Abstract: The present invention is a valve for use in a central tire inflation system including a casing securable to the rim of a vehicle in communication with the tire that houses a main body connectable to a pressurized fluid supply of the central tire inflation system, and a valve member moveable within the main body to control the flow of air through the valve. The valve can be mounted flush on the exterior surface of the rim or in a recessed position within the rim, and can be connected to a manifold that is able to control the flow of pressurized fluid from the central tire inflation system to each valve and tire connected to the valve. The operation of the manifold and pressurized fluid supply can be controlled utilizing a controller operably connected to the manifold and fluid supply, and to sensing devices that supply information regarding the operational conditions of the vehicle to the controller to assist in adjusting the inflation of the tires as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheel assembly having a rim with a valve aperture extending therethrough that is designed to receive a valve having a simplified a construction that can be seated directly within a tire wheel assembly to minimize the number and type of components necessary for the valve. The valve includes a main body that is positionable in a sealed and recessed or embedded configuration within the aperture in the wheel rim in communication with the interior of the tire and with a pressurized air source that is used to inflate or deflate the tire. The main body encloses a valve mechanism that includes a components situated within the main body in a manner that enables the parts to be easily removed, cleaned and/or replaced if necessary without having to remove the entire valve assembly from the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is a valve for use in a central tire inflation system including a casing securable to the rim of a vehicle in communication with the tire that houses a main body connectable to a pressurized fluid supply of the central tire inflation system, and a valve member moveable within the main body to control the flow of air through the valve. The valve can be mounted flush on the exterior surface of the rim or in a recessed position within the rim, and can be connected to a manifold that is able to control the flow of pressurized fluid from the central tire inflation system to each valve and tire connected to the valve. The operation of the manifold and pressurized fluid supply can be controlled utilizing a controller operably connected to the manifold and fluid supply.

Abstract: A pump that includes a piston moveable along a first axis and an eccentric cam positioned about a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The pump also includes an actuator positioned adjacent to the cam and configured to move the cam along the second axis. In addition, the pump further includes a cam-adjacent bearing positioned between the piston and the cam, wherein the cam-adjacent bearing remains positioned substantially along the first axis upon movement of the cam along the second axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a valve for use in a central tire inflation system including a casing securable to the rim of a vehicle in communication with the tire that houses a main body connectable to a pressurized fluid supply of the central tire inflation system, and a valve member moveable within the main body to control the flow of air through the valve. The valve can be mounted flush on the exterior surface of the rim or in a recessed position within the rim, and can be connected to a manifold that is able to control the flow of pressurized fluid from the central tire inflation system to each valve and tire connected to the valve. The operation of the manifold and pressurized fluid supply can be controlled utilizing a controller operably connected to the manifold and fluid supply, and to sensing devices that supply information regarding the operational conditions of the vehicle to the controller to assist in adjusting the inflation of the tires as necessary.

Abstract: A piston cartridge having a piston chamber, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a piston moveable between a first position and a second position. Also, the cartridge includes a first barrier positioned between the piston and the inlet port and a first sealing member moveable between the first barrier and the inlet port, wherein the first sealing member seals the inlet port when positioned adjacent to the inlet port but allows the fluid into the chamber when positioned adjacent to the first barrier. In addition, the cartridge also includes a second barrier positioned adjacent to the outlet port and a second sealing member moveable between the piston and the second barrier, wherein the second sealing member seals the outlet port when positioned adjacent thereto but allows the fluid to pass through the outlet port when positioned adjacent to the second barrier.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheel assembly having a rim with a valve aperture extending therethrough that is designed to receive a valve having a simplified a construction that can be seated directly within a tire wheel assembly to minimize the number and type of components necessary for the valve. The valve includes a main body that is positionable in a sealed and recessed or embedded configuration within the aperture in the wheel rim in communication with the interior of the tire and with a pressurized air source that is used to inflate or deflate the tire. The main body encloses a valve mechanism that includes a components situated within the main body in a manner that enables the parts to be easily removed, cleaned and/or replaced if necessary without having to remove the entire valve assembly from the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is a valve for use in a central tire inflation system including a casing securable to the rim of a vehicle in communication with the tire that houses a main body connectable to a pressurized fluid supply of the central tire inflation system, and a valve member moveable within the main body to control the flow of air through the valve. The valve can be mounted flush on the exterior surface of the rim or in a recessed position within the rim, and can be connected to a manifold that is able to control the flow of pressurized fluid from the central tire inflation system to each valve and tire connected to the valve. The operation of the manifold and pressurized fluid supply can be controlled utilizing a controller operably connected to the manifold and fluid supply.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheel assembly having a rim with a valve aperture extending therethrough that is designed to receive a valve having a simplified a construction that can be seated directly within a tire wheel assembly to minimize the number and type of components necessary for the valve. The valve includes a main body that is positionable in a sealed and recessed or embedded configuration within the aperture in the wheel rim in communication with the interior of the tire and with a pressurized air source that is used to inflate or deflate the tire. The main body encloses a valve mechanism that includes a components situated within the main body in a manner that enables the parts to be easily removed, cleaned and/or replaced if necessary without having to remove the entire valve assembly from the wheel.

Abstract: A piston cartridge having a piston chamber, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a piston moveable between a first position and a second position. Also, the cartridge includes a first barrier positioned between the piston and the inlet port and a first sealing member moveable between the first barrier and the inlet port, wherein the first sealing member seals the inlet port when positioned adjacent to the inlet port but allows the fluid into the chamber when positioned adjacent to the first barrier. In addition, the cartridge also includes a second barrier positioned adjacent to the outlet port and a second sealing member moveable between the piston and the second barrier, wherein the second sealing member seals the outlet port when positioned adjacent thereto but allows the fluid to pass through the outlet port when positioned adjacent to the second barrier.

Abstract: A pump that includes a piston moveable along a first axis and an eccentric cam positioned about a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The pump also includes an actuator positioned adjacent to the cam and configured to move the cam along the second axis. In addition, the pump further includes a cam-adjacent bearing positioned between the piston and the cam, wherein the cam-adjacent bearing remains positioned substantially along the first axis upon movement of the cam along the second axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheel assembly having a rim with a valve aperture extending therethrough that is designed to receive a valve having a simplified a construction that can be seated directly within a tire wheel assembly to minimize the number and type of components necessary for the valve. The valve includes a main body that is positionable in a sealed and recessed or embedded configuration within the aperture in the wheel rim in communication with the interior of the tire and with a pressurized air source that is used to inflate or deflate the tire. The main body encloses a valve mechanism that includes a components situated within the main body in a manner that enables the parts to be easily removed, cleaned and/or replaced if necessary without having to remove the entire valve assembly from the wheel.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated cylinder includes a piston rod with a circumferential groove. A split ring, with predetermined linear expansion properties, is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the rod, and the ring halves are located in the groove. The ring is then equalized with the temperature of the rod, and expands into compression against the sidewalls of the groove. An interference fit is provided with the groove, which prevents axial and rotational movement of the ring with respect to the piston rod. The expansion also prestresses the piston rod between the groove sidewalls. The split ring is then connected to an annular flange on a ring-shaped piston to fix the piston with respect to the piston rod. The piston rod assembly is then located in a cylinder housing, with the piston providing a fluid seal with the cylinder walls as the piston rod reciprocates.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated cylinder includes a piston rod with a circumferential groove. A split ring, with predetermined linear expansion properties, is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the rod, and the ring halves are located in the groove. The ring is then equalized with the temperature of the rod, and expands into compression against the sidewalls of the groove. An interference fit is provided with the groove, which prevents axial and rotational movement of the ring with respect to the piston rod. The expansion also prestresses the piston rod between the groove sidewalls. The split ring is then connected to an annular flange on a ring-shaped piston to fix the piston with respect to the piston rod. The piston rod assembly is then located in a cylinder housing, with the piston providing a fluid seal with the cylinder walls as the piston rod reciprocates.