Abstract: A connection assembly for an air maintenance tire system is provided. The air maintenance tire system includes an annular air tube, a valve housing and at least one connecting tube that is in fluid communication with the annular air tube and the valve housing. The connection assembly includes a connection housing that in turn includes a first port, a second port and a fluid passageway extending between the first port and the second port. A first compression fitting fluidly connects the annular air tube to the connection housing first port and a second compression fitting fluidly connects the connecting tube to the connection housing second port. The connection assembly enables a secure connection and fluid communication between the annular air tube and the connecting tube.

Abstract: A tread wear indicator is affixed to a respective tire tread element. The indicator is constructed as a plurality of radially stacked sensor elements operatively configured and located to sequentially sacrificially abrade and change in electrical resistance responsive to a progressive tread wear of the respective tread element. The sensor elements are connected by circuitry that communicates a data signal from the sensor elements to a data processor indicative of a change in cumulative resistivity of the sensor elements. The data processor receives the data signal from the sensor elements and determines a radial wear level of the tread element based on the data signal. Multiple tread wear indicators may be mounted to respective tread lugs across the tread to derive a tread wear status based upon the tread wear profiles of the respective lugs.

Abstract: A tread wear indicator is affixed to a respective tire tread element. The indicator is constructed as a plurality of radially stacked sensor elements operatively configured and located to sequentially sacrificially abrade and change in electrical resistance responsive to a progressive tread wear of the respective tread element. The sensor elements are connected by circuitry that communicates a data signal from the sensor elements to a data processor indicative of a change in cumulative resistivity of the sensor elements. The data processor receives the data signal from the sensor elements and determines a radial wear level of the tread element based on the data signal. Multiple tread wear indicators may be mounted to respective tread lugs across the tread to derive a tread wear status based upon the tread wear profiles of the respective lugs.

Abstract: An article that experiences repeated deformation includes an electronic component as an inclusion. The article includes at least one structural element, in which the structural element includes a material. At least one electronic component is incorporated into the material as an inclusion. The electronic component includes an integrated circuit and may also include at least one sensor and an antenna. The size of the electronic inclusion is no greater than the largest inclusion typically occurring within the material. The article may be an article formed of rubber, such as a tire.

Abstract: A double acting pump mechanism is described for mounting on a wheel for inflating a pneumatic tire. The double acting pump mechanism includes a housing having a first pump chamber and a second pump chamber; wherein a diaphragm separates the first pump chamber from the second pump chamber; the housing further including an inlet port in fluid communication with the first pump chamber, and an outlet port in fluid communication with the second pump chamber, and wherein the outlet of the first pump chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump chamber; a striker plate is positioned for reciprocation in the housing; the striker plate being connected to a diaphragm holder, wherein the diaphragm holder engages the diaphragm and actuates the diaphragm in the first and second pump chamber. Preferably the striker plate is actuated by a permanent or electro magnet mounted on a stationary part, or the striker plate is actuated by an electrically driven magnet.

Abstract: A pumping mechanism in accordance with the present invention is used with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated. The pumping mechanism includes a frame having a first chamber and a pump chamber, a strike plate positioned in the first chamber and being connected to a plunger plate, said plunger plate having a nose for engagement with a diaphragm mounted in the pump chamber; said pump chamber being in fluid communication with a pump inlet and a pump outlet; wherein actuation of the strike plate in the first chamber causes engagement of the nose with the diaphragm. Preferably the strike plate is actuated by a permanent magnet mounted on a stationary part, or the strike plate is actuated by an electrically driven magnet.

Abstract: An integrated tire sensor and reader system includes at least one sensor unit mounted a tire or a wheel. A reader is disposed remotely from the sensor unit. The sensor unit includes at least one sensor for measuring a parameter of the tire or wheel and an antenna for communicating with the reader. The sensor unit is configured to receive a radio frequency power signal from the reader and to transmit data to the receiver. The reader includes an antenna for transmitting the radio frequency power signal to the sensor unit to actuate the one sensor unit. Upon actuation of the sensor unit, the sensor measures the parameter of the tire or wheel, and data from the sensor is transmitted from the sensor unit to the reader.

Abstract: A tread wear indicator is affixed to a respective tire tread element. The indicator is constructed as a plurality of electroactive sensor elements operatively configured and located to sequentially sacrificially abrade and change in electrical signal responsive to a progressive tread wear of the respective tread element. The electroactive elements are connected by printed circuitry that communicates an electrical signal to a passive RFID sensor tag that can be powered and read by a RFID reader.

Abstract: A system is used with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim to keep a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated from a set pressure. The first system includes a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having a piston for inflating the tire cavity and a weight for moving the piston, and a stop mechanism for each pump, the stop mechanism including a stop piston, a stop cylinder, a first spring, and a second spring, when air pressure in the tire cavity reaches the set pressure, the set pressure overcomes a force of the first spring against the stop piston and moves the stop piston into a stopping engagement with the weight, when air pressure in the tire cavity is below the set pressure, the second spring overcomes the force of the first spring and moves the stop piston away from the weight.

Abstract: A control valve suitable for use with a tire and pump assembly is described that controls the flow of air from the pump into the tire. The control valve includes an optional bi-directional feature. The pathways alternatively operate to deliver ambient non-pressurized air to the air pumping tube in response to directional tire rotation against a ground surface.

Abstract: An air maintenance tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity bounded by first and second sidewalls extending to a tire tread region, air pumping means for generating pressurized air for maintaining air pressure within the tire cavity at a preset pressure level, the air pumping means including a soft tubing and compression fittings for mitigating dynamic loading on the compression fittings, and a valve housing disposed adjacent an outward end of the valve stem and operative to selectively open and close pressurized air flow from the valve stem internal passageway into the tire cavity. The valve housing is connected to the air pumping means by the soft tubing and compression fittings for mitigating dynamic loading on the compression fittings.

Abstract: An air maintenance tire system component protector is provided. An air maintenance tire system includes at least one connecting tube extending between and being in fluid communication with an annular air tube and a valve housing. The protector includes a first end disposed proximate the connection of the at least one connecting tube to the annular tube, and a second end disposed proximate the valve housing. A mid-portion of the protector is disposed between the first and second ends. The protector covers an outboard surface of the at least one connecting tube and the valve housing, and includes means for engaging the at least one connecting tube to secure the position of the tube.

Abstract: An air maintenance system for use with a pneumatic tire is described. The air maintenance system includes a pumping mechanism that is preferably mounted on the interior surface of a wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated. The pumping mechanism includes at least one dual chamber pump, preferably at least two dual chamber pumps configured in series. More preferably, the dual chamber pumps are driven by an external mass that moves as the tire rotates. The tire's rotational energy operates the pump to ensure the tire cavity is maintained at the desired pressure level. An optional control valve shuts off airflow to the pumping mechanism when the tire cavity pressure is at the desired level.

Abstract: An air maintenance tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity bounded by first and second sidewalls extending to a tire tread region and air pumping means for generating pressurized air for maintaining air pressure within the tire cavity at a preset pressure level. The air pumping means includes an upper mounting plate fixed to a vehicle rim, a lower mounting plate fixed to the rim and diametrically opposed to the upper mounting plate, a dynamic mass pivotally attached to the upper mounting plate at a first end of the dynamic mass, and a pump fixed to the lower mounting plate and pivotally attached to a second end of the dynamic mass.

Abstract: A wheel for an air maintenance tire system is provided. The air maintenance tire system includes at least one pump and a regulator. The wheel includes a body that is formed with an axially-extending wall, a pair of flanges, and a pair of bead mounting areas. Each bead mounting area is disposed axially inwardly proximate a respective one of the flanges. The axially-extending wall is formed with an AMT mounting channel. The AMT mounting channel extends circumferentially about the wheel approximately mid-way between the flanges and is defined by a first adjacent wall, a second adjacent wall, and a base. Mounting surfaces are formed in or adjacent the AMT mounting channel, so that the at least one pump is mounted in the AMT mounting channel radially inwardly of the bead mounting areas.

Abstract: An inlet control valve suitable for use with a tire and pump assembly is described that controls the flow of air from the pump into the tire. The inlet control valve includes an optional bi-directional feature. The pathways alternatively operate to deliver ambient non-pressurized air to the air pumping tube in response to directional tire rotation against a ground surface.

Abstract: A control valve suitable for use with a tire and pump assembly is described that controls the flow of air from the pump into the tire. The control valve includes an optional bi-directional feature. The pathways alternatively operate to deliver ambient non-pressurized air to the air pumping tube in response to directional tire rotation against a ground surface.

Abstract: A system is used with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim to keep a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated from a set pressure. The first system includes a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having a piston for inflating the tire cavity and a weight for moving the piston, and a stop mechanism for each pump, the stop mechanism including a stop piston, a stop cylinder, a first spring, and a second spring, when air pressure in the tire cavity reaches the set pressure, the set pressure overcomes a force of the first spring against the stop piston and moves the stop piston into a stopping engagement with the weight, when air pressure in the tire cavity is below the set pressure, the second spring overcomes the force of the first spring and moves the stop piston away from the weight.

Abstract: A mounting member for an air maintenance tire is provided. The tire includes a sidewall that is formed with a groove for receiving an air tube and a recess for receiving at least one pneumatic connector that is in fluid communication with the air tube. The mounting member includes a plurality of layers, in which the layers are in stacked alignment with one another. The plurality of layers includes at least an axially outward layer and an axially inward layer. The mounting member is received in the recess and secured to the tire sidewall, thereby securing the position of the at least one pneumatic connector. A method of forming a mounting member for an air maintenance tire is also provided.

Abstract: An air maintenance tire system is provided. The tire includes a pair of sidewalls, in which each one of the sidewalls extends from a respective bead area to a crown of the tire. The air maintenance tire includes an annular groove formed in a selected one of the tire sidewalls. The groove is formed with an open end at an outer surface of the tire sidewall and a closed end opposite the open end. The open end is formed with an outward radial taper and the groove is formed with at least one increased diameter feature. An air tube of a peristaltic pump assembly is received in the groove.