Abstract: An IMS device is provided that includes at least one surface, first and second pluralities of electrodes disposed on the surface, and an ion path having first and second accumulation regions and a separation region. The IMS device is configured to receive, guide, temporally separate, and discharge ions. Each accumulation region is configured to switch between accumulation and release states in which ions are accumulated and released therefrom, respectively. The separation region is positioned downstream of the first accumulation region and configured to temporally separate ions based on mobility. The first accumulation region is synchronized with a downstream mass filter while the second accumulation region is dependent upon the state of a gating element, which is positioned downstream of the IMS device and configured to control the flow of ions to a mass analyzer. A method in accordance with the foregoing is also provided.

Abstract: A piezoelectric triggering mechanism (10) includes a piezoelectric element (12), such as the transducer of a SAW device, that is configured to crack or break upon being subjected to excessive levels of mechanical force or other triggering mechanisms, thus generating a burst of electromagnetic energy. The large impulse of energy can then be conditioned (14) through resonant circuits or antennas and modulated (16) with an identification pattern through appropriate structures (such as SAW electrodes) to send a breakage indication signal to a remote receiver (18). Piezoelectric elements (12) may be integrated with a pneumatic tire structure to provide indication upon pressure loss or tire failure. Piezoelectric elements (12) may also be integrated with safety support features of some tire structures to provide indication of tire operation in a run-flat mode of operation.

Abstract: A piezoelectric triggering mechanism (10) includes a piezoelectric element (12), such as the transducer of a SAW device, that is configured to crack or break upon being subjected to excessive levels of mechanical force or other triggering mechanisms, thus generating a burst of electromagnetic energy. The large impulse of energy can then be conditioned (14) through resonant circuits or antennas and modulated (16) with an identification pattern through appropriate structures (such as SAW electrodes) to send a breakage indication signal to a remote receiver (18). Piezoelectric elements (12) may be integrated with a pneumatic tire structure to provide indication upon pressure loss or tire failure. Piezoelectric elements (12) may also be integrated with safety support features of some tire structures to provide indication of tire operation in a run-flat mode of operation.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy concerns a power generation device with a piezoelectric structure and a power conditioning module. The piezoelectric structure preferably comprises a plurality of piezoelectric fibers embedded in a generally unidirectional fashion within an epoxy matrix. Such piezoelectric structure additionally comprises interdigital electrode layers on opposing sides of the fiber/epoxy matrix configuration. The piezoelectric structure is preferably mounted within a tire structure such that electric charge is generated therein as the wheel assembly moves along a ground surface. Electrode layers within the piezoelectric structure are coupled to a power conditioning module that rectifies the resultant electric current from the piezoelectric structure and stores it in an energy storage device, preferably an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy concerns a power generation device with a piezoelectric structure and a power conditioning module. The piezoelectric structure preferably comprises a plurality of piezoelectric fibers embedded in a generally unidirectional fashion within an epoxy matrix. Such piezoelectric structure additionally comprises interdigital electrode layers on opposing sides of the fiber/epoxy matrix configuration. The piezoelectric structure is preferably mounted within a tire structure such that electric charge is generated therein as the wheel assembly moves along a ground surface. Electrode layers within the piezoelectric structure are coupled to a power conditioning module that rectifies the resultant electric current from the piezoelectric structure and stores it in an energy storage device, preferably an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: A method for customizing a tire and ordering for purchase a custom tire allows a purchaser to select certain features for a tire, for example, colored rubber for certain locations on the tread, using computer-based communication with a server system. The purchaser is presented with choices of features to incorporate in a tire, and is shown images representing a tire having the selected features. At the purchaser's request, an electronic order is formed and presented to the manufacturing entity, which executes the order via an automated manufacturing process to build, cure, and ship the tire or tires to the purchaser. The manufacturing entity automatically reports certain events to the server system, which generates and sends electronic messages to the purchaser to inform him or her of the progress of the order.