A pressurized fluid supply apparatus and method of supplying pressurized fluid is provided. The pressurized fluid supply apparatus includes a housing configured to rotate about an axis, at least one fluid pump coupled to the housing and configured to pressurize a fluid therein, and at least one movable element disposed within the housing. The at least one movable element is configured to move within the housing when the housing rotates about the axis, which causes the at least one movable element to be in periodic driving engagement with the at least one fluid pump to cause the fluid to be pressurized.

In an aspect, an inflatable object includes an object body enclosing a chamber to receive air, and a valve mounted to the inflatable object body, including a valve body defining a passageway between the chamber and an ambient environment. The valve body has a shoulder. The valve body defines an outside end, which opens to the ambient environment, and an inside end, which opens into the chamber. The valve includes a one-way flap that is movable between an open position to permit fluid communication between the chamber and the ambient environment through the passageway, and a closed position. The one-way flap is biased to the closed position with a closing force selected to be overcomable to move the one-way flap to the open position by an airflow having a speed that is less than about 48 m/s, and which is at a pressure lower than 1 atmosphere.

Vacuum adapter apparatus, systems, and related methods for use with inflatable structures having relief valves are disclosed. An example vacuum adapter for a relief valve of an inflatable structure includes a first end portion adapted to connect with the relief valve, a second end portion adapted to connect with a vacuum fluid line, an intermediate portion coupled between the first and second end portions, a vacuum chamber extending through the intermediate portion between the first and second end portions such that a fluid is conveyable through the vacuum chamber from the relief valve to the vacuum fluid line, and a fluid seal positioned on the first end portion. The fluid seal is configured to engage an outlet portion of the relief valve to maintain a negative gauge pressure in the vacuum chamber that causes the relief valve to open during a deflating process of the inflatable structure.

Vacuum adapter apparatus, systems, and related methods for use with inflatable structures having relief valves are disclosed. An example vacuum adapter for a relief valve of an inflatable structure includes a first end portion adapted to connect with the relief valve, a second end portion adapted to connect with a vacuum fluid line, an intermediate portion coupled between the first and second end portions, a vacuum chamber extending through the intermediate portion between the first and second end portions such that a fluid is conveyable through the vacuum chamber from the relief valve to the vacuum fluid line, and a fluid seal positioned on the first end portion. The fluid seal is configured to engage an outlet portion of the relief valve to maintain a negative gauge pressure in the vacuum chamber that causes the relief valve to open during a deflating process of the inflatable structure.

Inflatable structures, or aeromorphs, are provided with reinforcing member shape controlling features. The inflatable structure includes a bladder formed of a programmable substrate and defining an outer perimeter. The bladder includes a plurality of seams and a plurality of foldable segments defined by the plurality of seams. At least one hinge is provided, located adjacent each foldable segment. The hinge is configured to permit a folding movement of the respective foldable segment. At least one reinforcing member is provided, secured to the bladder and configured to guide a directional movement of at least one of the plurality of foldable segments, control a shape of the inflatable structure, and determine a sequence of folding. In various aspects, the reinforcing member includes a thermoplastic polyurethane, and is secured to a surface of the bladder with additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3-D printing.

Inflatable structures, or aeromorphs, are provided with reinforcing member shape controlling features. The inflatable structure includes a bladder formed of a programmable substrate and defining an outer perimeter. The bladder includes a plurality of seams and a plurality of foldable segments defined by the plurality of seams. At least one hinge is provided, located adjacent each foldable segment. The hinge is configured to permit a folding movement of the respective foldable segment. At least one reinforcing member is provided, secured to the bladder and configured to guide a directional movement of at least one of the plurality of foldable segments, control a shape of the inflatable structure, and determine a sequence of folding. In various aspects, the reinforcing member includes a thermoplastic polyurethane, and is secured to a surface of the bladder with additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3-D printing.

An Automatic pressure valve for the inflation-deflation of pneumatic arrangements comprises a main body (102) with an inlet connector (103) communicated with a pressurized air supply network an outlet connector connected to a pneumatic arrangement and a mechanical means which allows for a total or partial air passage or blockage to perform inflation-deflation operations of the pneumatic arrangement in a faster and practical way. The mechanical means comprises a main movable plunger (116) having an inner stepped through channel (117), a spring (120) arranged on a seat (121) defined in the inner stepped channel (117), an inflation plunger (122) operatively retained by said spring (120), a proximal movable end (126) within a first inner chamber (105), a reduced middle section (119), and a distal movable end (128) having a smaller diameter than the proximal end (126) and arranged within a second inner chamber (106).

An Automatic pressure valve for the inflation-deflation of pneumatic arrangements comprises a main body (102) with an inlet connector (103) communicated with a pressurized air supply network an outlet connector connected to a pneumatic arrangement and a mechanical means which allows for a total or partial air passage or blockage to perform inflation-deflation operations of the pneumatic arrangement in a faster and practical way. The mechanical means comprises a main movable plunger (116) having an inner stepped through channel (117), a spring (120) arranged on a seat (121) defined in the inner stepped channel (117), an inflation plunger (122) operatively retained by said spring (120), a proximal movable end (126) within a first inner chamber (105), a reduced middle section (119), and a distal movable end (128) having a smaller diameter than the proximal end (126) and arranged within a second inner chamber (106).

A tire valve assembly is disclosed. The tire valve assembly includes a gas nozzle structure, a movable rod, an air pipe, an elastic close contact pad, a screw nut, an elastic O-ring and a dust cap. The tire valve assembly can use a punched hole on the end of the movable rod to receive the tire repair liquid flowing into the air pipe. Take out the movable rod during maintenance to remove the tire repair liquid in the punched hole. When the movable rod is reinstalled in the air pipe, the tire repair liquid remaining on the inner wall of the air pipe will also be squeezed out of the air pipe. With this, the tire repair liquid will no longer block the tire valve assembly.

A valve with elastic deformation and having a tubular core adapted to form an internal air passage from an external longitudinal end of the valve to an internal longitudinal end, the tubular core being at least partially surrounded by a sleeve of elastically deformable material and having a bulb shape widening in proximity to the internal longitudinal end of the valve and ending in an internal longitudinal bulb end. A cup made of rigid material includes a first portion facing an internal longitudinal bulb end face and at least one second portion curved away from the internal longitudinal end of the valve, the cup serving as a way of limiting deformation of the bulb.