Patents by Inventor Tom Q. Tang

Tom Q. Tang has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9262878
    Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, transmitting a command signal according to one of a first transmission protocol and a second transmission protocol, and selecting the first transmission protocol for use in transmitting the command signal when a selected command is of a first type, and selecting the second transmission protocol for use in transmitting the command signal when a selected command is of a second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Ronald O. King, John S. Nantz, Tom Q. Tang, Yi Luo
  • Patent number: 9047716
    Abstract: In one embodiment of a system and method for remote activation of a device includes, a transceiver is provided for transmitting a command signal according to a first transmission protocol having a first data rate, receiving an acknowledgment signal indicating that the command signal transmitted according to the first transmission protocol has been received, and transmitting the command signal according a second transmission protocol, the second transmission protocol having a second data rate less than the first data rate and including partition of the command signal. A controller is provided for selecting the first transmission protocol for use in transmitting the command signal in response to a user input, and selecting the second transmission protocol for use in transmitting the command signal when the transceiver fails to receive the acknowledgment signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Ronald O. King, John S. Nantz, Tom Q. Tang, Yi Luo
  • Patent number: 8922339
    Abstract: A system and method for receiving signals from a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system, a remote keyless entry (RKE) system, and a passive entry system in a manner that reduces the occurrence of signal interference includes transmitting at least a first signal to a receiver on the vehicle. The receiver is configured to have multiple channels for receiving the TPM signal, the RKE signal and/or the passive entry signal. The method also includes receiving the first signal on a first receiver channel. The method further includes selecting a second receiver channel for receiving at least a second signal when the second signal is or will be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Ronald O. King, John Nantz, Tom Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 8872616
    Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, transmitting a command message according to a first modulation, and transmitting a signal representing the command message for the device according to a second modulation. The signal representing the command message transmitted according to the second modulation may be transmitted within the command message transmitted according to the first modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Riad Ghabra, John S. Nantz, Tom Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 8193945
    Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, a user interface for selecting a command associated with the one or more vehicle functions, a controller for processing the selected command, the controller having a plurality of input ports, and a switch array including a plurality of switches corresponding to the one or more vehicle functions. The plurality of switches can be divided into a first set and a second set with the first set of switches being connected across a fixed voltage and a controller input port and the second set of switches being connected across multiple controller input ports. The at least one of the controller input ports connecting the second set of switches may be temporarily configurable to an output port for determining which of the plurality of switches has been actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Neal Richard Manson, Tom Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 7944340
    Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, receiving a signal indicative of a range from the device, comparing the range to a threshold, selecting a first transmission protocol when the range exceeds the threshold, selecting a second transmission protocol when the range fails to exceed the threshold, and transmitting a command signal according to the selected first or second transmission protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Ronald O. King, John S. Nantz, Tom Q. Tang, Yi Luo
  • Patent number: 7915997
    Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, transmitting a command message according to a first modulation, and transmitting a signal representing the command message for the device according to a second modulation. The signal representing the command message transmitted according to the second modulation may be transmitted within the command message transmitted according to the first modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Riad Ghabra, John S. Nantz, Tom Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 7808394
    Abstract: A seat folding apparatus is provided with a passive Rf frequency link that requires that a person be within a certain limited distance from the vehicle to operate the seat folding mechanism. A foreign object detection system, such as a plurality of weight sensors, is provided in the seat to detect foreign objects on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Nathan, Tom Q. Tang, Riad Ghabra
  • Patent number: 7724125
    Abstract: A remote unit for a keyless entry system for a vehicle. The remote unit comprising a controller configured to generate a command signal in response to a user input. The command signal comprising a first command message and a substantially similar second command message. The first command message comprises a first low data rate portion and the second command message comprises a high data rate portion. The remote unit further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Ronald O. King, John S. Nantz, Tom Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 7683757
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling a function. The system includes a transmitter and a receiver control circuit having a plurality of antennas. The transmitter transmits a wireless control signal having first and second signal portions. An antenna is selected based on the first signal portion. A function is performed when the second signal portion is received by the selected antenna and successfully decoded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Art Turovsky, Tom Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 7642907
    Abstract: An automotive restraint monitoring assembly is provided comprised of a seatbelt assembly including a buckle element and clip element affixed to an automotive seat assembly. A wireless transponder element and transponder antenna are positioned within the buckle element and transmit a seat-based unique identification signal only when the clip element is positioned within the buckle element. A base station mounted within a vehicle includes at least one base station antenna in wireless communication with the wireless transponder. A vehicle belt alert system is in communication with the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Q. Tang, Riad Ghabra
  • Patent number: 7609146
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling a function using a variable sensitivity receiver, including a vehicle having the same. The method may include receiving a wireless control signal segment from a remote transmitter using the variable sensitivity receiver, decoding the wireless control signal segment using a controller in electronic communication with the variable sensitivity receiver, performing an attenuation step when the decoding is successful, generating a count for tracking an amount of attenuation performed, and determining whether to perform the function based at least in part on the count when the count is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or when the decoding is unsuccessful. The wireless control signal segment may include a request for the function and/or a partial request for the function. The attenuation step may include attenuating sensitivity of the variable sensitivity receiver by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Q. Tang, Riad Ghabra, Ronald O. King
  • Patent number: 7592895
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling a function. A range-limited function is performed when a wireless control signal is indicative of a range-limited function and an elapsed time value exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Q. Tang, John Nantz, Ronald O. King
  • Publication number: 20090179767
    Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, a user interface for selecting a command associated with the one or more vehicle functions, a controller for processing the selected command, the controller having a plurality of input ports, and a switch array including a plurality of switches corresponding to the one or more vehicle functions. The plurality of switches can be divided into a first set and a second set with the first set of switches being connected across a fixed voltage and a controller input port and the second set of switches being connected across multiple controller input ports. The at least one of the controller input ports connecting the second set of switches may be temporarily configurable to an output port for determining which of the plurality of switches has been actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Neal Richard Manson, Tom Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 7528706
    Abstract: A system and method for tire pressure monitoring. The system includes a receiver having a storage memory, and a transmitter corresponding to a tire. The storage memory includes a set of unique identifier. The transmitter includes a programmable memory. The receiver is configured to receive a signal, determine when the signal corresponds to a member of the set of unique identifiers, and process the signal when the signal corresponds to a member of the set of unique identifiers. The transmitter is configured to receive a unique member of the set of unique identifiers, store the unique member in the programmable memory, and transmit a signal corresponding to the unique member and the air pressure in the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Tom Q. Tang, John S. Nantz
  • Patent number: 7460005
    Abstract: A folding system for a vehicle seat is disclosed that includes a Rf transmitter that is associated with the seat and a receiver that polls a portable transmitter/receiver whenever it is within a targeted zone near the rear door, right side door, or left side door. Weight sensing sensor arrays in the folding seat are used to prevent folding the seat when a foreign object is disposed in the seat. A Rf receiver may be provided either as part of the vehicle seat or the Rf receiver of a remote keyless entry system can be used that communicates with the seat through a vehicle bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Nathan, Tom Q. Tang, Riad Ghabra
  • Publication number: 20080088411
    Abstract: A remote unit for a keyless entry system for a vehicle. The remote unit comprising a controller configured to generate a command signal in response to a user input. The command signal comprising a first command message and a substantially similar second command message. The first command message comprises a first low data rate portion and the second command message comprises a high data rate portion. The remote unit further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit the command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Ronald O. King, John S. Nantz, Tom Q. Tang
  • Publication number: 20080079603
    Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, transmitting a command message according to a first modulation, and transmitting a signal representing the command message for the device according to a second modulation. The signal representing the command message transmitted according to the second modulation may be transmitted within the command message transmitted according to the first modulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Riad Ghabra, John S. Nantz, Tom Q. Tang
  • Publication number: 20080079602
    Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, transmitting a command message according to a first modulation, and transmitting a signal representing the command message for the device according to a second modulation. The signal representing the command message transmitted according to the second modulation may be transmitted within the command message transmitted according to the first modulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Riad Ghabra, John S. Nantz, Tom Q. Tang
  • Publication number: 20080061955
    Abstract: The teachings of the present invention include an antenna system for a tire pressure monitoring system. The antenna system includes an antenna coil that is printed on the circuit board in a manner that is cost-efficient and that enhances the signal reception. In one embodiment, the antenna coil is printed planar to the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tom Q. Tang, Riad Ghabra, Jason Summerford