rotating drive axle and forming an air chamber thereabout. The drive axle is provided with an air conduit extending therein and communicating air from the air chamber to the center of the drive axle and for delivery to tires via the wheel at the center of the axle flange. The sealing body includes an air conduit in communication with the air chamber, and is configured to secure to remain stationary about the drive axle axially rotating therein. The sealing body is typically disposed between the drive axle splines and the wheel and forms an air seal thereabout. The sealing body may comprise of a plurality of parts when the splines have a greater diameter than the remainder of the drive axle, but may also comprise of a unitary body configured to be axially disposed over the splines when the splines have a diameter consistent with the drive axle.

Abstract: Sealing and inflating system incorporated with a vehicular wheel including a tire rim and a tire mounted to the tire rim including a source of sealing and inflating compound arranged in connection with the tire or tire rim, a detecting mechanism for detecting a rupture in the tire, and a release mechanism coupled to the source and the detecting mechanism for releasing a quantity of the sealing and inflating compound from the source when the detecting mechanism detects a rupture in the tire. The source, detecting mechanism and release mechanism can all be arranged in the pressurized interior space defined by the tire and the tire rim. In this case, the source can be attached to the tire rim. One such construction of the source has two substantially semi-circular parts arranged around the tire rim and connected together, with a release mechanism being arranged in engagement with each part.

Abstract: A device for transport of air in the tire P or close to it consisting of a chamber K in the shape of a hollow compressible channel, placed along at least a part of the tire perimeter, characterized by the fact that a ring OK is placed at the inner side of the chamber K with the distance of its outer side from the tire axis of rotation equal to 1 to 1.1 multiple of the distance of the bottom side of the chamber K from the axis of rotation of the tire P.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tyre having a radially internal surface of substantially toroidal conformation, includes: a housing mounted on the internal surface of the tyre and an electronic unit at least partially housed in the housing, the housing including at least two portions, each having a cavity in contact with a respective portion of the electronic unit and housing the same, each portion of the housing being mounted on the internal surface of the tyre, and a fastening element applied to the portions of the housing to maintain a constraint between such portions and the electronic unit. A method of installing the electronic unit into a tyre.

Abstract: A system for preventing overinflation of an inner tube is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system may include a wheel; and a tube-bursting region of the wheel, wherein the tube-bursting region is configured to facilitate bursting of an associated inner tube when the associated inner tube is pressurized above a predetermined maximum pressure. A tire system also is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system may include a wheel; and a tube-bursting region of the wheel, wherein the tube-bursting region is configured to facilitate bursting of an associated inner tube when the associated inner tube is pressurized above a predetermined maximum pressure. A children's ride-on vehicle also is disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a wheel; and a tube-bursting region of the wheel, wherein the tube-bursting region is configured to facilitate bursting of an associated inner tube when the associated inner tube is pressurized above a predetermined maximum pressure.

Abstract: A chamber is provided that works as a peristaltic pump for the pressure correction in the tire, which is a part of the tire or of an ancillary structure placed between the rim and the tire bead and is connected with the tire internal space at one end and with the external environment at the other end. The chamber is in the shape of a curved hollow channel, where at least one enclosing wall is at least partially formed by at least a pair of surfaces coplanar with the longitudinal direction of the chamber. When the tire is mounted on the rim, the pair of surfaces are pressed together thus hermetically closing the chamber. When the chamber is closed during rotation of the wheel, the surfaces can slightly slide on one another taking internal wall tensions onto themselves thus decreasing the possibility of wall damage through ripping.

Abstract: A tire inflation system includes a hose that connects to a tire via a valve stem. A control valve is in fluid communication with the hose and senses when pressure falls below a predetermined minimum value. When this occurs, the control valve automatically opens to re-supply air to the tire until the predetermined minimum value is achieved. A pressure relieve valve is also in fluid communication with the hose. If, for example, ambient temperatures increase, causing tire pressure to increase, then the pressure relief valve automatically vents excessive pressure to atmosphere. The pressure relief valve is set at a predetermined maximum pressure level that is generally at least 5 psi more than the predetermined minimum value.

Abstract: A tire for a self-inflating tire system includes a tire carcass having an annular air tube-receiving groove formed within a tire carcass wall and a pump assembly within the groove. The pump assembly includes an air tube having an axial air passageway; an inlet device positioned along the air tube, the inlet having a tubular inlet body having an internal air passageway aligned with the air tube and having at least one inlet opening extending through the inlet body for admitting air into the tubular inlet body. The inlet device further includes an air filtering sleeve at least partially surrounding the inlet opening of the inlet device, the sleeve having a tubular sleeve body at least partially surrounding and in co-axial relationship the tubular inlet body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sealing of a damaged inflatable article, the apparatus including a container (1) for a sealant compound or composition, the container including at least one inlet means (4) which is releasably attachable to a source of pressurized air/gas, an extraction assembly (10 associated with the container (1), the extraction assembly (10 including an extraction unit having at least one outlet means (18) to be releasably coupled with or connected to the article and means (30) to be disposed within the container (1) and actuatable, upon supply of pressurized air/fluid/gas to the container (1) to allow for controlled dispensing of the sealant compound or composition from the container (1) via the extraction unit (10) to the article to be sealed.

Abstract: A device and method for tire air pressure maintenance with a compressor. The device includes a manifold having an input from the compressor and an output, and wherein the output is in pressure communication with the tire and an air chuck for clamping onto the tires, wherein the air chuck is in pressure communication with the manifold. The device also comprises an air pressure sensor, operatively associated with the manifold, for monitoring changes of pressure within the manifold and generating a data signal. A processor, operatively associated with the manifold, for processing changes in pressure is included, and wherein the processor receives the data signal. The device further includes a bleeder line operatively attached to the manifold, and an actuator valve operatively associated with the bleeder line, and wherein the actuator valve is operatively attached to the processor, and wherein the processor is capable of generating a low pressure command signal to open the actuator valve.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device for automatically maintaining tire pressure is adapted to pump air into a tire up to two times per wheel revolution. Embodiments of the device include a flexible compression strip adapted for attachment to an inner peripheral surface of a tire. Opposing compression faces on the compression strip apply pressure to a compression tube attached to the compression strip. Air in an air reservoir inside the compression tube is expelled from a collapsible segment of the compression tube pressed on by the compression faces and into accumulator segments extending beyond the edges of the compression strip. A ratio of the combined volumes of the collapsible and accumulator segments to the volume of the collapsible segment determines a set point pressure. Air is expelled into a tire having an inflation pressure less than the set point pressure but is not expelled into a tire having pressure greater than the set point pressure.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) assembly disposed between a rim and a tire assembly. The MRE assembly may be configured to adjust a tire pressure within a chamber between the rim and the tire assembly when a magnetic field is applied to the MRE assembly.

Abstract: An inflator device is disclosed. The inflator device includes a seal assembly that maintains, while sealing from ambient pressure, an open air passageway between a tire bead and wheel bead seat during an inflation procedure. A seal for the inflator device is also disclosed. The seal includes a ring-shape having a flexible inner periphery that is adapted to maintain, while sealing from ambient pressure, an open air passageway between a tire bead and wheel bead seat during an inflation procedure.

Abstract: 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.