Abstract: An automotive wheel rim has intermediate its ends a wall extending transversely of the axis of said rim and having formed therein a first air duct opening at one end on the outer periphery of the rim for communication with the interior of a tire mounted thereon, and at its opposite end on the outboard side of the wall. A second duct formed within the wall opens at one end on the outboard side of the wall and at its opposite end on the inboard side of the wall for connection to a tire inflation system. A tire inflation control valve is secured to the outboard side of the wall and has therein a pair of air inlet/outlet ducts sealingly secured in communication with the ends of the first and second ducts where they open on the outboard side of the wall.

Abstract: A vehicle tire inflation system includes an axle assembly with an axle housing having an air supply conduit. Air is provided to the air supply conduit from an air tank mounted on the vehicle. The axle includes least one wheel hub rotatably supported on the axle housing by bearings. A hub cap is mounted at one end of the wheel hub and has an air passageway for conducting an air supply through the hub cap to a tire. A filter is installed within the passageway to remove any debris from the air supply.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining equal air pressure in a pair of tires on a work machine. The invention provides a valve body with a pair of piston chambers. A piston is reciprocatably positioned within each piston chamber, the pistons are biased toward a first closed end of the piston chambers. The closed end of each piston chamber is connected by a passageway to one of the tires. Each piston chamber is additionally fluidly connected to the other piston chamber. When the air pressure in each tire is above a predetermined amount the pistons are moved away from the closed end of the piston chamber and airflow is permitted between the piston chambers thereby balancing the tire pressures. If the pressure in either tire is below the predetermined minimum, the piston in that respective piston chamber moves toward the first end to block, airflow between the piston chambers.

Abstract: A vehicle having a tire pressure adjusting device for regulating the pressure of tires which has a valve arrangement between a compressed air source and the tires is described. To reduce the energy expenditure required for filling the tires and to be able to keep the filling pressure as low as possible, the turbocharger of the vehicle engine serves as the compressed air source. The charge air channel of the turbocharger is connected with the valve arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining equal air pressure in a pair of tires on a work machine. The invention provides a valve body with a pair of piston chambers. A piston is reciprocatably positioned within each piston chamber, the pistons are biased toward a first closed end of the piston chambers. The closed end of each piston chamber is connected by a passageway to one of the tires. Each piston chamber is additionally fluidly connected to the other piston chamber. When the air pressure in each tire is above a predetermined amount the pistons are moved away from the closed end of the piston chamber and airflow is permitted between the piston chambers thereby balancing the tire pressures. If the pressure in either tire is below the predetermined minimum, the piston in that respective piston chamber moves toward the first end to block, airflow between the piston chambers.

Abstract: A vehicle tire inflation system includes an axle assembly with an axle housing having an air supply conduit. Air is provided to the air supply conduit from an air tank mounted on the vehicle. The axle includes least one wheel hub rotatably supported on the axle housing by bearings. A hub cap is mounted at one end of the wheel hub and has an air passageway for conducting an air supply through the hub cap to a tire. A filter is installed within the passageway to remove any debris from the air supply.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a tire that is sealed to a rim. The tire is inflated with air to a desired pressure level via a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve stem with an elongated body having a central bore extending longitudinally through the body. A pressure sensor is mounted within the bore to measure the air pressure within the tire. A ball and plunger valve member is engagable and disengagable with a valve seat formed within the bore. A central tire inflation system uses the pressure sensor to monitor the tire pressure for each wheel on the vehicle. When the pressure sensor measures an air pressure in the tire that is below a desired level the central tire inflation system inflates the tire with air until the desired pressure is achieved.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for a steering knuckle wheel end assembly providing a steering knuckle secured to the vehicle, and a wheel end hub rotatably mounted about the steering knuckle. A bearing assembly is disposed between the steering knuckle and wheel end hub to establish the rotatably connection. A drive shaft is rotatably disposed through the steering knuckle and is in driving connection with the wheel end hub. A pair of adjacent rotary seals are disposed between the wheel end hub and steering knuckle and defining a small chamber there between. An inlet passage is formed directly through the steering knuckle in communication with the sealed chamber. The inlet passage transmits pressurized air from a pressurized air source directly to the sealed chamber. An outlet passage is formed directly through the wheel end hub and is also in direct communication with the sealed chamber to establish communication between the wheel end hub and the steering knuckle.

Abstract: An automatic tire inflation system with a booster pump actuated by the compressed air supply on the truck-trailer to pump the air pressure to a higher output pressure to supply air to tires that may require a higher inflation pressure than the truck-trailer system provides. In addition, a surge protection valve and a pressure relief valve are provided in the system to provide proper operation of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to work vehicles having a central tire inflation system provided to maintain proper tire inflation for the work vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a seal arrangement for an inflatable wheel connected to a central tire inflation system, wherein the tire pressure may be controlled through a conduit attached to the tire valve, while the wheel remains rotatable with respect to the vehicle. The seal arrangement includes a seal carrier, an axle sleeve, and a set of seals. The seals create an air inlet and outlet path while retaining rotatability of the wheels.

Abstract: An on-board storable system for repairing a flat tire on an automobile comprising a utensil adapted to endow a power impact wrench to actuate a scissors jack. Such system preferably includes an air compressor for inflation of a replacement tire after mounting the wheel bearing the replacement tire has been secured to the hub with the impact wrench. An alternative system utilizing the utensil and a power impact wrench comprises an air reservoir; compressor; electro-mechanical means for driving the compressor; a pneumatic distribution system; the pneumatic distribution system conveying air from said reservoir to an air distribution post for each wheel of the automobile; and tubular means for conveying air from said posts to a tire proximate each said post. The electro-mechanical power transmission means being selected from the group comprising an engine driven belt powered pulley; an auxiliary battery and associated electric motor; and an electric motor driven by the automobile electric system.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the under-inflation of one of the tires of a ehicle comprising a chassis and at least one axle having two wheels equipped with tires, based on an analysis of the differences in position of the wheels relative to the chassis, characterized by the fact that the measurement of the differences in position of the wheels on the same axle relative to the chassis is effected by means of an element of generally U-shape, the central portion of which has a fixed position relative to the chassis of the vehicle, and each of the ends of which are connected to one of the wheel holders of the wheels of the axle in such a manner that any difference in position between the two wheels relative to the chassis of the vehicle results in a twisting of said element.

Abstract: The present invention is a tire air-injection device provided in the car for easily and rapidly injecting air into a tire to maintain the tire pressure at an optimal level when tire pressure drops below a reference value. A compressor provided in the car is connected to an engine of the car through a power transfer means by operating a main switch, which is provided at the outside of the car. Compressed air is injected in the tire by the compressor into the tire through a flexible hose of which one end is connected to the compressor. A relief valve, which is provided for regulating pressure of the air flowing through the hose.

Abstract: Method of adjusting the pressure of the tires on a vehicle equipped with a entralized inflating installation which successively connects up each tire to the compressed-air source via a line, a rotary seal and a differential-type isolating valve, then closes the compressed-air inlet after a very short time, and repeats these operations iteratively. According to the invention, a value of the set pressure corresponds to a value of the duration of the very short time.

Abstract: A vehicular tire air pressurization system having an intelligent controller is connected to one or more manifolds each connected to at least one set of tires with the controller for selecting current operation conditions and controlling the manifolds to maintain tire pressure at desire air pressures, the controller having non volatile memory for storing dynamic parameters used to control manifolds having inflation and deflation valves for pressurizing the sets of tires to the desired pressures subject to dynamic parameters which are field programmable and which may be updated after each pressure adjustment cycle so that the tires are efficiently pressurized to the desired pressures even during changing dynamic characteristics caused by changing conditions such as temperature, altitude and tire wear, the non volatile memory is also for storing operational data after installation to reselect operating functions and to reset operating parameters.

Abstract: A vehicular tire air pressurization system having an intelligent controller for macro control is connected to one or more intelligent manifolds for micro control so as to distributively process air pressurization functions, with the controller having non volatile memory which is field programmable and alterable for storing current operating conditions, functions and parameters for communicating desired air pressures to the manifolds each connected to at least one set of tires and each including non volatile memory for storing pressurization parameters used to control inflation and deflation of the sets of tires to the desired pressures subject to the pressurization parameters which are also field programmable and alterable and which are updated after periodic pressure adjustment cycles, so that, the tires are efficiently pressurized and maintained at the desired pressures even during changing performance characteristics.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for an apparatus for controlling and maintaining air pressure in vehicle tires. The vehicle compressor outlet is connected through individual pneumatic tire circuits to each vehicle tire, via rotary couplings in the associated axles. Each tire circuit includes tubing for carrying air and monitoring tire pressure, the circuits supporting pressure sensors and electrovalves housed in a control unit in the dashboard of the vehicle. The sensor includes a piston which causes a shutter to move in and out of the light path of a LED/phototransistor device. When the sensor signals low tire pressure via a an electronic circuit, the corresponding electrovalve is energized for the compressor to pump the tire up back to its set pressure. The sensor further includes means for varying the set point.

Abstract: A method for measuring the pressure of fluid in the wet tank (32) of a central tire inflation system (10) prior to initiating a tire pressure check sequence in order to ensure an accurate tire pressure reading by waiting for a sufficient wet tank pressure. To measure wet tank pressure, the wet tank (32) is isolated from the atmosphere and from a distribution manifold (55). Pressure is measured with an existing pressure transducer (44). Once wet tank pressure is sufficient, a normal tire pressure check sequence is allowed to begin.

Abstract: An adaptive tire pressure control strategy for a central tire inflation system 10 wherein the programmed demand pressure setting P.sub.D may be increased automatically if certain criteria are met. These criteria are indicative of a running condition wherein tire temperature may be increasing to unacceptable levels due to underinflation. Additionally, air may also be added to tires in this condition in order to increase the load capacity of the tire, reduce tire temperature and prolong tire life.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling and maintaining air pressure in vehicle tires. The vehicle compressor outlet is connected through individual pneumatic tire circuits to each vehicle tire, via rotary couplings in the associated axles. Each tire circuit includes tubing for carrying air and monitoring tire pressure, the circuits supporting pressure sensors and electrovalves housed in a control unit in the dashboard of the vehicle. The control unit also houses electronic circuits interfaced with the sensors and electrovalves. The sensor includes a piston which causes a shutter to move in and out of the light path of a LED/phototransistor device. When it signals low tire pressure to the electronic circuit, the corresponding electrovalve is energized for the compressor to pump the tire up back to its set pressure. A front panel has LEDs and gauges for the driver to keep tabs on events.

Abstract: A normally closed wheel valve for maintaining an existing air pressure in a tire of a vehicle having a system for inflating and deflating the tire is mounted on the outer end of the wheel hub for rotation therewith and is connected in communication with a source of air under pressure on the vehicle through a coupling on the outer end of the valve which is rotatable relative thereto. The valve comprises axially opposed pneumatically actuated diaphragm elements for controlling the flow of air to and from a pair of tires rotatably mounted on a common axle of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air pump for use with a chain-driven bicycle having a free wheel. The pump assembly comprises a pair of opposed cylinders and a double-ended piston rod mounted in a housing. The piston rod has a bearing slot, which engages a crank pin on a crankshaft driven by a sprocket. Rotation of the sprocket reciprocates the double-ended piston rod in the cylinders. The cylinders are each integrally formed with a manifold that uses an elastomeric band covering a passage from the cylinder interior to inside the manifold as a one-way valve. An enlarged diameter skirt on each cylinder allows air to enter the cylinder on each intake stroke. A cap defining the piston head is locked onto each piston and holds a seal in place on the piston. An integral clamp assembly allows the pump to be removably mounted on a bicycle chain stay. The lower run of the bicycle drive chain engages the drive sprocket of the pump assembly, and a chain retainer is used to maintain the engagement of the drive chain with the drive sprocket.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for controlling the tire inflation pressure of a driven wheeled vehicle includes a compressed air source connected through a conduit system with the vehicle tires, a controllable valve system connected in the conduit system and a tire pressure controller connected with and controlling operation of the valve system to selectively increase or decrease inflation pressure includes wheel slip detectors and a vehicle speed detector for generating a signal proportional to detected slippage rate and vehicle speed, and signal processing system for utilizing the slippage signal and vehicle speed signals to control the valve system to automatically control tire inflation pressure in response to conditions encountered to minimize slippage and maintain tire inflation pressure at the highest pressure commensurate with safety and economic operation.

Abstract: An air pump for use with a chain-driven bicycle having a freewheel. The pump assembly comprises a pair of opposed cylinders and a double-ended piston rod mounted in a housing. The piston rod has a bearing slot which engages a crank pin on a crankshaft which is driven by a sprocket. Rotation of the sprocket reciprocates the double-ended piston rod in the cylinders. A hook-shaped extension of the housing fits over the top of the chain stay of the bicycle, and a vertically movable clamping member provided with a ratchet mechanism abuts the underside of the chain stay; a lever operated cam clamps the chain stay intermediate the hook portion and the clamping member. The lower run of the bicycle drive chain engages the drive sprocket of the pump assembly. Reverse rotation of the bicycle's crank assembly causes the conventional freewheel to also rotate in a reverse direction without rotating the wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for a vehicle is disclosed 10 including a controller 222 for preselecting one of several desired air pressures for the tires 12 by actuating one of the push buttons 226, 228 or 230. The system 10 will adjust the tire pressure to the preselected pressure. Should the operator sense enemy fire or believes combat is eminent, the "run flat" button 234 is actuated which causes the electronic timer of the control unit 237 to cause the automatic measurement of tire pressure every few seconds instead of several times an hour. Should one of the tires 12 be damaged while the button 234 is actuated, the damaged tire will be immediately identified and the system 10 will assume the inflate mode and supply air to the damaged tire so long as the leakage rate does not exceed the capacity of the source 138 of pressurized air.

Abstract: A vehicle central tire inflation system (10), which checks and inflates/deflates tires of an automotive tractor and trailer, is provided with a prevention control (110) for preventing inflation/deflation operation of the system (10) when the tractor is disconnected from the trailer.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system (10) for wheels (28) of a vehicle. The system includes an air control circuit (40) having a positive pressure air source (42), a vacuum pressure air source (44), a central control unit (46), a vehicle speed sensor (47), and a command/display console (48). The control circuit (40) includes valves (62,64,66,68,70) and a conduit assembly (74) for controlling communication of the positive and vacuum pressure air to wheel valve assemblies (14) mounted on each wheel. A vent valve (74) for effecting rapid closing of a valve device (100) in each wheel valve (14). Each wheel valve also includes a valve device (104) providing substantially unrestricted air flow from the conduit assembly (74) to the wheels when valve device (100) is open and providing restricted air flow from the wheels to the conduit assembly (74) to ensure closing of the valve device (100) when the conduit is vented.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system (10) for wheels (28) of a vehicle. The system includes an air control circuit (40) having a positive pressure air source (42), a vacuum pressure air source (44), a central control unit (46), a vehicle speed sensor (47), and a command/display console (48). The control circuit (40) includes valves (62,64,66,68,70) and a conduit assembly (74) for controlling communication of the positive and vacuum pressure air to wheel valve assemblies (14) mounted on each wheel. A vent valve (86) provides quick venting of positive air pressure in the conduit assembly (74) for effecting rapid closing of a valve device (100) in each wheel valve (14). Each wheel valve also includes a valve device (104) providing substantially unrestricted air flow from the conduit assembly (74) to the wheels when valve device (100) is open and providing restricted air flow from the wheels to the conduit assembly (74) to ensure closing of the valve device (100 ) when the conduit is vented.

Abstract: A disk type wheel has integrally formed air passages that open to the tire and through a central, closed bottom hub. Pressurized air is supplied axially through the bearing to an outlet surrounded by a mounting boss of the wheel bearing. When the wheel is added in conventional fashion to the boss, the central hub forms an air plenum in cooperation with the boss.

Abstract: A mounting for a wheel having a pneumatic tire includes a hub to which the wheel is attached, a spindle about which the hub and wheel rotate, and a pair of indirectly mounted tapered roller bearings between the spindle and hub. The end of the hub is closed by a seal carrier which is attached to the hub and an end cover which is attached to the carrier. The end cover forms one end of a sealed chamber that is at the end of the spindle. The opposite end of the chamber is closed by a seal which is carried by the seal carrier beyond the two tapered roller bearings. The seal has an elastomeric seal element which bears against a sealing surface that is, in effect, carried by the spindle. One passageway extends from a location on the spindle that is remote from the bearing, along the spindle to the chamber at the end of the spindle. Another passageway extends from the exterior of the hub through the end ring to the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a vehicle central tire inflation system (CTIS) produces a series of valve open signals in response to a demand tire pressure signal in which each valve open signal has a time period and a time space occurs between each open signal. The series of open signals terminates when the current tire pressure is at least equal to the demand tire pressure and upon termination, a count is made of the number of valve open signals. In each successive series of valve open signals, the time period is increased or decreased depending upon whether the previous count is greater or less than a predetermined count range.

Abstract: A piston type TPM actuator valve has enough clearance between the piston and the wall of the cylindrical passage that it slides to prevent sticking, but still avoids excessive bypass leakage through the same clearance. A plug located in the passage between the piston and the check valve has a vent to atmosphere that prevents leaking air from compressing behind the advancing piston. The plug also carries a seal that is compressed when the piston bottoms out to prevent further venting.

Abstract: An air pump for bicycles in which, when the air pump is not in use, is stored in the frame of the bicycle and serves as the post for the seat of the bicycle. The air pump has an outer, tubular post having structure on the upper end thereof for removably mounting a bicycle seat. The post is removably mounted in a bicycle frame. A tube extends partially into the post and carries a diaphragm on its inner end. The diaphragm is engageable with the inner surface of the post and compresses air in advance of the diaphragm when the diaphragm moves toward the upper end of the post. A check valve near the diaphragm permits only a one-way flow of air, namely in the direction through the tube and away from the upper end of the post. A lower member on the outer end of the tube allows a flexible hose to be coupled to the tube so that compressed air from the tube can be directed into the valve stem of a device to be inflated.

Abstract: A tire filter assembly (15, 400) for a central tire inflation system (10) having fluid communication (403) from the exterior to the interior of the pressurized chamber (74) of an inflatable tire (12). The assembly includes filter means (15) mounted to a cylindrical sleeve-type bead lock (400) inside the interior pressurized tire chamber (74). The location of the filter inside the tire permits it to have a relatively large area through which air can flow, and to prevent rubber particles that come off the inside of the tire from entering the central inflation system. The filter assembly is affixed by means of an adhesive (11) or a molding material to a groove (17) provided in the bead lock, and/or by mechanical means.

Abstract: A pneumatic check valve actuator assembly for a tire pressure management system uses a snap action disk to provide quick and positive on-off response.

Abstract: A piloted pneumatic valve for controlling pressure at a distance. The valve includes a cavity divided into two chambers by a membrane. One chamber is the pilot chamber, and the other the escape chamber, connected to a pressurization and depressurization circuit, connected to the controlled pressurized volume through an orifice, and to the outside air through at least one escape hole. The system also includes a piloted valve pressing the membrane against the orifice to close it, and an opening, communicating with the circuit leading to the pressurized volume, and fitted with a check valve poppet prohibiting flow back from the capacity to the circuit. For application to automotive vehicles.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatically operated circuit for automatically shutting off the flow of high pressure air being introduced into an object such as a tire, when the pressure in the object reaches a preselected maximum pressure significantly below the high pressure supply. The air is introduced automatically in timed, high pressure bursts and between the time bursts a safety mechanism gauges the pressure that has built up in the object and interrupts further timed bursts when the latter pressure exceeds the preselected maximum.

Abstract: An improved wheel end valve assembly (11) for a central tire inflation system (10) having a single connection (68) to a tire chamber (74) and a single supply connection (62) to a source (142) of pressurized fluid, which requires no venting other than through the single supply connection (62), is effective in response to pressurization and venting of the single supply connection (62) to open and close communication to the tire chamber (74), a second valve means (288) to isolate the tire chamber if inflation pressure thereof falls below a minimum reference pressure, and a third valve means (300 or 400). The third valve means comprises a controlled bleed of air between the single supply connection and an isolation circuit (264, 254, 256, 266-276) by an elastomeric one way valve.

Abstract: An improved wheel end valve assembly for a Central Tire Inflation System having a single connection to the tire chamber and a single connection to the source of pressurized fluid, which requires no venting other than through the single supply conduit, is effective in response to pressurization and venting of the supply conduit to open and close communication to the tire, and to isolate the tire if inflation pressure thereof falls below a minimum reference pressure. A controlled bleed of air between the control circuit and the isolation circuit is provided by a elastomeric disk shaped, one way valve having an orifice formed therein which is self cleaning when the valve is actuated.

Abstract: An improved wheel end valve assembly (11A) for a central tire inflation system (10) having a single connection (68) to a tire chamber (74) and a single supply connection (62) to a source ( 142) of pressurized fluid, which requires no venting other than through the single supply connection (62), is effective in response to pressurization and venting of the single supply connection (62) to open and close communication to the tire chamber (74), and which is not affected by ambient temperature changes nor susceptible to leakage into and out of a trapped air volume employed by prior art valve (11) disclosed herein. The valve (11A) is actuated by air pressure and is resiliently biased into closed position by a spring (342) positioned within an evacuated bellows (334).

Abstract: A method for sensing and reacting to conditions indicative of leakage in a tire (16 or 18), the pressurization of which is measured and controlled by a CTIS (10).

Abstract: Device for adjusting the height of a vehicle by adjusting the amount of air contained in a cushion unit suspending the vehicle body. The device comprises an assembly of valves by which an air passage can be communicated selectively to a compressor, to an exhaust conduit, the cushion unit, a tire or atmosphere. A sensor is provided for sensing the pressure in the air passage, the valves are selectively actuated by switches, and a display panel shows the pressure level in the air passage.

Abstract: A control valve for increasing or reducing the air pressure in a tire of a vehicle wheel that is to be carried out over a short period of time, has a valve chamber that is connected, on one side, to the interior of the tire and, on the other side, to a supply duct. The valve chamber has a space that extends axially through the wheel hub, the interior end of this space being sealed off with respect to an axle part carrying the vehicle wheel. In this space, an automatically closing valve member is arranged that can be controlled into its open position against the interior pressure of the tire by a control piston that is also guided in this space and can be acted upon by a pressure medium. For supplying air to and removing air from the tire, the axle part projects into an axial duct of the control piston with a cylindrical projection that is penetrated by the supply duct.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with twin tires which includes one tire with a winter tread and a further tire with a summer tread arranged on a common rim. Each tire is provided with a device for the air pressure regulation for achieving a selective pressure decrease and increase. The device for the air pressure regulation is connected with a device for the air pressure control by way of a common control unit. Actuating switches influencing the control unit serve for the mutually matched pressure adjustment of the tires for the summer and winter operation.

Abstract: A pressure-controlled remotely-operated valve for utilization in respective wheels of a vehicle, on-road, off-road type. The valve is functional to effect tire deflation or tire inflation in a stationary or moving vehicle. Multiple piston-valve elements are axially aligned in a multi-step recess of a housing, wherein the effective areas of two opposed valves differ in value whereby a first valve movable in a two-stage phase can move a second valve only under certain tire pressure conditions. A third valve operable by said first valve can connect tire pressure to exhaust upon action of the first valve in a first phase operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for varying the inflation pressure in the tires of a vehicle in order to obtain an operator selected tire deflection. The system includes a source of pressure which is fluidly connected through an inflation valve to the tires which, upon actuation, increases the tire pressure. Conversely, a deflation valve is also connected to the tire and, upon actuation, exhausts fluid from the tires thus decreasing the tire pressure. A pressure sensor detects the pressure representative of the pressure within the tires and a further sensor detects the vehicle load while a switch arrangement allows the operator to select between at least two different tire deflection levels. An electronic control unit receives input signals from the pressure and further sensors as well as from the switch arrangement and selectively actuates the inflation or deflation valves until a tire pressure corresponding to the desired tire deflection is obtained.

Abstract: A tire valve assembly (56, 58) for a central tire inflation system (10) effective to automatically isolate a tire (12) pressurized to less than a predetermined minimum pressure from the remainder of the system is provided. The tire valve assembly includes a control valve (58) and a low tire pressure shut-off valve (56) which are connected to a selectively pressurized and vented conduit (52) and to a conduit (68) fluidly communicating with the interior pressurized chamber (74) of the tire. A single selectively pressurized and vented conduit (52) operates the control valve and provides the sole connection of the assembly to pressurized fluid and/or to venting to atmosphere required for system operation other than for initial inflation of the tires to the predetermined minimum pressure thereof.

Abstract: A tire building machine including flanges which have a surface to allow for the positioning and disengagement of a tire. The positioning and disengagement of the tire on the machine is effected by the surface interaction between the bead portions of the tire and the surface area of the flange. The surface area of the flange in the present invention includes a plurality of bead portion bearing surfaces to facilitate the release of the bead portions. In addition, the surface area of the flange is designed to reduce friction between the bead portions and the flange.

Abstract: A device for regulating the pressure of a tire on a moving vehicle includes an inlet channel to be linked to an exterior pressure supply, an outlet channel on the tire and normally closed by a valve head, as well as a mechanism which, responding to the pressure from the supply line, pushes against the valve head to open it. This mechanism includes, within a chamber directly communicating with the supply channel, a moveable assembly one of the surfaces of which is directly submitted to the pressure of the chamber, while the other surface is submitted to the same pressure by means of a calibrated outflow channel or restriction outlet introducing a delay in the establishment of the pressure.

Abstract: A tire valve assembly (300) for a central tire inflation system (10) comprising a single valve body (302) having only a first (304) and a second (306) fluid connection from the exterior to the interior thereof is provided. The first fluid connection comprises a first port (304) connected to a selectively pressurized and exhausted conduit (52) and the second fluid connection comprises a second port (306) connected to the interior pressurized chamber (74) of an inflatable tire (12). The assembly includes first valve means (314) responsive to pressurization and exhausting of said selectively pressurized and exhausted conduit to establish or block, respectively, fluid communication between said first and second ports and second valve means (316) responsive to pressurization in said interior tire chamber to maintain said first valve means in the closed position thereof if said interior tire chamber is pressurized below a predetermined reference pressure.