Abstract:
A wheel assembly for connection to an onboard tire inflation device includes an inboard rim part, an outboard rim part, a rim base on at least one of the parts and a wheel mounting portion. The wheel mounting portion includes a first passageway extending from an inner opening in the wheel mounting portion to an opening in the rim base. An adapter is mounted to the wheel mounting portion of the wheel and extends at least partially into the inner opening of the wheel in one embodiment, the adapter includes second and third passageways, a circumferential groove in communication with the third passageway, and a valve seat. A valve is mounted to the valve seat. The adapter may include a spindle seat, and the other end of the second passageway opposite the valve seat terminates in an opening in the spindle seat. A seal member may be located in an annular groove formed in the spindle seat around the opening.