Thomas vacuum pumps and compressors serve both broad and niche mobile market applications that require high performance and durability. Examples of such specialized applications include air seats, fuel cells, air suspension, and tire inflation. Our engineers work closely with major automobile manufacturers and their direct suppliers on new technologies that hold much promise for tomorrow's drivers.
Air clutches with small air volumes hasten engagement and displacement, combining all the best features of a disc type clutch with all the advantages of direct air engagement. These clutches are mounted in the machine industry, where loads driven by electric motors require an effective way to stop without slippage.
For the most part, air-operated doors are standard equipment on larger coach buses and car rental passenger buses. They provide the operator with greater convenience in opening the more massive doors on these types of vehicles.
Air horns come in many different shapes and sizes. They are used in the marine, semi-trailer, fire equipment, bus, and emergency vehicle applications.
Air seats provide pneumatic seat comfort via a system of integrated air bladders. The system comprises an air pump, control electronics, pneumatic valves, and a switch panel. The compressor inflates the bladder as required by the user. Deflation can be passive through body weight pushing the air out or active through vacuum generated by the pump. Air seats can incorporate massaging function.
Air suspension is used today for cars, trucks, and SUVs (sport utility vehicles). Some high-end luxury vehicles, along with over-the-road trucks, offer air ride systems as standard equipment. A compressor supplies air to either shocks or rubber bladders located directly below the axle or at each wheel.
Tire inflation technology (Central Tire Inflation) allows quick adjustment for changing conditions. Because central tire inflation improves traction, it can operate on low-quality haul roads and steep grades. It can reduce tire wear. Vehicles with central tire inflation have relatively low environmental impacts (such as rutting) on wetlands and roads.
