With Deflating Means Patents (Class 137/228)
  • Patent number: 11781539
    Abstract: A hand grip mechanism includes a first member, a second member connected to the first member in a vertically moveable manner, a spring providing a biasing force to lower the second member with respect to the first member, and a hand grip configured by two grip links, each including a grip rotatably connected to the first member, a link rotatably connected to the second member below a connecting portion between the first member and the grip, and first and second connecting shafts each connecting the grip and the link below a connecting portion between the second member and the link. By a pressing operation to squeeze the hand grip against the biasing force of the spring, the grip and link in each grip link rotate relative to each other about the first connecting shaft during initial movement and about the second connecting shaft during final movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignees: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION, Yokogawa Test & Measurement Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Takakura
  • Patent number: 11300225
    Abstract: A valve-coupler system has a lever that extends under a length axis of the valve body to enable one-handed operation. The valve-coupler body has an opening that is configured over a valve stem and a seal actuator having a lever that can be rotated about a pivot with a single hand to create a seal around the valve stem. Additionally, a valve-coupler may have a gas inlet valve that can be activated by the same single hand to open the valve and allow gas to flow into the valve stem. The inlet valve may be configured in line with the lever whereby the inlet valve is opened when the lever is rotated about the pivot to contact the inlet valve. The inlet valve may be configured on the valve body for manipulation by a user's finger or thumb. The inlet valve may be on the top of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventors: Edgar G. Ashmead, Chris Cullen
  • Patent number: 10551240
    Abstract: A self-cleaning sensor to determine a level of a liquid includes a tube with an interior coating and a plurality of horizontally aligned, electrically isolated, electrical contacts. The self-cleaning sensor includes the plurality of horizontally aligned, electrically isolated, electrical contacts that each terminate in an outer surface of an interior wall of the tube and are electrically connected to one or more electrical devices in a cap residing on the tube. Additionally, the self-cleaning sensor includes a float that is composed of a low density, low dielectric constant material buoyant in one or more liquids to be measured where each horizontal dimension of the float corresponds to each horizontal dimension of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Fry, Daniel Piper, Jang Sim, Yongchun Xin
  • Patent number: 10449814
    Abstract: An assembly for a tire pressure management system includes a housing. The housing includes a first branch and a second branch. The second branch is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the first branch. The first branch and the second branch are in fluid communication with each other and a main branch. The main branch is rotatable with respect to the first branch. A valve assembly is housed within the first branch. The valve assembly provides selective fluid communication between a portion of the tire pressure management system and the main branch. A pressure relief valve assembly is housed within the second branch. The pressure relief valve assembly provides selective fluid communication between the assembly and the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Foor
  • Patent number: 9856871
    Abstract: A bicycle air pump includes an air cylinder; a joining member on the cylinder and including upper, intermediate and lower chambers, and a passageway communicating the cylinder with the lower chamber and a relief valve; an activation assembly on the joining member and including a hollow spring-loaded stem in both the intermediate chamber and the lower chamber, an end seal, a cap on the upper chamber, a push rod through the cap to urge against the seal and having an axial hole and a lateral hole communicating with the axial hole, a knob secured to the push rod and the cap, and an outlet; a pressure gauge on the joining member and communicating with the passageway; an inlet assembly secured to bottom of the cylinder and including a check valve; and a blocking member secured to bottom of the stem for blocking the passageway when in an inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Chung Wei Huang, Wen-Hung Li, Cheng Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 9354102
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to reservoir assembly for storing hydrogen peroxide for use with a hydrogen peroxide vaporizer in association with a filler. Which includes a fluid chamber, a float member and a column level sensor. The float member is positioned within the fluid chamber. The fluid column level sensor is positioned at or near the upper end of the fluid chamber. The float member is configured to absorb the vibrations, turbulence and bubbling caused by the fluid movement and degradation. To that end, the float member is configured so as to be partially submerged. In addition, the float member includes an outer surface that has both passageways and sidewall guide surfaces which facilitate proper tracking within the fluid chamber, while also allowing for the directing of fluid movements around the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Scholle IPN Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Zaro, Sean Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 9176017
    Abstract: An inflation device for airbags has an inflation tube insertable through the airbag inflation valve, the inflation tube having a distal end. A handle mounts the inflation tube and is connected to an inflation gas source. A delivery valve controls inflation gas flow through inflation tube. A pressure gauge has an input and conduit extending therefrom along the inflation tube and to the end of the inflation tube for ascertaining inflation pressure within the airbag. The delivery valve is operated to achieve a desired inflation pressure. The inflation tube has gas delivery openings through its side walls laterally delivering inflation gas to the airbag. The inflation tube and pressure gauge conduit are inserted together through the airbag inflation valve, so that inflation pressure is monitored substantially concurrently with inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventors: Michell C. Tschantz, Kerry M. McKinley
  • Publication number: 20150101678
    Abstract: A relief-valve device for an air pressure gauge has a casing, a relief-valve assembly, a valve shaft, and a push button. The casing has a connecting member, a pressure detecting member and a discharging member. The relief-valve assembly is mounted in the discharging member and has a valve seat, a first seal ring, a second seal ring and a mounting cover. The valve shaft is mounted axially slidably in the relief-valve assembly and has a shaft member and a valve head. The shaft member has a discharging notch selectively aligning with the second seal ring to allow high pressure air in an inflatable product connecting to the air pressure gauge to be discharged slowly and finely out of the relief-valve device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: JIAO HSIUNG INDUSTRY CORP.
    Inventor: Keng-Fong CHU
  • Publication number: 20140202586
    Abstract: A pneumatic system includes a first line configured to be coupled to a container, and to convey a flow of gas from a source to the container, a second line in communication with gas in the container, a valve coupled in series with the first line, between the source and the container, and a spring member. The valve includes a body having a first port, a second port, and an exhaust port, and the valve includes a moveable element in communication with the second line and is configured to control the flow of gas through the first line as a function of the pressure of the gas within the container. The spring member is positioned to apply a biasing force to a first side of the moveable element, and the second line provides a feedback to a second side of the moveable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Techmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Radosevic
  • Patent number: 8720467
    Abstract: A purging device is provided for an assembled unit for a vehicle, having both a wheel including a rim and a tire. The purging device has a body connected to the inflation tube of the assembled unit, the body being designed to be subjected to the inflation pressure of the assembled unit, and a piston able to move inside the body. The piston operates an open/close element, fixed to the piston, between a closed position and a purging position of the body, the open/close element being normally closed, the open/close element and the piston each having a face designed to be exposed to the inflation air inside the body in the closed position. The open/close element is opened by the action of an operating force on the piston. Also disclosed is a method for deflating an assembled unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventor: Olivier Ferlin
  • Patent number: 8701697
    Abstract: A pneumatic system includes a first line, a second line, and a valve. The first line is configured to be connected to a container, and to convey a flow of gas from a source to the container. The second line is arranged co-axially with the first line and is in communication with gas in the container. The valve is connected in series with the first line, between the source and the container. Furthermore, the valve is in communication with the second line and is configured to control the flow of gas through the first line as a function of a characteristic of the gas in the container, as communicated by the second line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Techmaster Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Radosevic
  • Patent number: 8651131
    Abstract: A control valve for an air cushion bed includes a first main body, a membrane plate, a second main body, a sensor, and a depressurization unit. The membrane plate is clamped between the first main body and the second main body. The second main body at one side of the membrane plate is connected with the sensor. The sensor is used to detect the inputted air pressure. When the air is over, the air can be depressurized by the depressurization unit. The control valve of the present invention is applied to input and control the air of the air cushion bed, having depressurization and air detection functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Shang-Neng Wu
  • Patent number: 8281799
    Abstract: A valve set includes a valve body which includes a central hole and multiple passages are located around the central hole. A tubular portion extends from the valve body a flexible plate has an insertion inserted into the central hole of the valve body and the flexible plate seals the passages from an underside of the valve body. A core member is securely engaged with the tubular portion has an inlet tube. Multiple releasing probes extend from an underside thereof. A spring is mounted to the inlet tube and biased between a shoulder on the inlet tube and an inner surface of the valve body. A bottom cap is connected to the underside of the valve body. Air is introduced into the valve set via the inlet tube and released by pushing the core member and the releasing probes push the flexible plate away from the passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Chien-Ping Lien
  • Patent number: 8256447
    Abstract: A pressure relief device (100) for an inflatable tire comprises a body (102) having a chamber (116) therein and pressure relief mechanism for releasing air when the air pressure in the chamber exceeds a first predetermined pressure level. A conduit (108; 208) inter-connects an air inlet (110; 210) with an air outlet (112; 212). The conduit (108; 208) is provided in a pin (104; 204) arranged to slide axially in a passageway (106) in the body, the pin (104; 204) extending from the air inlet (110; 210) to the air outlet (112; 212) and being slidable between a first position in which it cannot release a stem of the tire, and a second position, in which it can release the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Opfinderfabrikken APS
    Inventors: Søren Badstue, Amir Shahar
  • Patent number: 7624752
    Abstract: An inflation valve includes a hollow sleeve having a first chamber and a second chamber; a first valve body located in the first chamber; a second valve body located in the second chamber; an air inlet connector screwed to an upper end of the second chamber; and a central pin assembly mounted in the air inlet connector. When an object being inflated by the inflation valve is excessively inflated, the inflation valve automatically releases surplus high-pressure air via at least one release pod of the second chamber by pushing the first valve body and the second valve body upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Tien-Tsai Huang
  • Patent number: 7568500
    Abstract: A pressure relief device for an air inflator includes a pipe connector, a seal member, a check valve mounting ring, a check valve, an air cell connector, and a pressure relief control ring. Thus, the pressure relief control ring is tightened to perform the air inflating action and loosened to perform the pressure relief action, so that the air inflating action and the pressure relief action are performed along the same axis, and the pressure relief device has a co-axial operation function, thereby facilitating the user inflating and deflating the inflatable body. In addition, the air inlet hole is not mounted in the air cell to facilitate the user compressing the air cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Huang
  • Publication number: 20090025797
    Abstract: The pump described below is used for pneumatic pressure calibration, to generate a test pressure. This design incorporates features which provide for leak free operation. The vent valve uses a Schrader type valve operated by a vent knob. This vent knob is contained within and concentric with a pressure adjusting knob called a vernier knob. We claim this configuration. The pump also has ergonomically designed handles, which make the use much easier. A stroke adjustment screw is located at the apex of the links to provide for ease of adjustment. The main pressure spring is covered to prevent pinching the palm of the user. Double o-rings are used on the power piston as well. We claim these features as well. To use this device, the user connects the pump and hose to a calibrator and sensor, closes the vent valve, pumps and pressurizes to the desired level. The vernier knob then does fine adjustment of the pressure. When done, the user relieves the pressure, using the vent valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Cary Ratner
  • Patent number: 7445533
    Abstract: An inflation device and method for inflating or deflating inflatable objects, such as game balls is disclosed. The inflation device measures the pressure of a game ball and inflates or deflates the ball to a pressure selected by the user. Also disclosed is an injection apparatus that can be used to automatically retract an injection needle from the game ball or other inflatable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: David Norton, Robert Overholt, Clarence Underwood, Gary Walker, William Demmer, Edward Demmer
  • Patent number: 7320347
    Abstract: A tool allowing both the inflation and deflation of air-filled bags such as dunnage bags is disclosed. The tool comprises a sliding control to easily and safely turn the flow of air on and off. The tool is switched from inflation to deflation mode by moving the bag connecting valve from one end of the device to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sunrise Arkansas, Inc.
    Inventors: J. William Ramsey, Mike L. Smith, James C. Hobbs
  • Patent number: 7273065
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a dunnage bag wherein in the valve body a valve diaphragm is mounted on a shaft and is supported by a mounting bar such that the valve diaphragm may be reciprocally moved from the closed position to the open position by a simple axial push on the valve shaft. The valve shaft is retained in the mounting bar in an orifice and the shaft diameter is enlarged at its end distant from the valve diaphragm so as to generate a frictional force fit or lock in the open position to facilitate the removal of air from the bag. The valve may be released form the friction lock by the air pressure of a recharged bag and/or by the manual movement of the valve diaphragm and shaft axially toward the open end of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: James A. Robbins
  • Patent number: 7096881
    Abstract: A digital pressurization compound terminal 10 comprising a high accuracy digital pressure gauge 11 sheltered in a silicon housing, main body 13 made of a high-resistance allow and dimensioned to be held in the palm of the user's hand, o-ring 12, control or HP valves 14, ring 15, regulator assembly valve 16, equipped piston 17, second o-ring 18, inferior body and handle 19, third o-ring 20, male quick coupling 21, screw 22, regulator setting wheel 23, purging female quick coupling 24, service female quik coupling 25 and on-off switch 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Manuel Roland Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7073545
    Abstract: A tool allowing both the inflation and deflation of air-filled bags such as dunnage bags is disclosed. The tool comprises rotatable controls to easily and safely manipulate both the flow of air into the device and the mode of operation between inflation and deflation. A venturi tube is used to draw air rapidly from a bag when the tool is deployed in deflation mode, while a radial vent system dissipates the force of the air exiting the device during deflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Mike L. Smith, John R. Leszczyna
  • Patent number: 7073527
    Abstract: In an apparatus for regulating the internal pressure of a closed system, a valve housing connected to a closed system, an intake valve connected to a valve housing for receiving a pressurized substance in one direction through the valve housing into the closed system, and a release valve connected to the valve housing for releasing excess pressure from the closed system. The release valve has a release valve aperture for releasing pressurized substance, a release valve block for selectively preventing the pressurized substance from escaping through the release valve aperture, and a release valve spring for retaining the release valve block in a closed position. When the constant internal pressure is increased, the release valve spring causes the release valve block to move from the closed position to an open position, thereby allowing excess pressurized substance to escape from the release valve aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Jose M Freire Teiga
  • Patent number: 6935359
    Abstract: A digital pressurization compound terminal 10 comprising a high accuracy digital pressure gauge 11 sheltered in a silicon housing, main body 13 made of a high-resistance allow and dimensioned to be held in the palm of the user's hand, o-ring 12, control or HP valves 14, ring 15, regulator assembly valve 16, equipped piston 17, second o-ring 18, inferior body and handle 19, third o-ring 20, male quick coupling 21, screw 22, regulator setting wheel 23, purging female quick coupling 24, service female quik coupling 25 and on-off switch 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Manuel Roland Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6814552
    Abstract: A pump capable of releasing excessive air is shown to include a hollow base, a cylinder installed on and communicated with the hollow base, a piston movably received in the cylinder, a piston tube including a lower end connected with the piston and an upper end located beyond the cylinder, a tube including a lower end communicated with the hollow base and an upper end inserted into the piston tube through a channel defined in the piston, a release valve mounted on the upper end of the piston tube and a handle mounted on the upper end of the piston tube. The valve is installed on the handle so that it can be touched conveniently and operated easily by a user who is using the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignees: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc., Co-Luck Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Publication number: 20020185177
    Abstract: A digital pressurization compound terminal 10 comprising a high accuracy digital pressure gauge 11 sheltered in a silicon housing, main body 13 made of a high-resistance allow and dimensioned to be held in the palm of the user's hand, o-ring 12, control or HP valves 14, ring 15, regulator assembly valve 16, equipped piston 17, second o-ring 18, inferior body and handle 19, third o-ring 20, male quick coupling 21, screw 22, regulator setting wheel 23, purging female quick coupling 24, service female quik coupling 25 and on-off switch 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Manuel Roland Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6296010
    Abstract: This invention is an automatic shut-off valve and gauge for tires during inflation. Configured as a double stem valve joined either on the outside or inside the rim of the tire. One stem serves as an air valve for inflating tires with a metal or plastic line attached to it extending into the second stem, which is a valve that regulates the air pressure in the tire. Air supplied during inflation of the tire causes a linkage to move and open a vent to the atmosphere which was otherwise closed. A spring loaded valve is designed to open when the air pressure in the tire exceeds the correct operating pressure and to allow excess air to escape to the atmosphere. A retracting and extending indicia is provided on the top of a spring loaded valve to indicate when the tire is properly inflated to a preset pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Gerard Michael DeLauer
  • Patent number: 6279599
    Abstract: An air hose assembly for a portable tire pump and having the dual function of air inflation and pressure release, which utilizes the same air hose structure to perform tire inflation and pressure release without the need to remove the air hose during pressure release, so as to eliminate the problem of the user having to press the air nozzle core of the tire with a pointed object or with his finger to release the tire pressure when the tire is over-inflated. Besides, the pressure is released quickly to arrive at a normal pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Chih-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 6234450
    Abstract: To avoid sealing problems associated with attachment of a connector to a separate valve member when providing for evacuation of a bag or other container, a unitary connector and valve (10) comprises a spring-loaded valve member (24) located in a bore (20) in a housing (12), which has external clamping (40-46) enabling the housing (12) to be sealingly attached to a container (not shown) as well as a fitting (48) enabling the housing (12) to be attached to an air line (not shown).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: James Jeory
  • Patent number: 5988245
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly includes a tire, a rim, an air valve and a relief valve. The relief valve can be installed in the rim, in the tire, or incorporated into the housing of the air valve to communicate directly with the interior of the tire; or as an adapter attachable to the outer end of the air valve. The relief valve includes an aperture normally covered by pre-stressed flexible belt which seals the aperture, but upon the presence of excessive pressure in the tire is deforming to vent the excessive pressure to the atmosphere. A second described variation relief valve includes a weakened portion of its housing which is automatically ruptured upon the presence of excessive pressure; this variation provides a one-time venting adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Gideon Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5906227
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inflating a tire comprising the steps of:providing a tire mounted on a rim, said tire comprising a tire valve to allow selective inflation or deflation of said tire, said tire being filled with a certain amount of air;deflating said tire to reach a pressure which is less than or equal to a predetermined low pressure, said predetermined low pressure being lower than atmospheric pressure;inflating said tire with a source of inert gas to reach a pressure at least equal to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, to obtain inside said tire a gas mixture comprising between 5% O.sub.2 by volume and 0.5% O2 by volume.It also relates to a tire evacuation apparatus specially adapted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude et L'Exploiatation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Clive Robert Sowry
  • Patent number: 5894863
    Abstract: A pipe plugging apparatus for use stopping the flow of water or other fluids in a pipe during pipe repair and construction, comprising a hand-held pump, the hand-held pump has a hand activated screw element for moving a piston for pushing water or other fluids within the pump. The hand-held pump has a cylindrical housing with an adjustable pressure relief knob at a first end and a filler intake port and an air bleeder valve positioned at a second end. The cylindrical housing includes a check valve and an aperture at the second end adapted for securing an intrusion tube connector. An intrusion tube with a connector check valve secured on a first end is secured to the hand-operated pump. One or more intrusion tubes may be linked together and provided either empty or fluid pre-filled. A water inflatable balloon is secured to a second end of the intrusion tube by a ribbed connector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventors: Tommy D. Lewis, Herbert O. Smith
  • Patent number: 5878774
    Abstract: A tire inflation gun has a valve having several positions. When fully closed, the gun does not fill or empty a tire, but allows the tire pressure to be measured. When the valve is partially opened, the tire pressure can still be measured, but air is allowed to escape from the tire. Fully open, the gun allows the tire to be filled by a pressurized air source but closes the connection between pressure gauge and pressurized air source. This prevents the pressure gauge from being damaged by the high pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Walmec S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Zanetti
  • Patent number: 5819779
    Abstract: In the state where a tire valve cap body has been fixedly screwed onto a valve mouthpiece, a top cover is pushed to open a tire valve, allowing introduction of a tire air pressure. A piston is slidably incorporated in a cylinder chamber defined within the top cover and is urged by a return spring. Upon the introduction of the tire air pressure, the piston is displaced to a position at which the biasing force of the return spring balances with the force of the introduced air pressure. An indication mechanism is provided to indicate, through an indication window formed in a cylinder member, a position of the piston member displaced by the tire air pressure introduced, thereby indicating a measurement value of the tire air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Univance Corporation
    Inventors: Touji Takemura, Hirohisa Maki
  • Patent number: 5778923
    Abstract: An anti-seepage, self-gauging inflation valve system includes an inlet port and an outlet port; a filler valve for introducing fluid under pressure from the inlet to the outlet port; a vent structure; an isolation chamber communicating with the vent structure; a gauging valve for sealing the chamber from the vent structure and automatically opening when the pressure in the chamber exceeds a predetermined level; an anti-seepage isolation valve for isolating the chamber from the outlet port; and an actuator device for opening the isolation valve to enable access between the gauging valve and the outlet port to vent pressure in excess of the predetermined level while the actuator device holds open the isolation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Philip William Marston
  • Patent number: 5665908
    Abstract: The described tire deflation device is used when it is necessary to deflate a tire rapidly, especially when the tire is not to be fully deflated. A tool within the device is able to engage the tire valve in order to unscrew it from the valve stem. The tire valve stem is engaged, by a housing wall within which the tool slides. The tool is manipulated at a free proximal end of the housing wall and is able to rotate and slide longitudinally within the housing wall. The tool includes a seal which prevents tire air from reaching an aperture in the housing wall when the tool is at one end of the housing wall, and uncovers the aperture when positioned at the other. In one embodiment, a collar, engagable with a pressure gauge, slides on the outside of the housing wall and is able to be positioned so that the aperture and pressure gauge are interconnected, and alternately positioned to vent the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventors: Ronald L. Burkey, Lee Burkey
  • Patent number: 5148712
    Abstract: A deflator for monitoring and selectively or simultaneously deflating an inflated item, such as a basketball, includes a body configured with a central passageway, a first end, a second end and at least one side, each having a bore disposed so as to be in fluid communication with the central passageway. The deflator includes a measuring gauge for measuring the pressure of the inflated item and operationally secured to the body to be in fluid communication with the central passageway, an insertion needle for insertion into the inflated item, which is connected to the body and is in fluid communication with the central passageway, and a valve connected to the body portion, which is in fluid communication with the central passageway for selectively deflating the inflated item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Federal Equipment Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Cross, Joe Jasionowski
  • Patent number: 5131275
    Abstract: A gas pressure gage connected to a pressure tank includes a solid stem body which has a gas channel extending from the first end to the second end thereof. The solid stem body further includes a cavity which communicates the gas channel with the exterior of the gage. A spring-biased piston rod disposed in the cavity, provided with a sealing member, seals the gas channel unless the gas pressure in the gas channel exceeds the force of the spring member, or the piston rod is operated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Tien-Tsai Huang
  • Patent number: 4998438
    Abstract: A tire pressure gauge having an electronic air pressure detector connected to a digital readout. The tire pressure gauge includes a pair of tubular members. One of the members having one end adapted to engage a tire valve stem while the other member includes an end having an inflation value therein. At the side of the casing is a pressure release valve for releasing pressure from the tire through the tire pressure gauge without removal of the gauge from the tire valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: Jerry L. Martin
  • Patent number: 4875509
    Abstract: An air pressure control system for verifying and adjusting air pressure, simultaneously, in a pair of vehicle tires, either the pair of front tires or the pair of rear tires or any individual tire. The system comprises a pair of air conduits having tire valve connectors at a free end thereof for connecting the conduits to respective one of a pair of vehicle tires. The conduits are interconnected together at a junction to equilibrate air pressure in the pair of tires. An air pressure source is also provided. A valve connects the air pressure source to the junction, in an inflating mode, to inflate the tires. Another valve also connects the junction to outside atmosphere, in a deflating mode, to evacuate air from the tires. A pressure sensor is connected in association with the valves and the junction to display the air pressure equilibrated between the pair of tires. A display device visually indicates the equilibrated pressure at the junction to determine if the valves should be actuated and in which mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: E.R.C.D. Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Jean Da Silva
  • Patent number: 4574641
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fluid pressure has an electrical circuit for measuring fluid pressure which is closed only when simultaneously, the pressure to be measured is at least equal to a predetermined threshold and is substantially stable. A deformable member deforms under application of pressure of the fluid being measured and closes the electrical circuit. When fluid is moving through the apparatus, a Venturi valve member functions to lower the pressure of the fluid in contact with the deformable gauge member to reopen the electrical circuit. The Venturi valve member is formed by a revolution cone disposed in a chamber such that the passageway located annularly around the cone is reduced. A measuring apparatus integral with a deflating-inflating assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Schrader S.A.
    Inventors: Guy Rosaz, Guy Maire, Jean-Marie Badoz
  • Patent number: 4557308
    Abstract: Flexible check-valve-like baffle is provided in low pressure indicator to assure proper seating of poppet and maximum flow during fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Scovil Inc.
    Inventor: Harold A. Kuypers
  • Patent number: 4512278
    Abstract: The invention is directed to means adapted for connection to a gaseous fluid container for visually signalling a reduction of pressure in the container, for example a vehicle tire, to indicate a decline or diminution of fluid in the container. This signal alerts and enables an observer to initiate steps for restoring the desired pressure when the pressure of the gaseous fluid in the container is diminished for any reason below a predetermined minimum desired pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Winther Family Members
    Inventor: Harry C. Winther
  • Patent number: 4464929
    Abstract: A tire cap pressure gauge for mounting upon a tire valve stem and measuring tire pressure has a housing, a manually operated plunger extending axially through the housing, a spring extending about the plunger, a piston biased by the spring and having indicia, and a transparent insert member containing said spring, piston and plunger within the housing and having an internally threaded bore for mounting about the periphery of a threaded valve stem. The housing has multiple windows with indicia proximate thereto for viewing the translational position of the piston through the transparent insert member. Two embodiments show a lightweight, compact and easily assembled pressure measuring cap having sealless construction which utilizes close clearances and sharp corners to minimize leakage airflow. A small but insignificant amount of air leaks past the piston, providing an audible signal that the plunger is sufficiently depressed to provide an adequate pressure reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignees: William M. Willis, Sr., William M. Willis, Jr., Jerry W. Schwarz
    Inventor: William M. Willis
  • Patent number: 4342347
    Abstract: A fluid valve having a generally cylindrical, hollow body provided with aligned openings in the opposed end walls thereof, one of the openings shiftably receiving a valve member and the other opening adapted to be coupled to a tube leading to a vessel to be pressurized. A coil spring in the body biases the valve member to a closed position against a valve seat carried by the adjacent end wall, and the valve member has a cap provided with a skirt surrounding the sidewall of the body so that the valve member can be opened by manually depressing the cap relative to the body. A second valve is coupled with the body so that a fluid under pressure can be directed into the body and thereby a vessel to be pressurized when the tube leading to the vessel is coupled to the other opening of the body. The body is formed in two parts to facilitate manufacture and assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1982
    Inventor: Eugene K. Paulson
  • Patent number: 4072048
    Abstract: An indicating apparatus for measuring the pressure of a fluid within a container, such as a tire, which includes a housing adapted to be mounted on the tire valve assembly. A plunger is supported within the housing for movement between an inoperable position wherein the tire valve is closed and a first operate position wherein the valve is opened to permit fluid from the tire to enter the housing. An indicator piston is supported within the housing for movement to an indicating position representative of the pressure within the tire, which position is exposed to view through the housing. The apparatus further provides for movement of the plunger to a second operate position wherein the valve is opened to permit pressure from an external source to be transmitted to the tire through the apparatus without having to remove the apparatus from the tire valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Inventor: John Arvan