This invention is a device designed to deflate rubber rafts, inner tubes, air mattresses and other inflatable objects equipped with cut-check valves or self-closing squeeze valves. The device is constructed of a rigid material, the body of which is comprised of a slender conical shape, terminating in a perpendicular T shaped handle. A tapered air gap runs through the core of the slender conical body along the vertical axis of the device. When inserted into said valves, the smooth rounded tip of the device safely penetrates the cut-check or flap portion of the valve, allowing air to flow from the inflatable object, through the device, and into the atmosphere. The tapered body is compatible with valves of various size diameters. When inserted into said valves, friction ensures the device will remain firmly seated inside said valves allowing hands free deflation.

An air maintenance tire system and method in accordance with the present invention includes an air pumping mechanism configured to maintain air pressure within a first tire and a second tire in a dual tire arrangement. The system includes a control valve assembly attached to an elongate valve stem projecting from a rim of a first tandem tire, and a one-way valve carrying connecting tube from a sidewall air pumping passageway within a sidewall of the first tire. The control valve assembly further includes first and second outlet tubes connected to the elongate valve stem to selectively pass pressurized air into the tire cavities of both tandem mounted tires on an as-needed basis.

An air maintenance tire system and method in accordance with the present invention includes an air pumping mechanism configured to maintain air pressure within a first tire and a second tire in a dual tire arrangement. The system includes a control valve assembly attached to an elongate valve stem projecting from a rim of a first tandem tire, and a one-way valve carrying connecting tube from a sidewall air pumping passageway within a sidewall of the first tire. The control valve assembly further includes first and second outlet tubes connected to the elongate valve stem to selectively pass pressurized air into the tire cavities of both tandem mounted tires on an as-needed basis.

A pneumatic valve adapter that couples with a valve stem of a bicycle tire is provided. The valve adapter comprises a cap, a seal, a biasing member, and a sealing member. The cap includes a pin passage and a circumferential concavity on an outer diameter. The receiver is coupled to the cap and is couplable with the valve stem, the receiver having a first opening that is fluidly coupled to a central passage. The seal has a circular shape and cross-section, the seal is disposed between the cap and the end of the receiver, the seal having a second hole that fluidly couples the first opening and the pin passage. The biasing member is disposed in the central passage. The sealing member is disposed within the central passage and biased against the seal by the biasing member, the sealing member being movable between a first position and a second position.

A pneumatic valve adapter that couples with a valve stem of a bicycle tire is provided. The valve adapter comprises a cap, a seal, a biasing member, and a sealing member. The cap includes a pin passage and a circumferential concavity on an outer diameter. The receiver is coupled to the cap and is couplable with the valve stem, the receiver having a first opening that is fluidly coupled to a central passage. The seal has a circular shape and cross-section, the seal is disposed between the cap and the end of the receiver, the seal having a second hole that fluidly couples the first opening and the pin passage. The biasing member is disposed in the central passage. The sealing member is disposed within the central passage and biased against the seal by the biasing member, the sealing member being movable between a first position and a second position.

An inflation manifold connected to dual pneumatic tires by air hoses provides a central location for tire inflation and location of pressure sensors. A hose block connected to dual pneumatic tires by air hoses provides a central location for location of pressure sensors. The pressure sensors may be TPMS sensors or a combination of TPMS sensor and pressure gauge.

The invention provides a filling device for an inflatable unit, e.g., a pneumatic tire for a car. The device is connectable to a source of air pressure and to a valve for the inflatable unit. The valve has a whistle arranged to produce an audible signal based on a flow of air in the release outlet, and to enable improved handling and sound performance, the whistle comprises a flow-path forming a first leg extending radially from the passage, and a second leg extending about the passage.

An air maintenance tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity bounded by first and second sidewalls extending to a tire tread region, air pumping means for generating pressurized air for maintaining air pressure within the tire cavity at a preset pressure level, and a faceted valve housing disposed adjacent an outward end of the valve stem and operative to selectively open and close pressurized air flow from the valve stem internal passageway into the tire cavity. The first sidewall has at least one bending region operatively bending within a rolling tire footprint and a sidewall groove defined by groove sidewalls positioned within the bending region of the first tire sidewall. The groove deforms segment by segment between a non-deformed state and a deformed, constricted state in response to the bending of the first sidewall bending region within the rolling tire footprint.

An air maintenance tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity bounded by first and second sidewalls extending to a tire tread region, air pumping means for generating pressurized air for maintaining air pressure within the tire cavity at a preset pressure level, and a valve housing disposed adjacent an outward end of the valve stem and operative to selectively open and close pressurized air flow from the valve stem internal passageway into the tire cavity. The first sidewall has at least one bending region operatively bending within a rolling tire footprint and a sidewall groove defined by groove sidewalls positioned within the bending region of the first tire sidewall. The groove deforms segment by segment between a non-deformed state and a deformed, constricted state in response to the bending of the first sidewall bending region within the rolling tire footprint.

An apparatus including a pouch and a valve stem. The pouch can include a sealant. The valve stem can be fluidly coupled to the pouch.