Abstract: A rotary control knob for an automobile has a central portion comprising a display and a radial encoder disposed therearound. The display selectively displays first information regarding a first function of the automobile and second information regarding a second function of the automobile. The radial encoder selectively receives input regarding the first and the second functions. The radial encoder can selectively receive input regarding the first function only when the first information is displayed on the display, and receive input regarding the second function only when the second information is displayed on the display. Or, the radial encoder can selectively receive input regarding the first function only when the first information is displayed in a primary area of the display, while displaying the second information in a secondary area. Capacitive coupling can identify user seat location to provide driver and front passenger specific zone features.

Abstract: A lighting system having a controller, a plurality of lights, and a bidirectional bus interconnecting the controller with the lights. The controller controls of the status of the various lights including the on/off state and intensity of the light by transmitting not only commands along the bidirectional bus, but also the address of the individual lights along the bus to the lights. This address is decoded by a circuit associated with each light to permit the lights to be individually controlled if desired.

Abstract: A shut off safety device and method for reducing accidental activation of electrically controlled devices in a vehicle such as awnings, electrically controlled jacks, electrically controlled brakes in a towed RV is described and claimed. Instead of the electrically controlled device being deactivated based on the memory of a human to do a safety shut off device comprising a controller that is automatically activated in response to an act occurring within that or a second vehicle associated with said first vehicle, to provide a shutdown signal, a RF receiver responsive to the activation of the controller to provide a second signal, and an electrical means associated with said electrically activated and operated device said electrical means being responsive to said second signal to shut down and de-energize said device until reactivated by an operator of said vehicle.

Abstract: Programmable wireless sensors are provided. Particular programmable wireless sensors comprise a power supply, a sensing component, a transmitting component adapted to transmit information obtained by the sensing device or information derived from information obtained by the sensing component, a receiving component adapted to receive software, a memory component adapted to store received software, and control logic. The control logic includes logic operable to execute stored software. The stored software, when executed, is operable to program at least one operating characteristic of the programmable wireless sensor. Also provided are systems useful in selecting software to program or reprogram programmable wireless sensors. The programmable wireless sensors may be programmed or reprogrammed to emulate conventional wireless sensors, such as conventional TPMS sensors.

Abstract: Programmable wireless sensors are disclosed that comprise a power supply, a sensing component, a transmitting component adapted to transmit information obtained by the sensing device or information derived from information obtained by the sensing component, a receiving component adapted to receive software, a memory component adapted to store received software, and control logic. The control logic includes logic operable to execute stored software. The stored software, when executed, is operable to program at least one operating characteristic of the programmable wireless sensor. Also disclosed are systems useful in selecting software to program or reprogram programmable wireless sensors. The programmable wireless sensors may be programmed or reprogrammed to emulate conventional wireless sensors, such as conventional TPMS sensors.

Abstract: Programmable wireless sensors are disclosed that comprise a power supply, a sensing component, a transmitting component adapted to transmit information obtained by the sensing device or information derived from information obtained by the sensing component, a receiving component adapted to receive software, a memory component adapted to store received software, and control logic. The control logic includes logic operable to execute stored software. The stored software, when executed, is operable to program at least one operating characteristic of the programmable wireless sensor. Also disclosed are systems useful in selecting software to program or reprogram programmable wireless sensors. The programmable wireless sensors may be programmed or reprogrammed to emulate conventional wireless sensors, such as conventional TPMS sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking objects. Systems of the present invention include a base station capable of transmitting and receiving signals at multiple frequencies. Each object to be tracked has attached to it what for the purpose of the present specification is referred to as an electronic tag (“E-Tag”). Each E-Tag can transmit signals that can be received and interpreted by the base station and each E-Tag can receive and interpret signals transmitted by the base station. The transmitting (and receiving) of signals between the base station and an E-Tag allows the base station to track the E-Tag, and therefore, track the object to which the E-Tag is attached. Methods utilized to track objects in accordance with the present invention vary depending on the distance of the object from a base station (“range” of the object).

Abstract: A method and system of establishing an offset for a receiver. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an input signal and generating a first signal. The method can further include integrating the input signal and the first signal at a reference node. In addition, the method can include comparing the input signal to a signal at the reference node and generating an output signal, analyzing the output signal to determine whether the output signal contains noise, and modifying the first signal based on the analysis of the output signal.

Abstract: A tire positioning tool is provided that can be utilized to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers. The tire positioning tools are capable of activating RTMS tire sensors using one of a plurality of methods. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are cable of receiving signals from RTMS tire sensors using a plurality of different frequencies. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are also capable of transmitting data to a RTMS receiving unit and/or receiving data from a RTMS receiving unit using a plurality of signal frequencies. Using the provided tire positioning tool, a technician tasked to install a new tire or to rotate tires can utilize a single tool to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers.

Abstract: A tire positioning tool is provided that can be utilized to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers. The tire positioning tools are capable of activating RTMS tire sensors using one of a plurality of methods. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are cable of receiving signals from RTMS tire sensors using a plurality of different frequencies. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are also capable of transmitting data to a RTMS receiving unit and/or receiving data from a RTMS receiving unit using a plurality of signal frequencies. Using the provided tire positioning tool, a technician tasked to install a new tire or to rotate tires can utilize a single tool to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking objects. Systems of the present invention include a base station capable of transmitting and receiving signals at multiple frequencies. Each object to be tracked has attached to it what for the purpose of the present specification is referred to as an electronic tag (“E-Tag”). Each E-Tag can transmit signals that can be received and interpreted by the base station and each E-Tag can receive and interpret signals transmitted by the base station. The transmitting (and receiving) of signals between the base station and an E-Tag allows the base station to track the E-Tag, and therefore, track the object to which the E-Tag is attached. Methods utilized to track objects in accordance with the present invention vary depending on the distance of the object from a base station (“range” of the object).

Abstract: A solar powered light assembly having an integral power management system includes a means for collecting solar energy, and a plurality of energy storage devices. The device also includes a control means for selecting to charge one energy storage device and selecting to discharge one energy storage device to a predetermined level before selecting to recharge the selected discharging energy storage device. The device also includes a sensing means for sensing a predetermined charging condition and an energy charge switching means for selectively charging one of the energy storage devices. The device further includes a discharge sensing means and an energy discharge switching means for selectively discharging energy from the selected discharging energy storage device and a load switching means for delivering energy from the selected discharging energy storage device to the load for powering the solar powered device.

Abstract: A solar powered light assembly having an integral power management system includes a means for collecting solar energy, and a plurality of energy storage devices. The device also includes a control means for selecting to charge one energy storage device and selecting to discharge one energy storage device to a predetermined level before selecting to recharge the selected discharging energy storage device. The device also includes a sensing means for sensing a predetermined charging condition and an energy charge switching means for selectively charging one of the energy storage devices. The device further includes a discharge sensing means and an energy discharge switching means for selectively discharging energy from the selected discharging energy storage device and a load switching means for delivering energy from the selected discharging energy storage device to the load for powering the solar powered device.