Automated apparatus and method for tire pressure maintenance

An apparatus at a hydrocarbon pumping station for inflating tires with a compressor, the tires mounted on an automobile, wherein the apparatus comprises:

• a manifold having an input line from the compressor and an output line, and wherein said output line is in pressure communication with the tire;
• a first air chuck for clamping onto the tires, wherein said first air chuck is in pressure communication with said output line;
• an air pressure sensor means, operatively associated with said manifold, for monitoring changes of pressure within said manifold and generating a data signal;
• a processor means, operatively associated with said manifold, for processing changes in pressure, and wherein said processor means receives said data signal;
• a first dispenser operatively associated with said output line, and wherein said first dispenser has attached thereto said first air chuck, and wherein said first dispenser is rotatively mounted to the hydrocarbon pumping station to inflate the tires on a first side of the automobile.

A method of automatically filing an automobile tire with air comprising:

• a) inputting a desired air pressure into a processor means;
• b) filling a manifold to the desired pressure;
• c) detecting an actual air pressure within the tire with an air pressure sensor;
• d) determining whether the tire pressure is to high or to low with said processor means;
• e) allowing air pressure from the manifold into the tire if the tire pressure is to low;
• f) releasing air pressure out of the tire if the tire pressure is too high;
• wherein air pressure is detected by conducting tire air pressure to the manifold and measuring air pressure within the manifold via air pressure signals from the air pressure sensors that are sent to said processor means.