MXPA99005327A

MXPA99005327A - Method and sealing valve unit for controlling fluid flow through a passage

Info

Publication number: MXPA99005327A
Application number: MXPA/A/1999/005327A
Authority: MX
Inventors: E Schuessler Warren Jr; G Buckles Ray
Original assignee: International Marketing Inc
Priority date: 1996-12-09
Filing date: 1999-06-08
Publication date: 2001-05-17

Abstract

Una unidad de válvula selladora para controlar el flujo de fluido a través de un pasaje definido por la superficie interior de una cubierta tubular que comprende un cuerpo de válvula que tiene un agujero longitudinal en el mismo;el cuerpo de válvula, un ensamble sellador y un elemento de filtro están asíconstruidos de modo que se mantienen en ensamble entre síindependiente de la cubierta tubular, de manera que se pueden instalar simultáneamente en y removerse de pasaje como una unidadúnica.

Description

METHOD AND UNIT OF SEALANT VALVE TO CONTROL FLUID THAT FLOWS THROUGH A PASSAGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to sealing valve methods and units for controlling the flow of fluid through a passage defined by the inner surface of a tubular cover, and more particularly to methods and sealing valve units to prevent the material Particulate in the fluid adversely affects the operation of the sealing valve unit. Recent improvements in the methods for balancing an assembly of pneumatic wheels and reducing variations in radial and lateral force within the wheel assembly under varying load conditions include the introduction of particulate or pulverized material into a rim. Such a method is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,073,217, which is incorporated herein by reference. The particulate material is mixed with pressurized fluid, such as air, and injected into the wheel assembly through the valve stem of the rim by a suitable injection device, such as the device shown and described in the United States patents. 5,386,857 and 5,472,023, which are also incorporated herein by reference. A well-known particulate material is a polymeric synthetic plastic material sold by International Marketing, Inc. under the trademark "EQUAL". The particulate material is injected into the rim of the wheel assembly with the valve core (eg, the sealing valve) absent from the valve stem, as in a new rim prior to the installation of the valve core or in a rim old where the valve core has been removed from the valve stem, to allow free flow of material inside the rim. The tire is typically inflated or at least partially inflated during injection of the material into the tire. After injecting the material into the rim, the valve core is installed inside the valve stem and the rim is inflated to the desired inflation pressure. The valve core is a normal sealing valve used to control the flow of fluid through a passage defined by the inner surface of a tubular shell, such as the valve stem passage of the valve stem. A valve portion of the valve core opens and closes in relation to a stationary valve seat in the passage to control the flow of fluid through the passage. It is important for the operation of the valve core that the valve and its associated valve seat remain free of particulate material. However, when the valve is opened to release pressurized fluid from the rim or to check the rim pressure, the particulate material described above can be pulled into the valve core and adversely affect the operation of the core components of the valve. valve to prevent the valve from fully closing against the valve seat, resulting in continuous leakage of fluid from the rim. It is also not uncommon for tires to contain other particulate matter such as dust, dirt, or rubber particles that have become detached from the inner bed of the tire during the use of the wheel assembly. These particles can also be pulled into the core of the valve and adversely affect the operation of the valve core components. To reduce this risk, it is known to provide a valve stem having a movable filter element permanently enclosed within the valve stem between the valve core and the inside of the rim so that the fluid is allowed to flow through the valve element. filter while the particulate material is retained within the rim and prevented from reaching the valve core. For example, the valve stem shown and described in United States Patent No. 5479,975, which is incorporated herein by reference, includes such a filter. Although this valve stem is quite useful, users of particulate material such as EQUAL may desire a method to removably install a stationary filter within a common or normal valve stem already used in the industry, rather than replacing the valve stems with those that have permanently installed filters. The use of valve cores or other similar sealing valves to control the flow of fluid through the passage of a tire is known in other industries as well. For example, valve cores are used to control fluid flow through service lines, automotive air conditioning units, residential and commercial, carbonated beverage machines, and other appliances in which it is necessary to control the fluid flow through a tubular cover. It is equally important to the operation of the valve cores used in these applications that the valve and its associated valve seat remain free of particulate material.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Among the various objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a sealing valve unit in which a sealing valve and a filter element are constructed for simultaneous installation in and removal from a passage of a tubular cover; the provision of such a sealing valve unit in which the filter element can be installed in or removed from the tubular cover passage without removing or replacing the tubular cover; the provision of such a sealing valve unit that reduces the risk of mishandling, falling and loss of the filter element; the provision of such a sealing valve unit which does not require additional structure in the passage to retain the filter in the passage; the provision of such a sealing valve unit which is easy to install in the passage; the provision of such a sealing valve unit which is easy to assemble using standard sealant valves, currently available; and the provision of such a sealing valve unit that prevents particulate material from flowing into the valve portion of the sealing valve.

Furthermore, among the objects and features of the present invention, provision can be made of a tool for efficiently and reliably inserting a filter element into a rim valve stem without disconnecting the valve stem from the rim; the provision of such a tool that is used to assemble a valve assembly that prevents the particulate material from flowing into a sealing valve; the provision of a tool that is mechanically simple; the provision of a tool that also allows the introduction of particle material into the rim before the filter is inserted into the valve stem, without disconnecting the tool from the valve stem; and the provision of a tool that also allows the installation of a sealing valve inside the valve stem after the insertion of the filter, without disconnecting the tool from the valve stem. Still further among the objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a method for inhibiting the escape of particulate material through a valve assembly of a pneumatic wheel assembly; the provision of a method for inserting a filter into a tire valve stem that can be carried out quickly and simply; the provision of a method that allows both the introduction of material into paticulas within the rim and the insertion of the filter into the valve stem using a single tool; the provision of a method that also allows the installation of the valve core in the valve stem after the insertion of the filter using a single tool.

Other objects and characteristics will be evident in part and in part will be highlighted from here on.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tool of the present invention connected to the valve stem of a pneumatic wheel assembly. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tool of Figure 1. Figures 3A-D are fragmentary cross-sectional views taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2 at four different stages of operation of the tool. Figure 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2; and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sealing valve of the present invention with a filter element adhered thereto. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the sealing valve of Figure 6 with a sealing device of the sealing valve moved to an open position, a portion of the filter element being removed to show one end of the sealing device.

Figure 8 is a schematic of a sealing valve similar to the sealing valve of Figure 6 with the filter element shown in section. Figure 9 is a schematic of the sealing valve of Figure 8 installed on a valve stem, with the filter element and the valve stem shown in section. Figure 10 is a schematic of a second embodiment of a sealing valve of the present invention with a filter assembly adhered thereto, the filter assembly being shown in section. Figure 11 is a schematic of a third embodiment of a sealing valve of the present invention with a filter assembly adhered thereto, the filter assembly being shown in section. Figure 12 is a schematic of the sealing valve of Figure 10 installed on a valve stem, with the filter assembly and the valve stem shown in section. Figure 13 is a schematic of the sealing valve of Figure 1 1 installed on a valve stem with the filter assembly and the valve stem shown in section. Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a sealing valve of the valve assembly of Fig. 5; Fig. 15 is a fragmentary diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a sealing valve of the present invention, with a filter assembly and a valve stem; valve shown in section.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a sealing valve of the present invention with a filter assembly shown in section. Figure 17 is a fragmentary schematic of the sealing valve of Figure 16 shown installed on a valve stem, the filter assembly and the valve stem being shown in section; and Figure 18 is a fragmentary schematic showing a sixth embodiment of a sealing valve of the present invention with a filter assembly, the sealing valve being installed on a valve stem with the filter assembly and the valve stem being shown in FIG. section. The corresponding parts are designated by corresponding numbers through the various views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring first to Figure 1, a tool for inserting a filter element into a valve assembly of a rim is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 21. The tool 21 is shown connected to a pneumatic wheel assembly, indicated generally as W, which consists of a ring R and the pneumatic tire T mounted on the rim. The rim R and the rim T define an interior volume V within the wheel assembly W to contain pressurized fluid. A valve assembly, indicated generally as 23, is adhered to the wheel assembly W in combination with the interior volume V to selectively allow the flow of pressurized fluid in and out of the interior to inflate or deflate the tire T. In the various drawings of In the invention, the valve assembly 23 is generally oriented upwards or vertically, and for purposes of describing the invention as illustrated in the drawings the terms "upper" and "lower" are used in reference to the different components and operations of the assembly. valve. However, it should be understood that the valve assembly 23 can be oriented in other ways than vertically and that the components and operations of the valve assembly can be broadly referred to using the terms "exterior" and "interior" respectively. The valve assembly 23 (FIG. 5) consists of a valve stem, generally indicated as 25, and a sealing valve, such as a valve core, indicated generally as 27, seated within the valve stem. The valve stem 25 is a substantially tubular cover having a first or lower end 29 adapted for adhesion to the wheel assembly W in communication with the inner volume V, and a second or upper end 31 accessible from the outside of the wheel assembly. The ends 29, 31 of the valve stem 25 are open in such a way that the inner surface of the stem defines a valve stem passage 33 in communication with the inner volume V of the rim to allow the entry and exit of pressurized fluid inside and outside the wheel assembly W. The valve stem passage has a longitudinal center axis X as shown in Figure 5. The upper end 31 of the valve stem 25 is threaded outwardly for engagement of a lock cover (not shown). ) or another suitable connector, and is also internally threaded for coupling with the valve core 27 to secure the valve core within the stem. The valve stem 25 has an inner ringed shoulder adjacent its lower end defining a filter seat 35, the function of which is further described herein. However, valve stems that do not have this filter seat 35 are contemplated to be within the scope of this invention. Additionally, the present invention is not limited to any particular valve stem material, shape, size or method of adhesion to the wheel assembly, and it is contemplated that the valve stem 25 may be configured for use with motorcycle tires., automobile tires, truck tires for light and hard work, air vehicle tires and other tires for which valve stems are commonly used, without departing from the scope of this invention. With reference to Figure 14, the sealing valve 27, or valve core, of the present invention has a lower end 201 and an upper end 203 and is adapted to be inserted, first the lower end, in a downward direction within the passage 33 of the valve stem. The valve core 27 consists of a stationary valve body, generally indicated at 205, having a longitudinal axis X '. The valve body 205 is screwed into an upper end 207 for releasable connection to the valve stem 25 so that the valve body 25 is held against longitudinal movement relative to the valve stem. The valve body 205 has a longitudinal hole 209 therethrough which extends along its longitudinal axis X. The valve body 205 is connected to the valve stem 25 in coaxial relationship with the valve stem passage 33. so that the longitudinal axis X 'of the valve body generally coincides with the longitudinal central axis X of the valve stem passage (Figure 5). A lower end of the valve body 25 surrounding the longitudinal bore 209 defines a ringed valve seat 37 positioned in the valve stem passage 33 in coaxial relationship therewith. A ringed sealing member 39 around the valve body 205 is engageable with the valve stem 25 so that the fluid flowing into the passage 33 of the valve stem is directed through the longitudinal bore 209 in the valve body. The threaded upper end 207 of the valve body 205 is preferably rotatable with respect to the rest of the valve body, and has an external surface formed with opposing planes 47 for reasons that will be apparent herein. In valve core 27 it also includes a sealing assembly, generally indicated at 211, adapted for longitudinal movement in the valve stem passage 33 relative to the valve body 205 for controlling the flow of fluid through the longitudinal bore 209 of the body of the valve body. valve. The sealing assembly 211 consists of a sealing device, generally indicated 213, adapted for movement along the longitudinal axis X of the valve stem passage 33 between a closed sealing position in which the sealing device sealingly engages the valve seat 37. to block the flow through the longitudinal hole 209 in the valve body 205, and an open position in which the sealing device is spaced from the valve seat to allow the pressurized fluid to flow through the longitudinal hole, and an actuator pin , as a valve pin 43, connected to the sealing device to be used in the movement of the sealing device to its open position. A spring (not shown) disposed in the valve body 205 deflects the sealing device 213 to its closed sealing position. Still referring to Figure 14, the sealing device 213 consists of a sealing element 215, preferably constructed of rubber or other suitable material, seated in a generally cup-shaped sealing element carrier 217. A linker member 220 is integrally formed with the holder 217 of the sealing member and extends downwardly from the carrier. The valve pin 43 extends upwardly from the sealing device 213 through the longitudinal hole 209 in the valve body 205 beyond the threaded upper end 207 of the valve body. An upper end 221 of the valve pin 43 is accessible to be pushed downward relative to the valve body 205 and the valve stem 25 against the deflection of the spring to move the sealing device 213 to its open position. A lower portion 42 (not shown in Figure 14 but shown extended beyond the crimping member 220 in Figure 8) of the pin 43 extends downwardly through the carrier 217 of the sealing element and the crimping member 220, with the lower portion of the pin and the crimping member being generally co-terminal and defining together an arrow, indicated generally at 219, having a lower end 223. The crimping member 220 is preferably crimped by suitable crimping means (not shown) in secure engagement with the lower portion 42 of the valve pin 43 for connecting the sealing device 213 to the valve pin to define the sealing assembly 21 1. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the lower portion 42 of the pin valve 43 may instead extend substantially downward beyond the end of crimp member 220 so that arrow 219 extends downwardly away from carrier 217. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A, tool 21 of FIG. present invention generally consists of a body 51 having a handle 53, a valve stem connector, generally indicated as 55, a fluid intake 57, a tom a filter insert 59, a filter load assembly, indicated generally as 61, a valve core insertion socket 63, a connector assembly, generally indicated as 65, and a selector valve, generally indicated as 67, rotatably mounted on the body to selectively configure the tool to perform different operations while the tool is connected to the valve stem 25. For example, the tool 21 of the preferred embodiment is used to inject particulate or pulverized material into the interior volume V of the assembly of W wheel, inserting a filter element 71 into the valve stem 25, and then installing the valve core 27 within the valve thallium. The tool 21 shown in Figure 2 is approximately 17.59 cm. in length measured along the handle and body, 23.69 cm. depth measured along the valve stem connector and connector assembly, and 2.54 cm wide. However, these dimensions may vary depending on the particular type of wheel assembly W and valve stem 25 for which the tool 21 is used. The body 51 is preferably a unitary piece constructed of suitable material, such as plastic, brass, aluminum or steel, but may be manufactured from multiple parts or other materials and be within the scope of this invention. The handle 53 extends outwardly from the body 51 to provide a means for holding the tool 21 while the tool is connected to the valve stem 25 and various operations are performed. The handle 53 is preferably ergonomically configured to provide a comfortable hold of the handle by the tool operator 21. The body 51 has a generally cylindrical opening 69 which extends laterally therethrough to receive the valve selector 67, the object of the which will be described later. Various passages (Figures 3A-D) such as a fluid passage 75, a filter passage 77, a connector passage 79, a valve core passage 81, and an exit passage 83 (largely an "exit") extend toward out from the opening 79 in the body 51 of the tool 21 to allow communication between the opening and the various components located around the periphery of the body and handle 53, as will be described. The outlet passage 83 (FIGS. 3A-D) in the body is in direct alignment with a longitudinal central X axis of the valve stem passage 33 when the tool 21 is connected to the valve stem 25 to provide communication between the opening 69 in the body 51 and the valve stem passage. Valve stem connector 55 is preferably a quick disconnect coupler that allows a coupling that is quickly released from tool 21 with valve stem 25. This connector 55 includes a trigger 87 pivotally connected to tool 21 in spaced relation to the handle 53 so that the trigger can be pressed using the same hand that holds the handle of the tool. A suitable spring clip 89 is connected to the trigger 87 and is operable to engage the valve stem 25 releasably to connect the tool 21 to the stem. For example, pressing the trigger 87 moves the spring clip 89 away from the valve stem 25 to allow the connector 55 to be placed on the valve stem. Releasing the trigger 87 allows the spring clip 89 to move under its own spring force in engagement with the valve stem 25 to releasably connect the tool 21 to the stem. The construction and operation of this type of connector is commonly known in the art, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,276,898 and is described herein only to provide a means for connecting the tool to the rim valve assembly. . Other connection means, such as those commonly known in the art for connecting gas or liquid supply lines, can be used without departing from the scope of this invention. As best seen in Figures 3A-D, the fluid passage 75 extends through the body 51 and the handle 53 to allow communication between the opening 69 in the body and the fluid intake 57. A connector 91 is attached. to the end of the handle 53 in the fluid intake 57 for connection to a fluid source. The fluid being defined herein as gas (such as air, nitrogen, or other suitable gases commonly used to inflate the rim of a wheel assembly), liquid, or a mixture of gas or liquid under pressure and a particulate or pulverized material . The particulate material is preferably a fine powder used to balance the wheel assembly W and reduce variations in radial and lateral force within the wheel assembly under varying loading conditions, such as the material described in U.S. Patent No. 5,073,217 which it is incorporated herein by reference. A particulate material is a polymeric synthetic plastic material sold by International Marketing, Inc. under the trade name "EQUAL". The fluid source is preferably an injection device that mixes pressurized gas with the particulate material and injects the mixture into the interior volume V of the wheel assembly W, such as the injection device shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,386,857 and 5,472,023 which are incorporated herein by reference. It is understood, however, that the connector 91 may be connected to other fluid sources, whether or not they are particulate in nature, without departing from the scope of this invention. The filter passage 77 provides communication between the opening 69 in the body 51 and the filter insertion socket 59 and is measured to receive the filter element 71. A tubular guide 101 extends outwardly from the body 51 in registration with the Filter insertion socket for proper guide of the filter element inside the filter passage. The filter element 71 is preferably a woven screen of suitable material such as stainless steel, cloth or nylon, and has a measured mesh size to prevent the particulate material in the inner volume V of the wheel assembly W large enough to interfere with proper functioning of the valve core 27 passes into the valve stem passage 33, while causing small interruptions in the fluid flow velocity through the valve stem passage. For example, the mesh size should preferably be in the range of 5 microns to 100 microns, and more preferably 40-50 microns. As shown in Figures 3A-D, the filter element 71 is generally cup-shaped (eg, a hollow cylinder having a closed end 93), the closed end being in the course of the fluid flow through the passage 33 of the valve stem. The diameter of the filter element 71 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the valve stem passage 33 so that the element sits tightly within the passage against the filter seat 35. Due to the small mesh size, the filter element 71 it is stiff or stiff enough to maintain its shape with the insertion within the valve stem 25. The filter element 71 is preferably pre-formed in its cup shape, but can also be formed as it is inserted into the body 51 through the filter insertion socket 59. Moreover, rather than using a sieve type element, the filter element 71 can be constructed of agglomerated materials, such as agglomerated stainless steel, agglomerated magnesium, agglomerated manganese and other agglomerated materials formed using known powder metallurgical processes, or other porous media commonly used to filter particulate material. The filter element 71 can also be spherical, disc-shaped, or other suitable shapes without departing from the scope of this invention. It is also contemplated, as will be described later herein, that the filter element 71 may be fixed to the valve core 27 by means such as gluing or other suitable means so that the combined filter element and valve core define a sealing valve unit to be inserted into the filter insertion socket 59 for delivery through the filter passage 77 to the opening 69 in the body 51. Still with reference to FIGS. 3A-D, the filter loading assembly 61 is removable from the body 51 to allow loading of the filter element 71 into the filter passage 77 through the filter insertion socket 59. The assembly 61 is then replaceable on the body 51 to urge the filter element 71 toward the opening 69 in the body. The assembly 61 consists of a generally cylindrical lid 69 having a closed upper part and an open lower part. A cowl spring 97 in the lid 95 pushes against a seat 99 adjacent the open end of the lid adapted to contact the tubular guide 101. The seat 99 and the guide 101 are measured slightly smaller than the lid 95 to allow movement Telescopic slide of the lid in relation to the seat and the guide. The guide 101 acts as a reaction surface for the seat 99 to compress the spring 97 as the cover 95 is pushed down on the seat and the guide. A push rod or plunger 103 is connected to the top of the lid 95 and extends through the seat 99 and the guide 101 into the passage of the filter 77 in the body 51, with the plunger being long enough so that a free end 104 of the plunger extends substantially within the opening 69 in the body when the spring 97 is compressed. The seat 99 is engageable with a shoulder on the plunger 103 to support the seat and spring 97 in assembly with the plunger and inside the lid 95. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the free end 104 of the plunger 103 is measured slightly smaller that the diameter of the filter element 71 so that the plunger sits within the opening end of the cup-shaped filter element to push the element towards the opening 69 in the body 51. It is contemplated that other means suitable for driving the filter element 71 through passage 77 towards opening 69 in body 51 can be used without departing from the scope of this invention. The connector passage 79 provides communication between the opening 69 in the body 51 and the connector assembly 65, and is aligned with the longitudinal central axis X of the valve stem passage 33. As seen in Figures 3A-D, the connector assembly 65 includes a guide tube 105 adhered to the body 51 and extending outwardly from the body in alignment with the connector passage 79, and a connector 107 adapted for reciprocal movement in the guide tube 105 through a forward stroke in which a functional end or head 109 of the connector passes through the opening 69 in the body 51 through the exit passage 83 within the valve stem passage 33, and a backward stroke in which the head of the connector retracts into the passage of the connector or completely inside the guide tube. The connector 107 is preferably long enough to extend within the valve stem passage 33 with movement through its forward stroke. A cap 117 is mounted on top of the guide tube 105 to secure the connector 107 within the tube. It is understood that the connector assembly 65 can be flexible, so that the connector assembly need not be aligned with the longitudinal central X axis of the valve stem passage 33, without departing from the scope of this invention, as long as the head 109 of the connector 107 is adapted for movement within the passage of Valve stem.

The head 109 of the connector 107 is measured slightly smaller than the diameter of the filter element 71 for seating within the open end of the cup-shaped filter element to push the element into the passage 33 of the valve stem. The head 109 is also preferably forked to fit on the plates 47 of the insert 45 of the valve core. The connector 107 is rotatable about its axis to screw the valve core 27 into the valve stem 25. A disc-shaped button 1 1 1 is mounted on the opposite end 1 13 (tail) of the connector 107 for ease of handling and manipulation of the connector. A ringed stop 1 14 is adhered to the connector 107 for movement within the guide tube 105. The stop 114 is measured larger than the openings in the guide tube 105 through which the connector 107 extends so that the stop limits the stroke forward of the connector within the valve stem passage 33, thereby limiting the depth of insertion of the filter element 71 into the passage. A suitable O-ring 1 15 seated in a ringed groove on the stop 114 provides a seal between the stop and the guide tube 105 to prevent the pressurized fluid from escaping from the interior volume V of the wheel assembly W while the connector 107 is in use, thus maintaining the pressure inside the wheel assembly. Although the connector passage 79 is shown and described, as extending to the opening 69 in the body 51, it is contemplated that the connector passage may extend through the body so that the connector passage is in direct registration with the passageway. valve stem and that the filter passage can be in direct registration with the connector passage so that a filter element received in the filter passage can be charged directly into the connector passage and pushed through the connector through the connector passage within the valve stem passage. The passage 81 of the valve core provides communication between the opening 69 in the body 51 and the socket 63 of the valve core insertion for delivery of a valve core 27 towards the opening. If necessary, the valve core 27 can be pushed towards the opening 69 using the filter load assembly 61 described above. It is contemplated that the valve core 27 may be received in the filter passage 77 instead of a valve core passage 81 without departing from the scope of this invention. With reference to figure 4, the selector valve 67 (broadly, "means for moving" or "means for moving the filter element 71 within register with the connector passage 79 and the valve stem passage 33") is rotatably mounted in the opening 69 in the body 51 to perform selectively the different operations of the tool 21. The selector valve 67 is generally cylindrical and is preferably a two-piece construction having a cylindrical core 1 19 constructed of brass or other suitable material, and a sheath 121 constructed of Teflon or other suitable sealant , low friction material that surrounds the circumference of the nucleus. The diameter of the selector valve 67 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 69 in the body 51 so that the selector valve fits snugly into the opening. For example, the selector valve shown in Figure 4 is 3,175 cm in diameter. However, the diameter of the selector valve 67 may vary depending on the size of the tool 21 and the diameter of the opening 69 in the body 51. The Teflon sheath 121 seals the selector valve against the body while allowing rotation of the selector valve 67 relative to the body 51 about a rotating Y axis extending laterally with respect to the body. As shown in Figure 3D, this Y axis is off center of the longitudinal X axis of the valve stem passage 33 by a distance D, although it is contemplated that the rotating shaft of the selector valve 67 may intersect the longitudinal axis of the valve stem passage without departing from the scope of this invention. The selector valve 67 is secured within the opening 69 in the body 51 by pressure rings 123 (FIG. 4) fitted within ringed grooves 125 in the body 51 on each side of the selector valve. A non-metallic washer 127 is positioned between each pressure ring 123, which is typically constructed of metal, and the selector valve 67 to prevent the valve core from being rubbed against the pressure ring as the valve rotates. It should be understood, however, that means other than the pressure rings 123 and washers 127 can be used to rotatably secure the selector valve 61 within the opening 69 in the body 51 without departing from the scope of this invention, provided that the valve is free to rotate in relation to the opening about its rotational axis Y. The rotation of the selector valve 67 within the opening 69 in the body 51 between predetermined fixings is affected by a leveler 129 fitted on an arrow piece 131 which extends outward from one side of the selector valve. Two passages or holes 133, 135 extend through the selector valve 67 and are adapted for selective registration with the different passages 75, 77, 79, 81, 83 that extend within the body 51 as the selector valve rotates between its different fixations (Figures 3A-D).

The body 51 or the selector valve 67 may have stop limits (not shown) to ensure proper positioning of the valve holes 133, 135 in register with the passages 75, 77, 79, 81, 83. As shown in FIG. 3A-D, the holes 133, 135 of the selector valve are completely separated from each other, there being no communication between the holes. The holes 133, 135 are also angled in relation to one another and are directed along the cords of the selector valve 67 so that no hole extends through the rotational axis Y of the selector valve. For example, in the preferred embodiment these holes 133, 135 are angled at about 45-50 ° with respect to each other. However, the relative angle can vary according to the location of the different passages 75, 77, 79, 81, 83 within the body. The operation of the tool 21 according to the method of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 3A-D. The pressure within the inner volume V of the wheel assembly W is adjusted in such a way that the rim T, whether new or used, is partially inflated, such as, for example, to less than half of its rated pressure. As shown in Figure 3A, the tool 21 is releasably connected to the valve stem 25 by holding the handle 53 and pressing the trigger 87 of the valve stem connector 55, placing the connector on top of the valve stem, and then releasing the trigger to allow the fastener spring 89 to move under its own spring force in releasable engagement with the valve stem to secure the tool on the stem. The connector 107 is initially retracted so that the head 109 of the connector is withdrawn within the guide tube 105 or the connector passage 79, and the selector valve 67 is placed in a first attachment in which the first hole 133 of the selector valve is in register with the exit passage 83 and the fluid passage 75 of the body 51 to provide communication between the valve stem passage 33 and the fluid source. A mixture of particulate material and pressurized gas is then injected into the fluid intake 57 and directed through the fluid passage 75, the first hole 133 and the outlet passage 83 for injection through the passage 33 of the valve stem inside the inner volume V of the wheel assembly W. After injection of the particulate material into the inner volume V, the pressurized gas is supplied to the fluid intake 57 and is directed through the valve stem passage 33 within the inner volume V of the wheel assembly W to inflate the rim R to the desired pressure. With the selector valve 67 still attached to this first fastener, the second hole 135 in the selector valve is in register with the filter passage 77. The filter filler assembly 61 is removed from the body 51 and a filter element 71 is loaded inside the passage through the take 59 of Filter insertion The assembly 61 is then replaced on the intake 59 with the free end 104 of the plunger 103 extending into the filter passage 77 and seating within the open end of the cup-shaped filter element 71. The cover 95 of the assembly 61 is pushed down on the guide 101 towards the body 51 where the plunger 103 pushes the filter element 71 into the second hole 135 in the selector valve 67. The compression of the coil spring 97 caused by the pushing the lid 95 down on the guide 101 diverts the lid away from the body 51 so that when the lid is released, the plunger 103 retracts out of the second hole 135. The other end of the second hole 135 is closed by the body 51 so that the filter element 71 is retained within this hole as shown in Figure 3A until the selector valve 67 is rotated to another fastener. With the filter element 71 loaded in the second hole 135 in the selector valve 67, the leveler 129 is then used to rotate the selector valve to a second fastener, as best seen in FIG. 3B, in which the first hole 133 is no longer in register with the fluid passage 75 and the exit passage 83 of the body 51, thereby preventing the escape of gas from the interior volume V of the wheel assembly W through the fluid passage, and in which the second hole 135 of the selector valve, in which the filter element 71 is loaded, is aligned with the longitudinal central X axis of the passage 33 of the valve stem in register with the connector passage 79 and the exit passage 83. In this attachment, the open end of the cup-shaped filter element 71 faces preferably the head 109 of the connector 107. The connector 107 is pushed forward in the guide tube 105 to move the head 109 of the connector into the second hole 135 to seat within the open end of the cup-shaped filter element 71. The further forward movement of the connector 107 pushes the filter element 71 through the aligned outlet passage 83 and into the valve stem passage 33 until the filter element sits against the filter seat 35 within the valve stem. 25. The connector 107 is then pulled backward through a back stroke to move the head 109 of the connector back into the connector passage 79 (or inside the guide tube 101). Where the valve stem 25 does not have a filter seat 35, it is contemplated that the upper part of the guide tube 105 will limit the forward stroke of the connector 107 and will therefore limit the depth of insertion of the filter element 71 into the passageway 33 valve stem, whereby tight fitting of the filter element against the inside of the valve stem will act to secure the element within the valve stem passage.

The next step is to rotate the selector valve 67, through the leveler 129, to a third attachment (3C) in which the second hole 135 is in register with the valve core passage 81. A valve core 27 is loaded into the passage 81 of the valve core through the valve core insertion socket 63 and is pushed into the second hole 135 on selector valve 67 as shown in Figure 3C. If necessary, the filter load assembly 61 can be used within the passage 81 of the valve core to push the valve core 27 into the second hole 135. The opposite end of the second hole 135 is closed by the body 51 so that the valve core 27 is retained within the second hole until the selector valve 67 moves to a different setting. Referring now to Figure 3D, with the valve core 27 loaded in the second hole 135 of the selector valve 67, the leveler 129 is used to rotate the valve back to its second attachment to realign the second hole in register with the exit passage 83 and connector passage 79. Connector 107 is then moved through its forward stroke to push valve core 27 into valve stem passage 33. The connector 107 must be moved a sufficient distance to cause the forked head 109 of the connector to fit over the plates 47 of the threaded insert 45 of the valve core 27, at which point the connector 107 is rotated about its axis to screw the core of the valve. valve in engagement with the internal filaments of the upper end 31 of the valve stem 25 to secure the valve core within the valve stem passage 33. With the valve core 27 and the filter element 71 installed in this way, the particulate material in the inner volume V of the wheel assembly W of a size capable of interfering with the proper functioning of the valve core is blocked by the element of filter flowing through the valve stem passage 33 while other fluids under pressure are allowed to flow through the passage. The tool 21 is disconnected after the valve stem 25 by again pressing the trigger 87 of the valve stem connector 55 to move the spring clip 89 out of engagement with the valve stem, and pulling the tool away from the stem. Although the tool 21 is described herein for manual operation, it is contemplated that the various operating components of the tool, including the leveler 129 and the selector valve 67, the valve stem connector 55, the filter loading assembly 61 and the connector 107 can be operated automatically to increase the speed at which the filter elements can be inserted within wheel assemblies. In addition, only the exit passage 83 in the body 51 needs to be aligned along the longitudinal central axis X of the valve stem passage 33. The remaining passages 75, 77, 79, 81 and the components may be located on the body 51 in a manner different from that described herein without departing from the scope of this invention. Moreover, although the selector valve 67 is shown and described herein as rotating within the body 51 and having a rotary axis Y perpendicular to the body, numerous other selector valve embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of this invention, as a selector valve having a rotating shaft in the plane of the body, so long as the valve is adapted to allow passage of fluid within the valve stem passage 33 when moving to a first position, and to prevent the passage of fluid in and out of the passage of the valve stem when moving to another position during the operation of the other components of the tool. Providing a filter passage 77 apart from the connector passage 79 allows the filter element 71 to be installed within the valve stem passage 33 without disconnecting the tool 21 from the valve stem 25 and without removing the connector 107 from its guide tube 105, thereby reducing the risk of losing the connector, reducing the loss of pressure within the interior volume V of the wheel assembly W, and providing an efficient and reliable tool for inserting the filter element 71 into the passage 33 of the valve stem . The mesh size of the filter element 71 is measured to prevent the particulate material from passing into the valve stem passage 33 and potentially adversely affecting the operation of the valve core 27, thereby reducing the risk of gas leakage from the valve stem. the inner volume V of the wheel assembly W. In addition, the provision of the fluid passage 75, the valve core passage 81 and the selector valve 67 allow the user to selectively inject fluid under pressure into the interior volume V of the wheel assembly W, insert the filter element 71 into the valve stem passage 33 and install the valve core 27, all without disconnecting the tool from the valve stem, thereby increasing the efficiency of the tool 21. This is particularly useful in the manufacture of new tires where the valve core 27 has not yet been installed. As discussed above, it is contemplated that the filter element 71 may be adhered to the valve core 27 so that the valve core and the filter element may be installed and removed from the valve stem passage 33 as a single sealing unit. of valve, indicated generally as 72 in figures 6-13. Figures 6-9 illustrate a first embodiment of a sealing valve unit of the present invention. The lower end 223 of the arrow 229 of the sealing device 213 is elongated, preferably to have the shape of a trunk with a rounded bottom (figure 7), or a generally spherical shape (figures 8 and 9), or other shapes such as a trunk with a flat bottom, a semi-spherical or domed shape, a cylindrical shape, a disk shape or other suitable shape. The elongated end 223 is secured to the arrow 219 by suitable securing means, such as by crimping the elongate end onto the arrow in secure engagement therewith, although it is contemplated that the elongate end may be integrally formed with the arrow. The maximum transverse diameter of the elongate lower end 223 of the arrow 219 is substantially larger than the diameter of the arrow, but also sufficiently less than the diameter of the valve stem passage 33 to allow free longitudinal movement of the elongate end of the arrow within the passage along the longitudinal central X axis of the valve stem passage. The filter element 71 is preferably a fine mesh screen constructed of a suitable material as described above. In this embodiment, the filter element 71 has the general shape of a balloon, having an elongated rounded body 301 and a narrow neck 303. The filter element 71 is open on its neck 303 and is adapted to fit within the sealing device 213 on the elongated end 223 of the arrow 219 so that the body 301 of the filter element surrounds the elongated end of the arrow and the neck of the filter element surrounds a portion of the arrow outwardly from the elongated end of the arrow. The diameter of the neck 303 is preferably smaller than the maximum transverse diameter of the body 301 of the filter element 71, but larger than the diameter of the arrow 219. As best seen in FIG. 9, the elongate body 301 of the filter element 301 filter 71 have a side portion 307 adapted to couple the inner surface of the valve stem 25, and a filter end portion 305 adapted to extend generally through the passage 33 of the valve stem below the side portion 307 of the filter element . When the body 301 of the filter element 71 is unrestricted, it has a maximum diameter larger than that of the valve stem passage 33 so that the lateral portion 307 of the filter element frictionally couples the inner surface of the valve stem 25 when the valve core 27 is installed in the passage. The filter element 71 is sufficiently flexible to conform substantially to the inner surface of the valve stem 25 as the filter element frictionally couples the inner surface of the stem. With reference to figure 6, the filter element 71 is adhered to the arrow 219 of the sealing device 213 by retaining means, indicated generally as 31 1, which secure the neck 303 of the filter element in a position in which the diameter of the neck is substantially smaller that the maximum transverse diameter of the elongate end 223 of the arrow 219. The retaining means 311 is preferably a band 313 constructed of metal or plastic surrounding the neck 303 of the filter element 71 to hold the filter element on the arrow 219. The band 313 is adjustable to a diameter substantially smaller than the maximum transverse diameter of the elongate end 223 of the arrow 219. Accordingly, the filter element 71 can not slide out of the elongate end 223 of the arrow 219, so that the filter element stops on the sealing device 213 to allow the valve body 205, the sealing assembly 211 and the filter element 71 s They were simultaneously installed on the valve stem 25 and simultaneously removed from the valve stem. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, the filter element 71 and the band 313 together define a filter assembly widely, indicated generally at 70. The band 313 of the filter assembly 70 preferably fits only a diameter at which the filter element 71 is loosely adhered to the sealing device 213 instead of being tightly fastened thereto. This allows the longitudinal movement of the arrow 219 and its associated elongate end 223 relative to the filter element 71 while the filter element frictionally engages the inner surface of the valve stem 25. Although the filter element 71 is generally flexible, it is also rigid enough to remain in a fixed position relative to the valve stem 25 as the sealing device 213 moves between its open and closed positions. The elongate body 301 of the filter element 71 is also long enough to allow movement of the arrow 219 within the filter element so that when the sealing device 213 moves to its open position, as shown in Figure 7, the elongate end 223 of the arrow 219 is adjacent to the filtering end portion 305 of the filter element, and in the closed position, the elongated end of the arrow is adjacent the neck 203 of the filter element. However, it is contemplated that the filter element 71 may be tightly embraced by the sealing device 213 for joint movement with the arrow in the passageway. 33, without departing from the scope of this invention. Although the filter element 71 shown in Figure 6 is retained on the arrow 219 of the sealing device 213, it is understood that the filter element can be retained on the carrier 217 of the sealing element so that the entire arrow is enclosed by the element of filter. Moreover, the filter element 71 can be retained on the valve body 205 so that both the carrier 217 of the sealing element and the arrow 219 are movable within the filter element, without departing from the scope of this invention. It is also understood that means other than band 313 can be used to retain the filter element 71 on the sealing device 213, such as a flexible cable (not shown) screwed around the mesh of the filter element adjacent to its neck 303 and pulled in such a manner as to tighten the neck 313 of the filter element around the arrow 219, or by bent portions of the neck 303 of the filter element 71 on other portions of the neck and welding these portions together to permanently reduce the diameter of the neck. Moreover, the diameter of the neck 303 of the filter element 71 can initially be equal to the maximum transverse diameter of the body 301 of the filter element for easy sliding of the filter element on the elongated end 223 of the arrow 219, without departing from the scope of this invention, provided that the filter element takes the rounded shape when the diameter of the neck of the filter element is reduced and maintained in position by the retaining means 311. With reference to Figure 9, the valve core 27 and the adhered filter element 71 are installed in the passage as a single sealing valve unit 72 by a suitable installation tool, such as the tool described above. For example, using this tool 21, the valve core 27, consisting of the valve body 205, the seal assembly 211, and the adhered filter element 71, are charged into the connector passage 79, first the filter element, as a single unit in the manner described above in relation to the installation of the valve core. As the sealing valve unit 72 is connected into the valve stem passage 33 through the connector 107, the elongate end 223 of the arrow 219 contacts the filter-end portion 305 of the elongate body 301 of the filter element 71 to push the element. of filter inside the valve stem passage 33. The flexibility of the filter element 71 allows the lateral portion 307 of the elongate body 301 of the filter element 71 to conform to the inner surface of the valve stem 33 in frictional engagement therewith so that substantially all of the fluid flowing through of the valve stem passage 33 must pass through the filter end portion 305 of the filter element 71. Once the unit 72 is fully installed in the valve stem passage 33, the valve pin 43 is used. to move the sealing device 213 between its open and closed sealing positions. The frictional engagement of the filter element 71 with the inner surface of the valve stem 25 keeps the filter element 71 in a fixed position in the passage 33 while the sealing device 213 moves between its open and closed positions. The elongated end 223 of the arrow 219 therefore moves longitudinally within the stationary filter element 71.

To remove the element of a filter 71 from the valve stem passage 33, the valve body 205 is disconnected from a valve stem 25 and the valve core 27 is pulled up relative to the passage. As the elongate end 223 of the arrow 219 moves out of the valve stem passage 33, it supports the web 313 and the neck 303 of the filter element 71, thereby pulling the web and the filter element from the valve stem. simultaneously with the valve body 205 and the sealing assembly 21 1. Figures 10 and 12 illustrate a second embodiment of a sealing valve unit 72. A filter assembly, generally indicated as 70, comprises a spring seat 423 connected to the end lower 223 and arrow 219 of sealing device 213, and filter element 71.

As shown in Figure 10, the spring seat 423 of the filter assembly 70 is generally cylindrical, having an upper end 424 generally closed and an open lower end 426 adapted for the seat against the inner annular shoulder 35 and the valve stem 25. The slotted portions 428 and the spring seat 423 facilitate the flow of fluid through the valve stem passage 25. The closed upper end 424 of the spring seat 423 has an opening through which the arrow 219 extends. The lower end 223 of the arrow 219 is elongated to a size substantially greater than that of the opening so that the spring seat 423 can not slide on the lower end of the arrow, thereby retaining the filter assembly 70. on the arrow The filter element 71 is constructed to have a shape of a trunk, having a widened open end 415, a side portion 407 and a narrow centering end portion 405. The widened open end 415 of the filter element 71 preferably faces towards the valve body 25 of the valve core 27. When the filter element 71 is unlimited, the lateral portion 407 of the filter element has a maximum diameter greater than the valve stem passage 33, so that it frictionally engages the surface inside the valve stem 25 when the valve core 27 is installed in the passage. The end filtration portion 405 of the filter element 71 includes the portion of the filter element below the side portion 407 that engages the inner surface of the valve stem 25, and is adapted to extend generally along the passageway. valve stem 33. The filter element 71 is flexible enough to substantially conform to the inner surface of the valve stem 25 as the filter element frictionally engages the inner surface of the stem. The filter element 71 is preferably initially formed from an annular mesh screen (not shown) cut along its radius to allow the filter element to be placed around the arrow 219 of the sealing device 213 generally at the end upper of the spring seat 423. The loose ends of the filter element 71 defined by the radial cut are slightly overlapped and welded so that the filter element can not be removed from the arrow 219, thereby retaining the filter element in the sealing device 213. It is also contemplated that the filter element 71 can be preformed into its trunk shape with a central opening (not shown) formed therein so that the filter element can be engaged on the arrow 219 before it the spring seat 423 is connected to the arrow. A spring 421 for diverting the sealing device 213 towards its more closed sealing position is releasably retained at the arrow 219 of the sealing device between the sealing element carrier 217 and the upper end 424 of the spring seat 423 where the filter element 71 it is secured to the sealing device when clamping between the spring and the spring seat. The spring (not shown) disposed in the valve body 25 together with the spring 421 retained in the arrow 219 to further divert the sealing device 213 to its more closed position, although the spring in the valve body can be omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in Figure 12, the spring 421 also pushes the spring seat 423 and the filter element 71 down into the valve stem passage when the sealing device is moved to its open position so that the spring seat remains stationary (together with the filter element) in abutment against the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25. It is also contemplated that the filter element 71 can be retained on the arrow 219 between the vehicle of the sealing element 217 and the spring 421 , without departing from the scope of the invention.

With more reference to figure 12, the sealing valve unit 72 is installed in the valve stem passage 33 by a suitable installation tool, such as the tool 21 described above. For example, in the use of said tool 21, the unit 72 is loaded in the connector passage 79, the first filter assembly, in the manner described above. As the unit 72 is connected in the valve stem passage 33 via the connector 107, the filter element 71, which is retained between the spring seat 423 and the spring 421, is pushed further down the passage. The flexibility of the filter element 71 allows the side portion 407 to conform substantially to the inner surface of the valve stem 25 in frictional engagement therein so that substantially all of the fluid flowing in the passage passes through the end portion of the valve stem. 405 filtering of the filter element. The unit 72 is connected in the valve stem passage 33 until the spring seat 423 engages the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25 and the threaded upper end of the valve body 205 of the valve body 205 engages the internal threading of the valve stem. valve. Once the sealing valve unit 72 is fully installed in the valve stem passage 33, the valve clasp 43 is used to move the sealing device 213 between its open and closed sealing positions. As the sealing device 213 moves towards its open position, the arrow 219 of the sealing device moves downwardly relative to the spring seat 423 and the filter element 71. The vehicle sealing element 217 comprises the spring 421 between the vehicle and the spring seat 423 so that the deviation of the spring pushes the spring seat downwardly in the valve stem passage 33 to hold the spring seat in abutment with the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25. The filter element 71 thus remains stationary as the sealing device 213 moves towards its open position, with the arrows 219 of the sealing device 213 moving longitudinally through the filtering end portion 405 of the stationary filter element71 and the opening at the upper end 424 of the spring seat 423. To remove the filter element 71 from the valve stem passage 33, the valve body 205 is disconnected from the valve stem 25 and the sealing valve unit 72 is pushed up relative to the passage. The elongated lower end 223 of the arrow 219 of the sealing device 213 bears against the upper end 424 of the spring seat 423 to pull the spring seat and the filter element 71 out of the valve stem passage 33, removing from this forms the filter element of the valve stem simultaneously with the valve body 205 and the sealing assembly 21 1. Figures 1 1 and 13 illustrate a third embodiment of a sealing valve unit 72 of the present invention similar to the second embodiment. The filter element 71 of the filter assembly 70 is generally cup-shaped, having a generally cylindrical side wall 507 or side portion, an open end 515 and an end filter portion 505 defined by an end wall opposite the open end. The filter element 71 is adapted to engage in the spring seat 423 so that the body 501 (comprising the side wall 507 and the filtrate end portion 505) of the filter element surrounds the spring seat 423 and a neck 503 of the filter element adjacent to its open end 515 surrounds a spring portion 421 retained on arrow 219, above the spring seat. When installed in the valve stem passage 33, the filtering end portion 505 of the filter element 71 engages the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25, and the filter element is held in a fixed position by the spring seat 423. The filtrate end portion 505 is adapted to extend generally in the valve stem passage 33 so that substantially all of the fluid flowing through the passage passes through the filtrate end portion of the element 71. Filter assembly also includes holding means, generally indicated as 511, for coupling the filter element 71 to the arrow 219 of the sealing device 213. The retaining means 511 secures the neck 503 to the filter element 71 in a position in which the diameter of the neck is smaller than the diameter maximum of the spring seat 423. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer means 511 is a band 513 constructed of metal or plastic surrounding the neck 503 of the filter element 71 to hold the filter element on the arrow 219. The band 513 it is adjustable to a diameter substantially smaller than the maximum diameter of the spring seat 423. Accordingly, the filter element 71 can not slide in the spring seat 423, so that the filter element is retained from the sealing device 213 to allow that the valve body 205, the sealing assembly 21 1 and the filter element 71 are installed simultaneously on the valve stem 25 and simultaneously removed from the valve stem. vula The band 513 preferably fits only a diameter in which the filter element 71 freely engages the sealing device 213 rather than in a tight grip thereto. The foregoing allows the longitudinal movement of the arrow 219 and the spring 421 relative to the filter element 71 and the spring seat 423 while the filtering element maintains a stationary position in a valve stem passage 33 relative to the spring 423 and the inner annular shoulder 45 of the valve stem 25. Although the filter element 71 shown in Figure 1 1 is retained on the arrow 219 of the sealing device 213, it is understood that the filter element can be retained in the body valve 205 so that the sealant element vehicle 217 and arrow 219 are removable within the filter element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that means other than band 513 can be used to retain the filter element 71 in the sealing device 213, such as the flexible cable (not shown) screwed into the mesh of the filter element adjacent to its neck 503 and pulled to tighten the neck of the filter element around the spring 421, or by folding portions of the neck of the filter element into other portions of the neck and welding said portions to permanently reduce the diameter of the neck.

With reference to Figure 13, the sealing valve unit 72 of the third embodiment is installed and removed from the valve stem passage. 33 in a similar way to the second modality. As the sealing valve unit 72 is connected in the valve stem passage 33, the spring seat 423 is pushed against the filtrate end portion 505 of the filter element 71 to push the filter element into the passage until it engages. on the internal annular shoulder of the valve stem and the threaded upper end 207 of the valve body 205 engages the internal threads of the valve stem 25. Figure 15 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a sealing valve unit 72 of the present invention, substantially similar to the third embodiment, with the exception that the filter element 71 is directly coupled to the spring seat 423 by welding or other suitable coupling methods. Figures 16 and 17 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a sealing valve unit 72 similar to that of the second, third and fourth embodiments, except that the filter assembly 70 comprises a filter housing 651 connected to the lower end 223 of the arrow 219 and a filter element 71 disposed in the housing. The filter housing 651 is generally cylindrical and has a passageway 653 extending therebetween between an upper end 624 and a lower end 626 of the housing. The lower end 626 of the filter housing 651 is dimensioned to abut the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25 when the unit 72 is installed in the valve stem passage 33, so that substantially all of the fluid flow within and outside the rim T through the valve stem passage passes through passage 653 in the filter housing. In an illustrated embodiment, the filter housing passage 653 is extended adjacent the lower end 626 of the housing 651 so that its diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the valve stem passage 33 on the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25. The filter housing passage 653 is substantially reduced as the upper end 624 of the housing 651 extends upwards, thereby defining an internal annular shoulder 655 of the housing. The filter element 71 is generally disk-shaped and sized to fit in the enlarged portion of the housing passageway 653 to be generally supported against the inner annular shoulder 655 of the filter housing 651. The filter element 71 frictionally couples the inner surface of the filter housing. filter housing 651 for securing the filter element in the housing. A retaining ring 657 dimensioned to engage sectionally with the inner surface of the filter housing 651 is inserted into the enlarged portion of the housing passage 653 to secure the filter element in the passage between the ring and the inner annular shoulder 655 of the housing. It is understood that the filter element 71 can be secured in the housing 651 with means other than that of the ring 657, such as welding the element to the inner surface of the housing or other suitable means, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 17, the outer diameter of the filter housing 651 is substantially smaller than the diameter of the valve stem passage 33, so that the annular space 659 is defined between the outer surface of the filter housing and the inner surface of the valve stem 25. An outer annular groove 661 extends around the filter housing and communicates with the space 659. The openings 663 in the filter housing 651 extend transversely to the housing passageway 653 and communicate with the annular groove. outer 661 to provide fluid communication between the filter housing passage and the annular space 659 in the valve stem passage 33. The openings 663 are substantially substantially above the filter element 71, so that the flow of fluid out of the T rim is filtered through the filter element before flowing out of the housing 651 and the sealing device 213. The filter housing passage 653 tapers radially inwardly and toward outside the upper end 624 of the housing 651 to define an aperture 665 of reduced diameter at the upper end of the housing. The arrow 219 extends through the opening 665 and in the filter housing passage 653. The lower end 223 of the arrow 219 is lengthened to a size substantially greater than that of the opening 665 at the upper end 624 of the housing 651, so that the housing can not be separated from the lower end of the arrow, thereby connecting the housing to the arrow. However, the elongate lower end 223 of the arrow 219 is dimensioned to a size smaller than the diameter of the filter housing passage 653 to allow the arrow to move longitudinally in the housing 651 as the sealing device 213 moves between its open positions. and closed. The spring 421 on the arrow extends between the sealing element carrier 217 and the upper end 624 of the filter housing 651 to deflect the filter housing towards the lower end 223 of the arrow 219, so that the housing remains stationary against the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem during movement of the sealing device 213 between its open and closed sealing positions. The spring 421 also biases the sealing device 213 to its closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 421 freely rests against the filter housing 651 and the vehicle 217, but it is contemplated that the spring may be secured to the housing and / or the sealing element vehicle without departing from the scope of the present invention. The spring disposed in the valve body 205 also biases the sealing device 213 to its closed position, although said spring may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention. With reference to Figure 17, the sealing valve unit 72 is installed in the valve stem passage 33 by a suitable installation tool, such as the tool 21 described above. For example, when using said tool 21, the sealing valve unit 72 comprising the valve body 205, the sealing assembly 21 1 and the filter assembly 70, is loaded in the connector passage 79, the first filter assembly, as a unique unit in the manner described above. The connector 107 is used to push the unit 72 into the valve stem passage 33 until the lower end 626 of the filter housing 651 engages the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25 and the threaded upper end 207 of the valve body. valve 205 engages the internal threads of the valve stem. Once the sealing valve unit 72 is fully installed in the valve stem passage 33, the valve clasp 43 is used to move the sealing device 213 between its open and closed sealing positions. When the sealing device 213 moves to its open position, the arrow 219 of the sealing device moves downward in the passage of the valve stem 33 relative to the filter housing 651, with the lower end 223 of the arrow moving in the housing . The sealing element vehicle 217 comprises the spring 421 between the vehicle 217 and the upper end 624 of the housing 651, so that the deviation of the spring pushes the filter housing down into the valve stem passage 33 to hold the stationary housing in place. support with the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25. The fluid flow of the rim T flows into the filter housing passage 653 adjacent the lower end 626 of the housing 651 and is filtered by the filter element 71 disposed therein. accommodation. The filtered fluid then flows through the filter housing passageway 653, out of the housing 651 through the openings 663 and into the valve stem passageway 33 in the space 659 between the filter housing of the inner surface of the valve stem. valve 25. The fluid then leaves the valve stem 25 in a conventional manner. Fluid flow through the valve stem flows together with a reverse path, i.e., in a filter housing 651 through the openings 663, through the housing passage 653 and the filter element 71 and in the rim T. To remove the filter assembly 70 from the valve stem passage 33, the valve body 205 is disconnected from the valve stem 25 and the sealing valve unit 72 is pulled up relative to the passage. The elongate lower end 223 of the arrow 219 of the sealing device 213 engages the upper end 624 of the filter housing 651 and pulls the housing and the filter element 71 out of the valve stem passage 33, thereby removing the valve element. valve stem filter 25 simultaneously with the valve body 205 and the seal assembly 21 1. Figure 18 illustrates a sixth embodiment similar to the fifth embodiment in which the filter assembly 70 comprises the filter housing 651 and the filter element. filter 71 arranged in the filter housing. In said sixth modality, the annular groove 661 and the openings 663 (figures 16 and 17) are omitted, eliminating the need for the space 659 between the filter housing 651 and the inner surface of the valve stem 25. In this way, while the external diameter of the filter housing 651 shown in Figure 18 is smaller than the diameter of the valve stem passage 33, the outer diameter of the filter housing can be increased without departing from the scope of the present invention, as long as the filter housing is capable of moving in the valve stem passage 33 to engage the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25. In the replacement of the annular groove 651 and the openings 653 of the fifth embodiment the filter housing 651, said sixth embodiment has a pair of opposed pistons 781 adjacent to its upper end 624, and an opening 783 extending between the pistons to provide fluid communication between the filter housing passage 6 53 and the valve stem passage 3.3. The upper end 624 of the filter housing 651 is generally flat, and includes the opening 665 through which the arrow 219 extends. The spring 421 freely rests on the upper end 624 of the filter housing 651. When the sealing device 213 of said sixth embodiment moves to its open position, the arrow 219 of the sealing device moves downward in the valve stem passage 33 relative to the filter housing 651, with the lower end 223 of the arrow moving in the accommodation. The sealing member vehicle 217 comprises the spring 421 between the vehicle 217 and the upper end 624 of the housing 651, so that the spring deflection pushes the filter housing down into the valve stem passage 33 to hold the stationary housing in support with the inner annular shoulder 35 of the valve stem 25. The fluid flow of the rim T flows into the filter housing passage 653 adjacent to the lower end 626 of the housing 651 and is filtered through the filter element 71 arranged in the accommodation. The filtered fluid then flows through the filter housing passage 653 and out of the housing 651 (and in the valve stem passage 33) through the opening 783 extending between the pistons 781 adjacent the upper end 624 of the housing. The fluid then leaves the valve stem 25 in a conventional manner. Fluid flow through the valve stem flows along a reverse path, i.e., in a filter housing 651 through the opening 783, through the housing passage 653 and filter element 71 and on the rim T. Although the sealing valve units 72 of Figure 6-17 are shown and described for use in fluid flow control through the valve stem 25 of a pneumatic wheel assembly W, it is contemplated that said units may be used in any number of other tubular covers having an interior surface defining a fluid passage without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, valve cores are used to control fluid flow through utility, automotive, residential, and commercial utility air conditioning units, carbonated beverage machines, and other appliances where it is necessary to control the flow of fluid through the cover. The valve cores currently used in said apparatuses can be replaced by sealing valve units of the present. The passages defined by said apparatuses are generally very small, so that the valve core and the filter element installed in said passages must be correspondingly small. For example, the filter elements shown in the embodiments of the present invention are preferably in the range of 0.1-0.2 inches in diameter. However, when using the described mesh size of filter elements, the velocity of fluid flow through the passage is generally not affected by the installation of filter elements in the passage. It will be seen from the foregoing that the attachment or other coupling of filter elements 71 to the valve core 27 satisfies various objectives of the present invention and offers other advantageous results. For example, because the filter element 71 can be installed simultaneously with the valve core 27 as a single unit, the filter insertion steps separate from the method described above with respect to the filter insertion tool can be omitted. Accordingly, the filter passage 77 and the filter load assembly 61 of the tool can also be omitted, thus simplifying the construction and operation of the tool. In addition, the valve core 27 and the filter element 71 can be removed from the valve stem passage 33 and replaced without the additional cost and effort associated with replacing the valve stem 25. Although the filter element 71 is retained in the valve core 27, the risk of falling and loss of the filter element 71 is reduced. By allowing the simultaneous removal of the filter element 71 and the valve core 27 of the valve stem passage 33 also denies the need for a separate filter element removal tool. In addition, because the filter element is secured in a stationary position by the components of the valve assembly, such as by the filter element 71 that connects the inner surface of the valve stem 25 or by the spring 421 that pushes the filter to a stationary position, no additional structure or mechanical device is required on the valve stem (or other tubular cover) to install the filter element on the valve stem and hold the filter element in a fixed position in the passage 33, thereby providing for easy installation of the valve core 27 and the filter element in the passage. In particular, the sealing valve unit 72 of the first embodiment (Figure 6-9) in which the spring (not shown) of the valve core 27 is contained in the valve body 205 so that a spring seat and a Inner shoulder 35 to support the spring seat are not required, they can be installed in any passage where control of fluid flow through the passage is desired. Since various changes can be made to the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be construed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A sealing valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid through a passage defined by an inner surface of a tubular cover, the sealing valve unit having internal and external ends and adapting to insert, first at a first at an inner end , in an inward direction in the passageway of the tubular cover, said sealing valve unit containing: a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal hole therein, said valve body being formed for releasable connection to the cover tubular when the valve body is inserted in the passageway of the tubular cover to a position in which the longitudinal axis of the body is generally coaxial with the passageway; a valve seat in the valve body; a sealant element comprising a sealing device adapted for the sealing engagement with the valve seat, the sealing device being movable in an inward direction with respect to the valve seat from a closed sealing position in which the sealing device couples in a sealable manner the valve seat for blocking the flow of fluid through the hole in the valve body to an open position in which the sealing device separates from the valve seat to allow fluid seating through the hole; and a filter element adjacent to the inner end of the sealing valve unit configured to substantially prevent the passage of particulate matter of a size capable of interfering with movement of the sealing device to its closed sealing position; said valve body, sealing assembly and filter element being constructed to be fastened in an independent assembly of the tubular cover to each other, so that they can be simultaneously installed as a single unit in the tubular cover passage and simultaneously removed as a unit unique from the passage of tubular cover.

2. A sealing valve unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that said filter element is coupled to the sealing device.

3. A sealing valve unit according to claim 1, further characterized in that said sealing device is movable relative to the filter element as the sealing device moves between its open and closed positions.

4. A sealing valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid through a passage in a tubular casing having an internal shoulder, the sealing valve unit having internal and external ends and adapting to insert, first at an internal end, in an inward direction in the passageway of the tubular cover, said sealing valve unit containing: a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal hole therein, said valve body being formed for releasable connection to the cover tubular when the valve body is inserted in the passageway of the tubular cover to a position in which the longitudinal axis of the body is generally coaxial with the passageway; a valve seat in the valve body; a sealant assembly comprising a sealing device adapted for sealing engagement with the valve seat, the sealing device being movable in an inward direction with respect to the valve seat from a closed sealing position in which the sealant sealingly engages the seat of the valve. valve for blocking the flow of fluid through the hole in the valve body to an open position in which the sealing device is separated from the valve seat to allow fluid flow through the hole; and a filter assembly adjacent to the inner end of the dimensioned valve valve unit and configured to engage the inner shoulder of the cover so that substantially all of the fluid flow through the passage passes through the filter assembly, the assembly of filter including a filter element configured to substantially prevent the passage of the particulate material of a size capable of interfering with the movement of the sealing device to its closed sealing position; said valve body, sealing assembly and filter assembly being constructed in such a way that they are clamped together in the assembly dependent on the tubular cover so that they can be simultaneously installed as a single unit in the tubular cover passage and simultaneously removed as a single unit of the tubular cover passage.

5. - A sealing valve unit according to claim 4, further characterized in that the filter assembly comprises the filter element and a spring seat coupled to the sealing device, the spring seat adapting to secure the filter element between the seat spring and the inner shoulder of the cover when the sealing valve is installed in the passage to hold the filter element in a stationary position in the passage as the sealing device moves between its open and closed position, the filter element having a portion filter end dimensioned and configured to engage the internal shoulder of the passage so that substantially all of the fluid flow through the passage passes through the filtering end portion of the filter element.

6. A sealing valve unit according to claim 4, further characterized in that the filter element has an end portion of filtrate adapted to extend through the passage, the filter element being dimensioned and configured to be coupled to the cover of so that substantially all of the fluid flow through the passage passes through the filtering end portion of the filter element.

7. A sealing valve unit according to claim 4, further characterized in that the filter assembly comprises the filter element and a filter housing adapted to mate with the inner shoulder of the tubular cover so that substantially all the flow of fluid through the passage passes through the filter housing, the filter element being generally disposed in the filter housing.

8. A method for inhibiting the escape of particulate matter through a valve assembly of a pneumatic wheel assembly, said wheel assembly defining a closed interior volume for clamping the fluid under pressure, said valve assembly comprising a stem of valve having a passage therein to allow fluid under pressure to be introduced into said interior volume, said passage having an entrance end accessible from the outside of the wheel assembly and an external end adjacent to said interior volume, said method containing the steps of: inserting a filter element into the valve stem passage while the valve stem is connected to the wheel assembly, said filter element being configured to substantially prevent the passage of particulate matter while allowing the passage of pressurized fluid; and installing a sealing valve in the valve stem passage after the insertion of the filter element, the sealing valve being movable between an open position to allow the pressurized fluid to flow through said passage and a closed sealing position, the valve sealant being positioned between the inlet end of the passage and the filter wherein the filter functions substantially prevent particulate matter from inside the interior volume of the wheel assembly interfere with the sealing closure of the sealing valve.

9. - A method to inhibit the escape of particulate material through a valve assembly of a pneumatic wheel assembly. Said wheel assembly defining a closed interior volume to hold the fluid under pressure, said valve assembly having a valve stem with a passage therein to allow the fluid under pressure to enter said interior volume, said passage having an end accessible from the outside of the wheel assembly and an outlet end adjacent to said interior volume, said method comprising the steps of: attaching a filter element to a sealing valve, and installing the sealing valve with the filter element attached to the same in the valve stem passage, the sealing valve being movable between an open position to allow air under pressure to flow through said passage and a closed sealing position, the filter element being configured to substantially prevent particulate matter from within the interior volume of the wheel assembly interfering with the sealing closure of the sealing valve.

10. A method for inhibiting the escape of particulate matter through the valve assembly and a pneumatic wheel assembly according to claim 9, further characterized in that the sealing valve is installed in the valve stem passage while the valve stem connects to the wheel assembly and the interior volume subject to fluid under pressure

11. - A valve assembly for use in combination with a pneumatic wheel assembly comprising a circular ring for coupling to a rotatable center of a vehicle, and an annular rim coupled to the rim, rim and rim defining an interior volume capable of presurisarze to support the vehicle, the valve assembly allowing fluid to enter said interior volume and selectively prevent fluid from leaving said wheel assembly, the valve assembly containing: a valve stem having an internal passage therein for communicating with the inner volume of the wheel assembly to allow fluid to enter and exit the wheel assembly, the inner passage having inlet and outlet ends and means for coupling the valve stem to the wheel assembly so that the end of the wheel assembly entry of said passage is accessible from outside the wheel assembly and the exit end of the passage is adjacent to the interior volume of the wheel assembly. wheel; a sealing valve positioned in the valve stem passage for movement between an open position to allow fluid under pressure to flow through said passage and a closed sealing position; and a filter element fixedly positioned in the valve stem passage, the filter element being configured to substantially prevent the passage of particulate matter of a size capable of interfering with the movement of the sealing valve to its closed sealing position.

12. - A valve assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the filter element is attached to the sealing valve.

13. A sealing valve unit according to claim 3, further characterized in that the filter element has a mesh size of about 5-100 microns.

14. A sealing valve unit according to claim 13, further characterized in that the mesh size of the filter element is about 30-80 microns.

15. A sealing valve unit according to claim 14, further characterized in that the mesh size of the filter element is approximately 40-50 microns.

16. A sealing valve unit according to claim 3, further characterized because the filter element has a maximum transverse diameter of approximately 0.25-0.50 centimeters.

17.- In combination with a tubular cover having a passage therein defined with an inner surface of the cover, a sealing valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid through the passage, the sealing valve unit having internal ends and external and adapting to insert, first the inner end, in an inward direction in the passage, said sealing valve unit containing: a valve body releasably secured in the passage of the tubular cover, said valve body having a longitudinal axis generally coaxial with said passage, and a longitudinal hole through the valve body; a valve seat in the valve body; a sealing assembly comprising a sealing device that is sealably coupled to the valve seat, the sealing device being movable in an inward direction with respect to the valve seat from a closed sealing position in which the sealing mechanism sealingly engages the valve seat to block the flow of fluid through the hole in the valve body to an open position in which the sealing device separates from the valve seat to allow fluid flow through the hole; and a filter element adjacent to the inner end of the sealing valve unit configured to substantially prevent passage of particulate matter of a size capable of interfering with movement of the sealing device to its closed sealing position; said valve body, sealing assembly and filter element being constructed so that they are clamped in the assembly together independent of the tubular casing so that they can be installed simultaneously as a single unit in the tubular casing passage and simultaneously removed as a unit unique tubular cover.

18. A sealing valve unit according to claim 17, further characterized in that the filter element has an end filter portion adapted to extend in the passage, the filter element being sized and configured to couple the cover so that substantially all of the fluid flow through the passage passes through the filter. the extreme filtering portion of the filter element.

19. A sealing valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid through a passage in a tubular casing having an internal shoulder, the sealing valve unit having inner and outer ends and being adapted to be inserted, first the inner end, in an inward direction in the passageway of the tubular cover, said sealing valve unit containing: a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal hole therein, said valve body being formed for releasable connection to a cover tubular when the valve body is inserted in the passageway of the tubular cover to a position in which the longitudinal axis of the body is generally coaxial with the passage; a valve seat in the valve body; a sealing assembly comprising a sealing device adapted for sealing engagement with the valve seat, the sealing device being movable in an inward direction with respect to the valve seat from a closed sealing position in which the sealing device sealingly engages the seat valve for blocking the flow of fluid through the hole in the valve body to an open position in which the sealing device separates from the valve seat to allow fluid flow through the hole; and a filter assembly adjacent to the inner end of the sealing valve unit sized and configured to engage the inner shoulder of the cover so that substantially all of the fluid flow through the passage passes through the filter assembly, the assembly of filter including a filter element configured to substantially prevent the passage of particulate matter and a size capable of interfering with the movement of the sealing device to its closed sealing position; said valve body, sealing assembly and filter assembly being constructed to be kept in the assembly together independent of the tubular cover so that they can be simultaneously installed as a single unit in the tubular cover passage and simultaneously removed as a single unit of the tubular cover passage

20. A sealing valve unit according to claim 19, further characterized in that the filter assembly comprises the filter element and a spring seat attached to the sealing device, the spring seat being adapted to secure the filter element between the spring seat and the inner shoulder of the cover when the sealing valve is installed in the passage to hold the filter element in a stationary position in the passage as the sealing device moves between its open and closed position, the filter element having an extreme filter portion sized and configured to engage the internal shoulder of the passage so that substantially all of the fluid flow through the passage passes through the filtering end portion of the filter element.

21. A sealing valve unit according to claim 20, further characterized in that the sealing device comprises a sealing element, a vehicle carrying the sealing element and an arrow extending inward from the vehicle away from the valve seat, the spring seat being connected to the arrow, the sealing valve further comprising a spring retained on the arrow between the vehicle and the spring seat to deflect the sealing device to its closed position and to deflect the spring seat inward towards the shoulder of the cover so that the spring seat and the filter element remain stationary as the sealing device moves between its open and closed positions.

22. A sealing valve unit according to claim 21, further characterized in that the filter element of the filter assembly has a generally cylindrical side wall and an end wall defining a filter end portion, said filter element. being open at an opposite end of the filtering end portion and generally surrounding at least a portion of the spring seat.

23. A sealing valve unit according to claim 22, further characterized in that the filter element completely closes the spring seat and the filter assembly further comprises a band around the filter element for attaching the filter element to the filter element. arrow of the sealing device so that the spring seat prevents the filter element from separating the distal end of the arrow.

24. - A sealing valve unit according to claim 21, further characterized in that the filter element is attached to the spring seat.

25. A sealing valve unit according to claim 19, further characterized in that the filter element has a filtering end portion adapted to extend in the passage, the filter element being dimensioned and configured to couple the cover in a manner that substantially all of the fluid flow through the passage passes through the filtering end portion of the filter element.

26. A sealing valve unit according to claim 25, further characterized in that the sealing device comprises a sealing element, a vehicle carrying the sealing element and an arrow extending inward from the vehicle away from the seat of the valve. valve, the filter assembly comprising the filter element and a spring seat attached to the arrow, the spring seat being adapted to engage with the inner shoulder of the cover, the sealing valve unit further comprising a spring retained on the arrow between the vehicle and the spring seat, the filter element being clamped between the spring and the spring seat, said spring biasing the sealing device towards its closed position and deflecting the spring seat inward toward the inner shoulder of the cover. so that the spring seat and the filter element remain stationary as the sealing device moves in between their open and closed positions.

27. - A sealing valve unit according to claim 19, further characterized in that the filter assembly comprises the filter element and a filter housing adapted to mate with the internal shoulder of the tubular cover, so that substantially all the flow of fluid through the passage passes through the filter housing, the filter element being generally disposed in the filter housing.

28. A sealing valve unit according to claim 27, further characterized in that the filter housing is generally cylindrical and has a longitudinally extending passage therein, the filter housing having an opening communicating with the passageway. of tubular cover to provide fluid communication between the filter housing passage and the tubular cover passage.

29. A sealing valve unit according to claim 28, further characterized in that at least a portion of the filter housing has an external diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the passage to define a space between the filter housing and an inner surface of the housing defining the passage, the opening in the filter housing being spaced away from the filter element and providing fluid communication between the filter housing passage and the space to allow fluid to flow out from the filter housing to flow out of the housing and into the valve stem passage.

30. - A sealing valve unit according to claim 28, further characterized in that the filter housing has a pair of opposed external pistons and an opening extending between the pistons to provide fluid communication between the filter housing passage and the valve stem passage, the opening being spaced away from the filter element.

31. A sealing valve unit according to claim 19, further characterized in that the sealing device is movable relative to the filter assembly as the sealing device moves between its open and closed positions.

32. A sealing valve unit according to claim 31, further comprising spring means for retaining the filter assembly in engagement with the internal shoulder of the passage as the sealing device moves between its open and closed positions.

33.- A sealing valve unit according to claim 32, further characterized in that the sealing device has an arrow extending inward from the passageway from the valve seat, the filter assembly comprising the filter element and a filter housing adapted to engage the distal arrow of the valve seat and for the coupling with the internal shoulder of the tubular cover, so that substantially all of the fluid flow through the passage passes through the filter housing, the filter element being disposed in the filter housing.

34. A sealing valve unit according to claim 33, further characterized in that the sealing device further comprises a sealing element and a vehicle carrying the sealing element, the arrow extending inward from the vehicle away from the valve seat said spring means comprising a spring on the arrow extending generally between the vehicle and the filter housing to deflect the filter housing in engagement with the inner shoulder of the cover as the sealing device moves between its open and closed positions.

35.- A method to inhibit the escape of particulate matter through the valve assembly of a pneumatic wheel assembly, said wheel assembly defining a closed interior volume to maintain the fluid under pressure, said valve assembly comprising a stem of valve having a passage therein to allow fluid under pressure to be introduced into said interior volume, said passage having an entrance end accessible from outside the wheel assembly and an outlet end adjacent said interior volume, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a filter element into the valve stem passage while the valve stem is connected to the wheel assembly, said filter element being configured to substantially prevent the passage of the particulate matter while allowing passage of the pressurized fluid; and installing a sealing valve in the valve stem passage after the insertion of the filter element, the sealing valve being movable between an open position to allow the pressurized fluid to flow through said passage and a closed sealing position, the valve sealant being positioned between the inlet end of the passage and the filter where the filter functions substantially prevent the particulate material inside the interior volume of the wheel assembly from interfering with the sealing closure of the sealing valve.

36.- A method for inhibiting the escape of particulate matter through the valve assembly of a pneumatic wheel assembly according to claim 35, further characterized in that the insertion step of the filter element in the passage of the valve stem it is carried out while the inner volume of the wheel assembly at least partially contains fluid under pressure.

37. A method according to claim 35, further characterized in that the filter element has a mesh size of about 5-100 microns.

38.- A method according to claim 37, further characterized in that the mesh size of the filter element is about 30-80 microns.

39.- A method according to claim 38, further characterized in that the mesh size of the filter element is approximately 40-50 microns.

40. - A method for inhibiting the escape of the particulate material through a valve assembly of a pneumatic wheel assembly, said wheel assembly defining a closed interior volume to keep the fluid under pressure, said valve assembly having a valve stem with a passage therein to allow fluid under pressure to be introduced into said interior volume, said passage having an entrance end accessible from outside the wheel assembly and an outlet end adjacent said interior volume, said method containing the steps of: attaching a filter element to a sealing valve, and installing the sealing valve with the filter element attached thereto in the valve stem passage, the sealing valve being movable between an open position to allow air under pressure flow through said passage and a closed sealing position, the filter element being configured to substantially prevent that the particulate matter from the interior volume of the wheel assembly interferes with the sealing closure of the sealing valve.

41. A method for inhibiting the escape of particulate matter through the valve assembly of a pneumatic wheel assembly according to claim 40, further characterized in that the sealing valve is installed in the valve stem passage while the Valve stem connects to the wheel assembly and the interior volume keeps the fluid under pressure. 42.- A valve assembly for use in combination with a pneumatic wheel assembly comprising a circular ring for coupling a rotatable center of a vehicle, and an annular rim coupled to the rim, rim and rim defining an interior volume able to pressurize to support the vehicle, the valve assembly allowing fluid to enter said interior volume and selectively preventing fluid from leaving said wheel assembly, the valve assembly comprising: a valve stem having an internal passage in the same to communicate with the inner volume of the wheel assembly to allow fluid to enter and exit the wheel assembly, the inner passage having inlet and outlet ends, and means for coupling the valve stem to the wheel assembly, so that the entrance end of said passage is accessible from outside the wheel assembly and the exit end of the passage is adjacent to the interior volume. or of the wheel assembly; a sealing valve positioned in the valve stem passage for movement between an open position to allow fluid under pressure to flow through said passage and a closed sealing position; and a filter element fixedly positioned in the valve stem passage, the filter element being configured to substantially prevent the passage of particulate matter of a size capable of interfering with the movement of the sealing valve in its closed sealing position. 43.- A valve assembly according to claim 42, further characterized in that the filter element is attached to the sealing valve.