Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system, method, and device related to data collection and communication related to after-market and external vehicle systems, such as towing systems, cargo carrying systems, trailer breakaway systems, brake systems, braking control systems, and the like. Data is sensed, processed, shared, and further leveraged throughout the discrete components of the system, and possibly via internet and other communications' links, to effect various beneficial actions with minimal driver/user interaction or intervention. In the same manner, data from the system may be used for diagnostic reasons, safety controls, and other purposes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates a device that includes a rotary union body. Included with the rotary union body is a circumferential air channel, a seal channel, and an intake air channel. The intake air channel is connected to the circumferential air channel. Also disclosed is a hub assembly system that includes a hub and a rotary union body. Included with the rotary union body is a circumferential air channel, a seal channel and an intake air channel. Here the intake air channel is connected to the circumferential air channel.

Abstract: A multi-functional, portable device for use in situations where electricity is not available or convenient is disclosed. A portable safety device includes a power charger and air compressor that may safely jump start a vehicle and recharge portable electronic devices, such as phones and laptop computers, as well as inflate vehicle tires or other inflatable objects, when a standard external power source is not convenient. It may also be used for providing an emergency light source.

Abstract: A rotary union having a housing, a shaft rotatably disposed within the housing, and a tube having a first end sealingly disposed within the shaft and a second end sealingly coupled to the housing. A tire inflation system may comprise a rotary union externally mounted to a vehicle wheel end or mounted to a vehicle fairing.

Abstract: An inflation/deflation system for a tire in tire systems such as those having an inner bladder and an outer ground engaging tire is provided in which the inflation/deflation system is adapted to inflate/deflate a tire, inflate a bladder, and inflate a tire utilizing pressurized air from the bladder. The system utilizes a specialized valve and passageway system which utilizes pressurized fluid to operate a timer wheel valve to inflate the tire and/or bladder without requiring electric power at the wheel and utilizes a low power function to inflate the tire from the bladder. The utilization of the bladder to provide a quick tire inflation is particularly useful in agricultural applications utilizing tire with large volumes.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel having an outer rim and a hub. A first coupling is applied to the hub. A non-return valve is housed in the first coupling, and a second fitting is applied separably between the hub and the outer rim to connect the outlet of the hub hole with the channel hole.

Abstract: A steering system including a plurality of steering devices respectively provided for a plurality of steerable wheels that belong to at least one of a front-wheel side and a rear-wheel side of a vehicle, wherein the plurality of steering devices respectively include a plurality of steering actuators, and wherein each of at least one of the plurality of steering actuators is disposed on an inner side of a corresponding one of side members of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for transmission of rotary motion and transfer of a fluid medium, comprising a planetary gear train for transmission of rotary motion about a main axis which has at least one reduction stage which is provided with a sun gear, which rotates about the main axis, and a toothed ring gear which are mutually concentric and between which at least two planetary gears are engaged which are supported in rotation at least about the respective longitudinal axes which are parallel to the main axis by a planetary gear carrier; such planetary gear train is provided with a driving input sun gear and with an output ring gear and with an output planetary gear carrier, of which one can move in rotation about the main axis with respect to the other; and a rotary joint which extends externally to the planetary gear train for transfer of the fluid medium.

Abstract: A method of determining the health of a tire on a vehicle includes determining a total number of tire inflation events that have occurred due to a loss of tire pressure. A rate in which the tire inflation events have occurred is determined based on the total number of tire inflation events over a predetermined period of time. The health of a tire is determined by comparing the rate in which tire inflation events have occurred to a threshold rate.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system configured to monitor and maintain an air pressure on the tires of a vehicle includes a housing, a central processing unit, a controller, and a valve. The housing has a plurality of walls and a bottom forming an interior volume. The central processing unit has the necessary electronics to receive, store, transmit and manipulate data. The controller has a plurality of modes of operation wherein the modes of operation include default parameters for air pressure within the tires of the vehicle. The valve is configured to direct air flow as required into or out of the tires, the valve being operably coupled to the controller. The central tire inflation system is configured to monitor air pressure of the tires and provide inflation or deflation thereof based the mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic device including: a stator and a rotor, in which the rotor can rotate relative to the stator about a first axis of rotation; and a shaft mounted on the rotor such as to rotate therewith. The shaft has a wheel carrier provided at a proximal end thereof and designed to receive a rim and a tire. The shaft includes a through-channel extending from the proximal end to an opposing distal end. The hydraulic device includes an air chamber formed at the distal end of the shaft and connected to the through-channel. The through-channel and air chamber are produced such as to allow a flow of air in order to control the pressure of a tire.

Abstract: A method and system of preventing or reducing water ingress into a tire inflation system is provided.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes a first axle shaft. The first axle shaft includes a first conduit. A second axle shaft includes a second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit are in fluid communication through a chamber. A differential is operatively connected to the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft. The chamber is at least partially disposed within the differential.

Abstract: A tire maintenance means (1) is provided, which includes a monitoring module (2) for monitoring the status of a tire; an inflating module (4) for inflating or deflating the tire; a repairing module (5) for filling a sealant to the tire; a control module (3) for maintaining the tire based on a signal from the monitoring module (2). A method of maintaining a tire is also provided.

Abstract: An Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS) for use with a vehicle includes a controller, valves controlled by the controller and, for at least one drive axle having inner bearings and outer bearings, a channel formed in a spindle, first hosing coupling controlled by the controller to the channel formed in the spindle, a channel formed in a hub, a rotary air seal coupling the channel formed in the spindle to the channel formed in the hub, and second hosing coupling the channel formed in the hub to at least one wheel. The rotary air seal may transition from a sealed state that forms a seal between the spindle and the hub to support air flow between the channel formed in the spindle and the channel formed in hub and reside in an unsealed state to negate the seal between the spindle and the hub.

Abstract: A rotary union for a tire inflation system includes an axle housing and a wheel axle rotatably mounted in the axle housing. The wheel axle has a flange for attachment of a wheel rim. The wheel axle is received by a passage socket that is connected for conjoint rotation to the wheel axle and supported by a radial bearing relative to a bearing seat within the axle housing. A compressed air duct is disposed inside a cylindrical wall of the passage socket such that the compressed air duct is connected at one end to a pressure connector mounted on the axle housing and at the other end to a tire connector mounted on the passage socket. The passage socket is sealed rotationally movably with respect to an adjacent inner side of the axle housing such that an enclosed chamber is formed between the pressure connector and the compressed air duct.

Abstract: Provided is a power generation system capable of efficiently converting wind power into electric power. The power generation system comprises: a pneumatic tire; a wheel on which the pneumatic tire is mounted; and at least one generator wind turbine attached, in a cavity defined by the pneumatic tire and the wheel, to the pneumatic tire and/or the wheel.

Abstract: A compressed-air feed system for operating a pneumatic system includes a compressed-air supply, a compressed-air connection to the pneumatic system, a ventilation connection to surroundings, and a pneumatic main line between the compressed-air supply and the compressed-air connection. The pneumatic main line has an air dryer and a regeneration throttle. The compressed-air feed system further includes a ventilation line between the pneumatic main line and the ventilation connection. The ventilation line has a ventilation valve and a ventilation throttle. The compressed-air feed system further includes a bypass line between the compressed-air connection and the air dryer. The bypass line has a bypass valve formed as a 2/2 directional valve configured to permit an air flow conducted via the air dryer, and bypassing the regeneration throttle, for filling and ventilating the pneumatic system.

Abstract: A tire inflation system including a wheel rim having an aperture through the radially exterior and interior surfaces thereof. A wheel valve assembly including a mounting portion coupled with the wheel rim interior surface. The mounting portion having an opening in fluid communication with the wheel rim aperture. A cap portion coupled with the mounting portion, defining a fluid inlet and a perforation in fluid communication. A valve at least partially disposed within the cap portion, and disposed parallel with the longitudinal axis of the wheel rim. A base portion coupled with the cap portion, and at least partially surrounding the valve. A fluid outlet defined by the base portion, and in selective fluid communication with the fluid inlet via the valve. A biasing member disposed at least partially around the valve, whereby the biasing member is compressed in the wheel valve assembly closed position.

Abstract: The air transmission structure includes a stator—having an annular outer wall with at least one aperture, an air inlet, and an air passage between the air inlet and the at least one aperture on the annular outer wall—biased against the non-rotating spindle. A housing includes interior annular walls mounted in radially spaced relation with the annular outer wall of the stator to form an annular cavity therebetween, and at least one aperture formed through the interior annular wall, and air outlet, and an air passage between the at least one aperture and air outlet. A seal is inserted within the annular cavity and defines a radial air passage between the apertures defined within the stator annular outer wall and the housing interior annular wall. An annular bearing between the stator and housing is configured to allow the housing to rotate with respect to the stator.

Abstract: An actuator for a tire inflation system, the actuator having a first component that has a first fluid passage and a second component having a second fluid passage and a sealing surface for sealing engagement with a rotatable component of a wheel assembly. The second component is movable relative to the first component between a first position, in which the first fluid passage is isolated from the second fluid passage and the sealing surface is spaced from the rotatable component, and a second position, in which the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage and the sealing surface is in sealing engagement with a rotatable component.

Abstract: A method for reducing vehicle oscillations for an agricultural vehicle with a drive engine, a running gear cooperating with the drive engine for driving wheels having pneumatic tires, and a control unit for regulating a tire pressure of at least one tire requires a number of steps. For example, the method includes generating a sensor signal as a function of at least one determined vehicle oscillation and regulating a tire pressure of at least one tire by the control unit as a function of the sensor signal in order to reduce the determined vehicle oscillation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. A tire pressure sampling interval may be triggered based on a type of tire pressure drop, wheel speed, or temperature.

Abstract: An electronic pressure regulator is provided to regulate the pressure in one or more pneumatic tires that are selectively in fluid communication with a pressurized air source. The electronic pressure regulator may include a proportional MEMS valve that may be used to vary pressure behind a diaphragm in a method that provides a relatively fast response time and may experience relatively little wear over a relatively large number of cycles.

Abstract: A tire testing machine of the present invention includes a bottom chuck that is mounted to a bottom frame, a top chuck that is mounted to a movable beam, a ball screw that causes the movable beam to ascend or descend, and a beam fixing member that fixes the movable beam so as not to ascend. The beam fixing member includes a disk that is fixed to the ball screw and is provided with a plurality of elongated holes and air cylinders that are fixed to the vertical frame and are inserted into the elongated holes. When the pins are inserted into the elongated holes formed in the disk, the top chuck is fixed to the bottom chuck through the movable beam so as not to ascend.

Abstract: An example method includes decreasing the pressure within at least one tire of a vehicle when the vehicle is moving. The decreasing is in response to a condition change. An example assembly includes a sensor and a tire pressure controller that causes a decrease in a pressure within at least one tire of a vehicle in response to a first condition detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A tire inflation system including an axle housing and a sealing ring disposed on the axle housing. The sealing ring has a conduit formed therethrough. A hub is rotatably disposed on the axle housing. The hub is disposed adjacent the sealing ring and has a conduit formed therethrough which is in fluid communication with a conduit formed through a fastener engaged with the hub. The tire inflation system also includes an inner rotary seal disposed between the sealing ring and the hub and an outer rotary seal disposed between the sealing ring and the hub. The conduit formed through the hub is in fluid communication with the conduit formed through the sealing ring through an area between the inner rotary seal and the outer rotary seal. A bearing seal is disposed between the hub and the axle housing and outboard of the outer rotary seal.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include a pressure equalization valve assembly that may receive the pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source and may control the flow of pressurized gas with respect to a first tire and a second tire.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include a gas supply subsystem that may supply pressurized gas to a tire via first conduit that may be connected to an axle shaft.

Abstract: A tire pressure control arrangement for a vehicle having at least two tires connected to an air supply. Each tire is connected to an air supply via a respective supply line having a respective valve means (223) and the respective valve means is connected to a second valve means (222). The arrangement further comprises a pressures sensor (38) between the respective valve means (223) and the second valve means (222). The respective valve means (223) is closed while the supply line is connected to a reference pressure supply and the reference pressure in the supply line is monitored for a pre-determined period of time by a control system on the vehicle to detect whether there are any leaks in the arrangement.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wheel is configured by attaching a rim and a hub mounting part via an attaching portion. The wheel has a pneumatic tire mounted on the rim, and is mounted on the vehicle hub by the hub mounting part. The wheel comprises an air passage that penetrates through the attaching portion and opens on the outer circumferential surface of the rim and the mounting surface of the hub mounting part. The wheel also comprises a plurality of air passages that are mutually independent.

Abstract: A spindle includes an inner bearing shoulder to seat an inner bearing and an outer bearing shoulder to seat an outer bearing. The inner and outer bearing shoulders are spaced apart by a controlled distance such that the outboard bearing is accurately positioned relative to the inboard bearing to control endplay and preload without requiring bearing adjustment.

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 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire pressure control system for a motor vehicle, comprising a rotary feedthrough (7) having a stator and a rotor for transferring compressed air, fed from a compressed air source on the vehicle side to the rotor (R) designed for supporting a wheel. The rotary feedthrough (7) comprises an annular chamber (25) present between the rotor (R) and the stator (S) that can be sealed off by activatable seals (15, 16). A stator side and a rotor side air channel (8, 17) open into said chamber. The seals (15, 16) that can be activated for the purpose of compressed air transfer are disposed spaced apart in an axial arrangement having the same or approximately the same spacing from the rotary axis of the rotor (R). According to the invention, either the seals (15, 16) are designed for operating facing each other and an annular groove (18) present between the seals (15, 16) and open to the rotor (R) in the radial direction engages a rotor flange (19).

Abstract: An electronic pressure regulator is provided to regulate the pressure in one or more pneumatic tires that are selectively in fluid communication with a pressurized air source. The electronic pressure regulator may include a proportional MEMS valve that may be used to vary pressure behind a diaphragm in a method that provides a relatively fast response time and may experience relatively little wear over a relatively large number of cycles.

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: A system. The system includes a wheel, and a valve assembly secured to an exterior surface of the wheel. The wheel defines a first air passageway. The valve assembly includes a valve member, and an adapter member connected to the valve member. The adapter member adjoins a vehicle wheel hub if the wheel is connected to the vehicle wheel hub. The valve assembly defines a second air passageway and a third air passageway. A first end of the first air passageway adjoins a first end of the second air passageway. A first end of the third air passageway adjoins an air passageway of the vehicle wheel hub if the wheel is connected to the vehicle wheel hub.

Abstract: A vehicle tire inflation system includes an air supply that is connected to a vehicle tire by a pneumatic conduit. A pump that is independent of and pneumatically parallel to the vehicle air supply includes an inlet and an outlet. The pump inlet receives air from atmosphere, the pump compresses the air, and the pump outlet is fluidly connected to the pneumatic conduit. When the air pressure in the pneumatic conduit drops below a predetermined level, compressed air from the pump is introduced into the pneumatic conduit, thus increasing the air pressure in the conduit to increase the air pressure that is available to the tire. A reservoir tank, which is also independent of the vehicle air supply, may be in fluid communication with the pump outlet and the pneumatic conduit.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system. The system includes a central tire inflation valve and a hub bore manifold. The hub bore manifold is connected to and surrounds the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold defines first and second air passageways which are in communication with the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold is configured for removable connection to a hub of a vehicle and is also configured to fit within a central opening of a wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle-carried air compression 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 combined 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.

Abstract: There is described a power-driven wheel for a military vehicle, having an axial-flow electric motor, and a hub connected functionally to the motor and rotating about an axis; the motor has an output member housed inside the hub; and the wheel has an epicyclic reducer interposed functionally between the hub and the output member.

Abstract: A tire inflation system of a motor vehicle comprises a compression device, a pressure accumulator from which inflation lines lead via an inflation valve and control lines lead via a control valve to a wheel valve, and the tire inflation system has a control device. A method for operating the tire inflation system carries out the following steps in a cyclically repeating sequence: (1) acquisition of a set point tire pressure from operating variables, (2) comparison with the actual tire pressure last measured, (3) supply of air or extraction of air during a specific time period without accompanying pressure measurement, and (4) measurement of the pressure in the inflation line and comparison with the set point value. The system has a pressure sensor in the inflation line on the wheel side of the inflation valve, and each inflation valve is connected to a relief valve via a relief line, wherein the relief lines are connected to one another upstream of the relief valve.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system that controls the tire pressure in the tire at each wheel of a vehicle includes: a wheel-side tire pressure sensor; a transmitter that transmits the detected tire pressure; a receiver that receives the tire pressure information from the transmitter; a tire pressure regulating device; and a control unit that drives the tire pressure regulating device based on the tire pressure information. The control unit drives the tire pressure regulating device regardless of whether the tire pressure information is received if a reception-incapable condition, in which the receiver is unable to receive the tire pressure information, has occurred.

Abstract: This CTI Valve manifold of this invention creates a wheel-manifold-CTI Valve combination such that an air passageway coming from the wheel hub through the manifold brings air to the valve, and an airway from the valve through the manifold provides air to the tire cavity, preferably via an air passageway in the wheel. The manifold also allows for the CTI valve to deflate the tire, a typical operational requirement for central tire inflation systems.

Abstract: This wheel has features allowing both integrated and non-integrated Central Tire Inflation (CTI) systems to be installed, without the need for a specialized manifold, adapter, or unique wheel to accommodate each specific system. Thus, a single, light-weight wheel in accordance with this invention can accept either non-integrated or integrated CTI valves, allowing the wheels of the invention to be used on newer vehicles with integrated CTI systems, as well as on older vehicles with non-integrated (external) CTI systems. In addition, a wheel with both integrated and non-integrated Central Tire Inflation (CTI) systems is much simpler to assemble since the valve mounts directly to the wheel and no brackets are required, unlike prior two-piece bolt-together wheels.