Abstract: A variable wheel resonator system for a vehicle can suppress a resonance noise in a wide resonance frequency band occurring during driving of the vehicle by variably controlling an amount of air flowing from a first air chamber of a tire to a second air chamber and then flowing again to the first air chamber through an on/off control of a solenoid valve mounted on a wheel resonator. The system can suppress the resonance noise in the resonance frequency band that differs in accordance with a road-surface input frequency change (road-surface impact change) input to the tire, a driving speed and turning condition change, and a temperature change of an internal air of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes: a wheel body; a single Helmholtz resonator; and a suspension member slidably engaged with the wheel body and suspending the Helmholtz resonator inside a tire air chamber from the wheel body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor assembly for supplying pressure medium to a tire cavity of a vehicle wheel that can be mounted on a wheel hub which can be mounted on a wheel carrier so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The compressor assembly includes a wheel mount-side transmission component including a cylindrical cam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with a compressor assembly for supplying pressure medium to a tire cavity of a tire of the vehicle wheel mounted on a wheel hub, wherein the wheel hub is mounted on a wheel carrier so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The compressor assembly is located at or in the wheel hub mount.

Abstract: The application discloses a plastic air pump mechanism, which comprises a plastic body, a plastic output unit and an actuating unit; the plastic body has an integrally forming structure, which comprises a plastic cylinder and a plastic bracket disposed at an air inlet end of the plastic cylinder; the plastic output unit is detachably connected to an air outlet end of the plastic cylinder; the actuating unit comprises a motor, plastic gears disposed on the plastic bracket and electrically connected to the motor, and a plastic rocker arm driven by the plastic gears to realize reciprocating of a piston in the plastic cylinder; and a large body insert of metal is provided in an air outlet of the plastic cylinder. The plastic air pump mechanism can reduce product weight, simplify production and installation processes, save materials and labor costs, and reduce self weight of a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening apparatus for fastening a measuring sensor, such as a tire pressure sensor, within a tire cavity on a vehicle rim, having a band-shaped tensioning belt which has a receiving device for the measuring sensor; wherein the band-shaped tensioning belt comprises an elastic material. The fastening apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the band-shaped tensioning belt is provided in the form of a continuous endless belt, which is closed on its circumference and is only elastic in sections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are valve assemblies, such as for use in a tire inflation system, the valve assemblies comprising: a first fluid port and a second fluid port fluidly connectable with one another via a fluid passage; a first valve having an open position and a closed position, the first valve in its closed position blocking the fluid passage and in its open position unblocking the fluid passage; a second valve having an open position and a closed position, the second valve in its closed position blocking the fluid passage and in its open position unblocking the fluid passage; and a control volume fluidly connected or fluidly connectable with the first fluid port via a flow restrictor, wherein the first valve, the second valve and the control volume are configured such that a fluid pressure in the control volume biases each of the first valve and the second valve toward their closed position.

Abstract: A control system for an air maintenance tire system is provided. The control system includes a sensor unit that in turn includes a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure in the tire cavity and an antenna for transmitting pressure data. A processor receives the pressure data and includes a memory for storing a predetermined low-pressure threshold. Actuation means that are in communication with the processor and actuate and de-actuate operation of the air maintenance tire system. A first signal is transmitted from the processor to the actuation means to actuate operation of the air maintenance tire system when the measured pressure in the tire cavity is below the threshold. A second signal is transmitted from the processor to the actuation means to de-actuate operation of the air maintenance tire system when the measured pressure in the tire cavity is at or above the threshold.

Abstract: A system is used with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated. The first system includes a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having pump parameters, and a control valve for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire. The control valve has valve parameters. The system predicts system performance under various configurations and conditions through use of the pump parameters and the valve parameters.

Abstract: A distributed system (54) for supplying pressurized medium, in particular compressed air, in a vehicle (10), a wheel unit (14) for a vehicle (10), and a decentralized integrated pressurized medium supply device (70) for a wheel unit (14) with a rotatably supported vehicle tire (16). The pressurized medium supply device (70) has a decentralized compressor unit (74) and has a pressurized medium path (98) that extends between the decentralized compressor unit (74) and a rim body (92) of the vehicle tire (16), which rim body is associated with a wheel body side (80) of the wheel unit (14). The decentralized compressor unit (74) has an energy supply connection, which can be connected to an energy supply unit (104) via an energy supply path (106). The pressurized medium supply device (70) is associated with a support side (82) and the wheel body side (80) of the wheel unit (14).

Abstract: A device for maintaining and changing the pressure in a is provided whereby the inner pressure space of the tire is connected through a pump to a pressure accumulator which, at its input and/or output into the inner pressure space of the tire, is fitted with at least one pressure control element. The pump can be a peristaltic pump in the shape of a deformable hose placed on the perimeter of the tire, fitted with an air inlet and an air outlet, while the air inlet and the air outlet are positioned on the perimeter of the tire distant from each other by a preset length, dependent on the deformation of the tire.

Abstract: A tire pressure controlling device for a tire of a vehicle wheel filled with compressed air, includes a control valve unit for filling the tire with compressed air and/or venting compressed air therefrom. The control valve unit is supplied from a compressor for generating the tire filling pressure. The compressor for compressing air drawn in from the atmosphere is driven by the mechanical rotary movement of the vehicle wheel, as a transmission disposed therebetween transmits the rotary driving movement of the vehicle wheel to the drive shaft of the compressor unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are arranged in connection with gravity-driven pumps configured in tires, as well as various supporting concepts, mechanisms, and approaches. As a tire rotates around an axle, the pull of gravity varies for a given point on the tire. While gravity is always pulling ‘down’, the force relative to a fixed point on the tire changes. Gravity-driven pumps exploit these changes in gravitational force to do work. The work can be driving a pump, or generating electrical power to drive a traditional electric pump or other electrical components. A gravity-driven pump is different from an automatic pump that operates using centrifugal force due to rotation of a tire. Automatic, gravity-driven pumps can be used to inflate tires to offset the natural gas leakage of modern tires, and can maintain tire pressure and inflation within a desired or optimal range.

Abstract: A self-inflation device for maintaining pressure in a tire, the self-inflation device includes a body having a piston compartment and an intake opening external to an inner space of the tire and a piston housed in the piston compartment and having a piston opening internal to the inner space. The piston is moved to a pulled position by centrifugal force applied by rotation of the tire to open the intake opening, and moved to a pushed position by air pressure from the inner space to block the intake opening and create a compression chamber within the piston compartment. The self-inflation device further includes a valve separating the compression chamber and the piston opening. The valve is opened when the piston is in the pushed position to allow airflow between the compression chamber and the inner space.

Abstract: A self-inflation device for maintaining pressure in a tire, the self-inflation device includes a body having a piston compartment and an intake opening external to an inner space of the tire and a piston housed in the piston compartment and having a piston opening internal to the inner space. The piston is moved to a pulled position by centrifugal force applied by rotation of the tire to open the intake opening, and moved to a pushed position by air pressure from the inner space to block the intake opening and create a compression chamber within the piston compartment. The self-inflation device further includes a valve separating the compression chamber and the piston opening. The valve is opened when the piston is in the pushed position to allow airflow between the compression chamber and the inner space.

Abstract: Air-motion powered devices may be used to automatically maintain a target tire inflation pressure or to equip vehicle wheels with additional functionality. One illustrative device embodiment is an air compressor that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle, moving with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member extends from the compressor body to be acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, the air causing motion of the action member relative to the compressor body to power the air compressor. Another illustrative device embodiment is an energy harvester that attaches to the wheel of a vehicle to move with the wheel as the wheel rotates. An action member attached to the base of the energy harvester is acted upon by air through which the vehicle moves, causing motion of the action member relative to the base to generate electrical power for sensors, lights, or other transducers.

Abstract: A tire inflation system having a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump may output a pressurized gas when a flexible tube of the peristaltic pump rotates with a wheel end assembly about an axis.

Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed for providing air to a tire which is mounted on a wheel rim which itself is free to rotate about a fixed, that is, non-rotatable axle 22. The device includes a pump (50, 52, 54, 62) which in use rotates with the tire and which is configured to provide, when activated, air under pressure to the tire. There is a pump drive system for activating the pump. The pump drive system comprising a piston rod (56) which is connected to and rotates with the tire and a body (40) which rotates in unison with the rod (56) while the pump is inactive. An electric motor (68) rotates the body (40) with respect to the rod (56) to activate the pump and provide air to the tire. Rotation of the body (40) is superimposed on rotation of the pump with the tire. The device also includes a stator component (26) and coils (30) and magnets (32) for generating, by electrical induction, power for driving the motor using the relative rotation between the second part and the stator component (26).

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating air pressure level in a tire is provided. The apparatus includes a housing attached to the tire; a piston located inside the housing, coupled to the housing via a spring; a one-way valve; and locking elements located at a specified location along the housing, wherein the piston is configured to move towards a first end of the housing responsive to an imbalance between centrifugal force applied to the piston due to angular speed of the tire and force applied to it by the spring, wherein the locking elements are configured to lock the piston at the specified location whenever the tire reaches a predefined angular speed, and release the piston once the angular speed of the tire crosses a predefined threshold, so that the piston moves towards a second end of the sleeve producing an air pulse, conveyed by the one-way valve into the tire.

Abstract: A tire inflation apparatuses is provided for maintaining a predetermined inflation pressure of a pair of tires mounted a dual wheel unit of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a first and a second pump unit that are connected to a housing that includes a mounting structure for engaging a complementary mounting structure of the dual wheel unit. The first and second pump include first and second pump rods configured to translate in response to rotation of the dual wheel unit. A gearset and an eccentric drive mechanism are arranged to reciprocate the first and second pump rods.

Abstract: A system is used with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated. The first system includes a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having pump parameters, and a control valve for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire. The control valve has valve parameters. The system predicts system performance under various configurations and conditions through use of the pump parameters and the valve parameters.

Abstract: A device for maintaining and changing the pressure in a is provided whereby the inner pressure space of the tire is connected through a pump to a pressure accumulator which, at its input and/or output into the inner pressure space of the tire, is fitted with at least one pressure control element. The pump can be a peristaltic pump in the shape of a deformable hose placed on the perimeter of the tire, fitted with an air inlet and an air outlet, while the air inlet and the air outlet are positioned on the perimeter of the tire distant from each other by a preset length, dependent on the deformation of the tire.

Abstract: A method for determining a configuration of a paving screed out of several possible configurations, whereby the paving screed is fastened on a machine frame of a tractor of a road paver. The method includes detecting a mass of the paving screed by a weighing system and determining the configuration of the paving screed on the basis of the detected mass of the paving screed. A road paver includes a tractor with a material hopper and a machine frame, wherein a paving screed is fastened on the machine frame. The road paver includes a weighing system that is configured to detect a mass of the paving screed.

Abstract: An inflator 300 for pumping compressed air supplied from a compressor 200 provided in a motor vehicle into a tire mounted to the motor vehicle, the inflator may include: an inflator port L6 to which compressed air supplied from the compressor 200 is entered; a control unit 320 provided with a pressure switch 321 which is actuated according to an internal pressure of the inflator port L6; and a supplying unit 310 coupled detachably with the inflator port L6 for pumping compressed air into the tire, wherein the control unit 320 is equipped with an ON/OFF switch 322 transmitting a signal to electronic control unit E according to an operation of the pressure switch 321.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include at least one pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve may be normally closed and may be configured to vent pressurized gas from a tire when a pressure of the pressurized gas in the tire exceeds a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a sidewall, an annular tire cavity, and a hydraulic actuator connected to the sidewall inside the annular tire cavity, wherein the hydraulic actuator has a flexible reservoir for containing a hydraulic fluid, and an opening allowing hydraulic fluid to enter the reservoir and to exit the reservoir. Further, the hydraulic actuator comprises a lever arm connected to the sidewall and holding the flexible reservoir between the lever arm and the sidewall, wherein the lever arm comprises a fluid channel allowing hydraulic fluid to flow from the reservoir through the opening out of the lever arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air compressor mountable in an annular tire cavity of a pneumatic tire. The compressor comprises an air inlet, an air outlet, and a body in which are formed a blind hole having a sidewall and a compression chamber in fluid communication with the air inlet and the air outlet. Further, the tire comprises a compression piston configured for reciprocating in the compression chamber for providing compressed air to the tire cavity through the air outlet, and a hydraulic fluid passage for providing hydraulic fluid into the blind hole, as well as a guiding piston configured for reciprocating in the blind hole in sealed contact with the sidewall and for guiding a reciprocating movement of the body relative to the compression piston. The invention further relates to a tire assembly comprising a tire and the compressor.

Abstract: An air maintenance tire and pump assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity, first and second sidewalls extending from first and second tire bead regions, respectively, to a tire tread region, an elongate substantially annular air passageway enclosed within a bending region of the sidewalls, the air passageway operatively closing and opening, segment by segment, as the bending region of the sidewalls passes adjacent a rolling tire footprint to pump air along the air passageway, an air inlet port assembly coupled to, and in air flow communication with, the air passageway, the air inlet port assembly being operable to channel inlet air from outside of the tire into the air passageway, the air inlet port assembly including an inlet control valve and an outlet tee structure positioned 180° opposite the inlet control valve in the air passageway for moving air into the tire cavity, the inlet control valve including two inlet check valves for ensuring air flow only into, and not out of, the inlet control valve, t

Abstract: A device for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle which includes a flexible compression chamber and a magnetic element not on the wheel. As the compressor passes the magnet each wheel revolution, a small amount of atmospheric air is pumped into the tire, if needed. The magnet and the compressor need no other contact with the vehicle or the wheel and require no energy source on the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for extracting useful work from pressure transients in a pneumatic tire to replace lost air from the tire. The apparatus and method operate continuously and without human intervention. When also used with a pressure relief valve, the apparatus and method permit the tires that are being driven to be maintained at a desired average pressure.

Abstract: A tire pressure maintenance apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus and system comprises a high pressure reservoir and a pressure regulator secured to the high pressure reservoir. A high pressure relief valve is also provided. The high pressure reservoir is circumferentially continuous. Further, the pressure regulator has a passive valve in fluid communication with the high pressure reservoir and the pressure regulator opens at a low pressure point and closes at a high pressure point.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump for use in a self-inflating tire assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a tire mounted to a rim tire mounting surface. The tire has an internal cavity. The invention further includes a pump device mounted to the rim, and the pump device has a first end and a second end, the first end being mounted within the tire cavity and the second end located outside the rim and in fluid communication with the outside air. The first end of the pump device has a flexible member having an outer rim and an inner rim, wherein the outer rim is connected to a backing plate and an inner rim is connected to a piston, wherein the piston is slidably mounted within a chamber of the backing plate. The piston has an inner passageway for fluid communication with the tire cavity and the chamber, and the second end of the pump device has an internal bore in fluid communication with the outside air and the chamber.

Abstract: A self-inflating tire system includes a compression actuator assembly mounted to a tire carcass for compressing air for delivery to a tire cavity. The compression actuator assembly includes a hollow containment body formed from a resilient deformable material composition and containing a quantity of a non-compressible medium. The containment body is affixed to a relatively high flex-deformation region of the tire carcass and reciprocally transforms between a deformed state and a non-deformed state responsive to deformation and recovery of the tire high flex-deformation region in a rolling tire. Accordingly, the containment body in the deformed state displaces a pressurized displaced quantity of the non-compressible medium which generates a compression force for application to a volume of air delivered to the tire cavity.

Abstract: An air-maintenance tire system includes a compression actuator mounted to the tire carcass configured for operative actuation by tire deformation during a tire revolution, a pump assembly affixed to the tire carcass and including a compressor body affixed to the compression actuator and having an internal air chamber, the air chamber having an inlet opening for admitting air into the internal air chamber and an outlet opening for conducting air from the internal air chamber to the tire cavity. The air compressor body further includes a deformable membrane valve member and an outlet valve member located within and at opposite respective ends of the internal air chamber, the membrane valve member deforming and the outlet valve member moving within the internal air chamber responsive to actuation by the compression actuator between respective open and closed positions, whereby cyclically opening and closing the inlet and the outlet openings during an air compression cycle.

Abstract: An air-maintenance tire system includes a compression actuator mounted to the tire carcass configured for operative actuation by tire deformation during a tire revolution, a pump assembly affixed to the tire carcass and including a compressor body affixed to the compression actuator and having an internal air chamber, the air chamber having an inlet opening for admitting air into the internal air chamber and an outlet opening for conducting air from the internal air chamber to the tire cavity. The air compressor body further includes a piston valve member and an outlet valve member located within and at opposite respective ends of the internal air chamber, the piston valve member and the outlet valve member moving within the internal air chamber responsive to actuation by the compression actuator between respective open and closed positions, whereby cyclically opening and closing the inlet and the outlet openings during an air compression cycle.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing a fluid and fluid energy using continuous analog modification of the total surface area of one or more solid surfaces against which, on one side of such surface(s), the fluid to be stored and dispensed may proximally and forcibly act and against which, on the opposed side of such surface(s), one or more elastic elements may act, withal producing the effect of a substantially constant static pressure across a range of deformation of the elastic element(s), i.e., a piezoequilibrative effect.

Abstract: A tire for a self-inflating tire system includes an annular air tube-receiving groove formed within a tire carcass wall at a prescribed radial location. The groove has an access opening, a primary internal groove chamber dimensioned and profiled for close receipt of an annular air-pump tube. A secondary expansion chamber of the groove communicates with the internal groove chamber for operationally receiving a flattened air-pump tube extended portion during tire operation. A passageway is located at a prescribed outlet location along the annular air tube-receiving groove, the passageway extending from the groove to an axially inward terminal end within the tire carcass wall separated from a tire inner liner by a removable wall partition of reduced sectional thickness.

Abstract: A method of allowing control of a vehicle with at least two-wheels in case of puncture of a tire, each wheel including a rim and a tire associated therewith, includes the steps of: inflating each tire to an operating pressure; admitting a fluid compressed to a first pressure higher than the operating pressure of the tire into at least one tank associated with at least one of the rims; bringing the tire into communication with the tank when the inner pressure of the tire is lower than a predetermined first threshold value; detecting a variation of an inner pressure of the tank; activating a pressure measuring device when the inner pressure variation corresponds to a reduction and is higher than a first predetermined value; measuring the inner pressure of the tank with a predetermined frequency by means of (through) the pressure measuring device; calculating a variation in the inner pressure in a time unit; generating an alarm signal when the calculated inner pressure variation corresponds to a reduction and is

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to a wheel-mounted, centrifugally activated, air compressor that will automatically inflate an inflatable vehicle tire back to the proper pressure level when small under-inflation situations occur (e.g., the occurrence of small-to-medium air leaks in a tire). Moreover, the device can be easily attach or fitted into the design of a steel or aluminum wheel, or fitted into a hubcap without modifying the standard design of the wheel-hub assembly. The wheel-mounted device includes a mounting base, cylinder assemblies, and spring-biased centrifugal arms, and is designed to convert changes in the centrifugal force felt by the centrifugal arms as wheel rotation accelerates or decelerates/stops into varying force exerted on positive-displacement pistons.

Abstract: A helical cord having an elliptical shape and the like is manufactured so that a length-to-width ratio or a dimension of a shaped form of the cord to be shaped in a longitudinal direction can be changed. A cord (C) is sequentially passed through through holes (21H, 22H) of stationary and movable shaping bodies (21, 22) opposing each other of a shaping device (20). At that time, the movable shaping body (22) is moved along the stationary shaping body (21) by a moving device so that the through holes (21H, 22H) become eccentric with respect to each other, and the cord (C) passing between the eccentric through holes (21H, 22H) is bent and deformed so as to be shaped.

Abstract: A wheel having a controlled and compensated pressure includes a rim associated with a tank adapted to be filled with a fluid to a first pressure; a tyre mounted on the rim and having an inner volume inflated to an operating pressure, the operating pressure being lower than the first pressure; at least one valve adapted to regulate a communication between the tank and the inner volume of the tyre, the valve having at least one elastic element operatively associated with a closure member designed to open and close a port of the valve to bring the tank into communication with the tyre when the pressure of the tyre is lower than the operating pressure, the elastic element having an elastic constant showing a variation of 10% to 40% within a temperature range of about ?50° C. to about 50° C.

Abstract: A device for transport of air in the tire P or close to it consisting of a chamber K in the shape of a hollow compressible channel, placed along at least a part of the tire perimeter, characterized by the fact that a ring OK is placed at the inner side of the chamber K with the distance of its outer side from the tire axis of rotation equal to 1 to 1.1 multiple of the distance of the bottom side of the chamber K from the axis of rotation of the tire P.

Abstract: An air-maintenance tire system includes a compression actuator mounted to the tire carcass configured for operative actuation by tire deformation during a tire revolution, a pump assembly affixed to the tire carcass and including a compressor body affixed to the compression actuator and having an internal air chamber, the air chamber having an inlet opening for admitting air into the internal air chamber and an outlet opening for conducting air from the internal air chamber to the tire cavity. The air compressor body further includes a piston valve member and an outlet valve member located within and at opposite respective ends of the internal air chamber, the piston valve member and the outlet valve member moving within the internal air chamber responsive to actuation by the compression actuator between respective open and closed positions, whereby cyclically opening and closing the inlet and the outlet openings during an air compression cycle.

Abstract: An air-maintenance tire system includes a compression actuator mounted to the tire carcass configured for operative actuation by tire deformation during a tire revolution, a pump assembly affixed to the tire carcass and including a compressor body affixed to the compression actuator and having an internal air chamber, the air chamber having an inlet opening for admitting air into the internal air chamber and an outlet opening for conducting air from the internal air chamber to the tire cavity. The air compressor body further includes a deformable membrane valve member and an outlet valve member located within and at opposite respective ends of the internal air chamber, the membrane valve member deforming and the outlet valve member moving within the internal air chamber responsive to actuation by the compression actuator between respective open and closed positions, whereby cyclically opening and closing the inlet and the outlet openings during an air compression cycle.

Abstract: An automatic tire inflation system including an air pump, a pressure sensor, a microprocessor and a rechargeable battery power supply all housed in a water resistant housing. The housing conforms to the diameter of the rim of a standard vehicle tire and is held to the tire by rim retaining fingers. A recharging jack is mounted inside the housing and is accessed through an aperture on the housing which is sealed by a removable waterproof cover. The microprocessor monitors air tire pressure being sent from the pressure sensor and activates the air pump when the pressure is determined to be too low by the microprocessor. The air pump turns off when the air tire pressure reaches a predetermined set point. The rechargeable battery is recharged by a standard charging device attached by a plug to the recharging jack. Similar automatic tire inflation systems can be mounted to each tire of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) assembly disposed between a rim and a tire assembly. The MRE assembly may be configured to adjust a tire pressure within a chamber between the rim and the tire assembly when a magnetic field is applied to the MRE assembly.

Abstract: A device (FIGS. 1b, 8c, 14b) for storing and dispensing a fluid and fluid energy using continuous analog modification of the total surface area of one or more solid surfaces against which, on one side of such surface(s), the fluid to be stored and dispensed may proximally and forcibly act and against which, on the opposed side of such surface(s), one or more elastic elements may act, withal producing the effect of a substantially constant static pressure across a range of deformation of the elastic element(s), i.e., a piezoequilibrative effect.

Abstract: A wheel-supporting roller-bearing unit with air compressor that is compact and capable of keeping resistance against the rotation of the hub 4c low while at the same time maintaining good balance, and when necessary, is capable of obtaining compressed air having sufficient pressure regardless of the traveling speed of the vehicle. A plurality of cylinder holes 53 are located at a plurality of locations that are evenly spaced around the circumferential direction on the inside of a cylinder block 50 that is connected and fastened to the inside end section in the axial direction of the hub 4c. Pistons 54 fit inside these cylinder holes 53 and are moved back and forth by a piston-drive mechanism 62 as the cylinder block 50 rotates. The air compressor 2c is a reciprocating-piston compressor, so it is possible to obtain the required air pressure regardless of rpm.

Abstract: This wheel has features allowing both integrated and non-integrated Central Tire Inflation (CTI) systems to be installed, without the need for a specialized manifold, adapter, or unique wheel to accommodate each specific system. Thus, a single, light-weight wheel in accordance with this invention can accept either non-integrated or integrated CTI valves, allowing the wheels of the invention to be used on newer vehicles with integrated CTI systems, as well as on older vehicles with non-integrated (external) CTI systems. In addition, a wheel with both integrated and non-integrated Central Tire Inflation (CTI) systems is much simpler to assemble since the valve mounts directly to the wheel and no brackets are required, unlike prior two-piece bolt-together wheels.

Abstract: A method comprises enhancing current Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) functionality to result in inflation of a pneumatic tire if said tires fluid pressure decreases below a predetermined level. This embodiment comprises a pressurized container mounted inside a vehicle wheel that will react to a TPMS signal and release a fluid into the tire cavity, effectively increasing the inflation pressure.