Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a pneumatic tire is designed to be loosely disposed within the tire and rim combination. The monitoring assembly includes a protective body that surrounds a monitoring device. The protective body at least includes a rigid encapsulation material and may include a cushion layer disposed outside the rigid encapsulation layer. One embodiment of the invention provides channels disposed through the protective body to speed the temperature response of the monitoring assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel end assembly includes a sleeve member that allows air to be vented from the wheel end while significantly reducing venting of lubricating fluid. The wheel end includes a hub that is driven by a gear assembly. Lubricating fluid is stored within the hub to lubricate the gear assembly. Air pressure that builds up within the wheel end during vehicle operation is vented from the wheel end assembly via a vent path. A sleeve is installed within the wheel end to block the lubricating fluid from entering the vent path.

Abstract: Arrangement for providing a boosted signal from a signal-generating device, such as a SAW device or an RFID tag, including an antenna and a circulator having a first port connected to the antenna to receive a signal therefrom and a second port connectable to the device to provide a signal thereto and receive a signal therefrom. The circulator amplifies the signal from the antenna and the signal received from the device such that a twice-amplified signal is directed to the antenna. A receiving and processing module transmits a signal to the antenna causing the antenna to generate its signal and receive a signal from the antenna derived from the twice-amplified signal. Various pumping systems for vehicle tires and electricity generating systems which generate energy upon rotation of a tire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel valve assembly for adjusting the air pressure within a pneumatic tire is provided that includes a body that extends from a first end in communication with a pressure source to a second end in communication with the tire. A low pressure differential operable valve member is received within the body. The valve member is moveable between open and closed positions for respectively allowing and preventing air communication between the internal segment and the external segment of the body. The check valve of the present invention is virtually unaffected by the centrifugal force of a rotating tire to substantially prevent back flow of the tire air when the tire is rotating at a relatively high speed.

Abstract: An improved rotary air connection in an automatic tire inflation system for supplying air to rotating tires through an elongate rigid tubular member supported from and adapted to move longitudinally and rotationally in first and second seals. The rotary air connection includes a bearing adapted to engage a shoulder on the tubular member to limit longitudinal movement of the tubular member. The bearing may also coact with the shoulder for limiting transverse movement of the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention couples a tire pump with the wheel rim of a vehicle. The pump is activated electromagnetically to inflate the tire as desired, e.g. when tire pressure is below a required value. The pump is arranged to draw air from the atmosphere and pump into an interior portion of the tire. A magnetized plunger within the pump is biased to an initial position by a biasing element. Energizing an electromagnet generates a magnetic field. The pump is arranged to rotate in and out of the magnetic field to cause the plunger to reciprocate and inflate the tire.

Abstract: A remote pressure-controlled three-way valve device has a plunger axially traversed by an inlet passage normally closed by a spring-urged inlet valve. The plunger's outer sidewall has a recess in which an O-ring extends to abut against the steps of the recess to limit the plunger stroke and keep an outlet passage closed to a venting port formed in the sidewall of the body of the device. O-ring prevents short-circuits between the inlet passage and the vent port and a spring for counteracting friction between the O-ring and the device inner wall. Filters arranged in respective ports connectable to the input air-pressure supply and the tire inner tube provide fixed seats for the springs to bear on. The plunger may dwell in a stable intermediate position that opens the outlet or deflation passage is controlled by sending an air pressure through the inlet port at 50% of the normal pressure.

Abstract: The tire pressure sensor housing for a motor vehicle, provided to be mounted on a wheel rim comprises elastically deformable support wings of variable height and a device for positional fixing and locking having snap-on tongues.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for live spindle wheel ends comprising a steering knuckle secured to a vehicle, and a spindle assembly rotatably mounted about the steering knuckle. A drive shaft is rotatably disposed through the steering knuckle and is in driving connection with the spindle assembly. A rubbing slip-ring seal is mounted into a flange of the steering knuckle and defines a seal chamber between the knuckle flange on one side and the drive shaft and the spindle assembly on the other side. An inlet passageway is formed directly through the steering knuckle in communication with the seal chamber. The inlet passageway transmits pressurized air from a pressurized air source directly to the seal chamber. An outlet passageway is formed directly through the spindle assembly and is also in direct communication with the seal chamber to establish communication between the seal chamber and a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: Tire air pressure during high speed travel is estimated without a sensor for detecting the tire air pressure directly. An apparatus is constituted by a wheel speed sensor, road surface friction state estimator for estimating a friction state estimation value representing friction between the tire and a road surface from wheel speed detected by the wheel speed sensor, tire air pressure estimator for estimating any reduction in the tire air pressure based on the friction state estimation value, and a display for displaying the estimated reduction in the tire air pressure.

Abstract: A tire puncture sealant set comprises a bottle having a body and a threaded neck portion provided with an outlet, a puncture sealant in the bottle, an inside plug put into the outlet, an outer cap screwed onto the neck portion for covering the inside plug, an injector replaceable with the outer cap, a side wall of the body having a triple layered structure of an inner layer, an outer layer and a middle layer therebetween made of a gas barrier resin so that the body is squeezable by hand, the inside plug provided with a breakable partition wall separating the inside of the bottle from the outside, the injector comprising an adapter cap to be screwed onto the neck portion, a sticking pipe for piercing the breakable partition wall into the inside of the bottle, and a hose for injecting the sealant into a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A valve stem assembly for use with a pneumatic tire includes a stem, a first quick couple connector and a second quick couple connector. The first quick couple connector is attached to the stem. The first quick couple connector includes a first valve therein. The second quick couple connector is detachably coupled with the first quick couple connector. The second quick couple connector opens the first valve when the first quick couple connector and the second quick couple connector are coupled together. The second quick couple connector includes a second valve therein.

Abstract: The invention provides tire inflation transfer tubes and methods of use. The transfer tubes can be flexible tubing with standard valve stem connectors to provide sealed transfer of pressurized gas between an inflated tire and a tire to be inflated.

Abstract: A wheel-and-tire apparatus having at least two coaxially mounted tires is disclosed in which the diameters of one or more of the tires in the apparatus may be adjusted to select the tire or tires which are to be in contact with the road surface. The apparatus facilitates the selective use of tires having different performance characteristics, as may be desired or preferred to suit particular road conditions or vehicle operating conditions. The diameters of particular tires are increased or decreased as required to achieve a desired configuration of relative tire diameters, using tire diameter adjustment means such as one or more pneumatic pumps mounted in association with the apparatus. Sensors monitor selected operational parameters of the vehicle and transmit corresponding signals to a computer which selects an optimal tire configuration to suit the particular combination of operational parameters received from the sensors.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved radially expansible tire assembly drum (10) and a method forming tires (2) from an assemblage of tire components utilizing the assembly drum (10).

Abstract: A wheel-and-tire apparatus has a pneumatic tire with two or more circumferential tread sections, the relative diameters of which may be adjusted to select the tread sections in contact with the road. The tire may have one or more air chambers. The apparatus facilitates selective use of tire tread designs and compositions having different performance characteristics to suit particular road conditions and vehicle operating parameters. Adjustment of tread section diameters is accomplished using tread diameter adjustment means having a source of compressed air. Sensors monitor selected operational parameters of the vehicle and transmit corresponding signals to a computer, which selects an optimal configuration of tread section diameters to suit the data from the sensors. The computer sends a corresponding signal instructing the tread diameter adjustment means to adjust the diameter of one or more tread sections as required to achieve the selected configuration of tread section diameters.

Abstract: A method of inflating a tire comprising separating N2 gas from air using a membrane; providing the N2 gas to a storage tank having capacity for at least 40 cubic feet of N2 gas at 18° Centigrade, providing the N2 gas from the storage tank to a hose, the hose including a stop valve and a fitting suited to mate with a tire inflation stem; securing the fitting to a tire inflation valve, and opening a stop valve to initiate the introduction of N2 gas into the tire.

Abstract: An apparatus that mounts on a rim of a vehicle wheel on which a tire may be mounted. The apparatus includes a high pressure reservoir for receiving and storing compressed air from an outside source, a first mechanical valve that permits compressed air from an outside source to be directed into and stored in the high pressure reservoir, a second mechanical valve that directs air from the high pressure reservoir into the air chamber of a tire, a third mechanical valve that releases air from the air chamber of the tire, and a fourth mechanical valve that releases air from the high pressure reservoir.

Abstract: Tire pressure is automatically checked when the motor vehicle is started. At the same time, the type of operation, either off-road operation or on-road operation, is detected. According to the inventive method, in the on-road operation of the motor vehicle, the speed of all four wheels is measured and it is made sure whether or not there is an inadmissible difference in wheel speed. If the wheel speeds do not differ, the theoretical tire pressure is determined. If the actual tire pressure differs from the theoretical pressure, the inflation or deflation valves of the tires are actuated until the theoretical value is achieved, thereby adjusting the theoretical value. If the wheel speeds differ, as for example, during the operation state of the off-road mode, the vehicle speed is measured and is compared with a threshold value.

Abstract: A wheel 1 for a tractor has a wheel rim 2 and a wheel center member 3 to connect to a wheel flange of the tractor. Furthermore, a device 8 is provided to fill or deflate a tire mounted on the wheel 1. This device has a housing 14 fixed to the wheel center member 3. The housing 14 rotates with the center member. An inner member 21 is supported in this housing 14. An annular chamber 25 is formed between the two. The annular chamber 25 is formed between the two. The annular chamber 25 is connected, via a pipe 12, to a first connecting port 10, on the wheel rim 2, and to a second connecting port 11, coupled with a valve 9. Furthermore, the annular chamber 25 is connectable, via a third connecting port 29 and via a main valve 30, to a compressed air generator or compressor.

Abstract: An air pressure regulating system mounted within a wheel and tire assembly. It primarily includes a temperature sensor and a compressor assembly having a compression chamber and valves. Utilizing centrifugal forces from the rotation of a wheel and tire assembly, air may flow into and out of a tire to automatically maintain the pressure inside a tire relatively constant over a given temperature range. When the pressurized air in the compression chamber is greater than the pressurized air in the tire, the pressurized air in compression chamber flows into the tire. When the pressurized air in the tire is greater than the pressurized air in the compression chamber, the pressurized air in the tire flows into the compression chamber. When the pressurized air in the compression chamber is equal to the pressurized air in the tire, it is in equilibrium, and no air flow occurs.

Abstract: A device for transferring the pressurized fluid (gas) from one vessel to another vessel consists of a tube having a first end and a second end. A first connector is attached to the first end of the tube. A second connector is attached to the second end of the tube. This device allows a bicyclist to transfer pressurized air from the full tire to the flat tire.

Abstract: An inflatable stroller wheel arrangement incorporated with a stroller includes a pair of driving wheel assemblies rotatably attached to two bottom portions of two first leg frames of the stroller respectively and a pair of steering wheel assemblies rotatably and coaxially attached to two bottom ends of two second leg frames of the stroller respectively. Each steering wheel assembly includes a wheel axle, a coupling hub for rotatably coupling the respective second leg frame with the wheel axle, and a pair of steering wheels rotatable mounted on two ends of the wheel axle. Each steering wheel includes rim frame having a stem hole coaxially mounted on the end of the wheel axle, a wheel tire encirclingly mounted on the rim frame, and an inflatable bladder received in the wheel tire having a valve stem extended to an exterior of the rim frame through the stem hole.

Abstract: A tire inflating system has the tire inflating source connected through the hub to the wheel by a pair of aligned axial holes in the hub and wheel. A movable tube piece in the axial hole in the wheel is formed with side openings and is engaged by a sealing ring in the axial hole in the wheel which also receives a seal pressed by a spring toward a mouth of that hole. The tube piece can hold the seal in an open position until the wheel is separated from the hub.

Abstract: A monitoring device and patch assembly includes a patch that removably and re-attachably holds the monitoring device. The patch is adapted to connect the monitoring device to a pneumatic tire when the monitoring device is held by the patch. The patch is configured to hold a monitoring device having a rounded outer surface. The patch holds the rounded monitoring device by having a resilient tube with an outlet having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the monitoring device. The monitoring device of the invention includes a feature that allows it to be removed from the patch.

Abstract: A device for program-controlled variation of the composition of a gaseous mixture for inflating a tire for performing the method, comprising a first source of at least one main gas, a second source of at least one additional gas, at least one first compressor suitable for compressing to a preset pressure a gaseous mixture of at least said main gas and additional gas, at least one dispenser of compressed mixture which is connected to the delivery of said compressor, and further comprising at least one mixer for said at least one main gas and said at least one additional gas which is suitable for delivering a gaseous mixture having a desired composition, a gas analyzer means arranged downstream of said mixer, valve means for controlling the flow between said mixer and said first and second gas sources, and program control means arranged to control said valve means in response to control signals from said analyzer means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining equal air pressure in a pair of tires on a work machine. The invention provides a valve body with a pair of piston chambers. A piston is reciprocatably positioned within each piston chamber, the pistons are biased toward a first closed end of the piston chambers. The closed end of each piston chamber is connected by a passageway to one of the tires. Each piston chamber is additionally fluidly connected to the other piston chamber. When the air pressure in each tire is above a predetermined amount the pistons are moved away from the closed end of the piston chamber and airflow is permitted between the piston chambers thereby balancing the tire pressures. If the pressure in either tire is below the predetermined minimum, the piston in that respective piston chamber moves toward the first end to block, airflow between the piston chambers.

Abstract: An inflation and deflation device for an inner tube and an inner tube provided with this device are described. The inner tube is elastically expandable for the introduction of fluid into its internal volume and can be housed in the space between tire and rim, which can be isolated from the external environment at atmospheric pressure. The device does not have elements for connecting the internal volume of the inner tube and the environment outside the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel end assembly includes a sleeve member that allows air to be vented from the wheel end while significantly reducing venting of lubricating fluid. The wheel end includes a hub that is driven by a gear assembly. Lubricating fluid is stored within the hub to lubricate the gear assembly. Air pressure that builds up within the wheel end during vehicle operation is vented from the wheel end assembly via a vent path. A sleeve is installed within the wheel end to block the lubricating fluid from entering the vent path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the interface of various components of an automatic tire inflation system and an anti-locking braking system through the inside of a stationary axle of a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dispensing a product from a container into a tire are provided. In a described embodiment, a method of dispensing a product into a tire inflation port includes the steps of attaching a flexible conduit to the inflation port and then operatively attaching the conduit to container of the product. A system for dispensing a product into an inflation port of a tire includes: a container having the product pressurized therein, and a valve selectively permitting and preventing flow of the product from the container; and a conduit assembly including a flexible conduit extending between a container connector and a port connector, the container connector being configured for connection to the container for flow of the product from the container into the conduit, and the port connector being configured for connection to the inflation port for flow of the product from the conduit into the tire.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow valve (10) for a fluid flow control system. The flow valve (10) includes a flow-regulating assembly (40) having a housing (44) having a piston bore (15) within which is slideably disposed a piston-like member (42). The piston-like member (42) has a primary flow passage (52) and at least one secondary flow passage (54) formed therein. A first portion (42a) of the pistonlike member (42) is configured for mating with a seat (46) of the housing (44), and a resilient member (48) biases the piston-like member (42) away from the seat (46). When at least a predetermined fluid pressure differential exists, the first portion (42a) mates with the seat (46) and causes the at least one secondary flow passage (54) to be at least substantially closed such that fluid can substantially flow only through the primary flow passage (52).

Abstract: A coupling assembly for attachment of an air line to a tire comprising, a first conduit associable with an axle about which a tire rotates, a second conduit associable with a hub of a tire, and means for compensating misalignment of the first conduit relative to the second conduit, to, in turn, accommodate sealed fluid communication of the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: A vehicle air supply system (200) providing pressurized air from an axle (12) of a vehicle to rotating tires to maintain a desired pneumatic pressure. The air supply system is adapted to be sealingly disposed within the hollow axle of the vehicle, having a rotary union (RU) disposed therein protecting the rotary union from external conditions such as oil leaks or brake shavings. The air supply system includes an axle plug assembly (300) which is seated within the hollow axle (12), and then having resilient members expanded therewithin to provide an air tight seal. The axle plug assembly includes a slidable piston member (260) is axially movable within a plug assembly bolt (282) to facilitate adapting the device to vehicles having different axle lengths. A graphite seal (250) is provided to minimize the friction between a rotating shaft coupled to the oil cap (202), and the stationary axle plug assembly.

Abstract: A device to fill or deflate a tire of a vehicle, such as a tractor, is arranged on the wheel rim of a wheel. The device includes a housing 14 with a second connecting port 11 to connect to a first connecting port 10. An inner member 21 is supported in the housing 14. The inner member 21 and housing 14 are both rotatable relative towards each other. The inner member 21 has a third connecting port 29 to connect to a connection 31, 32, which leads to the pressure supply. A control valve 9 is provided and coupled with the second connecting port. An annular chamber 25 is connected to the second connecting port 11 and the third connecting port 29. The annular chamber 25 is formed between the housing and the inner member 21. Two seals 26 are provided between the housing 14 and the inner member 21. The seal 26 laterally closes off the annular chamber 25.

Abstract: A device for inflating and deflating a flexible container which is elastically expandable for introduction of pressurized fluid into an internal volume of the container is described. The device is housed inside a cavity isolable from a surrounding environment, the device being inserted in a wall of the container. Pressurized fluid can flow from the surrounding environment into the cavity and from the cavity out to the surrounding environment. The device does not have elements for connecting the internal volume of the container and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A process for filling N2 gas into a tire assembled onto a rim to hold a recommended internal pressure comprises discharging air inside the tire prior to the filling of N2 gas to render the inside of the tire into a state lower than atmospheric pressure and filling N2 gas into such a tire. An apparatus for carrying out the above process comprises a single inlet path, at least two outlet paths and a membrane module for separating air introduced through the inlet path into O2 gas and N2 gas and feeding these gases into respective outlet paths, wherein an outlet path for feeding N2 gas in the outlet paths is connected at its top to a valve for inflating a tire assembled onto a rim under an internal pressure and a discharge path for discharging air inside the tire prior to the filling of N2 gas is provided on the way of such an outlet path.

Abstract: A wheel 1 for a tractor has a wheel rim 2 and a wheel center member 3 to connect to a wheel flange of the tractor. Furthermore, a device 8 is provided to fill or deflate a tire mounted on the wheel 1. This device has a housing 14 fixed to the wheel center member 3. The housing 14 rotates with the center member. An inner member 21 is supported in this housing 14. An annular chamber 25 is formed between the two. The annular chamber 25 is formed between the two. The annular chamber 25 is connected, via a pipe 12, to a first connecting port 10, on the wheel rim 2, and to a second connecting port 11, coupled with a valve 9. Furthermore, the annular chamber 25 is connectable, via a third connecting port 29 and via a main valve 30, to a compressed air generator or compressor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotary air coupling that distributes air to tires mounted on a rotating hub of a driven axle. The coupling is positioned adjacent the parking brake of a rear disk brake configuration. In the preferred design, the rotary member is connected to the hub and rotor assembly via rotor mounting bolts and a stationary component is disposed on the axle tube to provide a rotary air coupling that minimizes change to existing wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A unit (1) for deflating and/or inflating tires (42-49) has a regulating device (2) that has an air input (6) for connection to a compressed-air source (65) and at least one air output (8, 9) for connection to air-pressure lines (10, 11, 16, 17, 18-25). The regulating device (2) has a regulating member (67) with which a specific working pressure is implemented in the air-pressure lines (10, 11, 16, 17, 18-25) after connection to the tires. (42-49). The regulating member (67) is connected to a manually actuable adjusting device (57) with which different predetermined working pressures are established. The adjusting device (57) has at least two manually actuable switching members (59, 60, 61), each of which is associated with one of the different predetermined working pressures. Actuation of a switching member allows the regulating member (67) to be respectively adjusted to the respective predetermined working pressure associated with the switching member (59, 60, 61).

Abstract: A pneumatic rotary coupling (25) for an air pressure installation for one or more wheels of a vehicle, in which the wheel's axle (11) is used as the section of the pipe of the static installation, in accordance to the system of the coupling used. The coupling's stem (49) has one end formed in the shape of a nozzle which extends in the plane of the wheel, disposed as an axial extension of the wheel's axle end. The stem is located rotatable and slidable inside block (35) which is fixed to the wheel's hub cover. A cover (37) fixed to the block presents a cavity (45) with an edge that defines a seat for a plastic bushing (47) that supports the coupling's stem. The external surface of this bushing is conformed by grooves (53) that communicate the cavity towards the orifices linking with the tires. One method allows for the detection of bearing faults using the same coupling when the axial sliding of the stem is sufficient to vent the pressurized air.

Abstract: The present invention is related to air pressure valve stems and gauges. More particularly, this invention relates particularly to tire stem valves possessing a built-in calibrated air pressure regulator and an optional integrated air pressure indicator.

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.

Abstract: A device for repairing a tire fault by injecting repair liquid into the faulty tire, said liquid being present in a compressible liquid storage volume (100). Said volume (100) is sealed in such a way that it is watertight at at least one first sealing point (60) to be opened and is located in a pressurized container (56). Said pressurized container is subjected to the pressure of a pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source (28) in a compression chamber which becomes larger as it is affected by the pressurized gas. When the first sealing point (60) is opened, the volume (100) delivers repair liquid to the tire (12) through the opened first sealing point (60) be extracted from the volume.

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.

Abstract: An inflation nozzle has a cylindrical receiving cell which is provided with an air inlet, an open end, and an engagement port for engaging the air valve of an inflatable object. The receiving cell contains a first elastic annular block, a seat block, a second elastic annular block, and a press block. A handle is pivoted to the open end for pressing the press block. The seat block has a through hole in communication with a through hole of the second elastic annular block. The seat block is provided with a rotary member which has a curved portion and a notch. A coil spring enables the curved portion and the notch to remain at an angle at which the curved portion and the notch face the engagement port. When the engagement port is engaged with an air valve of the U.S. specification, the valve tube of the air valve is inserted into the notch to arrest the rotary member such that the valve bar of the air valve is pressed by the curved portion to allow the passage of air.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow valve (10) for a fluid flow control system. The flow valve (10) includes a flow-regulating assembly (40) having a housing (44) having a piston bore (15) within which is slideably disposed a piston-like member (42). The piston-like member (42) has a primary flow passage (52) and at least one secondary flow passage (54) formed therein. A first portion (42a) of the pistonlike member (42) is configured for mating with a seat (46) of the housing (44), and a resilient member (48) biases the piston-like member (42) away from the seat (46). When at least a predetermined fluid pressure differential exists, the first portion (42a) mates with the seat (46) and causes the at least one secondary flow passage (54) to be at least substantially closed such that fluid can substantially flow only through the primary flow passage (52).

Abstract: A process for filling N2 gas into a tire assembled onto a rim to hold a recommended internal pressure comprises discharging air inside the tire prior to the filling of N2 gas to render the inside of the tire into a state lower than atmospheric pressure and filling N2 gas into such a tire. An apparatus for carrying out the above process comprises a single inlet path, at least two outlet paths and a membrane module for separating air introduced through the inlet path into O2 gas and N2 gas and feeding these gases into respective outlet paths, wherein an outlet path for feeding N2 gas in the outlet paths is connected at its top to a valve for inflating a tire assembled onto a rim under an internal pressure and a discharge path for discharging air inside the tire prior to the filling of N2 gas is provided on the way of such an outlet path.

Abstract: A tire inflation apparatus and method involves first evacuating a seated pneumatic tire using a vacuum pump and then inflating the tire with a dried inert gas under pressure without allowing any ambient air to reenter the evacuated tire. The apparatus includes a three way valve which is connected by a first conduit to a tank of pressurized inert gas and by a second conduit to the vacuum pump. A hose having a tire valve chuck connected to a distal end is connected at the opposite end from the chuck to the three way valve. The three way valve selectively and alternatively flow connects the hose to the tank of pressurized gas or the vacuum pump through the first or second conduits respectively. The hose is initially connected to the vacuum pump to evacuate the tire, and then to the tank of pressurized gas to inflate the tire. A heater on the first conduit heats the cooled gas exiting the tank to raise the temperature of the pressurized gas delivered to the tire at least to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: The valve operating device comprises in a housing a valve operating member, which is movable in a compartment in the housing and at its underside has a generally cone-shaped recess, and an operating rod, which is in engagement with the recess with one end and with the other end is in contact with a valve actuating pin of a vehicle air valve, on which the device is mounted. It has a locking sleeve axially movable in the housing and being arranged coaxially with the operating rod and has an internal thread for attachment to the air valve and with an abutment for engagement with a pivotable locking pin of a lock in the housing.