Patent ID: 6968882
Filing Date: 2005-11-29
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
1. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising: a stationary fitting carried by an end of an axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough; a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially through said channel in said fitting into the interior of said axle and communicating with the source of pressurized air; and a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing.