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 wheel having a controlled pressure includes a rim associated with a tank adapted to be filled with a fluid to a first pressure; a tire mounted on the rim and having an inner volume inflated to an operating pressure at a reference temperature, the operating pressure being lower than the first pressure; and at least one valve assembly adapted to establish a communication between the tank, the inner volume of the tire and the external environment. The valve assembly includes a command valve, an exhaust valve and a compensation valve operatively associated with each other. The command valve controls communication between the tank and the inner volume of the tire. The exhaust valve is connected to the external environment, to the inner volume, to the command valve and to the compensation valve. The compensation valve is connected to the exhaust valve and the command valve.

Abstract: A device for adjustment of pressure in tires includes a chamber with shape memory and a valve. The valve is a three-way valve with inputs interconnected with the external environment and the tire internal space, where one input is fitted with a valve, the next input is connected to one end of the chamber with shape memory, and the last input is interconnected with the closure element. The device for adjustment of pressure in tires includes the chamber with shape memory interconnected with the external environment through an input and with the tire chamber through an output and fitted with at least one valve. The length of the chamber in the direction of tire rotation equals 0.001 to 0.5 of the tire perimeter, where the volume of the chamber before deformation to volume of the chamber during deformation ratio is the same or higher then the desired tire pressure to pressure of the external environment ratio.

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 for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle which includes a microcompressor having 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. An alternative embodiment uses an electrical coil on the wheel to pass the magnet inducing a voltage that drives a compressor on the wheel. As the coil passes the electromagnet it provides a split transformer that transfers electrical power to the wheel and permits two-way pulse data communication between the wheel and the vehicle.

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 primary valve adapted to regulate communication between the tank and the inner volume of the tyre; the primary valve including at least one elastic element operatively associated with a closure member designed to open and close a port of the primary 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 between about ?50° C. and about 50° C. A one-way valve hinders the fluid from flowing back from the tyre to the tank in the absence of pressure within the tank.

Abstract: A method of allowing control of a vehicle with at least two-wheels in case of puncture of a tyre, each wheel including a rim and a tyre associated therewith, includes the steps of: inflating each tyre to an operating pressure; admitting a fluid compressed to a first pressure higher than the operating pressure of the tyre into at least one tank associated with at least one of the rims; bringing the tyre into communication with the tank when the inner pressure of the tyre 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: A tire wheel having an air pressure regulator capable of immediately varying the air pressure of a tire of a vehicle in accordance with external environments is disclosed. To regulate the internal air pressure of the tire, the air pressure regulator includes a vacuum chamber, an ultra-high pressure chamber, and a generator for generating electricity to drive the air pressure regulator. The air pressure regulator is actuated by a force generated when the tire is pressed by the ground during the rolling of the tire. An electronic controller collects data obtained by various sensors, and communicates with a central processing unit in a wireless manner. The central processing unit processes the collected data. The driver can monitor all tire states, and can set a control mode associated with the air pressure of the tire. It is possible to deflate the tire in a moment in accordance with the vacuum pressure of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Seal arrangement for a tire pressure-regulating device for a motor vehicle, comprising a compressed-air supply to a vehicle tire through a hole in the inner ring of a rolling bearing of a wheel bearing, through a seal housing which is connected to a wheel hub in a rotationally fixed manner and through the wheel hub itself, wherein a flat seal is fixed on the inner ring of the rolling bearing, with the radially outer end of the said seal having a sealing lip which is directed towards the seal housing and bears against it.

Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle. The device includes a microcompressor and a magnetic element. The compressor is mounted on the wheel and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and the tire. The magnetic element is mounted on a stationary member of the wheel assembly and produces a magnetic field. The compressor is activated by transiting the magnetic field during each wheel revolution. Alternatively, an electric coil mounted on the wheel may transit the magnetic field to generate electrical power for an electrically-driven compressor. Thus, the compressor may pump air into the tire to maintain the desired inflation pressure. For leaks or device failure, a driver may be notified and a battery can operate the compressor at a high rate to maximize tire use until a safe place is reached.

Abstract: A tire pump includes a passive air pump which is attachable to a component of a vehicle wheel assembly. The vehicle wheel assembly has a vehicle wheel, a tire valve stem attached to the vehicle wheel, and a tire mounted on the vehicle wheel and containing a gas. The passive air pump has an air inlet in direct fluid communication with the atmosphere and has an air outlet in direct fluid communication with the gas in the tire. The passive air pump is operable by transient pressure pulses of the gas in the tire to suck in an air volume from the atmosphere through the air inlet after a present one of the transient pressure pulses and to pump at least some of the sucked-in air volume through the air outlet into the tire during a future one of the transient pressure pulses.

Abstract: An inflation and pressure regulation system for inflatable vessels, such as tires, has a main chamber containing a volume of compressible fluid, such as air, and a pump chamber which acts to maintain the fluid in the vessel at a desired pressure. The pump chamber has a rigid, fluid-tight wall facing the main chamber and a flexible wall which is part of, or adjacent to, the wall of the vessel that can be deformed under use. A fluid channel extending between the pump chamber and a source of ambient fluid admits fluid into the pump chamber. A first check valve positioned between the fluid channel and the pump chamber permits one-way flow of fluid from the exterior of the vessel into the pump chamber while it is uncompressed. A second check valve permits one-way passage of fluid from the pump chamber, when it is compressed, into the main chamber. One or more valves can be used to prevent over-inflation of the main chamber.

Abstract: A pressure detection sensor for detecting a tire internal air pressure and a wheel side communication device for transmitting a detection result of the pressure detection sensor using a preset transmission mode are provided on each wheel. The detection result from the pressure detection sensor is transmitted to an ECU via a vehicle body side communication device provided on a vehicle body. The ECU is able to notify a transmission mode determination device provided on each wheel that adjustment of the tire internal air pressure is being performed by manipulating a state of the tire internal air pressure. The transmission mode determination device determines a transmission mode to be used by the wheel side communication device such that a transmission frequency of a notification related to the occurrence of an abnormality of the wheel is reduced while adjustment of the tire internal air pressure is being performed.

Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle. The device includes a microcompressor and a magnetic element. The compressor is mounted on the wheel and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and the tire. The magnetic element is mounted on a stationary member of the wheel assembly and produces a magnetic field. The compressor is activated by transiting the magnetic field during each wheel revolution. Alternatively, an electric coil mounted on the wheel may transit the magnetic field to generate electrical power for an electrically-driven compressor. Thus, the compressor may pump air into the tire to maintain the desired inflation pressure. For leaks or device failure, a driver may be notified and a battery can operate the compressor at a high rate to maximize tire use until a safe place is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of sensing fluid pressure of a tire and the fluid supply of a tire pressure management system maintaining same, with a central sensor and which requires the control of only two valves. The apparatus for sensing fluid pressure of a tire and the fluid supply of a tire pressure management system maintaining same, includes a sensor disposed so as to be selectably in fluid communication with one or both of: a first valve, operable from an open position through a closed position, for respectively promoting and prohibiting fluid flow from the fluid supply, and a second valve, operable from an open position through a closed position, for respectively promoting and prohibiting fluid flow to or from the tire.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for pumping the tire of a vehicle while the vehicle is travelling. The device is mounted on the wheel axle and, apart from a hanging counterweight (226) which remains stationary, the entire device rotates with the axle and wheels. Tire pressure is sensed and, when below a predetermined level, a piston (22) moves axially to press a rotating clutch plate (260) against the stationary counterweight (226). The clutch plate (260) thus stops rotating. Part of a pump drive structure (216) stops rotating with the clutch plate (260). Relative rotation between this part of the pump drive structure and the remainder of the pump drive structure causes air to be pumped to the tire. When tire pressure has been restored the piston (22) moves back, the clutch plate (260) is released, and the pumping action ceases.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes a self-contained air pump mechanism that maintains tire pressure at a desired level. The pump mechanism includes a piston and cylinder assembly that rotate with the tire. A linkage assembly drives the piston within the cylinder as the wheel end assembly rotates to pump air into the tire via a valve. The linkage assembly includes a first link fixed to a non-rotating wheel end component and a second link that rotates relative to the first link and which is coupled to drive the piston within the cylinder. The tire valve is in fluid communication with the cylinder and automatically opens when air pressure in the tire falls below a predetermined level and automatically closes when the air pressure achieves the predetermined level. An atmospheric valve is in fluid communication with the cylinder, and automatically opens to recharge the cylinder once the initial pressure charge has been delivered to the tire.

Abstract: A generator system powered by a fluid fly-wheel is disclosed that generates electric current to power a tire pressure maintenance and monitoring system. A vehicle wheel including a tire and a rim. A sealed tube containing fluid is fixed around the rim. When the rim accelerates or decelerates, the fluid within the tube moves within the tube a turbine in communication with the fluid is turned by the moving fluid within the tube. The turning turbine drives an electric generator to produce an electric current through induction. In certain configurations, the turning turbine rotates gears to drive a mechanical pump. The electric generator, or mechanical pump may be used to add air pressure to the tire when a sensor indicates low air pressure.

Abstract: A wheel-and-tire apparatus having at least two coaxially mounted tires is disclosed in which the diameters of one or more of the tires in the apparatus may be adjusted to select the tire or tires which are to be in contact with the road surface. The apparatus facilitates the selective use of tires having different performance characteristics, as may be desired or preferred to suit particular road conditions or vehicle operating conditions. The diameters of particular tires are increased or decreased as required to achieve a desired configuration of relative tire diameters, using tire diameter adjustment means such as one or more pneumatic pumps mounted in association with the apparatus. Sensors monitor selected operational parameters of the vehicle and transmit corresponding signals to a computer which selects an optimal tire configuration to suit the particular combination of operational parameters received from the sensors.

Abstract: Arrangement for providing a boosted signal from a signal-generating device, such as a SAW device or an RFID tag, including an antenna and a circulator having a first port connected to the antenna to receive a signal therefrom and a second port connectable to the device to provide a signal thereto and receive a signal therefrom. The circulator amplifies the signal from the antenna and the signal received from the device such that a twice-amplified signal is directed to the antenna. A receiving and processing module transmits a signal to the antenna causing the antenna to generate its signal and receive a signal from the antenna derived from the twice-amplified signal. Various pumping systems for vehicle tires and electricity generating systems which generate energy upon rotation of a tire are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention couples a tire pump with the wheel rim of a vehicle. The pump is activated electromagnetically to inflate the tire as desired, e.g. when tire pressure is below a required value. The pump is arranged to draw air from the atmosphere and pump into an interior portion of the tire. A magnetized plunger within the pump is biased to an initial position by a biasing element. Energizing an electromagnet generates a magnetic field. The pump is arranged to rotate in and out of the magnetic field to cause the plunger to reciprocate and inflate the tire.

Abstract: The present invention couples a tire pump with the wheel rim of a vehicle. The pump is activated electromagnetically to inflate the tire as desired, e.g. when tire pressure is below a required value. The pump is arranged to draw air from the atmosphere and pump into an interior portion of the tire. A magnetized plunger within the pump is biased to an initial position by a biasing element. Energizing an electromagnet generates a magnetic field. The pump is arranged to rotate in and out of the magnetic field to cause the plunger to reciprocate and inflate the tire.

Abstract: A wheel-and-tire apparatus having at least two coaxially mounted tires is disclosed in which the diameters of one or more of the tires in the apparatus may be adjusted to select the tire or tires which are to be in contact with the road surface. The apparatus facilitates the selective use of tires having different performance characteristics, as may be desired or preferred to suit particular road conditions or vehicle operating conditions. The diameters of particular tires are increased or decreased as required to achieve a desired configuration of relative tire diameters, using tire diameter adjustment means such as one or more pneumatic pumps mounted in association with the apparatus. Sensors monitor selected operational parameters of the vehicle and transmit corresponding signals to a computer which selects an optimal tire configuration to suit the particular combination of operational parameters received from the sensors.

Abstract: A wheel-and-tire apparatus has a pneumatic tire with two or more circumferential tread sections, the relative diameters of which may be adjusted to select the tread sections in contact with the road. The tire may have one or more air chambers. The apparatus facilitates selective use of tire tread designs and compositions having different performance characteristics to suit particular road conditions and vehicle operating parameters. Adjustment of tread section diameters is accomplished using tread diameter adjustment means having a source of compressed air. Sensors monitor selected operational parameters of the vehicle and transmit corresponding signals to a computer, which selects an optimal configuration of tread section diameters to suit the data from the sensors. The computer sends a corresponding signal instructing the tread diameter adjustment means to adjust the diameter of one or more tread sections as required to achieve the selected configuration of tread section diameters.

Abstract: An apparatus that mounts on a rim of a vehicle wheel on which a tire may be mounted. The apparatus includes a high pressure reservoir for receiving and storing compressed air from an outside source, a first mechanical valve that permits compressed air from an outside source to be directed into and stored in the high pressure reservoir, a second mechanical valve that directs air from the high pressure reservoir into the air chamber of a tire, a third mechanical valve that releases air from the air chamber of the tire, and a fourth mechanical valve that releases air from the high pressure reservoir.

Abstract: An automotive wheel rim has intermediate its ends a wall extending transversely of the axis of said rim and having formed therein a first air duct opening at one end on the outer periphery of the rim for communication with the interior of a tire mounted thereon, and at its opposite end on the outboard side of the wall. A second duct formed within the wall opens at one end on the outboard side of the wall and at its opposite end on the inboard side of the wall for connection to a tire inflation system. A tire inflation control valve is secured to the outboard side of the wall and has therein a pair of air inlet/outlet ducts sealingly secured in communication with the ends of the first and second ducts where they open on the outboard side of the wall.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining equal air pressure in a pair of tires on a work machine. The invention provides a valve body with a pair of piston chambers. A piston is reciprocatably positioned within each piston chamber, the pistons are biased toward a first closed end of the piston chambers. The closed end of each piston chamber is connected by a passageway to one of the tires. Each piston chamber is additionally fluidly connected to the other piston chamber. When the air pressure in each tire is above a predetermined amount the pistons are moved away from the closed end of the piston chamber and airflow is permitted between the piston chambers thereby balancing the tire pressures. If the pressure in either tire is below the predetermined minimum, the piston in that respective piston chamber moves toward the first end to block, airflow between the piston chambers.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for attachment of an air line to a tire comprising, a first conduit associable with an axle about which a tire rotates, a second conduit associable with a hub of a tire, and means for compensating misalignment of the first conduit relative to the second conduit, to, in turn, accommodate sealed fluid communication of the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: A device to fill or deflate a tire of a vehicle, such as a tractor, is arranged on the wheel rim of a wheel. The device includes a housing 14 with a second connecting port 11 to connect to a first connecting port 10. An inner member 21 is supported in the housing 14. The inner member 21 and housing 14 are both rotatable relative towards each other. The inner member 21 has a third connecting port 29 to connect to a connection 31, 32, which leads to the pressure supply. A control valve 9 is provided and coupled with the second connecting port. An annular chamber 25 is connected to the second connecting port 11 and the third connecting port 29. The annular chamber 25 is formed between the housing and the inner member 21. Two seals 26 are provided between the housing 14 and the inner member 21. The seal 26 laterally closes off the annular chamber 25.

Abstract: An apparatus that mounts on a rim of a vehicle wheel on which a tire may be mounted. The apparatus includes a high pressure reservoir for receiving and storing compressed air from an outside source, a first mechanical valve that permits compressed air from an outside source to be directed into and stored in the high pressure reservoir, a second mechanical valve that directs air from the high pressure reservoir into the air chamber of a tire, a third mechanical valve that releases air from the air chamber of the tire, and a fourth mechanical valve that releases air from the high pressure reservoir.

Abstract: A device for maintaining inflation pressure within a tire interior of a tire mounted on a rotating wheel with a rim. The device includes a compressor with piston penetrateably mountable on the wheel rim or in communication with a valve stem that incorporates air delivery to the compressor as mounted within the tire. The piston is in communication with a compressible piston driver having a distal end in contact with the inner floor of the mounted tire where the outer side of the tire contacts the ground once every revolution of the wheel. Repeated deformation of the rotating tire where it contacts the ground outside the distal end of the driver is transferred to the air compressor through a piston compression stroke. When such ground contact is not occurring, centrifugal force causes radial movement to accomplish the intake stroke of the piston. In this repetitious manner a small amount of air is forced into the tire during each rotation thereof when needed to maintain desired inflation pressure.

Abstract: A tire pump mounted upon a wheel includes a reciprocating piston driven by one of a pendulum assembly or flywheel.

Abstract: A battery-powered tire pressure monitor and inflation system which is mounted entirely on or within a vehicle wheel, preferably on the inner surface of a wheel cover. The entire system rotates concurrently with the vehicle wheel, thereby eliminating the need for any interconnection between non-rotating and rotating components of the vehicle. The preferred system also incorporates a centrifugal intake valve apparatus, which remains closed until the vehicle wheel exceeds a minimum rotational rate. The centrifugal intake valve closure apparatus thereby prevents fluids or particles from being drawn into the compressor.

Abstract: A wheel with a pneumatic tire, with the tire cavity divided into two fluid-filled reservoirs connected with a passageway (orifice, capillary, or porous material) having a required degree of flow restriction in order to generate a desired damping action when the tire is subjected to a vibratory exertion. The flow in the passageway is maintained at a laminar regime.

Abstract: A gas transfer system is provided for establishing or maintaining a predetermined gas pressure within a plenum, such as a tire. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas transfer system includes a power source, a pressure sensor, a control unit, and a gas transfer mechanism. Preferably, a gas transfer mechanism includes a micromechanical device, comprising one or more pumping units that transfer gas from one pressure zone to another. In one embodiment, pumping is accomplished, in part, by heating the gas within a sealable chamber of a pumping unit to cause the pressure of the gas to increase. In another embodiment, the change in pressure of the gas caused by compression of a tire provides a pumping force. Valves are provided for regulating movement of the gas through the gas transfer mechanism and can include electromechanical valves responsive to signals from the control unit, or passively biased valves responsive to applied gas pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tuned resonant oscillating mass pump, and particularly a pump structure and assembly which can be conveniently and readily mounted inside automotive tires for the purposes of maintaining optimum tire pressure and generating of electrical power from the movement of the tuned oscillating mass in such pumps. The oscillating mass can be a pendulum or a freely moving weight or a ball rolling within an arcuate chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressurizing a pneumatic tire mounted on a vehicle wheel which includes a displacement type air pump having a spring loaded piston and cylinder combination for generating air under pressure. The air pump is axially attached to the vehicle wheel and an air pressure connection conduit introduces air under pressure generated from the pump into the pneumatic tire. A cam and cam follower arrangement is mounted in the housing for the pump for creating relative cam actuated movement therebetween which is utilized for driving the air pump. A pendulum is mounted for free axial rotation relative to the pump housing and the pendulum is connected to one of the cam or cam follower, and the other is secured to the pump housing for rotation therewith to provide this cam actuated driving movement. The axis of piston reciprocation in its cylinder is substantially aligned axially with the wheel axis of rotation.

Abstract: A device for automatically maintaining desired air pressure within a vehicle tire utilizes inertial forces from changes in vehicle speed. The device includes a flywheel attached to and concentric with the vehicle wheel but free to rotate relative the wheel, and an air compressor attached to the vehicle wheel and connected to the tire, the compressor piston responsive to rotation of the flywheel with respect to the vehicle wheel to pass air into the tire. Preferably a connecting rod converts the rotation of the flywheel relative the wheel into the reciprocating sliding of a piston to operate the air compressor. Additionally, a centrifugal intake valve is preferably provided that seals off the inlet passageway to the air compressor when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly to prevent contaminants from entering.

Abstract: A self-inflating tire pump is integrally fixed to a wheel of a vehicle for automatically pumping air into an inflation region of a tire which is mounted on the wheel. The pump includes a piston which is movable radially outward in a cylinder by centrifugal force to draw air from the atmosphere into a compression chamber and is movable radially inward by a biasing element to compress the air in the compression chamber and pump it into the inflation region. The biasing element includes a surface of the piston which is exposed to air pressure in the inflation region, and prevents the piston from moving outward until the wheel rotates above a certain speed, thereby preventing contaminants such as water and dirt from entering the compression chamber during low speed operation of the vehicle in adverse terrain. A stopper mechanism prevents the piston from moving when the tire pressure is above a normal value, thereby reducing frictional wear of the pump.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the maintenance of pressure within a vehicle wheel tire to a pre-set level with the air supply being produced by a pump which is driven by centrifugal force, i.e., the wheel rotation creates a centrifugal force which activates a weight to move a piston which pumps the tire inlet air. The pump can be mounted outside or inside the tire volume. Another pump uses the impetus from bumps encountered by the wheel to drive the pump.

Abstract: A self-regulating tire pressure system and method employs a bistable valve (10) that allows air from a high pressure reservoir (6) to replenish the pressure within a tire (4) when it has fallen below an actuating pressure, and discontinues its operation only after the tire pressure has increased to a closing pressure that is greater than the actuating pressure. The system is capable of sensing the valve's (10) frequency of operation as an indication of a slow tire leak when the frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, of sensing the number of valve (10) operations and the duration of each operation as an indication of a flat tire condition when the number of operations for a predetermined duration exceeds a second threshold, and of sensing the duration of the valve's (10) operation as an indication of a low reservoir (6) pressure condition when that duration exceeds a third threshold.

Abstract: A self-contained anti-skid device to be used with a pneumatic tire (32) for boosting traction against slippery roadways covered with ice and snow while all designated characteristics of the tire against other road conditions are fully preserved, comprising: a plurality of projectable and retractable anti-skid pins (20) to be positioned radially at a tread (34) of the tire (32) for being projected from the tread (34), as often as required, when a plurality of expandable pneumatic chambers (26) adjacent to the pins (20) are pressurized using merely a fraction of the actual pressurized air of the tire (32). To retract the pins (20), air from the expandable pneumatic chambers (26) is released and preferably recycled back into the tire (32) through an air recycling device (64) implanted within the tread (34) and actuated by rotation of the tire (32) on a roadway. An air valve directs a flow of air from the tire (32) to the expandable pneumatic chambers (26) and therefrom preferably to an air recycling device.

Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing and utilizing, inter alia, gravitational and centrifugal forces generated at a location eccentric from the axis of rotation of a rolling wheel. The apparatus includes pumps that can be attached in a tangential relationship to a path of wheel rotation of an automobile wheel in order to pressurize under-inflated tires and maintain tire pressure at a preset value. A double acting unitary piston assembly is supported for antifrictional reciprocation in a pump housing along a line tangential with respect to a path of wheel rotation so that gravitational force will principally displace the piston assembly to effect working strokes for inflating a pneumatic tire. Compression ratio parameters of the pump are preselected to cause the pump to be effective at wheel rotation velocities above which gravitational forces are no longer effective to operate the pump. A device is also provided to adjust the compression ratio of the pump to thereby adjust the air pressure to be maintained in the tire.

Abstract: A reservoir is formed in a wheel of a vehicle for storing high pressure air for inflating a tire mounted on the wheel. A regulating valve communicates the reservoir with the tire when the air pressure in the tire drops below a predetermined value to maintain the tire fully inflated. A mechanism for automatically replenishing the high pressure air in the reservoir includes a radially extending bore formed in the wheel, and a piston which is sealingly movable in the bore. A variable volume compression chamber is defined in the bore between the radially outer ends of the bore and the piston. When the vehicle is stopped, a relatively weak spring urges the piston to a radially innermost position in which an inlet check valve opens to allow communication of the chamber with the atmosphere so that the chamber can be filled with fresh air.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within the tire utilizes a motor and air compressor disposed upon the rotating wheel to eliminate the requirement for a rotary pneumatic joint. The air compressor provides a source of air for maintaining inflation pressure and is driven by a DC motor. The motor is, in turn, driven by a generator which is partially disposed upon the rotating wheel and partially disposed upon a non-rotating portion of the vehicle. A stationary magnet attached to a non-rotating portion of the vehicle defines the generator's stator. Windings which define the generator's armature are formed upon a substrate which is applied to the rotating wheel such that the windings pass within close proximity to the stationary magnet. The air compressor may alternatively be mechanically driven directly by the rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A tire air pressure sensor is mounted on a vehicle wheel and includes an inertial mass which is urged radially outwardly by centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the wheel. The tire air pressure is applied to the inertial mass in opposition to the centrifugal force. When the rotational speed of the wheel is sufficient that the centrifugal force overcomes the applied air pressure, the inertial mass moves radially outwardly and opens a switch. The speed at which the switch opens is a predetermined function of the tire pressure. In another embodiment, a second sensor is provided to sense when the tire pressure is below a minimum value. A spring urges an inertial mass inwardly in opposition to the centrifugal force, and the tire pressure is applied to a bellows having an end which moves radially outwardly in proportion to the applied pressure.

Abstract: A self-regulating tire pressure system and method employs a bistable valve (10) that allows air from a high pressure reservoir (6) to replenish the pressure within a tire (4) when it has fallen below an actuating pressure, and discontinues its operation only after the tire pressure has increased to a closing pressure that is greater than the actuating pressure. The system is capable of sensing the valve's (10) frequency of operation as an indication of a slow tire leak when the frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, of sensing the number of valve (10) operations and the duration of each operation as an indication of a flat tire condition when the number of operations for a predetermined duration exceeds a second threshold, and of sensing the duration of the valve's (10) operation as an indication of a low reservoir (6) pressure condition when that duration exceeds a third threshold.

Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing and utilizing, inter alia, cyclic forces generated at a location eccentric from the axis of rotation of a rolling wheel. The apparatus may include, for example, pumps that can be attached to the valve stem of an automobile wheel in order to pressurize under-inflated tires and maintain tire pressure at a preset value.

Abstract: A chemical sealant device is provided for repairing a flat tire of a wheel, which consists of a rim for supporting and fitting a tire thereabout. A first mechanism is on the interior of the rim for carrying a portion of the load of the wheel after the tire is punctured and becomes partially flat. A second mechanism is within the first carrying mechanism for releasing at predetermined intervals of rotation of the wheel, tire chemical sealant and compressed air into the tire so that eventually the tire will be repaired and tire pressure will be at least partially restored, whereby road damage to the tire will be prevented.

Abstract: The wheel of the present invention reduces road noise without using a special tire. The wheel includes a wheel body and a silencing chamber formed around the wheel body. The silencing chamber communicates with an air chamber in the tire via communication port. The phase difference between a compressional wave in the air chamber and a compressional wave returned to the air chamber from the communication port cause attenuation of the road noise.