Abstract: A tire internal pressure monitor ECU is switched between a monitoring mode where internal pressures of tires of a vehicle are monitored, and a registering mode where ID codes assigned to sensor units provided in the tires are registered. In the registering mode, when receiving the ID code from the sensor unit, the ECU registers the ID code along with instructing an auxiliary device to operate a predetermined conduct that can be seen from an outside of the vehicle. Namely, the predetermined conduct of the auxiliary device notifies completion of registering the ID code, which results in enhancing operation efficiency in registering of the ID code.

Abstract: A safety insert comprising a substantially circumferential base intended to come into contact with an adapted wheel rim, a substantially circumferential body intended to support a tread of a tire mounted on the rim during rolling with a pressure capable of causing at least partial flattening of a portion of the tire, and a housing intended to receive a wheel unit, characterized in that the safety insert comprises an aerial which is rigidly connected to the insert and is disposed inside its volume.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure includes monitors mounted in the tires, each including a tire pressure sensor, a transmitter for transmitting a tire pressure signal, a battery for the transmitter, and a receiver for receiving an initiation signal. Initiators are mounted on-board the vehicle, each initiator associated with one of the tire monitors. Each initiator is for use in generating a low frequency initiation signal for receipt by a tire receiver to cause the transmitter to transmit a tire pressure signal. A vehicle mounted controller activates the initiators in order to generate the low frequency initiation signals, and processes the tire pressure signals to convey tire pressure information to a user. The controller further activates the initiators in order to generate a low frequency electromagnetic field for use in recharging the batteries in the tire monitors.

Abstract: An air pressure detection device for a wheel includes an air pressure sensor provided on the side of a tire for detecting the tire pressure. A detection and transmission unit (transmission unit) is provided for transmitting information detected by the air pressure sensor. An electric cell is provided for driving the detection and transmission unit. The air pressure sensor is located inside the tire and is integrally fitted to an air valve. The electric cell is fitted to a portion of the air valve projecting from a rim. The invention enhances the fitting property of the air pressure sensor, and enhances the convenience in exchange of the electric cell.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system monitors the periodic transmissions from each of the tire pressure monitoring sensors. If a particular sensor fails to report a counter is incremented. The count is compared to a limit, with a lower limit being set for when a vehicle is moving and a higher limit being set for when the vehicle is stationary. If the count exceeds the limit then it is determined that the particular transmitter is failing. When the vehicle transitions from stationary mode to moving mode the count is compared to limits. If the count is between two limits, then the count is reset to a lower number before the control monitors operation in moving mode. In this fashion, inaccurate identifications of a failed transmitter are reduced or eliminated by ensuring that the difference between the two limits does not result in an improper identification of a transmitter as failing when the vehicle transitions from stationary to moving mode.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure in which decrease in internal pressure of a tire is detected on the basis of rotational information. The method includes the steps of: detecting rotational information of the tires; storing the rotational information; comparing rotational information of all left-sided wheels and rotational information of all right-sided wheels of the vehicle when the vehicle is performing straight-ahead running; and judging decompression on the basis of a relationship between a value obtained through comparison of the left-sided and right-sided rotational information and a specified threshold. It is possible to detect decompression of a single wheel tire while it is also possible to detect that two wheel tires on the left or right are simultaneously decreased.

Abstract: A system for checking at least one status parameter of a tire for a motor vehicle includes at least one wheel, including a tire mounted on a rim, an inner tube inserted into a cavity defined between the tire and the rim, a first device for measuring the at least one status parameter associated with the at least one wheel, a second device for transmitting a signal indicating a value measured by the first device, a third device for receiving the signal, and a fourth device for sensing movement of the at least one wheel and for enabling energization of the second device when the at least one wheel is moving, wherein the first, second, and fourth devices are housed in a container inserted into a wall of the inner tube in a radially-inner position of the inner tube respect to the at least one wheel.

Abstract: For use in a tire pressure monitoring system, an initiator generator includes an oscillator/divider configured to generate an output signal in response to a switched, regulated voltage. The output signal has a fundamental frequency and a gating frequency.

Abstract: A wheel includes a disk form wheel, a tire fitted to the wheel, and a tire tube contained between the wheel and the tire, and is provided with an air pressure detection device intermediately disposed between the tire tube and the wheel. A metallic line form reception antenna is inserted by molding into a front fender. Since the distance from a transmission means fitted to an air pressure sensor to the reception antenna is reduced, reception sensitivity can be enhanced. In addition, since the reception antenna can be pitched to about the size of the fender, the reception sensitivity can be enhanced. Further, since jigs for fixing the antenna are needless, a reduction in the number of component parts can be contrived, and the antenna can be fixed without spoiling the appearance.

Abstract: An unsafe operating condition, such as low pressure, of a pneumatic tire is monitored by measuring a temperature (T) of the pneumatic tire, determining (304, 308) rates (R1, R2) at which the tire temperature is changing, and indicating (340) when the rate exceeds predetermined values (A, C). The rate (R1, R2) may be determined with respect to time (t), or with respect to some other parameter such as travel distance (x). The predetermined value (C) may be a function of the tire's rotational velocity (V). The rotation speed (V) of the tire may be taken into account. The driver may be alerted when the temperature exceeds a maximum acceptable operating temperature (D) for the tire, or when the temperature of one tire deviates significantly from the temperatures of the other tires on the vehicle.

Abstract: To provide a transponder for tire, in which the physical quantity in an atmosphere within a tire air chamber can be accurately detected by a sensor and which can be vulcanized in a state in which it is embedded in the tire, a tire with the transponder, and a manufacturing method of the tire. According to the present invention, a transponder obtained by hermetically sealing, by a housing, a circuit substrate with the sensor and other electronic components packaged is embedded between an inner liner and a carcass ply. A green tire thus embedded is vulcanized, and after the vulcanization, the tip end portion of a protruded portion of the housing is removed together with part of the tire inner wall surface, and an aperture is formed at a tip end of the protruded portion to communicate an interior of the tire air chamber with the sensor within the housing.

Abstract: A method for alarming decrease in tire air-pressure. The method includes the steps of: detecting rotational information of respective tires; respectively calculating and storing a wheel speed, a vehicle acceleration, a slip ratio between front and rear wheels, a running distance and a turning radius; accumulating the running distance, the moving-averaged vehicle acceleration and the slip ratio between front and rear wheels; obtaining a linear regression coefficient and a correlation coefficient of the vehicle acceleration and the slip ratio; judging whether at least a driving wheel tire has decompressed upon comparing a judged value of the linear regression coefficient and a reference value for internal pressure of the linear regression coefficient; and issuing an alarm of decrease in tire air-pressure.

Abstract: A tire condition monitoring apparatus has a pressure sensor that measures air pressure in a tire of a vehicle. The apparatus also has a transmitter that transmits pressure data measured by the pressure sensor, and a receiver that receives and processes data transmitted by the transmitter. The pressure sensor has a diaphragm exposed to air of the tire, and metallic material covering the diaphragm. The transmitter has a power supply circuit and a connecting member. The power supply circuit supplies electricity for activating the transmitter. The connecting member connects the power supply circuit with the metallic material such that the potential of the metallic material is the same as the potential of the power supply circuit.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring device, being installed in a motor vehicle having a plurality of tires, includes: a plurality of sensor modules being installed onto the tire and having a wireless communication signal transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal. The RF signal includes a specific code for the status of the tire and a specific code for the sensor module. The device further includes a plurality of antenna modules, each being installed individually for one of the sensor modules for receiving the signal; and a receiving device, electrically coupled to the antenna module for processing the signal.

Abstract: A casing for a transmitter is attached to a wheel such that the transmitter is located inside a tire. The casing has an upper plate, a lower plate, a surrounding wall extending between the upper plate and the lower plate, and a pair of skirts. The surrounding wall includes a front surface and a pair of side surfaces. Each skirt is located at one of corners defined between the front surface and the side surfaces. Each skirt is curved such that the front surface and the corresponding side surface are smoothly connected. The skirts are inclined with respect to the lower plate at an angle in the range of 65 to 75 degrees. This sufficiently endures pressure applied by a tire when removing the tire from a wheel.

Abstract: A system (10) and method is provided for calibrating a tire pressure monitoring system using an EM transmitter (14). The present invention includes a first pressure sensor coupled to a wheel of an automotive vehicle (12). The EM pressure transmitter (14) is coupled to the pressure sensor (32). The transmitter (14) has a serial number associated therewith. An EM calibration device has a transmitting range. The EM transmitter device has an actuator. When the actuator is activated, a calibration signal (34) is transmitted within the transmitting range. The calibration signal causes the EM pressure transmitter (32) to transmit a serial number. A controller (16) is EM coupled to the pressure transmitter. The controller (16) receives the serial number and associates the serial number with a tire location of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electromechanical apparatus suitable for mounting on a vehicle wheel power for generating telemetry relating to the wheel including tire temperature and pressure. The apparatus includes a pendulum mounted to rotate freely relative to the vehicle wheel which is positioned from the wheel hub. When the wheel is set to rotation, the pendulum freely hangs from the wheel hub under the influence of an off center counterweight having sufficient inertia to prevent rotation of the pendulum with the wheel. The pendulum is used to position one or more magnets to be used to excite field coils, which are mounted with respect to the wheel hub to rotate with the wheel. The magnets and rotating coils cooperate to energize a power utilization circuit also mounted with respect to the wheel hub to rotate therewith. The utilization circuit may include such sensors as desired, typically including though a tire pressure gauge and tire and wheel hub temperature gauges.

Abstract: A tire monitoring method and apparatus is provided to predict tire tread separation for a tire on a wheel of a vehicle. This may involve monitoring a parameter of a tire of a vehicle over time and comparing information regarding the monitored parameter (over time) with a reference threshold value of the parameter (over time). The method may also include providing information to a driver based on the comparison. The parameter may be acceleration (axial, radial or longitudinal) along an axis of the tire. The parameter may also be tire imbalance, temperature inside the tire, speed of the tire, load and/or pressure, for example. Information regarding the comparison may be transmitted to a driver if the monitored parameter exceeds the reference threshold value for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A transmitter device includes a rotational direction sensor that generates a specific pattern signal when a corresponding tire rotates. The pattern signal of the left tires is different from the pattern signal of the right tires. A front reception antenna is near the front tires. A rear reception antenna is near the rear tires. A receiver includes a switch circuit that selectively connects the front reception antenna or the rear reception antenna to a controller. When one transmitter device transmits a radio signal, the controller determines which transmitter device is the source of the radio signal in accordance with the level of the signals from the reception antennas and the pattern signal, which is included in the data transmitted by the transmitter device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the wheels (R1, R2, R3, R4) of a motor vehicle (10) for fault states, in particular for incorrect tire pressures, comprises the steps of: each wheel (E1, E2, E3, E4) to be monitored is assigned a wheel unit (E1, E2, E3, E4) which transmits data (D1, D2, D3, D4) to a central evaluation device (ECU) of the vehicle (10) at least in response to a trigger signal, the occurrence of a fault state and the wheel position (FL, FR, RL, RR) of the wheel (R1, R2, R3, R4) at which the fault state has occurred being indicated. The detection and the indication of the wheel position (FL, FR, RL, RR) of the wheel (R1, R2, R3, R4) at which the fault state has occurred can be triggered after the fault state has been indicated.

Abstract: A method for alarming decrease in tire air-pressure in which a decrease in internal pressure of a tire is detected on the basis of rotational information obtainable from wheels mounted to a vehicle and a driver is accordingly alarmed. A plurality of thresholds for judging bad road are set. Decrease in air-pressure of a tire can be judged and alarm is issued upon decrease in air-pressure also when running on a bad road so that it is possible to secure safe driving for the driver.

Abstract: A tire internal pressure monitor ECU is switched between a monitoring mode where internal pressures of tires of a vehicle are monitored, and a registering mode where ID codes assigned to sensor units provided in the tires are registered. In the registering mode, when receiving the ID code from the sensor unit, the ECU registers the ID code along with instructing an auxiliary device to operate a predetermined conduct that can be seen from an outside of the vehicle. Namely, the predetermined conduct of the auxiliary device notifies completion of registering the ID code, which results in enhancing operation efficiency in registering of the ID code.

Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure, a system and method for identifying tire location. A tire pressure monitor for each tire includes a sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a sensor for sensing an impact to the tire and for actuating the transmitter to transmit a tire pressure signal in response. A receiver for mounting on the vehicle receives the tire pressure signals. A controller for mounting on the vehicle communicates with the receiver and is for use in conveying tire pressure and location information to a user. When the vehicle is stationary, each tire is struck in a preselected sequence so that each received tire pressure signal is automatically associated with one of the plurality of tire locations.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vehicle tire pressure. A tire pressure monitor for each tire includes a pressure sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a tire pressure signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a batter providing power to the transmitter. To conserve battery power, each tire pressure signal transmitted by the transmitters includes a wake-up signal only when the vehicle has been stationary for a predetermined time period. The wake-up signal ensures receipt of the tire pressure signal by a vehicle mounted receiver alternating between active state and inactive states.

Abstract: A tire inflation pressure monitoring system (10) and a method for monitoring air pressure within a tire (14) are provided. The system (10) includes a tire based unit (18) for sensing air pressure within the tire (14) and for transmitting a pressure signal indicative thereof. The system (10) also includes a vehicle based unit (16) for receiving the pressure signal and for comparing the pressure signal to a predefined pressure range. The vehicle based unit (16) is operable in one of (i) a normal operating mode that outputs an alert signal in response to the air pressure within the tire (14) being outside of the predefined pressure range and (ii) a pressure gauge operating mode that outputs an in-range signal in response to the air pressure within the tire (14) being within the predetermined pressure range.

Abstract: A pressure indicating device, e.g. for securing to a tire valve, is disclosed. The device includes a flexible impermeable diaphragm on one wall of a permanently hermetically sealed chamber is pressurized to a given pressure. A mechanical linkage moves depending on whether the pressure, e.g. in a tire to which the device is attached, is greater or less than that in the chamber, e.g., rotates a bicolored ball so that the color displayed provides a visual signal that indicates if the tire pressure is above or below the given pressure. This enables a puncture or air loss to be detected by a rapid glance.

Abstract: A tire tag includes a monitoring package, a battery, and an antenna encapsulated within an encapsulation mold. The antenna is connected to the encapsulation mold so that the antenna does not move during the encapsulation process. The antenna remains spaced apart from the monitoring package but connected to the monitoring package by connectors that are completely surrounded by encapsulation material so that the connectors are protected during the operation of the tire tag. The antenna may be connected to the encapsulation mold by an adhesive, by pins, by an interference fit, or by clips. The connection between the antenna and the monitoring device may be made by soldered wires or by spring loaded connector pins. The method of encapsulating the tire tag in this manner allows the position of the antenna to be precisely known before, during, and after the encapsulation process.

Abstract: A transponder measures temperatures and pressure within a pneumatic tire. A temperature count is transmitted, which is a function of temperature. A pressure count is transmitted, which is a function of both temperature and pressure. The pressure is determined by dividing the temperature count by the pressure count. Within the transponder, a timing generator generates a first timing window during which temperature is measured and a second timing window during which pressure is measured; a temperature register captures first data indicative of the temperature within the tire; a pressure register captures second data indicative of the pressure within the tire; and a modulator circuit impresses the first data as a first portion of a data stream on a signal output by the transponder, and impresses the second data as a second portion of the data stream on the signal output by the transponder.

Abstract: A keyless entry device includes a plurality of antennas which receive high frequency signals, a high frequency receiver which reproduces data from the high frequency signals received by the plurality of antennas, an intermittent controller which changes over an operation of the high frequency receiver between a continuous operation and an intermittent operation in an interlocking manner with turning on or off of an ignition key of an automobile, and a data processor which outputs data as control signals, wherein when the ignition key is turned on, the keyless entry device is operated as the tire pressure monitoring device and when the ignition key is turned off, the keyless entry device is operated as the keyless entry device.

Abstract: A system for identifying the position of a tire on a vehicle based on wireless messages received from the tire includes a receiver circuit, a signal strength circuit, a memory, and a processing circuit. The receiver circuit is configured to receive the wireless messages. The signal strength circuit is configured to determine the signal strengths of the wireless messages. The memory is configured to store a predetermined frequency distribution. The processing circuit is configured to provide a frequency distribution of the wireless messages based on the signal strengths and to compare the frequency distribution to the predetermined frequency distribution to determine the position of the tire on the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire monitor apparatus and monitored vehicle tire. A module which monitors tire information is supported by a rubber ply affixed to the inside surface of the tire. The module has electrical components for monitoring tire information by collecting, storing and/or reading information about the tire. A retainer assembly is used to secure the module to the rubber ply such that the module is support within the tire's cavity. The module is mounted to be removed, exchanged, etc. In one embodiment, the monitor module may be isolated from tire loads such that the durability of the monitoring system is improved. The fastener assembly has first parts carried by the rubber ply and second fastener parts built into the module. The first and second fastener parts cooperate to support said module from said rubber ply. The first part may be in the form of a shaft or stem having an axial length which allows the module to be retained at an offset distance from the ply and tire.

Abstract: A tire air monitoring apparatus includes transmitters for wirelessly transmitting data regarding the inner pressure of tires and a receiver for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitters. Each transmitter is powered by a battery. Each transmitter includes a pressure sensor, which measures the inner pressure of the tire at predetermined measuring intervals. Each transmitter periodically and wirelessly transmits data every time the pressure sensor has taken a measurement a predetermined number of times. When the tire pressure changes by an amount that is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value during a predetermined judging time, the transmitter performs an early data transmission. Therefore, an abnormality in the tire pressure is immediately communicated to a driver, and battery strength is conserved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out the allocation of tire pressure control devices (4a to 4d) to wheel positions in a tire pressure control system of a motor vehicle. Each tire pressure control device (4a to 4d) transmits, at certain time intervals, its individual identifier and a lengthened high frequency signal to the central unit (10) of the tire pressure control system. The high frequency signals have an individual trace which is dependent upon the rotational angle of the wheel and on the time because of the geometry of the wheel box and as a consequence of the rotation of the wheel. In the central unit (10), a time point is fixed from two sequential high frequency signals at which the wheel assumes the same angular position in each case with this wheel being the wheel from which the signals were transmitted. The corresponding wheel has made an integer number of revolutions between the two time points.

Abstract: A monitoring device and patch combination used to monitor the conditions of a pneumatic tire having an innerliner includes a monitoring device and patch. The monitoring device includes a first connection element that is connected to the monitoring device. The patch includes an antenna that is connected to a second connection element. In one embodiment of the invention, the first connection element is in the form of a socket while the second connection element is in the form of a plug. The connection elements allow the monitoring device and patch to be separately fabricated and the direct physical connection between the antenna and the monitoring device to be formed when the combination is connected to the innerliner of the tire. In another embodiment, a plug extends from the bottom of an encapsulated monitoring device and is aligned with a socket on the patch. The connection between the plug and the socket occurs automatically when the encapsulated monitoring device is aligned with and connected to the patch.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle tire includes a carcass, a bead with a bead core arranged in the bead, and a first sensor located within the bead. The first sensor delivers signals which are correlated to frictional forces transmitted by the pneumatic vehicle tire during operation. This sensor has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a heel attached to the bead core and the second end extends radially outward from the bead core within the tire. A plurality of such sensors can be included in each tire, some for measuring longitudinal forces in a circumferential direction of the tire and others for measuring lateral forces in an axial direction of the tire.

Abstract: A tire characteristic monitoring method allows automatic programming of tire position information in a remote tire pressure monitoring system (10). The method includes, from a remotely located exciter (16) using a primary coil (18) to transmit a relatively low frequency signal to a secondary coil (L1) of a tire monitor (12) associated with a tire of a vehicle. The method further includes the step of, at the tire monitor, in response to the relatively low frequency signal, transmitting a relatively high transmitting signal to convey data. The data are received at the exciter and subsequently loaded into a receiving unit (14) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel balancing system for the reduction of vehicle wheel and pneumatic tire assembly vibrations with the capacity to determine and selectively adjust the pneumatic tire's pressure simultaneously with wheel balancing. The balancing system includes a drive for rotating the tire and wheel assembly; a sensing system for the selective determination of vibration causation and correction information; a pneumatic system for the adjustment of the pneumatic tire's pressure; a control system for instituting the determined vibration corrections and pressure adjustments; as well as a communication system for receiving, transmitting and presenting data or instructions. The sensing system is responsive to the wheel balancing systems operational status, the wheel and tire assembly's operational status, wireless or network communications and input from the user. The control system includes automatic provisions for safety, convenience, time efficiency, balancing and pressure adjustment.

Abstract: The system for monitoring the pressure of a tyre of a vehicle wheel comprises a pressure sensor (1), a transmitter (3) for transmitting pressure data and a power-supply battery (10), and a temperature sensor (4) and a processor (2) are also provided, the processor (2) being arranged to control the transmission of the pressure data according to the temperature.

Abstract: The safeguarded system for monitoring the pressure of a tire (8) of a vehicle wheel comprises a pressure sensor (1), a transmitter (3) of series of identical bursts of pressure data and a processor (2) for controlling the transmission of the bursts of data, arranged in order that, at least at wheel rotation speeds higher than a threshold, at least one burst of a series is transmitted in its entirety upon one wheel rotation.

Abstract: A low tire pressure warning system includes a tire pressure sensor constructed to be mounted within each of the tires on the wheels of a vehicle. Each tire pressure sensor includes a pressure switch coupled to a transmitter and a battery, with the pressure switch being constructed to connect the battery to the transmitter so as to activate the transmitter when pressure within the tire drops below a low value. A receiver is constructed to be mounted within the vehicle in communication with the transmitters and a low tire pressure warning indicator is coupled to the receiver so as to be activated when the receiver receives a signal from any one of the transmitters.

Abstract: A tire pressure indicator comprises a set of pressure gauges respectively installed in the tires of a vehicle, and receiver circuit means installed in the vehicle adjacent to the tires. Each pressure gauge includes a power supplying device, a pressure-sensing unit, and a transmitter circuit. The power-supplying device has a self-generating voltage unit formed by a piezoelectric element, a spring element, and a weight. The spring element is vibrated when the tires of the vehicle are in motion, thereby causing the piezoelectric element to generate power supply. The pressure-sensing unit includes a capacitor means formed by a motion member, a conductive member, and a converting circuit.