Tire pressure maintenance device

• US 20080135151A1
• Filed: 02/08/2008
• Published: 06/12/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Richard Loewe
• Original Assignee: Richard Loewe
• Inventors: Loewe, Richard
• Granted Patent: US 7,607,465 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 152/419
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/004 the control being done on the wheel, e.g. using a wheel-mounted reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0413 Wireless charging of active radio frequency circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/043 using transformer type signal transducers, e.g. rotary transformers
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/126 the pumps being mounted on the wheel rims
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/129 the pumps being mounted on wheel spokes
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/133 activated by centrifugal force

Abstract

A device is provided for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle. The device includes a microcompressor and a magnetic element. The compressor is mounted on the wheel and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and the tire. The magnetic element is mounted on a stationary member of the wheel assembly and produces a magnetic field. The compressor is activated by transiting the magnetic field during each wheel revolution. Alternatively, an electric coil mounted on the wheel may transit the magnetic field to generate electrical power for an electrically-driven compressor. Thus, the compressor may pump air into the tire to maintain the desired inflation pressure. For leaks or device failure, a driver may be notified and a battery can operate the compressor at a high rate to maximize tire use until a safe place is reached.

Claims

1. A device for maintaining a desired inflation pressure of an interior of a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle, the wheel being rotatably connected to a stationary member of a vehicle wheel assembly and defining an axis of rotation, the device comprising:

at least one magnetic element being mounted on the stationary member at a radial distance from the axis of rotation, the magnetic element producing a magnetic field;

a magnetically driven air compressor being mounted on the wheel and being radially disposed from the axis of rotation relative to the magnetic element to transit the magnetic field during each revolution of the wheel, the compressor being in fluid communication with the atmosphere and the interior of the tire, the compressor being operative to intake air from the atmosphere and to output compressed air to the interior of the tire in response to transiting the magnetic field; and

means for regulating output pressure of the compressor to the desired inflation pressure without off-wheel aid.

2-30. -30. (canceled)