Abstract: A self-inflating tire is provided that includes a pneumatic tire having a tread, and a casing, where the tread includes an outer riding surface, wherein the casing includes an inner inflation surface, and an elastic inflation lumen disposed between the casing and the tread, where the inflation lumen has at least one air through-port.

Abstract: A pneumatic control device is provided designed to work with self-inflating inner tubes and tires, specifically for bicycles or wheelchairs. The device distinguishes a stem assembly and an air control assembly. The device allows users to set a desired pressure and maintains that constant pressure over time, thereby eliminating the need to manually re-fill the tires. The device is compatible with current rims and tires and requires no modification to be installed to existing rims. The device works by regulating the intake of air from the atmosphere into the self-inflating pumping mechanism. Once the desired pressure is reached, the system stops new air from entering the self-inflating mechanism.

Abstract: A self-inflating pumping mechanism for tires or tubes is provided. Two arc-shaped lever arms connected through a hinge enclose a lumen/collapsible cavity below the hinge. The design provides great mechanical leverage, which is generated by the lever arms and exerted directly onto the lumen. This translates into higher pumping pressures, lower activation loads, better ride quality and lower energy consumption. The design has a lumen that is mechanically isolated from the inner tube or air pressure in the main cavity of the inner tube, avoiding the need to reinforce the lumen against the pressure of the tire.

Abstract: A compression device for a self-inflating tire is provided that includes a first surface made from a flexible memory material, where the first surface is mechanically connected to a pumping chamber, where the first surface includes a first arm, a second arm and a fulcrum along an X-Y plane, where the fulcrum is disposed between the first arm and the second arm, an arc-shape length along a Y-Z plane that is configured to conform to an inner surface of a tire, a first state, where when in the first state, the first surface conforms to an unloaded, pressurized inner surface of the tire, and a second state, where when in the second state, the first surface collapses radially outward about the fulcrum by the first arm and the second arm, where air is drawn in from the atmosphere and pushed through the pumping chamber into the tire.

Abstract: A compression device for a self-inflating tire is provided that includes a first surface made from a flexible memory material, where the first surface is mechanically connected to a pumping chamber, where the first surface includes a first arm, a second arm and a fulcrum along an X-Y plane, where the fulcrum is disposed between the first arm and the second arm, an arc-shape length along a Y-Z plane that is configured to conform to an inner surface of a tire, a first state, where when in the first state, the first surface conforms to an unloaded, pressurized inner surface of the tire, and a second state, where when in the second state, the first surface collapses radially outward about the fulcrum by the first arm and the second arm, where air is drawn in from the atmosphere and pushed through the pumping chamber into the tire.

Abstract: A self-inflating inner tube with a non-elastic band that encircles the defining perimeter of the inner tube. The band limits the expansion of the inner tube within the tire-rim chamber and creates a low pressure zone along the length of the chamber where a pumping mechanism is placed. As the wheel rotates the pumping mechanism collapses between the inner tube and tire thereby pushing air along its length. The compressed air is used to inflate the inner tube and maintain proper tire pressure.

Abstract: A self-inflating inner tube with a pumping mechanism is provided. The self-inflating inner tube employs a non-elastic band that constrains the tube from expanding completely within the tire-rim cavity thereby creating a low pressure zone. The pumping mechanism is placed in the low pressure zone and compresses as load is applied to the section of wheel thereby pushing air into the inner tube. As the wheel rotates the load is removed and the pumping mechanism returns to its original shape drawing in air for the next pumping cycle.

Abstract: Described herein are temperature-controllable devices, and methods for using them. In some variations, the devices comprise a fluid passageway region, which is configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and a splint. The splint may be moldable to at least a portion of a subject's anatomy, e.g., a nose. In other variations, the devices comprise a fluid passageway region configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and an absorbent pad. In some variations, the devices comprise three layers, in which two of the layers form a fluid passageway region and the third layer forms a pocket or pouch. In this way, the pouch may be configured to receive at least one splint therein, e.g., in order to provide support to an injured area such as a nose. Methods for using the devices to treat an injured area are also described. Kits are also described.

Abstract: A device for providing thermal therapy for post-surgery or post-injury recovery of the breast region is provided. The thermal therapy device includes a bladder for allowing temperature-controlled fluid to flow throughout the bladder and a shell for holding the bladder. The bladder can include holes to increase its conformability to irregular three-dimensional shapes. One or more splints on the shell help to stabilize the breasts and a layer provides insulation to the bladder. The device is designed to be separable in the front, thereby allowing it to be easily worn and removed.

Abstract: Described here are systems for regulating the temperature of a heating or cooling device without adjusting the input power. In general, the systems described here comprise a heating or cooling device and a controller. The heating or cooling device typically comprises a cold region and a hot region, there being a temperature difference between the two, and an input power. The controllers are configured to be placed in thermal contact with at least a portion of the cold region and at least a portion of the hot region, and are configured to create a path for heat exchange between the portions of the contacted hot and cold regions. The heat exchanged may be controlled and the temperature of the system may be user adjustable, or it may be automatically controlled.