Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheel end assembly having a high temperature warning system for giving a warning in the event that the temperature in the assembly reaches a predetermined value such as caused by hub bearing failure or a brake related failure. In one embodiment the system may be a stand-alone system for installation on any vehicle such as a trailer. In another embodiment the system may be combined with an automatic tire inflation system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheel end assembly having a high temperature warning system for giving a warning in the event that the temperature in the assembly reaches a predetermined value such as caused by hub bearing failure or a brake related failure. In one embodiment the system may be a stand-alone system for installation on any vehicle such as a trailer. In another embodiment the system may be combined with an automatic tire inflation system.

Abstract: A 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: An automatic tire inflation system or wheel end assembly may be provided with a pressure reduction valve to allow rapid deflation of a tire. A method of rapidly reducing tire pressure may include use of a pressure reduction valve.

Abstract: A tire management system for a truck or trailer comprising an axle having a first tire mounted thereto, the system comprising an air pressure supply connected to the tire so as to allow sealed communication of pressurized air between the air pressure supply and the first tire, and a first pilot-operated check valve in sealed fluid communication with the air pressure supply and with the first tire, the first pilot-operated check valve being configured to allow air to flow only from the air pressure supply to the first tire when a pilot of the first pilot check valve is not activated, and to allow air to flow between the first tire and the air pressure supply when the pilot of the first pilot-operated check valve is activated.

Abstract: A valve stem may comprise an auxiliary port. Devices such as an air pressure gauge, a tire pressure monitoring system sensor, temperature gauges and one-way valves may be mounted to the auxiliary port. A valve stem with auxiliary port may be used in an automatic tire inflation system. A sleeve may be translatably mounted to the valve stem to cover and uncover the auxiliary port.

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: A rotary air connection for an automatic tire inflation system having an air pressure source, the rotary air connection comprising a stationary portion and a rotatable portion rotatably mounted to the stationary portion, the rotary air connection having a central channel with a one-way check valve disposed in the central channel so as to allow fluid to flow from the air pressure source in one direction through the central channel but not in the opposite direction toward the air pressure source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheel end assembly having a high temperature warning system for giving a warning in the event that the temperature in the assembly reaches a predetermined value such as caused by hub bearing failure or a brake related failure. In one embodiment the system may be a stand-alone system for installation on any vehicle such as a trailer. In another embodiment the system may be combined with an automatic tire inflation system.

Abstract: An improved rotary air connection in an automatic tire inflation system for supplying air to rotating tires through an elongate rigid tubular member supported from and adapted to move longitudinally and rotationally in first and second seals. The rotary air connection includes a bearing adapted to engage a shoulder on the tubular member to limit longitudinal movement of the tubular member. The bearing may also coact with the shoulder for limiting transverse movement of the tubular member.

Abstract: An improved rotary air connection in an automatic tire inflation system for supplying air to rotating tires through an elongate rigid tubular member supported from and adapted to longitudinally and rotationally in first and second seals. The rotary air connection includes a bearing adapted to engage a shoulder on the tubular member to limit longitudinal movement of the tubular member. The bearing may also coact with the shoulder for limiting transverse movement of the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the interface of various components of an automatic tire inflation system and an anti-locking braking system through the inside of a stationary axle of a vehicle.

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: A press plug for use in an inflation system for supplying air to the rotating tires on a vehicle. The press plug provides the function of sealing pressure in an axle and providing support by rotary air connection by engaging the inside of the axle and being held in place by an interference fit. The press plug includes a tapered flange for providing both a seal and retaining feature for holding the press plug in position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotary air coupling that distributes air to tires mounted on a rotating hub of a driven axle. The coupling is positioned outside of the axle and hub bearings avoiding interference with the wheel assembly. And the rotary coupling is connected to the brake mounting plate and the wheel hub to take advantage of their closely held tolerances.

Abstract: A rotary air connection in a central tire inflation system for supplying air to the rotating tires which includes a union having a stationary part having an internal shoulder with a rotary seal and a second rotatable part including an elongate rigid tubular member coaxially extendable through and longitudinally movable in the stationary part and the rotary seal. The tubular member is sealingly connected to a hub cap thereby providing a structure allowing for movement and misalignment between the movable and stationary parts for the union.

Abstract: An improvement in an air inflation system for a vehicle of an improved sensor for detecting an air leak including an air flow restriction positioned in the air connection between the air supply and the tires and an air actuated differential pressure switch connected to the air connection upstream and downstream of the flow restriction for actuating a warning indicator when air is being supplied to a tire.

Abstract: An air control system which is connected to the conventional air supply on a truck is continuously connected to the truck tires and provides equal pressure to all of the tires through a regulator. The air connection between the regulator and each tire is through a rotatable joint in the truck axles for allowing rotation of the wheels while connected to the air control system.