Abstract: A tire parameter sensing system (12) for a vehicle (10) comprises a vehicle-based unit (42) for receiving parameter signals. A tire-based unit (34) is associated with a tire (16) of the vehicle (10) and rotates with the tire (16). The tire-based unit (34) is located in a communication zone (134) for communicating with the vehicle-based unit (42) through only a portion of each rotation of the tire (16). The tire-based unit (34) is configured to sense a parameter of the tire (16) and to transmit a parameter signal (54) indicative thereof. The system (12) also comprises means (78) for monitoring the rotation of the tire and for providing rotation information indicative of the monitored tire rotation. The tire-based unit (34) is responsive to the rotation information for transmitting the parameter signal (54) while the tire-based unit (34) is located the communication zone (134).

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle wheel arch (18) of the type including an antenna (20) for interacting with a device (22) carried by an assembly (12) of a wheel (14) and a tire (16). The wheel arch includes a shield (24) overlying the antenna (20) beside the radially-inner face of the wheel arch (18), said shield (24) being suitable for retaining matter (26) at a certain distance from the antenna (20).

Abstract: A tire parameter sensing system (12) for a vehicle (10) having a plurality of tires (16, 18, 20, 22) comprises a plurality of tire-based units (34, 36, 38, 40). Each tire-based unit (34, 36, 38, 40) being configured to receive initiation signals and, in response thereto, to transmit response signals (54, 56, 58, 60). A vehicle-based unit (42) receives the response signals (54, 56, 58, 60) and transmits the initiation signals (90). A plurality of signal masking devices (44, 46, 48, 50) is coupled to the vehicle-based unit (42). The signal masking devices (44, 46, 48, 50) have associated tire locations on the vehicle (10) and are actuatable for masking the initiation signals (90) near the associated tire locations. The vehicle-based unit (42) controls the signal masking devices (44, 46, 48, 50) so as to control the tire location from which a tire-based unit responds to the initiation signals (90).

Abstract: A circuit (14) for use in a tire (16) of a vehicle (10) having a tire parameter sensing system (12) includes a battery (60) for supplying electrical energy. The battery (60) has an equivalent series resistance (64) that varies inversely with temperature. The circuit (14) further includes a current control device (90) that is responsive to at least one of an output voltage of the battery and temperature for adjusting a current draw from the battery (60) to insure a predetermined minimum output voltage from the battery (60).

Abstract: A tire parameter sensing system (12) comprises a tire-based unit (28) associated with a tire (20) of a vehicle (10) for sensing a parameter of the tire (20) and for transmitting a tire parameter signal (42) indicative of the sensed parameter. A transceiver device (34) receives the tire parameter signal (42) and transmits a relay signal (42?) indicative of the received tire parameter signal (42). A vehicle-based unit (32) is adapted to receive both the tire parameter signal (42) and the relay signal (42?). An indicator (54) is coupled to the vehicle-based unit (32) for providing an indication of the sensed parameter of the tire (20). The vehicle-based unit (32) controls the indicator (54) in response to receiving at least one of the tire parameter signal (42) and the relay signal (42?).

Abstract: An antenna (96) for use in inductive coupling two devices (34 and 42) includes a first coil (180) having a first inductance value, a second coil (190) having a second inductance value, and a capacitor (198) having a capacitance value. The first and second coils (180 and 190) and the capacitor (198) form a tank circuit (196) having a predetermined resonant frequency. The capacitance value of the capacitor (198) varies inversely to an equivalent inductance value of the tank circuit (196) for providing the predetermined resonant frequency. The first and second coils (180 and 190) are connected in parallel with one another so that the equivalent inductance value of the tank circuit (196) is less than each of the first and second inductance values and the capacitance value of the capacitor (198) is maintained above a predetermined threshold value for providing stability to the tank circuit (196).

Abstract: A tire parameter sensing system (12) for a vehicle (10) having a tire (16) comprises a tire-based unit (26) associated with the tire (16) and including structure (70, 72) for sensing a parameter of the tire (16) and for transmitting a parameter signal (38) indicative of the sensed parameter. The parameter signal (38) having at least first and second different signal characteristics. The tire parameter sensing system (12) also comprises a vehicle-based unit (34) having a first receiving channel (116) for receiving at least portions of the parameter signal (38) that include the first signal characteristic and a second receiving channel (118) for receiving at least portions of the parameter signal (38) that include the second signal characteristic. A signal detection portion (120) of the vehicle-based unit (34) is responsive to the first and second signal characteristics for determining the sensed parameter of the tire (16).

Abstract: A tire parameter sensing system (12) for sensing a parameter of a tire (16) includes a power transmitting antenna (44) that is actuatable for producing a magnetic field at a location of the tire (16). A rim (140) upon which the tire (16) is mounted includes first and second magnetically conductive surface portions (160 and 168) that form a drop well (156). A tire-based unit (34) is mounted in the drop well (156) so that a coil antenna (96) of the tire-based unit (34) is located adjacent to both the first and second magnetically conductive surface portions (160 and 168). The central axis of the coil antenna (96) extends in a direction parallel to the first magnetically conductive surface portion (160) and the first and second magnetically conductive surface portions (160 and 168) guide magnetic flux of the magnetic field to the coil antenna (96).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a controller (82) for receiving a control parameter. At least one tire condition sensor (26-32) senses a tire condition and transmits a tire condition signal (34) indicative of the sensed tire condition. A receiver (78) receives the tire condition signal (34) and compares the received tire condition signal (34) to a changeable threshold to output a digital signal indicative of the received tire condition signal (34). The changeable threshold changes at time intervals determined by a time constant of the receiver (78). The time constant of the receiver (78) is variable. The controller (82) is operatively connected to the receiver (78) and varies the time constant of the receiver (78) in response to the received control parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a controller (82) for receiving a control parameter. At least one tire condition sensor (26-32) senses a tire condition and transmits a tire condition signal (34) indicative of the sensed tire condition. A receiver (78) receives the tire condition signal (34) and compares the received tire condition signal (34) to a changeable threshold to output a digital signal indicative of the received tire condition signal (34). The changeable threshold changes at time intervals determined by a time constant of the receiver (78). The time constant of the receiver (78) is variable. The controller (82) is operatively connected to the receiver (78) and varies the time constant of the receiver (78) in response to the received control parameter.

Abstract: A remote convenience system (10) and an associated method provide for remote control a convenience function. A portable transmitter unit (12) is operable for remote function requests. The transmitter unit (12) includes circuitry (32) for transmitting a signal (18) that conveys a remote function request. A receiver/controller unit (14) receives the transmitted signal (18) and causes performance of the remotely requested function. The receiver/controller unit (14) includes a plurality of antennae (52), each for picking-up the transmitted signal (18) and outputting an electrical signal that conveys the remote function request. Each of the antennae (52) is configured to have an ability to pick-up the transmitted signal (18) that is dependent upon direction from the receiver/controller unit (14) to the transmitter unit (12). The ability of each of the antennae (52) is different from the ability of the other antennae.

Abstract: A device (10) is presented for controlling remote convenience function at a vehicle (32) and for interpersonal communication between two operators. The device (10) has components located in a common housing (24). The components include structure (e.g., 14-22) for communicating input from an operator of the device, structure for generating radio frequency signals responsive to the input from the operator of the device, structure for receiving other radio frequency signals from another device responsive to communication input from a operator of another device, and structure for converting the other signals from the operator of the other device into output perceptible by the operator of the device. The output corresponds to the input communicated from the operator of the other device.

Abstract: A device (10) is presented for controlling remote convenience function at a vehicle (32) and for interpersonal communication between two operators. The device (10) has components located in a common housing (24). The components include structure (e.g., 14-22) for communicating input from an operator of the device, structure for generating radio frequency signals responsive to the input from the operator of the device, structure for receiving other radio frequency signals from another device responsive to communication input from a operator of another device, and structure for converting the other signals from the operator of the other device into output perceptible by the operator of the device. The output corresponds to the input communicated from the operator of the other device.

Abstract: A system (10) and associated method for tire condition communication for a vehicle (12). The system (10) includes a sensor (18), associated with a tire (14), to sense at least one tire condition. Transmitter components (22, 24 and 30), associated with the tire (14) and operatively connected to the sensor (18), provide for transmission of a signal (32) that has a data rate and that indicates the sensed tire condition. A receiver unit (40), associated with the vehicle (12), receives the signal (32). The receiver unit (40) includes a plurality of antennas (42A-42N), each for receiving the transmitted signal (32), and a switching device (46) among the plurality of antennas at a rate that is quicker than the data rate of the transmitted signal (32).

Abstract: An apparatus (24) and an associated method provide for monitoring of a condition of a tire (18) of a vehicle (12). A transmitter (34) is rotatable with the tire (18) and is operable to transmit a signal indicative of the tire condition. Amplitude variation is induced in the signal during rotation of the transmitter (34) with the tire (18). A receiver (28) is located at the vehicle (12) and is operable to receive the signal from the transmitter (34). The receiver (28) has circuitry (80) that compensates for the induced amplitude variation.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) and an associated method determine signal strength of a received electromagnetic signal (18) that is comprised of a plurality of pulses that convey a remote convenience function request, and which causes performance of the requested function. A comparator (82) has a first input for receiving an electrical signal (78) with a voltage that varies to convey the remote convenience function request. A second input of the comparator (82) receives a threshold voltage value reference signal (86). An output of the comparator (82) provides an output signal (46) that indicates the occurrence of the voltage of the electrical signal (78) exceeding the threshold value of the reference signal (86). A microprocessor (100) and a threshold change trigger (122) of a controller portion (48) adjust the threshold voltage value of the reference signal (86).

Abstract: A receiver/controller unit (14) of a remote convenience system (10) receives an electromagnetic signal (18). The signal (18) is comprised of a plurality of pulses that convey a remote convenience function request. In response to the receipt of the signal (18), the receiver/controller unit (14) causes performance of the requested function. The receiver/controller unit (14) has a comparator (82). A first input of the comparator (82) is connected to receive an electrical signal (78) with an electrical characteristic that varies to convey the remote convenience function request. A second input of the comparator (82) is connected to receive a signal 86 that has a threshold electrical characteristic value. Preferably, the electrical characteristic is voltage amplitude. An output of the comparator (82) provides a signal indicative of the occurrence of the electrical characteristic of the electrical signal (78) exceeding the threshold value, and that conveys the remote convenience function request.

Abstract: A system (10) and associated method for tire condition communication for a vehicle (12). The system (10) includes a sensor (18), associated with a tire (14), to sense at least one tire condition. Transmitter components (22, 24 and 30), associated with the tire (14) and operatively connected to the sensor (18), provide for transmission of a signal (32) that has a data rate and that indicates the sensed tire condition. A receiver unit (40), associated with the vehicle (12), receives the signal (32). The receiver unit (40) includes a plurality of antennas (42A-42N), each for receiving the transmitted signal (32), and a switching device (46) among the plurality of antennas at a rate that is quicker than the data rate of the transmitted signal (32).

Abstract: A system (10) for monitoring a condition of a tire (12) of a vehicle (14) includes a tire-based unit (20) and a vehicle-based unit (40). The tire-based unit monitors a condition of the tire (12), assembles data indicative of the monitored condition, and transmits at least one radio frequency signal (32) including a signal indicative of the data. The vehicle-based unit (40) receives the radio frequency signal (32) and determines an actual reception success rate of the radio frequency signal. The vehicle-based unit (40) compares the actual reception success rate of each radio frequency signal (32) to known reception success rates corresponding to known tire positions on the vehicle (14) and identifies one of the known reception success rates that is closest to equal the actual reception success rate. The vehicle-based unit (40) associates the radio frequency signal (32) with the known tire position corresponding to the one of the known reception success rates.

Abstract: A system (10) for a vehicle (12), wherein the system includes transmitter components (26, 28), located at the vehicle, that are operable to send communication that conveys a vehicle system status. A portable receiver unit (14) is operable to receive the communication that conveys the vehicle system status. An operator (76) of the vehicle (12) carries the portable receiver unit (14) upon leaving the vehicle. A controller (22) senses a condition indicative of the vehicle operator (76) leaving the vehicle (12) and enables the communication from the transmitter components (26, 28) to the portable receiver unit (14) in response to the sensed condition indicative of the vehicle operator (76) leaving the vehicle (12). Preferably, a device (44) enables operation of the portable receiver unit (14) in response to the sensed condition indicative of the vehicle operator (76) leaving the vehicle (12).