Abstract: A system (40) for transmitting control pressures and/or working pressures from a wheel-hub pressure medium supply (20, 21, 22), in particular from a wheel-hub pressure medium rotary union (21), to a vehicle rim (2) mounted on the wheel hub (1). The system (40) has a receiving part (41), which has a central region (55) with a central opening (44) and at least one extension region (43) projecting radially from the central region (55), at least in some regions. The receiving part (41) can be connected to the wheel hub (1) by means of the at least one radially projecting extension region (43), in a detachable way, and the control pressures and/or working pressures can be transmitted from the wheel-hub pressure medium supply (20, 21, 22) to the opening (44).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes: a tire inner surface rubber layer constituting a tire inner surface; and an electrically conductive member, at least a part of the electrically conductive member being disposed on an inner cavity side of the tire inner surface rubber layer. The electrically conductive member includes a knitted fabric including a yarn, at least a part of the yarn having electrical conductivity, the knitted fabric having stretchability. The electrically conductive member is electrically connected to an electrical device provided in the tire. The electrically conductive member is disposed extending along the tire inner surface in a tire radial direction, and a direction in which the electrically conductive member extends aligns with a direction in which the knitted fabric has stretchability. The knitted fabric is configured by mixing a yarn having electrical conductivity and a yarn having non-electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A chassis mounted energy extraction and delivery system. In one embodiment, a gravity-referenced, external tire inflation facility is integrated into an aerodynamic fairing mounted on the chassis of a vehicle. In one other embodiment, a torsion bar coupled between a hub-mounted energy extraction or delivery facility and a selected portion of the chassis provides a cross-referenced fixed point of reference. In a dual-axle embodiment, a first end of the torsion bar is coupled to the hub of one axle and a second end of the torsion bar is coupled to the hub of the other axle. In a single-axle embodiment, the second end of the torsion bar is coupled to the chassis.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes a connection assembly having a stationary portion and a rotary portion. The stationary portion is configured to couple to an inlet airflow assembly configured to be non-movably coupled to a beam housing, the rotary portion is configured to couple to an outlet airflow assembly configured to be non-movably coupled to a steering knuckle, the stationary portion forms a cavity configured to facilitate flow of pressurized air from the inlet airflow assembly to the rotary portion, and the rotary portion forms an airflow path configured to facilitate flow of the pressurized air from the cavity to the outlet airflow assembly.

Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes at least an axle enclosing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap, the rotary union includes at least rotary union housing providing a central bore, a fluid conduit having upstream and downstream ends, a first bearing and a second bearing. Each of the bearings are in contact engagement with the fluid conduit via an inner race, and in pressing engagement with a bearing sleeve via an outer race, the bearing sleeve in pressing contact with the central bore; and a first and second seal, the first seal is disposed between the first bearing and the downstream end of the fluid conduit, and the second seal is disposed between the second bearing and the upstream end of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A tire inflator/bleed system allows tire pressure to be adjusted using controls in a vehicle and while in motion. The inflator system includes a disk portion which rotates with a wheel, and a ring portion rotatably attached to the disk. The disk may be a spacer between the wheel and a vehicle hub, be part of the wheel, or be part of the hub. The ring portion receives air from an air supply/bleeder and is in fluid communication with the disk portion to provide the air to or from the disk portion. The disk portion is in fluid communication with a tire interior to add or remove air from the tire.

Abstract: An axle assembly and method of manufacture. The axle assembly may include a sleeve that is disposed in a spindle and that is in sealing engagement with the spindle proximate opposing ends. The sleeve has a smaller diameter than the spindle such that a fluid passage is provided between the spindle and the sleeve.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a tire pressure management system including an axle having an axle end portion and a rotary joint assembly disposed outboard of the axle end portion. The rotary joint has a rotary hub, a non-rotating tube spindle at least partially disposed within the rotary hub, the tube spindle having a tube spindle hollow central chamber, an air seal provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle, and a bearing assembly provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle. The bearing assembly is positioned outboard of the air seal.

Abstract: A rotary joint assembly for a tire inflation system for a vehicle includes a stationary portion defining a first fluid passage. The stationary portion includes a support portion and having a first annular sealing face. The first fluid passage ending in the first annular sealing face. The assembly also includes at least one bearing and a rotatable portion rotatably mounted on the support portion by way of the at least one bearing. The rotatable portion defines a second fluid passage and has a second annular sealing face, the second fluid passage ending in the second annular sealing face. The rotatable portion defines an axis of rotation of the rotatable portion and a radial direction oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The at least one bearing supporting an inner face of the rotatable portion, wherein the inner face of the rotatable portion faces toward the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A vehicle having one or more inflatable wheels, the vehicle including an internal combustion engine including a cylinder, a tire inflation system in fluid communication with and configured to selectively direct compressed air into at least one wheel of the one or more inflatable wheels, a compressor assembly having an outlet, where the compressor assembly is operable in a first mode, in which the outlet is in fluid communication with the cylinder of the internal combustion engine, and a second mode, in which the outlet is in fluid communication with the tire inflation system.

Abstract: A rotary union assembly for use with a tire inflation system includes a hollow tube configured to deliver air between proximal and distal ends, a bullet having a central axial aperture receiving the tube therethrough, a proximal retaining structure defined on the proximal end of the tube, and a distal retaining structure defined on a distal end of the tube, configured to retain the bullet on the tube therebetween. A cartridge is coupled to a distal end of the tube and includes one or more apertures on a sidewall thereof in fluid communication with the tube. In use, the rotary union assembly is coupled between a non-rotating axle of a vehicle and the rotating hubcap of a tire rotating about the axle and may be removed as a unit for repair and/or replacement of wear parts on the assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle having one or more pneumatic wheels, the vehicle including an internal combustion engine including a cylinder and an intake manifold in fluid communication with the cylinder, a tire inflation system configured to direct air into at least one of the one or more inflatable wheels, and a compressor assembly configured to supply air at a first pressure higher than atmospheric pressure to both the intake manifold and the tire inflation system.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a constant shaft disposed at least partially through a bearing hub assembly. The constant shaft defines a fluid conduit therethrough. A steering knuckle is disposed at least partially about the constant shaft. The axle assembly may include a bearing spacer disposed about the constant shaft, the bearing spacer being disposed at least partially axially between the bearing hub assembly and the steering knuckle. Additionally, a first rotary seal and a second rotary seal may be disposed radially between the bearing spacer and the constant shaft. The first and second rotary seals may at least partially define a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the constant shaft fluid conduit. Further, a port may be disposed through the bearing spacer, wherein the port is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A rotary feedthrough assembly for a tire inflation system for a vehicle. The assembly may have a stationary part including a first section of a main fluid line and a first section of a pilot fluid line. A rotatable part may be rotatably mounted on the stationary part support a pneumatic tire. The rotatable part may have a second section of the main fluid line and a second section of the pilot fluid line. A first annular seal chamber may be radially disposed between the stationary part and the rotatable part. The first annular seal chamber may provide fluid communication between the first section of the main fluid line and the second section of the main fluid line. A second annular seal chamber may be radially disposed between the stationary part and the rotatable part. The second annular seal chamber may provide fluid communication between the first section of the pilot fluid line and the second section of the pilot fluid line.

Abstract: A rotary joint is configured to transfer a fluid between two entities, one of which is in rotary motion with respect to the other. The rotary joint comprises a cylindrical internal element, apt to be fixed to the entity in rotary motion, and a plurality of annular external elements. The external elements comprise at least two head elements, at least two housing elements of respective gaskets, two bearing elements, and at least one fluid inlet. The fluid inlet is placed between said two bearing elements. Housing elements of respective gaskets are arranged externally to the bearing elements, and head elements are arranged externally to the housing elements. The gaskets define an annular shaped sealed area. The sealed area is accessible on one side through said fluid inlet and on the other side through at least one fluid passage channel passing through the body of said internal element.

Abstract: An in-wheel tire pressure system for use with a rim of a wheel of a vehicle that includes a fluid storage area formed in the rim for holding a quantity of compressible fluid suitable for inflating a tire mounted on the rim, and a micro-compressor mounted on the rim for pressurizing the fluid storage area with the compressible fluid. A wireless electrical charging subsystem may also be included for powering the micro-compressor. The wireless electrical charging system may incorporate a first component associated with the rim and rotatable with the rim, and a second component fixedly mounted to a portion of the vehicle closely adjacent the first component. The system may also include a control for enabling user control over the micro-compressor.

Abstract: A method for attaching a clamping assembly to the frame of a machine includes attaching a sensor assembly to the spindle of a machine such that a wire harness extends through the internal cavity of the spindle and out from the spindle, fishing the wire harness through a breather line, and attaching the wiring harness to the chassis of a machine.

Abstract: A rotary joint assembly for a tire inflation system includes a rotating portion. The rotating portion is attached to a wheel rim for rotation therewith. The rotating portion includes a center portion which has an air passageway formed therein. The rotary joint assembly also includes a non-rotating portion. The non-rotating portion has a non-rotating portion air passageway formed therein. The non-rotating portion air passageway is in fluid communication with the air passageway formed in the rotating portion via a chamber. A pair of annular sealing members are attached to the rotating portion and sealingly contact a sealing surface of the non-rotating portion. The annular sealing members define an inboard end and an outboard end of the chamber.

Abstract: A steer axle spindle may have one or more channels formed therein. A rotary union may be mounted to a steer axle wheel end assembly. The rotary union may be sealingly connected to a pressurized fluid source through the channel, and sealingly connected to a vehicle tire.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a spindle yoke defining at least one fluid conduit therethrough. A collector ring disposed about the spindle yoke. A seal housing coupled with a knuckle, and the seal housing disposed coaxially with the collector ring. First and second rotary seals disposed radially between the collector ring and the seal housing. Additionally, a port disposed in the knuckle, wherein the port is in fluid communication with the spindle yoke at least one fluid conduit via the seal housing and the collector ring.

Abstract: A combination includes at least: an air line disposed between a rotary union and a tire; and a tire pressure management safety valve disposed within the air line. The air line facilitates pressurized fluid transferred between the rotary union and a valve stem of the tire, to inflate the tire, and the tire pressure management safety valve includes: a valve housing providing a valve activation chamber; a fluid conduit having a downstream end and an upstream end; a check valve disposed within the valve activation chamber, the check valve responsive to pressurized fluid within the air line, at a predetermined pressure the check valve automatically precludes air transfer through the fluid conduit; and a fitting communicating with the check valve activation chamber and the valve stem of the tire. The combination further includes a tire pressure measurement sensor interacting with the check valve activation chamber and the inflated tire.

Abstract: A tire air filling mechanism in a tire testing device includes an air supply source which supplies air into a tire to be mounted between a pair of rims attached to ends of tire shafts. An injection direction of the air supplied into the tire from the air supply source is set at a direction inclined with respect to a radial direction of the tire, so that the air supplied from the air supply source can be turned inside the tire.

Abstract: A rotary union for a tire inflation system may comprise a stator and a rotor assembly, and may be contained entirely within the space formed by a hubcap and wheel end. The rotor assembly may be mounted to the interior of a hubcap. The rotor assembly may comprise a tube that extends into the stator. The tube may be sealed in the rotor assembly by a first annular seal, and may be sealed in the stator by a second annular seal.

Abstract: A steer axle spindle may have one or more channels formed therein. A rotary union may be mounted to a steer axle wheel end assembly. The rotary union may be sealingly connected to a pressurized fluid source through the channel, and sealingly connected to a vehicle tire.

Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes at least an axle, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union mounted to the hubcap. The rotary union includes at least rotary union housing providing a central bore, a fluid conduit having upstream and downstream ends, a first bearing and a second bearing. Each of the bearings are in contact engagement with the fluid conduit via an inner race, and in sliding engagement with a bearing sleeve via an outer race. The bearing sleeve in pressing contact with the central bore; and a first and second seal, the first seal is disposed between the first bearing and the downstream end of the fluid conduit, the second seal adjacent the interior of the hubcap and disposed between the external surface of the fluid conduit and the internal surface of the central bore.

Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes at least an axle, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, and a rotary union mounted to the hubcap. The rotary union includes at least rotary union housing providing a central bore, a fluid conduit having upstream and downstream ends, and a bearing in contact engagement with the fluid conduit via an inner race of the bearing, and in sliding engagement with a bearing sleeve via an outer race of the bearing. The bearing sleeve in pressing contact with the central bore; and a seal, is disposed between the bearing and the downstream end of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes a spindle having a passage formed therein. The wheel end assembly also includes a hub cap assembly. The hub cap assembly has an inner housing and an outer housing. The inner housing and outer housing are in fluid communication via an air passage. An air spindle has an inboard portion and an outboard portion. The inboard portion is disposed in the spindle and the outboard portion is disposed in the inner housing. Also, the air spindle has a fluid passage. The fluid passage is in fluid communication with the passage formed in the spindle and the air passage formed in the hub cap assembly. A rotary air seal is disposed around the air spindle. A rotary oil seal is disposed around the air spindle and is spaced apart from the rotary air seal.

Abstract: A rotary joint assembly for a tire pressure management system includes a rotating portion. The rotating portion has a first air passageway and a second air passageway. The first air passageway and the second air passageway are in fluid communication with a chamber formed in the rotating portion. The rotary joint assembly also includes a non-rotating portion. The non-rotating portion has a third air passageway. The third air passageway is in fluid communication with the second air passageway via a sealed space. The sealed space is provided between the rotating portion and the non-rotating portion. A valve assembly is positioned within the chamber. The valve assembly includes a piston and a biasing member. The valve assembly allows a flow of pressurized air to be directed from the first air passageway to the third air passageway or a flow of pressurized air to be directed from the third air passageway to the first air passageway.

Abstract: A control valve assembly that includes: an inlet for receiving compressed air from a supply line; an outlet for supplying compressed air to a transfer line; and a control valve for selectively placing the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet. The control valve assembly is configured to be removably disposed in a wheel hub. In addition, the control valve has a filter for filtering air moving between the supply line and the transfer line.

Abstract: A steer axle spindle may have one or more channels formed therein. A rotary union may be mounted to a steer axle wheel end assembly. The rotary union may be sealingly connected to a pressurized fluid source through the channel, and sealingly connected to a vehicle tire.

Abstract: A heavy-duty vehicle brake hardware mounting component that includes an integrated axle vent system and optional air supply line connector. The brake hardware mounting component includes a body with a central opening disposed around and rigidly attached to an axle of the vehicle. An annular groove is formed within the central opening and is in fluid communication with an axle opening. The air supply line connector is attached within an opening formed in the body and extends through the groove and into the axle opening, and enables attachment of and fluid communication between components of a tire inflation system within the axle and an external air source. Pressurized air from within the axle can flow through the axle opening, around the air supply line connector, through the annular groove, through a check valve in fluid communication with the groove, and to atmosphere to relieve air pressure build-up within the axle.

Abstract: An assembly supplies compressed air to a wheel of a vehicle. The assembly includes a wheel with a tire, a drive shaft for transmitting torque to the wheel, a wheel bearing on which the wheel in mounted in a rotationally fixed manner, and a toothing between the drive shaft and the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is tensioned with the drive shaft by a bolt, wherein the bolt is arranged coaxially in relation to the drive shaft. An annular chamber of the wheel bearing is defined inside the wheel bearing and radially outside of the bolt. A compressed air through-opening is provided from the annular chamber of the wheel bearing in the direction of the wheel. A compressed air guide, leads from a compressed air source on the vehicle side into the annular chamber of the wheel bearing, from the annular chamber of the wheel bearing via the at least one compressed air through-opening to the wheel, and from the wheel into the tire.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for maintaining tire inflation on a vehicle is provided. The central tire inflation system includes a rotary union assembly having a housing that is coupled to and rotates with the hubcap. The housing is rotationally coupled to a stationary shaft. A flexible torque transfer shaft is connected to the stationary shaft on one end and to an axle plug on the other end. The axle plug has a hub forming a bore where the hub is movable on a web of material. The flexible torque transfer shaft and hub have cooperative non-circular shapes to resist rotation. An air vent is provided in the rotary union assembly that is isolated from the lubrication area, which inhibits the pressurized air from the central tire inflation system from pressurizing the lubrication area.

Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes at least an axle enclosing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap, the rotary union includes at least, a fluid conduit having upstream and downstream ends, a first bearing and a second bearing, the first bearing in pressing engagement with the fluid conduit and adjacent the downstream end of said fluid conduit, the second bearing in pressing engagement with the fluid conduit and adjacent the upstream end of said fluid conduit, and a first and second seal, the first seal is disposed between the first bearing and the downstream end of the fluid conduit, and the second seal is disposed between the second bearing and the upstream end of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A tire inflation system having a spindle that is configured to support a wheel bearing. A passage for routing pressurized gas may be provided with the spindle or with a sleeve that may be disposed on the spindle.

Abstract: A rotary air connection for an automatic tire inflation system having an air pressure source, the rotary air connection comprising a stationary portion and a rotatable portion rotatably mounted to the stationary portion, the rotary air connection having a central channel with a one-way check valve disposed in the central channel so as to allow fluid to flow from the air pressure source in one direction through the central channel but not in the opposite direction toward the air pressure source.

Abstract: A high temperature warning system for a vehicle steer axle an air pressure supply, a normally-closed valve in fluid communication with pressure supply, a heat sensitive control capable of opening the normally-closed valve upon a predetermined temperature, the heat sensitive control mounted adjacent to the wheel end assembly in a heat exchange relationship therewith, and a warning system connected to the air pressure supply for actuation upon opening of the normally-closed valve.

Abstract: A wheel hub drive with a planetary transmission includes a wheel hub rotatably mounted on a fixed component and at least one fluid-carrying passage. The fixed component is configured to receive a tire with a gaseous filling. The at least one fluid-carrying passage extends indirectly as far as the tire through the fixed component in order to regulate the gas pressure in the tire. An annular rotary union defines at least a portion of the at least one fluid-carrying passage and is configured to connect the fixed component fluidically to the tire. The annular rotary union is arranged axially between the fixed component and the rotatably mounted wheel hub.

Abstract: A pressure control device for a vehicle tire inflating system is configured to receive compressed air via a ventilating inlet, activate at least one seal for sealing an air chamber between a stator and a rotor of a rotary feedthrough via a seal actuating outlet, and ventilate a tire at a ventilating outlet pressure via a ventilating outlet and the feedthrough. A control valve is pneumatically controllable by a control pressure, the ventilating outlet being ventilated at the outlet pressure by the control valve only when the control pressure is at least a defined minimum pressure. In response to pressure build-up at the ventilating inlet at least to the minimum pressure, the control pressure and the seal actuating pressure are built up for ventilating, but build-up of the control pressure is delayed with respect to the seal actuating pressure. Activation of a seal prior to ventilation of the ventilating outlet is possible without additional actuating channels.

Abstract: A vehicle hub unit that supports a wheel that attaches to a pneumatic tire and is attached to a joint and an air pressure adjusting device that has this vehicle hub unit, provided with a first air passage that is formed with a first opening in at least one location on a surface that attaches to the wheel, is attached to pneumatic piping of the joint that supplies air, and supplies air from the first opening to the wheel; and a second air passage that is formed with a second opening in at least one location on a surface that attaches to the wheel, is attached to pneumatic piping of the joint that exhausts air of the joint, and collects air of the wheel from the second opening.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided for a tire inflation system and supports a wheel which is movably mountable on the axle. The axle assembly includes an axle housing, an axle rotatably supported by the axle housing and an end plate sealingly engaging an end of the axle. A supply passage and a pilot conduit extend axially along a central axis of the axle, and communicate supply and pilot inlets to supply and pilot outlets in the end plate. Flexible supply and pilot hoses are coiled around an outer surface of the axle and connect the outlets to an inflation control valve mounted to a hub of the wheel. The supply passage and pilot conduit are coaxial and the pilot conduit extends through the supply passage.

Abstract: A wheel is configured by attaching a rim and a hub mounting part via an attaching portion. The wheel has a pneumatic tire mounted on the rim, and is mounted on the vehicle hub by the hub mounting part. The wheel comprises an air passage that penetrates through the attaching portion and opens on the outer circumferential surface of the rim and the mounting surface of the hub mounting part. The wheel also comprises a plurality of air passages that are mutually independent.

Abstract: A selectably engaged rotary union includes a stator body, and a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator body, the stator body surrounding a portion of the rotor and configured to transfer a fluidic medium between the stator body and the rotor. The selectably engaged rotary union further includes a plurality of sealing elements affixed to the stator body and disposed between the stator body and the rotor, a gap being present between the plurality of sealing elements and the rotor, where the plurality of sealing elements are configured to selectably close the gap so as to produce a temporary seal between the stator body and the rotor enabling a transfer of the fluidic medium.

Abstract: An assembly includes a rotary joint spindle and a rotary joint body rotatably disposed on and in fluid communication with the rotary joint spindle. The rotary joint body is housed by a hub cap and provided adjacent an end of a spindle. A pressure relief valve is disposed between the hub cap and the rotary joint body. The pressure relief valve selectively provides a seal between the hub cap and the rotary joint body.

Abstract: A device for adapting actual tire pressure of a tire of a wheel of a vehicle axle to a current setpoint tire pressure during travel includes a chassis-side central device and a wheel-related pneumatic pressure-control device. The pressure control device includes a second connection which is at the actual tire pressure. A control valve with an open position connects a first connection to the second connection, and with a blocking position blocks this connection. A pilot control valve performs pilot control of the control valve. The pressure control device also has a bypass line, which bypasses the control valve and the pilot control valve, connects the first connection to the second connection, and has a non-return valve which opens in the inflation direction of the tire and blocks in the deflation direction of the tire.

Abstract: A tire inflation system having a first conduit and a flange. The first conduit may supply a pressurized gas for inflating a tire. The flange may be coupled to an axle flange. The flange may have a passage that routes the pressurized gas through the flange.

Abstract: A tire inflation system having a conduit, a hub, and a seal assembly. The hub may be rotatably mounted on a spindle and may have a passage. The seal assembly may have a seal passage that fluidly connects the conduit to the passage.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include a gas supply subsystem that may supply pressurized gas to a tire via first conduit that may be connected to an axle shaft.

Abstract: A high temperature warning system for a vehicle steer axle an air pressure supply, a normally-closed valve in fluid communication with pressure supply, a heat sensitive control capable of opening the normally-closed valve upon a predetermined temperature, the heat sensitive control mounted adjacent to the wheel end assembly in a heat exchange relationship therewith, and a warning system connected to the air pressure supply for actuation upon opening of the normally-closed valve.

Abstract: A tire inflation feed arrangement for a tire supported on a wheel carried by a wheel rim rotatably mounted via a wheel hub on an axially outer end of an axle housing. The feed arrangement has an annular support body surrounding the outer end of the axle housing, and three concentric annular seals extending around an axially outwardly facing surface on the support body to seal two concentric annular chambers formed in the axially outwardly facing surface between the seals. A first of these annular chambers is connectable with pressurized air to inflate the associated tire and the second annular chamber is connectable with pressurized air to operate a valve mounted on the wheel for admitting air into the tire from the first annular chamber or exhausting air from the tire.