Abstract:
A central tire inflation system. The system includes a central tire inflation valve and a hub bore manifold. The hub bore manifold is connected to and surrounds the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold defines first and second air passageways which are in communication with the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold is configured for removable connection to a hub of a vehicle and is also configured to fit within a central opening of a wheel of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A system and apparatus for installing a central tire inflation (CTI) valve containing member into the hub bore opening of a wheel so as to be in communication with an air passageway hub port in the vehicle hub. Preferably, the CTI valve containing member includes a CTI valve sealed to a hub bore manifold with the hub bore manifold being mounted to the wheel disc and/or the vehicle hub. The hub bore manifold seals against the vehicle hub and the wheel hub bore surface (and/or the front face of the wheel disc). An air passageway in the manifold runs from the vehicle hub port to the CTI valve, and other air passageway(s) connect the CTI valve to the tire interior, such that air can travels from the vehicle hub to and from the tire cavity by way of the manifold and CTI valve.
Abstract:
Provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention, in one preferred embodiment, is a pumping system (90). The system includes a housing (108) rotatably supporting a tube (112), with a plurality of magnets (116) located around the tube. The magnets create magnetic forces that cause the tube to rotate. The system further includes a pump (94) connected to the tube. When the tube rotates, the pump receives rotational mechanical energy, which operates the pump. Additionally, the tube and pump are connected in fluid communication such that fluid flows through the pump and the tube, when the system operates to pump a fluid. Preferably, the outlet end (98) of the pump connects to the tube in the system so that fluid first flows through the pump, and then through the tube.
Abstract:
A system and apparatus for installing a central tire inflation (CTI) valve containing member into the hub bore opening of a wheel so as to be in communication with an air passageway hub port in the vehicle hub. Preferably, the CTI valve containing member includes a CTI valve sealed to a hub bore manifold with the hub bore manifold being mounted to the wheel disc and/or the vehicle hub. The hub bore manifold seals against the vehicle hub and the wheel hub bore surface (and/or the front face of the wheel disc). An air passageway in the manifold runs from the vehicle hub port to the CTI valve, and other air passageway(s) connect the CTI valve to the tire interior, such that air can travels from the vehicle hub to and from the tire cavity by way of the manifold and CTI valve.
Abstract:
Provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention, in one preferred embodiment, is a mechanism (10). The mechanism functions in general for providing motive force, and is specially adapted for pumping applications. In particular, the mechanism includes an impeller/pumping section integral with a drive system (16). The mechanism includes a housing (14), and a tube (18) rotatably mounted within the housing. Specifically, the tube mounts in the housing for rotation of the tube relative to the housing, substantially about the tube's longitudinal axis. A power or drive system (16) connected to the tube, and/or forming part of the tube, causes the tube to rotate relative to the housing. The drive system preferably includes a plurality of magnets (42) mounted within the housing, located around the tube, for creating magnetic forces for causing the tube to rotate. One or more impellers (20) mount to the tube. The impellers are adapted to cause fluid flow through the tube when the tube rotates. Tube rotation via the drive system, thus causes fluid flow through the tube.
Abstract:
A central tire inflation system. The system includes a central tire inflation valve and a hub bore manifold. The hub bore manifold is connected to and surrounds the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold defines first and second air passageways which are in communication with the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold is configured for removable connection to a hub of a vehicle and is also configured to fit within a central opening of a wheel of the vehicle.
Abstract:
Apparatus and a method for temporarily disabling the operation of a noise-producing electrical device or internal combustion engine upon detection of a predetermined awareness condition, such as an incoming telephone call, doorbell ring, security system alarm or other awareness condition. For disabling operation of an electrical device, the apparatus includes a command module and one or more switchable power receptacles that respond to a control signal from the command module, de-energizing the electrical device, when at least one of the predetermined awareness conditions is detected. Control signals are communicated to the switchable power receptacles via either a radio frequency signal, or by a modulated signal that is conveyed over an alternating current electrical power circuit to which the command module and switched power receptacle(s) are connected. For disabling operation of an engine, the apparatus includes a command module that sends a wireless signal to a shutdown module to control operation of the engines ignition or fuel systems, so that operation of the engine is disabled when the shutdown module is switched to a shutdown mode. Disabling operation of a noise-producing device enables a signal that is produced in conjunction with the awareness condition, such as a telephone or doorbell ring, to be more easily perceived.
Abstract:
An inflatable structure and method of making it. The structure comprises a knitted fabric body shell, which has been impregnated with a curable elastomeric material, which material forms an outer surface coating in the structure. The fabric body shell is made up of a knitted fabric, and before impregnation is manufactured to have a shape, were the shell in an inflated condition, roughly corresponding to the shape of the finished article or structure. An inflatable, flexible-walled bladder, having substantially the same shape when inflated, is provided within the body shell to enable shaping of the body shell through inflation of the bladder. With the body shell shaped by inflation of this bladder, the elastomeric material is applied, as by spraying or brushing, to impregnate the body shell and to form a protective covering about the outside of the body shell covering any seams, etc. The bladder may remain in the structure on its completion, and for this purpose may have an elastomeric coating applied about its outer surface which cures to form a rubber-like coating on the inside of the fabric body shell.