Air inflation clamping chuck with automatic valve release

Abstract

An air chuck configured to clamp onto a wheel assembly inflation valve during a transfer of pressurized air, including a release mechanism operated by a control system for automatic detachment from the inflation valve in response to preset conditions.

Description

AIR INFLATION CLAMPING CHUCK WITH AUTOMATIC VALVE RELEASECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to, and claims priority from, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 614,710 filed on December 26, 2023 which is herein incorporated by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable.BACKGROUND

[0003] The present application relates generally to wheel service equipment, such as tire changing machines, wheel balancers, and inflation stations. More specifically, the present application is directed to an air chuck component of an air inflation system for use with wheel service equipment, configured to clamp onto an inflation valve of a wheel assembly for the delivery of pressurized air, and for automatic release there from in response to a signal such as may be generated when a specific inflation pressure is reached within the wheel assembly.

[0004] When inflating a pneumatic tire mounted to a wheel rim, a source of pressurized air is connected to an inflation valve passing through the wheel rim to the enclosed volume of the tire or inner tube (if present). In a most basic form, the source of pressurized air delivers an airflow through a length of flexible hose, terminating in an air chuck containing a simple concentric valve. As an operator presses the air chuck onto an exposed end of the inflation valve, the concentric valve of the air chuck abuts an axial stem of the inflation valve, and both valves are opened, permitting a flow of pressurized air to enter the tire. The flow of air only continues for so long as the operator maintains the force pressing the air chuck onto the inflation valve to maintain both valves in the open position.

[0005] Tire inflation valves typically includes a threaded external surface onto which a cap is threaded to prevent road debris from clogging valve opening. Some air chucks utilize the threads on the inflation valve to assist in securing the air chuck to the inflation valve by providing a set of clamping jaws having threaded faces. To connect the air chuck, an operator applies pressure to an external lever connected to the clamping jaws, opening the jaws to allow the air chuck to be seated concentrically onto the inflation valve with the concentric valve of the air chuck displacing the axial stem of the inflation valve to open both valves, permitting a flow of pressurized air to enter the tire. Rather than continue to apply manual pressure to hold the air chuck on the inflation valve, the operator releases the external lever, permitting the clamping jaws to close concentrically onto the threaded portion of the inflation valve, such that the threaded faces engage the external threaded surface, holding the air chuck in place. To release the air chuck, the operator again applies pressure to the external lever, opening the jaws and withdrawing the air chuck.

[0006] While the inclusion of a manually actuated clamping mechanism to an air chuck facilitates the inflation of a tire by relieving the operator of the need to continually hold the air chuck in place during inflation, it introduces new problems. If the operator fails to release the air chuck upon reaching the desired inflation pressure in the tire, the flow of pressurized air into the tire will continue until either the pressure within the tire is equal to the pressure level of the air source, or the tire bursts. Accordingly, the use of manually actuated clamping mechanisms on air chucks is often limited to situations where only a limited or controlled volume of pressured air is dispersed, a timer is utilized to limit the flow of pressurized air, or the operator is required to be present during the entire inflation process.

[0007] It would be advantageous to provide an air chuck with a clamping mechanism which is capable of automatically releasing the air chuck from an inflation valve in response to specific conditions, preventing tire over-inflation, and which does not require continuous monitoring by an operator.SUMMARY

[0008] Briefly stated, the present disclosure sets forth a continuous-flow air chuck configured to clamp onto an inflation valve during a transfer of pressurized air, including a release mechanism for automatic detachment from the inflation valve in response to a preset condition.

[0009] In one embodiment, the continuous-flow air chuck includes a hollow cylindrical body, adapted for connection to an air hose and source of pressurized air at a distal end and having a coupling for receiving an inflation valve at a proximal end. An axially displacing plunger is located coaxially within the hollow cylindrical body to engage the inflation valve and to provide a motive force to separate the air chuck from the inflation valve upon release. The plunger is biased towards the coupling at the proximal end by a release spring concentrically seated between a circumferential lip within the hollow cylindrical body and an annular proximal flange of the valve member. A set of retention tabs are disposed equidistantly about an outer circumference of the cylindrical body. Each retention tab includes a flattened distal portion which transitions in the proximal direction into a radially outward bulge before terminating in a radially inward hook seated within a radial opening through the cylindrical body into the central bore of the coupling. A locking sleeve is disposed coaxially about the cylindrical body and the retention tabs, entrapping a coaxial bias spring between an inner circumferential flange on the locking sleeve and an outer circumferential flange on the body. The locking sleeve includes anouter attachment point for a control cable or rod linked to a mechanism for selectively actuating the cable or rod to axially move the locking sleeve.

[0010] A method of the present disclosure for utilizing the aforementioned continuous-flow air chuck to deliver a flow of pressurized air to an inflation valve begins by pressing the coupling of the cylindrical body onto a receiving end of an inflation valve, such that an axial pin of the inflation valve engages the coaxial plunger within the cylindrical body. Distal movement of the plunger member compresses the release spring and displaces the valve member of the inflation valve to provide a fluid pathway between the air hose and the interior of the tire. Axial displacement of the locking sleeve in the proximal direction, biased by the coaxial spring, engages the outward bulge of each retention tab, pivoting the retention tab proximal end radially inward, and causing each hook to project into the central bore of the coupling, engaging with a threaded outer surface of the inflation valve. With the hooks engaged with the threaded surface of the inflation valve, the air chuck is secured to the inflation valve during the flow of pressurized air. Disengagement of the air chuck from the inflation valve, such as in response to a level of air pressure, is by the reverse process. Axial displacement of the locking sleeve in the distal direction, such as by pulling a control cable or rod coupled to the outer attachment point, compresses the coaxial bias spring and disengaged from the outward bulge of each retention tab while engaging the flattened distal portion, pivoting the retention tab proximal end radially outward to withdraw each hook from engagement with the threaded surface of the inflation valve in the central bore of the coupling. Concurrent with the hook releases, the compressed release spring biases the plunger in the proximal direction applying force to dislodge the inflation valve from the coupling.

[0011] In a further embodiment, a vehicle wheel service system having a spindle for receiving and supporting a wheel assembly is configured with an air supply line and air chuck of the present disclosure. The vehicle wheel service system further includes a control system configured to facilitate automatic inflation of a wheel assembly by delivering a flow of pressurized air through the air supply line once the air chuck is secured to an inflation valve of the wheel assembly. The control system monitors a flow of pressurized air delivered to the wheel assembly to trigger an automatic release of the air chuck from the inflation valve in response to a preset condition, such as an inflation pressure limit or inflation time limit.

[0012] In another embodiment, the control system is configured to detect and respond to a failure of the air supply line and air chuck to return to a home position following the trigger for automatic release, which may be an indication of a failure of the air chuck to release from the inflation valve. Responses to the detected failure by the control system may include, but are not limited to, rapidly oscillating the air chuck locking sleeve, directing a pulse of pressurized air through the air supply line and air chuck, and / or commanding oscillation of the wheel assembly about a rotational axis to release the air chuck from the inflation valve.

[0013] The foregoing features, and advantages set forth in the present disclosure as well as presently preferred embodiments will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air chuck of the present disclosure aligned for connection to an inflation valve;

[0016] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air chuck of Fig. 1 ;

[0017] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air chuck of Fig. 1 after connection to the inflation valve;

[0018] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the air chuck of Fig. 1 ;

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the air chuck of Fig. 1 coupled to an air hose and control cable; and

[0020] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary tire inflation procedure using the automatic disconnect air chuck of the present disclosure.

[0021] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are for illustrating the concepts set forth in the present disclosure and are not to scale.

[0022] Before any embodiments of the claimed invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following detailed description illustrates the claimed invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description enables one skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the present disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure.

[0024] Turning to the figures, a body of a free-flow air chuck 100 of the present disclosure for use with vehicle wheel service systems is formed from two parts, a cylindrical central barrel 102 and an air hose coupling 104. The central barrel 102 defines a hollow axial core 106 having a proximal end 106a and a distal end 106b.The air hose coupling 104 is secured coaxially to the distal end 106b by any suitable means, such as press-fit engagement or threaded engagement, and is configured to secure the air chuck 100 to a length of flexible air hose 10 as shown in Figure 5. The air hose coupling 104 includes an axial passage 104a to receive a flow of pressurize air from the air hose 10.

[0025] The proximal end of the central barrel 102 defines a valve coupling 108 having a central bore 108a sized to coaxially receive a threaded portion 22 of an inflation valve stem 20 from a wheel assembly (not shown). An axially displaceable plunger 1 10 is located coaxially within the axial core 106 of the central barrel 102. The plunger includes an axial air passage 110a extending from the axial passage 104a of the air hose coupling to an axial contact pin 1 12 for engaging a corresponding pin component of the inflation valve during use. In a free-flow or continuous-flow configuration, the air chuck 100 does not include components to selectively seal or close the axial air passage 1 10a when not in use. With this configuration, the flow of pressurized air to the air chuck 100 and through the axial air passage 110a to the inflation valve is regulated by an independent pressure control system located upstream in the pressurized fluid pathway.

[0026] The plunger is further configured to displace axially in order to separate the air chuck from the inflation valve upon release. A spring 1 14 provides a strong releasing force by biasing the plunger 1 10 towards the valve coupling 108. The spring 114 is concentrically seated between a circumferential lip or flange 116 formed by a proximal face of the air hose coupling 104 within the axial core 106, and an annular flange 1 18 at the proximal end of the plunger. When released, the bias force exerted on the plunger 110 by the spring 114 provides sufficient force to displace the plunger in the axially proximal direction and eject the inflation valvestem 20 from the valve coupling 108. Axial movement of the plunger 1 10 in the proximal direction is limited by contact between the annular flange 1 18 and an O- ring 122 seated against a shoulder 108b defining the reduced diameter central bore 108a of the valve coupling 108.

[0027] To secure the free-flow air chuck 100 to an inflation valve during use, multiple retention tabs 130 are disposed equidistantly about an outer circumference of the cylindrical central barrel 102 as best seen in Figures 2-3. Each retention tab 130 is includes a flattened distal portion 132 which transitions in the proximal direction into a radially outward bulge 134 before terminating in a radially inward hook 136 seated within a radial opening 138 passing through the cylindrical central barrel 102 into the central bore of the valve coupling 108. A locking sleeve 140 is disposed coaxially about the cylindrical central barrel 102 and the retention tabs 130, encircling a coaxial bias spring 142. The coaxial bias spring 142 biases the locking sleeve 140 in a proximal direction by extending between an inner circumferential flange 140a on the locking sleeve 140 and an outer circumferential flange 144 formed by the attachment of the larger-diameter air hose coupling 104 to the smaller-diameter cylindrical central barrel 102. When displaced in the proximal direction, an inner circumferential surface of the locking sleeve 140 moves axially past the distal portion 132 of each retention tab 130 and displaces each bulge 134 and hook 136 radially inward, projecting into the central bore 108a of the valve coupling 108 to “close” the air chuck 100 into engagement with an inflation valve. As each bulge 134 displaces radially inward, the associated distal portion 132 pivots radially outward within an angled recess 140b formed in the inner circumferential surface of the locking sleeve 140. Retraction of the locking sleeve140 in the distal direction reverses the displacement of each bulge 134 and hook136 to “open” the air chuck 100 as the inner circumferential surface of the locking sleeve 140 moves axially onto the distal portion 132 of each retention tab 130. Simultaneously, the retraction of the locking sleeve compresses the bias spring 142 between the inner circumferential flange 140a and the outer circumferential flange 144. Axial movement of the locking sleeve 140 may be actuated by means of a flexible control cable 146 coupled between a controlled actuator (not shown) and an attachment mount 148 on the outer surface of the locking sleeve.

[0028] In one embodiment, actuation of the control cable 146 is controlled either directly or indirectly by a foot pedal or other manual control such as a button, switch or lever, accessible to an operator. Depressing the foot pedal or activating the manual control causes the cable to retract, displacing the locking sleeve 140 in the distal direction and moving the each hook 136 radially outward to open the air chuck 100 for attachment to, or release from, an inflation valve. Release of the foot pedal or manual control results in a relaxation of the control cable 146, allowing the locking sleeve to return to a proximal position in response to the force exerted by the coaxial bias spring 142. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the control cable 146 may be connected directly to the foot pedal or manual control for manual operations, or may be connected to an actuator such as, but not limited to, a pneumatic cylinder, which responds to signals generated by the foot pedal or manual control, and / or to a control system, enabling both manual and automatic operation of the air chuck 100 for attachment I detachment to an inflation valve. Preferably, continuous depression of the foot pedal or continuous activation of the manual control will “hold” the locking sleeve 140 in the distal position such that the hooks 136 are moved radially outward to the “open” position, allowing an operator to easily place the air chuck 100 onto an inflation valve during use.

[0029] Use of the continuous-flow air chuck 100 to deliver a flow of pressurized air to an inflation valve stem 20 begins by pressing the valve coupling 108 of the cylindrical central barrel 102 onto a receiving end of the inflation valve stem (Box 300). As the receiving end of the inflation valve stem enters the valve coupling 108, the hooked portion 136 of each retention tab 130 is deflected radially outward, if it not already withdrawn from the central bore 108a by retraction of the locking sleeve 140 in response to an actuation of the control cable 146. Concurrently, an axial pin of the valve elements within the inflation valve stem 20 engages the axial contact pin 112 of the coaxial plunger 1 10 within the cylindrical central barrel 102, displacing the plunger 110 in the distal direction and opening the inflation valve. Distal movement of the plunger 110 compresses the release spring 1 14 while the displacement of the valve elements in the inflation valve 20 provide a fluid pathway for a flow of pressurized air between the air hose 10 and the interior of the tire (Box 302).

[0030] The receiving end of the inflation valve stem 20 is retained in the valve coupling by engagement of the individual hooks 136 on each retention tab 130 which are pressed radially inward by the locking sleeve 140 biased in the proximal direction by the coaxial bias spring 142. Axial displacement of the locking sleeve 140 in the proximal direction, biased by the coaxial spring 142, engages the outward bulge 134 of each retention tab 130, pivoting the hooks 136 radially inward and causing each hook to project into the central bore of the valve coupling 108, engaging with a threaded outer surface of the inflation valve stem 20. With the hooks engaged, the air chuck 100 is “closed” and secured to the inflation valve stem 20 during the flow of pressurized air.

[0031] Disengagement of the air chuck 100 from the inflation valve stem 20 is by the reverse process. Axial displacement of the locking sleeve 140 in the distal direction results from a force applied by the control cable 146 to the outer attachment point 148. Operation of the control cable 146 may be under manual control, such as in response to an operator-controlled foot pedal or other manual control, or in response to control system or automated pressure measurement system. The distal movement of the locking sleeve 140 compresses the coaxial bias spring 142 and disengages the outward bulge 134 of each retention tab by engaging and pivoting the flattened distal portion 132, drawing each hook 136 radially outward to withdraw from engagement with the threaded surface of the inflation valve stem 20, “opening” the air chuck 100. Concurrent with the releases of the hooks 136, the compressed release spring 114 biases the plunger 1 10 in the proximal direction with sufficient force to eject the inflation valve stem 20 from the valve coupling 108, detaching the air chuck 100 from the inflation valve stem.

[0032] When used with wheel service equipment such as a wheel balancer or tire changer equipped with a control system, automatic opening of the air chuck 100 to allow coupling to, or detachment from, an inflation valve may be triggered in response to predetermined conditions. For example, if the air chuck 100 and air hose 10 are stored in, or retracted to a “home” position when not in use, and a signal is generated when the air chuck and air hose are drawn from the “home” position (or when the air chuck and air hose are present at the “home” position), the control system may be configured to actuate the control cable 146 and “open” the air chuck 100 in response to the signal (or absence of the signal), allowing an operator to place the air chuck 100 on an inflation valve. Once the air chuck 100 is positioned on the inflation valve, the operator signals the control system to “close”the air chuck 100 by pressing a button or touch-screen interface, coupling the air chuck to the inflation valve and initiating a flow of pressurized air through the air hose 10.

[0033] If the control system is configured to monitor the flow of pressurized air (Box 304), such as by monitoring air line pressure, tire pressure, or a flow timer, the control system may be configured to automatically release the air chuck 100 from the inflation valve (Box 308) in response to one or more predetermined or selected conditions (Box 306) by actuating the control cable 146 to “open” the locking collar 140. Once released from the inflation valve, the air hose 10 and air chuck 100 may be configured to automatically recoil or return to the retracted or “home” position on the wheel service equipment (Box 310), at which point a signal is generated (or stopped) to permit post-inflation wheel service procedures to continue (Box 312). In the event the control system fails to timely receive a signal (or absence of a signal) indicating the air hose 10 and air chuck 100 have returned to the retracted position following a release from an inflation valve, it is possible that the air chuck 100 has become temporarily stuck on the inflation valve or entangled with the wheel. Optionally, the control system may be configured to initiate one or more actions (Box 314) to attempt to release a stuck air chuck 100, including, but not limited to, cycling the actuation of the control cable 146 multiple times in rapid succession, and / or commanding a wheel support spindle to oscillate the wheel assembly about a rotational axis. In the event the actions of the control system fail to return the air hose and air chuck to the home position (Box 316), the control system may be configured to generate a warning to the operator and / or take action appropriate for an error condition, such as suspending or terminating current wheel service procedures (Box 318).

[0034] As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the automatic release aspects of the air chuck 100 of the present disclosure may be readily adapted, without departing from the scope of the claimed invention, for use with an air chuck having an internal valve assembly configured to regulate a flow of pressurized air through the air passage 110a of the plunger 1 10 when the air chuck is not in use.

[0035] It will further be understood that the air chuck 100 of the present disclosure may be utilized in a variety of applications in which a flow of pressurized air is to be delivered to a container such as a pneumatic tire which requires that the flow be cut off or terminated and the air chuck 100 disconnected from an inflation valve before a wheel service procedure can continue or the wheel assembly can be removed from a wheel service system. For example, a vehicle wheel balancing system may utilize an air inflation system incorporating an automatic release air chuck 100 of the present disclosure and a control system to inflate a tire of a wheel assembly to a predetermined inflation pressure, and then automatically disconnect the air chuck 100 from the wheel assembly, allowing the wheel balancer to proceed with an imbalance measurement process without necessitating operator intervention.

[0036] In a second example, a tire changing system may utilize an air inflation system incorporating an automatic release air chuck 100 of the present disclosure and a control system to inflate a tire to a predetermined inflation pressure after mounting the tire to a wheel rim, and then automatically disconnect the air chuck100 from the wheel assembly, allowing the completed wheel assembly to be transferred off the tire changer without operator intervention.

[0037] As a time-savings device, the automatic air chuck 100 of the present disclosure may be incorporated into the pneumatic pathway of any sort of tire inflation system having a suitable control system, eliminating the need for an operator to manually disconnect the air chuck from the wheel assembly when the proper inflation pressure is reached within the tire. This may be particularly beneficial for a tire inflation cage, a vehicle inspection station, or on an automotive alignment lift rack system wherein multiple tires may be undergoing inflation simultaneously.

[0038] In one configuration, the air chuck comprises: a barrel having a hollow axial core; an air hose coupling at a distal end of the barrel, the air hose coupling providing an airflow path to the hollow axial core; a valve coupling at a proximal end of the barrel, the valve coupling having a valve bore configured to receive a wheel assembly inflation valve stem for coupling with the hollow axial core; a plunger retained for axial movement within the hollow axial core, spring-biased in a proximal direction, the plunger having an axial air passage providing a pathway for a flow of pressurized air between the air hose coupling and the valve coupling; one or more retention tabs spaced around an external surface of the barrel, each retention tab including a hook passing through a radial opening to the valve bore; a locking sleeve concentrically fitted externally about the barrel for axial movement spring-biased in the proximal direction, the locking sleeve engaging a first portion of each retention tab in a distal position, and a second portion of each retention tab in a proximal axial position; and a control element operatively coupled to the locking sleeve, the control element regulating axial movement of the locking sleevebetween the proximal position and the distal position. The plunger is spring-biased for axial movement by a coaxial release spring entrapped between an external surface of the plunger and an internal surface of the hollow axial core, the release spring biasing the plunger in an axially proximal direction. Further, the plunger extends into the valve bore in an axially proximal position, and wherein the plunger includes an axial contact pin configured to engage an inflation valve stem. The locking sleeve is spring-biased for axial movement by a spring entrapped between an external surface of the barrel and an inner circumferential surface of the locking sleeve, the spring biasing the locking sleeve in an axially proximal direction.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An air chuck comprising: a barrel having a hollow axial core; an air hose coupling at a distal end of said barrel, said air hose coupling providing an airflow path to said hollow axial core; a valve coupling at a proximal end of said barrel, said valve coupling having a valve bore configured to receive a wheel assembly inflation valve stem for coupling with said hollow axial core; a plunger retained for axial movement within said hollow axial core, spring- biased in a proximal direction, said plunger having an axial air passage providing a pathway for a flow of pressurized air between said air hose coupling and said valve coupling; at least one retention tab adjacent an external surface of said barrel, each retention tab including a hook passing through a radial opening to said valve bore; a locking sleeve concentrically fitted externally about said barrel for axial movement spring-biased in said proximal direction, said locking sleeve engaging a first portion of each retention tab in a distal position, and a second portion of each retention tab in a proximal axial position; and a control element operatively coupled to said locking sleeve, said control element regulating axial movement of said locking sleeve between said proximal position and said distal position.

2. The air chuck of claim 1 wherein each retention tab includes a flat distal portion, a radially outward bulge proximal of said flat distal portion and said hook projecting radially inward from the proximal end of the outward bulge, each hook passing through a radial opening to said valve bore.

3. The air chuck of claim 2 wherein said locking sleeve in said distal position presses each of said flat distal potions against said central barrel, radially withdrawing each of said hooks from said valve bore; and wherein said locking sleeve in said proximal position presses each of said outward bulges radially inward against said central barrel in a proximal position, radially displacing each of said hooks into said valve bore.

4. The air chuck of claim 3 wherein engagement of said locking sleeve with said outward bulges in said proximal position is configured to pivot each of said flat distal portions radially outward from said central barrel and into recesses within said locking sleeve.

5. The air chuck of any of claims 1 -4 wherein said control element is operatively coupled between said locking sleeve and an actuator configured to temporarily move said control element to displace said locking sleeve from said proximal position to said distal position; and wherein said control element is either a cable or a rod.

6. The air chuck of any of claims 1 -4 wherein said control element includes a pneumatic line operatively coupled between said locking sleeve and an actuator configured to alter a fluid pressure level within said pneumatic line to displace said locking sleeve from said proximal position to said distal position.

7. The air chuck of any of claims 1 -4 wherein said control element includes a linear actuator operatively coupled to said locking sleeve; and a controller configured to selectively actuate said linear actuator to displace said locking sleeve from said proximal position to said distal position.

8. The air chuck of any of claims 1 -4 wherein said control element is responsive to at least one of an air pressure level in said air hose, an elapsed period of time, or an operator-input signal.

9. A method for operating an air chuck to couple to an inflation valve stem, comprising: pressing a valve coupling axially onto a receiving end of the inflation valve stem to establish a pathway for a flow of pressurized air into said inflation valve; displacing one or more hooks radially inward through associated radial openings into a bore of said valve coupling to engage an outer circumferential surface of said inflation valve stem, securing said inflation valve stem within said valve bore; and delivering a flow of pressurized air from said air hose coupling through said established pathway.

10. The method of claim 9 further including displacing a locking sleeve in a proximal direction to engage a first portion of each retention tab, said engagement between said locking sleeve and said first portion of each retention tab displacing said hooks radially inward through said associated radial openings in said valve bore to engage said outer circumferential surface of said inflation valve stem.

11. The method of claim 9 further including the step of displacing said locking sleeve in an axially distal direction to withdraw each of said hooks radially outward through said associated radial openings prior to pressing said valve coupling axially onto said receiving end of the inflation valve stem.

12. A method for operating an air chuck to decouple from an inflation valve stem secured within a valve bore of a valve coupling by engagement of at least one retention tab having a radially inward projecting hook, comprising: displacing each hook radially outward through an associated radial opening in said valve bore to disengage each hook from an outer circumferential surface of said inflation valve stem, releasing said inflation valve stem from within said valve bore; and separating said air chuck from said inflation valve stem by displacing a plunger within said valve coupling in an axially proximal direction in response to a bias force, said displacement of said plunger separating said air chuck from said inflation valve stem.

13. The method of claim 12 further including axially displacing a locking sleeve in a distal direction to disengage a first portion of each retention tab and engage a second portion of each retention tab, said engagement between said locking sleeve and said second portion of each retention tab displacing each of said hooks radially outward through said associated radial openings, disengaging each hook from said outer circumferential surface of said inflation valve stem.

14. The method of claim 13 further including activating a control element to axially displace said locking sleeve in said distal direction.

15. A method for coupling an air chuck to an inflation valve stem, the air chuck including a barrel having a hollow axial core, a valve coupling at a proximal end of the barrel to receive an inflation valve stem, a spring-biased plunger retained for axial movement within the hollow axial core having an axial air passage permitting a flow of pressurized air to the valve coupling, and at least one retentiontab carried by the barrel, each retention tab including a hook passing through a radial opening in the valve coupling, comprising: pressing said valve coupling axially onto a receiving end of the inflation valve stem to displace said plunger in an axially distal direction within said hollow axial core; displacing said portion of each retention tab radially inward through said radial openings to said valve bore to engage an outer circumferential surface of said inflation valve stem, securing said inflation valve stem; and delivering a flow of pressurized air from said air hose coupling through said plunger axial air passage to a valve element in said inflation valve stem receiving end.

16. The method of claim 15 further including displacing a locking sleeve in said proximal direction to engage a first portion of each retention tab, said engagement between said locking sleeve and said first portion of each retention tab displacing said hooks radially inward through said radial openings to engage an outer circumferential surface of said inflation valve stem.

17. The method of claim 15 further including the step of manually drawing a locking sleeve in an axially distal direction to withdraw each of said hooks radially outward through said radial openings prior to pressing said valve coupling axially onto said receiving end of the inflation valve stem.

18. A method for decoupling an air chuck from an inflation valve stem, the air chuck including a barrel having a hollow axial core, a valve coupling at a proximal end of the barrel to receive an inflation valve stem, a spring-biased plunger retained for axial movement within the hollow axial core having an axial air passage permitting a flow of pressurized air to the valve coupling, and at least oneretention tab carried by the barrel, each retention tab including a hook passing through a radial opening in the valve coupling to engage an outer surface of the inflation valve stem, comprising: displacing each of said hooks radially outward to disengage from the outer surface of said inflation valve stem, releasing said inflation valve stem within said valve coupling; and displacing the plunger in an axially proximal direction in response to a spring-bias force within the hollow axial core, said displacement of the plunger ejecting said inflation valve stem from said valve coupling.

19. The method of claim 18 further including axially displacing a locking sleeve to disengage a first portion of each retention tab and engage a second portion of each retention tab, said engagement between said locking sleeve and said second portion of each retention tab pivoting each retention tab to displacing each associated hook radially outward to disengaging from the outer surface of the inflation valve stem.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein axially displacing said locking sleeve in compresses a coaxial spring member entrapped between said locking sleeve and the central barrel, said compressed coaxial spring member exerting a bias force on said locking sleeve in an axial direction.

21. The method of claim 18 further including providing one or more impulses of pressurized air through said hollow axial core to facilitate displacement of said plunger in said axially proximal direction.

22. The method of claim 18 further including cycling said displacement of said hooks between radially inward and radially outward positions at least twice to facilitate release of said inflation valve stem within said valve coupling.

23. A method for operating a vehicle wheel service machine including an air inflation system with an air chuck configured to automatically disconnect from a wheel assembly inflation valve, comprising: securing said air chuck to said wheel assembly inflation valve; delivering a flow of pressurized air to said wheel assembly through said air chuck; responsive to an indication of air pressure within said wheel assembly reaching a threshold, initiating an automatic disconnection of said air chuck from said wheel assembly inflation valve; responsive to a failure of said air chuck to return to a home position within a predetermined interval following said initiated automatic disconnection, implementing at least one additional action to release of said air chuck from said wheel assembly inflation valve.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said at least one additional action includes at least one of cycling a control element for a release mechanism on said air chuck, providing a plurality of pulses of pressurized air to said air chuck, and oscillating said wheel assembly about a rotational axis.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein responsive to a failure of said air chuck to return to a home position within a predetermined interval following said at least one additional action, presenting a warning to an operator and suspending further automated operation of said vehicle wheel service machine.

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