Abstract: A method of localizing the location of a received signal from a tire pressure sensor includes sending an AM identification signal. The AM signal is adjusted for speed such that the frequency of the signal equals a constant multiplied by the speed of the vehicle. Each of the tire locations on a vehicle have an expected sequence of black-out points in the signal received by a receiver at any point on the vehicle. That is, given a particular vehicle design, the AM signal described above would be received at a receiver with an expected sequence of received peaks and black-out points. Since the frequency of the signal is adjusted for speed, the received signal will accurately allow the location of black-out points to be utilized to identify the tire location for a particular signal.

Abstract: A remote signaling receiver system includes a receiver that operates in two different modes of demodulation to accommodate different types of signals from different types of transmitting devices. A first demodulator, preferably an ASK demodulator, is adapted to process signals from a signal transmitter that generates a first type of signal. A second demodulator, preferably one that is not sensitive to amplitude modulation such as a FSK demodulator, is adapted to process signals received from at least one other type of device, which provides a second type of signal. A system designed according to this invention is particularly useful as a remote keyless entry system for a vehicle where one or more sensors are provided on the vehicle to provide an indication of a chosen condition of one or more of the vehicle components.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions within a tire includes a sensor assemblies (14). The sensor assemblies (14) emit a transmission (26) containing information indicative of conditions within a tire to a receiver (16). The transmission (26) from the sensor assemblies (14) includes an amplitude shift key wake up portion and various data packet portions. The data packet portions are separated by a variable interval to prevent collisions of transmissions at the receiver.

Abstract: A method of localizing the location of a received signal from a tire pressure sensor includes sending an AM identification signal. The AM signal is adjusted for speed such that the frequency of the signal equals a constant multiplied by the speed of the vehicle. Each of the tire locations on a vehicle have an expected sequence of black-out points in the signal received by a receiver at any point on the vehicle. That is, given a particular vehicle design, the AM signal described above would be received at a receiver with an expected sequence of received peaks and black-out points. Since the frequency of the signal is adjusted for speed, the received signal will accurately allow the location of black-out points to be utilized to identify the tire location for a particular signal.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system includes a plurality of LF initiators for initiating a localization signal from each of the tire pressure monitoring sensors associated with each of the tires. Each of the initiators requests a signal from its respective sensors on a unique frequency. Thus, a control for the vehicle can sense the reporting frequency of the signal from each of the sensors and associate the signal with a particular location on the vehicle based upon this frequency.

Abstract: A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed mode (52) and a frequency shift keyed mode (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system (26) and a remote keyless entry system (20) and switches between modes in response to receipt of a wake up pattern.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions within a tire (12) including a sensor assembly (14) including a pressure sensor (36), an accelerometer (34), a temperature sensor (32), and a transmitter (40) to transmit signals indicative of current tire conditions. A remote transmitter (22) for actuating a remote keyless entry system (19) emits a signal to actuate a function of the keyless entry system (19) such as unlocking doors (20) of the motor vehicle (10). A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed receiver (52) and a frequency shift keyed receiver (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system or the remote keyless entry system (19).

Abstract: The vehicle port control system has a capaciflective sensor, a port, a lock securing the port, and a control unit. The capaciflective sensor senses the presence of objects a predetermined distance from the vehicle port. The sensor communicates its readings to the control unit, which controls the actuation of the lock.

Abstract: A communication for a vehicle (10) has a first transmitter (34) for transmitting a first signal relating to a first vehicle system (22) and a second transmitter (42) for transmitting a second signal relating to a second vehicle system (38). (FIG. 1) A single receiver (46) has a first reception mode (50) and a second reception mode (54). The first reception mode (50) is receptive to the first signal while the second reception mode (54) is receptive to the second signal. A control unit (58) switches the receiver (46) between the first reception mode (50) and the second reception mode (54).

Abstract: A remote signaling receiver system includes a receiver that operates in two different modes of demodulation to accommodate different types of signals from different types of transmitting devices. A first demodulator, preferably an ASK demodulator, is adapted to process signals from a signal transmitter that generates a first type of signal. A second demodulator, preferably one that is not sensitive to amplitude modulation such as a FSK demodulator, is adapted to process signals received from at least one other type of device, which provides a second type of signal. A system designed according to this invention is particularly useful as a remote keyless entry system for a vehicle where one or more sensors are provided on the vehicle to provide an indication of a chosen condition of one or more of the vehicle components.

Abstract: To eliminate any mis-learning of a sensor code in a factory environment due to adjacent vehicles, a vehicle ID is sent to a sensor transmitter by an initiation signal. When the sensor transmitter transmits its sensor identification signal to the vehicle control in a “learn” mode, the vehicle ID received in the initiation signal is carried with a combined signal. The vehicle control receives the combined signal, and if the received vehicle identification code in the signal matches an expected vehicle identification code, then the control learns the sensor identification. If the expected vehicle identification code does not match the received vehicle identification code, then the control may ignore the particular sensor identification code. This invention thus eliminates any tendency to have an adjacent vehicle inadvertently “teach” its sensor IDs to the control associated with the adjacent vehicle.

Abstract: A method of localizing the location of a received signal from a tire pressure sensor includes sending an AM identification signal. The AM signal is adjusted for speed such that the frequency of the signal equals a constant multiplied by the speed of the vehicle. Each of the tire locations on a vehicle have an expected sequence of black-out points in the signal received by a receiver at any point on the vehicle. That is, given a particular vehicle design, the AM signal described above would be received at a receiver with an expected sequence of received peaks and black-out points. Since the frequency of the signal is adjusted for speed, the received signal will accurately allow the location of black-out points to be utilized to identify the tire location for a particular signal.

Abstract: A vehicle access system that includes an electronic key ensures that the vehicle transmission is in a proper condition before power to the selected vehicle components is turned off. A control panel within the vehicle allows a driver to activate a switch indicating a desire to turn off the vehicle engine. A controller first determines whether a valid authentication code is received from a passive signaling device. Once validation is complete, the controller turns off the engine. Next, the controller determines that the vehicle is in the appropriate gear. If the transmission must be switched to the appropriate gear, the controller provides an indication to the driver that the transmission must be switched before the power to the accessory components will be turned off.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions within a tire includes a sensor assemblies (14). The sensor assemblies (14) emit a transmission (26) containing information indicative of conditions within a tire to a receiver (16). The transmission (26) from the sensor assemblies (14) includes an amplitude shift key wake up portion and various data packet portions. The data packet portions are separated by a variable interval to prevent collisions of transmissions at the receiver.

Abstract: An improved and low cost electrical connection for use in circuit boards for key fobs incorporates a plurality of generally cylindrical pin members which are symmetric about a central axis. The use of the symmetric pin allows automatic insertion of the pin in that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. The pin has a generally tapered transition portion which provides a contact surface for the battery, and this transition portion is also symmetric such that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. Further, a stop face on the pin provides a stop for insertion of the pin into the circuit board such that the pin is at the desired height relative to the battery and such that the transition portion will provide electrical contact to the battery.

Abstract: A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed mode (52) and a frequency shift keyed mode (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system (26) and a remote keyless entry system (20) and switches between modes in response to receipt of a wake up pattern.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions within a tire (12) including a sensor assembly (14) including a pressure sensor (36), an accelerometer (34), a temperature sensor (32), and a transmitter (40) to transmit signals indicative of current tire conditions. A remote transmitter (22) for actuating a remote keyless entry system (19) emits a signal to actuate a function of the keyless entry system (19) such as unlocking doors (20) of the motor vehicle (10). A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed receiver (52) and a frequency shift keyed receiver (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system or the remote keyless entry system (19).

Abstract: A so-called “smart card” system is provided with controls which ensure that a request for change in status of a vehicle is not inconsistent with the presence or lack thereof of an appropriate card in the vehicle. As an example, prior to stopping ignition upon the request for stopping ignition, a sensor will look for the presence of a valid card within the vehicle cab. If no valid card is identified, then a warning signal is sent to the operator that no card is within the cab. This will prevent the operator from stopping the vehicle in the event that any appropriate cards have left the vehicle. The operator will thus be saved the inconvenience of having to walk to a location to get another card. In another example, should the request be for locking of the vehicle driver door, the presence of a valid card within the vehicle would be made known to the operator. In this way, the operator will be less likely to lock the card within the vehicle.

Abstract: An alternative arrangement for a passive entry and ignition system for a vehicle is disclosed. The passive system uses an electronically coded card or ‘smart card’ that electronically conveys identifying information to a single on board antenna. The single on board antenna is integrated into the roof panel of the vehicle using conventional wire or flat cable technology. The single antenna communicates to a vehicle control unit to enable actuation of various predetermined mechanical systems of a vehicle such as the vehicle entry system or the vehicle ignition system. In an alternative embodiment, the single on board antenna is integrated in an existing occupant detection mat located in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power closure sensor system is disclosed. The system includes a data processing device, a closer motor in communication with the data processing device and controlling the movement of a closable member, and a proximity sensor, configured to sense the location of an object. The proximity sensor is in communication with the data processing device. The proximity sensor is configured to communicate the location of the object without the object contacting either the closable member or the frame. The system also includes a position sensor configured to sense the position of the closable member. The position sensor is in communication with the data processing device. Further, the system includes a logic program running on the data processing device and the logic program is configured to generate an estimate of the location of the object relative to the closable member.