Patent ID: 7607465
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
1. A device for maintaining a desired inflation pressure of an interior of a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle, the wheel 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 mounted on the stationary member at a radial distance from the axis of rotation, the magnetic element producing a magnetic field; at least one electrical coil mounted on the wheel and being radially disposed from the axis of rotation relative to the magnetic element to pass through the magnetic field during each revolution of the wheel, the coil operative to induce electrical voltage pulses in response to transiting the magnetic field and to output the electrical voltage pulses for providing power to at least a portion of the device; and an air compressor mounted on the wheel, the air compressor powered by one of transiting the magnetic field and the electrical voltage pulses induced in the coil, the air compressor in fluid communication with the atmosphere and the interior of the tire and operative to output compressed air to the interior of the tire; and means for regulating output pressure of the compressor to the desired inflation pressure.