Abstract: An inflation and pressure regulation system for inflatable vessels, such as tires, has a main chamber containing a volume of compressible fluid, such as air, and a pump chamber which acts to maintain the fluid in the vessel at a desired pressure. The pump chamber has a rigid, fluid-tight wall facing the main chamber and a flexible wall which is part of, or adjacent to, the wall of the vessel that can be deformed under use. A fluid channel extending between the pump chamber and a source of ambient fluid admits fluid into the pump chamber. A first check valve positioned between the fluid channel and the pump chamber permits one-way flow of fluid from the exterior of the vessel into the pump chamber while it is uncompressed. A second check valve permits one-way passage of fluid from the pump chamber, when it is compressed, into the main chamber. One or more valves can be used to prevent over-inflation of the main chamber.

Abstract: An inflation and pressure regulation system for inflatable vessels, such as tires, has a main chamber containing a volume of compressible fluid, such as air, and a pump chamber which acts to maintain the fluid in the vessel at a desired pressure. The pump chamber has a rigid, fluid-tight wall facing the main chamber and a flexible wall which is part of, or adjacent to, the wall of the vessel that can be deformed under use. A fluid channel extending between the pump chamber and a source of ambient fluid admits fluid into the pump chamber. A first check valve positioned between the fluid channel and the pump chamber permits one-way flow of fluid from the exterior of the vessel into the pump chamber while it is uncompressed. A second check valve permits one-way passage of fluid from the pump chamber, when it is compressed, into the main chamber. One or more valves can be used to prevent over-inflation of the main chamber.