PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 26) — Daniel Lang, an 18-year-old doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering at Drexel University, has developed a method in which motorists can measure tire pressure at the gas pump automatically, according to a Drexel press release.
The system consists of a metal strip which, when installed parallel to gas pumps, allows motorists to align their tires on treadles composed of strain gauges. It is capable of determining whether all four tires are properly inflated based on the strain certain areas of each tire apply to the sensors.
Lang has also developed three other pressure testing systems based on cameras, infrared treadles and load cell-based treadles. He is exploring options to sell his systems to oil companies, turnpike commissions, municipalities, research companies and the Army, the Drexel release said.