Abstract:
A tire inflation system fluid flow indicator having flow body with a supply port and a distribution port and a fluid channel disposed for sealed fluid communication therebetween. A plunger is disposed in the flow body, the plunger configured to substantially seal the fluid channel between the supply port and the distribution port when the plunger is disposed in a first position, the plunger further configured to permit fluid flow in the fluid channel between the supply port and the distribution port when the plunger is disposed in a second position, the plunger further configured to translate from the first position to the second position when fluid pressure at the supply port exceeds the fluid pressure at the distribution port. A visual indicator is disposed with respect to the flow body so as to indicate the first position or the second position of the plunger.
Abstract:
An inflation manifold connected to dual pneumatic tires by air hoses provides a central location for tire inflation and location of pressure sensors. A hose block connected to dual pneumatic tires by air hoses provides a central location for location of pressure sensors. The pressure sensors may be TPMS sensors or a combination of TPMS sensor and pressure gauge.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a wheel end assembly having a high temperature warning system for giving a warning in the event that the temperature in the assembly reaches a predetermined value such as caused by hub bearing failure or a brake related failure. In one embodiment the system may be a stand-alone system for installation on any vehicle such as a trailer. In another embodiment the system may be combined with an automatic tire inflation system.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to the interface of various components of an automatic tire inflation system and an anti-locking braking system through the inside of a stationary axle (10) of a vehicle. The hub cap (15) includes a rotor assembly of the wheel speed sensor (50) and a coacting stator assembly (52) connected to the end of the axle (10) and a cable (14a) extending from the stator assembly (52) through the inside of the axle.
Abstract:
A tire-inflation system for a small trailer may include a fluid pressure source mountable to the trailer, and air conduits providing sealed fluid communication between the air pressure source and the small trailer's pneumatic tires.
Abstract:
A pneumatic lift axle control system includes a plurality of valves configured to receive first fluid pressure from a first fluid supply and to receive second fluid pressure from a second fluid supply, and to selectively communicate the first fluid pressure or the second fluid pressure as a pilot signal to a lift axle actuator valve.
Abstract:
A tire inflation system fluid flow indicator having flow body with a supply port and a distribution port and a fluid channel disposed for sealed fluid communication therebetween. A plunger is disposed in the flow body, the plunger configured to substantially seal the fluid channel between the supply port and the distribution port when the plunger is disposed in a first position, the plunger further configured to permit fluid flow in the fluid channel between the supply port and the distribution port when the plunger is disposed in a second position, the plunger further configured to translate from the first position to the second position when fluid pressure at the supply port exceeds the fluid pressure at the distribution port. A visual indicator is disposed with respect to the flow body so as to indicate the first position or the second position of the plunger.
Abstract:
A tire inflation system integrated with vehicle aerodynamic and wheel-end components, such as fairings, wheel covers and mud shields. Fluid conduits may route pressurized fluid from a fluid pressure source to a rotary union mounted at a wheel end. The fluid conduits may be routed along or through various aerodynamic and wheel-end components.
Abstract:
A visual flow indicator provided on a tire inflation system air hose or rotary union housing. An inflation system may be installed at a wheel end. The inflation system may include air hose, rotary union, a hose fitting, tire valve stems, and flow indicators as appropriate. Pressurized fluid may be delivered from a pressure source on the vehicle to the rotary union through the axle or an air line external to the wheel end.
Abstract:
A rotary air connection (10) in a central tire inflation system for supplying air to the rotating tires which includes a union (20) having a stationary part (28) having an internal shoulder (34) with a rotary seal (38) and a second rotatable part including an elongate rigid tubular member (42) coaxially extendable through and longitudinally movable in the stationary part and the rotary seal. The tubular member is sealingly connected to a hub cap (14) thereby providing a structure allowing for movement and misalignment between the movable and stationary parts for the union.