Abstract: A valve assembly is configured to secure on a hole of a rim on which a tire having at least two air chambers is mounted. The valve assembly includes a main body, a securing means, at least two valve bodies and at least two valves. The main body includes at least two transfer air passage respectively connected to each of the air chambers. The securing means is configured to secure the main body and also the at least two valve bodies on the rim. The at least two valve bodies are respectively disposed on the main body and each of the at least two valve bodies has an inlet air passage connected to one of the transfer air passages of the main body. The at least two valves are respectively attached to each of the at least two valve bodies.

Abstract: A valve system for a tire parameter monitoring system includes a valve body having an elastomeric material and a connection element. The connection element includes a first engaging device with which the connection element is detachably connected to an electronic module of the tire parameter monitoring system, a second engaging device with which the connection element is detachably connected to the valve body, and a mounting section adapted to be detachably connected to a hole in a wheel rim. A tire parameter monitoring system and a method for mounting a tire parameter monitoring system to a wheel rim of a vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic valve system for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler to a valve stem for filling an inflatable vessel such as a tire, tube, mattress, etc. The valve system may comprise the following major components: a valve stem, a valve cap with a pin passage and attachment structure for attaching to a valve coupler, a sealing member, a biasing member, the valve coupler comprising a coupler housing, a pin seat, an inflation pin, and a collar with ball bearings complementary to the attachment structure of the valve cap, and an elastic sleeve for providing inward force against the ball bearings. The valve system may allow for easy, secure, and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and valve stem by simply pushing down on the valve coupler, and disengagement by pulling up on the valve coupler with as little as two fingers.

Abstract: A bladder device is for moving a component of a web packaging machine that forms and encloses a food product in a food product package made of webs of packaging material. The bladder device has a bladder and a nipple stub coupled to the bladder and having a first end configured to receive a gas and a second end configured to dispense the gas into the bladder to thereby inflate the bladder and move the component of the web packaging machine. A collar coupled to the nipple stub such that the bladder is sandwiched between the collar and the second end of the nipple stub. The second end of the nipple stub has a depression and the collar has a boss that is oriented towards the depression such that tightening the collar on the nipple stub forces the bladder into the depression and thereby forms a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A non-inflatable vehicle tire comprising a rubber carcass molded to fit and be secured to a wheel rim with a series of equally spaced passages extending transversely through the carcass to provide resilient supporting ribs between the passages and having a road engaging tread molded to the carcass over a band of flexible steel cord reinforcing in which the band comprises a plurality of superimposed plies of coated hard steel cord and in which minor passages are provided through the ribs.

Abstract: An air maintenance tire assembly is provided in which an elongate groove is located within a first sidewall of a tire. The groove forms an elongate channel within the first sidewall and an elongate groove access passage extends from the elongate channel to an access opening located at an outward surface of the first sidewall. An air pumping tube inserts through the groove access passage and is positioned within the groove channel. A cover strip attaches to the first sidewall to enclose the access opening of the groove access passage. The cover strip is positioned along the first sidewall at a higher distance from the bead region of the first sidewall than the groove channel to avoid contact with a wheel rim flange when the tire is mounted to a wheel rim.

Abstract: A powered drive unit system of an aircraft is disclosed herein. The system may include a support structure, a plurality of motor driven tires configured to present a horizontal motive force on an object, and an axle of a tire. The axle of the tire may be retained by the support structure. The object may move relative to the static support structure. The location of an axle of the tire may be rigidly fixed in position relative to the support structure housing the axle. Normal force on the object by the tire may be created through tire compliance. The axle of the tire may be retained by the support structure. The axis of rotation of the axle may be in a substantially static three dimensional plane relative to the support structure.

Abstract: An air filter cartridge has Z-media and a gasket arrangement with a perimeter gasket member against the downstream flow face and a side gasket member adjacent to at least a partial extension of a first side panel. The side gasket member includes no portion against second, third, and fourth side panels of the air filter cartridge. The air filter cartridge can be used in a dust collector having a tubesheet and a frame arrangement extending from the tubesheet. The perimeter gasket member seals against the frame arrangement and the side gasket member seals against the tubesheet. A method of servicing includes orienting the air filter cartridge against a guide ramp and moving the filter cartridge until the side gasket member is engaged against the tubesheet sealing surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses adjustable air duct sealing systems for obstructing airflow through portions of an air duct system. Such systems may include an adjustable frame assembly configured to allow changes to a perimeter of the adjustable frame assembly. Systems may also include an actuator pole connector configured to attach the adjustable air duct sealing system to an actuator pole. Systems may include two or more support arms such that each support arm connects the actuator pole connector to the adjustable frame assembly and each support arm moveably connects to the actuator pole connector to allow the support arms to adjust to changes in the perimeter of the adjustable frame assembly. Some systems also include a sheet cover configured across the adjustable frame assembly to obstruct airflow through at least a portion of the adjustable frame assembly.

Abstract: A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air passageway in the tire that is operable to be sequentially flattened by the tire footprint in a direction opposite to a tire direction of rotation to pump air from an inlet device through the passageway to an outlet device for direction into the tire cavity. A valve device for a tire is also disclosed. The valve device includes an insert mounted in the tire, a valve body mounted within the valve insert; wherein the valve body has a first, second and third chamber, wherein a first and second check valve is positioned in the first and second chamber. A pressure membrane is received within the valve body, and positioned to open and close the third chamber. The pressure membrane is in fluid communication with the tire cavity and the third chamber of the valve body. A spring is received within the third chamber and is positioned to exert force upon the pressure membrane to bias the pressure membrane position relative to the channel in the open position.

Abstract: An air maintenance tire and air pump assembly is provided including a tire and an elongate tubular air passageway enclosed within a flexing region of a tire sidewall. A plurality of check valve devices are spaced apart and positioned along the air passageway into multiple air passageway segments. A check valve membrane opens to allow pressurized air to directionally pass through the check valve device from an upstream passageway segment to a downstream passageway segment and closes to prevent air from passing in an opposite direction through the check valve from the downstream segment to the upstream segment.

Abstract: A cap for a valve stem includes a housing extending along an axis from a first end to a second end. A bore extends along the axis from the first end toward the second end and a cup-shaped wall extends circumferentially about the bore for receiving the valve stem. A threaded surface is disposed in the bore for threadedly engaging the valve stem. A flange extends from the first end transversely to the axis and circumferentially around the bore for abutting the rim of the wheel to stabilize the housing relative to the rim of the wheel. Ribs are radially spaced about the housing and extend outwardly from the wall of the housing to the flange reinforcing the housing relative to the flange.

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

Abstract: A self-inflating tire system includes a compression actuator assembly mounted to a tire carcass for compressing air for delivery to a tire cavity. The compression actuator assembly includes a hollow containment body formed from a resilient deformable material composition and containing a quantity of a non-compressible medium. The containment body is affixed to a relatively high flex-deformation region of the tire carcass and reciprocally transforms between a deformed state and a non-deformed state responsive to deformation and recovery of the tire high flex-deformation region in a rolling tire. Accordingly, the containment body in the deformed state displaces a pressurized displaced quantity of the non-compressible medium which generates a compression force for application to a volume of air delivered to the tire cavity.

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

Abstract: A tire assembly includes a tire carcass body and an air tube body extending between an outward facing tire body surface and an inward tire body surface. The air tube body has an enclosed hollow enclosed outlet end at a first end and an enclosed hollow inlet end at an opposite second end. An air passageway extends through the air tube body from the inlet end to the outlet end. The outlet end is positioned to face exposed from the outward tire body surface and the inlet end is positioned to face exposed from the inward tire body surface. The air tube body is integrally formed of resilient flexible material composition and includes a hollow outer casing and one or more hollow air cables positioned within the casing for regulating the rate of air flow from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Abstract: An air passageway body resides within a tire body and extends between an outward facing tire body surface and the tire cavity, the air passageway body having an enclosed air passageway extending between a hollow body outlet end facing the tire cavity and a hollow inlet end facing outward from the outward facing tire body surface. A tapping device is affixed over one or both of the ends of the air passageway body, the tapping device having an external vent opening and a protrusion member penetrating through a sidewall of the air passageway body to operatively establish an air flow path extending between the air passageway of the air passageway body through the protrusion member and the tapping device vent opening. The air passageway body is installed pre-cure within a green tire carcass build of the tire body and the tapping device(s) are attached post-cure to the air passageway body.

Abstract: A self-inflating tire assembly includes one or more air tube(s) connected to a tire and having a plurality of adjoining diaphragm chambers separated by a one-way valve. An air passageway extends through the air tube and the diaphragm chambers. The one-way valve allows a directional passage of air through the valve from an inlet valve side an outlet valve side. The footprint in a rotating tire sequentially collapses the diaphragm chambers to directionally pump air through the one-way valve between the diaphragm chambers and along the air passageway from an air tube inlet device to an air tube outlet device.

Abstract: An inner-tube assembly that includes an inner-tube and a valve assembly. The valve assembly is configured to facilitate the inflation of the inner-tube, and the valve assembly includes a valve core and a valve housing. The valve housing has a lower portion coupled to the inner-tube and an opposite upper portion. At least part of an exterior surface of the lower portion is threaded and at least part of an exterior surface of the upper portion is unthreaded. In another aspect, the inner-tube assembly includes the inner-tube and a valve assembly. An attachment member couples the valve assembly to the inner-tube. The attachment member has a length and a width defining an aspect ratio of width/length, and the aspect ratio is less than about 0.50.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for extracting useful work from pressure transients in a pneumatic tire to replace lost air from the tire. The apparatus and method operate continuously and without human intervention. When also used with a pressure relief valve, the apparatus and method permit the tires that are being driven to be maintained at a desired average pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic tire pressurizing and regulating system. The system maintains a predetermined pressure in a pneumatic tire during rotation of the tire. The system comprises a fill valve, one or more pumping devices, and a belt that provides fluid pathways that allow fluid (e.g., air) to flow between the outside atmosphere, the pumping device(s), and the tire as needed to maintain the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An inflation stem having an inflation valve combined with a blow-off valve to prevent overinflation. The valves are forced open during inflation when the actuating pin is depressed by the compressor chuck head, opening a fill chamber through which fluid flows into an inflatable object, and also opening a blow-off chamber. A blow-off intake allows lower pressure fluid from the interior of the object to enter the blow-off chamber. The fluid entering the blow-off chamber is isolated from the high pressure fluid coming in from the compressor through the fill chamber by a separation fin and shield joined to the bottom end of the actuating pin. A blow-off gasket is biased upward by a blow-off spring. But as pressure in the object and the blow-off chamber increases, the blow-off gasket is forced down, until at the predetermined pressure it is pushed past a blow-off port, through which fluid then escapes.

Abstract: An inflation stem having an inflation valve combined with a blow-off valve to prevent overinflation. The valves are forced open during inflation when the actuating pin is depressed by the compressor chuck head, opening a fill chamber through which fluid flows into an inflatable object, and also opening a blow-off chamber. A blow-off intake allows lower pressure fluid from the interior of the object to enter the blow-off chamber. The fluid entering the blow-off chamber is isolated from the high pressure fluid coming in from the compressor through the fill chamber by a separation fin and shield joined to the bottom end of the actuating pin. A blow-off gasket is biased upward by a blow-off spring. But as pressure in the object and the blow-off chamber increases, the blow-off gasket is forced down, until at the predetermined pressure it is pushed past a blow-off port, through which fluid then escapes.

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 tire valve nut for mounting a valve stem to a wheel in the valve hole of the wheel. The valve stem is used to charge air into a tire mounted on the wheel. The tire valve nut includes a shoulder formed along an inner wall of the tire valve nut at a lower end of the tire valve nut. An elastic body is arranged in the shoulder.

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 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.

Abstract: An inner tube adapter for a tubeless tire is disclosed including a bulb-shaped body having an internal bore, wherein the internal bore is threaded along at least a portion of its length, the internal bore for surrounding at least a portion of a valve having a body and an end section and secured by an adhesive, and wherein the end section extends outside of the internal bore.

Abstract: A tire structure includes a hole defined through a sidewall of the tire and a flexible valve is inserted in the hole. A passage is defined longitudinally through the flexible valve and the flexible valve is deformed by the sidewall so as to seal the passage.

Abstract: A valve for a tire and rim assembly equipped with a pneumatic support membrane designed to be deployed when the pressure difference between the cavity of the membrane and that of the tire exceeds a given threshold, so that every operation of inflation or deflation preserves the integrity of the membrane while preventing any deflation of the tire cavity alone.

Abstract: A tire inflation valve stem comprises a stationary, radially outer stem part (3); a movable, radially inner stem part (4) slidable axially within the outer part; a compression reaction spring (20) extending between the core parts; and a flexible barrier (23) extending from one core part to the other to prevent air leakage between the parts. The flexible barrier comprises a thin walled, soft elastomeric tube sealed at its ends to the respective core parts and with an intermediate part curved back on itself in a free rolling manner within a variable length annular space between an external cylindrical surface (19) of the movable core part and an internal cylindrical surface (12) of the stationary part.

Abstract: A tire inflation apparatus and method involves first evacuating a seated pneumatic tire using a vacuum pump and then inflating the tire with a dried inert gas under pressure without allowing any ambient air to reenter the evacuated tire. The apparatus includes a three way valve which is connected by a first conduit to a tank of pressurized inert gas and by a second conduit to the vacuum pump. A hose having a tire valve chuck connected to a distal end is connected at the opposite end from the chuck to the three way valve. The three way valve selectively and alternatively flow connects the hose to the tank of pressurized gas or the vacuum pump through the first or second conduits respectively. The hose is initially connected to the vacuum pump to evacuate the tire, and then to the tank of pressurized gas to inflate the tire. A heater on the first conduit heats the cooled gas exiting the tank to raise the temperature of the pressurized gas delivered to the tire at least to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A tire air valve (core) mounting and dismounting tool 20 includes a tool head portion 21, a shank portion 22 and a grip portion 23. The tool head portion 21 has a slot 32 for seizing and holding a valve core head portion 16, an axial bore 33 for accepting a valve core shaft portion 14 and its enlarged end 14a. The tool head portion 21 also has annular groove 34 formed along a cylindrical peripheral surface thereof. Balls 36 are retained in second bores 35 which are open to the annular groove 34 and also communicate with the axial bore 33 through openings 37 of a reduced diameter to allow the balls 36 to partially protrude into the axial bore 33. A coil spring 38 is anchored and fastened in the annular groove 34 to act to normally bias the ball 36 radially inwards and leave the balls 36 protruding into the axial bore 33.

Abstract: A sealing valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a passage defined by the interior surface of a tubular casing comprises a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal bore therethrough. The valve body is formed for releasable connection to the tubular casing when the valve body is inserted longitudinally into the passage of the tubular casing. A valve seat is disposed on the valve body. A sealing assembly comprises a sealing device adapted for sealing engagement with the valve seat. The sealing device is movable with respect to the valve seat from a closed sealing position in which the sealing device sealingly engages the valve seat to block fluid flow through the bore in the valve body to an open position in which the sealing device is spaced from the valve seat to permit fluid flow through the bore.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly includes a tire, a rim, an air valve and a relief valve. The relief valve can be installed in the rim, in the tire, or incorporated into the housing of the air valve to communicate directly with the interior of the tire; or as an adapter attachable to the outer end of the air valve. The relief valve includes an aperture normally covered by pre-stressed flexible belt which seals the aperture, but upon the presence of excessive pressure in the tire is deforming to vent the excessive pressure to the atmosphere. A second described variation relief valve includes a weakened portion of its housing which is automatically ruptured upon the presence of excessive pressure; this variation provides a one-time venting adapter.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for inhibiting particulate material in a pneumatic tire from adversely affecting operation of a tire valve assembly The method involves inserting a filter element into a valve stem passage of the valve assembly while the valve assembly is connected to the wheel assembly, and then installing a sealing valve in the valve stem passage. The invention also relates to a tool for inserting the filter element into the valve assembly to inhibit particulate material from passing into the valve assembly while allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The tool comprises a body selectively attachable to the valve assembly. The body has a plurality of passages therein, including a plunger passage, a filter passage and a fluid passage, and a selector valve having two bores therein for selective registry with the plurality of passages.

Abstract: A no-flat tire and no-flat tire insert for use in vehicle wheels, which includes a plurality of chambers connected to a single valve system. The single valve inflates or deflates the plurality of chambers simultaneously during charging or discharging. After charging, all chambers are isolated from each other. Puncture or damage of one or a small number of chambers will not cause the tire to go flat.

Abstract: A device for preventing a pinch puncture of an inner tube of a pneumatic tire, which is disposed within a tire casing fitted over a wheel rim, includes a resiliently deformable ring disposed between the inner tube and the rim. The ring includes a flat base section positioned within a radially outwardly facing channel of the rim, an intermediate section which extends from the base section radially outwardly substantially beyond an outer periphery of the rim, and an outer section which defines an inner tube supporting cradle. The intermediate section of the ring includes a neck having a reduced width relative to the base section. The outer section has a width greater than that of the base. A radial aperture is provided through the ring for a valve stem, and a valve stem extension is provided to extend from the inner tube valve stem radially inwardly through the rim. The ring is preferably formed of a polyurethane material having a 90 Shore A durometer hardness.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve assembly includes a valve body having an interior outer central passageway and an interior inner central cavity larger in diameter than the outer central passageway, a valve stem disposed within the outer central passageway and extending into the inner central cavity, a retainer member which supports the valve stem, and a flexible bendable annular seal flange attached about the valve stem held against an interior annular seal surface formed within the valve body between the central passageway and central cavity due to the support of the valve stem by the retainer member. Upon inflation, inward flow of pressurized air through an annular channel between the valve body and valve stem impinges on the annular seal flange, causing it to flex away from the annular seal surface and to permit inward flow of pressurized air.

Abstract: A dual chamber inflatable safety tire mounted on a rim, said tire having an outer tire with an inner tire disposed within the outer tire forming an outer chamber and inner chamber, a one way valve means extending through the inner tire to enable air flow from the outer chamber to the inner chamber, a first inflation and deflation valve means extending through the apparatus into the outer chamber, and a second inflation and deflation valve means extended through the apparatus into the inner chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a valve stem for a pneumatic tire and more specifically to a valve stem which is capable of allowing for the introduction of pulverulent matter into the tire directly through the valve while at the same time also being capable of filtering the air released from within the tire through the valve core to prevent pulverulent matter contained within the tire from entering the valve core seat assembly and the atmosphere. The present invention also prevents pulverulent matter which may be contained within a tire from being forced into the valve core over time through use of the tire and due to routine checking of tire air pressure. The invention is suited for use with any size wheel and tire assembly including those found on automobiles, light trucks, heavy duty over-the-road trucks, and heavy duty off-road trucks.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in co-operation with a conventional tire inflation valve which enables the pressure in a tire to be reduced to a pre-determined value in a one step process. A movable pressure regulator member, comprising a pin and slot arrangement, co-operates with a valve regulating spring to close a valve member, once the pressure in the tire has reached the required valve.

Abstract: A safety tire is provided having an outer tire with treads and a puncture resistant inner tire defining inner and outer chambers, a first inflation/deflation valve extending through the sidewall of the outer tire into the outer chamber, a one-way valve to enable air flow from the outer chamber to the inner chamber, and a second inflation/deflation valve extending through the rim of the tire into the inner chamber.

Abstract: A tire fill valve having pressure relief and tire fill fluid gas flow limiting characteristics for use in filling tires to a predetermined pressure form a large flow capacity gas source delivering fill gas at a substantially greater pressure. Gases utilized typically are air or nitrogen. The valve of the invention is wheel mounted intermediate the gas pressurizing source and the tire gas valve inlet. Tire fill gas from a high pressure high capacity source passes through a flow limiting orifice having a positive closure or shutoff member and passes through a pressure sensitive chamber as it enters the tire. Chamber pressure is sensed by a spring loaded valve disk controlling relief or venting orifices. When fill pressure in the pressure sensing chamber exceeds a pre-determined value established by the valve disk area and valve disk springs, the disk lifts allowing the venting of the fill gas.

Abstract: An air inlet and automatic pressure adjustment assembly comprising a smaller closed ended inner cylinder with a partially common wall with a larger outer cylinder with there being a vent hole in the common cylinder wall and an adjustable spring loaded to close vent valve in the inner cylinder so that excess air pressure opens this valve to vent air from the tire to the outside. The layer outer cylinder contains a normal air inlet valve that will be held closed by inlet air pressure of the tire.

Abstract: A tire shock absorber for attachment to a pneumatic tube tire or pneumatic tubeless tire for improving the smoothness of ride and decreasing road vibrations, the tire shock absorber comprising a chamber having at least one valve means which permits the unrestricted flow of air from the tubeless tire or tube tire into the chamber when the tire is subjected to intermittent road pressure, the valve means permitting the return of the displaced air to the tubeless tire or tube tire subsequent to the tire being subjected to the intermittent pressure. The tire shock absorber is designed for positioning either exterior to the tire or interior to the tire depending upon whether or not it is a tube tire or a tubeless tire.

Abstract: A detachable anti-skid device for a vehicle wheel tire comprises a support bearing a series of anti-skid components extending transversely over the tread of the tire and at least one pneumatic jack fed from the air valve of the tire and making it possible to apply the anti-skid components against the tire. The support is formed by a ring having a diameter which is slightly less than that of the tire and on which the anti-skid components are pivotally mounted. The ring also comprises a hub with a compressed-air distribution chamber connected by a rotary connection to the inlet valve of the tire and to the control jacks of the anti-skid components.

Abstract: A closed torus tire may be inflated by means of a circumferential conduit located at the interface of the tire and a rim. The closed inflation chamber of the closed torus tire communicates with the circumferential conduit via an air inlet passageway through the annular base region of the tire's carcass. An inflation valve passageway through the rim also communicates with the circumferential conduit to provide an air conduit means for inflating the closed torus tire.

Abstract: If articles are to be fastened to a web of elastomeric material and one does not want to apply the disadvantageous ways of providing holes in the web, or clamping a thickened portion of the web, or glueing, or vulcanizing, then very good results can be obtained by placing the web on a flange of an article which is provided with one or more inwardly tapered recesses, whereupon one places a counter-member on the web, which counter member has a complementary appearance with regard to the flange. The invention is particularly usefull when applied to expansion tanks and tire valves.

Abstract: A novel valve mechanism is disclosed which eliminates the need for a conventional cap normally associated with prior art valve and valve stem assemblies for pneumatic tires. The valve stem embodies a core with an elastomeric member to prevent ingress and egress of a fluid through the valve stem. The elastomeric member can be a normally collapsed flexible tube or a resealable septa.