A high temperature warning system for a vehicle steer axle an air pressure supply, a normally-closed valve in fluid communication with pressure supply, a heat sensitive control capable of opening the normally-closed valve upon a predetermined temperature, the heat sensitive control mounted adjacent to the wheel end assembly in a heat exchange relationship therewith, and a warning system connected to the air pressure supply for actuation upon opening of the normally-closed valve.

A tire inflation system for a small trailer may include a fluid pressure source mountable to the trailer, and fluid conduits providing sealed fluid communication between the fluid pressure source and the small trailer's pneumatic tires. The system may further include a fluid connector configured for connection to an external fluid power source.

A wireless sensor for a wheel end assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle is provided. The wheel end assembly includes a wheel hub and a hub cap mounted on the wheel hub. The sensor includes mounting means disposed in the hub cap. Sensing means are mounted on the mounting means to sense at least one condition of the vehicle. A processor is mounted on the mounting means and is electrically connected to the sensing means to process data from the sensing means. Communication means are mounted on the mounting means and are electrically connected to the processor to communicate the processed data to a user. An electrical energy storage device is mounted on the mounting means and is electrically connected to the sensing means, the processor and the communication means, enabling the sensor to be independent from the vehicle power supply. The sensor also accommodates components of a tire inflation system.

A wheel end assembly having a spindle, a hub, and a rotary seal assembly. The spindle defines a spindle air passage, a vent passage, and a spindle hole. The hub defines a hub air passage. The rotary seal assembly fluidly connects the spindle air passage to the hub air passage. The vent passage fluidly connects an inboard cavity to the spindle hole.

A tire pressure management system includes at least an axle enclosing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap, the rotary union includes at least rotary union housing providing a central bore, a fluid conduit having upstream and downstream ends, a first bearing and a second bearing. Each of the bearings are in contact engagement with the fluid conduit via an inner race, and in pressing engagement with a bearing sleeve via an outer race, the bearing sleeve in pressing contact with the central bore; and a first and second seal, the first seal is disposed between the first bearing and the downstream end of the fluid conduit, and the second seal is disposed between the second bearing and the upstream end of the fluid conduit.

A tire inflation system having a spindle that has a spindle fastener hole and spindle passage through which a pressurized gas flows for inflating a tire. An adapter or a fastener tube may inhibit pressurized gas from flowing from the spindle passage into the spindle fastener hole.

A method for detecting a leak in a pressure vessel of a system including a plurality of pressure vessels in fluid communication with a common header comprises: reducing a fluid pressure in the common header to a first predetermined value below an operating pressure of the plurality of pressure vessels; gradually adding fluid to the common header at a first flow rate to increase the fluid pressure in the common header from the first predetermined value; monitoring, after gradually adding the fluid to the common header, the fluid pressure in the common header; and determining, based on the fluid pressure in the common header after gradually adding the fluid to the common header, a leak in at least one pressure vessel of the plurality of pressure vessels.

A tire pressure control system can include a pneumatic line with a first end in fluid communication with an interior of a tire and a pressure sensing device configured to acquire pressure data within the tire measured from the single pneumatic line. A motion sensing device can be configured to acquire motion data of the tire pressure control system. A microcontroller can receive the pressure data from the pressure sensing device and the motion data from the motion sensing device. A pneumatic solenoid in fluid communication with a second end of the single pneumatic line can be in an initial, closed position. The microcontroller can open the pneumatic solenoid and release fluid from the interior of the tire when the pressure data and motion data meet preset conditions.

A regulator for establishing outlet fluid pressure. The regulator includes a valve body having a fluid pressure inlet in selective fluid communication with a fluid pressure outlet. A pilot pressure inlet is formed in the valve body and in fluid communication with a source of pilot pressure. Valving structure in the valve body establishes outlet fluid pressure as a function of pilot pressure. First adjustable structure within the valve body may establish a minimum outlet fluid pressure threshold without regard to pilot pressure. Second adjustable structure within the valve body may establish outlet fluid pressure offset relative to pilot pressure.

A rotary union is configured for removable disposition into the central bore of a hubcap through an orifice in the outboard face of the hubcap. The hubcap includes a fluid channel extending from the central bore to the exterior of the hubcap. The rotary union includes a port through which fluid may flow into the fluid channel when the rotary union is disposed in the central bore.