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: 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 valves and inflating, deflating or eluding 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.

Abstract: An automobile tire pneumatic pressure controlling apparatus is disclosed. The automobile includes a vehicle body, vehicle compartment and axle shaft, and the control apparatus comprises a pressure source, a communication passage extending through the axle shaft and having one end opened to the automobile tire. The control apparatus further comprises a coupling means and valve means. The coupling means has a sealing means in sliding contact with the axle shaft and fluid-tightly maintains fluid communication between the pressure source and the other end of the communication passage. The valve means is disposed on a fluid path between the pressure source and the tire.

Abstract: A control valve for increasing or reducing the air pressure in a tire of a vehicle wheel that is to be carried out over a short period of time, has a valve chamber that is connected, on one side, to the interior of the tire and, on the other side, to a supply duct. The valve chamber has a space that extends axially through the wheel hub, the interior end of this space being sealed off with respect to an axle part carrying the vehicle wheel. In this space, an automatically closing valve member is arranged that can be controlled into its open position against the interior pressure of the tire by a control piston that is also guided in this space and can be acted upon by a pressure medium. For supplying air to and removing air from the tire, the axle part projects into an axial duct of the control piston with a cylindrical projection that is penetrated by the supply duct.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel and axle assembly having inflatable tires to be connected with an air filling device on the vehicle, which comprises an annular sealing assembly having a pair of annular radially expanding lobes which upon pressurization expand into sealing engagement and including a normally closed check valve which permits the flow of pressurized air to said lobes and prevents the flow of pressurized air into the tires until the lobes are in sealing engagement.

Abstract: The device comprises, in a housing formed from two parts (102,103), disposed on opposite sides of a diaphragm (104), three orifices, namely an orifice (105) capable of receiving the low and high pressure and ensuring the purge, the second (107) connected to the pneumatic tire, and the third (106) of large diameter for a rapid escape, an escape valve (110) being normally closed while a passage (116) between the first and second orifices is normally closed and a passage (121) of large diameter between the second orifice and the escape valve (110) is normally open. Application in the measurement, the inflation and the deflation of vehicle pneumatic tires.

Abstract: A system for inflating and deflating pneumatic tires of a vehicle through pneumatically actuated tire isolating valves which isolate air under pressure in the tires from the system comprises electronically controlled valves for achieving opening of the tire isolating valves, inflating or deflating of the vehicle tires and the quick exhausting of air under pressure from the system when the desired tire pressure is reached so as to immediately enable closure of the tire isolating valves to assure obtaining the desired pressure in the tires. Optimum rates of inflating and deflating together with accuracy in obtaining a desired tire pressure are achieved through a unique tire isolating valve construction and electronic controlled circuitry by which signals corresponding to desired and existing tire pressures are electronically compared to provide output signals by which the inflating, deflating and exhaust functions are controlled.

Abstract: A tire valve assembly (56, 58) for a central tire inflation system (10) effective to automatically isolate a tire (12) pressurized to less than a predetermined minimum pressure from the remainder of the system is provided. The tire valve assembly includes a control valve (58) and a low tire pressure shut-off valve (56) which are connected to a selectively pressurized and vented conduit (52) and to a conduit (68) fluidly communicating with the interior pressurized chamber (74) of the tire. A single selectively pressurized and vented conduit (52) operates the control valve and provides the sole connection of the assembly to pressurized fluid and/or to venting to atmosphere required for system operation other than for initial inflation of the tires to the predetermined minimum pressure thereof.

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: A vehicle wheel end assembly (10) is adaptable for use with an on-board central tire inflation system. The assembly provides a passage for the routing of air between a central source and the vehicle tire (25). The assembly comprises a stationary spindle (12) and a rotational hub (14) mounted thereon. A collar (34) is mounted on the inboard end of the spindle in interfacing relation with an inboard extension (50) of the hub. An air chamber, defined by the radial spacing of the collar (34) and hub extension (50), communicates air passages in the collar and hub (36, 44). The chamber is fitted with a pair of rotary seals (72, 74) to seal the air passage between the stationary collar (34) and rotating hub (14). The rotary seals (72, 74) each include an integral sealing lip (80) which responds to pressurization of the chamber by biasing into sealed relation with the outer surface of the collar (34).

Abstract: A vehicle wheel end assembly (10) is adaptable for use with an on-board central tire inflation system. The assembly provides a passage for the routing of air between the on-board system and the vehicle tire. The assembly comprises a stationary spindle (12) and a rotational hub (14) mounted thereon. The hub is supported for rotation by first and second axially spaced bearing sets (16, 18), each having an inner race (20, 26) and an outer race (22, 28) associated with the spindle and hub, respectively. The inner race of the inboard bearing set (18) is formed with an axial air pressure (46) which communicates with an internal chamber (36) in the hub to form a portion of the air passage between the tire and on-board system. In another feature, rotary seals (60, 62) are seated in opposed faces of the bearing sets and include sealing lips (72) which have a sealed contact with the upper surface of the inner bearing races.

Abstract: A tire pressure regulating unit for modifying the air pressure in vehicle tires while traveling. Shutters, which are arranged between the tire and the tire control valve, have parallel-connected auxiliary valves which release an additional passage cross-section when the regulation pressure decreases. The shutters may also be provided on the other side of the tire control valve in the work line in the region of the wheel hub, with rapid release valves being connected in parallel to the shutters and permitting bleeding to the atmosphere upon a decrease of regulation pressure. In this way short bleeding times are achieved even for low regulation pressures.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly carrying a pneumatic tire includes a hub rotatably mounted on a fixed axle component and provided with an internal air flow passageway. One end of the passageway communicates with the interior of the tire through a pneumatically actuated check valve, and the other end of the passageway is adapted to be connected to an air pressure control system carried by the vehicle. The latter connection is through a sealing arrangement between the rotating hub and fixed axle component and which includes a displaceable seal on the fixed axle component normally maintained out of contact with the rotatable hub. The displaceable seal is adapted to be moved into engagement with the hub by air under pressure from the air pressure control system after which the vehicle tire can be inflated, deflated or checked for pressure through the operation of appropriate controls in the air pressure control system.

Abstract: A novel inflation/deflation system for the pneumatic tires of a vehicle, and particularly of an aircraft, is described, which comprises a housing on the vehicle, such as in the form of a fixed axle housing, on which the tire and wheel are mounted for rotation, and defining a cavity coaxial with the axis of rotation of the wheel for housing the valve and related components; a manifold within the housing defines a manifold chamber containing and supporting an axially movable poppet valve; a remotely controllable solenoid is mounted within the axle housing coaxially with the manifold and poppet valve, the plunger of the solenoid being operatively connected to the poppet valve for axial movement of the poppet valve between open and closed positions in response to operation of the solenoid, whereby pressurized air may be selectively supplied from a pneumatic source to the manifold and to the tire through pneumatic lines connected thereto.

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 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: An automobile tire having retractable tread studs for increasing traction of the tire on slippery surfaces which are actuated by air pressure that is controlled by the automobile driver from the driver's seat.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system (10) comprising a pressure relief valve (180) fluidly interposed control means (142, 156, 164, 154, 172) and a tire valve assembly (56, 58) is provided. The control valve assembly is effective to selectively pressurize or exhaust a first conduit (170) connected to a first port (178) of the pressure relief valve, a second conduit (50, 52) extends from a third port (184) of the pressure relief valve to the tire valve assembly and a second port (182) is connected to atmosphere. The pressure relief valve is effective to establish fluid communication between said first and second ports thereof when the pressure in said first conduit exceeds the pressure in said second conduit and to establish fluid communication between the second conduit and the exhaust port (182) if the pressure in said second conduit exceeds the pressure in said first conduit.

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: An onboard tire inflation system (10) for controlling and/or monitoring the inflation pressure of a tire (18) from a remote control (22, 24) is provided. The system includes automatic valve means (32, 88) for isolating the interior chamber (20) of the tire and relieving fluid pressure on the rotary seals (78, 80, 82) during system steady state ("off") operating conditions.

Abstract: An axle includes a central portion with a pair of hollow spindles welded thereon which spindles are each capable of supporting a rotatable hub having a wheel and tire mounted thereon. Each hub would include an intermediate cavity which is sealed to define with a wall of the spindle a reservoir for inflation air for the tire. Inflation air is supplied to the spindle at a region axially inwardly of the hub at a predetermined circumferential location thereon. The spindles include an outer cylindrical surface at the region. Air passages formed in the wall of the spindles communicate the intermediate cavity of the hub with a radially extending passage at the outer cylindrical surface. A pair of collar elements each have an inner cylindrical surface matching the outer cylindrical surface of the spindle and a coupling passage and fitting for mating with the supply of inflation air.

Abstract: A method of forming an axle with hollow spindles which are each capable of supporting a rotatable hub having a wheel and tire mounted thereon. Each hub would include an intermediate cavity which is sealed to define with a wall of the spindle a reservoir for inflation air for the tire. Inflation air is supplied to the spindle at a region axially inwardly of the hub at a predetermined circumferential location thereon. The steps of forming include providing each of the spindles with an outer cylindrical surface at the region. Air passages are formed in the wall of the spindles communicating the intermediate cavity of the hub with a radially extending passage at the outer cylindrical surface. Each of the spindles is welded respectively to the opposite ends of the central portion of the axle.

Abstract: A kit for retrofitting a vehicle to include an automatic tire inflation system is disclosed. The kit includes a control box for mounting within the cabin of the vehicle. The control box includes a selector device that is manually actuable by the operator to select the desired pressure for the tires. A valve is used to inflate or deflate the tires as a function of the pressure differential between the actual and the desired tire pressures. In the preferred embodiment, the actual tire pressure is monitored by way of a static pressure tank connected to the tires through a fixed orifice. The kit permits a manufacturer to mass produce a certain vehicle and then selectively choose which ones of the vehicles are to be provided with an automatic tire inflation system.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system includes means for restoring and maintaining specified tire pressure by applying intermittent regulated air pressure to the tire through a rotating seal near the wheel when the air pressure is too low. If the air pressure in the tire is at a predetermined safe operating level, the air pressure through the rotating seal is blocked.

Abstract: A tire-pressure regulating system for motor vehicles is proposed, in which a tire-pressure control valve is provided on each vehicle wheel to be monitored.The control valve has a valve seat attached to the housing and a closing body arranged to cooperate with this valve seat. The closing body is disposed on a working surface in such a way that a seat valve controlled by working surfaces is created. The control valve is adjustable in accordance with differential pressure with the aid of a throttle valve means. In this way the differential pressure can be established by the tire pressure being directed at that time. Below a minimum permissible filling pressure, the control valve is closed.The tire-pressure regulating system is preferably applicable to trucks and trailer trucks such as semitrailers to which frequently is attached another wheeled cargo carrier.

Abstract: An axle wheel end assembly (10) is provided for vehicles having an onboard tire inflation system (12). The wheel end assembly includes a rotary seal assembly (68) defining an annular air chamber (70) which seal assembly is received in a relatively protected inboardly opening annular space (69) defined by an axle spindle surface (66) and an axially inboardly extending sleeve (62) of the hub (42). Open/close valve member (110) is located outboard of the hub flange (50) interposed the fluid connections between the annular air chamber (70) and the opening (120) to the tire rim (122) for isolating the interior of the tire rim from the inflation system for storage and/or steady state driving conditions.

Abstract: An automatic tire inflation/deflation system for a vehicle (10) is disclosed. Air passageways for the pressurize air are provided internally through the wheel assemblies without cutting into load bearing members. A rotating seal is provided by way of a pair of sealing rings (52,54) located inboard of the hub bearings (32,33) to protect the seals from adverse environmental conditions. A kit for retrofitting vehicles to include an automatic tire inflation/deflation system is also disclosed. Ramp surfaces (90, 91, 92) formed in the hub (30') are provided to facilitate removal of the bearing assemblies (32, 33).

Abstract: A tire-pressure regulating system is proposed with which the air pressure in the vehicle tires can be varied while driving. The tires are connected to supply lines in which rotor connections, control valves, flow restrictive elements and an adjustable regulating valve are disposed. A relay valve and an axle valve are incorporated following the regulating valve.By means of guiding the supply line in and at the axle valve in a particular manner, an acceleration of the pressure equalization process is attained.The tire-pressure regulating device is preferably usable in trucks and trailer trucks.

Abstract: An automatic tire inflation system for a vehicle (10) includes a plurality of wheel assemblies (14). Each wheel assembly includes a rotatable portion (30) connected to its associated tire (16) and a non-rotatable portion (24) connected to the vehicle chassis (28). A sealed air passageway is provided between an inlet (62) in the non-rotatable portion and an outlet (64) in the rotatable portion of the wheel assembly which is connected to the tire. The sealed air passageway is provided in part by way of a longitudinally extending bore (66) in the spindle (24) which communicates with a chamber (60) defined by a sleeve (42) and a pair of air seals (52, 54) between the sleeve and spindle. A manually actuable selector device (102) in the vehicle is provided to permit the user to select one of a plurality of preset air pressure settings for the tires.

Abstract: An off road vehicle of the kind having fluid-distensible bag rollers for supporting the vehicle load uses bag rollers which are constructed to afford maximum flexibility in both the walls and tread and which are also constructed to be dynamically balanced.The vehicle also incorporates suspensions which effectively dampen oscillation of the bag rollers to facilitate and to permit high speed operations of the vehicle across rough terrain.A top drive roller is associated with a bag roller in certain embodiments of the off road vehicle in ways which minimize bag wear.Specific bag constructions are provided for improved operation of the off road vehicle for on-highway use.The vehicle includes two frame sections which are connected to permit frame (yaw) steering and swiveling (roll) between the two sections while preventing a bending between the frame sections (pitch) to thereby provide a strong back mode of operation. When equipped with 4 bags on each frame, the vehicle permits increased speed over rough terrain.

Abstract: A tire cooling system (10) for a vehicle having a wheel (12) with a tire (14) mounted on a rim (16). A heat transfer device (22) is positioned in a central cavity (18) defined by said rim (16) and tire (14). A first fluid (20) is contained in said central cavity (18) while a second fluid (25) is circulated through said heat transfer device (22), said second fluid (25) being in fluid isolation from said first fluid (20). Said second fluid (25) is circulated through a rotating wheel seal (28) to a heat exchanger (38) and back to said heat transfer device (22).Use of an intermediate heat exchanger, such as said heat transfer device (22), permits use of oil as said second fluid (25) permitting leakage from said rotating wheel seals (28) to be contained by and made up from said final drive sump (42). Oil has, of course, a deleterious affect on rubber. Through use of oil in an isolated cooling loop, relatively simple liquid cooling with an external heat exchanger (38) is achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a tractor or like vehicle. The apparatus is adapted to liquid ballast and inflate a tube within a wheel of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises inflation means which include a pump adapted to pressurize air or liquid to the inflation pressure of the tube. A reservoir is provided which is adapted to be filled with ballast. The apparatus includes a nozzle adapted to fit within the tube. The nozzle is adapted to be positioned to purge up to 100% of the fluid within the tube at ambient pressures. The apparatus also includes piping means connecting the pump to the nozzle, and the pump to the reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely controlling the pressure in a pneumatic tire in which a pneumatic chamber communicating with a tube inserted in a tire and a chamber whose internal pressure is remote-controlled from the cab are aligned on the same axle of a vehicle. The piston penetrates into both chambers and the internal pressure in the tube can be adjusted by changing the internal volume of the pneumatic chamber due to displacement of the piston.