Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: A method and system of teaching identification codes for a tire pressure monitoring system includes the steps of transmitting a prompt signal that includes a location identifier. This prompt signal instructs the tire pressure monitoring sensor to transmit an initialization signal. The initialization signal includes the location identifier. A factory receiver is set up to recognize transmissions that include a corresponding location identifier. The receiver disregards all other transmissions that do not include the corresponding desired location identifier.

Abstract: A method for bi-directional communication between a vehicle and a vehicle key includes providing a vehicle key with a connector to communicate with the vehicle, storing user data on the vehicle key, communicating with the vehicle with the vehicle key, and adjusting a plurality of vehicle settings to match the user data stored on the vehicle key responsive to communicating between the vehicle and the vehicle key.

Abstract: Vehicle mounted apparatus is presented for use in a remote keyless entry system for controlling access to a vehicle. The apparatus receives access request signals from a plurality of remote transmitters wherein each received access request signal includes a security code that uniquely identifies an authorized transmitter as distinguished from other transmitters and an associated model type code that identifies a vehicle model type associated with the transmitter. A memory stores a plurality of security codes each representing an authorized transmitter and stores a model type code that identifies the vehicle's model type. Means are provided for initiating programming periods.

Abstract: A remote convenience system (10) of a vehicle (12) allows remote control operation of one or more vehicle functions (e.g., lock or unlock of vehicle doors). A portable transmitter (14) of the system (10) transmits a signal (40), having a remote convenience function request, to a receiver (46). In response to the signal (40), the receiver (46) causes performance of the requested remote convenience function. The transmitter (14) is connected with a key (16) that is used for the vehicle (12). Preferably, the key (16) is an ignition key and the transmitter (14) is integrated into the key. The key (16) has a transponder (58) that is interrogated by an interrogation coil (62) to provide a code stored within the transponder. An immobilizer control (60) is operatively connected with the coil (62) and also an electronic engine control (68). Operation of the vehicle (12) is only permitted if the transponder provides the proper code.

Abstract: A receiver is presented herein for use in a keyless vehicle entry system for controlling a vehicle device function, such as unlocking a vehicle door, in response to a vehicle function request signal received from a portable transmitter. The receiver includes a controller having a normal mode of operation during which it receives a request signal and determines whether the request signal is valid and, if so, it initiates the vehicle device function. The controller has a diagnostic mode of operation during which it initiates the vehicle device function in response to receiving a request signal without determining whether the request signal is valid. Provision is made for switching between the modes of operation.