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

Abstract: A safety air valve for a tire comprising a casing adapted to be vertically mounted to a rim of a tire, the casing defining an air channel extending therethrough, the air channel containing an internal shoulder which extends into the air channel, a valve extending through the air channel for opening and closing the flow of air through the channel, the valve including a valve stem containing a valve head at one end thereof, the valve head being provided with a lip which is adapted to engage the shoulder in the air channel through the movement of the valve head through the air channel, a spring operatively associated with the valve stem to bias the valve head in closed position with the lip in engagement with the shoulder, and a weight member attached to the valve head whereby upon the achieving of excessive speed and correspondingly excessive tire rotation the centrifugal force on the weight member causes the valve to open against the bias of the spring.

Abstract: A tire pressurizing system is provided for automatically pressurizing a pneumatic tire. The system employs centrifugal force to actuate a pump which is attached to the interior of the tire. Centrifugal force causes a pump actuating member to follow a different orbital path around a rotating tire from the path of the pump housing, which is attached to the tire. The difference is due to the flexing of the tire in the load bearing "footprint" area. The result is reciprocation of the actuating member, which in turn operates a pump. Piston and diaphragm pump embodiments are disclosed. An automatic pressure regulator is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle air system (300) for a vehicle equipped with a source of pressurized fluid (302, 306), an air brake system (314), a central tire inflation system (316) and a central tire inflation system pressurized fluid reservoir (336) is provided. Preferably, the central tire inflation system reservoir is defined in part by the vehicle spare tire. The central tire inflation system rservoir is fluidly connected to the source of pressurized fluid, the vehicle air brake system and the central tire inflation system by a pair of parallel conduits (332, 334), one of which is provided with a one way check valve (340) allowing pressurized fluid stored in the reservoir to be supplied to the brake system of the central tire inflation system.

Abstract: An adjustable automatically controlled pneumatic pump device includes an air pump, an electric motor adapted for being energized by a power source to drive the air pump, an air hose member with an exhaust port at one end, and an other end of the hose member connected to the air pump, a pressure gauge with a pressure setting pointer which can be adjusted in advance according to the predetermined air pressure desired and a pressure indicating pointer which is capable of contacting with the pressure setting pointer when the air pressure through the air hose reaches the predetermined air pressure, and an electric logic circuit device which is electrically associated with the motor and the pressure gauge and arranged in that the electric logic circuit can control the motor for pumping air into an enclosed space.

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

Abstract: A compressed air passage system carried by an axle on a road vehicle for nsferring compressed air from/to a central air pressure source to/from the associated vehicle wheel. The passage system comprises a specially-constructed duct installable in a clearance space between the axle housing and axle; an air transfer slip ring mechanism is arranged at the outer end of the duct to transfer compressed air across the interface between the non-rotating and rotating parts of the axle assembly. The system is specially designed to permit the air passage system to be added to a pre-existing axle construction with minimum modification of existing components.

Abstract: A device (10) for venting aircraft tires comprises a fusible plug (42) and a spring-biased piston (30), both plug (42) and piston (30) being positioned within a single bore (B) of the device. The plug (42) is meltable out of the bore when the wheel (12) temperature increases above a specific limit set by the eutectic material which frees the piston (30) to move out of a spring-biased and bore-sealing position within a sealing ring (22) by an overpressure within the tire which overcomes the spring bias. The piston (30) will return to a sealing position when the pressure drops below a value which is insufficient to overcome the spring bias.

Abstract: An inflator for pneumatic tires that uses compressed gas. The inflator has a housing 10, a cartridge 12 of compressed gas that communicates through a passage 20 of the housing, and a valve chuck 14 connected to the passage and constructed to fit over and seal about a tire valve stem. The passage has a tubular member 50 with a restrictive orifice 60 that produces a pressure drop to the flow of gas. The valve chuck has a rotatable nut 64 that compresses an annular gasket 22 to provide a seal with the valve stem. A clamp removably secures the inflator to the underside of a bicycle seat.

Abstract: A tire valve assembly (10) which includes a valve stem (11), a combined actuating pin and valve element (14), a spring (18) and a retainer (16). A valve seat (19) is formed as part of the stem, and the combined pin and valve element is made of a material which is sufficiently rigid to function as an actuating element yet is sufficiently resilient to serve as an effective seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly achieving a desired pressure level in a tire by gas flow through a port in the tire such as the valve stem including a conduit having one end for connection to a source of gas under pressure and another end for connection to the inflation port. Valves are utilized for selectively closing and opening the conduit and for venting the conduit to the atmosphere. A selector whereby a desired pressure level to be achieved within the tire is provided as is a pressure level sensor which is connected to the conduit. A control in the form of a microprocessor digitally operates the valves to thereby provide for rapid inflation of the tire inasmuch as substantially full source pressure is applied to the tire to thereby provide a high pressure differential and increased gas flow.

Abstract: Every pressure vessel is connected by the agency of a connection channel to a control chamber. In both connection channels a shut-off valve is provided. The control chamber comprises a spring bellows whereby a spring counteracts a pressure force acting onto the mean area of said spring bellows. A ring is arranged on a control rod which controls the position of said shut-off valves. Upon a pressure loss in one of the pressure vessels the control rod operates the shut-off valves into their shut-off position such that upon a later pressure rise in one of the pressure vessels these shut-off valves remain closed. This ensures that upon a later pressure rise in an undamaged of the two pressure vessels such will remain separated from the damaged one. This pressure control means is preferably used in a motor vehicle having twin tires such as a truck or bus.

Abstract: A method for inflating the inner tire of dual pneumatic wheels wherein a valve extender is used which can be easily attached and detached. The extender includes a coupling on one end which grips the wheel valve stem and a connector at the other end adapted for engagement with the air supply hose. Another tool is used for removing and replacing the mud cap.

Abstract: An antitheft device adapted for attachment to the valve stem of an inflated vehicle tire may comprise: a plunger assembly including a plunger engageable with a valve core of the valve stem and axially movable relative thereto for forcing the valve core to an open position releasing air from the tire; and an actuator assembly including a cam member radially movable with respect to the axis of the plunger in response to rotation of the vehicle tire, from a passive position to an active position forcing the plunger toward opening of the valve core.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel attachment offers an increased tread to support the vehicle on soft ground, snow or sand. A rigid version has a body (5) of revolution which is clamped co-axially against the wheel (1) using a screw device (7,19) anchored to the studs which mount the wheel. The body is generally frusto-conical and may be made buoyant or be ballasted. There are also inflatable (29) and telescopic versions which can be collapsed and stowed against the wheel.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a flexible hose having a first fitting at one end for attachment to a deflated tire and a second fitting at the other end for attachment to an inflated tire from which air is to be transferred to the deflated tire. The second fitting has a spring biased check valve for cutting off flow from the inflated tire to the deflated tire when the pressure entering the second fitting is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A pressure equalizing valve featuring a housing defining a chamber, the housing having first and second passages therethrough opening into the chamber; a valve seat in the chamber surrounding the opening of the second passage thereinto; a diaphragm having its periphery sealed to the housing and forming a wall of the chamber adjacent to the valve seat; resilient means on the side of the diaphragm opposite the valve seat for urging the diaphragm against the seat with a predetermined force, to seal the second passage from the chamber, and hence from the first passage; and an indicator mounted on the housing and having a pressure responsive portion in communication with the chamber for indicating when the air pressure therein is below a predetermined value just sufficient to overcome the predetermined force and unseal the second passage.

Abstract: A high pressure compressed air tank has an inlet and an inlet valve which is opened when a fitting of a service station air hose is pressed against the inlet. High pressure compressed air is then forced from the service station air hose into the tank. The inlet valve prevents compressed air from escaping from the tank. An outlet fitting connected to the tank has an outlet valve therein. The outlet fitting is pressed against the tire valve housing of a bicycle, causing the tire valve to open. High pressure compressed air from the tank is then forced into the bicycle tire, thereby inflating it. The tank is attached to a frame member of the bicycle by means of a quick-release bracket. An air horn operable by means of a button valve and a pressure gauge are attached to the high pressure air tank.

Abstract: A water mattress having a portion of its volume occupied by air or gas filled bodies lowers the total mattress weight without sacrificing its desirable characteristics. The gas filled bodies comprise independent, elongate, parallel chambers having sidewall members which are secured to the bottom panel of the mattress. The chambers are positioned at approximately the horizontal midplane of the mattress such that it exhibits the conventional uniform weight distribution characteristics found desirable in such devices. Air is supplied to or released from the chambers through access fittings on the chambers and water mattress. The water filled mattress weighs substantially less than a conventional mattress having the same external volume. Furthermore, the chambers tend to inhibit the sloshing and highly under-damped natural harmonic motion typical of conventional water mattresses.

Abstract: An apparatus including a stem is provided for introducing gas under pressure from a source of pressurized gas into a container. The stem defines a main passageway and has at least one aperture for bleeding gas from the passageway directly to the atmosphere, while gas is simultaneously introduced into the container through the passageway. The number of apertures and size of the apertures vary, depending on the predetermined container pressure desired. The apparatus can be adapted to be removably mounted on, for example, the valve stem of a pneumatic tire. Alternatively, the apparatus can be formed integrally with the valve stem of a pneumatic tire. In a further embodiment, the apparatus is adapted to inflate, for example, basketballs, footballs, and the like.

Abstract: A combination tire inflator and pressure gauge, having a valving member and a body member having ports and passages with which the valving member co-operates to provide flow or non-flow and selective communication of the pressure source, the gauge, and the tire, depending upon the relative location or setting of the valving member with respect to the body member. In three relative positions of the valving member, respectively, it (1) interconnects the gauge and tire passages, the pressure-source passage being blocked, thus showing tire pressure; (2) vents the tire and gauge passages, the pressure-source passage likewise being blocked, thus venting air from the tire; and (3) causes or permits communication of the pressure-source and the tire passage, the gauge passage being blocked, thus inflating the tire.

Abstract: A light, portable, miniaturized tire inflator adapted to fit in a limited space, such as in a tire well for a deflated, space-saving tire in a trunk of an aubomobile, and adapted to be carried or held in one hand. The tire inflator includes: a pyrotechnic material, an ignitor mechanism, a pressure vessel, and a nozzle. The pyrotechnic material generates an inflating gas upon burning to inflate a tire without a source of stored fluid. The ignitor mechanism is located adjacent to the pyrotechnic material to ignite and cause the pyrotechnic material to burn. The pressure vessel holds the pyrotechnic material. The pressure vessel has a tire end and a pyrotechnic end. The nozzle is mounted on the tire end of the pressure vessel. The nozzle is adapted to be connected directly to a valve of the tire. In one embodiment, connection of the nozzle to the tire valve activates the ignitor mechanism.

Abstract: An inflator for tires having a housing adapted to be hand held, with air compressor means including an electric motor mounted in the housing for supplying air under pressure to a tire. Adjustable valve means is mounted on the housing and operatively connected to the compressor means for selecting a predetermined air pressure for deliver to the tire, the valve means movable between open and closed positions. A hose is operatively connected to the valve means to provide air under pressure for delivery to the tire from the compressor means in the open position of the valve means, and switch means is mounted in the housing and coupled to the motor for supplying electrical energy to the motor in the energized position of the switch means.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling a vehicle tire with a reactive liquid elastomer which when cured results in a flat-free tire. The apparatus provides for pre-filling the tire with air of desired pressure to properly set the tire bead on its rim and to maintain such tire pressure during the liquid filling operation. The apparatus enables removal of residual air within the tire as the tire is being filled with liquid and also indicates when the tire is completely filled with such liquid.

Abstract: A two piece valve assembly is provided for snap-in installation in a mounting rim for a tubeless tire. The assembly comprises a generally cylindrical valve stem member insertable in a bore formed through an elastomeric grommet member, which is in turn insertable in a bore formed through the mounting rim. The valve stem and grommet members are sized to effect a fluid pressure seal when the insertions are accomplished, and an enlarged flange is provided on the valve stem to prevent outward removal of the assembly from the rim bore.

Abstract: The invention is a light, portable, miniaturized tire inflator adapted to fit in a limited space, such as in a tire well for a deflated, space-saving tire in a trunk of an automobile, and adapted to be carried or held in one hand. The tire inflator includes: a pyrotechnic material, an ignitor mechanism, a pressure vessel, and a nozzle. The pyrotechnic material generates an inflating gas upon burning to inflate a tire without a source of stored fluid. The ignitor mechanism is located adjacent to the pyrotechnic material to ignite and cause the pyrotechnic material to burn. The pressure vessel holds the pyrotechnic material. The pressure vessel has a tire end and a pyrotechnic end. The nozzle is mounted on the tire end of the pressure vessel. The nozzle is adapted to be connected directly to a valve of the tire.

Abstract: The invention is a light, portable, miniaturized tire inflator adapted to fit in a limited space, such as in a tire well for a deflated, space-saving tire in a trunk of an automobile, and adapted to be carried or held in one hand. The tire inflator includes a metal, preferably steel pressure cannister comprising in one embodiment a pressure vessel and a pressure head cap assembly, a pyrotechnic material in the pressure vessel, an ignitor mechanism and a nozzle in the head cap assembly, an internal insulation liner for said pressure cannister to reduce the temperature level of the cannister to a level acceptable to an external insulation, such as plastic foam or paper, of about 350.degree. F, and a resilient insert for example rubber, in the nozzle end to mate and thread in one embodiment, with the metal tire valve threads, and prevent cross threading, while providing a seal with the tire valve for inflation of the tire.

Abstract: An emergency kit for simultaneously equalizing the inflation pressure in the four tires of a motor vehicle and in the spare tire thereof. Four lengths of flexible tubing are interconnected by tee couplings. One end of three of such lengths of tubing is given a coupling for connection with the inflation valve of a tire whereas the other length of coupling has such a coupling at each end. A foot operable diaphragm pump is connected in one length of tubing. SUBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to kits for equalizing the pressure in and inflating the tires of a motor vehicle. More particularly the invention relates to a kit for simultaneously equalizing the pressure in all four tires and in the spare tire and for increasing the inflation tire in the four tires.Devices for equalizing the pressure in the tires of a motor vehicle and for transferring inflation air from a spare tire to one or more deflated tires of a motor vehicle have been known heretofore.

Abstract: A tire has its tire cavity filled with inexpensive lubricated light cellular particles and thereby avoids deformation and flattening of the tire upon loss of inflation pressure while maintaining vehicular control.

Abstract: A clamp-in valve for a road vehicle which can be inserted and removed from the outside of the wheel instead of from the inside consists of a valve stem flanged at one end with a rubber grommet at that end, the grommet being flanged at its end remote from the valve stem flange, and retaining means for pressing on the flange of the grommet. The diameter of the flange of the valve stem is smaller than the diameter of the aperture of the wheel into which the valve is to be inserted. The retaining means can be washer and nut or a lock washer engaging in a groove or rib of the valve stem and held by, for example, a screw-on dust cap with an elongate skirt. The flanged end of the valve stem is inserted through the wheel aperture and the retaining means tightened so that the rubber grommet is compressed to seal and clamp the valve stem in the aperture. The valve may be used with tubeless tires or tubed tires having a modified rubber spud for attachment to the tube.

Abstract: A tire valve core including a metallic shell having a seat thereon for a plastic gasket, the seat extending between a peripheral bead including a perpendicular wall portion on the inner face thereof and an annular rib having an inwardly tapered peripheral surface and a perpendicular shoulder on the inner face thereof; the seat being provided with a plurality of annular grooves spaced inwardly from said rib and extending over approximately 50% of the seat width and with the remainder of the seat providing an inwardly tapered smooth surface.