Abstract: The filter assembly is positioned between an outwardly threaded stem of a tire valve that controls the flow of tire gas and an internally threaded stem-receiving mount on a tire gas sensor. The filter assembly includes a housing having relatively opposing first and second ends, a mount-engaging portion adjacent to said first end, a cavity open at said first end, a stem-engaging stub at the second end, and at least one port extending through the stub and into the cavity; a filter insertable in the cavity; and a retainer mountable in the cavity at the first end of the housing and having a bore extending therethrough. The stub at the second end of the housing is disposed to depress the tire valve stem and release tire gas when the filter assembly and the tire valve stem are fully threaded into the mount on the sensing device. The tire gas flows through the port in the stub, the filter, and the bore in the retainer before reaching the sensing device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of programming a monitor to process data from a new sensor having a selected location on a vehicle, where in the new sensor transmits a verification code and an identification code as well as said data. The subject monitor programming method basically comprises initiating a programming mode, entering the location of the new sensor, entering a subset of the new sensor's identification code; storing the location and subset, exiting the programming mode, initiating a verification mode, receiving the new sensor's verification code and identification code, recognizing the verification code, storing the identification code, exiting the verification mode, initiating a normal operation and display mode, comparing the new sensor's transmitted identification code with the stored identification code, and processing the data from the new sensor when the transmitted identification code matches the stored identification code.

Abstract: Pairing information signals are transmitted for a selected period of time after the transceiver powers up. Generally identical heartbeat signals are transmitted by the transceiver for a longer period of time than the pairing information signals. When the monitor receives the pairing information, it will connect to the transceiver; however, if the monitor does not receive a selected number, e.g. 3, of heartbeat signals, it will disconnect from the transceiver and enter a standby mode, whereupon if the required heartbeats are received, the monitor will connect to the transceiver emitting them. Once connected in this manner, the monitor is able to process the tire sensor data relayed by the transceiver.

Abstract: An electronic monitor displays a tire position for each of a plurality of tires on a motor vehicle and provides a warning if a pressure reading received from any of the tires is outside a selected range of the baseline tire pressure value established for that tire position. The tire position and baseline tire pressure value are established by using navigation keys and a pair of control keys on the monitor. In an earlier method of establishing one or more baseline tire pressure values, the baseline value was entered on a tire-by-tire basis. The present improvement enables the operator to enter a baseline value globally for all tire positions. First a tire selection mode is entered, and a tire position is selected. Next, a baseline tire pressure selection mode is entered and a baseline tire pressure value is selected. The baseline tire pressure value is then assigned and saved to all of the tire positions by simultaneously engaging the pair of control keys.

Abstract: In a tire sensor monitoring system for a motor vehicle, each of a plurality of tire sensors periodically emits an identifying signal and a parameter signal and the monitoring system receives and processes the identifying and parameter signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring one or more motor vehicle tire conditions includes a receiver for intercepting signals from sensors mounted on the tires, a processor for identifying, converting, evaluating and storing said sensor signals, a keypad for selecting sensor data, an alarm for indicating an undesirable tire condition, and a display for providing sensor data. An unswitched circuit is connected to the vehicle battery and to the receiver and the processor in the monitoring apparatus. A switched circuit is connected via an ignition switch to the battery and to the monitoring apparatus as a whole. Sensor information obtained by the processor while the ignition switch is off is available to the user as soon as the ignition switch is turned on.

Abstract: Data transmitted from a newly installed tire sensor is integrated into monitoring apparatus having data from previously integrated tire sensors stored therein. Each of the newly installed and previously integrated tire sensors periodically transmits a unique identification code.