Patent ID: 8002873
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: B01D,C01B

Abstract:
1. A method of increasing the nitrogen concentration within a tire of a vehicle comprising: transporting a mobile nitrogen concentrating apparatus to a position adjacent the vehicle; concentrating a nitrogen content of a compressed first gas to obtain a second gas; coupling the nitrogen concentrating apparatus in fluid communication with the tire, wherein the tire includes an existing gas contained therein; programming an inflator to purge the tire to a first predetermined pressure and then pressurize the tire to a second predetermined pressure; purging the tire of a portion of the existing gas to the first predetermined pressure; then introducing a portion of the second gas into the tire to create a first mixture, wherein the first mixture has a higher nitrogen concentration than the existing gas; then purging the tire of a portion of the first mixture; then introducing a portion of the second gas into the tire to create a second mixture, wherein the second mixture has a higher nitrogen concentration than the first mixture; detecting a change in pressure within the tire; detecting a flow rate of air related to the tire; estimating a total tire volume using the detected change in pressure and the detected flow rate; estimating a time remaining for completing a plurality of purge and pressurize cycles as a function of detected change in pressure and the detected flow rate; and notifying a user of the estimated remaining time.