Abstract: A system determines the revolutions of an object using multiple accelerometers. A difference vector between at least 2 multi-axis accelerometers spaced some distance apart is used to calculate the two-dimensional or three-dimensional centripetal acceleration vector. The centripetal acceleration vector is then used as a rough estimate for the sampling rate for a digital tracking bandpass filter. This bandpass filter extracts angular orientation data leading to a sampling rate and to a revolution totalizer. The number of revolutions of the object, along with a known diameter of an attached object, such as a vehicle wheel, may be used to calculate distance traveled by the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring of vehicle efficiency use wireless remote sensors associated with the vehicle and with a fueling station. Vehicle data is collected from the wireless sensors in conjunction with fueling of the vehicle. Efficiency is calculated, such as by calculating miles per gallon for the vehicle, and the information is stored in a computing system. Vehicle efficiency may be tracked over time to identify deviations or irregularities that may be addressed to improve overall vehicle efficiency, and overall vehicle efficiency for a fleet of vehicles that are all monitored in such a manner.

Abstract: A system determines the revolutions of an object using multiple accelerometers. A difference vector between at least 2 multi-axis accelerometers spaced some distance apart is used to calculate the two-dimensional or three-dimensional centripetal acceleration vector. The centripetal acceleration vector is then used as a rough estimate for the sampling rate for a digital tracking bandpass filter. This bandpass filter extracts angular orientation data leading to a sampling rate and to a revolution totalizer. The number of revolutions of the object, along with a known diameter of an attached object, such as a vehicle wheel, may be used to calculate distance traveled by the object.

Abstract: Self-locking nuts help prevent the nut from backing off of a spindle or other type of threaded shaft. A single piece nut assembly is provided that is self-locking and comprises a nut subassembly and a washer subassembly. Nut and washer subassemblies are secured together, and do not require any special tools for installation or removal. The washer has an edge which is formed/rolled over a lip extending from the bottom edge of the nut when assembled to provide the unitized assembly. The nut and washer are held apart by a spring, such as a wave spring, until the washer contacts the face of the object to which the nut is being secured. At this point the spring is compressed to engage the nut with the washer, and engage holding elements located in the nut with a holding feature located on the washer and prevent movement between the washer and nut.

Abstract: A self-locking nut includes a nut; a washer having a locking feature, the locking feature having a plurality of ridges; and at least one locking tab for slidably coupling the nut to the washer and engaging with the locking feature to resist rotation of the nut with respect to the washer.

Abstract: A monitoring unit wirelessly monitors sensor(s) associated with a vehicle and includes (a) a radio frequency (RF) receiver that receives RF signals from one or more sensors; (b) a processing unit connected to the RF receiver that monitors information related received RF signals from the sensor(s); (c) the processing unit monitoring the received RF signals and a status of an output of the sensor(s) associated with the vehicle. The received RF signals may include information on a value of an output of the sensor and limits of acceptable values, and the processing unit generates an alarm when the value of the output is outside of the limits of acceptable values. The alarm may be a visual indication visible from the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor bracket that isolates a sensor from mechanical vibrations of an associated component extends the operational lifetime, for example, of a wheel-mounted sensor on a vehicle. The bracket includes a multi-legged bracket to decrease the dynamic instability induced by using highly compliant isolating elements on a rotating wheel. Multiple isolating elements provide a reduction in the vibration impinging on a sensor while still maintaining rotational stability of the assembly on the wheel. In some aspects, an intrinsic, fail-safe feature is included in the sensor mounting bracket and isolating element design.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring of vehicle efficiency use wireless remote sensors associated with the vehicle and with a fueling station. Vehicle data is collected from the wireless sensors in conjunction with fueling of the vehicle. Efficiency is calculated, such as by calculating miles per gallon for the vehicle, and the information is stored in a computing system. Vehicle efficiency may be tracked over time to identify deviations or irregularities that may be addressed to improve overall vehicle efficiency, and overall vehicle efficiency for a fleet of vehicles that are all monitored in such a manner.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for monitoring the status of sensors that sense the parameters of one or more vehicle components. A monitor in a first vehicle receives RF signals from sensors that are located remotely from the monitor. The sensors may be associated with vehicles other than the first vehicle, and it is desired to monitor only the sensor(s) that are also associated with the first vehicle. Sensors may be selected for monitoring by reading a plurality of different sensors and selecting one or more sensors from the plurality of sensors that are associated with the first vehicle and thus are to be monitored Sensors that are to be monitored are selected based on predetermined criteria after it is determined that the first vehicle is in motion. The monitor includes a motion sensor that is operable to determine if the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring a brake stroke of an air brake assembly utilize a sensor, such as an accelerometer, mountable on a movable component, such as a brake cam shaft, of the air brake assembly that is external of the brake chamber of the air brake assembly for detecting an acceleration of the movable component during a braking event. The sensor generates an output signal that depends on a magnitude of the detected acceleration, which is sent to a microcontroller coupled to the sensor. The microcontroller translates the sensor output signal to a value corresponding to a displacement of the movable component of the brake assembly during the braking event and calculates a brake stroke distance based on said value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring a brake stroke of an air brake assembly utilize a sensor, such as an accelerometer, mountable on a movable component, such as a brake cam shaft, of the air brake assembly that is external of the brake chamber of the air brake assembly for detecting an acceleration of the movable component during a braking event. The sensor generates an output signal that depends on a magnitude of the detected acceleration, which is sent to a microcontroller coupled to the sensor. The microcontroller translates the sensor output signal to a value corresponding to a displacement of the movable component of the brake assembly during the braking event and calculates a brake stroke distance based on said value.