초록 ▼

A tire inflation apparatus and method involves first evacuating a seated pneumatic tire using a vacuum pump and then inflating the tire with a dried inert gas under pressure without allowing any ambient air to reenter the evacuated tire. The apparatus includes a three way valve which is connected by

A tire inflation apparatus and method involves first evacuating a seated pneumatic tire using a vacuum pump and then inflating the tire with a dried inert gas under pressure without allowing any ambient air to reenter the evacuated tire. The apparatus includes a three way valve which is connected by a first conduit to a tank of pressurized inert gas and by a second conduit to the vacuum pump. A hose having a tire valve chuck connected to a distal end is connected at the opposite end from the chuck to the three way valve. The three way valve selectively and alternatively flow connects the hose to the tank of pressurized gas or the vacuum pump through the first or second conduits respectively. The hose is initially connected to the vacuum pump to evacuate the tire, and then to the tank of pressurized gas to inflate the tire. A heater on the first conduit heats the cooled gas exiting the tank to raise the temperature of the pressurized gas delivered to the tire at least to the ambient temperature.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:] [1.] A pneumatic tire evacuation and inflation apparatus, comprising:(a) a three way valve including first and second valve openings which are selectively and alternatively connectable with a third valve opening;(b) a tank

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:] [1.] A pneumatic tire evacuation and inflation apparatus, comprising:(a) a three way valve including first and second valve openings which are selectively and alternatively connectable with a third valve opening;(b) a tank of pressurized inert gas having an outlet flow connected to said first valve opening by a first conduit;(c) a vacuum pump having an inlet flow connected to said second valve opening by a second conduit;(d) a hose flow connected at one end to said third valve opening and at an opposite end to a tire valve chuck; and(e) a heat exchanger connected to said first conduit or said hose for heating pressurized gas flowing therethrough from said tank.