Portable, remote, fast-fill inflator and nitrogen converter unit
First Claim
1. A method of ensuring pressure equalization between a plurality of tires during conversion of fill gas in the plurality of tires from a first gas mixture to a final gas mixture, wherein the final gas mixture has a higher concentration of nitrogen than the first gas mixture, and wherein the plurality of tires are in fluid communication via a manifold, the method comprising:
- extracting a portion of the first gas mixture from the plurality of tires through the manifold;
supplying nitrogen gas to the plurality of tires from a nitrogen source through the manifold creating a second gas mixture, the second gas mixture comprising the first gas mixture and the supplied nitrogen gas;
extracting a portion of the second gas mixture from the plurality of tires through the manifold; and
supplying nitrogen gas to the plurality of tires from the nitrogen source through the manifold creating a third gas mixture, the third gas mixture comprising the first gas mixture, the second gas mixture and the supplied nitrogen gas.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A portable device for delivering nitrogen to multiple tires includes a gas source and supply line connected to a controller. The device also includes a gas delivery line comprising a manifold with a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with each other. A gas delivery line is operably connected to the controller and a plurality of extension lines with engagement chucks are operably connected to the outlets. The controller controls the supply of gas to the gas delivery line and controls a relief valve for venting the gas delivery line. The device also includes a sensor and a processor connected the controller and sensor which accepts user inputs. The controller, manifold and processor are affixed to a stand.
22 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of ensuring pressure equalization between a plurality of tires during conversion of fill gas in the plurality of tires from a first gas mixture to a final gas mixture, wherein the final gas mixture has a higher concentration of nitrogen than the first gas mixture, and wherein the plurality of tires are in fluid communication via a manifold, the method comprising:
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extracting a portion of the first gas mixture from the plurality of tires through the manifold; supplying nitrogen gas to the plurality of tires from a nitrogen source through the manifold creating a second gas mixture, the second gas mixture comprising the first gas mixture and the supplied nitrogen gas; extracting a portion of the second gas mixture from the plurality of tires through the manifold; and supplying nitrogen gas to the plurality of tires from the nitrogen source through the manifold creating a third gas mixture, the third gas mixture comprising the first gas mixture, the second gas mixture and the supplied nitrogen gas. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of ensuring pressure equalization between a plurality of tires during conversion of a fill gas from a first gas mixture to a second gas mixture with a greater nitrogen concentration than the first gas mixture, wherein the conversion includes evacuation of the fill gas and inflation of the tires at least twice, the method comprising:
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providing a plurality of supply hoses in fluid communication with each other; attaching each of the supply hoses to a corresponding valve stem on the plurality of tires; supplying pressurized nitrogen from a gas source to said plurality of tires via the supply hoses; monitoring and controlling a gas characteristic of the pressurized nitrogen in the plurality of supply hoses to thereby inflate the plurality of tires to a first predetermined pressure to thereby ensure pressure equalization between each of the plurality of tires; releasing the fill gas through the plurality of supply hoses; and
,monitoring and controlling a gas characteristic of the fill gas in the plurality of supply hoses to thereby deflate the plurality of tires to a second predetermined pressure to thereby ensure pressure equalization between each of the plurality of tires and evacuation of the fill gas. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A method of ensuring pressure equalization between a plurality of tires during conversion of fill gas in the plurality of tires from an initial gas mixture to a desired gas mixture, the initial gas mixture having an initial pressure and wherein the desired gas mixture has a higher concentration of nitrogen than the initial gas mixture, comprising:
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establishing fluid communication between the plurality of tires via a manifold; decreasing pressure in the plurality of tires from the initial pressure by extracting a portion of the initial gas mixture from the plurality of tires through the manifold until a predetermined decreased pressure is reached in the manifold; increasing pressure of the plurality of tires from the predetermined decreased pressure by supplying nitrogen gas to the plurality of tires from a nitrogen source through the manifold until a predetermined increased pressure is reached in the manifold to create an intermediate gas mixture, the intermediate gas mixture having a higher concentration of nitrogen than the initial gas mixture; decreasing pressure in the plurality of tires from the increased pressure by extracting a portion of the intermediate gas mixture from the plurality of tires through the manifold until a second predetermined decreased pressure is reached in the manifold; increasing pressure of the plurality of tires from the second predetermined decreased pressure by supplying nitrogen gas to the plurality of tires from a nitrogen source through the manifold until a desired pressure is reached in the manifold to create a desired gas mixture; and de-establishing fluid communication between each one of the plurality of tires. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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Specification