Abstract: An axle assembly includes a non-rotating component and a wheel hub supported for rotation relative to the non-rotating component about an axis. The wheel hub includes a hub air passage that has a hub inlet and a hub outlet to be fluidly connected to at least one tire. An air chamber is formed at least in part between the non-rotating component and the wheel hub. The air chamber receives air flow from an air source and directs air flow into the hub inlet. A seal assembly engages the wheel hub to seal the air chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering air through a powered axle assembly and an improved powered axle assembly which incorporates the apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a base attachable to a non-rotating structure within the axle assembly and a rotor mountable in the axle assembly for rotating with the drive axle and for forming an air chamber between the rotor and the base. The base includes at least one air inlet for delivering air to the air chamber and the rotor includes at least one air outlet for air flow out of the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow an operator to select one, two, or more tires in the system to have their individual pressure measured or equalized and set by either connecting it to a compressed air supply or by bleeding out excess air to reduce tire pressure. This is all done by operating the push-button valves on the gauge handle to read and/or bleed when the push-button valve for reading is not actuated; it isolates the gauge from the compressor's air pressure during a filling phase to prevent its being damaged.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle having a body supported on a set of wheels each provided with a rim and an axle generally consisting of a lower control arm pivotally connectable to a first portion of such body; an upper control arm pivotally connectable to a second portion of such body; a roller bearing having inner and outer races, disposed within such rim, coaxially relative to the rotational axis of the rim; a steering knuckle mounted on the outer race of the bearing, having a first portion pivotally connected to the lower control arm and a second portion pivotally connected to the upper control arm, defining a steering axis intersecting the rotational axis of the rim; and a hub member mounted on the inner race and connectable to an axle receivable through an opening provided in the steering knuckle.

Abstract: This CTI Valve manifold of this invention creates a wheel-manifold-CTI Valve combination such that an air passageway coming from the wheel hub through the manifold brings air to the valve, and an airway from the valve through the manifold provides air to the tire cavity, preferably via an air passageway in the wheel. The manifold also allows for the CTI valve to deflate the tire, a typical operational requirement for central tire inflation systems.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes a non-rotating component and a wheel hub supported for rotation relative to the non-rotating component about an axis. The wheel hub includes a hub air passage that has a hub inlet and a hub outlet to be fluidly connected to at least one tire. An air chamber is formed at least in part between the non-rotating component and the wheel hub. The air chamber receives air flow from an air source and directs air flow into the hub inlet. A seal assembly engages the wheel hub to seal the air chamber.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel axle and drive shaft or universal shaft for vehicles with a central tyre pressure supply, comprising a pressure medium supply and non-return valve (4a) which is located centrally at the end of the axial bore (2a) after the wheel nut and is connected to a coupling element (5a, 6a) that is coaxial with the axle valve (4a), said coupling element consisting of a radial or axial groove (5a) for a static or dynamic seal (6a). All wheels are interchangeable. Once a wheel has been removed, the axle valve (4a) closes automatically. When a wheel is re-mounted, the axle valve (4a) is opened by the counter-valve (4b) in the rim hub. A coupling (5a, 5c, 6a) that is coaxial with the axle valve (4a) prevents the escape of pressure medium even on a fixed wheel axle (1) during a journey. A slidable coupling consisting of a piston cylinder unit (8, 9) moves the axle valve (4a) away from the rim valve (4b) when the tyre pressure reaches a specified minimum value.

Abstract: A system for air injection into tires, comprising a rotary air chamber secured to a hub cap wherein the rotary air chamber is configured to inject air into at least one tire when tire pressure drops below a first adjustable preset value and to release air from the at least one tire when tire pressure rises above a second adjustable preset value, an air shaft extending through the hub cap and into the rotary air chamber, an air line attached to the air shaft, and ball bearings affixed between the air shaft and the hub cap. A bracket can be fastened to the hub cap such that the rotary air chamber is fastened to the bracket. The hub cap and air shaft are fastened to the axle such that an air line extends from inside the axle through the air shaft to the rotary air chamber.

Abstract: A sealing device for a bearing of the hub of a motor vehicle wheel comprising a stationary race (1) and a rotatable race (2), each defining respective channels (6, 7) for the passage of pressurized air. The sealing device (20) is to be mounted between the rotatable race and the stationary race in order to delimit laterally and hermetically seal an annular space or chamber (14) defined between the bearing races (1, 2) and communicating with the channels (6, 7). The sealing device (20) comprises two sealing units (9) axially facing one another. Each sealing unit (9) comprises an annular reinforcement (10) having an axial cylindrical wall (10a) for mounting to a first bearing race (1) and a radial wall (10b) for reinforcing a flexible gasket (11). The two sealing units (9) are coupled by means of an annular element (21) having a plurality of radial air passages (22).

Abstract: A rotary union is integrated into the interior of a heavy-duty vehicle hub cap. The hub cap includes a cylindrical sidewall, and an outboard wall that is integrally formed with an outboard end of the sidewall, and which extends generally perpendicular to the sidewall. The hub cap also includes a radially-extending flange that is formed on an inboard end of the sidewall, which receives fasteners to mount the hub cap on a wheel hub. The sidewall and the outboard wall form an interior compartment in the hub cap, and a rotary union is mounted to the hub cap in the interior compartment. The rotary union is mounted on the inboard surface of the outboard wall of the hub cap and is in general axial alignment with an axial centerline of a wheel end assembly, providing fluid communication from a tire inflation system to the tires of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for installing a central tire inflation (CTI) valve containing member into the hub bore opening of a wheel so as to be in communication with an air passageway hub port in the vehicle hub. Preferably, the CTI valve containing member includes a CTI valve sealed to a hub bore manifold with the hub bore manifold being mounted to the wheel disc and/or the vehicle hub. The hub bore manifold seals against the vehicle hub and the wheel hub bore surface (and/or the front face of the wheel disc). An air passageway in the manifold runs from the vehicle hub port to the CTI valve, and other air passageway(s) connect the CTI valve to the tire interior, such that air can travels from the vehicle hub to and from the tire cavity by way of the manifold and CTI valve.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for selectively connecting a tire to a pneumatic unit of an aircraft, the tire forming part of a wheel mounted to rotate on a hollow axle of the aircraft, the device comprising a stator and a rotor that is mounted to rotate relative to the stator and that includes means enabling it to be rotated by the wheel. According to the invention, the stator is bell-shaped and is designed to be received as a push-fit in the axle, and includes an end wall carrying a first pneumatic port for connection to the pneumatic unit via a tube running along the inside of the axle, the rotor extending substantially inside the stator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling the air pressure within one or more tires on a vehicle. Means are provided for controlling air pressure dynamically or manually in response to road conditions. Instrumental in the invention is the ability to control the air pressure at each wheel from a remote location using positive control that substantially reduces the chance leaks anywhere else in the system would result in inadvertent flat tires.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling tire inflation pressure includes an outlet side end portion of a supplying passageway provided in an axle hub that is opened on an outer end surface of a vehicle in a flange portion of the axle hub, and an inlet side end portion of an introducing passageway provided in a wheel that is opened on an inner end surface of the vehicle in the wheel of a vehicle wheel assembly, and by mounting the wheel onto the flange portion, the outlet side end portion and the inlet side end portion are air tightly joined each other. Thus, easiness in mounting the vehicle wheel assembly relative to the flange portion of the axle hub can be improved.

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

Abstract: A tire inflation method is disclosed for moving air through a fluid control circuit to at least one tire that is below a target pressure. The dynamic pressure of the moving air in the fluid control circuit is monitored. A pressure control valve in the fluid control circuit is cycled on and off to prevent the dynamic pressure from reaching a predetermined amount over the target pressure.

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

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

Abstract: A rotary union assembly for an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining the pressure in the tires on a tractor trailer or other vehicle having a source of pressurized air for communication with the tires. The assembly communicates the tires with the air source through the axle interior using a conduit having a rigid portion and a flexible portion that extends between a support in the axle spindle and a rotary union housing secured against the outside end surface of the hub cap so as to be outside the wheel lubrication compartment and rotatable with the hub cap. The two-component conduit allows for a durable seal with the support in the axle spindle and accommodates misalignment of the rotary union housing with the conduit support. Relief valves in the housing prevent excessive pressure buildups in the housing and in the hub cap in the event of an air leak.

Abstract: A tire inflation system and wheel speed sensor system having a hollow shaft rotatable with a drive mechanism. The shaft extends into the hollow end of an axle. A angular velocity system rotates with the shaft within the hollow end of the axle. A sensor, mounted within the axle, senses the rotation of the angular velocity system. The hollow shaft is a conduit for air from an air source to at least one tire.

Abstract: Preferably, a rotary union assanblv includes at least a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion extending axially into an interior of an axle of a vehicle containing a source of pressurized air, and a downstream end portion upon which a housing is rotatably mounted. The housing of the preferred rotary union assembly is attachable to the exterior of a hub cap of the vehicle for rotation with the hub cap, and the housing preferably defines at least one air passagway extending therethrough that the tubular member communicates the source of the pressurized air with the passageway in the housing, and promotes passage of the pressurized air from the source of the pressurized air to a tire of the vehicle. Further, a rotary element is disposed within the housing of the preferred embodiment and provides a rotary element in abutting disposition with a stationary element.

Abstract: A combined tire inflation system and a wheel speed sensor for a vehicle steer axle has a steerable spindle with a substantially hollow interior portion. A shaft, located in the hollow interior portion, connects a rotatable hub cap adjacent the spindle and a sensor at least partially within the spindle. A magnet is secured to the shaft and rotates with the shaft. A sensor is mounted adjacent the magnet for sensing the rotation of the magnet. The shaft has a hollow interior that connects an air source with a tire associated with the hub cap.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge includes a casing, conduits and a pressure indicator. The conduits are in fluid communication with one another, and are connectable to respective valves of tires of a vehicle. The pressure indicator is operable to provide an indication that is indicative of the pressure in at least one of the tires of the vehicle when at least one of conduits is interconnected with at least one valve of the tires. The tire pressure gauge may include an illumination source operable to automatically illuminate the pressure indicator in response to at least one triggering event that is indicative of the tire pressure gauge being interconnected with the valves of the vehicle tires. The tire pressure gauge may include an inlet port for connecting the tire pressure gauge and conduits to a pressurized supply line for inflating the tires.

Abstract: A tire inflation system includes an air supply source in selective fluid communication with a tire via a pneumatic conduit. A method of inflating the system includes providing a tire pressure retention valve in the pneumatic conduit adjacent to the tire. An inflation pressure of the tire is determined with a step-up procedure, in which air bursts are communicated from the air supply source to a portion of the pneumatic conduit between the air supply source and the tire pressure retention valve. The volume of at least one selected communicated air burst is related to a volume of a section of the conduit. The tire is inflated with an extended-pulse procedure, in which extended bursts of air are communicated from the air supply source to the tire. A shut-down sequence is performed once a predetermined target inflation pressure in the tire is reached.

Abstract: A roller bearing for the rotational guidance of a motor vehicle wheel, the bearing comprising a rotating inner member, a fixed outer member and rolling bodies allowing their relative rotation about an axis. The inner member includes a bore on the periphery of which flutes are provided so as to allow the rotational coupling of a fluted shaft with the internal member. The bearing has a path forming an air passage having an outer channel and an inner channel designed to pass right through respectively each of the members, in which, in combination, the path has a groove formed by the omission of at least the front part of at least one flute, from an intermediate zone of the bore as far as its front face. The downstream end of the inner channel opens out in the groove.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for maintaining tire inflation on a vehicle having a torque transfer sleeve connected between an axle plug assembly and a stationary shaft on the rotary union assembly. A flexible conduit extends through the axle plug to the rotary union assembly and is used to provide air pressure to tires connected to the rotary union assembly. The torque transfer sleeve limits rotational torque on the flexible conduit. Primary and secondary seals are provided on the rotary union assembly as well. A vent chamber between the primary and secondary seals allows the release of air which exits the primary seal, which prevents pressure from entering the lubrication area of the rotary union assembly.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a portal drive axle assembly includes fluid flow passages that are formed within rotating wheel shafts, which drive a pair of wheel end assemblies. The portal drive axle assembly includes a driving input that drives a pair of axle shafts. A wheel gear assembly operably couples each axle shaft to the respective wheel shaft. The wheel gear assemblies transfer the driving force from the axle shafts to the wheel shafts, which are positioned at different vertical location relative to the axle shafts. A first end of each wheel shaft is in fluid communication with a vehicle air supply and a second end of each wheel shaft is in fluid communication with a tire assembly. Seal assemblies are mounted for rotation with the wheel shaft at the first end of the wheel shafts.

Abstract: A bearing unit comprises a radially outer stationary race (1) and a pair of radially inner rotatable half-races (2a, 2b). Au intermediate annular chamber (8) is defined between the outer race (1) and the inner half-races (2a, 2b) The intermediate chamber communicates with the outside through first air passages (5) formed in the outer race (1) and with the inside of the bearing unit through second radial air passages (6) defined between the inner half-races (2a, 2b). An intermediate annular member (10) is axially interposed between the inner half-races (2a, 2b) and defines the second passages (6).

Abstract: An axle assembly has a fixed axle housing, a rotating axle body rotatably mounted in said axle housing, and a first chamber which surrounds the axle body. The first chamber is partially bounded by a ring member which rotates with the axle body. An annular disc is mounted on the axle body adjacent to the ring member. The disc extends radially outwardly beyond an outer rim of the ring member and radially overlaps the ring member. The disc is axially slidable towards and away from the ring member. When the disc is spaced apart from the ring member an opening or space is formed therebetween through which may be communicated pressurized air to inflate a tire. The disc is moved axially by a ring mounted on an annular piston member which is mounted on and axially movable with respect to the axle housing.

Abstract: A system for real-time signal processing for vehicle monitoring, including a first device disposed in a tire of a vehicle and producing a signal that is a function of a tire contact time period, during which a point at the tire circumference stays in contact with the ground, and a second device operative to repetitively perform a first task of processing the signal to calculate the tire contact time period at a first predetermined rate, and to repetitively perform a second task of calculating a tire load based at least in part upon the calculated tire contact time period at a second predetermined rate, wherein said second predetermined rate is less than said first predetermined rate.

Abstract: The device (B) comprises a first non-rotatable ring (11) to be mounted adjacent to a non-rotatable race (1) of a bearing unit (A), and a second rotatable ring (12) to be coupled fast for rotation with a rotatable race (2,3) of the bearing unit (A). A first air passage (13, 113) is formed through the first non-rotatable ring (11) and a second air passage (14) is formed through the second rotatable ring (12). A sealing device (15, 16) interposed between the first (11) and the second (12) ring, defines an intermediate chamber (17) communicating with the first (13, 113) and the second (14) air passages.

Abstract: A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining the desired pressure in the tires on a tractor trailer or other vehicle having pressurized axles. The assembly communicates the valve stems on a pair of adjacent tires with the axle interior through the use of a flexible tube extending between a stationary first fitting threadably engaged in the axle spindle and a rotary housing secured against the outside end surface of the hub cap so as to be positioned exteriorly of the wheel lubrication compartment and rotatable with the hub cap. The first fitting defines an open channel extending axially therethrough and includes an o-ring seal extending about the channel and forming an airtight seal within the fitting about the tube.

Abstract: A hollow suspension standard (20) of a vehicle equipped with a system for supplying pressurized air to a tire through the hub of the wheel has an inner cavity (22) and a seat (21) for housing a wheel hub bearing unit (10). The standard (20) forms a first passage (23) for establishing fluid communication between the inner cavity (22) and the hub-bearing unit (10), and a second passage (24) establishing fluid communication between the inner cavity (22) and a source of pressurized air mounted on board of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bearing unit comprises an outer stationary race (1) with a first inner passage (6) for the air, and two axially adjacent inner half-races (2a, 2b) rotatable with the hub of a wheel. Formed between the inner half-races are essentially radial second inner air passages (7, 71, 72). These passages have surfaces (71d, 72d) inclined forwardly with respect to a direction of rotation (A, B) so as to favor the air flow through the rotating part of the bearing.

Abstract: A rotary feedthrough for a device to inflate and deflate a tire on a tractor wheel has a housing (13) with an inner member (28) arranged at a radial distance within the housing. The radial gap is bridged by two radially distanced closing elements (18, 22). The inner member (28) is supported in the closing elements (18, 22). Two seal combinations, including respectively, a first sealing ring (35) and a second sealing ring (41), are arranged mirror-invertedly to the inner member (28). The first sealing rings (35), with a first sealing face (36), abut a counter sealing face (21) or (25) of the closing elements (18, 22), respectively. Each first sealing ring (35) can be moved axially along the longitudinal axis Y. Each first sealing ring (36) is fixed rotationally to the inner member (28). Each first sealing ring (35) is acted upon by a second sealing ring (41).

Abstract: An assembly to be mounted in an axial spindle for communicating pressurized air from the axle to a rotary union in a tire inflation system. The assembly includes an arbor having an air flow channel extending therethrough, a flange intermediary of the arbor ends and an axially inclined portion proximate the flange. A sealing member is carried by the flange for forming an airtight seal with the axle spindle. A split ring locking assembly is disposed about the inclined portion of the arbor that is comprised of a plurality of segments held by an expansible retention spring. The segments move radially outwardly upon the locking assembly being moved along the inclined arbor portion and engage the axle spindle, securing the plug assembly within the spindle. A fastening member threadably engages the arbor for urging the locking assembly along the inclined arbor portion to effect securement of the plug assembly within the axle spindle.

Abstract: A tire inflation system includes an air supply source in selective fluid communication with a tire via a pneumatic conduit. A first valve is in fluid communication with the pneumatic conduit in between a first portion and a second portion of the conduit. A second valve that includes a vent channel is in fluid communication with the pneumatic conduit between the second portion and a third portion of the conduit. A rotary union is in fluid communication with the third portion of the conduit adjacent the tire. A first pressure indicator is in fluid communication with the first portion of the pneumatic conduit and a second pressure indicator is in fluid communication with the third portion of the pneumatic conduit. An inflation pressure of the tire is measured with a step-up procedure and the tire is inflated with an extended-pulse procedure.

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: 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 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: 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: A hollow suspension standard (20) of a vehicle equipped with a system for supplying pressurized air to a tyre through the hub of the wheel has an inner cavity (22) and a seat (21) for housing a wheel hub bearing unit (10). The standard (20) forms a first passage (23) for establishing fluid communication between the inner cavity (22) and the hub-bearing unit (10), and a second passage (24) establishing fluid communication between the inner cavity (22) and a source of pressurized air mounted on board of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary feedthrough for a device to inflate and deflate a tire on a tractor wheel has a housing (13) with an inner member (28) arranged at a radial distance within the housing. The radial gap is bridged by two radially distanced closing elements (18, 22). The inner member (28) is supported in the closing elements (18, 22). Two seal combinations, including respectively, a first sealing ring (35) and a second sealing ring (41), are arranged mirror-invertedly to the inner member (28). The first sealing rings (35), with a first sealing face (36), abut a counter sealing face (21) or (25) of the closing elements (18, 22), respectively. Each first sealing ring (35) can be moved axially along the longitudinal axis Y. Each first sealing ring (36) is fixed rotationally to the inner member (28). Each first sealing ring (35) is acted upon by a second sealing ring (41).

Abstract: A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining the desired pressure in the tires on a tractor trailer or other vehicle having pressurized axles. The assembly communicates the valve stems on a pair of adjacent tires with the axle interior through the use of a flexible tube extending between a stationary first fitting threadably engaged in the axle spindle and a rotary housing secured against the outside end surface of the hub cap so as to be positioned exteriorly of the wheel lubrication compartment and rotatable with the hub cap. The first fitting defines an open channel extending axially therethrough and includes an o-ring seal extending about the channel and forming an airtight seal within the fitting about the tube.

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: A swivel connection is provided for the regulation of air pressure in a tire of a vehicle. The connection includes first and second ring-shaped members concentrically arranged. The first ring-shaped member rotates with the tire while the second ring-shaped member is fixed to the vehicle. A duct communicates air between an air pressure unit and the interior of the tire via a conduit including an annular seal having circumferentially spaced holes for transmission of air to and from the tire. A ball bearing enables the relative rotation of the first and second ring-shaped members.

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: Alternate embodiments of a vehicle tire inflation system are illustrated wherein pressurized air from a source on the vehicle is supplied from an end of an axle to the rotating hub cap and thus to the tire through a flexible tube which compensates for misalignment of the axes of the axle and hub cap.