Abstract: A system for monitoring fuel consumption and optimizing refueling of a vehicle. The system includes a fuel level sensor designed to be mounted on a fuel tank. The fuel sensor has a transducer, such as an ultrasonic transducer, for generating a distance signal that represents the distance between the sensor and the surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. A processor coupled to the transducer is programmed to convert the distance signal to a percentage of capacity signal, calculate the volume of fuel within the fuel tank, and create a message that includes information regarding the volume of fuel in the fuel tank. The processor of the fuel level sensor is coupled to a network that may include a dispatch terminal, a fuel optimization server, and a fuel-price-by-location service. The network calculates an optimal location for refilling the fuel tank and a route to travel to the location.

Abstract: An electronic sensor assembly that can be used in speed-sensing applications such as anti-lock brake systems. The sensor assembly includes a sensor element, a housing surrounding the sensor element, a sensor terminal connected to the sensor element and extending outside of the housing for electrically coupling the sensor element to a conductor, a connector terminal for mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the conductor, and a splice band mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the connector terminal without welding, soldering, or using a crimp bucket. In one aspect of the invention, the sensor assembly further includes a capacitor electrically and mechanically coupled to the sensor terminal and the connector terminal via the splice band. The sensor element is preferably an active sensor such as a magneto-resistive sensor or a Hall-Effect sensor.

Abstract: A dynamic range sensor that measures the distance to a target or amount of material in a container. The sensor has a transducer and a controller that is coupled to the transducer. The controller generates a first command signal for the transducer, detects a first echo signal from the transducer, and determines whether the first echo signal was received by the transducer within a near-field time. If the first echo signal was received within the near-field time, the controller detects a second echo signal of a predetermined magnitude. If a second echo signal is not detected within a predetermined amount of time, the controller ignores the first echo signal and generates a second command signal different than the first command signal. The controller modifies the second command signal until a second echo signal is detected.

Abstract: A sensor assembly having a housing including a first portion and a second portion. One of the portions of the housing includes a plurality of walls. The walls at least partially define a chamber. The assembly also includes a hinge connected to the first portion and to the second portion. The second portion is pivotable about the hinge from an open position with respect to the first portion to a closed position with respect to the first portion. The assembly also includes a sensor positioned within the chamber and substantially encircled by the plurality of walls. The sensor is partially enclosed by the first portion and second portion when the second portion is in the closed position.

Abstract: An electronic sensor assembly that can be used in speed-sensing applications such as anti-lock brake systems. The sensor assembly includes a sensor element, a housing surrounding the sensor element, a sensor terminal connected to the sensor element and extending outside of the housing for electrically coupling the sensor element to a conductor, a connector terminal for mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the conductor, and a splice band mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the connector terminal without welding, soldering, or using a crimp bucket. In one aspect of the invention, the sensor assembly further includes a capacitor electrically and mechanically coupled to the sensor terminal and the connector terminal via the splice band. The sensor element is preferably an active sensor such as a magneto-resistive sensor or a Hall-Effect sensor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring fuel consumption and optimizing refueling of a vehicle. The system includes a fuel level sensor designed to be mounted on a fuel tank. The fuel sensor has a transducer, such as an ultrasonic transducer, for generating a distance signal that represents the distance between the sensor and the surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. A processor coupled to the transducer is programmed to convert the distance signal to a percentage of capacity signal, calculate the volume of fuel within the fuel tank, and create a message that includes information regarding the volume of fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A system for monitoring fuel consumption and optimizing refueling of a vehicle. The system includes a fuel level sensor designed to be mounted on a fuel tank. The fuel sensor has a transducer, such as an ultrasonic transducer, for generating a distance signal that represents the distance between the sensor and the surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. A processor coupled to the transducer is programmed to convert the distance signal to a percentage of capacity signal, calculate the volume of fuel within the fuel tank, and create a message that includes information regarding the volume of fuel in the fuel tank. The processor of the fuel level sensor is coupled to a network that may include a dispatch terminal, a fuel optimization server, and a fuel-price-by-location service. The network calculates an optimal location for refilling the fuel tank and a route to travel to the location.

Abstract: A system for displaying the status of accessory systems is claimed. At least one sensor monitors the status of at least one accessory system. A transmitter located in proximity of the sensor transmits status information from the sensor to a receiver. The receiver is located remotely from the sensor and the transmitter. The receiver processes the status information and transmits the status information to a visual display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of transmitting data between two inductively coupled circuits. The method includes providing a transmitting circuit, providing a receiving circuit spaced from the transmitting circuit, and generating a data signal in the transmitting circuit. The data signal includes a first component representing the data, and a second component identifying a portion of the first component. The apparatus includes a transmitting circuit having a transmitting coil. The transmitting circuit generates electrical energy in the transmitting coil. The apparatus further includes a receiving circuit spaced from and inductively coupled to the transmitting circuit. The receiving circuit includes modulating means for generating a carrier signal including a first component encoding a plurality of consecutive data signals, and a second component identifying the beginning of respective ones of the data signals.

Abstract: A speed sensor assembly is provided that isolates the internal components of the speed sensor from detrimental external environmental influences. Further provided is a new seal that seals between a housing and an overmold of a speed sensor and is capable of use in speed sensors of varying types and of all different sizes and shapes. Provided is a seal in which a bead of glue cured by ultraviolet light is applied around part of the exterior surface of a housing, after which an injected molded plastic overmold is applied over at least that part of the housing having the applied ultraviolet cured glue. In this way, once the housing is overmolded, the ultraviolet cured glue forms a gasket-like seal between the housing and the overmold preventing the penetration of water or other contaminants into the internals of the speed sensor. Also provided is a mounting fixture for use during a process of applying the seal to the housing.

Abstract: A speed sensor assembly is provided that isolates the internal components of the speed sensor from detrimental external environmental influences. Further provided is a new seal that seals between a housing and an overmold of a speed sensor and is capable of use in speed sensors of varying types and of all different sizes and shapes. Provided is a seal in which a bead of glue cured by ultraviolet light is applied around part of the exterior surface of a housing, after which an injected molded plastic overmold is applied over at least that part of the housing having the applied ultraviolet cured glue. In this way, once the housing is overmolded, the ultraviolet cured glue forms a gasket-like seal between the housing and the overmold preventing the penetration of water or other contaminants into the internals of the speed sensor. Also provided is a mounting fixture for use during a process of applying the seal to the housing.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a housing; a plurality of sensors mounted on the housing, each of the sensors including a sensing element and an electrical output connected to said sensing element. The apparatus also includes a plurality of inputs connected to the sensors, respectively, to transmit to the sensors. A circuit is mounted in the housing and in electrical connection with the electrical outputs to provide a common signal conditioner for the sensors.

Abstract: A method of forming apparatus including a force transducer on a silicon substrate having an upper surface, the silicon substrate including a dopant of one of the n-type or the p-type, the force transducer including a cavity having spaced end walls and a beam supported in the cavity, the beam extending between the end walls of the cavity, the method including the steps of: (a) implanting in the substrate a layer of a dopant of said one of the n-type or the p-type; (b) depositing an epitaxial layer on the upper surface of the substrate, the epitaxial layer including a dopant of the other of the n-type or the p-type; (c) implanting a pair of spaced sinkers through the epitaxial layer and into electrical connection with said layer, each of the sinkers including a dopant of the one of the n-type or the p-type; (d) anodizing the substrate to form porous silicon of the sinkers and the layer; (e) oxidizing the porous silicon to form silicon dioxide; and (f) etching the silicon dioxide to form the cavity and beam.

Abstract: A force transducer having a semiconductor substrate including a surface defining a recess, such that the recess has a peripheral boundary and a flexible diaphragm connected to the surface along the peripheral boundary to enclose the recess so that the diaphragm moves in response to changes in a force applied thereto. The force transducer also includes a resonant beam connected to the surface adjacent the peripheral boundary. The resonant beam has a frequency of resonation. Movement of the diaphragm in response to changes in the force applied to the diaphragm changes the frequency of resonation of the resonant beam.

Abstract: A pressure sensor package is claimed. The pressure sensor package includes a pressure sensor base having a cavity, a pressure sensor diaphragm positioned over the cavity, and a pressure sensor cap positioned over and secured to the pressure sensor base. The pressure sensor cap further includes a deformed portion securing the cap to the base, an engaging portion adapted to allow engagement of the cap when the deformed portion is being deformed around the base, an upper portion between the engaging portion and the diaphragm, and a lower portion between the engaging portion and the deformed portion, wherein the upper portion is longer than the lower portion. The engaging portion may extend radially outwardly from the cap, such as in the form of an annular ledge.

Abstract: A power steering fluid system is filled through port (56) in the direction of normal circulation of the fluid (24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely measuring the pressure and temperature of the gas in a vehicle wheel The vehicle includes a frame member, a vehicle wheel mounted for rotation relative to the frame member about a rotation axis, and a modulator mounted on the vehicle wheel for movement therewith The modulator generates a carrier signal including a first component encoding a plurality of consecutive data signals corresponding to a physical characteristic of the vehicle wheel, and the carrier signal including a second component identifying a portion of the respective one of the data signals

Abstract: A pressure sensor package and method for producing the same. The package includes a pressure sensor base, a pressure sensor diaphragm positioned over the pressure sensor base, and a pressure sensor cap positioned over the pressure sensor diaphragm and secured relative to the pressure sensor base such that a portion of the pressure sensor diaphragm is deformed between the pressure sensor cap and the pressure sensor base. The deformation can occur along a line of deformation, preferably to form a closed path adjacent a periphery of the pressure sensor diaphragm. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor diaphragm is deformed between an inner surface of the pressure sensor cap and an outer surface of the pressure sensor base along the line of deformation, and the inner surface and the outer surface diverge from each other when moving away from the line of deformation.

Abstract: A vehicle including a frame member and a vehicle wheel mounted for rotation relative to the frame member about a rotation axis. The vehicle also includes a transmitting circuit mounted on a one of the frame member and the vehicle wheel. The transmitting circuit includes an antenna coil having a diameter. A ferrite core is mounted adjacent the transmitting circuit on the one of the frame member and the vehicle wheel. A non-planar, curved antenna coil is mounted on the other of the frame member and the vehicle wheel. The non-planar, curved antenna coil has a radius of curvature that is approximately equivalent to the rotational pathway of the transmitting circuit.

Abstract: A method of forming apparatus including a force transducer on a silicon substrate having an upper surface, the silicon substrate including a dopant of one of the n-type or the p-type, the force transducer including a cavity having spaced end walls and a beam supported in the cavity, the beam extending between the end walls of the cavity, the method including the steps of: (a) implanting in the substrate a layer of a dopant of said one of the n-type or the p-type; (b) depositing an epitaxial layer on the upper surface of the substrate, the epitaxial layer including a dopant of the other of the n-type or the p-type; (c) implanting a pair of spaced sinkers through the epitaxial layer and into electrical connection with said layer, each of the sinkers including a dopant of the one of the n-type or the p-type; (d) anodizing the substrate to form porous silicon of the sinkers and the layer; (e) oxidizing the porous silicon to form silicon dioxide; and (f) etching the silicon dioxide to form the cavity and beam.