Portable, remote, fast-fill inflator and nitrogen converter unit

• US 7,770,608 B2
• Filed: 01/16/2009
• Issued: 08/10/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nitrofill, LLC
• Original Assignee: Kreska Technologies
• Inventors: Lighter, Jay
• Primary Examiner(s): MAUST, TIMOTHY LEWIS
• Application Number:
  US12/355,528
• Publication Number:
  US 20090120529A1
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 141/7, 141/8, 141/38, 141/59, 141/65, 141/66, 141/98, 141/231, 141/234, 141/236, 141/237, 137/210, 137/266, 137/340, 137/557, 137/899.4
• US Class Current: 141/8
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 5/046 using electrical or electronical means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/4857 With manifold or grouped outlets
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8326 Fluid pressure responsive indicator, recorder or alarm

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.

Claims

1. A method of evacuating and inflating a plurality of pneumatic tires comprising:

opening a relief valve on a manifold connected to a plurality of gas supply hoses to vent the supply hoses to atmosphere;

closing the relief valve;

supplying pressurized inert gas from a gas source to the tires through the manifold to the gas supply hoses to inflate the tires to a first predetermined characteristic of inert gas;

opening the relief valve to vent the gas supply hoses to atmosphere;

closing the relief valve;

supplying pressurized inert gas from the gas source to the tires through the gas supply hoses to inflate the tire with a second predetermined characteristic of inert gas, and, determining the first predetermined characteristic and the second predetermined characteristic of inert gas based on the volume of the tire at the desired pressure, temperature of the inert gas.

2. A method of evacuating and inflating a plurality of pneumatic tires comprising:

opening a relief valve on a manifold connected to a plurality of gas supply hoses to vent the supply hoses to atmosphere;

closing the relief valve;

supplying pressurized inert gas from a gas source to the tires through the manifold to the gas supply hoses to inflate the tires to a first predetermined characteristic of inert gas;

opening the relief valve to vent the gas supply hoses to atmosphere;

closing the relief valve;

supplying pressurized inert gas from the gas source to the tires through the gas supply hoses to inflate the tire with a second predetermined characteristic of inert gas;

wherein the steps of opening the relief valve, closing the relief valve and supplying pressurized inert gas are repeated until a concentration of the inert gas reaches a predetermined threshold; and

, wherein the concentration is based at least on a sampling of the gas vented to atmosphere.

3. A method of evacuating and inflating a plurality of pneumatic tires comprising:

opening a relief valve on a manifold connected to a plurality of gas supply hoses to vent the supply hoses to atmosphere;

closing the relief valve;

supplying pressurized inert gas from a gas source to the tires through the manifold to the gas supply hoses to inflate the tires to a first predetermined characteristic of inert gas;

opening the relief valve to vent the gas supply hoses to atmosphere;

closing the relief valve;

supplying pressurized inert gas from the gas source to the tires through the gas supply hoses to inflate the tire with a second predetermined characteristic of inert gas;

wherein the gas characteristic is selected from the group comprising pressure, volume and gas concentration.

4. A method of evacuating and inflating a plurality of pneumatic tires comprising:

opening a relief valve on a manifold connected to a plurality of gas supply hoses to vent the supply hoses to atmosphere;

closing the relief valve;

supplying pressurized inert gas from a gas source to the tires through the manifold to the gas supply hoses to inflate the tires to a first predetermined characteristic of inert gas;

opening the relief valve to vent the gas supply hoses to atmosphere;

closing the relief valve;

supplying pressurized inert gas from the gas source to the tires through the gas supply hoses to inflate the tire with a second predetermined characteristic of inert gas;

wherein the relief valve is closed at a manifold pressure of 3 psi.