Abstract: An eddy current brake for a vehicle, the eddy current brake comprising a rotor, and an electromagnet arranged to receive current from an electromechanical energy generating means during braking of the vehicle and to induce an eddy current within the rotor.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system (CTIS) for a vehicle includes a reservoir for supplying air to the vehicle tires, a pressure sensor for monitoring air pressure in the reservoir, a compressor for supplying compressed air along a first flow path to the reservoir, a compressor timer for monitoring the run-time of the compressor, a dryer disposed on the first flow path for drying air supplied by the compressor, a purging system for routing air through the dryer along a second flow path to purge liquid from the dryer, and a controller for controlling the flow of air in the CTIS.

Abstract: An eddy current brake 10 for a vehicle 100, the eddy current brake 10 comprising a rotor 12, and an electromagnet 14 arranged to receive current from an electromechanical energy generating means 16 during braking of the vehicle 100 and to induce an eddy current within the rotor 12.

Abstract: A control valve assembly that includes: an inlet for receiving compressed air from a supply line; an outlet for supplying compressed air to a transfer line; and a control valve for selectively placing the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet. The control valve assembly is configured to be removably disposed in a wheel hub. In addition, the control valve has a filter for filtering air moving between the supply line and the transfer line.

Abstract: A processor for controlling operation of a central tire inflation system (CTIS) to change a tire pressure of a tire of a vehicle is configured to control the CTIS to inflate or deflate the tire to a predetermined tire pressure which is above a target tire pressure for the tire. The processor then controls the CTIS to deflate the tire until the target tire pressure is reached. In this manner, a second tire inflation operation to achieve the target tire pressure in the tire can be avoided.

Abstract: A filter device for a conduit includes a gas-permeable pre-filter element and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable filter element. The filter device is configured to be fluidly coupled to a conduit such that a gas can flow, in sequence, through the pre-filter element, the filter element and then the conduit. The filter device can be used in each of a vehicle hollow driveshaft and a hollow wheel stub axle forming a CV joint having a compressed air supply line which passes therethrough. Compressed air can be supplied via the air supply line without the need for an additional fluid transfer device fluidly connecting the driveshaft and the stub axle's conduits.

Abstract: A processor for controlling operation of a central tire inflation system. The processor controls the central tire inflation system to inflate a vehicle tire from a current tire pressure to a target tire pressure. The processor is configured to generate one or more output signals to cause the central tire inflation system to supply compressed air to inflate the tire from said current tire pressure to the target tire pressure in at least first and second stages. In the first stage, the central tire inflation system supplies compressed air to inflate the tire from the current tire pressure to an intermediate tire pressure. In the second stage, the central tire inflation system supplies compressed air to inflate the tire from the intermediate tire pressure to the target tire pressure. The first and second stages of the inflation are discrete from each other.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system (CTIS) of a vehicle (VH) for supplying compressed air to a tire of the vehicle to compensate for air loss from the tire. The CTIS determines a rate of air loss from the tire and includes both a sensor arranged to measure a temperature of a compressor of the CTIS and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to: compare the rate of air loss with a rate of air loss threshold, determine, based on the compressor temperature and the comparison of the rate of air loss with the rate of air loss threshold, whether the CTIS can support compensation for the air loss; and control the CTIS to supply compressed air to the tire to compensate for the air loss if the CTIS can support compensation for the air loss.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system (CTIS) for a vehicle includes a reservoir for supplying air to the vehicle tires, a pressure sensor for monitoring air pressure in the reservoir, a compressor for supplying compressed air along a first flow path to the reservoir, a compressor timer for monitoring the run-time of the compressor, a dryer disposed on the first flow path for drying air supplied by the compressor, a purging system for routing air through the dryer along a second flow path to purge liquid from the dryer, and a controller for controlling the flow of air in the CTIS.

Abstract: A control valve assembly for use with a vehicle wheel assembly. The control valve assembly includes: an inlet for receiving compressed air from a supply line; an outlet for supplying compressed air to a transfer line; and a control valve for selectively placing the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet. The control valve assembly is configured to be removably disposed in a wheel hub. The control valve assembly also includes an annular cage mounted around the outlet. The annular cage supports a transfer line filter for filtering air moving between the control valve and the transfer line. The cage has a base ring and a secondary ring. The transfer line filter extends intermediate the base and secondary rings. The base and secondary rings each have a radial foot arranged to space the transfer line filter from the control valve assembly to provide an annular cavity therebetween.

Abstract: A vented gaiter (6) for mounting to a shaft (4) comprises: a rim (34) defining an opening (33) for receiving the shaft (4); and a separate venting element (40). The venting element (40) is disposed within said opening (33). The shaft (4) is received in the opening (33), and the rim (34) is mounted to the shaft by means of a circular clamp (22). The venting element (40) is thus retained in place between the shaft (4) and the rim (34) and allows any air accumulated inside a CV joint enclosure (28) formed by the gaiter (6) when the gaiter (6) is mounted to the shaft (4) to vent axially according to a direction substantially parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. The venting element (40) comprises a gas-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane (41).

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for a tire. The system includes one or more pneumatic control valves for controlling inflation of a respective tire. A first compressed air source is provided for supplying compressed air to inflate the tire. A second compressed air source is provided for supplying compressed air to control the at one or more pneumatic control valves. A control means is provided for controlling the supply of compressed air from the second compressed air source to generate a pneumatic control signal to control the one or more pneumatic control valves. The first compressed air source can be a compressor configured to provide compressed air to inflate the tires. The second compressed air source can form part of an air suspension system.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly (1) for supplying compressed air from a vehicle axle to a tire (3) comprises a vehicle wheel (5) and a control valve assembly (7). The wheel (5) comprises a wheel hub (9) for mounting the wheel (5) to a vehicle (V); and a wheel rim for mounting a tire (3) on the wheel (5). A transfer line (19) is provided in the wheel for transferring compressed air from the wheel hub to the wheel rim (11) for inflating the tire (3). The control valve assembly (7) comprises an inlet, an outlet and a control valve (25) operably located between the inlet and the outlet for controlling passage of compressed air between the inlet and the outlet. The control valve assembly (7) is removably disposed in the wheel hub (9) such that fluid communication is established between the control valve assembly (7) and the transfer line (19).

Abstract: A control valve assembly that includes: an inlet for receiving compressed air from a supply line; an outlet for supplying compressed air to a transfer line; and a control valve for selectively placing the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet. The control valve assembly is configured to be removably disposed in a wheel hub. In addition, the control valve has a filter for filtering air moving between the supply line and the transfer line.

Abstract: A gaiter (4) for a lubricated joint (1) comprises a sidewall structure (9) defining an enclosure (5) for receiving a lubricant and a passageway (24) for conveying a gas. In use, the passageway (12) conveys gas in isolation from said enclosure (5). Gaiters (4) in accordance with the invention find application in vehicle central tire inflation systems (CTIS).

Abstract: A processor for controlling operation of a central tire inflation system (CTIS) to change a tire pressure of a tire of a vehicle is configured to control the CTIS to inflate or deflate the tire to a predetermined tire pressure which is above a target tire pressure for the tire. The processor then controls the CTIS to deflate the tire until the target tire pressure is reached. In this manner, a second tire inflation operation to achieve the target tire pressure in the tire can be avoided.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for a tire. The system includes one or more pneumatic control valves for controlling inflation of a respective tire. A first compressed air source is provided for supplying compressed air to inflate the tire. A second compressed air source is provided for supplying compressed air to control the at one or more pneumatic control valves. A control means is provided for controlling the supply of compressed air from the second compressed air source to generate a pneumatic control signal to control the one or more pneumatic control valves. The first compressed air source can be a compressor configured to provide compressed air to inflate the tires. The second compressed air source can form part of an air suspension system.

Abstract: A processor for controlling operation of a central tire inflation system. The processor controls the central tire inflation system to inflate a vehicle tire from a current tire pressure to a target tire pressure. The processor is configured to generate one or more output signals to cause the central tire inflation system to supply compressed air to inflate the tire from said current tire pressure to the target tire pressure in at least first and second stages. In the first stage, the central tire inflation system supplies compressed air to inflate the tire from the current tire pressure to an intermediate tire pressure. In the second stage, the central tire inflation system supplies compressed air to inflate the tire from the intermediate tire pressure to the target tire pressure. The first and second stages of the inflation are discrete from each other.

Abstract: A vented gaiter (6) for mounting to a shaft (4) comprises: a rim (34) defining an opening (33) for receiving the shaft (4); and a separate venting element (40). The venting element (40) is disposed within said opening (33). The shaft (4) is received in the opening (33), and the rim (34) is mounted to the shaft by means of a circular clamp (22). The venting element (40) is thus retained in place between the shaft (4) and the rim (34) and allows any air accumulated inside a CV joint enclosure (28) formed by the gaiter (6) when the gaiter (6) is mounted to the shaft (4) to vent axially according to a direction substantially parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. The venting element (40) comprises a gas-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane (41).

Abstract: A gaiter (4) for a lubricated joint (1) comprises a sidewall structure (9) defining an enclosure (5) for receiving a lubricant and a passageway (24) for conveying a gas. In use, the passageway (12) conveys gas in isolation from said enclosure (5). Gaiters (4) in accordance with the invention find application in vehicle central tyre inflation systems (CTIS).