Abstract: An antenna coupler for a wireless communication system in a vehicle couples a transmit signal source to a plurality of antennas arranged within the vehicle. A first saturable reactor has a first load winding and a first control winding wound on a first saturable core, the first load winding coupling the signal source to a first antenna. A first current source is coupled to the first control winding for providing a selected current to the first control winding. A second saturable reactor has a second load winding and a second control winding wound on a second saturable core, the second load winding coupling the signal source to a second antenna. A second current source is coupled to the second control winding for providing a selected current to the second control winding. A controller is coupled to the first and second current sources for commanding the first and second selected currents to selectably attenuate or non-attenuate a transmit signal from the transmit signal source to each respective antenna.

Abstract: A vehicle tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system, the system including an immobilizer transmitter that transmits at least one low frequency (LF) sensor diagnostic signal, at least one TPM sensor, wherein the at least one TPM sensor includes a transceiver that receives the at least one LF sensor diagnostic signal and, when the at least one TPM sensor is operating properly, presents at least one radio frequency (RF) message signal, and a TPM receiver that receives the at least one RF message signal and provides an indication to an operator when the at least one RF message signal is received, wherein the LF sensor diagnostic signal is transmitted to determine proper operation of the at least one TPM sensor.

Abstract: A remote wake-up assembly is provided including a remote device containing logic adapted to: generate a pre-amble signal comprising a plurality of pre-determined signal pulses sequentially varied throughout a pre-amble period; and generate a main message signal after a wake-up time-period. A receiver system is included containing logic adapted to: poll for the signal pulses, the receiver system polling comprising an on-state having a on-state length sufficient for receiving at least two of the sequentially varied signal pulses; determine the wake-up time-period using said at least two of the signal pulses; place the receiver system into a low-power sleep state during the remaining portion of said wake-up time-period; reactivate the receiver system at the end of the wake-up time-period; and receive the main message.

Abstract: A vehicle locating system for directing a user to a remotely-located vehicle comprises a vehicle-mounted location unit and a personal fob. The vehicle-mounted location unit includes a first global positioning receiver for receiving satellite location signals which operates at a duty cycle sufficient to maintain predetermined aiding data. The vehicle-mounted location unit processes vehicle location data and further includes a first local data transceiver for transmitting the predetermined aiding data. The portable fob includes a second global positioning receiver for receiving the satellite location signals, wherein the second global positioning receiver operates substantially only when the user initiates a request for directions to the vehicle. The portable fob further includes a second local data transceiver for receiving the predetermined aiding data from the first local data transceiver. The portable fob processes fob location data in response to the predetermined aiding data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle information display and communication system having a plurality of operative modules, the system includes a control processing unit adapted to provide an interface among the plurality of operative modules. The operative modules include a display module adapted to provide visual information to the occupants of the vehicle, a navigation module adapted for global positioning satellite reception to provide vehicle position information to the control processing unit, and a telecommunications module adapted for wireless communication to provide communication between the control processing unit and a wireless telecommunications network and between the control processing unit and any one of a plurality of local wireless devices.

Abstract: A method is provided for replacing at least one tire of a vehicle on a first wheel in a first wheel position, the vehicle having a tire pressure monitoring system with a first sensor unit having a first ID code mounted to the first wheel. The first sensor unit is interrogated. Either a nominal result or a faulted result of the interrogation is detected. The at least one tire is removed from the first wheel. If the nominal result is detected during the interrogating step, then the first sensor unit is re-interrogated. Either a nominal result or a faulted result of the re-interrogation is detected. If either of the interrogation or the re-interrogation provide a faulted result then the first ID code is cloned into a replacement sensor unit and then the replacement sensor unit is swapped for the first sensor unit on the first wheel. A new tire is installed onto the first wheel. The first wheel is installed onto the vehicle in the first wheel position.

Abstract: A tire monitoring system for a vehicle. The tire monitoring system includes a sensor assembly mountable on a wheel and has a first sensor for detecting a tire parameter and a second sensor for detecting proximity of the sensor assembly to the wheel. The sensor assembly is detached from the wheel when the second sensor is not proximate to the wheel.

Abstract: A system for controlling a magnetic field strength includes a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field for receipt by a responsive device and a controller in communication with the magnetic field generator for determining a strength of the magnetic field to a level sufficient for use in controlling the responsive device.

Abstract: A system for controlling a magnetic field strength includes a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field for receipt by a responsive device and a controller in communication with the magnetic field generator for determining a strength of the magnetic field to a level sufficient for use in controlling the responsive device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weight sensing apparatus (10) for a vehicle seat (22). The weight sensing apparatus (10) includes a differential capacitor (150) including a first capacitor (152) and a second capacitor (176). The first capacitor (152) includes first and second opposed plate assemblies (154 and 156). The second capacitor (179) includes a third plate assembly (180) and the second plate assembly (156). Each plate assembly (154, 156, and 180) includes a plurality of electrically conductive elongated members that extend in an axial direction. The second plate assembly (156) is interposed between the first and third plate assemblies (154 and 180) and is movable in an axial direction relative to the first and third plate assemblies (154 and 180) in response to a load being applied to a vehicle seat. A source of alternating current supplies electrical energy to the differential capacitor (150) and an output circuit is electrically connected with the differential capacitor (150).

Abstract: An energy efficient remote control protocol uses a start bit which has a variable length which corresponds to the parity of the transmitted symbol, a guard time which is fixed at a predetermined length, and a data transmission time which corresponds to the data to be transmitted. The data to be transmitted is transmitted as a logic low, thus improving the energy efficiency of the system. During the transmission of a code, only one stop bit is used at the end of the transmission. The guard time and parity check are used to verify proper transmission.

Abstract: A remote controlled anti-theft system for transportation vehicles allows the user to easily determine at will if a faulty door position sensor or an open door will inhibit proper operation of the anti-theft system by pressing the lock button on the remote transmitter in a predetermined sequence. A first lock code from the remote transmitter initiates a locking and arming sequence of the anti-theft system. A second lock code received within a predetermined time of the first lock code causes an audible verification to be produced identifying whether the anti-theft system is successfully arming or whether a door ajar or faulty door sensor is preventing the anti-theft system from arming.