Fluent material handling – with receiver or receiver coacting mea – Diverse fluid containing pressure filling systems involving... – Tire inflation
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-25
2001-09-11
Maust, Timothy L. (Department: 3751)
Fluent material handling, with receiver or receiver coacting mea
Diverse fluid containing pressure filling systems involving...
Tire inflation
C141S039000, C141S083000, C141S094000, C141S095000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286565
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates in general to vehicle tire inflation, and in particular, to a vehicle Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS). Specifically, the invention relates to an improved CTIS for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HUMMVEEs), a military, multi-purpose vehicle, and other vehicles using a CTIS.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various vehicles have developed a system for automatically inflating vehicle tires while in transit. Typically referred to as a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), the CTIS allows the vehicle driver to inflate or deflate the vehicle's tires to a higher or lower pressure respectively to accommodate a variety of vehicle loads, and road and traffic conditions. Control of the vehicle tire air pressure is provided by an air pressure controller that can be automatically adjusted or manually controlled in the cab by the vehicle's driver. The system provides an air compressor that is connected through the air pressure controller to the vehicle's front and rear tires. Rotary seal connections are provided at each wheel to permit flow of air from the air supply to the tires while the vehicle is in motion and the wheels are rotating.
There are, however, several drawbacks to some existing CTISs. For example, in the HUMMVEE, the tires cannot be inflated directly at the rim, but only through the existing CTIS via the “tank Valve” at the hub. Additionally, the CTIS cannot be disabled. Also, only “standard,” or military issue rims or wheels can be used to ensure operability with the CITS.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an improvement in the HUMMVEE CTIS. Specifically, the invention provides a quick-disconnect feature for disconnecting one tire from the CTIS, and thereby preventing the opposite tire from deflating. The claimed invention includes, but is not limited to, a quick-release fitting in fluid communication with the CTIS and attached to an air supply hose which terminates in another threadable or quick-release fitting for attachment to the wheel inflation stem. The device allows pressurized air to be supplied to the tires from the CTIS, but quickly disconnected from a tire in the event of a tire casualty or need to change wheel rims. The claimed invention also permits use of a variety of “civilian”, or after-market rims or wheels to be used in lieu of standard, military issue rims on HUMMVEES equipped with the CTIS. Moreover, the invention allows users to selectively disconnect tires from the CTIS without compromising the integrity of the CTIS.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4387931 (1983-06-01), Bland
patent: 4957792 (1990-09-01), Shizuo et al.
patent: 5158122 (1992-10-01), Moffett
patent: 5377736 (1995-01-01), Stech
patent: 6105645 (2000-08-01), Ingram
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Maust Timothy L.
LandOfFree
Central tire inflation system and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Central tire inflation system and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Central tire inflation system and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2515049