Patents by Inventor Idir Boudaoud
Idir Boudaoud 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).
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Publication number: 20130291617Abstract: An automotive urea solution monitoring device is deployed in conjunction with the urea tank of a selective catalytic reduction vehicle. An RF signal of a constant frequency may be generated across a resonant circuit, which may be comprised of an inductor and a PCB trace capacitor, or the like. Electromagnetic radiation is propagated into the automotive urea solution in the urea tank. The conductivity and dielectric properties of the liquid change the impedance of the discrete/trace capacitor and or the discrete/trace inductor. These changes are proportional to ammonia content, temperature, and/or level of the automotive urea solution in the urea tank and are preferably detected by a microcontroller, or the like, and then transmitted to a selective catalytic reduction vehicle engine management system, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: IDIR BOUDAOUD, ALAN KENNETH MCCALL, ADRIAN M. PAGE
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Patent number: 8482298Abstract: An automotive urea solution monitoring device is deployed in conjunction with the urea tank of a selective catalytic reduction vehicle. An RF signal of a constant frequency may be generated across a resonant circuit, which may be comprised of an inductor and a PCB trace capacitor, or the like. Electromagnetic radiation is propagated into the automotive urea solution in the urea tank. The conductivity and dielectric properties of the liquid change the impedance of the discrete/trace capacitor and or the discrete/trace inductor. These changes are proportional to ammonia content, temperature, and/or level of the automotive urea solution in the urea tank and are preferably detected by a microcontroller, or the like, and then transmitted to a selective catalytic reduction vehicle engine management system, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Schrader Electronics Ltd.Inventors: Idir Boudaoud, Alan Kenneth McCall, Adrian M. Page
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Patent number: 8312987Abstract: A belt monitoring system employs a belt having at least one reinforcement member made from a conductive reinforcement material. A belt monitor is disposed in conjunction with the belt. The belt monitor comprises a field inductor excited by an applied signal. An electrical characteristic of at least a portion of the field inductor as influenced by changes in the electrical properties of the conductive reinforcement member is monitored in order to determine a physical condition of the conductive reinforcement member and thereby monitor a physical characteristic of the belt. This monitoring may be carried out by a sense inductor disposed adjacent or in conjunction with the field inductor.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: David Lynn, Graeme Knox, Carl Wacker, Ralph Moffett, William Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Alan Kenneth McCall, Dave Hanes
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Patent number: 7926341Abstract: In a liquid sensing system, an RF signal is applied to a series-resonant circuit. The coil of the resonant circuit is placed proximate to a fuel tank, causing electromagnetic radiation to propagate into the fuel space. The fuel acts as an electrical load to the resonant circuit in a manner proportionate to the volume of fuel in the tank and/or to variations in electrical properties of the fuel itself. The loading effect of the fuel can change the resonant frequency and/or the Q of the resonant circuit. The loading effect of the fuel is determined by monitoring a change in one or more electrical parameters associated with the excited resonant circuit, such as a voltage across the resistor in the resonant circuit. Changes in this voltage are analyzed by a controller, the result of which is used to output a value indicative of level and/or composition of the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Schrader Electronics, Ltd.Inventors: Idir Boudaoud, William Stewart, Alan McCall
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Publication number: 20100327884Abstract: A liquid level, composition and contamination sensor generates an RF signal across a resonant circuit that includes a variable inductor and capacitor. The resulting electromagnetic radiation is propagated into the liquid and changes in impedance and resonance of the resonant circuit that result from changes in the conductivity and dielectric properties of the liquid, which are proportional to liquid content and volume, are detected. The conductivity and dielectric properties of the liquid are measured, based on the changed impedance and resonance of the resonant circuit, and are compared to determine aging and contamination of the urea solution by other liquids. Also, an optical sensor may be submerged in the liquid to determine the refractive index of the liquid. The refractive index of the liquid may be used to determine: if the liquid is water or a urea solution; the concentration of a urea solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Alan Kenneth McCall, Idir Boudaoud
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Patent number: 7836756Abstract: A flex fuel sensor is deployed in conjunction with the fuel transfer line (e.g. around a plastic fuel line) or at the bottom/side of a fuel tank. An RF signal of a constant frequency may be generated across a resonant circuit, which comprises of an inductor and a PCB trace capacitor, capacitor plates, semi cylindrical capacitor plates, or the like. Electromagnetic radiation is propagated into the passing fuel in the transfer pipe. The conductivity and dielectric properties of the fuel change the capacitance of the trace capacitor/capacitor plates. These changes are proportional to ethanol/alcohol content of the fuel and are preferably detected by a microcontroller, or the like, and then transmitted to a flex fuel vehicle Engine Management System.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Schrader Electronics Ltd.Inventors: Idir Boudaoud, Adrian Page, Alan McCall
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Publication number: 20090178902Abstract: A belt monitoring system employs a belt having at least one reinforcement member made from a conductive reinforcement material. A belt monitor is disposed in conjunction with the belt. The belt monitor comprises a field inductor excited by an applied signal. An electrical characteristic of at least a portion of the field inductor as influenced by changes in the electrical properties of the conductive reinforcement member is monitored in order to determine a physical condition of the conductive reinforcement member and thereby monitor a physical characteristic of the belt. This monitoring may be carried out by a sense inductor disposed adjacent or in conjunction with the field inductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventors: David Lynn, Graeme Knox, Carl Wacker, Ralph Moffett, William Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Alan Kenneth McCall, Dave Hanes
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Patent number: 7423532Abstract: A tire monitor system employs a single RF detector mounted on the vehicle. The tire monitor system also includes a control unit and a receiver. The single RF detector is positioned to be proximate a front axle or a rear axle. The RF detector also may be positioned off-center. The control unit distinguishes front tire monitors from rear tire monitors by comparing a number of RF transmissions received by each tire monitor. The control unit also may distinguish between left tire monitors and right tire monitors by comparing the number of RF transmissions received by each tire monitor. In other embodiment, the tire monitor system may further use a received signal strength and/or acceleration signals to determine position information of the tire monitors.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Schrader Bridgeport International, Inc.Inventors: William David Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Thomas David Stephen McClelland
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Publication number: 20080156065Abstract: A flex fuel sensor is deployed in conjunction with the fuel transfer line (e.g. around a plastic fuel line) or at the bottom/side of a fuel tank. An RF signal of a constant frequency may be generated across a resonant circuit, which comprises of an inductor and a PCB trace capacitor, capacitor plates, semi cylindrical capacitor plates, or the like. Electromagnetic radiation is propagated into the passing fuel in the transfer pipe. The conductivity and dielectric properties of the fuel change the capacitance of the trace capacitor/capacitor plates. These changes are proportional to ethanol/alcohol content of the fuel and are preferably detected by a microcontroller, or the like, and then transmitted to a flex fuel vehicle Engine Management System.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Idir Boudaoud, Adrian Page, Alan McCall
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Publication number: 20080143345Abstract: An automotive urea solution monitoring device is deployed in conjunction with the urea tank of a selective catalytic reduction vehicle. An RF signal of a constant frequency may be generated across a resonant circuit, which may be comprised of an inductor and a PCB trace capacitor, or the like. Electromagnetic radiation is propagated into the automotive urea solution in the urea tank. The conductivity and dielectric properties of the liquid change the impedance of the discrete/trace capacitor and or the discrete/trace inductor. These changes are proportional to ammonia content, temperature, and/or level of the automotive urea solution in the urea tank and are preferably detected by a microcontroller, or the like, and then transmitted to a selective catalytic reduction vehicle engine management system, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Idir Boudaoud, Alan Kenneth McCall, Adrian M. Page
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Patent number: 7367227Abstract: A remote tire monitor system includes a control unit and a plurality of tire monitors mountable on respective wheels of a vehicle to transmit radio signals to the control unit. The tire monitors each include a pair of motion sensors such as shock sensors and a control circuit configured to determine position information for the respective tire monitor based on first and second shock sensor signals from the pair of shock sensors. The shock sensors produce an output voltage proportional to a change in applied force. Therefore, the offset created by centrifugal force in previously used accelerometers is absent, simplifying design of the tire monitors.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Schrader Bridgeport InternationalInventors: William David Stewart, Alan Kenneth McCall, Idir Boudaoud, Stephen John Robb
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Publication number: 20070000321Abstract: In a liquid sensing system, an RF signal is applied to a series-resonant circuit. The coil of the resonant circuit is placed proximate to a fuel tank, causing electromagnetic radiation to propagate into the fuel space. The fuel acts as an electrical load to the resonant circuit in a manner proportionate to the volume of fuel in the tank and/or to variations in electrical properties of the fuel itself. The loading effect of the fuel can change the resonant frequency and/or the Q of the resonant circuit. The loading effect of the fuel is determined by monitoring a change in one or more electrical parameters associated with the excited resonant circuit, such as a voltage across the resistor in the resonant circuit. Changes in this voltage are analyzed by a controller, the result of which is used to output a value indicative of level and/or composition of the fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Idir Boudaoud, William Stewart, Alan McCall
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Patent number: 7010968Abstract: A tire monitor for use in conjunction with a remote tire monitoring system of a vehicle includes in one embodiment a dual-axis accelerometer and a control circuit. The control circuit determines position information such as the right/left position of the tire monitor on the vehicle in response to an acceleration signal from the dual axis accelerometer. The tire monitor transmits tire data and the position information to a control unit of a remote tire monitor system. The control unit determines additional position information such as front/rear position of the transmitting tire monitor by detecting signal strength of the transmission. This allows the system to automatically re-learn the position of tire monitors on the vehicle, even after tire rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Schrader Bridgeport International, Inc.Inventors: William David Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Nevin Robert Molyneaux, Samuel Kane Strahan, Alan Kenneth McCall, Trevor Anthony Jordan
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Publication number: 20060017554Abstract: A tire monitor system employs a single RF detector mounted on the vehicle. The tire monitor system also includes a control unit and a receiver. The single RF detector is positioned to be proximate a front axle or a rear axle. The RF detector also may be positioned off-center. The control unit distinguishes front tire monitors from rear tire monitors by comparing a number of RF transmissions received by each tire monitor. The control unit also may distinguish between left tire monitors and right tire monitors by comparing the number of RF transmissions received by each tire monitor. In other embodiment, the tire monitor system may further use a received signal strength and/or acceleration signals to determine position information of the tire monitors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2005Publication date: January 26, 2006Inventors: William Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Thomas David McClelland
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Publication number: 20050179530Abstract: A remote tire monitor system includes a control unit and a plurality of tire monitors mountable on respective wheels of a vehicle to transmit radio signals to the control unit. The tire monitors each include a pair of motion sensors such as shock sensors and a control circuit configured to determine position information for the respective tire monitor based on first and second shock sensor signals from the pair of shock sensors. The shock sensors produce an output voltage proportional to a change in applied force. Therefore, the offset created by centrifugal force in previously used accelerometers is absent, simplifying design of the tire monitors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2004Publication date: August 18, 2005Inventors: William Stewart, Alan McCall, Idir Boudaoud, Stephen Robb
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Publication number: 20050134446Abstract: A tire monitor system and method rely on only two RF detector mounted on the vehicle, one in close proximity to one of the front wheels and the other in close proximity to one of the rear wheels. An RF detector can distinguish between its local transmitter and the other transmitter on the same axle by the amount of signal received. Every time the controller decodes transmitted RF data, the controller looks to see if and which RF detector has detected the transmission. The controller can then determine over a short period of time which sensor identifier belongs to which corner of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2005Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventors: William Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Thomas Stephen McClelland
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Patent number: 6882270Abstract: A tire monitor system and method rely on only two RF detector mounted on the vehicle, one in close proximity to one of the front wheels and the other in close proximity to one of the rear wheels. An RF detector can distinguish between its local transmitter and the other transmitter on the same axle by the amount of signal received. Every time the controller decodes transmitted RF data, the controller looks to see if and which RF detector has detected the transmission. The controller can then determine over a short period of time which sensor identifier belongs to which corner of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Schrader Bridgeport International, Inc.Inventors: William David Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Thomas David Stephen McClelland
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Publication number: 20030197603Abstract: A tire monitor for use in conjunction with a remote tire monitoring system of a vehicle includes in one embodiment a dual-axis accelerometer and a control circuit. The control circuit determines position information such as the right/left position of the tire monitor on the vehicle in response to an acceleration signal from the dual axis accelerometer. The tire monitor transmits tire data and the position information to a control unit of a remote tire monitor system. The control unit determines additional position information such as front/rear position of the transmitting tire monitor by detecting signal strength of the transmission. This allows the system to automatically re-learn the position of tire monitors on the vehicle, even after tire rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: William David Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Nevin Robert Molyneaux, Samuel Kane Strahan, Alan Kenneth McCall, Trevor Anthony Jordan
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Publication number: 20030080860Abstract: A tire monitor system and method rely on only two RF detector mounted on the vehicle, one in close proximity to one of the front wheels and the other in close proximity to one of the rear wheels. An RF detector can distinguish between its local transmitter and the other transmitter on the same axle by the amount of signal received. Every time the controller decodes transmitted RF data, the controller looks to see if and which RF detector has detected the transmission. The controller can then determine over a short period of time which sensor identifier belongs to which corner of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: William David Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Thomas David Stephen McClelland