Abstract: A system cleans or dusts devices, such as optical or photographic equipment or the like, with pressurized air from a chamber. The chamber is filled with air through an air inlet valve which may be connected to an air pressure source, such as a conventional tire pump, or may have a built-in pump connected thereto. As a result, when air is depleted from the chamber, the chamber may be re-filled for repeated use of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first housing coaxially aligned with and separable relative to the second housing is provided, wherein the first housing includes a puncture rod arranged to address and puncture a gas charged cylinder within the second housing, whereupon the puncture rod includes pneumatic conduit structure to direct pressurized gas from the cylinder into a delivery conduit for mounting to an associated bicycle tire.

Abstract: The problem of a visible, rim-mounted valve stem for inflating a customized wheel-mounted tire is obviated by a wheel configuration that translates the tire inflation location from a valve stem mounted on the wheel rim to a hub location where a readily accessible tire inflation port can be effectively hidden beneath a locking center cap, making the access port tamperproof. A tire inflation passageway is integral with a spoke that connects the wheel hub to the wheel rim. In a preferred embodiment the wheel is a unitary cast structure, with the tire inflation passageway integrally cast as part of one of the spokes. The hub portion of the wheel has an inflation access port in fluid communication with the tire inflation fluid passageway, thereby providing for the application of pressurized air to the fluid passageway, so that inflation air flowing therethrough may be supplied to the interior of a tire mounted on the wheel rim and thereby control the tire pressure of the tire.

Abstract: An apparatus provides individual vehicle motorists with a simple, low-cost way to adjust and balance the pressure within their individual vehicle's tires without accidentally exceeding the maximum pressure level of the tires. The apparatus, interconnects the four tires with itself, and a pressure gauge and a conventional tire air-valve permits the internal air pressure of all four tires to be adjusted uniformly from one air source through a unique low cost combination of a commercial connector and a specially designed shut-off valve and to be disconnected without a loss of air in any of the four tires. If a pre-set air pressure level has been exceeded while air is being pumped into the tires, a safety air pressure-relief valve, coupled to a whistle, is triggered, notifying the motorist of this condition.

Abstract: A pneumatic calibration device is provided including a body having an air inlet port and an air outlet port, a pressure gauge extending from the body, and a mechanism for adjusting pressure disposed within the body. The pressure adjusting mechanism communicates with the pressure gauge. The air inlet and outlet ports are pneumatically coupled to the pressure adjusting mechanism so as to regulate inflation of an inflatable member.

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: An air control system which is connected to the conventional air supply on a truck is continuously connected to the truck tires and provides equal pressure to all of the tires through a regulator. The air connection between the regulator and each tire is through a rotatable joint in the truck axles for allowing rotation of the wheels while connected to the air control system.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling deflation operations in a CTIS (10, 200). During deflation to a selected pressure (P.sub.D), the tires will be deflated to a target pressure (P.sub.T) lower than the selected pressure and then inflated to the selected pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a vehicle central tire inflation system (CTIS) produces a series of valve open signals in response to a demand tire pressure signal in which each valve open signal has a time period and a time space occurs between each open signal. The series of open signals terminates when the current tire pressure is at least equal to the demand tire pressure and upon termination, a count is made of the number of valve open signals. In each successive series of valve open signals, the time period is increased or decreased depending upon whether the previous count is greater or less than a predetermined count range.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic method for an on-board CTIS (10) for sensing system faults and/or vehicle conditions requiring system shut down. Includes a method for preventing operations of the CITS if the pressure in the air tank has not reached a desired minimum when the vehicle speed exceeds a reference speed for a preselected period of time.

Abstract: A dual pneumatic tire inflator is provided for simultaneously adding and equalizing the air pressure in dual tires commonly employed in tractor trailer trucks, airplanes, tractors and other dual wheeled vehicles. The dual pneumatic tire inflator includes a housing having an inlet valve for receiving pressurized air from a common air pressure source and a pair of pressure hoses connected to a pair of locking valve tire chucks for engaging each valve of the dual tire assembly and a pressure gauge for indicating the common pressure of the dual tires and a relief valve for adjusting and equalizing the air pressure in the dual tires. The housing is preferably of an elongated body having an inlet disposed at one end, a pressure gauge disposed at the other and the two pressure hoses and pressure relief valve disposed in a planar relationship.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic method of for an on-board CTIS (10) for sensing system faults and/or vehicle conditions requiring shut down. The pressure transducer (80) is exposed to atmospheric pressure to determine if the transducer is generating believable input signals to the system controller (88).

Abstract: Portable reinflator for a tire of a vehicle, to be connected to an electric ource of the vehicle and to the valve of the defective tire includes an electric connector, a compressor, a rotary seal and a valve coupler. The reinflator also includes an electric connection running from the connector to the compressor, a first pneumatic line running from the compressor to the rotary seal, and a second pneumatic line running from the rotary seal to the valve coupler. The portable reinflator is used in repairs to replace air inside the tire as it escapes from the tire in the case of puncture.

Abstract: A compact device for sealingly storing, and subsequently delivering to the interior of a tire, a predetermined charge quantity of a tire leak sealant liquid includes a hollow liquid storage and transfer member, having an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting, within which the sealant liquid is disposed. When the hollow member is operatively interconnected between a pressurized air source and the tire's valve stem, pressurized air sequentially forces the entire sealant liquid charge volume into the tire and then flows into the tire through the storage and transfer member. Accordingly, the device may be utilized to repair and fully inflate a flat tire. A check valve structure incorporated in the device prevents fluid backflow through the storage and transfer member. The device may also be used to force other treatment liquids, such as a tire conditioner liquid, into the tire.

Abstract: An improved inflator for use in automated wheel/tire assembly lines is disclosed herein. The improved inflator incorporates temperature sensors to sense both the temperature of the compressed air used to inflate the tire and the ambient air temperature in response to which control means will adjust a base reference inflation pressure to compensate for these variables. A pressure sensor is also provided which serves to provide feed back information as to the actual pressure to which the tire is inflated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for inflating tire tubes, more specifically the inflation of bicycle tire tubes either a SCHRADER or PRESTA type inflation valve. In one embodiment, a conduit having an internal gas passage threadably connects the tire tube inflation valve to a sealed cartridge containing a requisite volume of pressurized gas to inflate a mounted tire. A pointed puncture tube mounted at the inlet end of the conduit and forming a portion of the internal passage, ruptures the cartridge seal when the cartridge is connected to the conduit. The gas flow through this ruptured seal is controllable by a seal around the puncture tube that contacts the cartridge seal. Attachment means and seal elements contained within the conduit prevent loss of the pressurized gas during tube inflation. A gas-tight connection to the tube inflation valve is created by a resilient coupling member mounted at the outlet end of the conduit.

Abstract: A water filled tire filling device including a barrel portion with an axial bore therethrough. One end of the bore has an enlarged inner diameter with an air vent aperture in the wall thereof, and the inner wall threaded adjacent the open end, with the thread being suitable for attachment to a conventional tire valve member. A valve stem tube is inserted into the bore and secured therein with an end of the tube projecting beyond the end of the enlarged diameter bore portion a distance to be in proximity to the valve needle member of the tire valve when the filling device is connected to the tire valve. For larger volume and/or faster fills the needle valve assembly can be removed prior to insertion of the tube. If the needle valve assembly is not removed, actuation of the valve needle member is accomplished by the inner diameter of the tube being sufficient to pass into proximity with the needle member or sufficient to pass about the needle member and seat against the surrounding valve seat.

Abstract: Portable reinflator for a tire of a vehicle, to be connected to an electric ource of the vehicle and to the valve of the defective tire includes an electric connector, a compressor, a rotary seal and a valve coupler. The reinflator also includes an electric connection running from the connector to the compressor, a first pneumatic line running from the compressor to the rotary seal, and a second pneumatic line running from the rotary seal to the valve coupler. The portable reinflator is used in repairs to replace air inside the tire as it escapes from the tire in the case of puncture.

Abstract: A manually-operated device for safely inflating automotive vehicle tires. A pressurized gas cylinder is connected to a manual valve for delivery of pressurized gas to a vehicle tire. The gas pressure is safely controlled (regulated) by a stepped piston that is slidably arranged in a vent chamber. A small diameter rod section of the piston is aligned with a valve seat in the main flow passage. Pressure rise on the large diameter section of the piston causes the rod section to temporarily interrupt the main gas flow. Gas is vented around the large diameter section of the piston to enable the rod section to move away from the associated valve seat, thereby permitting gas flow to resume through the main passage.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatically operated circuit for automatically shutting off the flow of high pressure air being introduced into an object such as a tire, when the pressure in the object reaches a preselected maximum pressure significantly below the high pressure supply. The air is introduced automatically in timed, high pressure bursts and between the time bursts a safety mechanism gauges the pressure that has built up in the object and interrupts further timed bursts when the latter pressure exceeds the preselected maximum.

Abstract: An improved portable battery charger (10) for boosting and charging automotive-type batteries. The battery charger (10) comprises rectifier means (34), an automotive-type battery (20), and an air compressor (24) powered by the battery (20) received within a charger housing (12). Positive and negative charging cables (30 and 28, respectively) are retractably received within first and second cable housings (14 and 16), respectively. The first and second cable housings are positioned adjacent oppositely disposed external walls of the charger housing (12) and are dimensioned such that the positive and negative charging clamps (76 and 70, respectively) may be slidably positioned over saddle notches (72) defined by the cable housings when the charging cables are fully retracted into the cable housings whereby the charging clamps (76 and 70) are physically isolated from each other by the charger housing 12, thereby preventing accidental contact between the clamps.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher for automotive use is provided with the additional capability of sealing and reinflating a flat tire without any wheel removal. The device is charged with a combination fire-extinguishing and tire-sealing composition, and fitted with a removable nozzle for extinguishing fires. To seal and inflate a flat tire, the nozzle is removed, and, in its place, one end of an adaptor hose assembly is attached to the fire extinguisher, and the other end is connected to the tire valve with the wheel rotated to place the puncture or leak at the bottom. Then actuating the device dispenses sealant into the tire while inflating it, after which vehicle movement distributes the sealant and generates heat which accelerates the tire-sealing action and further inflates the tire to a higher pressure, enabling the vehicle to proceed to a service station.

Abstract: A control system and method for sensing and reacting conditions indicative of unacceptable slow CTIS response to selected pressure setting changes.

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 dual valve assembly with calibrated or adjustable spring loading that may be attached to a valve stem on a tire to allow slightly over pressuring the tire with air and which then automatically adjusts the pressure in the tire to match a spring loading calibration.

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.

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 air inlet and automatic pressure adjustment assembly comprising a smaller closed ended inner cylinder with a partially common wall with a larger outer cylinder with there being a vent hole in the common cylinder wall and an adjustable spring loaded to close vent valve in the inner cylinder so that excess air pressure opens this valve to vent air from the tire to the outside. The layer outer cylinder contains a normal air inlet valve that will be held closed by inlet air pressure of the tire.

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 valves and inflating, deflating or eluding 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.

Abstract: A flat tire inflation device for emergencies is provided which includes a flexible hose a supply chuck that is temporarily securable to a inflated tire by means of a spring loaded retaining clip and having a pressure gauge on the inflation chuck at the other end of the tube. An extension projects from the inflation chuck for connecting the inflation chuck to recessed valve stems.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for use with a tire changer to regulate and control the inflation of pneumatic tires. This system regulates the flow of air in an air supply conduit through which pressurized air flows from a supply source to an outlet such as an air hose and chuck which an operator connects to a pneumatic tire. The system includes a first and second valve serially connected to the air supply conduit. A foot pedal activating member opens the first valve and closes a switch which activates a timer. The timer opens the second valve for a first predetermined time period and then maintains it in a closed position for a second predetermined time period. During the first period, the air flows through the conduit under relatively high pressure to inflate a pneumatic tire. During the second period, the second valve prevents the flow of air so that the system may stabilize and indicate the pressure in the pneumatic tire.

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 portable compressed air delivery unit for tires with a built-in antifreeze capability so as to prevent freezing of compressed air condensate in the tire air delivery tube and the tire-engaging compressed air valve assembly. The portable compressed air delivery unit consists of a portable support frame provided with an air compressor. A methyl alcohol supply tank is also provided on the support frame in operative engagement with and above the air compressor. The methyl alcohol supply tank is provided with an upwardly extending methyl alcohol supply tank air intake valve which is adapted to introduce intake air into the lower portion of the supply tank beneath the surface of the methyl alcohol contained herein.

Abstract: Apparatus for assuring that an uninflated mini tire mounted on a wheel is coaxially centered relative to the wheel prior to the arrival of the mini tire-wheel unit at the inflation station of a tire-wheel assembly line is disclosed which the mini-tire wheel unit is being conveyed in a horizontal position from the mounter to the inflator it is subjected to a hammer blow against the tire tread and subsequently apparatus mounted along opposite sides of the conveyor vertically press against an adjacent portion of one side wall of the tire. These actions jar the tire beads loose from a partially wedged engagement within the drop well of the wheel which tends to occur during the mounting of the mini tire on the wheel and to seat one bead of the tire upon the associated bead seat of the wheel.

Abstract: A system for inflating and deflating pneumatic tires of a vehicle through pneumatically actuated tire isolating valves which isolate air under pressure in the tires from the system comprises electronically controlled valves for achieving opening of the tire isolating valves, inflating or deflating of the vehicle tires and the quick exhausting of air under pressure from the system when the desired tire pressure is reached so as to immediately enable closure of the tire isolating valves to assure obtaining the desired pressure in the tires. Optimum rates of inflating and deflating together with accuracy in obtaining a desired tire pressure are achieved through a unique tire isolating valve construction and electronic controlled circuitry by which signals corresponding to desired and existing tire pressures are electronically compared to provide output signals by which the inflating, deflating and exhaust functions are controlled.

Abstract: The device comprises, in a housing formed from two parts (102,103), disposed on opposite sides of a diaphragm (104), three orifices, namely an orifice (105) capable of receiving the low and high pressure and ensuring the purge, the second (107) connected to the pneumatic tire, and the third (106) of large diameter for a rapid escape, an escape valve (110) being normally closed while a passage (116) between the first and second orifices is normally closed and a passage (121) of large diameter between the second orifice and the escape valve (110) is normally open. Application in the measurement, the inflation and the deflation of vehicle pneumatic tires.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinflating an object such as a punctured automobile tire. The apparatus including a valve assembly having a housing with two inputs which are connected to an outlet through passageways within the housing. A valve is provided such that the input passageway which receives the output from a compressed air source is connected, in its normal position, to the outlet of the housing for connection to an automobile tire or inflatable object. The second input to the valve assembly is opened by placing the valve in the second position. The second position of the valve closes the first input from the compressor to the outlet and seals the first input from the second input. The second input includes a threaded fitting on an aerosol type can which seals the input to the housing as well as it seals with respect to the can to which it is attached.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for varying the inflation pressure in the tires of a vehicle in order to obtain an operator selected tire deflection. The system includes a source of pressure which is fluidly connected through an inflation valve to the tires which, upon actuation, increases the tire pressure. Conversely, a deflation valve is also connected to the tire and, upon actuation, exhausts fluid from the tires thus decreasing the tire pressure. A pressure sensor detects the pressure representative of the pressure within the tires and a further sensor detects the vehicle load while a switch arrangement allows the operator to select between at least two different tire deflection levels. An electronic control unit receives input signals from the pressure and further sensors as well as from the switch arrangement and selectively actuates the inflation or deflation valves until a tire pressure corresponding to the desired tire deflection is obtained.

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 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 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: An automobile tire having retractable tread studs for increasing traction of the tire on slippery surfaces which are actuated by air pressure that is controlled by the automobile driver from the driver's seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inflating device, preferably for inflating vehicle tires, comprising a housing (1), a gas cartridge (8) arranged for sliding action in the housing, and an outer sleeve (12) slidably arranged on the outer surface of the housing (1) and in pressure contact with an upper part of the gas cartridge (8) at one end (2) of the housing. The cartridge has a neck (9) which incorporates a non-return valve (16). The end (3) of the housing (1) opposite the aforesaid one end has an inwardly extending post (5) which has extending axially and centrally therein a fine channel 4, the center lines of the post and channel being concentrical with the housing 1. The channel discharges at one end into a recess (7) in the bottom (3) of the housing (1), the recess having connection means for sealing connection with valve adaptor means (20) on the object to be inflated.

Abstract: An air inflator includes a double-cylinder body having a first cylinder having its one end connected with a compressed air adapter for supplying a compressed air therein and having its another end connected with an air filling applicator adapted to connect with a tire valve for filling compressed air into the tire, and a second cylinder fluidically communicated with the first cylinder and mounted with a pressure gauge thereon. The first cylinder is formed with an actuating rod reciprocatively moved in the first cylinder for controlling the air flow for filling a tire, or for sensing a pressure gauge for measuring air pressure, or for releasing excess air upon the adjustable depression of a handle pivotedly mounted on the body.

Abstract: A system for automated pressurization of pneumatic tires includes an air pump which is driven by the vehicle engine and provides a continuous output of pressurized air. The pressurized air can either be routed to the tires or vented to the atmosphere under control of a manually-actuated selector valve having inflate, neutral and deflate modes of operation. A second selector valve can be set to designate which of the vehicle tires are to be inflated or deflated.

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 service truck for servicing tires on off the road vehicles such as agricultural tractors includes an engine and an air compressor selectively operable by the engine. The vehicle includes a liquid tank for receiving and temporarily holding a liquid removed from such tires. A vacuum may be applied to the interior of the tires being serviced to withdraw the liquid for placement in the tanks by taking advantage of the vacuum present at the inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: End members for flexible connectors for bicycle pumps are provided, a first end member is fixed to one end of a flexible tube and to be connected to a valve of a tire and the second end member is to be connected to the other end of the flexible tube for connection to a pump. The first end member is made of one piece of molded construction and, at one side of a middle zone has an anchoring stub which carries a cap at its free and by means of at least two frangible bridges. At the other side of the middle zone the first end member has means for linking the connector with the valve of a tire. The middle portion also has resiliently deformable portions for holding the connector in a bore in the handle of the pump. For assembling the first end member with the tube, the cap is fitted over an end portion of the tube and, the bridges are severed and the anchoring stub is engaged inside the flexible tube.

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.