Abstract: A remote vehicle operation system has a control unit in communication with at least one subsystem of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a transmitter communicates with the control unit and transmits feedback signals to a portable receiver carried by the operator. One such subsystem may be a climate control subsystem. A communication unit communicates with the climate control subsystem and transmits a feedback signal when the subsystem meets a predetermined condition. The communication unit may have a transmitter in communication with the control unit. This embodiment may thus be a climate control subsystem in a vehicle and a control unit in communication with the subsystem.

Abstract: A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed mode (52) and a frequency shift keyed mode (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system (26) and a remote keyless entry system (20) and switches between modes in response to receipt of a wake up pattern.

Abstract: A remote vehicle operation system has a control unit in communication with at least one subsystem of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a transmitter communicates with the control unit and transmits feedback signals to a portable receiver carried by the operator. One such subsystem may be a climate control subsystem. A communication unit communicates with the climate control subsystem and transmits a feedback signal when the subsystem meets a predetermined condition. The communication unit may have a transmitter in communication with the control unit. This embodiment may thus be a climate control subsystem in a vehicle and a control unit in communication with the subsystem.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel is formed of a plastic rim that receives a tire. The tire is preferably welded at each of its two beads to portions of the rim. The plastic rim is preferably formed of both a disc and an internal part. A sensor for sensing pressures within the tire is incorporated into the disc piece. It is imagined that the entire vehicle wheel could be secured together for the life of the wheel. That is, the tire cannot be replaced. Since a plastic rim is utilized, the sensor could utilize LF (or other wireless means) to communicate a signal indicative of pressure, acceleration (which is translated into wheel speed), temperature and other information that may be deemed as important for safety and convenience from the tire to a receiver on the vehicle. Since the rim will not be separated from the tire, the sensor can also store incoming information providing a complete record of the entire life of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: Keyless entry systems generate a signal to actuate a security system on a vehicle when keyless entry system is outside of a range of the vehicle. The signal is transmitted to the vehicle once the keyless entry system is within range. In a first embodiment, the signal continues to be sent periodically over a period of time such that the operator can move within range of the vehicle. In a second embodiment, the request signal is stored at the keyless entry system until the keyless entry system receives a signal from the vehicle, which then indicates the keyless entry system is within range of the vehicle. At that time, the signal is sent to the vehicle. This invention facilitates the use of keyless entry systems for a person carrying a number of packages, such that the operator need not actuate the keyless entry system when approaching the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel sensor assembly (22) includes a pressure sensor (24) and a counterweight (26) mounted to a band (28). The band (28) is of a length to extend around the inner diameter of the wheel rim (12) such that the pressure sensor (24) is mounted 180 degrees opposite the counterweight (26) when installed around the inner diameter. The sensor (24) and the counterweight (26) thereby minimally effects the balance of the vehicle wheel assembly (10). The band (28) includes a male end (32) which fits into a female end (34) in a zip-tie like manner. An antenna (36) is mounted along the length of the band (28) for a length approximately equal to the rim (12) inner diameter such that heretofore transmission/reception problems are essentially eliminated.

Abstract: A passive entry system for use in providing access to a vehicle incorporates a circuit associated with a personal use item utilized by the vehicle operator for some function other than vehicle access control. As an example, the personal use item is preferably a watch. The circuit may be incorporated into the dial or the band of the watch. Moreover, the circuit may be powered by a query signal from the vehicle, or may be powered by a battery on the personal use item. In other embodiments, the circuit is incorporated into a piece of jewelry. The use of the item which is otherwise carried by the vehicle operator to also provide the passive access apparatus greatly reduces the likelihood of a vehicle operator forgetting to bring the passive access apparatus along when requesting access to a vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically closing a moveable panel, such as a vehicle window. A power drive mechanism is controlled by a controller. The controller determines if the user has issued an “express up” command. Only if the panel is beyond a predetermined proximity of its fully closed position when the “express up” command is issued, is the panel is powered to the fully closed position under its normal circumstances. If the panel is within the predetermined proximity, however, exception processing occurs.

Abstract: A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed mode (52) and a frequency shift keyed mode (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system (26) and a remote keyless entry system (20) and switches between modes in response to receipt of a wake up pattern.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel sensor assembly (22) includes a pressure sensor (24) and a counterweight (26) mounted to a band (28). The band (28) is of a length to extend around the inner diameter of the wheel rim (12) such that the pressure sensor (24) is mounted 180 degrees opposite the counterweight (26) when installed around the inner diameter. The sensor (24) and the counterweight (26) thereby minimally effects the balance of the vehicle wheel assembly (10). The band (28) includes a male end (32) which fits into a female end (34) in a zip-tie like manner. An antenna (36) is mounted along the length of the band (28) for a length approximately equal to the rim (12) inner diameter such that heretofore transmission/reception problems are essentially eliminated.

Abstract: A control system and method predicts the occurrence of elevated temperatures in an electric motor 12 used to operate a window closure system. The motor 12 includes an output 14 that is operably coupled to a window component 16. A controller 20 monitors at least one motor characteristic, such as motor activation occurrence or duration of activation, over a period of time and generates an output signal 22. The controller 20 prohibits operation of the motor 12 when the output signal 22 exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A remote vehicle operation system comprises a control unit in communication with at least one subsystem of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a transmitter communicates with the control unit and transmits feedback signals to a portable receiver carried by the operator. One such subsystem may be a climate control subsystem. A communication unit communicates with the climate control subsystem and transmits a feedback signal when the subsystem meets a predetermined condition. The communication unit may comprise a transmitter in communication with the control unit. This embodiment may thus comprise a climate control subsystem in a vehicle and a control unit in communication with the subsystem.

Abstract: A vehicle control system 10 uses tire characteristic information such as tire pressure and temperature for vehicle systems such as anti-lock brake systems (ABS) 28, traction control systems 30, and stability control systems 32. Variances in tire temperature and pressure can affect the tire radius dimension, which is used to calculate vehicle speed and individual tire rotation speed. This speed data is the basic foundation for generating control output signals for ABS 28, traction 30, and stability 32 control systems. The control system includes sensors 14 for measuring tire pressure and temperature during vehicle operation to modify output control signals for the ABS 28, traction 30, and stability control 32 systems.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically closing a moveable panel, such as a vehicle window. A power drive mechanism is controlled by a controller. The controller determines if the user has issued an “express up” command. Only if the panel is beyond a predetermined proximity of its fully closed position when the “express up” command is issued, is the panel is powered to the fully closed position under its normal circumstances. If the panel is within the predetermined proximity, however, exception processing occurs.

Abstract: A transmitter and/or receiver unit has a plug-type connector mounted on a printed circuit board. The electrical contact elements of the plug-type connector are soldered at one end to the printed circuit board. At least one of the electrical contact elements of the plug-type connector and an additional lead disposed in or on a housing of the plug-type connector, form an antenna for the transmitter and/or receiver unit.