Abstract: A system and a method for remotely controlling at least a first device based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus are provided. The foot pedal apparatus has a movable member. The system includes a first module configured to transmit a first RF signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position. The first signal has a first identifier. The system further includes a second module configured to receive the first RF signal and to transmit a second RF signal having the first identifier and a second identifier in response to the first RF signal. The system further includes a third module configured to receive the second RF signal and to control operation of the first device in response to the second RF signal.

Abstract: A powered closure drive mechanism is provided for moving a closure between open and closed positions. An elongated housing extends between first and second ends that are movable in opposite directions toward and away from each other. A rotatable lead screw is disposed longitudinally within the elongated housing. A reversible motor rotates the lead screw in a first direction and a second direction to urge the first and second ends of the housing toward and away from each other. A sensor assembly includes a worm fixed to the lead screw for rotation therewith and a rotatable gear meshingly engaged with the worm. The worm and gear are geared such that the gear rotates less than one revolution in response to the closure moving between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A device selection module and a method for selecting one or more devices to be controlled based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus are provided. The foot pedal apparatus has a moveable member. The device selection module includes a first switch having a first operational state for selecting a first device. The device selection module includes a processor configured to detect an operational state of the first switch. The device selection module includes an RF receiver operably communicating with the processor. The RF receiver is configured to receive a first RF signal. The first RF signal indicates at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus. The device selection module further includes an RF transmitter operably communicating with the processor.

Abstract: A system and a method for remotely controlling at least a first device based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus are provided. The foot pedal apparatus has a movable member. The system includes a first module configured to transmit a first RF signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position. The first signal has a first identifier. The system further includes a second module configured to receive the first RF signal and to transmit a second RF signal having the first identifier and a second identifier in response to the first RF signal. The system further includes a third module configured to receive the second RF signal and to control operation of the first device in response to the second RF signal.

Abstract: A device control module and a method for controlling at least first and second devices based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus having a moveable member are provided. The device control module includes an RF receiver configured to receive a first RF signal at a first time indicating at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position. The first RF signal has a first identifier value indicating the first device is to be controlled. The device control module further includes a processor operably coupled to the RF receiver. The processor is configured to activate the first device in response to the first RF signal. The RF receiver is further configured to receive a second RF signal at a second time after the first time. The second RF signal indicates at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from the first operational position.

Abstract: A system and a method for remotely controlling at least a first device based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus are provided. The foot pedal apparatus has a movable member. The system includes a first module configured to transmit a first RF signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position. The system further includes a second module configured to receive the first RF signal when a position of the second module is less than or equal to a threshold distance from the first module. The second module is configured to transmit a second RF signal in response to the first RF signal. The system further includes a third module configured to receive the second RF signal and to control operation of the first device in response to the second RF signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing pressure in vehicle tires includes an interrogator (102) for providing a tire pressure interrogation signal, and a tire pressure monitor (70) for sensing pressure within a first tire (24) of the vehicle (20) and providing an actual tire pressure signal. A first wheel speed sensor (42) associated with the first tire (24) provides a reference wheel speed signal upon movement of the vehicle (20). A second wheel speed sensor (40) associated with a second tire (22) of the vehicle (20) provides a wheel speed signal upon movement of the vehicle. A controller (60) activates the interrogator (102), monitors the actual tire pressure signal, and correlates the reference wheel speed signal with the wheel speed signal from the second wheel speed sensor (40) for determining a tire pressure value of the second tire (22).

Abstract: An apparatus for associating tires with tire locations of a vehicle includes two sensors, each sensor having an associated tire. Each sensor transmits an associated sensor identification in response to receipt of an interrogation signal. The interrogation signal is provided so that the two sensors transmit at different rates. A controller is responsive to receipt of transmitted identification signals for associating each sensor with a tire location and thereby associating the tires with tire locations of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tire monitoring method and apparatus is provided to predict tire tread separation for a tire on a wheel of a vehicle. This may involve monitoring a parameter of a tire of a vehicle over time and comparing information regarding the monitored parameter (over time) with a reference threshold value of the parameter (over time). The method may also include providing information to a driver based on the comparison. The parameter may be acceleration (axial, radial or longitudinal) along an axis of the tire. The parameter may also be tire imbalance, temperature inside the tire, speed of the tire, load and/or pressure, for example. Information regarding the comparison may be transmitted to a driver if the monitored parameter exceeds the reference threshold value for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for associating tires with tire locations of a vehicle includes two sensors, each sensor having an associated tire. Each sensor transmits an associated sensor identification in response to receipt of an interrogation signal. The interrogation signal is provided so that the two sensors transmit at different rates. A controller is responsive to receipt of transmitted identification signals for associating each sensor with a tire location and thereby associating the tires with tire locations of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tire condition communication system (10) is intended for incorporation into a vehicle (12). A tire condition sensing unit (e.g., 18A) of the system (10) is operable to sense a tire condition and to transmit a signal (e.g., 24A) indicative of the sensed condition. A vehicle-based unit (28) of the system (10) receives the condition indicative signal (e.g., 24A). A communication arrangement (e.g., 42A and 48A) of the system (10) has a first portion (e.g., 40A) associated with the vehicle-based unit (28) and a second portion (e.g., 48A) associated with the tire condition sensing unit (e.g., 18A). The communication arrangement conveys a control signal (e.g., 44A) from the vehicle-based unit (28) to the tire condition sensing unit (e.g., 18A) that causes the tire condition sensing unit to continue operation during conveyance of the control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing pressure in vehicle tires includes an interrogator (102) for providing a tire pressure interrogation signal, and a tire pressure monitor (70) for sensing pressure within a first tire (24) of the vehicle (20) and providing an actual tire pressure signal. A first wheel speed sensor (42) associated with the first tire (24) provides a reference wheel speed signal upon movement of the vehicle (20). A second wheel speed sensor (40) associated with a second tire (22) of the vehicle (20) provides a wheel speed signal upon movement of the vehicle. A controller (60) activates the interrogator (102), monitors the actual tire pressure signal, and correlates the reference wheel speed signal with the wheel speed signal from the second wheel speed sensor (40) for determining a tire pressure value of the second tire (22).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for tracking an abnormal condition of a vehicle tire (20, 22, 24) includes a receiver (62) that receives a data message having data indicative of a condition of the vehicle tire (20, 22, 24). A controller (64) is connected to the receiver (62) and is responsive to the data message received by the receiver (62). The controller (64) includes a counter that has a value indicative of a duration of an abnormal tire condition. The controller (64) adjusts the counter value as a function of the content of the received data message.

Abstract: An arrangement for provision of vehicle tire sensory information while a tire (12) is mounted on a wheel rim (10) of a vehicle. A sensor unit (16) includes a tire condition sensor (e.g., electronics 38), a signal transmitter (36), and a housing (20) that contains the sensor and the transmitter. The housing (20) has a mounting hole. A stud (18) is welded to the rim (10) and extends into the space bounded between the tire (12) and the rim (10). The stud extends through the mounting hole of the sensor housing (20). A retainer (e.g., 26) extends between the sensor housing (20) and the stud (18) such that the sensor housing is held fixed relative to the stud.

Abstract: A tire condition sensor module (14) for a vehicle (10) comprises at least one actuatable tire condition sensor (78, 84, 88) for sensing a tire condition of an associated vehicle tire (20) and a motion detector (32) for detecting movement of the associated vehicle tire (20). The module (14) further includes a transmitter (44) for transmitting a tire condition indicating signal having a characteristic based on the sensed tire condition signal. A controller (74) controls actuation of the tire condition sensor (78, 84, 88) and the transmitter (44). The controller (74) is continuously energized and has first and second operating modes. The controller (74) operates in the first operating mode when movement of the associated tire (20) is greater than a predetermined value and operates in the second operating mode when movement of the associated tire (20) is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A tire monitoring method and apparatus is provided to predict tire tread separation for a tire on a wheel of a vehicle. This may involve monitoring a parameter of a tire of a vehicle over time and comparing information regarding the monitored parameter (over time) with a reference threshold value of the parameter (over time). The method may also include providing information to a driver based on the comparison. The parameter may be acceleration (axial, radial or longitudinal) along an axis of the tire. The parameter may also be tire imbalance, temperature inside the tire, speed of the tire, load and/or pressure, for example. Information regarding the comparison may be transmitted to a driver if the monitored parameter exceeds the reference threshold value for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A tire condition communication system (10) for a vehicle (12) that has a tire (e.g., 14A). A sensor (e.g., 74), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), senses at least one tire condition. A memory (e.g., 70), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), holds an identification. Transmitter components (e.g., 80 and 22), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A) and operatively connected to the sensor (74) and the memory (70), transmit a condition signal (e.g., 24A) that indicates the held identification and the sensed tire condition. A vehicle-based unit (28) receives the transmitted condition signal (e.g., 24A) indicative of the held identification and the sensed tire condition. An identification provision unit (e.g., 42A), located on the vehicle (12) adjacent to the tire (e.g., 14A) and having a location identification, transmits the location identification in response to a request. A communication portion (e.g., 48A) of the tire condition sensor unit (e.g.

Abstract: A tire condition communication system (10) and method for a vehicle (12) that has a tire (e.g., 14A). A sensor (70), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), senses at least one tire condition. A memory (66), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), holds an identification. A transmitter arrangement (22 and 74), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), transmits a signal (e.g., 24A) that indicates the held identification and the sensed tire condition. A receiver arrangement (28 and 30), associated with the vehicle (12), receives the transmitted signal (e.g., 24A). An identification update device is associated with the tire and is operatively connected to the memory (66). The update device receives an update identification and provides the received location identification to the memory (66) to be held as the held identification. An input device is manually actuated to provide the update identification.

Abstract: A tire condition communication system (10) for a vehicle (12) that has a tire (e.g., 14A). A sensor (e.g., 74), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), senses at least one tire condition. A memory (e.g., 70), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), holds an identification. Transmitter components (e.g., 80 and 22), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A) and operatively connected to the sensor (74) and the memory (70), transmit a condition signal (e.g., 24A) that indicates the held identification and the sensed tire condition. A vehicle-based unit (28) receives the transmitted condition signal (e.g., 24A) indicative of the held identification and the sensed tire condition. An identification provision unit (e.g., 42A), located on the vehicle (12) adjacent to the tire (e.g., 14A) and having a location identification, transmits the location identification in response to a request. A communication portion (e.g., 48A) of the tire condition sensor unit (e.g.

Abstract: A tire condition communication system (10) and method for a vehicle (12) that has a tire (e.g., 14A). A sensor (70), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), senses at least one tire condition. A memory (66), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), holds an identification. A transmitter arrangement (22 and 74), associated with the tire (e.g., 14A), transmits a signal (e.g., 24A) that indicates the held identification and the sensed tire condition. A receiver arrangement (28 and 30), associated with the vehicle (12), receives the transmitted signal (e.g., 24A). An identification update device is associated with the tire and is operatively connected to the memory (66). The update device receives an update identification and provides the received location identification to the memory (66) to be held as the held identification. An input device is manually actuated to provide the update identification.