Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring sensor includes resilient spring members to support and resist movement during rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: Wheel for a vehicle includes a wheel rim, a tire mounted on the wheel rim to define an inflatable interior compartment, a pump for pumping air into the compartment, and an energy generating system for generating energy upon rotation of the wheel to power the pump and cause the pump to pump air into the compartment. The energy generating system may include a first coil, a magnetized mass movable upon rotation of the wheel relative to and partly in a chamber surrounded by the first coil, and an energy storage or load device coupled to the first coil. Upon rotation of the wheel, the mass moves relative to the first coil imparting a charge to the first coil which is stored in the energy storage or load device and used to power the pump when needed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pump unit for use in pumping and repairing car tires has a box-like jacket (1) in which is provided a socket (10) for fixing a bottle (8) with repair fluid and with a lid/adapter (4) known per se with a large and a small collar (5, 6). By the invention is provided securing of the adapter (4) and thereby of the bottle (8) by providing the socket with two resilient arms (16) that may grip with projections (17) around the large collar (5) behind existing edges (7), thus forming a spring catch for the adapter (4). Hence is provided secure holding of the adapter (4) and ready insertion and removal of the bottle (8) in a simple way.

Abstract: A pressure control includes a body, a fitting, a valve, and a tube. The body has a first opening, second opening, and passage connecting the first and second openings. The body is secured to an axle. A tire containing pressurized gas is mounted on the wheel. The fitting is mounted on the wheel. The fitting has a proximal end and a distal end and includes a passage therethrough. The proximal end of the fitting is in communication with the gas in the tire. The valve is secured to the body. The tube extends between the fitting and body and is retained within the fitting. The gas inside the tire passes through the coupling and tube to the valve. The valve releases the gas to the atmosphere when the gas is above a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A wheel-supporting roller-bearing unit with air compressor that is compact and capable of keeping resistance against the rotation of the hub 4c low while at the same time maintaining good balance, and when necessary, is capable of obtaining compressed air having sufficient pressure regardless of the traveling speed of the vehicle. A plurality of cylinder holes 53 are located at a plurality of locations that are evenly spaced around the circumferential direction on the inside of a cylinder block 50 that is connected and fastened to the inside end section in the axial direction of the hub 4c. Pistons 54 fit inside these cylinder holes 53 and are moved back and forth by a piston-drive mechanism 62 as the cylinder block 50 rotates. The air compressor 2c is a reciprocating-piston compressor, so it is possible to obtain the required air pressure regardless of rpm.

Abstract: An inflation and pressure regulation system for inflatable vessels, such as tires, has a main chamber containing a volume of compressible fluid, such as air, and a pump chamber which acts to maintain the fluid in the vessel at a desired pressure. The pump chamber has a rigid, fluid-tight wall facing the main chamber and a flexible wall which is part of, or adjacent to, the wall of the vessel that can be deformed under use. A fluid channel extending between the pump chamber and a source of ambient fluid admits fluid into the pump chamber. A first check valve positioned between the fluid channel and the pump chamber permits one-way flow of fluid from the exterior of the vessel into the pump chamber while it is uncompressed. A second check valve permits one-way passage of fluid from the pump chamber, when it is compressed, into the main chamber. One or more valves can be used to prevent over-inflation of the main chamber.

Abstract: A tire inflation system and wheel speed sensor system having a hollow shaft rotatable with a drive mechanism. The shaft extends into the hollow end of an axle. A angular velocity system rotates with the shaft within the hollow end of the axle. A sensor, mounted within the axle, senses the rotation of the angular velocity system. The hollow shaft is a conduit for air from an air source to at least one tire.

Abstract: An air pressure inside a tire is positively adjusted to an optimum state. In a wheel assembly, a tire is attached to a wheel. A pressurizing means is provided in the wheel assembly for pressurizing air inside the tire. A depressurizing means is also provided in the wheel assembly for depressurizing the air inside the tire. A pressurization limiting means is provided in the wheel assembly for limiting an operation of the pressurizing means in accordance with a pressure of the air inside the tire.

Abstract: A tire inflation system includes an air supply source in selective fluid communication with a tire via a pneumatic conduit. A method of inflating the system includes providing a tire pressure retention valve in the pneumatic conduit adjacent to the tire. An inflation pressure of the tire is determined with a step-up procedure, in which air bursts are communicated from the air supply source to a portion of the pneumatic conduit between the air supply source and the tire pressure retention valve. The volume of at least one selected communicated air burst is related to a volume of a section of the conduit. The tire is inflated with an extended-pulse procedure, in which extended bursts of air are communicated from the air supply source to the tire. A shut-down sequence is performed once a predetermined target inflation pressure in the tire is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus that injects fluid into an inflatable device, dynamically monitors the pressure inside the device, and automatically terminates the inflation and disconnects from the inflatable device when the pressure inside the device reaches a predetermined value preset by the operator. After securing a chuck to the valve of an inflatable device by simply pulling a trigger similar to that of a pistol, the operator initiates the inflation and does not need to intervene further.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.

Abstract: A pressure detection sensor for detecting a tire internal air pressure and a wheel side communication device for transmitting a detection result of the pressure detection sensor using a preset transmission mode are provided on each wheel. The detection result from the pressure detection sensor is transmitted to an ECU via a vehicle body side communication device provided on a vehicle body. The ECU is able to notify a transmission mode determination device provided on each wheel that adjustment of the tire internal air pressure is being performed by manipulating a state of the tire internal air pressure. The transmission mode determination device determines a transmission mode to be used by the wheel side communication device such that a transmission frequency of a notification related to the occurrence of an abnormality of the wheel is reduced while adjustment of the tire internal air pressure is being performed.

Abstract: A hub unit includes a seal member for sealing off a space between an outer ring member and a hub wheel at an end portion lying on a vehicle-inner side in an axial direction of a rolling element arranging space defined between the outer ring member and the hub wheel, a cover which isolates an interior space including the rolling element arranging space from an exterior space at an end portion of the outer ring member which lies on a vehicle-outer side and an absorbent accommodating portion as an absorbing portion having an absorbent which absorbs oxygen in the interior space.

Abstract: Hollow particle can be charged into a tire when a second stem is disconnected from a first stem in a tire valve of the present invention. When the second stem is fitted in the first stem, the hollow particle is sealed in the tire by a filter provided on the second stem and a gas can be charged into the tire through a valve core provided on the second stem.

Abstract: A bearing unit comprises a radially outer stationary race (1) and a pair of radially inner rotatable half-races (2a, 2b). An intermediate annular chamber (8) is defined between the outer race (1) and the inner half-races. The intermediate chamber communicates with the outside through first air passages (5) formed in the outer race and with the inside of the bearing unit through second radial air passages (6) defined between the inner half-races. The second passages (6) are defined by an intermediate annular member (10) which is axially interposed between the inner half-races (2a, 2b) and forms one or more blade surfaces (12a, 12b) extending from the second passage (6) to the intermediate chamber (8) for capturing air from the intermediate chamber and conveying it into the second passage.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for maintaining tire inflation on a vehicle having a torque transfer sleeve connected between an axle plug assembly and a stationary shaft on the rotary union assembly. A flexible conduit extends through the axle plug to the rotary union assembly and is used to provide air pressure to tires connected to the rotary union assembly. The torque transfer sleeve limits rotational torque on the flexible conduit. Primary and secondary seals are provided on the rotary union assembly as well. A vent chamber between the primary and secondary seals allows the release of air which exits the primary seal, which prevents pressure from entering the lubrication area of the rotary union assembly.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a portal drive axle assembly includes fluid flow passages that are formed within rotating wheel shafts, which drive a pair of wheel end assemblies. The portal drive axle assembly includes a driving input that drives a pair of axle shafts. A wheel gear assembly operably couples each axle shaft to the respective wheel shaft. The wheel gear assemblies transfer the driving force from the axle shafts to the wheel shafts, which are positioned at different vertical location relative to the axle shafts. A first end of each wheel shaft is in fluid communication with a vehicle air supply and a second end of each wheel shaft is in fluid communication with a tire assembly. Seal assemblies are mounted for rotation with the wheel shaft at the first end of the wheel shafts.

Abstract: A puncture sealant supplying/removing apparatus includes a pressure-resistant bottle, an apparatus body on which the pressure-resistant bottle can be mounted, supply hose means which supplies or returns a puncture sealant accommodated in the pressure-resistant bottle to or from a tire, and a high pressure air source. The apparatus body comprises a venturi flow-path having a venturi portion, a first flow-path extending from the venturi portion into the pressure-resistant bottle, and a second flow-path extending from an inside of the pressure-resistant bottle and connected to one end of the supply hose means. The venturi flow-path is provided at its one end with an air intake which is connected to the high pressure air source, the venturi flow-path is provided at its other end with an opening/closing tool capable of opening and closing the other end.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of accurately performing a video count process based on image data and thus maintaining the quality of images even where DMA transfer processing is used. An image forming device performs a process using a consumable material. A first controller controls the image forming device. A transfer controller provides control to transfer externally input image data to the first controller. A second controller performs a count process for counting an amount of the consumable material to be consumed based on the image data transferred by the transfer controller. The second controller disables the count process without stopping the transfer by the transfer controller when the process performed by the image forming device is interrupted.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to vehicular transportation for humans and freight by roadway and railway. More specifically, this invention relates to a unique combination of a novel roadway wheel and pneumatic tire assembly, incorporating a known automatic inflate-deflate system and a novel lightweight railway wheel; both wheels then coupled and concentrically assembled on a common axle with special provisions for the known automatic inflation and deflation of the pneumatic roadway tire.

Abstract: An assembly for inflating a tire includes a pump assembly that includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. A conduit is fluidly coupled to the air outlet. The housing has a first end wall, a second end wall and a peripheral wall. A bracket is attached to the housing and is positioned on the peripheral wall for removably securing the housing to a spoke of a tire. The actuator includes a disc rotatably coupled to the pump assembly wherein rotation of the disc actuates the pump assembly. A valve assembly is fluidly couples the conduit to a valve stem of the tire. A plate is removably attached to a frame of a bicycle such that an axle of the tire extends through the plate. The plate is selectively abutted against the disc such that the disc rotates when abutted the plate and rotated around the axle.

Abstract: An axle assembly has a fixed axle housing, a rotating axle body rotatably mounted in said axle housing, and a first chamber which surrounds the axle body. The first chamber is partially bounded by a ring member which rotates with the axle body. An annular disc is mounted on the axle body adjacent to the ring member. The disc extends radially outwardly beyond an outer rim of the ring member and radially overlaps the ring member. The disc is axially slidable towards and away from the ring member. When the disc is spaced apart from the ring member an opening or space is formed therebetween through which may be communicated pressurized air to inflate a tire. The disc is moved axially by a ring mounted on an annular piston member which is mounted on and axially movable with respect to the axle housing.

Abstract: A device for controlled activation of the pressurized supply of air for inflating tires in machines for tire dealers comprising air feeders, at least one pair of regulators for air pressure regulation to two predefined extreme values, a first regulator to a minimum value and a second regulator to a maximum value, the regulators being connected in parallel to each other to the air feeders, at least one dispenser for dispensing pressurized inflation air connectable alternately to one of the regulators, at least one selection valve, interposed between the first and second regulators and the dispenser for selecting alternate connection of the dispenser to the regulators, the selection valve being kept, by a return element, normally connected to the first regulator and forcibly temporarily connectable, in contrast with the return element, to the second regulator, interruption of direct actuation causing automatic reconnection of the selection valve to the first regulator.

Abstract: An air nozzle and relief valve arrangement for use in a vertical tire pump is disclosed to include a lever-operated air nozzle adapted to guide pumped air into the inflatable body (tire), and a button-controlled relief valve installed in the lever-operated air nozzle and protected below the lever of the lever-operated air nozzle against outside dust for discharging excessive air pressure from the inflatable body (tire) when necessary.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for connecting a pressure source to an inflatable object comprises: a hollow casing; a valve system positioned inside the hollow casing; a fluid inlet connected to the valve system; a fluid outlet; a fluid conduit positioned inside the hollow casing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a pressure-sensing structure attached to the conduit and being movable inside the hollow casing and attached to the pressure sensing structure; a pressure-generating structure disposed inside the hollow casing and attached to the pressure-sensing structure. The pressure-generating structure can exert a bias force upon the pressure-sensing structure in proportion to a desired pressure in the inflatable object. The pressure regulator can inflate the object when the initial pressure inside the inflatable object is lower than the desired pressure and automatically terminates inflation when the pressure inside the object reaches the desired pressure.

Abstract: A device for inflating a tire having gone flat to a wanted pressure and for sealing and inflating a puncture tire. The device includes a compressed-air source, a tubular container filled with a sealing agent, and a first conduit having an adapter at its second end for connecting the conduit to a valve on the tire. The container furthermore has an inlet opening for passage of compressed air from the compressed-air source and an outlet opening for passage of sealing agent. The container is enclosed by a tubular cylinder having at one end an aperture closed by a cover. The cover is mounted displaceable on the cylinder between a first operative position and a second operative position. Thereby, it is obtained that the device is quick and easy to operate. Sealing and inflating of a puncture tire are done in between one and three minutes. Packed up, the device takes up practically no space whereby the heavy and bulky spare wheel is made unnecessary.

Abstract: A system for real-time signal processing for vehicle monitoring, including a first device disposed in a tire of a vehicle and producing a signal that is a function of a tire contact time period, during which a point at the tire circumference stays in contact with the ground, and a second device operative to repetitively perform a first task of processing the signal to calculate the tire contact time period at a first predetermined rate, and to repetitively perform a second task of calculating a tire load based at least in part upon the calculated tire contact time period at a second predetermined rate, wherein said second predetermined rate is less than said first predetermined rate.

Abstract: A device for automatic tire inflation and tire pressure display has a tire pressure measurement unit, a tire temperature sensor (a thermometer) and a gradienter for measuring the tire balance. The tire pressure measurement unit has a tire pressure measurement unit, a voltage regulating circuit of power source, a microprocessor control unit, a wireless transceiving module and an inflation/deflation control component. The tire pressure measurement unit measures the tire pressure value of a tested tire. The tire pressure value is then wirelessly displayed on a display unit in a vehicle so that the user can know the present status of a tire. The user can also maneuver a function key to select an operation according to the displayed data and send this message to the tire room to execute inflation or deflation of the tire.

Abstract: A system for the sealing of inflatable articles, in particular tires, has at least one container containing a sealant. This container has a gas inlet and an outlet which can be coupled to an article to be sealed. A source of gas pressure, in particular an electrically drivable compressor, is connectable to the gas inlet of the container and at least partly accommodated in a housing. The housing of the gas pressure source has at least one coupling section at which the container can be coupled mechanically to the housing, in particular coupled in form-matched and/or force transmitting manner, to establish a state of use in such a way that the housing of the gas pressure source standing on the ground serves as a pedestal for the container, which is oriented in accordance with its intended purpose.

Abstract: A hollow suspension standard (20) of a vehicle equipped with a system for supplying pressurized air to a tire through the hub of the wheel has an inner cavity (22) and a seat (21) for housing a wheel hub bearing unit (10). The standard (20) forms a first passage (23) for establishing fluid communication between the inner cavity (22) and the hub-bearing unit (10), and a second passage (24) establishing fluid communication between the inner cavity (22) and a source of pressurized air mounted on board of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tire pressure control arrangement for a motor vehicle monitors the air pressure of at least one pneumatic tire and a signal is outputted from the arrangement when, in at least one tire of the motor vehicle, the air pressure drops below a lower threshold value or exceeds an upper threshold value. The lower and/or upper threshold value(s) are set in dependence upon the laden state of the motor vehicle. The laden state is determined with the aid of an air suspension system and the setting takes place automatically with the aid of the determined laden state.

Abstract: An automatic tire-filling apparatus for a motor vehicle has an electronic controller which, in response to sensors for the operating state of the vehicle, controls pneumatic valves for the tires and a compressor to enable the tire pressure to be matched to such conditions as travel speed, vehicle load, roadway conditions and terrain. The compressor is in a normal operating state part of a closed system with the tire and the pressure reservoir and is directly connected to the pressure reservoir without the intermediary of a switching element.

Abstract: A safety device for inflating an envelope at risk of bursting comprising: a tubular body, a piston element slidably and sealably mounted within at least one inner portion of the tubular body; at least one piston rod integral with the piston element and extending so as to protrude from a first end of the tubular body; an annular bottom member, located in the tubular body or at the first end of the tubular body and suitable for slidably guiding the piston rod and for closing the tubular body whereby delimiting an annular space together with the tubular body and with the piston; removable anchoring device suitable for acting at a protruding end of piston rod and for constraining the piston rod to a support; at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening formed in the tubular body at the annular space, in operation said inlet opening being suitable for being connected to a pressurize fluid source and the outlet opening being designed to be connected to the envelope to be pressurized; and a yielding re

Abstract: In a tire valve for the rim (10) of a pneumatic tire on a vehicle comprising a valve body (14) of a rigid material and a valve insert (60) and an air outlet (51), which is disposed at a spacing in relation thereto, of a flow path (48, 50), a slider or plunger (44) including the flow path (48, 50) is mounted movably in the valve body (14) and the flow path is adapted to be connected at one end selectively to one of at least two air outlets (62, 64) provided on the valve body. The cup-like valve body (14) which comprises rigid material, in particular a metal material, has a wall (16) and a bottom plate portion (17). In addition the plunger (44) is to be provided with the valve insert (60).

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.

Abstract: A tire-filling system has an electronic control unit response to the tire pressure and the vehicle operating conditions for automatically operating pneumatic tire-filling valves to increase or reduce the tire pressure to setpoint values determined by the electronic control unit and matching the driving conditions. The pressure is delivered from a variable volume source in which a control element increases or decreases the volume. The system can be operated as an open system or a closed system.

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 wheel valve assembly for adjusting the air pressure within a pneumatic tire is provided that includes a body that extends from a first end in communication with a pressure source to a second end in communication with the tire. A low pressure differential operable valve member is received within the body. The valve member is moveable between open and closed positions for respectively allowing and preventing air communication between the internal segment and the external segment of the body. The check valve of the present invention is virtually unaffected by the centrifugal force of a rotating tire to substantially prevent back flow of the tire air when the tire is rotating at a relatively high speed.

Abstract: A rotary feedthrough for a device to inflate and deflate a tire on a tractor wheel has a housing (13) with an inner member (28) arranged at a radial distance within the housing. The radial gap is bridged by two radially distanced closing elements (18, 22). The inner member (28) is supported in the closing elements (18, 22). Two seal combinations, including respectively, a first sealing ring (35) and a second sealing ring (41), are arranged mirror-invertedly to the inner member (28). The first sealing rings (35), with a first sealing face (36), abut a counter sealing face (21) or (25) of the closing elements (18, 22), respectively. Each first sealing ring (35) can be moved axially along the longitudinal axis Y. Each first sealing ring (36) is fixed rotationally to the inner member (28). Each first sealing ring (35) is acted upon by a second sealing ring (41).

Abstract: A connector of an inflating device has a housing having a central chamber and three side chambers. Three connector assemblies are mounted in the side chambers respectively to be coupled with various types of valve stems. Each of the connector assemblies have a valve member and an elastic member, wherein the valve member moves between a close position, in which the valve member isolates the side chamber from the central chamber, and an open position, in which the valve member keeps the side chamber communicated with the central chamber. A rotary member mounted on the housing for rotation to respectively push the valve members of the connector assemblies from the close positions to the open position while the rotary member is turn for the cam portion orientating the side chambers respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for measuring the pressure of a tire. The device comprises a microcontroller configured to calculate a target pressure, a pressure sensor coupled to the microcontroller for measuring an internal pressure of the tire, a first temperature sensor coupled to the microcontroller for measuring an internal temperature of the tire, a user input coupled to the microcontroller for inputting a recommended pressure for the tire, a second temperature sensor coupled to the microcontroller for measuring an ambient temperature, and, a display coupled to the microcontroller for indicating the internal pressure of the tire and the target pressure. The microcontroller converts the recommended pressure into the target pressure based on a ratio of the internal temperature in Kelvin to the ambient temperature in Kelvin, such that a user is able to inflate and deflate the tire until the display indicates that the internal pressure is equal to the target pressure.

Abstract: In a tire management system and method for surveying and servicing a vehicle tire, a portable hand held computer unit receives and stores data for servicing the vehicle tire and data acquired from the vehicle tire. A desired tire air pressure is input into the portable hand held computer unit and is transmitted from the hand held computer unit to a tire inflation device adapted for automatically inflating or deflating the vehicle tire to the desired tire air pressure. The tire inflation receives the desired tire air pressure and is operated in response to receiving the desired tire air pressure to measure the actual tire pressure of the tire, to transmit the actual tire pressure back to the hand held computer unit for storage therein, to inflate or deflate the tire to the desired tire air pressure and to transmit a final measured tire air pressure back to the hand held computer unit.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for maintaining tire inflation on a vehicle having a torque transfer sleeve connected between an axle plug assembly and a stationary shaft on the rotary union assembly. A flexible conduit extends through the axle plug to the rotary union assembly and is used to provide air pressure to tires connected to the rotary union assembly. The torque transfer sleeve limits rotational torque on the flexible conduit. Primary and secondary seals are provided on the rotary union assembly as well. A vent chamber between the primary and secondary seals allows the release of air which exits the primary seal, which prevents pressure from entering the lubrication area of the rotary union assembly.

Abstract: A tire repair device is provided. A receptacle/port is in communication with the air flow path; the receptacle/port is adapted to sealingly receive a container of tire sealant. When the air compressor is activated and a container of tire sealant is received in or secured to the receptacle or port, air from the air compressor is forced into the container and pushes tire sealant out of the container, into and out of the receptacle, into the air flow path, and into a tire. Preferably, the receptacle includes a piercing projection disposed in the receptacle adapted to pierce a seal on a container of tire sealant secured in the receptacle. Preferably, the intake and the exhaust are configured in the receptacle so that both the intake and the exhaust are opposite substantially the same opening of a container of tire sealant received in or secured to in the receptacle.

Abstract: A dual-function tire inlet valve mountable on a tire in communication with a compressor in a tire pressure maintenance system is disclosed. The inlet valve has a conduit extending from an ambient air supply to an interior chamber of the tire. A first check valve and a second check valve are positioned within the conduit to define a pump between the first and second check valves. The pump channel is in fluid communication with a compressor in the tire pressure maintenance system. The first check valve opens automatically only when the compressor is active and the tire is rotating about its axis with at least a pre-determined velocity. The second check valve only opens when it is manually actuated. Manually actuating the first check valve opens the second check valve to permit manual adjustment of the tire pressure.

Abstract: A method for control of a tire pressure management system (or central tire inflation system) is provided which enables active adaptation of control variables in the system in response to variations in air line volume. The air line volume in a conduit between an air source and a vehicle tire is determined. Subsequently, one or more values for control variables are adjusted in response to the air line volume and various parameters associated with the system are determined in response to the adjusted values of the control variables.

Abstract: A wheel-and-tire apparatus having at least two coaxially mounted tires is disclosed in which the diameters of one or more of the tires in the apparatus may be adjusted to select the tire or tires which are to be in contact with the road surface. The apparatus facilitates the selective use of tires having different performance characteristics, as may be desired or preferred to suit particular road conditions or vehicle operating conditions. The diameters of particular tires are increased or decreased as required to achieve a desired configuration of relative tire diameters, using tire diameter adjustment means such as one or more pneumatic pumps mounted in association with the apparatus. Sensors monitor selected operational parameters of the vehicle and transmit corresponding signals to a computer which selects an optimal tire configuration to suit the particular combination of operational parameters received from the sensors.

Abstract: A wheel has a rigid rim, a soft tire arranged on the rigid rim, and a unit for generating different pressures from inside in the soft tire in contact zone of tire with road surface, at opposite sides of a vertical transverse plane of symmetry of the rim so as to cause pushing of the tire with rim of wheel along a roadway, the tire being subdivided in a plurality of separate chambers spaced from one another in a circumferential direction, the unit for generating different pressures being operative for generating different pressures in a computerized way in any chamber of the tire at any time.

Abstract: A snap in valve stem 10 with a two piece insert 24, 26 design is capable of supporting a radio frequency transmitter 12 within a rim hole 28. Elastomeric body 16 includes a cylindrical portion 32 with an annular bead 36 and an enlarged base portion 34 with an annular flange 38 to provide an airtight seal of the valve stem 10 within the rim hole 28. The two piece insert 24, 26 design in conjunction with an annular recess 40 and a lowermost extending portion 42 within the elastomeric body 16 allows the inserts 24, 26 to flex independently of each other which makes for a rapid, simple, easy installation process.