Abstract: A valve for use in an inflation system wherein the valve has a spring regulated piston which regulates the flow rate through the valve into the inflatable member, such that if the flow rate gets too high, the regulating piston will divert some or all of the flow out a neutral thrust over pressure relief vent, which vents outside the inflatable member. The valve also has a secondary form of overpressure relief in the form of a neutral thrust diffuser which also dumps outside of the inflatable member. Fluid is prevented from flowing out of the neutral thrust diffuser by a burst disk, but if the fluid pressure is high enough, the burst disk will burst, and the fluid will flow out of the neutral thrust diffuser.

Abstract: A pneumatic control apparatus and method controls gas pressure inside a tire (40) mounted on a wheel (32) which rotates about the centerline of an axle (30). A bleeder valve (28) is mounted on a body coaxially aligned with the axle centerline and is in fluid connection through passages (14, 18) in the billet and tubing (24) with a pneumatic fitting (23) on the tire. The bleeder valve allows gas inside the tire to be relieved to the atmosphere when the gas is above a set pressure. The coaxial alignment of the bleeder valve with the axle centerline permits the bleeder valve to relieve gas pressure unaffected by centrifugal forces.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for a work vehicle is presented. The central tire inflation system controls the inflation pressure in the tires of a work vehicle. The central tire inflation system may be placed in an automatic or manual mode. In the automatic mode, the system makes changes to the tire pressures according to the tire parameters, terrain conditions, and the operating loads placed on the tires.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system and method includes a pneumatic control unit, a pressure sensor, a rotary seal associated the tire and a wheel valve rotating with the tire. The system is connected to a compressed air source and the control unit is connected through a connecting line and the rotary seal with the wheel valve. The position of the wheel valve is a function of the pressure in the connecting line. To inflate and vent a tire and to reduce the number of components, the wheel valve has a closed position, an open position wherein a connection is established between the control unit and the tire, and a venting position that opens to the atmosphere. The wheel valve is maintained in its open position as long as an inflation pressure exists in the connecting line. The wheel valve moves into its venting position as long as the pressure in the connecting line that exceeds the inflation pressure by at least a pre-determined value.

Abstract: This invention solves the problem of removing undamaged inflated dunnage bags from a cargo space by using a high pressure air source to both open the dunnage bag inflation valve and to suck air out of the bag by discharging the high pressure air through a venturi system. Thus large dunnage bags may be deflated in about one minute. The deflation valves provided by this invention also serve as inflation valves by simply disabling the venturi system.

Abstract: A pneumatic control apparatus and method controls gas pressure inside a tire (40) mounted on a wheel (32) which rotates about the centerline of an axle (30). A bleeder valve (28) is mounted on a body coaxially aligned with the axle centerline and is in fluid connection with a pneumatic fitting (23) on the tire. The bleeder valve allows gas inside the tire to be relieved to the atmosphere when the gas is above a set pressure. The coaxial alignment of the bleeder valve with the axle centerline permits the bleeder valve to relieve gas pressure unaffected by centrifugal forces.

Abstract: An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress includes at least one air bladder, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle. The improved valve enclosure assembly is fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder. An enclosure defines a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and has at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump. A pressure monitor is operably coupled to the processor and is in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder. A method of effecting a desired pressure in a bladder of an air inflatable mattress is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device (10) for inflating an object such as a ball (B) includes spaced arms (13, 14) carried by a bar (12). The arms (13, 14) are spaced a predetermined distance approximating the properly inflated diameter of the ball (B). An inflation needle (24) is positioned generally midway between the arms (13, 14) and is adapted to provide air under pressure, received through flexible tubing (26), to the ball (B). A clamp bar (28) is pivotally attached to one of the arms (13, 14) and has an aperture (33) therethrough to receive the tubing (26). When the ball (B) is being inflated, it will engage and pivot the clamp bar (28) until it pinches the tubing (26) to terminate the air flow to the needle (24).

Abstract: Problems of filling dunnage bags for cushioning loads in transit in trailers, railroad cars, and the like, with air are resolved by this improved air filling bag valve and nozzle. In several respects the valves are superior in operation, wasting less air and filling time, and are less tiring for operators to use. For example, this nozzle simply slides laterally into place on the dunnage bag valve stem and locks itself there for hands off filling without manual pressure to press the nozzle axially against dunnage bag valve stems to open them, which is fatiguing with arms outstretched in the crowded spaces available. Damage is reduced that may result to dunnage bags when the filling nozzles are removed against the pressure of adjacent filled dunning bags and are withdrawn. These nozzles are simply pulled out laterally by the attached hose.

Abstract: A pneumatic control apparatus and method controls gas pressure inside a tire mounted on a wheel which rotates about the centerline of an axle. A bleeder valve is mounted on a body coaxially aligned with the axle centerline and is in fluid connection with a pneumatic fitting on the tire. The bleeder valve allows gas inside the tire to be relieved to the atmosphere when the gas is above a set pressure. The coaxial alignment of the bleeder valve with the axle centerline permits the bleeder valve to relieve gas pressure unaffected by centrifugal forces.

Abstract: The present invention is a tire air-injection device provided in the car for easily and rapidly injecting air into a tire to maintain the tire pressure at an optimal level when tire pressure drops below a reference value. A compressor provided in the car is connected to an engine of the car through a power transfer means by operating a main switch, which is provided at the outside of the car. Compressed air is injected in the tire by the compressor into the tire through a flexible hose of which one end is connected to the compressor. A relief valve, which is provided for regulating pressure of the air flowing through the hose.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated tube having an air outlet end adapted to be connected to an inflatable article and an air inlet end adapted to be connected to a compressor for supplying compressed air to the inflatable article. The tube has a surrounding wall formed with a radial hole. A flexible bidirectional valve unit is disposed fittingly in the tube and includes a cup-like first check valve member located adjacent to the radial hole. The first valve member opens downwardly and has a base end and an opposite flaring end which contacts tightly and normally an inner surface of the surrounding wall so as to prevent air flow from the inlet end to the outlet end of the tube. The valve unit further includes a cup-like second check valve member which opens upwardly and which is connected integrally to the base end of the first valve member for preventing air flow from the outlet end to the inlet end of the tube.

Abstract: The described device maintains an equal pressure in each associated tire as long as that pressure is above an adjustable, threshold amount and isolates the tires when the pressure attempts to go below the threshold. The apparatus comprises a body with ports (each communicating with a tire) having in series a conventional tire valve (each of which is actuated simultaneously by one pressure sensitive piston). One end of each of the conventional tire valves communicates with a chamber in the body that can be pressurized.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve (61) including a body (110, 114) interconnecting an inflatable volume (20a,22a) with a source of pressurized fluid (30) and the atmosphere. A pair of valve members (120, 122) cooperate to allow controlled inflation and deflation of the volumes (20a,22a) as well as to close off the fluid path between the source and the volumes and vent fluid from the volumes to the atmosphere in order to achieve at least two predetermined fluid pressures in the volume.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressurized gas inflation device for inflating an inflatable article of manufacture. In the preferred embodiment, the device includes a cylindrical housing which receives a cartridge of pressurized gas, a head unit and a nozzle. The head unit includes a valve assembly for controlling the flow of gas through the device. The nozzle includes a means for controlling the flow rate of the gas flowing through the nozzle and a means for relieving the build-up of excess pressure. The nozzle of the device may be structured to couple in a fluid-tight manner with an adaptor of an inflation valve. The adaptor of the present invention includes a top surface, at least one side wall and several apertures for receiving fluid from an inflation device or for venting fluid from a bladder.

Abstract: System for inflating tires comprised of a pressure air supply apparatus with a series of push-buttons (2) for different pressures and completed with a series of collars (6) which may be mounted on the outside of the valve of the tire with identification or characteristics which match those of one of the push-buttons. The pressure air supply apparatus includes a control unit (12) which acts on a pressure inlet electrovalve (93) or on a pressure discharge electrovalve (95) said control unit (12) having an amplifier (14), a transducer (13), a converter (15) and a zero adjusting circuit formed by two potentiometers (16). Two air supply hoses (9) are each fitted at their ends with a mouthpiece (10) terminated by clamping elements which tend to move towards one of the inclined grooves (20) through the action of a pushing element (22) biased by a spring (23).

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for a vehicle is disclosed 10 including a controller 222 for preselecting one of several desired air pressures for the tires 12 by actuating one of the push buttons 226, 228 or 230. The system 10 will adjust the tire pressure to the preselected pressure. Should the operator sense enemy fire or believes combat is eminent, the "run flat" button 234 is actuated which causes the electronic timer of the control unit 237 to cause the automatic measurement of tire pressure every few seconds instead of several times an hour. Should one of the tires 12 be damaged while the button 234 is actuated, the damaged tire will be immediately identified and the system 10 will assume the inflate mode and supply air to the damaged tire so long as the leakage rate does not exceed the capacity of the source 138 of pressurized air.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved pneumatically operated circuit for automatically shutting off the flow of high pressure air being introduced into an object to be inflated, such as a tire, when the pressure in the object reaches a preselected maximum pressure significantly below that of the high pressure supply. The air at high pressure is introduced into the object and into a control duct also connected to the object, until pressure in the control duct overcomes the bias of a control valve, at which time the control valve closes to interrupt the flow of high pressure air and allow pressure in the object and the control duct to equilibrate; if the equilibrated pressure does not continue to overcome the bias of a control valve, the control valve again opens to admit additional high pressure air to the object and control duct until the bias of the control valve again is overcome and the control valve closed as previously, repeating the closing cycle.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for a tire rim in which a valve body has first and second chambers separated by a restricted passageway of reduced dimensions. The valve body has an inlet connected to the first chamber, and an outlet connected to the second chamber, and can be mounted in a suitable opening in a tire rim with the inlet exposed to pressure within the tire and the outlet exposed to the atmosphere outside the tire. A valve member is normally located in the first chamber and is seated against a seat at the entrance to the restricted passageway by air pressure within the tire acting on it via the inlet, sealing the outlet. Either the valve member or the walls of the passageway, or both, are made of deformable elastomeric material so that when the air pressure rises above a predetermined safety level, the ball is forced through the passageway into the second chamber into a position in which air can flow past the ball and out through the outlet, reducing the internal pressure in the tire.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system (10) for wheels (28) of a vehicle. The system includes an air control circuit (40) having a positive pressure air source (42), a vacuum pressure air source (44), a central control unit (46), a vehicle speed sensor (47), and a command/display console (48). The control circuit (40) includes valves (62,64,66,68,70) and a conduit assembly (74) for controlling communication of the positive and vacuum pressure air to wheel valve assemblies (14) mounted on each wheel. A vent valve (74) for effecting rapid closing of a valve device (100) in each wheel valve (14). Each wheel valve also includes a valve device (104) providing substantially unrestricted air flow from the conduit assembly (74) to the wheels when valve device (100) is open and providing restricted air flow from the wheels to the conduit assembly (74) to ensure closing of the valve device (100) when the conduit is vented.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system (10) for wheels (28) of a vehicle. The system includes an air control circuit (40) having a positive pressure air source (42), a vacuum pressure air source (44), a central control unit (46), a vehicle speed sensor (47), and a command/display console (48). The control circuit (40) includes valves (62,64,66,68,70) and a conduit assembly (74) for controlling communication of the positive and vacuum pressure air to wheel valve assemblies (14) mounted on each wheel. A vent valve (86) provides quick venting of positive air pressure in the conduit assembly (74) for effecting rapid closing of a valve device (100) in each wheel valve (14). Each wheel valve also includes a valve device (104) providing substantially unrestricted air flow from the conduit assembly (74) to the wheels when valve device (100) is open and providing restricted air flow from the wheels to the conduit assembly (74) to ensure closing of the valve device (100 ) when the conduit is vented.

Abstract: A tire fill valve having pressure relief and tire fill fluid gas flow limiting characteristics for use in filling tires to a predetermined pressure form a large flow capacity gas source delivering fill gas at a substantially greater pressure. Gases utilized typically are air or nitrogen. The valve of the invention is wheel mounted intermediate the gas pressurizing source and the tire gas valve inlet. Tire fill gas from a high pressure high capacity source passes through a flow limiting orifice having a positive closure or shutoff member and passes through a pressure sensitive chamber as it enters the tire. Chamber pressure is sensed by a spring loaded valve disk controlling relief or venting orifices. When fill pressure in the pressure sensing chamber exceeds a pre-determined value established by the valve disk area and valve disk springs, the disk lifts allowing the venting of the fill gas.

Abstract: A system for inflating and deflating pneumatic tires of a vehicle through pneumatically actuated tire isolating valves is disclosed which isolates air under pressure in the tires from the system and which utilizes electronically controlled valves for achieving opening of the tire isolating alves and inflating, deflating or checking the pressure. The system is improved by incorporation of a dump valve at each tire which permits rapid deflation of the tire pressure upon demand. The dump valve is tire and system pressure responsive and is integrated into the system in a manner to be responsive to any number of deflated tire pressures. The dump valve comprises a movable piston with two positions wherein the piston is releasably held in the second position by a mechanical detent until a suitable pressure differential occurs across the axial surfaces of the piston to cause the piston to be released from the detent and to move back to the first position.

Abstract: A piston type TPM actuator valve has enough clearance between the piston and the wall of the cylindrical passage that it slides to prevent sticking, but still avoids excessive bypass leakage through the same clearance. A plug located in the passage between the piston and the check valve has a vent to atmosphere that prevents leaking air from compressing behind the advancing piston. The plug also carries a seal that is compressed when the piston bottoms out to prevent further venting.

Abstract: A tire valve is disclosed which includes an automatic pressure releasing device and comprises an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. The inlet assembly includes a valve pole biased closed by a spring to allow air input. The valve includes an inlet/outlet assembly which has an inlet valve room and a pressure release room. These rooms utilize ball valves and springs to control the air flow. A pressure releasing device is provided and comprises an adjusting screw, a spring and a ball valve. The pressure releasing device will function when the tire air pressure exceeds a specified range, so as to ensure proper air pressure in the tire.

Abstract: A central tire inflation and deflation system which quickly inflates or deflates tires to any one of a plurality of pressures selected by the vehicle operator. Inflation pressure is greater than the pressure to which the tires are to be inflated. The system uses a tire valve which deflates the tires when a pressure less than the instantaneous tire pressure but greater than a minimum value is applied to the valve. Pressure on rotary seals which connect the tires to the system is relieved when the system is not operating.

Abstract: A valve for checking tire pressure comprising a hollow cylinder, a sealing block, a plate, a spring and a flute. The hollow cylinder has a flange inwardly extending at intermediate portion thereof to form an opening and divide the hollow cylinder into upper and lower portions. The sealing block is disposed in the lower portion of the hollow cylinder and contacts with the flange to seal the opening. The sealing block is provided with a passage communicating both sides of the sealing block. The plate has a pin downwardly extending into the opening and contacting the sealing block and a seat formed on upper surface of the plate. The spring is disposed on the seat of the plate. The flute mounted on the hollow cylinder includes a base and a flute body disposed on the base. A passage is formed in the base which communicates the flute body with the upper portion of the cylinder.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire inflator is provided for use with a source of pressurized air and a device for controlling the flow of air therefrom. The inflator includes first and second air flow circuits, each circuit having an inlet end communicating with the downstream side of the device, and an outlet end. The first circuit is provided with a regulator having an inlet communicating with the first circuit inlet end, and an outlet. The regulator is preset whereby the air discharged from the outlet is at a predetermined tire pressure. A pressure sensitive first valve, biased to normally assume an open position, is provided having a first inlet communicating with the regulator outlet, a valve outlet, and a second inlet, the latter being segregated from the first inlet and outlet by a pressure sensitive member. The pressure sensitive member interrupts communication between the first inlet and the valve outlet when there is a predetermined pressure at said second inlet overcoming the opening bias.

Abstract: An automobile tire pneumatic pressure controlling apparatus is disclosed. The automobile includes a vehicle body, vehicle compartment and axle shaft, and the control apparatus comprises a pressure source, a communication passage extending through the axle shaft and having one end opened to the automobile tire. The control apparatus further comprises a coupling means and valve means. The coupling means has a sealing means in sliding contact with the axle shaft and fluid-tightly maintains fluid communication between the pressure source and the other end of the communication passage. The valve means is disposed on a fluid path between the pressure source and the tire.

Abstract: A automatic air pump for car wheel tires, especially those without tubes, utilizes an air piston with a cylinder fixed on a rim which enables its piston plate to contact and be pushed by the interior tire surface successively by the wheel rotation compressing air into the tire chamber until the pressure grows sufficient and the piston rod no longer touches the interior tire surface. If a static wheel is also desired to be pumped full of air automatically, a compressor and a pressure-gauge piston can be added. When the tire pressure grows insufficient, the compressor can be started by detaching a metallic plate from two metallic projections caused by the interaction of the piston rod and the interior tire and air is sucked into the cylinder and flows into the tire chamber sufficiently. Then a piston plate of a pressure-gauge piston is lifted up making an electric connection to cut the electricity from the compressor and the piston rod recovers its original position.

Abstract: A pressure relief cartridge (10) for venting fluid to the atmosphere from a low pressure inflatable member including a housing (20) mounted in fluid-tight relation to the inflatable member, and having a base (21) and a projecting annular sidewall (22), an aperture (21') in the base of the housing communicates with the interior of the inflatable member, a poppet element (40) positioned within said annular sidewall of the housing has a plate (41) at an axial extremity thereof, a sealing element (43) on the plate is adapted to engage the base peripherally surrounding the aperture, an orifice (48) formed between the plate and the annular sidewall, a skirt (42) on the poppet projecting from the plate and interiorly communicating with the atmosphere, a slot (54) in the skirt, a retainer (60) positioned in the annular sidewall of the housing, and a biasing member (70) interposed between the retainer and the poppet element normally urging the sealing element to seat on the base and permitting the sealing element to u

Abstract: A control valve for increasing or reducing the air pressure in a tire of a vehicle wheel that is to be carried out over a short period of time, has a valve chamber that is connected, on one side, to the interior of the tire and, on the other side, to a supply duct. The valve chamber has a space that extends axially through the wheel hub, the interior end of this space being sealed off with respect to an axle part carrying the vehicle wheel. In this space, an automatically closing valve member is arranged that can be controlled into its open position against the interior pressure of the tire by a control piston that is also guided in this space and can be acted upon by a pressure medium. For supplying air to and removing air from the tire, the axle part projects into an axial duct of the control piston with a cylindrical projection that is penetrated by the supply duct.

Abstract: An inflation system for providing rapid, linear inflation of a container, such as an occlusion cuff used in connection with a blood pressure monitoring system. The invention system provides an automatic fast-fill of the cuff to a predetermined pressure level, followed by a smooth, linear pressurization profile which is independent of the volume of the cuff. An efficient electronic actuation system allows the system to inflate the cuff many times using the power supplied by a low power battery. A pressure relief system is provided to automatically terminate operation of the inflation system once systolic pressure has been detected or if the pressure in the system rises above a predetermined level. The system is extremely lightweight and compact, thus allowing a patient to carry the system on his person without undue fatigue.

Abstract: A portable air pump assembly and detachable safety lamp, includes an air compressor; an air supply line supplying pressurized air from the air compressor to a tire; an electrical supply line supplying current to the air compressor; electrical contacts which connect the electrical supply line to the air compressor only when they are in a closed condition; a by-pass air supply line having one end with the air compressor; a pressure limit switch connected with the opposite end of the by-pass air supply line for automatically causing termination of the current supply to the air compressor in response to back pressure from the tire when the tire has been inflated to a desired air pressure; and a safety lamp detachably connected with the housing for providing a warning light and operable in a connected or detached position.

Abstract: A valve for vehicle tires, in particular a snap-in valve, having a shell-like plastic material of a hardness in the condition as supplied of about 65 to 75 Shore A, which has a base portion for connection to a rim or the like and a valve cylinder having an external screwthread for a valve cap, wherein an axial opening in the valve cylinder, in the axial direction, is of different diameters and accommodates a valve insert which is mounted axially displaceably against a force storage means, is to be such that manufacture and also operational reliability are improved.That is achieved in that the shell-like body is combined with the valve cylinder to provide a valve body (11) and same is produced in one piece from the plastic material in such a way that the hardness at the inside surfaces (26, 27) of the axial opening of the valve cylinder is higher, at least in the region adjoining the valve insert (12), than at the base portion (14).

Abstract: A motor vehicle with twin tires which includes one tire with a winter tread and a further tire with a summer tread arranged on a common rim. Each tire is provided with a device for the air pressure regulation for achieving a selective pressure decrease and increase. The device for the air pressure regulation is connected with a device for the air pressure control by way of a common control unit. Actuating switches influencing the control unit serve for the mutually matched pressure adjustment of the tires for the summer and winter operation.

Abstract: A pressure-controlled remotely-operated valve for utilization in respective wheels of a vehicle, on-road, off-road type. The valve is functional to effect tire deflation or tire inflation in a stationary or moving vehicle. Multiple piston-valve elements are axially aligned in a multi-step recess of a housing, wherein the effective areas of two opposed valves differ in value whereby a first valve movable in a two-stage phase can move a second valve only under certain tire pressure conditions. A third valve operable by said first valve can connect tire pressure to exhaust upon action of the first valve in a first phase operation.

Abstract: A tire valve assembly (56, 58) for a central tire inflation system (10) effective to automatically isolate a tire (12) pressurized to less than a predetermined minimum pressure from the remainder of the system is provided. The tire valve assembly includes a control valve (58) and a low tire pressure shut-off valve (56) which are connected to a selectively pressurized and vented conduit (52) and to a conduit (68) fluidly communicating with the interior pressurized chamber (74) of the tire. A single selectively pressurized and vented conduit (52) operates the control valve and provides the sole connection of the assembly to pressurized fluid and/or to venting to atmosphere required for system operation other than for initial inflation of the tires to the predetermined minimum pressure thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel end assembly (10) is adaptable for use with an on-board central tire inflation system. The assembly provides a passage for the routing of air between a central source and the vehicle tire (25). The assembly comprises a stationary spindle (12) and a rotational hub (14) mounted thereon. A collar (34) is mounted on the inboard end of the spindle in interfacing relation with an inboard extension (50) of the hub. An air chamber, defined by the radial spacing of the collar (34) and hub extension (50), communicates air passages in the collar and hub (36, 44). The chamber is fitted with a pair of rotary seals (72, 74) to seal the air passage between the stationary collar (34) and rotating hub (14). The rotary seals (72, 74) each include an integral sealing lip (80) which responds to pressurization of the chamber by biasing into sealed relation with the outer surface of the collar (34).

Abstract: A vehicle wheel end assembly (10) is adaptable for use with an on-board central tire inflation system. The assembly provides a passage for the routing of air between the on-board system and the vehicle tire. The assembly comprises a stationary spindle (12) and a rotational hub (14) mounted thereon. The hub is supported for rotation by first and second axially spaced bearing sets (16, 18), each having an inner race (20, 26) and an outer race (22, 28) associated with the spindle and hub, respectively. The inner race of the inboard bearing set (18) is formed with an axial air pressure (46) which communicates with an internal chamber (36) in the hub to form a portion of the air passage between the tire and on-board system. In another feature, rotary seals (60, 62) are seated in opposed faces of the bearing sets and include sealing lips (72) which have a sealed contact with the upper surface of the inner bearing races.

Abstract: A tire valve assembly (300) for a central tire inflation system (10) comprising a single valve body (302) having only a first (304) and a second (306) fluid connection from the exterior to the interior thereof is provided. The first fluid connection comprises a first port (304) connected to a selectively pressurized and exhausted conduit (52) and the second fluid connection comprises a second port (306) connected to the interior pressurized chamber (74) of an inflatable tire (12). The assembly includes first valve means (314) responsive to pressurization and exhausting of said selectively pressurized and exhausted conduit to establish or block, respectively, fluid communication between said first and second ports and second valve means (316) responsive to pressurization in said interior tire chamber to maintain said first valve means in the closed position thereof if said interior tire chamber is pressurized below a predetermined reference pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly carrying a pneumatic tire includes a hub rotatably mounted on a fixed axle component and provided with an internal air flow passageway. One end of the passageway communicates with the interior of the tire through a pneumatically actuated check valve, and the other end of the passageway is adapted to be connected to an air pressure control system carried by the vehicle. The latter connection is through a sealing arrangement between the rotating hub and fixed axle component and which includes a displaceable seal on the fixed axle component normally maintained out of contact with the rotatable hub. The displaceable seal is adapted to be moved into engagement with the hub by air under pressure from the air pressure control system after which the vehicle tire can be inflated, deflated or checked for pressure through the operation of appropriate controls in the air pressure control system.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system (10) comprising a pressure relief valve (180) fluidly interposed control means (142, 156, 164, 154, 172) and a tire valve assembly (56, 58) is provided. The control valve assembly is effective to selectively pressurize or exhaust a first conduit (170) connected to a first port (178) of the pressure relief valve, a second conduit (50, 52) extends from a third port (184) of the pressure relief valve to the tire valve assembly and a second port (182) is connected to atmosphere. The pressure relief valve is effective to establish fluid communication between said first and second ports thereof when the pressure in said first conduit exceeds the pressure in said second conduit and to establish fluid communication between the second conduit and the exhaust port (182) if the pressure in said second conduit exceeds the pressure in said first conduit.

Abstract: A vehicle air system (300) for a vehicle equipped with a source of pressurized fluid (302, 306), an air brake system (314), a central tire inflation system (316) and a central tire inflation system pressurized fluid reservoir (336) is provided. Preferably, the central tire inflation system reservoir is defined in part by the vehicle spare tire. The central tire inflation system rservoir is fluidly connected to the source of pressurized fluid, the vehicle air brake system and the central tire inflation system by a pair of parallel conduits (332, 334), one of which is provided with a one way check valve (340) allowing pressurized fluid stored in the reservoir to be supplied to the brake system of the central tire inflation system.

Abstract: An adjustable automatically controlled pneumatic pump device includes an air pump, an electric motor adapted for being energized by a power source to drive the air pump, an air hose member with an exhaust port at one end, and an other end of the hose member connected to the air pump, a pressure gauge with a pressure setting pointer which can be adjusted in advance according to the predetermined air pressure desired and a pressure indicating pointer which is capable of contacting with the pressure setting pointer when the air pressure through the air hose reaches the predetermined air pressure, and an electric logic circuit device which is electrically associated with the motor and the pressure gauge and arranged in that the electric logic circuit can control the motor for pumping air into an enclosed space.

Abstract: A highly accurate pressure control system (200) adapted to control fluid pressure in apparatus such as the air pressure in vehicle tires (136) comprises a control module (210) having an air pressure selector (211) for selecting a desired air pressure and a pressure to voltage transducer circuit (230) for generating a signal representative of the actual air pressure. Signals representative of the difference between actual and desired air pressure are applied to comparator circuitry (246, 248) which control output switches (254, 256) for activating an inflate/deflate valve (220) to inflate or deflate the tires (136) so as to achieve and maintain the desired air pressure. Various circuitry of the control module (210) employ reference signals maintained at reference values held constant relative to a common power supply voltage instead of to a ground reference (218), thus minimizing circuit count and power dissipation while providing sufficient current for operating output switches (254, 256).

Abstract: An automatic tire inflation-pressure regulating system for wheeled vehicles with pneumatic tires. The system has a system control assembly in the vehicle operator's compartment, control signal transmitter assemblies on the vehicle body in close proximity with each vehicle road wheel, and a tire pressure-regulating wheel assembly on each wheel. The transmitter assemblies convert electrical command signals initiated by the control assembly to RF signals that are received by an electronic module in each wheel assembly. Means in each wheel assembly selectively deflate or inflate their respective tires in response to the RF control signals. Gas under pressure for inflating the tires is provided either by a plurality of gas generators or by a pressurized gas-generating liquid.

Abstract: A machine for converting tubular plastic film from flat fold to pleated fold cross section which includes self-contained radio controlled inflating capsule positioned within the tube to inflate it as the gussets are being formed by conventional forming or plowing mechanism.

Abstract: An onboard tire inflation system (10) for controlling and/or monitoring the inflation pressure of a tire (18) from a remote control (22, 24) is provided. The system includes automatic valve means (32, 88) for isolating the interior chamber (20) of the tire and relieving fluid pressure on the rotary seals (78, 80, 82) during system steady state ("off") operating conditions.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable article having side walls made of flexible impervious fabric, the valve being attached and sealed to the article at an opening through the side wall thereof. The valve has a hollow valve body having a fixed seat therein, a valve element within the valve body and selectively movable into and out of sealing engagement with the valve seat, and a resilient spring constantly urging the valve element toward and into sealing engagement with the valve seat. The valve is attached and sealed by a nut screwed onto the valve body, the nut having a first, axially outwardly expanding frusto-conical flange on its axially outer end, the first flange underlying the portion of the fabric which surrounds the opening through the side wall of the article, and a second frusto-conical flange attached to the valve body.