Abstract: A vapor fuel recovery system for fuel tanks is provided. The vapor recovery system comprises: a canister that captures vapor fuel expelled from the fuel tank; a vent valve that controls ventilation of vapor fuel from the fuel tank to the canister; and a vent bypass disposed between the canister and the vent valve that controls the flow of vapor fuel from the fuel tank to the on-board recovery canister when a fuel level in the fuel tank is full. The bypass includes a bypass valve and at least one orifice.

Abstract: A tank ventilating valve is disposed in a regeneration pipe which connects a storage container collecting fuel gas of a fuel tank to an intake pipe of the internal combustion engine. The tank ventilation system is air tightly sealed towards the atmosphere prevailing outside the motor vehicle while the tank ventilating valve is opened to create a negative pressure in the tank ventilation system. The method has the following steps: determining the fuel gas charge of the storage container; determining the volume flow rate through the tank ventilating valve; calculating an intermediate value from the product of the load and the volume flow rate; determining a tank pressure difference between the pressure prevailing in the fuel tank and the atmospheric pressure; and determining the additive corrective value by adjusting the intermediate value to the amount of the tank pressure difference.

Abstract: A fuel gas supply system of a vessel, such as an LNG carrier, is provided for supplying fuel gas to a high-pressure gas injection engine of an LNG carrier, wherein LNG is extracted from an LNG storage tank of the LNG carrier, compressed at a high pressure, gasified, and then supplied to the high-pressure gas injection engine. In one embodiment, the system is operated to supply fuel to an MEGI engine.

Abstract: A throttle assembly including a first throttle component that is formed of a plastic material including a conductive additive substantially homogeneously dispersed within the plastic material, and a second throttle component is axially aligned with the first throttle component and movable relative to the first throttle component between a first position and a second position to selectively vary a flow through the throttle assembly. A terminal is coupled to the first throttle component such that electricity may be provided to the first throttle component, thereby resistively heating the first throttle component via the conductive additive and a flow window is defined in one of the first throttle component and the second throttle component.

Abstract: An engine (internal combustion engine), in accordance with an embodiment, includes: a cylinder head disposed above a crankcase; a cylinder head cover attached to cover an upper side of the cylinder head; and an ignition plug provided with a plug part inserted into the cylinder head and a plug cap disposed outside the cylinder head cover. The cylinder head cover includes a gas passage formed in such a U-shape as to surround the plug cap of the ignition plug as viewed from an insertion side of the ignition plug, the gas passage allowing fuel gas (blow-by gas) containing oil to flow in from the crankcase.

Abstract: A method of transitioning between homogeneous charge compression ignition and spark ignition in a combustion chamber of an engine that is configured for homogeneous charge compression ignition under at least some engine operating conditions and for spark ignition under at least some engine operating conditions, the method comprising heating contents of the combustion chamber with a glow plug prior to transitioning between homogeneous charge compression ignition and spark ignition.

Abstract: A fuel pressure controlling device for an engine is provided including a fuel injection device, an ignition device, a catalyst for removing pollutants from engine exhaust. A controller selects a combustion mode from at least a homogeneous combustion mode fuel is injected the intake stroke and the fuel is ignited before compression top dead center. The fuel injection device injects the fuel based on a target fuel pressure according to the selected combustion mode. The controller detects whether or not a request is present for raising the temperature of the catalyst. In the homogenous combustion mode, when a request is present, the target fuel pressure is set to a first target fuel pressure, and when a request is not present, the target fuel pressure is set to a second target fuel pressure, the second target fuel pressure being lower than the first target fuel pressure.

Abstract: A fuel injection controller for an internal combustion engine. The engine includes a fuel vapor treatment device having a collector for collecting fuel vapor generating in a fuel tank; a purge line that introduces purge gas into an intake passage of the engine, the purge gas being a mixture of fuel vapor released from the collector and air; and a purge valve provided in the purge line to adjust flow rate of the purge gas. The fuel injection controller corrects an amount of fuel injected from an fuel injection valve based on an amount of fuel vapor contained in the purge gas flowing into a combustion chamber of the engine. The fuel injection controller comprises an estimation section for estimating the inflow amount of the purge gas flowing into the combustion chamber based on a passed amount of purge gas that has passed through the purge valve and a compensation value for compensating transportation delay.

Abstract: A toy gun for launching projectiles is provided. The gun includes a stock having a first end and a second end, where the first end is secured to an elongated barrel; and a trigger mechanism is secured on the stock adjacent to the elongated barrel for launching the projectiles. The trigger mechanism includes a release mechanism having a lower leg connected to the stock and an upper leg connected to the bottom leg by a spring and the upper leg is moveable between a first position and a second position. The trigger mechanism also includes at least one retaining member extends upwardly through a longitudinal slits in the upper leg. As the release mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position, the projectile attached to the trigger mechanism is launched.

Abstract: A pulley arrangement for a compound archery bow (100) that combines the forgiveness and symmetry of a “dual cam” system with the positive draw stop (hard wall), enforced synchronization (or built-in timing) between opposite pulley assemblies, and high let-off associated with “single cam” systems. The pulley rigging (112) includes only a single cable reference anchor to a limb (104, 106). Certain pulleys (108, 110) include rotating module portions (183, 214) effective to change the wrapped lengths of power and control cables (270, 272) to change draw length (LD) while the bow (100) is strung, and at a brace condition with the drawstring (116) under full tension, and without changing the timing of the pulley members (108, 110), or changing the lengths of rigging members (112). Certain embodiments include a resilient element (196) in a positive draw stop (194) to reduce noise as the draw stop (194) engages a rigging element (270).

Abstract: A paintball gun having a quick-removal assembly for readily removing a pneumatic assembly from a chamber of the paintball gun body preferably includes a lift cap hingedly connected to an end of the pneumatic mechanism. A lift pin is preferably connected to the lift cap and removably engaged within a pin receptacle of the paintball gun body. Lifting of the lift cap preferably withdraws the lift pin from the pin receptacle and enables the pneumatic assembly to be removed from the paintball gun. A self-venting mechanism can also be provided to safely release compressed gas stored in the pneumatic assembly from the paintball gun during removal of the pneumatic assembly. A latching mechanism can latch the lift cap in a forward and closed position until a user desires to remove the assembly from the paintball gun.

Abstract: A gas radiation oven range including an outer case (10) which is formed with an upper side opened, having an internal space, a ceramic glass (20) which is covered and combined with an upper end of the outer case (10), a plurality of burner housings (300) which are combined to be contacted with a lower surface of the ceramic glass (20), forms an exhaust passage (F) with the lower surface of the ceramic glass (20), and is integrally combined with a plurality of ports with different sizes, a radiant burner (40) which is combined with a side surface of the respective burner housings (300), for generating a radiant wave, combusting mixed gas and a shared discharge unit which is positioned among the burner housings (300) and combined to be connected to respective exhaust passages (F) which are formed at a side portion of the burner housings (300).

Abstract: The gas tube fryer comprises substantially 90° in-shot burners, burner mounting boxes, a one-piece burner mounting bracket, and a bracket housing, all of which are used in conjunction with heat exchanger tubes, heat transfer baffles, a frypot, and a flue in a fryer. The burner mounting boxes are keyed specifically to the face of the burner, preventing substantial movement of the burners and introduction of ambient air into the heat exchange tubes. Each burner is also keyed to the mounting bracket, also preventing substantial movement and providing easy installation and repair. The ninety-degree orientation of the burners facilitates mixing of the combustion gases, and the burner comprises a screen on its face that helps to ensure maximum burner efficiency.

Abstract: An improved heat exchange mechanism for a deep fat fryer is described. The improvement includes a baffle plate wherein the walls are corrugated and horizontally aligned holes are provided along the length of the plate with the interior two rows of such holes having decreasing diameter in the direction of flow of the combustion gases through the heat tube. In addition, holes are formed at the edges of the corrugations. A burner shield is provided restricting the flow of secondary air to the burner tube.

Abstract: The invention provides receivers which can be used to heat a working fluid to high temperature. In preferred embodiments, concentrated solar radiation is received and converted to heat at varying depths in the receiver such that multiple layers of surface are used to heat the working fluid. In addition, the depth-loading configuration helps to trap received heat to reduce radiant thermal loss.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring respiratory disorders based on monitored factors of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that is representative of peripheral blood volume. The monitored factors can be respiratory effort as well as respiratory rate and/or blood oxygen saturation level. The systems and devices may or may not be implanted in a patient.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for positive pressure protection masks, including powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that monitors and determines relative air pressure between the internal space of a protection mask and the ambient environment to alert users of negative or threshold level air pressure, and in turn, to ensure safe operation of the protection masks. The pressure indicator, which is incorporated in the mask, alerts users when the air pressure in the mask reaches a critical level by transmitting optical signals, auditory signals, vibrational signals or a combination thereof that are detectable by the user. The optical signals are projected into the user's line of vision either directly or through a head-up display. The pressure indicator may cause the signal to indicate a safe and danger mode, or may cause the signal to indicate only during a danger mode.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end, an inflatable bladder substantially surrounding a perimeter of the open end, and a pump coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder. According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end with a perimeter, a channel surrounding approximately one half of the perimeter of the open end, an inflatable bladder disposed within the channel, and a pump disposed within the channel and coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: The present invention includes an intervertebral prosthetic disc, a method for installing a plate into an intervertebral space, and a method for installing a prosthetic disc into an intervertebral space. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a superior endplate and an inferior endplate, wherein at least one of the superior endplate and the inferior endplate is adapted to receive a guidewire. In the methods for installing a plate into an intervertebral space and for installing a prosthetic disc into an intervertebral space, a guidewire is used to facilitate installing plates onto vertebral bone endplates.

Abstract: A method and probe device are presented, suitable for use in joint arthroscopy. A beam of pulsed laser radiation of a wavelength range of about 2700-3000 nm and a predetermined frequency of pulses is produced, directed to a joint region inside a fluid medium and maintained substantially focused on a treatment target within the joint region during a predetermined time period. By this, a tissue within the treatment target is effected by the laser radiation.

Abstract: A cigarette making apparatus includes a cooling-water passage which allows a coolant to circulate along a flavoring-material supply path which connects an application nozzle for applying a flavoring material to a wrapping-paper web and a pump for supplying the flavoring material to the application nozzle, to thereby cool the flavoring material. A cooling unit controls the temperature of the coolant supplied to the cooling-water passage. Specifically, the cooling unit controls the temperature of the flavoring material by selectively activating a first control system for detecting the temperature of the coolant supplied to the cooling-water passage and controlling the temperature of the coolant, and a second control system for detecting the temperature of the flavoring material supplied to the application nozzle and controlling the temperature of the coolant.

Abstract: A cigarette making apparatus comprises an application nozzle for applying a flavoring material to a wrapping-paper web supplied continuously to a wrapping machine, a pump for supplying the flavoring material to the application nozzle, and a pump control device for controlling the pump driving speed depending on the wrapping machine operating speed. The pump control device divides the wrapping machine operating speed into a plurality of speed regions and determines an approximation pump characteristic which approximates a relationship between the pump driving speed and the rate of discharge of the flavoring material from the pump in each of the speed regions, in advance, and determines the speed at which the pump should be driven, depending on the wrapping machine operating speed, according to the approximation pump characteristic. Consequently, the flavoring material is applied to the wrapping-paper web in an appropriate amount depending on the wrapping machine operating speed.

Abstract: An electrically heated cigarette smoking system includes a cigarette that is formed with a tobacco rod portion, a filter tube portion, a tobacco mat layer wrapped around the tobacco rod portion and the filter tube portion with opposite ends of the tobacco mat layer abutting along a seam parallel to the central axis of the cigarette and cigarette paper wrapped around the tobacco mat layer and bonded to itself along an overlapped seam that is offset from the seam of the tobacco mat layer. The method of manufacturing the cigarette includes wrapping the tobacco mat layer and the cigarette paper around the tobacco rod portion and the filter tube portion on a single, high-speed machine.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by perforated cigar or shell, the shell comprising a sheet of material with an intermediate sheet, the sheet comprising tobacco leaves and/or homogenized tobacco paper. The cigar or shell is packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The cigar or shell remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the cigar or shell is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the cigar or shell with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the cigar or shell to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring.

Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cyotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid.

Abstract: Novel hair holding devices having first and second pivotally connected body members including hair gripping portions, and methods for improving existing such hair holding devices, in which the improvement involves providing the first and second body members with at least one elastomeric member for biasing the first and second body members into a closed position and for conforming to gathered strands of a user's hair when the hair gripping portions come into contact with gathered strands of a user's hair.

Abstract: The wheelchair umbrella includes an umbrella section with a circular canopy. Such a canopy has a center region statically attached to the top ends of the arms. The apparatus further includes a pair of coextensively shaped rectilinear arms with top ends directly connected to the umbrella section, a mechanism for removably attaching bottom ends of the arms to associated ones of the handles of the existing wheelchair, a mechanism for storing and transporting the wheelchair umbrella during non-operating conditions, and a mechanism for securing the storage and transport mechanism to the existing wheelchair during operating conditions.

Abstract: A frame is formed of two laterally spaced rods. The rods have forward ends and rearward ends. The frame has a plurality of cross tubes. The cross tubes have opposed ends. The opposed ends are coupled to the rods. Forward retaining components couple the forward ends of the rods to a vehicle forwardly. Rearward components couple the rearward ends of the straps to a vehicle rearwardly. A flexible canopy fabric has pockets receiving the rods and cross tubes.

Abstract: A liquid flow control device has a port or passageway through which liquid flow is to be controlled. A body of a liquid swellable material is located in the port or passageway having an upstream side and a downstream side in relation to the direction of liquid flow through the port or passageway. A layer of sealing material is provided on the upstream side of the body to prevent contact of that side of the body with the liquid when the body is swollen to close the port or passageway while allowing contact of the downstream side of the body when the body is in the non-swollen condition allowing liquid flow through the port or passageway.

Abstract: A mixing body for diverting a portion of a liquid, e.g., water flow, into a cartridge of fertilizers, fungicides, hormones, pesticides or the like to form effluent. The effluent is reintroduced to the water flow and goes to a downstream sprinkler or application system. The cartridge, which may contain liquid concentrate, is inserted into the mixing body, which has inlet and outlet one way valves that puncture a sealing layer of the cartridge. The diluted effluent exits through the outlet one way valve and is thus delivered to the irrigation system. The amount of effluent can be regulated by a needle valve that controls the amount of effluent exiting the manifold. The mixing body has a locking system to securely hold the cartridge in place. There is also a plate to protect a user from the sharp inlet and outlet valves when the cartridge is removed.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to controlling water sources external to a structure and more particularly to an external water shutoff. One embodiment of the present subject matter includes an apparatus having an electrically operable valve placed on a water supply line internal to a structure between a location where the water supply line enters the structure and a location where the water supply line exits the structure, an auto-drain valve, and means for controlling the electrically operable valve, wherein the means for controlling is external to the structure, further wherein the means for controlling the electrically operable valve is communicatively connected to the electrically operable valve external to the structure.

Abstract: A crossover manifold system for hot and cold water faucet pairs arranged back to back on opposite sides of a partition, the system comprising a pair of manifold tubes, wherein each tube comprises a central section; a first intermediate section and a second intermediate section, wherein each intermediate section is adjacent to and angled with respect to the central section; and a first distal section and a second distal section, wherein each distal section is adjacent to and angled with respect to the first and second intermediate sections, respectively. The first and second distal sections are approximately parallel to one another, and the manifold tubes cross over one another.

Abstract: A hands-free faucet comprises a proximity sensor, a logical control, a handle, a spout, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout and the handle.

Abstract: A flow control valve for medical liquid is disclosed. The valve has a housing including an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path therebetween. A plurality of flow restrictors are located in the flow path to define a plurality of flow streams of differing flow rates. A flow control member is disposed in the flow path, and has a plurality of discrete apertures in a first region or plane and at least one aperture in a second region or plane spaced apart from the first plane. The flow control member is rotationally movable and defines an annular gap and radial groove which provide fluid communication between the different planes and the outlet regardless of the orientation of the flow control member.

Abstract: A valve includes a body having an interior and defining at least one inlet passageway and discharge passageway. The valve also includes a flow diverter disposed within the body between the inlet and discharge passageways to receive a fluid from the inlet passageway in an inlet direction. The diverter is adapted to discharge the fluid to at least one discharge passageway in a direction that differs from the inlet direction. The diverter is rotatable to vary the discharge direction. According to one embodiment, the discharge direction is substantially perpendicular to the inlet direction.

Abstract: An electrofluidic control device comprises a plurality of electrically operated power modules arranged at least in part in the form of control valves, said power modules being contacted by an concatenation strand. By way of a connection module and at least one additional feed module separate operating voltages may be supplied to the concatenation strand at mutually spaced points.

Abstract: A surge tank is sized to retain a volume of fluid. A fluid inlet/outlet port is attached to the tank, and an elastomeric bladder is disposed within the tank and separates the fluid from a volume of gas. A nozzle system is disposed within the tank and has a nozzle member comprising a first plurality of axially elongate perforations, and a second plurality of perforations. The nozzle member can extend a partial or complete distance with tank. The tank body includes a throat that extends outwardly from a portion of the tank adjacent the port, and a portion of the nozzle member comprising the first plurality of perforations is disposed within the throat. An annular space exists adjacent the nozzle member in the neck to facilitate the flow of solid constituent within the fluid from the tank and into the nozzle member.

Abstract: Trim disk assemblies for use in fluid flow control devices include a first disk and a second disk. An elongated void is formed in a surface of each of the first disk and the second disk. The second disk is aligned with the first disk to provide fluid communication between the void of the first disk and the void of the second disk, the void of the first disk being offset or staggered from the void of the second disk. The void of the first disk and the void of the second disk at least partially define a fluid passageway having a cross-sectional area characterized by increases and decreases in cross-sectional area, which define an expansion/contraction mechanism of the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A high-density hollow weave fabric for an air bag is provided, wherein an inflatable double-layer hollow weave portion is encircled on the outer periphery thereof with a seam zone including a reversible figured weave pattern and a basket weave pattern. In the seam zone, the reversible figured weave pattern is closest to the boundary of the inflatable double-layer hollow weave portion, and a first weave portion including the basket weave pattern, a narrow width hollow weave portion and a second basket weave patterns continue in this order. The inventive fabric is woven without the generation of fluffs and wrinkles, and the wrinkle-free coating is provided in the boundary between the double-layer hollow weave portion and the seam zone encircling the former. By using this high-density hollow weave fabric, it is possible to make the curtain-shaped air bag deployable at a high speed while preventing gas from leaking.

Abstract: For tying wire material around a bale, a pair of end portions of the loop is held in a substantially mutually parallel orientation. An engaged section of at least one of the end portions is moved about a longitudinal axis of the other end portion of that pair, such that the pair of end portions is twisted into a wire twist between an engagement area and a portion of the loop extending about the bale. During twisting, wire material of at least one of the end portions slips through the engagement area towards the portion of the loop extending about the bale. An implement and twisters for use in such a method are also described.

Abstract: An automatic liquid dispenser and automatic liquid dispensing method are disclosed capable of transmitting ultrasonic to an upper surface of a receptacle, and receiving the ultrasonic reflected from the upper surface of the receptacle to detect a receptacle height, whereby the receptacle height may be freely detected regardless of shape, material and surface state of the receptacle, and regardless of a position where the receptacle is placed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exposing a container to a controlled environment. The apparatus includes an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. The first, second, and third manifolds are adapted for providing flow of a gas therethrough. At least one gas flow regulator is operably attached to the first, second, and third manifolds. At least one nozzle is positioned adjacent the second manifold. The at least one nozzle is adapted for providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold. The method includes providing an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. A flow of a gas is regulated through the first, second, and third manifolds. A composite gas stream is provided exiting through the second manifold.

Abstract: An improved multi fluid dispenser for simultaneous dispensing of a plurality of fluids shown and described. The dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator board. The controller has a memory with a plurality of recipes stored in the memory. A coordinator board is linked to a first module. The first module may include one or two pumps, each connected to a fluid reservoir. The module is then linked in series to a plurality of other modules as well as a manifold module. Each module includes a module board for controlling the pump or pumps of that module. The controller, coordinator board and module boards are all programmed for the simultaneous or sequential pumping of multiple fluids from the reservoirs through outlet nozzles of the manifold in accordance with a recipe selected by the user and retrieved from the memory of the controller.

Abstract: A hazardous material transfer system for the transfer of waste from a containment cell through a transfer port to a storage vessel. A port door in the containment cell is movable between a open and closed positions relative to the transfer port. The port door has a closure face with a first connector set. A storage vessel sealed by a storage vessel cover is provided for receipt of waste transferred through the port. The cover has an outside face that carries a second connector set that interlocks with the first connector set on the port door. The inside face of the vessel cover has a third connector set. A fourth connector set is located on the storage vessel and mates with the third connector set to lock and seal the cover to the vessel. The connector sets are the variety that engage and disengage upon rotational motion.

Abstract: Method and safety device for a breaking saw chain. The safety device includes a protective wall positioned in the vicinity of the drive gear drawing the saw chain that is capable of receiving the movement of the tail of the broken saw chain and guiding the broken saw chain and the tail into the desired direction. The protective wall is moved in phase with a guide bar to hold the protective wall in the correct location during sawing in relation to the saw chain.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique to improve usability of a workbench for a power tool. To achieve the object, a representative workbench for a power tool is provided with a table, first and second supports, a shaft, a handle body, a handle, a lock mechanism and a lock release member. The lock release member includes an elongated element disposed below the upper surface of the table and extending along the table toward the handle, and the lock of the table is released when the user pulls the elongated element in the longitudinal direction of the elongated element. According to the invention, the user can release the lock of the table simply by pulling the elongated element, so that ease of lock releasing operation is enhanced.

Abstract: A connecting and guide element for connecting a side mesh of a tire chain to a side tensioning strand and for accommodating an excess length of the tensioning strand, wherein the element has two eyes, which lie in a first plane for accommodating tensioning strand and excess length, and two eyes lying in a second plane running essentially orthogonally to the first plane for accommodating connecting links to the side mesh, and a tire chain in which the side mesh is connected by means of a side tensioning strand and a plurality of connecting and guide elements, and an excess length of the tensioning strand can be accommodated in one of the eyes of the elements.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel in which an additional air chamber member in a tire air chamber is fixed on an outer circumferential surface of a well portion, includes: a first vertical wall surface rising outward in a radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the well portion and extending in a circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface; and a second vertical wall surface formed in the well portion facing the first vertical wall surface. The additional air chamber member has an additional air chamber and a communication hole formed therein. The communication hole provides communication between the additional air chamber and the tire air chamber. The additional air chamber member is fitted between the first and second vertical wall surfaces. Side end portions of the additional air chamber member in a width direction of the vehicle wheel are secured between the first and second vertical wall surfaces.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system for a tire mounted to a wheel of a vehicle is disclosed. The tire pressure control system comprises a servo system mounted to the wheel that includes a servo mechanically connected to a vent valve that is in fluid communication with a gas inside the tire. The vent valve is adapted for bleeding the gas out of the tire and into the ambient atmosphere. A pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the gas inside the tire, and a control circuit is electrically connected to the servo and the pressure sensor. The control circuit further includes a signal receiving means and a memory for storing a commanded pressure signal. The control circuit actuates the servo to open the vent valve when the pressure sensor indicates a tire pressure of greater than the commanded pressure. A master control unit is adapted to transfer the commanded pressure signal to the control circuit through a transmission means.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.