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.

Abstract: Tire over- or under-inflation can create problems in vehicle operation. To limit the effects of out-of-range tire pressure, vehicle speed is automatically controlled if the vehicle speed is not appropriate for either or both of measured tire air pressure and measured tire temperature.

Abstract: A combined vehicle remote access, tire monitoring and vehicle immobilization system and method including a tire monitor for monitoring a tire parameter, the monitor including a transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency tire data signal, a vehicle access transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency vehicle access signal, and a vehicle activation transponder for receiving an interrogation signal and transmitting a vehicle activation signal for use in vehicle immobilization. The system and method further include a control module having a receiver and a controller for receiving and processing the tire data, vehicle access, and vehicle activation signals, and generating a display signal to display the information represented by the tire data signal, a vehicle access control signal to perform the vehicle access function, and a vehicle immobilization control signal to immobilize the vehicle if the controller fails to authenticate the vehicle activation signal.

Abstract: Tire over- or under-inflation can create problems in vehicle operation. To limit the effects of out-of-range tire pressure, vehicle speed is automatically controlled if the vehicle speed is not appropriate for measured tire air pressure.

Abstract: A combined vehicle remote access, tire monitoring and vehicle immobilization system and method including a tire monitor for monitoring a tire parameter, the monitor including a transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency tire data signal, a vehicle access transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency vehicle access signal, and a vehicle activation transponder for receiving an interrogation signal and transmitting a vehicle activation signal for use in vehicle immobilization. The system and method further include a control module having a receiver and a controller for receiving and processing the tire data, vehicle access, and vehicle activation signals, and generating a display signal to display the information represented by the tire data signal, a vehicle access control signal to perform the vehicle access function, and a vehicle immobilization control signal to immobilize the vehicle if the controller fails to authenticate the vehicle activation signal.

Abstract: A combined vehicle remote access, tire monitoring and vehicle immobilization system and method including a tire monitor for monitoring a tire parameter, the monitor including a transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency tire data signal, a vehicle access transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency vehicle access signal, and a vehicle activation transponder for receiving an interrogation signal and transmitting a vehicle activation signal for use in vehicle immobilization. The system and method further include a control module having a receiver and a controller for receiving and processing the tire data, vehicle access, and vehicle activation signals, and generating a display signal to display the information represented by the tire data signal, a vehicle access control signal to perform the vehicle access function, and a vehicle immobilization control signal to immobilize the vehicle if the controller fails to authenticate the vehicle activation signal.

Abstract: A remote access device which may comprise an antenna having a first inductor with a first axis, a second inductor with a second axis, and a third inductor with a third axis, where the first, second and third axes may be oriented substantially perpendicular to each other, respectively, such that the first inductor generates a first magnetic field associated with a first plane, the second inductor generates a second magnetic field associated with a second plane different than the first plane, and the third inductor generates a third magnetic field associated with a third plane different than the first and second planes. The remote access device preferably includes a single form for the first, second and third inductors, where the first, second and third inductors are each wound on the form.

Abstract: Tire over- or under-inflation can create problems in vehicle operation. To limit the effects of out-of-range tire pressure, vehicle speed is automatically controlled if the vehicle speed is not appropriate for measured tire air pressure.

Abstract: A system for automatically charging a battery of a remote keyless entry transmitter includes a voltage monitoring circuit having a first microprocessor which monitors battery voltage and which causes the transmitter to send an RF signal to a receiver in the form of a base station on a motor vehicle. The signal causes a charging circuit of the base station to activate an inductive field to cause the battery to be fully charged. In one embodiment, the first microprocessor also causes the transmitter to send a second signal to the base station to shut down the charging field when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined upper limit. In another embodiment, a second microprocessor of the base station tracks the charging time and shuts down the charging field when the charging time reaches a predetermined amount. Alternatively, charging can be done by direct contact or other means.

Abstract: A system for automatically charging a battery of a remote keyless entry transmitter includes a voltage monitoring circuit having a first microprocessor which monitors battery voltage and which causes the transmitter to send an RF signal to a receiver in the form of a base station on a motor vehicle. The signal causes a charging circuit of the base station to activate an inductive field to cause the battery to be fully charged. In one embodiment, the first microprocessor also causes the transmitter to send a second signal to the base station to shut down the charging field when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined upper limit. In another embodiment, a second microprocessor of the base station tracks the charging time and shuts down the charging field when the charging time reaches a predetermined amount. Alternatively, charging can be done by direct contact or other means.

Abstract: A system for automatically charging a battery of a remote keyless entry transmitter includes a voltage monitoring circuit having a first microprocessor which monitors battery voltage and which causes the transmitter to send an RF signal to a receiver in the form of a base station on a motor vehicle. The signal causes a charging circuit of the base station to activate an inductive field to cause the battery to be fully charged. In one embodiment, the first microprocessor also causes the transmitter to send a second signal to the base station to shut down the charging field when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined upper limit. In another embodiment, a second microprocessor of the base station tracks the charging time and shuts down the charging field when the charging time reaches a predetermined amount. Alternatively, charging can be done by direct contact or other means.