Abstract: A filter for the filtration of media, having a pleated, cylindrical filter element, which is located between a perforated, cylindrical backflow preventer and a perforated, cylindrical core, the filter element being arranged in pleated folds, a plurality of folds having a first fold height which is greater than the difference between the radius of the backflow preventer and the radius of the core and which, each being inclined in relation to a radial line by an angle of inclination, are directed away from the outer surface of the core, a plurality of folds being provided having at least one second shorter fold height, and the folds of the second shorter fold height being arranged adjacent, radially at the outside, to the backflow preventer and alternatingly adjacent to the folds of the first fold height.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and corresponding systems to detect and prevent and/or eliminate overload conditions for a transistor. According to an embodiment, a method includes providing an input signal to a base terminal of a transistor for a first amount of time, determining if an overload condition exists at the transistor, disabling the transistor for a second amount of time when the overload condition exists at the transistor, and providing the communication signal to the base terminal upon expiration of the second amount of time. Additional overload conditions can be checked upon expiration of the second amount of time as well.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and corresponding systems to detect and prevent and/or eliminate overload conditions for a transistor. According to an embodiment, a method includes providing an input signal to a base terminal of a transistor for a first amount of time, determining if an overload condition exists at the transistor, disabling the transistor for a second amount of time when the overload condition exists at the transistor, and providing the communication signal to the base terminal upon expiration of the second amount of time. Additional overload conditions can be checked upon expiration of the second amount of time as well.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle which includes a microcompressor having a flexible compression chamber and a magnetic element not on the wheel. As the compressor passes the magnet each wheel revolution, a small amount of atmospheric air is pumped into the tire, if needed. The magnet and the compressor need no other contact with the vehicle or the wheel and require no energy source on the wheel. An alternative embodiment uses an electrical coil on the wheel to pass the magnet inducing a voltage that drives a compressor on the wheel. As the coil passes the electromagnet it provides a split transformer that transfers electrical power to the wheel and permits two-way pulse data communication between the wheel and the vehicle.

Abstract: Engine cylinder contribution analysis is provided. An engine cylinder contribution tester includes a displacement measurement device and a signal analyzer. The displacement measurement device detects engine block movements or displacement relative to a fixed position caused by a poorly contributing cylinder. The displacement measurement device provides a displacement signal to the signal analyzer. The signal analyzer includes a cylinder contribution module for evaluating the displacement signal. If a particular cylinder is contributing less than the average of the other cylinders, the displacement signal indicates engine block movement associated with a lack of contribution from that cylinder.

Abstract: A battery-powered tire pressure monitor and inflation system which is mounted entirely on or within a vehicle wheel, preferably on the inner surface of a wheel cover. The entire system rotates concurrently with the vehicle wheel, thereby eliminating the need for any interconnection between non-rotating and rotating components of the vehicle. The preferred system also incorporates a centrifugal intake valve apparatus, which remains closed until the vehicle wheel exceeds a minimum rotational rate. The centrifugal intake valve closure apparatus thereby prevents fluids or particles from being drawn into the compressor.

Abstract: A device for automatically maintaining desired air pressure within a vehicle tire utilizes deformation of the rotating tire where it contacts the road surface to operate an air compressor. The air compressor is formed in the wheel and connected to the tire, the compressor responsive to deformation of the tire causing compressed air to pass into the tire. The compressor is preferably of a reciprocating piston type having a cylinder adapted to receive a sliding piston, the piston preferably slidably received within a plunger in contact with the inside of the tire. A spring is preferably disposed between the plunger and the piston to limit the motion of the piston to a fixed displacement less than the deformation of the tire, such that the tire inflation system is operable for a wide range of deformations of the tire.