Anthony W Ingram

US Patent:

6585019, Jul 1, 2003

Filed:

Mar 10, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/522623

Inventors:

Anthony L. Ingram - San Antonio TX 78247

International Classification:

B60C 2310

US Classification:

152417

Abstract:

A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining the desired pressure in the tires on a tractor trailer or other vehicle having pressurized axles. The assembly communicates the valve stems on a pair of adjacent tires with the axle interior through the use of a flexible tube extending between a stationary first fitting threadably engaged in the axle spindle and a rotary housing secured against the outside end surface of the hub cap so as to be positioned exteriorly of the wheel lubrication compartment and rotatable with the hub cap. The first fitting defines an open channel extending axially therethrough and includes an o-ring seal extending about the channel and forming an airtight seal within the fitting about the tube. A stationary shaft member having an air passageway extending axially therethrough carries the downstream end of the flexible tube and projects into the rotatable housing to communicate the axle interior with the housing through the flexible tube and provide a rotatable mounting for the housing on the shaft. The shaft defines a stationary bearing surface on its downstream end.

US Patent:

6968882, Nov 29, 2005

Filed:

May 21, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/851441

Inventors:

Anthony L. Ingram - San Antonio TX, US

Assignee:

Airgo IP, LLC - Edmond OK

International Classification:

B60C023/00

US Classification:

152417

Abstract:

A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining the desired pressure in the tires on a tractor trailer or other vehicle having pressurized axles. The assembly communicates the valve stems on a pair of adjacent tires with the axle interior through the use of a flexible tube extending between a stationary first fitting threadably engaged in the axle spindle and a rotary housing secured against the outside end surface of the hub cap so as to be positioned exteriorly of the wheel lubrication compartment and rotatable with the hub cap. The first fitting defines an open channel extending axially therethrough and includes an o-ring seal extending about the channel and forming an airtight seal within the fitting about the tube. A stationary shaft member having an air passageway extending axially therethrough carries the downstream end of the flexible tube and projects into the rotatable housing to communicate the axle interior with the housing through the flexible tube and provide a rotatable mounting for the housing on the shaft. The shaft defines a stationary bearing surface on its downstream end.

US Patent:

7302980, Dec 4, 2007

Filed:

Sep 7, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/220425

Inventors:

Anthony L. Ingram - San Antonio TX, US

Assignee:

Airgo IP, LLC - Guthrie OK

International Classification:

B60C 23/10

US Classification:

152417

Abstract:

Preferably, a rotary union assanblv includes at least a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion extending axially into an interior of an axle of a vehicle containing a source of pressurized air, and a downstream end portion upon which a housing is rotatably mounted. The housing of the preferred rotary union assembly is attachable to the exterior of a hub cap of the vehicle for rotation with the hub cap, and the housing preferably defines at least one air passagway extending therethrough that the tubular member communicates the source of the pressurized air with the passageway in the housing, and promotes passage of the pressurized air from the source of the pressurized air to a tire of the vehicle. Further, a rotary element is disposed within the housing of the preferred embodiment and provides a rotary element in abutting disposition with a stationary element.

US Patent:

61056456, Aug 22, 2000

Filed:

May 14, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/079571

Inventors:

Anthony L. Ingram - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

B60C 2300

US Classification:

152415

Abstract:

A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining the desired pressure in the tires on a tractor trailer or other vehicle having pressurized axles. The assembly communicates the valve stems on a pair of adjacent tires with the axle interior through the use of a flexible tube extending between a stationary first fitting threadably engaged in the axle spindle and a rotary housing secured against the outside end surface of the hub cap so as to be positioned exteriorly of the wheel lubrication compartment and rotatable with the hub cap. The first fitting defines an open channel extending axially therethrough and includes an o-ring seal extending about the channel and forming an airtight seal within the fitting about the tube. A stationary shaft member having an air passageway extending axially therethrough carries the downstream end of the flexible tube and projects into the rotatable housing to communicate the axle interior with the housing through the flexible tube and provide a rotatable mounting for the housing on the shaft. The shaft defines a stationary bearing surface on its downstream end.

US Patent:

55849490, Dec 17, 1996

Filed:

Feb 8, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/385504

Inventors:

Anthony L. Ingram - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

B60C 2300

US Classification:

152417

Abstract:

An air control system having an air supply extending into the inside of the axles of a trailer to the tires. An air sealing barrier is connected adjacent each end of the axle for sealing air inside of the axle between the barriers. A pneumatic rotary union is positioned in each barrier and includes an air passageway in communication with the air inside of the axle and is connected to a rotatable air connection extending through a lubrication compartment at the end of the axle. An oil sight plug having a relief valve is connected to the lubrication compartment.