Abstract: A method and apparatus for hand-free opening and/or closing of a vehicle door. The method includes the steps of detecting when an authorized person is in the vicinity of a vehicle door, opening that vehicle door after the authorized person has been in the vicinity of the vehicle door for a least a first time interval, the opening being performed automatically and without action by the authorized person, and providing a perceptible warning of impending opening of the vehicle door, the warning being provided after the authorized person has been detected in the vicinity of the vehicle door and before the vehicle door is opened. An analogous door closing process is performed when the authorized person leaves the vicinity of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A tire condition sensing apparatus includes a tire-based sensor for sensing two relative rotational positions of its associated tire relative to the earth's horizon as the tire rotates and provides first and second signals indicative thereof. A transmitter for transmits tire condition information and a signal processing time delay value in response to the first and second signals. A vehicle-based sensor monitors tire rotation relative to the vehicle's chassis and provides a signal indicative thereof. A controller for monitors the transmitted tire condition information signal, the signal processing time delay value, and the signal from the vehicle-based sensor and associates tire location in response thereto.

Abstract: A tire condition sensing apparatus includes a tire-based sensor for sensing two relative rotational positions of its associated tire relative to the earth's horizon as the tire rotates and provides first and second signals indicative thereof. A transmitter for transmits tire condition information and a signal processing time delay value in response to the first and second signals. A vehicle-based sensor monitors tire rotation relative to the vehicle's chassis and provides a signal indicative thereof. A controller for monitors the transmitted tire condition information signal, the signal processing time delay value, and the signal from the vehicle-based sensor and associates tire location in response thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hand-free opening and/or closing of a vehicle door. The method includes the steps of detecting when an authorized person is in the vicinity of a vehicle door, opening that vehicle door after the authorized person has been in the vicinity of the vehicle door for a least a first time interval, the opening being performed automatically and without action by the authorized person, and providing a perceptible warning of impending opening of the vehicle door, the warning being provided after the authorized person has been detected in the vicinity of the vehicle door and before the vehicle door is opened. An analogous door closing process is performed when the authorized person leaves the vicinity of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A tire condition sensing apparatus includes a tire-based sensor for sensing two relative rotational positions of its associated tire relative to the earth's horizon as the tire rotates and provides first and second signals indicative thereof. A transmitter for transmits tire condition information and a signal processing time delay value in response to the first and second signals. A vehicle-based sensor monitors tire rotation relative to the vehicle's chassis and provides a signal indicative thereof. A controller for monitors the transmitted tire condition information signal, the signal processing time delay value, and the signal from the vehicle-based sensor and associates tire location in response thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided comprising at least one antenna for receiving a low frequency electromagnetic field. A measuring circuit is connected to the at least one antenna for measuring the strength of the low frequency electromagnetic signal received by the antenna. A memory stores a representation of the noise in the output of the measurement circuit. A corrector corrects the measurement provided by the measuring circuit in accordance with the noise representation stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining a tire operating condition including a tire-based pressure and temperature sensor and transmitter and a vehicle ignition system. A vehicle-based receiver/controller receives sensor signals and state of the ignition system. The controller provides an error signal when the sensed tire pressure is less than a set threshold value Pset and resets the error signal when the sensed tire pressure is greater than a reset threshold value Prst. The receiver/controller determines the set threshold value Pset and the reset threshold value Prst as a function of a calculated warm tire pressure value Pwarm, determines a mole value N of the tire pressure, and adjusts the determined set threshold value Pset and the reset threshold value Prst in response to the vehicle ignition state and a change in the determined mole value N. A display is provided for displaying the error signal.

Abstract: A tire condition sensing apparatus includes a tire-based sensor for sensing two relative rotational positions of its associated tire relative to the earth's horizon as the tire rotates and provides first and second signals indicative thereof. A transmitter for transmits tire condition information and a signal processing time delay value in response to the first and second signals. A vehicle-based sensor monitors tire rotation relative to the vehicle's chassis and provides a signal indicative thereof. A controller for monitors the transmitted tire condition information signal, the signal processing time delay value, and the signal from the vehicle-based sensor and associates tire location in response thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining a tire operating condition including a tire-based sensor for sensing tire pressure and temperature and transmitting a signal indicative thereof and a vehicle ignition system. A vehicle-based receiver/controller is provided for receiving the signal from the tire-based sensor and for detecting the state of the vehicle ignition system. The controller provides an error signal when the sensed tire pressure is less than a set threshold value Pset and resets the error signal when the sensed tire pressure is greater than a reset threshold value Prst. The receiver/controller determines the set threshold value Pset and the reset threshold value Prst as a function of a calculated warm tire pressure value Pwarm, determines a mole value N of the tire pressure, and adjusts the determined set threshold value Pset and the reset threshold value Prst in response to the vehicle ignition state and a change in the determined mole value N.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locating a vehicle electronic key including a fob for receiving a low frequency signal, measuring the low frequency signal strength, and providing a radio frequency response signal, a portion of the response signal including the signal strength determination. A low frequency antenna is located within the vehicle cabin for providing the low signal. A controller receives the response signal and compares the signal strength against a predetermined threshold. A vehicle engine immobilizer is responsive to the controller where the controller controls the immobilizer in response to the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus determines a condition and relative location of an inner tire and an outer tire of a tire pair. Each tire has an associated tire-based sensor assembly that senses a tire condition, senses acceleration, and transmits, in response to its associated acceleration signal, having a unique tire identification and associated sensed tire condition. A tire rotation sensor senses rotation of the tire pair during vehicle movement and provides a tire rotation signal indicative thereof. A vehicle-based controller associates each of the unique identification signals with one of the inner tire location and the outer tire location responsive to a phase relationship between the received transmitted signals from the tire-based sensor assemblies and the tire rotation signal.

Abstract: An apparatus determines a condition and relative location of an inner tire and an outer tire of a tire pair. Each tire has an associated tire-based sensor assembly that senses a tire condition, senses acceleration, and transmits, in response to its associated acceleration signal, having a unique tire identification and associated sensed tire condition. A tire rotation sensor senses rotation of the tire pair during vehicle movement and provides a tire rotation signal indicative thereof. A vehicle-based controller associates each of the unique identification signals with one of the inner tire location and the outer tire location responsive to a phase relationship between the received transmitted signals from the tire-based sensor assemblies and the tire rotation signal.

Abstract: An apparatus determines a position of a tire on a vehicle including a tire-based sensing unit, each tire on the vehicle having an associated tire-based sensing unit. Each tire-based sensing unit includes a first sensor mounted for rotation with the tire and for generating a first sensor signal indicative of such rotation, a second sensor mounted for rotation with the tire and for generating a second sensor signal indicative of such rotation, and a transmitter for transmitting a signal indicative of a phase relationship between the first and second sensor signals. An axle position sensor is provided for determining each tire-based sensing unit position relative to a front and rear axle of the vehicle and provides an axle position signal for each tire-based sensing unit. A controller monitors the transmitted phase signals of each tire-based sensing unit and the determines axle position signals.

Abstract: An apparatus determines a position of a tire on a vehicle including a tire-based sensing unit, each tire on the vehicle having an associated tire-based sensing unit. Each tire-based sensing unit includes a first sensor mounted for rotation with the tire and for generating a first sensor signal indicative of such rotation, a second sensor mounted for rotation with the tire and for generating a second sensor signal indicative of such rotation, and a transmitter for transmitting a signal indicative of a phase relationship between the first and second sensor signals. An axle position sensor is provided for determining each tire-based sensing unit position relative to a front and rear axle of the vehicle and provides an axle position signal for each tire-based sensing unit. A controller monitors the transmitted phase signals of each tire-based sensing unit and the determines axle position signals.

Abstract: A method for identifying tire location including the steps of transmitting a low frequency signal at different power levels and receiving radio frequency identification signals. Tire identification and location based on low frequency power level for two tire transmitters is determined. Radio frequency signals from two different tire transmitters are received and tire identification and location are determined based on radio frequency signal strength.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locating a vehicle electronic key including a fob for receiving a low frequency signal, measuring the low frequency signal strength, and providing a radio frequency response signal, a portion of the response signal including the signal strength determination. A low frequency antenna is located within the vehicle cabin for providing the low signal. A controller receives the response signal and compares the signal strength against a predetermined threshold. A vehicle engine immobilizer is responsive to the controller where the controller controls the immobilizer in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A system (10) is provided for monitoring a remote tire monitoring sensor. The system includes a tire-based unit (16) having a sensor (42) and transmitter (44) that receives power from a power supply (18) located within the tire-based unit (16). The transmitter (44) transmits a signal (22) relating to a parameter measured by the sensor (42). The system (10) further includes a controller (36) that evaluates the life of the power supply (18) by monitoring energy usage of the power supply (18) by counting the number of occurrences in which the energy usage is above a prescribed amount (59) and comparing the number of occurrences to an energy threshold (60).

Abstract: A method for identifying tire location including the steps of transmitting a low frequency signal at different power levels and receiving radio frequency identification signals. Tire identification and location based on low frequency power level for two tire transmitters is determined. Radio frequency signals from two different tire transmitters are received and tire identification and location are determined based on radio frequency signal strength.

Abstract: A tire pressure mounting apparatus is provided including a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in a tire. The pressure sensor has a housing. A threaded fastener is secured to the housing and forms a first valve portion. A tire valve stem projects through a first opening in a rim for holding the tire. The tire valve stem carries a second valve portion therein. The first valve portion and the second valve portion form a valve when screwed together.

Abstract: A system (10) is provided for monitoring a remote tire monitoring sensor. The system includes a tire-based unit (16) having a sensor (42) and transmitter (44) that receives power from a power supply (18) located within the tire-based unit (16). The transmitter (44) transmits a signal (22) relating to a parameter measured by the sensor (42). The system (10) further includes a controller (36) that evaluates the life of the power supply (18) by monitoring energy usage of the power supply (18) by counting the number of occurrences in which the energy usage is above a prescribed amount (59) and comparing the number of occurrences to an energy threshold (60).