Abstract: Diagnostic and response systems and methods for a fluid power system acquire data from pressure and temperature sensors disposed in the fluid power system, analyze the data in a failure algorithm to build a history of cumulative damage to hoses in the fluid power system, communicates an indication of potential imminent hose failure to a central location when a level of the cumulative damage indicates imminent failure of a hose, analyze the information at the central location to determine an appropriate response, and transmit information about the fluid power system, including location, and identification of the hose about to fail to a response unit. The response unit responds to the location and replaces the component prior to failure, or the communication might include information that the hose has failed, such that the response unit replaces the failed hose to return the fluid power system to normal operation.

Abstract: A hose assembly includes a length of hose and a bracket. The bracket includes a rigid insert and a resilient overmold encapsulating at least a portion of the insert and mechanically bonding with at least a portion of an exterior of the hose. A method to produce this assembly may employ thermoplastic injection molding and include the steps of associating the rigid insert with the length of hose and overmolding the rigid insert and a section of the length of hose associated with the rigid insert with the resilient material, thereby encapsulating a portion of the insert and mechanically bonding the resilient material with the section of the length of the hose. A portion of the rigid insert may extend from the bracket and provide amounting holes and a bearing surface for mounting fasteners.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and correcting data errors in an RF data link include identifying valid data frames and corrupted data frames by measuring a data corruption level for each transmitted data frame, comparing the measured data corruption level for each corrupted data frame to a data corruption threshold, reconstructing the corrupted data frames having a data corruption level below the data corruption threshold, reconstructing the data block using data from valid and reconstructed data frames, and/or verifying the data in the reconstructed data block.

Abstract: A snap-in tire pressure monitoring system having a valve that deforms to form an annular sealing surface around an opening in a tire rim. A sensor housing having electronics components configured to sense conditions within the tire may be attached to the valve. Data collected by the components may be wireless transmitted for further processing.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing disposed in conjunction with a pressurized vessel and sprung valve assembly and a stem to be inserted into the housing in two stages. The stem is retained in the housing in the first stage and the stem activates the valve to release the pressurized fluid in the second stage. The connector employs a two-stage retaining mechanism that includes a clip retained in a groove defined in an interior wall of the housing, a lower groove and an upper groove formed into an exterior of the stem. The clip is disposed in the lower groove and the housing groove in the first stage; and in the upper groove and the housing groove in the second stage. The stem defines a stem stop that contacts an assembly setting mechanism upon completion of the first stage. The assembly setting mechanism is removed to allow the second stage.

Abstract: A quick to connect and quick to disconnect fluid coupling has a clip, a male portion having an annular groove adapted to receive the clip, a female portion, and a sealing element. The female portion has a dual function frustoconical portion adapted to compress the sealing element during joinder of the male portion with the female portion as well as to compress the clip into the annular groove in preparation of separating the male portion from the female portion. Further, a sleeve with a shoulder is slideably placed about the male portion which has a debris barrier and adapted to capture the clip compressed within the annular groove sleeve by wedging the shoulder apart from said debris barrier.

Abstract: A tubing termination comprises a termination portion adapted to make a fluid connection and a tube attachment portion, adapted to receive a tube and to be crimped or swaged. The tube attachment portion comprises a retention mechanism that is adapted to be manipulated during crimping or swaging to bite the tube so as to lock the tube attachment portion relative to the tube. This retention mechanism may take the form of a deformable bite ring, a deflectable c-insert, irregularities defined on an inner surface of the tube attachment portion, and/or the like. The tube attachment portion also may include a resilient sealing mechanism adapted to provide a seal between the tube and the tube attachment portion, and thereby a fluid-tight connection between the tube and the termination portion.