Abstract: A tire inflation system of a motor vehicle comprises a compression device, a pressure accumulator from which inflation lines lead via an inflation valve and control lines lead via a control valve to a wheel valve, and the tire inflation system has a control device. A method for operating the tire inflation system carries out the following steps in a cyclically repeating sequence: (1) acquisition of a set point tire pressure from operating variables, (2) comparison with the actual tire pressure last measured, (3) supply of air or extraction of air during a specific time period without accompanying pressure measurement, and (4) measurement of the pressure in the inflation line and comparison with the set point value. The system has a pressure sensor in the inflation line on the wheel side of the inflation valve, and each inflation valve is connected to a relief valve via a relief line, wherein the relief lines are connected to one another upstream of the relief valve.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system that controls the tire pressure in the tire at each wheel of a vehicle includes: a wheel-side tire pressure sensor; a transmitter that transmits the detected tire pressure; a receiver that receives the tire pressure information from the transmitter; a tire pressure regulating device; and a control unit that drives the tire pressure regulating device based on the tire pressure information. The control unit drives the tire pressure regulating device regardless of whether the tire pressure information is received if a reception-incapable condition, in which the receiver is unable to receive the tire pressure information, has occurred.

Abstract: A vehicle tire inflation system includes an air supply source in fluid communication with multiple tires of the vehicle. A pneumatic conduit extends between and is in fluid communication with the air supply source and the tires. Means are fluidly connected to the pneumatic conduit for enabling selective inflation and deflation of the tires. The means include a first pneumatic circuit for inflation of the tires, and a second pneumatic circuit for deflation of the tires. The second pneumatic circuit is discrete from the first pneumatic circuit and is common to more than one of the tires. The means provides controlled deflation of the tires in the second pneumatic circuit based upon a predetermined condition, preventing deflation of the tires until the vehicle is parked, or limiting the deflation of the tires, which in turn enables the tire inflation system to accommodate a desirable increased pressure in the tires.

Abstract: The specification discloses a tire inflation pressure regulator facilitating precise tire inflation. The regulator includes a body, a two-position valve within the body, and a rotational lock. The body includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent. In one position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air outlet when the tire pressure is below a preset level; and, in a second position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air vent when the tire pressure exceeds the preset level to prevent overfilling. The valve moves rapidly between the two positions, and is unstable between the two positions. The valve includes a regulator enabling the preset level to be adjusted. The rotational lock enables the regulator to be screwed onto a tire stem, but prevents removal of the regulator from the tire stem without a key. The regulator preferably includes a cap removably sealed over the air inlet and the air vent to prevent the undesired loss of air.

Abstract: A system, including a motion-driven air compressor, configured to compress air in response to motion of a vehicle, and an air storage enclosure configured to store a compressed air from the motion-driven air compressor, wherein the system is configured to deliver the compressed air to a vehicle subsystem to decrease a cost of operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A constant pressure vehicle tire inflation system includes an air supply source. A first wheel valve is in fluid communication with a first tire of the vehicle, and a second wheel valve is in fluid communication with a second tire of the vehicle. A pneumatic conduit extends between and is in fluid communication with the air supply source and the wheel valves. At least a portion of the pneumatic conduit remains charged with air from at least one of the supply source and the tires. The system includes means for distributing air flow between the pneumatic conduit and the first and second wheel valves, in which the wheel valves and the means selectively maintain fluid communication between the first and second tires and the pneumatic conduit to provide pneumatic balancing between the tires, and the wheel valves provide emergency protection when a tire experiences significant pressure loss.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring air from a first tire to a second tire which comprises an elongated flexible tube having an air flow passageway therethrough. Two coupling adaptor components are provided, with each attached to a free end of the elongated flexible tube to engage with an air valve of one of the tires. A mechanism in each of the coupling adaptor components is for opening the air valves in one of the tires, to allow air to transfer from the second tire to the first tire that is under inflated, to balance some of the air pressure between the tires.

Abstract: A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air tube mounted within a tire sidewall groove. The air tube is in contacting engagement with opposite angled groove surfaces surrounding the air tube. A segment of the air tube is flattened from an expanded diameter to a flat diameter by bending and compression of the groove in a rolling tire footprint to force air evacuated from the flattened segment along a tube air passageway. The sidewall groove extends into an annular, axially extending, sidewall surface such as an axially oriented surface of a tire chafer protrusion located in non-contacting relationship with the rim.

Abstract: Tire/wheel assemblies that each include a wheel with an air valve mounted thereto and a tire mounted to the wheel, and can each be equipped with an air pressure detecting unit for detecting the air pressure of the tire. A weight balance of the wheel itself is set so that a target barycentric position of the tire/wheel assembly with the air pressure detecting unit deviates from a rotation center of the wheel toward an installation position of the unit by a predetermined amount, and so that a target barycentric position of the tire/wheel assembly without the air pressure detecting unit deviates from the rotation center of the wheel toward the side opposite to the unit installation position by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Preferably, an embodiment of a tire inflation system includes at least an axle housing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, and a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap. The rotary union preferably includes at least a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion, the rotating portion rotates with hub cap, and the non-rotating portion including at least a fluid conduit defining an air passage there through. The air conduit is preferably in fluid communication with the source of pressurized air, and is preferably configured for conducting pressurized air from said source of pressurized air to a tire mounted to the wheel of the vehicle, and for developing a dynamic seal between the fluid conduit and the rotating portion.

Abstract: A sealing/pump-up device for tire that not only ensures the storability of sealing agent but also realizes rapid supply of sealing agent into a pneumatic tire. By insertion of insert part (60A) of jig (60) in jig insertion aperture (42) of sealing device (10), aluminum seal (30) is burst through by means of boring member (50) to thereby drive the same in the container. As the distal end of the insert part (60A) locates in the vicinity of upper wall surface within liquid agent container (18), a compressor unit is operated to thereby supply compressed air into the liquid agent container (18). As the end portion of first passage (62) provided in the jig (60) lies in a position superior to the liquid surface of sealing agent (32), the compressed air realizes rapid supply of the sealing agent (32) into a pneumatic tire without surfacing in the form of bubbles through the sealing agent (32).

Abstract: This is an apparatus and system for integration of Central Tire Inflation (CTI) valve functionality directly into a wheel. The CTI valve may be attached to the wheel or integrated into the wheel. In addition, the CTI valve may have a valve body or the valve components can be installed directly into the wheel. An air passageway between the vehicle air source and the CTI valve and/or an air passageway from the CTI valve to the tire cavity can also be employed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling tires with high purity nitrogen involves evacuating and then filling tires with nitrogen. An automated apparatus has a mode of operation which can be selected from among a four tire service, a spare tire service and a top off service, with or without vacuuming during evacuation. With the four tire service, four tires connected to the apparatus are evacuated and then filled to set front and rear tire pressures. With the spare tire service a single tire connected to the apparatus is evacuated then nitrogen filled to a set tire pressure. A five tire service for evacuating and filling two front and two rear tires and a spare tire is also disclosed. The top off service of a tire connected to the apparatus involves sensing the tire pressure and then evacuating or nitrogen filling to obtain a set tire pressure. Evacuation of a tire is automatically stopped when a set minimum pressure level or a set maximum time limit for evacuation is reached.

Abstract: A method for determining a load exerted on a tire, fitted on a vehicle, during running of the vehicle on a rolling surface, is disclosed. The method includes acquiring a first signal comprising a first signal portion representative of a radial deformation; measuring an amplitude of the radial deformation in the first signal portion; estimating a rotation speed of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; estimating an inflation pressure of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; and deriving the load exerted on the tire from the amplitude, the rotation speed, and the inflation pressure. The first signal portion is representative of the radial deformation to which a first tread area portion of the tire is subjected during passage of the first tread area portion through a contact region between the tire and the rolling surface. A system for determining the load exerted on the tire is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixing element (470) that enables an electronic unit (440) to be fixed on the inside of a tire-wheel assembly, on the tubular insert (433) of an inflation valve (430) of the tire-wheel assembly, the fixing element comprising: an interface piece (471) comprising means to establish a connection with the tubular insert of the valve and a housing (488) for a seal (460); at least one container (473) holding or designed to hold the electronic unit; and at least one attachment piece(472) that enables elastic coupling between the interface piece and the container. A method for mounting an electronic unit (440) on a tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for preventing overinflation of an inner tube is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system may include a wheel; and a tube-bursting region of the wheel, wherein the tube-bursting region is configured to facilitate bursting of an associated inner tube when the associated inner tube is pressurized above a predetermined maximum pressure. A tire system also is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system may include a wheel; and a tube-bursting region of the wheel, wherein the tube-bursting region is configured to facilitate bursting of an associated inner tube when the associated inner tube is pressurized above a predetermined maximum pressure. A children's ride-on vehicle also is disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a wheel; and a tube-bursting region of the wheel, wherein the tube-bursting region is configured to facilitate bursting of an associated inner tube when the associated inner tube is pressurized above a predetermined maximum pressure.

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

Abstract: A wheel having a controlled pressure includes a rim associated with a tank adapted to be filled with a fluid to a first pressure; a tire mounted on the rim and having an inner volume inflated to an operating pressure at a reference temperature, the operating pressure being lower than the first pressure; and at least one valve assembly adapted to establish a communication between the tank, the inner volume of the tire and the external environment. The valve assembly includes a command valve, an exhaust valve and a compensation valve operatively associated with each other. The command valve controls communication between the tank and the inner volume of the tire. The exhaust valve is connected to the external environment, to the inner volume, to the command valve and to the compensation valve. The compensation valve is connected to the exhaust valve and the command valve.

Abstract: A tire-pressure control apparatus includes an air pump driven by a rotating wheel to supply compressed air to a tire air chamber, a mechanical control valve that permits and prohibits supply of compressed air from the air pump to the tire air chamber, a valve-state detection sensor that detects the state of the control valve, a wheel speed sensor that detects rotational speed of the wheel, and an electric control unit (ECU). The ECU calculates a quantity of compressed air supplied from the air pump to the tire air chamber during a permission-state retention time, during which the control valve is in the permission state, and calculates an average leaked air quantity per unit time in a single cycle starting when the control valve enters a prohibition state and ending when the control valve again enters the prohibition state after entering the permission state.

Abstract: A device for discharging tire sealant (3) from a container (2), the container (2) is connectable to a closure element (1). The pressure source (6) is able to be connected to the closure element (1) and, when a positive pressure is produced in the container (2), a removal opening (12) is able to be released in order to discharge tire sealant (3) from the container (2) into a tire.

Abstract: An integrated compressor-tire sealant injection device with a sealant container and a compressor is provided. The integrated compressor-tire sealant injection device has a compressor unit that has a compressor and a connector to a bottle of sealant integrated into the compressor unit so that a bottle of sealant is connectable to the device to inflate a tire wherein the connector has first and second ball valves.

Abstract: A kit for inflating and repairing inflatable articles, in particular tires, the kit having a compressor assembly, a container of sealing liquid and connectors for connecting the container to the compressor assembly and to an inflatable article for repair or inflation; the compressor assembly being housed in an outer casing defining a seat for the container of sealing liquid. The container is housed removably in the seat and functionally connected to the compressor assembly so as to form a compact unit ready for use.

Abstract: A tire pressure inflation system includes an inflation device having a communication portion and an inflation portion. The communication portion is configured to receive tire pressure signals wirelessly transmitted from a tire pressure sensor disposed within a vehicle tire cavity. The inflation portion is configured to change pressure within the pressurized vehicle tire cavity in response to signals from the tire pressure sensor.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle having a body, a power plant and a drivetrain for transmitting drive to said wheel assembly, generally consisting of a wheel including rim and hub portions; a roller bearing having inner and outer races, disposed within the rim portion of the wheels, coaxially therewith; first support means having a steering axis, mounted on the outer race of the bearing connectable to the body; second support means mounted to the inner race of the bearing and rigidly secured to the hub portion of the wheel; and an axle operatively connected at an inner end thereof to a portion of the drivetrain and an outer end extending into the inner race of the bearing and connected by means of a single universal joint to one of the second support means and the hub portion of the vehicle; wherein the steering axis intersects the center of the single universal joint.

Abstract: A charging system used for supplying compressed air to a destination includes a compressor for generating the compressed air and a reservoir capable of being alternately discharged and recharged with the compressed air. A supply line fluidly connects the compressor, the reservoir, and the destination. A control valve positioned along the supply line is used in controlling flow of the compressed air from the charging system to the destination. A first branch line and a second branch line are positioned between the reservoir and the supply line. A check valve is positioned along the first branch line that when opened allows the compressed air to flow out of the reservoir into the supply line and when closed prohibits the compressed air from flowing into or out of the reservoir. A pressure protection valve is positioned along the second branch that opens to allow the compressed air to flow into the reservoir when the pressure in the supply line is above a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A container for sealing liquid for repairing inflatable articles, in particular, tyres, has a vessel having an opening; and a valve device fitted to the opening and having an inlet connectable to a compressed-air feed line, and an outlet for dispensing the sealing liquid; the valve device has a slide movable, in response to pressurization of the feed line, from a closed position closing the valve device and wherein the inlet and outlet are isolated from the inside of the container, to an open position wherein the inlet and outlet communicate with the inside of the container.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a wheel assembly having a rim with a valve aperture extending therethrough that is designed to receive a valve having a simplified a construction that can be seated directly within a tire wheel assembly to minimize the number and type of components necessary for the valve. The valve includes a main body that is positionable in a sealed and recessed or embedded configuration within the aperture in the wheel rim in communication with the interior of the tire and with a pressurized air source that is used to inflate or deflate the tire. The main body encloses a valve mechanism that includes a components situated within the main body in a manner that enables the parts to be easily removed, cleaned and/or replaced if necessary without having to remove the entire valve assembly from the wheel.

Abstract: A portable device for delivering nitrogen to multiple tires includes a gas source and supply line connected to a controller. The device also includes a gas delivery line comprising a manifold with a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with each other. A gas delivery line is operably connected to the controller and a plurality of extension lines with engagement chucks are operably connected to the outlets. The controller controls the supply of gas to the gas delivery line and controls a relief valve for venting the gas delivery line. The device also includes a sensor and a processor connected the controller and sensor which accepts user inputs. The controller, manifold and processor are affixed to a stand.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle. The wheel assembly including: a rim; a tire operatively connected to the rim; one or more movable assemblies extending in a radial direction from the rim towards an outer portion of the tire; and potential energy storage device operatively connected to the one or more movable assemblies for converting a kinetic energy of the vehicle into potential energy upon movement of the one or more movable assemblies thereby slowing a rotation of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: Sealing and inflating system incorporated with a vehicular wheel including a tire rim and a tire mounted to the tire rim including a source of sealing and inflating compound arranged in connection with the tire or tire rim, a detecting mechanism for detecting a rupture in the tire, and a release mechanism coupled to the source and the detecting mechanism for releasing a quantity of the sealing and inflating compound from the source when the detecting mechanism detects a rupture in the tire. The source, detecting mechanism and release mechanism can all be arranged in the pressurized interior space defined by the tire and the tire rim. In this case, the source can be attached to the tire rim. One such construction of the source has two substantially semi-circular parts arranged around the tire rim and connected together, with a release mechanism being arranged in engagement with each part.

Abstract: A device (30, 30?), in particular a rotary leadthrough for a tyre-filling system, is proposed. The device (30, 301) has a rotatable body (34, 34?) and a stationary body (32, 32?) and at least one chamber (106, 108, 106?, 108?) formed between the rotatable body (34, 34?) and the stationary body (32, 32?). The at least one chamber (106, 108, 106?, 108?) is delimited by opposite boundary surfaces (48, 54, 48?, 54?) of the bodies (32, 34, 32?, 34?) and by at least two sealing means (104, 104?) guided between the boundary surfaces (48, 54, 48?, 54?). At least one duct (46, 50, 52, 56, 46?, 50?, 52?, 56?) is formed in the stationary and in the rotatable body (32, 34, 32?, 34?) and issues into the at least one chamber (106, 108, 106?, 108?) between the sealing means (104, 104?). It is proposed to use sealing means (104, 104?) which are designed as brush seals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for regulating the pressure of tires mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle has an engine with a turbocharger which is a compressed air source for the pressure regulating system. The turbocharger has a variable geometry in order to supply a sufficiently high pressure.

Abstract: A tire pump that is housed within the hub of a wheel is described. The pump includes a piston that moves axially with respect to the wheel's axle. The pump also includes a pressure switch configured to stop the pump when sufficient tire pressure is reached.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.

Abstract: Land transportation vehicles using pneumatic tires loose air over time, including tractor trailers, private vehicles, race cars and other vehicle classifications. Tire pressure is important, but only a small number of attendants are concerned. Our invention is an automatic device which supplies air to tractor trailer tires using an onboard air supply. This air, supplied to the rotary air chamber system can be adjusted to a desired tire air pressure by the individual driver to suitable levels of load weights, climates, travel speed and terrain. Rotating tires at high speeds build up friction raising tire pressure to dangerous levels. This will be corrected by built in relief valves. To maintain and verify tire pressures each tire is protected by check valves and visible pressure gauges. The rotary air chamber automates, corrects continuously the neglect of proper tire maintenance, adds road safety for users and public alike.

Abstract: Proposed is a pressurization system for a bicycle featuring at least one component (18, 20, 24, 28) pressurized by the pressure medium, comprising a pressure source (40) connected to the component (18, 20, 24, 28). In accordance with the invention the pressure source (40) comprises a compressor (72) featuring a sprocket (86) powered by means of a pedal crankset (30) of the bicycle.

Abstract: A temporary mobility kit to minimize or prevent the inadvertent outflow of tire sealant is provided. The temporary mobility kit includes a switch-inflator assembly and a removable sealant assembly. The switch-inflator assembly includes an air inflator and an associated hose for inflating a tire. The switch-inflator assembly further includes a diverter switch, a power-on, power-off switch, and an air pressure gauge. The diverter switch is a user-operated switch which moves an associated diverter valve between an air inflation function and a sealing function. The sealant assembly includes a sealant hose having a sealant tire valve connector. Electrical wires are provided in operative association with the sealant hose and electrically connect the sealant tire valve connector and the sealant assembly. A circuit arrangement is provided which prevents the inadvertent outflow of tire sealant through a logic arrangement which includes a reset circuit.

Abstract: A three-way connecting device for a tire pressure detector includes a three-way pipe and a nozzle. The three-way pipe has a tunnel therein, a first opening, a second opening and a third opening communicated with the tunnel, a first coupling portion around the first opening to connect an air pump to the first opening, a second coupling portion around the second opening to connect a tire pressure detector to the second opening, a third coupling portion around the third opening to connect a nozzle of a tire to the second opening. The nozzle is mounted in the first opening of the three-way pipe to be connected to the air pump. The three-way connecting device may help the inflation of tire without having to disassemble and reassemble the tire pressure detector.

Abstract: A hub-bearing unit (10) has a rotatable outer race (30) fixable to a wheel and an inner stationary hub (20) forming a passage (27) for pressurized air coming from a source of pressurized air mounted onboard of a vehicle. Tightly fitted on the axially outer side of the unit (10) is a cylindrical cover (50) defining with the unit (10) an airtight chamber (51) communicating with the passage (27). The cover (50) has a through bore (55) for establishing air communication between the chamber (51) and a tube (A, B) for conveying pressurized air to the tire. The cover has an outer wall (52) with a cylindrical portion (52b) axially protruding beyond the hub-bearing unit (10) so as to provide a cylindrical surface for centering the wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tire inflation system comprising pneumatically controlled wheel valves that are situated in the wheels of a motor vehicle. An electrically actuated pilot valve that is fixed to the vehicle controls the respective wheel valves. To produce a small, low-cost, reliable tire inflation system, a first and a second compressor are provided. The first compressor supplies a first compressed air system with medium-pressure compressed air and the second compressor supplies a second compressed air system with high-pressure compressed air. The wheel valves are situated in the first compressed air system and the pilot valves are situated in the second compressed air system.

Abstract: A wheel having a controlled pressure includes a rim associated with a tank adapted to be filled with a fluid to a first pressure; a tyre mounted on the rim and having an inner volume inflated to an operating pressure at a reference temperature, the operating pressure being lower than the first pressure; and at least one valve assembly adapted to establish a communication between the tank, the inner volume of the tyre and the external environment. The valve assembly includes a command valve, an exhaust valve and a compensation valve operatively associated with each other. The command valve controls communication between the tank and the inner volume of the tyre. The exhaust valve is connected to the external environment, to the inner volume, to the command valve and to the compensation valve. The compensation valve is connected to the exhaust valve and the command valve.

Abstract: The invention concerns a snap-in valve for a vehicle tire with a device (5) for measurement of the tire pressure, in which the device (5) is arranged on a valve foot (15) of the snap-in valve, and the snap-in valve includes a groove (13), into which an edge of a valve hole of the vehicle tire (2) can be snapped, in which an outer cylindrical support device (3) can be connected to the snap-in valve above groove (13) of the snap-in valve, so that an edge surface of the support device at least partially lies against the outer surface of the vehicle tire rim (2).

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring device includes a housing unit, a tire inflating unit, and a tire pressure monitoring unit. The housing unit includes: a tubular body confining an air chamber; a tire coupling seat adapted to couple the tubular body to a tire such that the air chamber is in fluid communication with an interior of the tire; and a cap body formed with an outwardly extending annular flange to engage a retainer part of the tubular body. The tire inflating unit includes an inflating tube connected at one end to the tubular body and in fluid communication with the air chamber, and an inflating valve. The tire pressure monitoring unit is disposed in the tubular body and is covered by the cap body.

Abstract: A tire deflation device includes (1) a component having a plurality of bores, (2) a plurality of spikes removably insertable into the plurality of bores and (3) a keeper within each among the plurality of bores, the keeper being configured to contact a sidewall surface of a spike among the plurality of spikes and to exert force upon the sidewall surface. In an embodiment, the tire deflation device includes (a) a component including a bore in a material, the bore including a receiving region, a sidewall surface and a base surface, (b) a channel extending from the sidewall surface into the material, (c) a keeper having a first section housed within the channel and a second section which extends past the sidewall surface into the receiving region, and (d) a spike removably insertable into the bore.

Abstract: A device for inflating a deflated vehicle tire which comprises a tube, a first adapter and a second adapter disposed at each end of the tube, wherein the adapters are suitable for connecting to a valve of a vehicle tire, facilitating air flow, and an air-flow indicator which indicates existence of air-flow within the tube.

Abstract: Preferably, a tire inflation system includes a hub cap secured to a wheel attached to an axle of a vehicle, the axle providing a source of pressurized air. The tire inflation system preferably includes a rotary union assembly with a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion, the rotating portion attachable to the exterior of the hub cap for rotation with the hub cap. The non-rotating portion preferably includes a non-rotating shaft defining an air passage therethrough in fluid communication with the source of pressurized air for transferring pressurized air from the source to the tire. An end of the non-rotating shaft preferably provides a first bearing surface and a housing is rotatably mounted thereon for rotation with the hub cap. The rotating portion preferably includes a rotary member rotating with the housing, the rotary member defining a second bearing surface disposed in abutment with the first bearing surface.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring assembly includes a sensor secured to a valve stem secured within a wheel rim. The sensor is secured to the valve stem with a push on clip. The valve stem includes two pieces that provide for installation from one side of the wheel rim. The valve stem is separable to provide for the elongation of the rubber housing. Elongation of the housing causes a reduction in an outer diameter that provides for insertion into the opening of the wheel rim.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheel end assembly having a high temperature warning system for giving a warning in the event that the temperature in the assembly reaches a predetermined value such as caused by hub bearing failure or a brake related failure. In one embodiment the system may be a stand-alone system for installation on any vehicle such as a trailer. In another embodiment the system may be combined with an automatic tire inflation system.

Abstract: A tire wheel having an air pressure regulator capable of immediately varying the air pressure of a tire of a vehicle in accordance with external environments is disclosed. To regulate the internal air pressure of the tire, the air pressure regulator includes a vacuum chamber, an ultra-high pressure chamber, and a generator for generating electricity to drive the air pressure regulator. The air pressure regulator is actuated by a force generated when the tire is pressed by the ground during the rolling of the tire. An electronic controller collects data obtained by various sensors, and communicates with a central processing unit in a wireless manner. The central processing unit processes the collected data. The driver can monitor all tire states, and can set a control mode associated with the air pressure of the tire. It is possible to deflate the tire in a moment in accordance with the vacuum pressure of the vacuum chamber.