Eaton Corporation

Dana Corporation

Alan R Freigang

Gary R Schultz

James Alden Beverly

Thomas L Runels

Kurt R Gerlofs

James Foltan Ziech

An improved fluid flow valve ( ) for a fluid flow control system. The flow valve ( ) includes a flow-regulating assembly ( ) having a housing ( ) having a piston bore ( ) within which is slideably disposed a piston-like member ( ). The piston-like member ( ) has a primary flow passage ( ) and at least one secondary flow passage ( ) formed therein. A first portion ( ) of the pistonlike member ( ) is configured for mating with a seat ( ) of the housing ( ), and a resilient member ( ) biases the piston-like member ( ) away from the seat ( ). When at least a predetermined fluid pressure differential exists, the first portion ( ) mates with the seat ( ) and causes the at least one secondary flow passage ( ) to be at least substantially closed such that fluid can substantially flow only through the primary flow passage ( ).

Fluid flow valve with variable flow rate

An improved fluid flow valve (,) for a fluid flow control system. The flow valve (,) includes a flow-regulating assembly (,) having a housing (,) having a piston bore (,) within which is slideably disposed a piston-like member (,). The piston-like member (,) has a primary flow passage (,) and at least one secondary flow passage (,) formed therein. A first portion (,) of the pistonlike member (,) is configured for mating with a seat (,) of the housing (,), and a resilient member (,) biases the piston-like member (,) away from the seat (,). When at least a predetermined fluid pressure differential exists, the first portion (,) mates with the seat (,) and causes the at least one secondary flow passage (,) to be at least substantially closed such that fluid can substantially flow only through the primary flow passage (,).

A pressure relief valve (61) including a body (110, 114) interconnecting an inflatable volume (20a,22a) with a source of pressurized fluid (30) and the atmosphere. A pair of valve members (120, 122) cooperate to allow controlled inflation and deflation of the volumes (20a,22a) as well as to close off the fluid path between the source and the volumes and vent fluid from the volumes to the atmosphere in order to achieve at least two predetermined fluid pressures in the volume.

Two stage kneeling valve

A tire pressure control system (10) for wheels (28) of a vehicle. The system includes an air control circuit (40) having a positive pressure air source (42), a vacuum pressure air source (44), a central control unit (46), a vehicle speed sensor (47), and a command/display console (48). The control circuit (40) includes valves (62,64,66,68,70) and a conduit assembly (74) for controlling communication of the positive and vacuum pressure air to wheel valve assemblies (14) mounted on each wheel. A vent valve (86) provides quick venting of positive air pressure in the conduit assembly (74) for effecting rapid closing of a valve device (100) in each wheel valve (14). Each wheel valve also includes a valve device (104) providing substantially unrestricted air flow from the conduit assembly (74) to the wheels when valve device (100) is open and providing restricted air flow from the wheels to the conduit assembly (74) to ensure closing of the valve device (100 ) when the conduit is vented.

Vehicle central tire inflation system

A vehicle including a pressure relief valve mounted on a wheel is provided. The valve includes a spring biased vent valve mechanism therein and a blocker which is a actuable or manipulable to either a vent position or a nonvent position. When the blocker is in the vent position, the valve acts as a vent valve. When the blocker is in the nonvent position, the spring biased valve mechanism is prevented from opening.

Pressure relief valve

A tire pressure control system (10) for wheels (28) of a vehicle. The system includes an air control circuit (40) having a positive pressure air source (42), a vacuum pressure air source (44), a central control unit (46), a vehicle speed sensor (47), and a command/display console (48). The control circuit (40) includes valves (62,64,66,68,70) and a conduit assembly (74) for controlling communication of the positive and vacuum pressure air to wheel valve assemblies (14) mounted on each wheel. A vent valve (74) for effecting rapid closing of a valve device (100) in each wheel valve (14). Each wheel valve also includes a valve device (104) providing substantially unrestricted air flow from the conduit assembly (74) to the wheels when valve device (100) is open and providing restricted air flow from the wheels to the conduit assembly (74) to ensure closing of the valve device (100) when the conduit is vented.

Vent for vehicle tire inflation system

A land vehicle wheel end assembly (16) for a rigid tubular drive axle assembly (10) includes a nonrotatable sleeve (34) interposed between a portion of a spindle (14) of the axle assembly and a wheel hub (20). The wheel hub is rotatably supported on the spindle by inboard and outboard bearings (24,26) lubricated by oil from the drive axle. The hub includes a passage for directing the oil to the inboard bearing (24). The sleeve and hub include air passages (34f,34d,39,34e and 20e) for directing air from a vehicle onboard central tire inflation system to a pneumatic tire supported by the hub. A relative rotational interface between the sleeve and hub air passages is sealed by a seal assembly (52) which is lubricated by the oil. An outboard end of the sleeve preferably includes an axially open annular groove (45 or 47) for inserting an O-ring (38) seat therein after installation of the sleeve on the spindle.

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Scotts, MI, United States of America

Alan R Freigang