Patents by Inventor Bruce Conner

Bruce Conner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8218608
    Abstract: A self-tuning duplicating transceiver is provided. The transceiver includes a microprocessor, a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes an electrically tunable radio frequency oscillator, and the receiver includes a counter for determining an edge count associated with a received signal. The microprocessor is programmed to receive an unknown signal with the receiver and use the counter to determine the edge count thereof, and electrically tune the transmitter oscillator to a carrier frequency corresponding to the edge count for the unknown signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Nantz, Qingfeng Tang, Riad Ghabra, Ronald O. King, Bruce Conner, Art Turovsky, Keith Walker, Thomas Bejster
  • Patent number: 7498931
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system may adjust the power it consumes. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a receiver that receives a first signal having a signal strength, determines the signal strength, and causes a second signal to be sent if the signal strength is more than a desired signal strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Zoran Kovac, Riad Ghabra, Bruce Conner, John Nantz
  • Patent number: 7414522
    Abstract: A system and method for decoding signals from a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system and a remote keyless entry (RKE) system includes determining a signal strength of the signal. The method also includes evaluating at least a first bit and the signal strength of the signal. The method further includes determining a first bit threshold based on the evaluated first bit and the signal strength. The method includes storing the first data bit threshold in a memory of the controller and determining a logic state of a second bit of a signal based on the first data bit threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Conner, John Nantz, Zoran Kovac
  • Publication number: 20080055061
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system may adjust the power it consumes. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a receiver that receives a first signal having a signal strength, determines the signal strength, and causes a second signal to be sent if the signal strength is more than a desired signal strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Zoran Kovac, Riad Ghabra, Bruce Conner, John Nantz
  • Patent number: 7292134
    Abstract: A vehicle remote entry system is provided which includes a keyless entry module for controlling the actuation of at least one vehicle entry function. A remote entry device for transmitting a wireless signal to the remote keyless entry module for activating the at least one vehicle entry function. A human machine interface for selecting at least one vehicle operating parameter including a signal range limitation setting for defining an operating range of the wireless signal for actuating the at least one vehicle entry function. The human machine interface provides the signal range limitation setting to the remote keyless entry module and a controller determines whether the wireless vehicle entry signal is within the signal range limitation setting for allowing actuation of the at least one vehicle entry function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Conner, Qingfeng Tang, John Nantz, Ronald O. King, Art Turovsky, Matthew Honkanen, Zoran Kovac
  • Patent number: 7262684
    Abstract: A method is provided for selectively providing power to at least one component of a vehicle-based receiver module for determining the presence and validity of a transmitted RF signal. The RF signal is a request signal for activating a respective vehicle accessory function. Power is provided to a receiver for a first period of time. The receiver is operated to receive any RF signal that may be present from a remote transmitting device. A received signal strength indicator (RSSI) associated with operating the receiver is determined. A determination is made whether the RSSI is greater than a first predetermined threshold. The power is terminated to the receiver after the first period of time if the RSSI is not greater than the first predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Conner, John Nantz, Zoran Kovac, Charles W. Peacock, Rasha M. Ahmed
  • Publication number: 20070046447
    Abstract: A system and method for decoding signals from a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system and a remote keyless entry (RKE) system includes determining a signal strength of the signal. The method also includes evaluating at least a first bit and the signal strength of the signal. The method further includes determining a first bit threshold based on the evaluated first bit and the signal strength. The method includes storing the first data bit threshold in a memory of the controller and determining a logic state of a second bit of a signal based on the first data bit threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Conner, John Nantz, Zoran Kovac
  • Publication number: 20060145811
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for operating a controller of and a RKE system to provide for short distance functions that are actuatable from a key fob at a shorter distance from the vehicle than other long distance functions. This may include receiving a desired type of radio frequency signal; actuating a high gain mode of a receiver of the controller; detecting a message from an acceptable remote keyless entry transmitter; decoding a function code portion of the message; changing the receiver from the high gain mode to a lower gain mode if the function code is not a long distance function; decoding a remaining portion of the message; determining if the remaining portion of the message was decoded properly; and performing the requested function if the remaining portion of the message was decoded properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: John Nantz, Matthew Honkanen, Bruce Conner
  • Publication number: 20060091996
    Abstract: A method is provided for selectively providing power to at least one component of a vehicle-based receiver module for determining the presence and validity of a transmitted RF signal. The RF signal is a request signal for activating a respective vehicle accessory function. Power is provided to a receiver for a first period of time. The receiver is operated to receive any RF signal that may be present from a remote transmitting device. A received signal strength indicator (RSSI) associated with operating the receiver is determined. A determination is made whether the RSSI is greater than a first predetermined threshold. The power is terminated to the receiver after the first period of time if the RSSI is not greater than the first predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Bruce Conner, John Nantz, Zoran Kovac, Charles Peacock, Rasha Ahmed
  • Publication number: 20060091997
    Abstract: A vehicle remote entry system is provided which includes a keyless entry module for controlling the actuation of at least one vehicle entry function. A remote entry device for transmitting a wireless signal to the remote keyless entry module for activating the at least one vehicle entry function. A human machine interface for selecting at least one vehicle operating parameter including a signal range limitation setting for defining an operating range of the wireless signal for actuating the at least one vehicle entry function. The human machine interface provides the signal range limitation setting to the remote keyless entry module and a controller determines whether the wireless vehicle entry signal is within the signal range limitation setting for allowing actuation of the at least one vehicle entry function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Bruce Conner, Qingfeng Tang, John Nantz, Ronald King, Art Turovsky, Matthew Honkanen, Zoran Kovac
  • Publication number: 20050208894
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for verifying a command in a vehicle remote communication system. The remote communication system includes a remote transmitter, and a vehicle body having a receiver module and a control module connected by a communication bus disposed therein. The control module is in communication with at least one vehicle system. The remote transmitter transmits an activation signal that is received and decoded by the receiver module. The receiver module transmits a first message along the communication bus that is received by the control module. The control module transmits an acknowledgment message that is received by the receiver module. The receiver module re-transmits the first message that is received by the control module. The control module then initializes a vehicle system command to the vehicle system, thereby preventing an inadvertent activation of the vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Bruce Conner, Qingfeng Tang, John Nantz, Louis Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 6788193
    Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of tire pressure in a vehicle having front tires including a right tire and a left tire, and rear tires including a right tire and a left tire, a system and method are provided for automatically identifying tire location. A transmitters mounted in each tire transmits tire information signals conveying tire pressure data and associated tire rotation direction data. A vehicle mounted receiver has a location a first distance from the front tires and a second distance from the rear tires, the first distance being different from the second. A vehicle mounted controller in communication with the receiver determines whether pressure data is associated with a front tire or a rear tire based on the strength of the tire information signal, and whether pressure data is associated with a right tire or a left tire based on the associated rotation direction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Qingfeng Tang, John S. Nantz, Bruce Conner, Keith Walker
  • Patent number: 6691567
    Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure, a system and method for automatically identifying tire location. A tire pressure monitor mounted in each tire includes a sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a magnetic switch for actuating the transmitter. An electromagnets is mounted on the vehicle in proximity to each tire location and generates a magnetic field causing the magnetic switch to actuate the transmitter of the associated tire pressure monitor. A controller mounted on the vehicle is provided in communication with the electromagnets, processes the tire pressure signals from the transmitters, and conveys tire pressure and location information to a user. The controller energizes the electromagnets so that each received tire pressure signal is automatically associated with a specific tire location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Walker, John S. Nantz, Thomas Bejster, Bruce Conner
  • Patent number: 6668636
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Nantz, Qingfeng Tang, Ronald O. King, Riad Ghabra, Keith Walker, Thomas Bejster, Bruce Conner, Qing Li, Art Turovsky
  • Publication number: 20030164030
    Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure, a system and method for automatically identifying tire location. A tire pressure monitor mounted in each tire includes a sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a magnetic switch for actuating the transmitter. An electromagnets is mounted on the vehicle in proximity to each tire location and generates a magnetic field causing the magnetic switch to actuate the transmitter of the associated tire pressure monitor. A controller mounted on the vehicle is provided in communication with the electromagnets, processes the tire pressure signals from the transmitters, and conveys tire pressure and location information to a user. The controller energizes the electromagnets so that each received tire pressure signal is automatically associated with a specific tire location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Keith Walker, John S. Nantz, Thomas Bejster, Bruce Conner
  • Publication number: 20030164758
    Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of tire pressure in a vehicle having front tires including a right tire and a left tire, and rear tires including a right tire and a left tire, a system and method are provided for automatically identifying tire location. A transmitters mounted in each tire transmits tire information signals conveying tire pressure data and associated tire rotation direction data. A vehicle mounted receiver has a location a first distance from the front tires and a second distance from the rear tires, the first distance being different from the second. A vehicle mounted controller in communication with the receiver determines whether pressure data is associated with a front tire or a rear tire based on the strength of the tire information signal, and whether pressure data is associated with a right tire or a left tire based on the associated rotation direction data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Qingfeng Tang, John S. Nantz, Bruce Conner, Keith Walker
  • Publication number: 20030164031
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: John S. Nantz, Qingfeng Tang, Ronald O. King, Riad Ghabra, Keith Walker, Thomas Bejster, Bruce Conner, Qing Li, Art Turovsky
  • Publication number: 20030053529
    Abstract: A self-tuning duplicating transceiver is provided. The transceiver includes a microprocessor, a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes an electrically tunable radio frequency oscillator, and the receiver includes a counter for determining an edge count associated with a received signal. The microprocessor is programmed to receive an unknown signal with the receiver and use the counter to determine the edge count thereof, and electrically tune the transmitter oscillator to a carrier frequency corresponding to the edge count for the unknown signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: John S. Nantz, Qingfeng Tang, Riad Ghabra, Ronald O. King, Bruce Conner, Art Turovsky, Keith Walker, Thomas Beister