Patent ID: 8069890

Claim:
A system for integration of a CTI valve into a wheel hub bore, comprising: a circular wheel having a central rotational axis, the wheel having a rim, the rim having formed coaxially on opposite ends thereof outwardly flaring circumferential flange sections disposed to be engaged by the beads of a tire mounted on the rim; said wheel having intermediate said opposite ends thereof, a transverse wall section extending transversely of the axis of said wheel, said transverse wall section being adapted to connect to a vehicle wheel hub having a hub port for the passage of air; a central opening of said transverse wall section disposed coaxially of said axis; a central tire inflation valve member configured to be disposed in said central opening, said central tire inflation valve member: being in communication with an interior of said tire if said tire is mounted on the rim and said central tire inflation valve member is disposed in said central opening; and being in communication with said hub port via a hub port connector air passageway in said central tire inflation valve member if said central tire inflation valve member is disposed in said central opening; and an air duct formed within the wheel, wherein said air duct is: open at one end proximate an outer periphery of said rim; and in communication at an other end with an air duct connector air passageway in said central tire inflation valve member; and wherein at least one of the following has a peripheral groove intermediate said air duct connector air passageway and said air duct such that said air duct connector air passageway is in communication with said air duct via said groove: said central tire inflation valve member, and said transverse wall section at said central opening.