Abstract: A tire inflation hose assembly for interconnecting a container of pressurized tire inflation material and a valve stem of a tire is provided. The hose assembly includes a release valve assembly for coupling to the container and for releasing the pressurized material contained therein. A flexible tube transports the released material to a nozzle which is adaptable for mating with the valve stem of the tire such that the pressurized material enters the tire when released by the release valve assembly. A pair of transverse pins secure the tube to the nozzle and the release valve assembly.

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

Abstract: A control system for controlling air pressure to a tire during the testing cycle of a tire uniformity machine includes a mechanical regulator connected to a source of air and a transducer disposed adjacent the tire and in communication with a central processing unit and the regulator to match sensed variations with predetermined testing pressure programmed into the central processing unit and activate the regulator as required.

Abstract: A vehicle including a pressure relief valve mounted on a wheel is provided. The valve includes a spring biased vent valve mechanism therein and a blocker which is a actuable or manipulable to either a vent position or a nonvent position. When the blocker is in the vent position, the valve acts as a vent valve. When the blocker is in the nonvent position, the spring biased valve mechanism is prevented from opening.

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: This invention relates to a combination of multiple tires disposed adjacently parallel to each other on a single wheel, respective inner spaces of the multiple tires being communicated with each other by way of an airflow piping. The airflow piping comprises a pneumatic pressure control valve which can be opened or closed due to an air-leaking condition of the multiple tires. When one of the multiple tires leaks air rapidly, the pneumatic pressure of the other normal tire is also decreased, thereby allowing the driver to notice the puncture. If the former leaks air slowly, its air is supplied by the latter, respective pneumatic pressures are going to become equal, thereby the driver can drive for a certain time and be free from any serious accident that may occur when he is unaware of the puncture.

Abstract: A mounting for a wheel having a pneumatic tire includes a hub to which the wheel is attached, a spindle about which the hub and wheel rotate, and a pair of indirectly mounted tapered roller bearings between the spindle and hub. The end of the hub is closed by a seal carrier which is attached to the hub and an end cover which is attached to the carrier. The end cover forms one end of a sealed chamber that is at the end of the spindle. The opposite end of the chamber is closed by a seal which is carried by the seal carrier beyond the two tapered roller bearings. The seal has an elastomeric seal element which bears against a sealing surface that is, in effect, carried by the spindle. One passageway extends from a location on the spindle that is remote from the bearing, along the spindle to the chamber at the end of the spindle. Another passageway extends from the exterior of the hub through the end ring to the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing and utilizing, inter alia, cyclic forces generated at a location eccentric from the axis of rotation of a rolling wheel. The apparatus may include, for example, pumps that can be attached to the valve stem of an automobile wheel in order to pressurize under-inflated tires and maintain tire pressure at a preset value.

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 land vehicle wheel end assembly (16) for a rigid tubular drive axle assembly (10) includes a nonrotatable sleeve (34) interposed between a portion of a spindle (14) of the axle assembly and a wheel hub (20). The wheel hub is rotatably supported on the spindle by inboard and outboard bearings (24,26) lubricated by oil from the drive axle. The hub includes a passage for directing the oil to the inboard bearing (24). The sleeve and hub include air passages (34f,34d,39,34e and 20e) for directing air from a vehicle onboard central tire inflation system to a pneumatic tire supported by the hub. A relative rotational interface between the sleeve and hub air passages is sealed by a seal assembly (52) which is lubricated by the oil. An outboard end of the sleeve preferably includes an axially open annular groove (45 or 47) for inserting an O-ring (38) seat therein after installation of the sleeve on the spindle.

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

Abstract: A 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: A flexible air valve extension for filling an inaccessible vehicle spare tire includes an elongated flexible tube having a rigid elbow portion at one end which terminates in an internally threaded fitting dimensioned for engagement with a conventional tire valve. An externally threaded valve body at an opposite end of the flexible tube is received through a transverse flange of a mounting bracket. A pair of lock nuts are in threaded engagement with the valve body on opposite sides of the flange and secure the valve body to the bracket. The valve body includes a spring biased valve dimensioned for cooperation with conventional automotive pressure gages and air lines. The bracket is dimensioned for securement on an accessible portion of a vehicle, such as the frame of a spare tire carrier.

Abstract: Inside a tight sealed chamber defined between a rim and a tire of a pneumatic tire wheel for vehicles, there is provided a predetermined amount of a two-phase system in a substantially balanced state at the tire temperature and inflation pressure. The two-phase system comprises a liquid in a balanced state with its own vapor contained within a sealed, elastically deformable toric bladder which is mounted to the rim. By changing the amount of heat in the two-phase system so as to change its balance condition, a variation is obtained in the inflation pressure of the tire.

Abstract: A wheel and axle assembly is provided for a vehicle having on onboard system for controlling the pressure of air in a tire of the vehicle. The assembly comprises a stationary axle housing and a rotatable hub which carries the vehicle tire and which is mounted on the axle housing for rotation thereabout by first and second axially spaced bearing units each having inner and outer races and tapered roller bearings therebetween. Axially spaced first and second seal assemblies are provided between the axle housing and hub to provide a sealed air chamber therebetween, and one of the bearing units is in the air chamber adjacent the first seal assembly which is connected to a source of air under pressure on the vehicle. The flow path extends through the air chamber and includes a port in the hub opening into the chamber and connected in flow communication with the vehicle tire.

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: In order to provide for the deflation of a tire, there is provided an orie in the rim of a wheel, a pusher element extending through the rim in a gas tight manner, the pusher element having one end communicating with gas pressure inside the tire and including means for selectively closing the orifice. The pusher element is mounted to the rim for movement between a first position wherein the means for selectively closing closes the orifice and a second position wherein the means for selectively closing opens the orifice. The pusher element has another end outside of the tire with a cam mounted thereto. A presser means mounted to be stationary relative to the rotation of the tire selectively engages the cam and moves the pusher element to the second position to control the opening of a valve to deflate the tire.

Abstract: An air pump for bicycles in which, when the air pump is not in use, is stored in the frame of the bicycle and serves as the post for the seat of the bicycle. The air pump has an outer, tubular post having structure on the upper end thereof for removably mounting a bicycle seat. The post is removably mounted in a bicycle frame. A tube extends partially into the post and carries a diaphragm on its inner end. The diaphragm is engageable with the inner surface of the post and compresses air in advance of the diaphragm when the diaphragm moves toward the upper end of the post. A check valve near the diaphragm permits only a one-way flow of air, namely in the direction through the tube and away from the upper end of the post. A lower member on the outer end of the tube allows a flexible hose to be coupled to the tube so that compressed air from the tube can be directed into the valve stem of a device to be 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 wheel end assembly used with a tire pressure management system has a pressurized air passage formed in part by the annular clearance space formed between a drive shaft and a central bore in the tire mounting spindle of the end assembly.

Abstract: An air circuit for a central tire inflation system having a relief valve (158) in the air circuit to provide the necessary pressure drop for deflation and having make up air from a source (S) bleed into the air circuit via one of two normally closed solenoid actuated valves (164, 174). The make up air is connected via a small orifice (214) when a solenoid (192) associated with a deflate valve (164) or a shut off valve (174) is energized.

Abstract: To assure inflation of a tire 2 during its rotation, a hose 3 is placed on he inside periphery of rim 1. A pressure roller 5, solid with the wheel carrier and therefore non-rotatable, causes a local reduction in the section of hose 3. During rotation of tire 2, air is forced from an orifice 31 forming an air intake, to an inside volume 20 of tire 2, via a check valve 4. To provide deflation, a roller rests on a pusher which controls the opening of valve 4.

Abstract: A central tire deflation system for emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, rescue vehicles located at airports, enabling the operator to deflate all of the tires of the emergency vehicle to a predetermined minimum pressure while traveling to a crash site so that the "footprint" of the tires is increased at or about the time the vehicle reaches soft terrain. The minimum tire pressure is obtained by controlling the duration of time that the tires are being deflated.

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 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: An improved wheel end valve assembly (11) for a central tire inflation system (10) having a single connection (68) to a tire chamber (74) and a single supply connection (62) to a source (142) of pressurized fluid, which requires no venting other than through the single supply connection (62), is effective in response to pressurization and venting of the single supply connection (62) to open and close communication to the tire chamber (74), a second valve means (288) to isolate the tire chamber if inflation pressure thereof falls below a minimum reference pressure, and a third valve means (300 or 400). The third valve means comprises a controlled bleed of air between the single supply connection and an isolation circuit (264, 254, 256, 266-276) by an elastomeric one way valve.

Abstract: A rotary wheel-end assembly (90) is provided that includes a disc-like member (26) that when secured to a vehicular wheel hub (16) is operative to rotate relative a stationary axle spindle as well as provide a first chamber (28) about the end of axle (2). Assembly (90) has a passageway (36) therethrough for conveying pressurized air to the tire from axle (2) and includes a cover (42) secured in spaced-apart relationship to a side of member (26) facing away from axle (2) to provide a second chamber (46). Chambers (28) and (46) are adapted to hold a lubricant for lubricating frictional interaction between rotary assembly (90) and stationary axle (2) as well as wheel bearings (12) and at least one opening (40) is provided through member (26) for providing fluid communication between chambers (28) and (46) in addition to the preferable inclusion of at least one resilient closable member (48) through cover (42) for conveying lubricant into chamber (46).

Abstract: An improved wheel end valve assembly for a Central Tire Inflation System having a single connection to the tire chamber and a single connection to the source of pressurized fluid, which requires no venting other than through the single supply conduit, is effective in response to pressurization and venting of the supply conduit to open and close communication to the tire, and to isolate the tire if inflation pressure thereof falls below a minimum reference pressure. A controlled bleed of air between the control circuit and the isolation circuit is provided by a elastomeric disk shaped, one way valve having an orifice formed therein which is self cleaning when the valve is actuated.

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: 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 air pump for bicycles in which, when the air pump is not in use, is stored in the frame of the bicycle and serves as the post for the seat of the bicycle. The air pump has an outer, tubular post having structure on the upper end thereof for removably mounting a bicycle seat. The post is removably mounted in a bicycle frame. A tube extends partially into the post and carries a diaphragm on its inner end. The diaphragm is engageable with the inner surface of the post and compresses air in advance of the diaphragm when the diaphragm moves toward the upper end of the post. A check valve near the diaphragm permits only a one-way flow of air, namely in the direction through the tube and away from the upper end of the post. A lower member on the outer end of the tube allows a flexible hose to be coupled to the tube so that compressed air from the tube can be directed into the valve stem of a device to be inflated.

Abstract: A central tire deflation system for emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, rescue vehicles located at airports, enabling the operator to deflate all of the tires of the emergency vehicle to a predetermined minimum pressure while traveling to a crash site so that the "footprint" of the tires is increased at or about the time the vehicle reaches soft terrain. The minimum tire pressure is obtained by a minimum pressure valve which senses tire pressure as the tires are being deflated and stops deflation of the tires when the predetermined minimum pressure is sensed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for selectively deflating and inflating a tire mounted on a wheel comprises a valve assembly rigidly and coaxially mounted on a vehicular wheel incorporating a reciprocally movable valve body received in a cavity of a valve housing, the valve body having a plurality of channels for directing gas to gas outlet ports for pressurizing the tire, the valve body moving to a first position to close off a gas exhaust port in the valve housing and a second position to open the exhaust port when pressurized gas to the valve from a pressurized gas source is terminated. The valve assembly includes a valve member movably secured on the valve body alternately opening and closing the gas directing channels as the valve body is moved between the first and second positions. In a driver education system additional power steering and power brake failure assemblies are incorporated.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a pneumatic-tired vehicle, of the kind comprising means (4) for automatically deflating a tire (5) of the vehicle and deflating the tire (5) when the device is actuated by control means (2) and the vehicle is in motion, the deflating means (4) being moved by the centrifugal force of inertia when the corresponding wheel (3) rotates whereas they are inoperative in other cases, characterized in that the deflating means (4) comprise movable means for closing at least one orifice (7) through which air under pressure can escape from the tire (3), the movable closing means normally sealing the orifice (7) when the device is inoperative and/or the wheel (3) is stationary, whereas they unclose the orifice (7) and allow air to escape when the device is actuated and as soon as the centrifugal force of inertia reaches a sufficient value to move them.

Abstract: A flexible extension air hose particularly for use with dual wheel tires on trucks or recreation vehicles. The hose contains a slidable central cable that extends to a nozzle that screws to the tire valve stem and contacts the valve. The other end of the hose is fitted with an coupling that may be manually adjusted to compensate for variations in the length of the central cable that is caused by bending in the hose. Thus, a air service nozzle pressed to the coupling causes the cable to depress the tire valve so that air may be added or the tire deflated from some convenient 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: A portable air pump assembly and detachable safety lamp, includes an air compressor; an air supply line supplying pressurized air from the air compressor to a tire; an electrical supply line supplying current to the air compressor; electrical contacts which connect the electrical supply line to the air compressor only when they are in a closed condition; a by-pass air supply line having one end with the air compressor; a pressure limit switch connected with the opposite end of the by-pass air supply line for automatically causing termination of the current supply to the air compressor in response to back pressure from the tire when the tire has been inflated to a desired air pressure; and a safety lamp detachably connected with the housing for providing a warning light and operable in a connected or detached position.

Abstract: The tire filling unit, particularly for filling a bicycle tire, comprises a filling head with an outlet connectable to a filling valve of a tire and with an inlet containing a hollow prong for a high pressure gas cartridge and a concentric cartridge jacket attachable with the filling head at the inlet for receiving the high pressure cartridge. A connecting duct contains an automatically closing valve between the inlet and the outlet which locks the connecting duct in a closed configuration and which is movable into an open configuration by an operating device mounted in the filling head.

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

Abstract: A 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: Apparatus for inflating tires to a test pressure. The apparatus includes a shop supply of air and a regulated supply of air. A valve system is used to connect the tire to the shop supply to seat the bead on the test rim; to exhaust the air from the tire to bring the pressure in the tire to approximately the test pressure; and to the regulated supply to bring the air in the tire to the preselected test level. The difference between the actual test pressure and the desired test pressure is measured and that difference is used to control the pressure regulator so as to correct the test pressure in the next succeeding tire.

Abstract: Method of inflating tires wherein the tires are inflated to a bead seat pressure and thereafter the pressure is reduced without deflating the tires through the valve.

Abstract: The deflating device, in particular intended for rapid intervention or military vehicles, comprises a servovalve (18) having a large-section passage instantaneously putting the interior of the tire in communication with the open air, a pressure sensor (21) with an associated circuit (22,23,24) an electrovalve (17) and its associated circuit being supplied with a chopped or otherwise interrupted current through a rotating transformer (12,14), the sensor circuit being such that, when the predetermined low pressure value is reached, it causes the closure of the servovalve (18) by the electrovalve (17).

Abstract: A toy wheel formed with a balloon tire and hub is disclosed in which the tire can be inflated with a valve mechanism contained within the hub of the wheel. The hub is an assembly of hub and cap members which are interlocked together. The tire is a balloon with a single central opening at one end which is received over the hub, and the opposite end of the balloon is captured between the interlocked hub and cap members. The inflation valve comprises an air passageway through the hub member which is surrounded by a valve seat on its inside end. The valve seat is intersected with at least one axial slot along the inside end of the hub member to provide a release air passageway. The valve seat is preferably sealed by a sealing portion of the balloon. A pin with an enlarged diameter head is received in the air passageway to provide a valve operator which, when depressed, lifts the sealing portion of the balloon off the valve seat and releases the air pressure through the axial slot.

Abstract: A valve system for remotely controlling the inflation pressure within a pneumatic tire of a wheel mounted for rotation on an axle of a vehicle includes several improvements. One improvement is a spool valve assembly disposed in a housing mounted within the axle. The spool valve assembly is carried by and rotates with an air manifold formed on the interior of the wheel hub cap. Another improvement is an electrical pressure transducer for monitoring the pressure in the air manifold which is mounted to the manifold and rotates therewith. A pair of electrical inductive coupling rings attached respectively to the housing and spool valve body electrically couple a stationary leading portion of an electrical signal transmitting cable to a trailing portion thereof which is attached to the transducer and moves therewith. A further improvement is a sealing assembly disposed between the housing and spool valve body adjacent the inductive coupling rings.

Abstract: A modular tire valve assembly (11) for a central tire inflation system (10) comprising a valve body (212) having only a first (66) and a second (72) fluid connection from the exterior to the interior thereof is provided. The first fluid connection comprises a first port connected to a selectively pressurized and exhausted conduit (52) and the second fluid connection comprises a second port connected to the interior pressurized chamber (74) of an inflatable tire (12). The assembly includes first valve means (220) responsive to pressurization and exhausting of said selectively pressurized and exhausted conduit to establish or block, respectively, fluid communication between said first and second ports and second valve means (280) responsive to pressurization in said interior tire chamber to maintain said first valve means in the closed position thereof if said interior tire chamber is pressurized below a predetermined reference pressure.

Abstract: 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.