Abstract: The present invention is directed to monitoring the loss of pressure in one or more tires by detecting the angular speed variations of one or more wheels of the vehicle over a specified wheel revolution period and analyzing the vibration of the speed various. Changes in the frequency are related to pressure loss, which is indicated to the driver, for example, by displaying the tire pressure loss information on a display.

Abstract: A system for wireless data transmission between a stationary transmitting/reception device and a rotating body, e.g., a vehicle wheel, having secondary antennas, is provided. A plurality of stationary primary antennas are coupled to the stationary transmitting/reception device, and a plurality of secondary antennas are positioned along a circumference of the rotating body. Amongst the plurality of primary antennas, at least one primary antenna is provided for transmitting electrical energy to the secondary antennas, and at least one other primary antenna is provided for communications with the secondary antennas. In this manner, data transmission independent of the speed of the rotating body and the position of the secondary antennas is achieved.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a vehicle (10) has a plurality of tires (14a, b, c and d) in respective rolling locations and a spare tire (14e) generating a spare tire identification. A controller (22) starts the timer (44) and sets a tire status to a rolling status, a pending rolling status, a spare status or a pending spare status in response to the timer and the vehicle speed. The controller (22) stores the status and the spare tire identification in the memory.

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: Provided is a tire air pressure monitoring system in which identification (“ID”) registration is automatically made while specifying a tire position to reduce the manpower of the registration operation and further to prevent mistaken registration. In this system, when an ignition switch is changed from an OFF state to an ON state to satisfy a tire position detection condition, a command is issued to a smart control unit so that a transmitter transmits an ID transmission request to an air pressure sensor, and the air pressure sensor returns ID data as a reply to the ID transmission request. The ID data received is collated with a previously registered ID and, if the result of the collation shows that the ID data pertains to the air pressure sensor of his/her own vehicle, the received ID data is registered as an ID related to a specific tire position.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel speed is calculated based on a vehicle wheel speed signal outputted from a vehicle wheel speed sensor and a change width w which is an amplitude of a time change component of the calculated vehicle wheel speed. When the calculated change width w is equal to or more than a reference value w0 it is judged that a quick tire deformation is currently generated and a driver of the vehicle is informed of the quick deformation by actuating a warning device.

Abstract: A process and device for monitoring the state of a wheel of a motor vehicle in which an output signal of a sensor is converted into an essentially rectangular pulse signal. A respective duration of the pulse is measured; and an especially weighted average between the duration of a current value and a preceding value is determined, wherein a current value and a preceding value exhibit a time interval and/or lie a specific step size apart. A correction factor is determined from each deviation between the duration of a current value and a respective mean value. A step size of the correction method is matched to an error order of a fault. Preferably the step size with a periodic deviation of the mth order that is to be eliminated is determined according to the formula j=1/m×n/4; for motor vehicles in particular according to the formula j=1/m×12.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, a computer usable medium including a program, and a system for monitoring inflation in a plurality of vehicle tires. The method and computer usable medium include the steps of determining a direct pressure in at least one primary tire and determining a rolling radius for the primary tire and at least one secondary tire. A pressure difference is determined based on the determined rolling radius for the primary and secondary tires. The determined pressure difference is adjusted based on the determined direct pressure of the primary tire. The determined pressure difference is compared to at least one threshold value. The system includes means for achieving the method steps of the invention.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a vehicle (10) has a plurality of tires (14a-d) in respective rolling locations having a respective plurality of tire transmitters (16a-d) that generate a respective plurality of transmitter identification signals. A controller (22) is coupled to a counter that counts ignition cycle transitions. The controller enters a learn mode in response to the count and the brake condition signal. The system may also include a display for signaling the vehicle operator to perform a desired action. The controller generates a plurality of display signals on the display indicative of the respective plurality of tire locations and activates a timer when the plurality of transmitter identification signals are received before a predetermined time is counted by the timer.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in internal pressure of a tire mounted to a vehicle on the basis of rotational information obtained from the tire. The method includes the steps of: detecting the rotational information of the respective tires; storing the rotational information of the respective tires; calculating a front and rear wheel ratio which can be obtained on the basis of rotational information of both front wheels and rotational information of both rear wheels of the vehicle; calculating a driving wheel torque of the vehicle; and obtaining a value of the front and rear wheel ratio when the driving wheel torque is zero on the basis of a relationship between the front and rear wheel ratio and the driving wheel torque. It is possible to shorten the time for obtaining effective front and rear wheel ratios.

Abstract: A device for monitoring air pressure in the tires of a vehicle includes devices for determining the wheel speed or other characteristic variables for the speed of the tires of the vehicle, a device for calculating differential variables on the basis of the wheel speed variables, a device for evaluating the differential variables with respect to a setpoint value deviation and for generating a warning signal if the setpoint value deviation exceeds a threshold value, and a device for directly measuring the air pressure in the tire of a wheel and for transferring an air pressure characteristic variable to the evaluation device. A warning signal is generated if the deviation of the air pressure characteristic variable with respect to a setpoint value exceeds a corresponding threshold value. A method of monitoring tire pressures is also provided.

Abstract: A tire air pressure detection device includes an ideal driving status calculating portion (3e) and a rotational status value compensating portion (3f). The ideal driving status calculating portion calculates an ideal status value (?id) corresponding to a slip value under an ideal driving status without tire slippage. The rational status value compensating portion calculates and ideal rotational status value under the ideal driving status without tire slip based on the regression line calculated by a regression line calculating portion (3d) and the ideal slip status value calculated by the ideal driving status calculating portion.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a system for monitoring the pressure of tires of a motor vehicle with location of the wheels comprises a monitoring element and a pressure sensor. Each pressure sensor is associated with a transmitter with which it transmits to the monitoring element a radio signal comprising sensor identification data. The system comprises a means for determining the phase shift between two radio signals transmitted at two distinct times for each wheel. The system further comprises a means for determining the rotation angle, modulo 2?, traveled by each of the wheels between the two times. The system further comprises a means for comparison between the phase shifts and the rotation angles.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel information obtaining apparatus for obtaining wheel information relating to a wheel of a vehicle. The apparatus includes: (a) a wheel state detector which detects a state of the wheel; (b) a transmitter which is provided on the wheel and which transmits a wheel data set containing a wheel state data representing the detected state of the wheel and a wheel identification data identifying the wheel; (c) a receiver which is provided on a vehicle body and which receives the wheel data set transmitted by the transmitter; (d) a data processor which processes the wheel data set received by the receiver; and (e) a communication-intensity reducing device which reduces a transmission strength of the transmitter or/and a reception sensitivity of the receiver, such that the transmission strength or/and the reception sensitivity is lower when the data processor is in an identification-data registering mode, than when the data processor is in a wheel-state data obtaining mode.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure in which decrease in internal pressure of a tire is detected on the basis of rotational information obtained from tires attached to a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: detecting rotational information of the respective tires; storing the rotational information of the respective tires; obtaining a slip rate between the tires and a road surface during running; comparing the slip rate with a slip rate which has been preliminarily obtained when at normal internal pressure; and judging simultaneous decompression of two wheel tires of both front wheels or simultaneous decompression of two wheel tires of both rear wheels on the basis of a relationship between a value obtained through comparison of the two slip rates and a specified threshold. It is possible to judge simultaneous decompression of two wheel tires of both front wheels or wheel two tires of both rear wheels.

Abstract: The device comprises: a sensor arranged at the level of each tire whose pressure is to be monitored, a transmitter associated with each sensor, and a common receiver intended to receive the information sent by the transmitters, at least one detector device making it possible to detect a transmission in the transmission frequency range of the transmitters associated with the sensors, and each detector device being linked to a central unit in such a way as to be able to send this central unit a signal indicating that a transmission in the relevant frequency range is detected.

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: A tire pressure indicator for coupling with a valve stem of a tire. The tire pressure indicator provides a first visual indication in the event that the tire pressure is below a first threshold limit and a second visual indication if the tire pressure is above a second threshold limit. The pressure indicator includes a dome shaped indicator and a dome shaped cover that is mounted over the indicator. The cover includes a plurality wedge shaped transparent viewing windows extending from near the top of the dome. The transparent viewing windows are separated by opaque portions. The indicator has a plurality of alternating wedge shaped areas of first and second colors extending from near the top of the dome to the lower peripheral edge of the indicator. The rotation of the indicator is related to the tire pressure. In one orientation of the indicator that occurs when the tire pressure is below a first predetermined limit, the first color is visible through the transparent viewing windows of the outer dome.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for the detection of a pressure drop in a tire. Herein an evaluating unit determines the temporal modification of the temperature in the tire and produces an alerting signal if the temporal modification of the temperature falls short of a predetermined temperature modification threshold value. In presence of an evaluating signal, the evaluating unit determines the temporal modification of the air pressure and produces an alerting signal, if the temporal modification of the air pressure exceeds an air pressure modification threshold value.

Abstract: System and method of detecting an onset of tread rubber separation of a pneumatic tire on a vehicle, in which a permanent first periodic vibration is produced, in at least one of each axle and each wheel, that is proportional to a wheel rotational speed as a speed output signal. The speed output signal is fed to a signal processing device, wherein in the onset of tread rubber separation, there is provided the superimposition on a first vibration or the speed output signal, at least one separately defined periodic vibration characteristic of the onset of tread rubber separation and proportional to the wheel rotational speed. The superimposition of the first periodic vibration with the at least one separately defined periodic vibration characteristic of the onset of tread rubber separation is detected in the signal processing device and a warning signal is produced.

Abstract: Circuit and method for coupling signals to a tire pressure monitoring system assembled within the interior of a tire in the absence of a receiver are provided. The circuit comprises a coupling circuit that provides capacitance or electromagnetic coupling to pass an externally-derived stream of pulses to a microprocessor therein by either, in the case of capacitance coupling, connecting an external device that generates the stream of externally-derived of pulses to a valve stem of the tire and an electrical ground. In the case of electromagnetic coupling, by placing a suitable external device proximate the coupling circuit. The stream of pulses carries information usable by the microprocessor to perform a respective operational function.

Abstract: Each of transmitters includes a condition detecting device for detecting the condition of a corresponding tire, and an acceleration detecting device for detecting the direction of acceleration accompanying rotation of the corresponding tire. Each transmitter wirelessly transmits data containing data representing the condition of the tire and data representing the direction of the acceleration. A repeater receives data from the transmitters provided in front tires or data from the transmitters provided in rear tires. When receiving data from any of the transmitters, the repeater wirelessly transmits a response signal when a predetermined period has elapsed after the reception of the data. A receiver receives data from the transmitters and the response signal from the repeater.

Abstract: A rotational speed V1 of a left front wheel T1, a rotational speed V2 of a right front wheel T2, a rotational speed V3 of a left rear wheel T3, and a rotational speed V4 of a right rear wheel T4 are detected by rotational speed sensors S1-S4, respectively. A front-wheel yaw rate ?F arising due to a rotational speed difference between the front wheels T1, T2 and a rear-wheel yaw rate ?R arising due to a rotational speed difference between the rear wheels T3, T4 are monitored. When a significant disparity between the both rotational speed differences is observed, it is determined that tire inflation pressure of any of the wheels T1-T4 has decreased. Upon detection, correction is made to an apparent yaw rate that would be observed in the properly inflated wheel as a result of steering for correction by a driver, thereby improving detection accuracy of underinflation of the tires.

Abstract: A method of detection of a run-flat condition of a vehicle tire, said tire being mounted on a wheel, wherein: a quantity f(?, t) is sensed, which varies which the angular displacement of the wheel in time; measuring signals are elaborated, which vary with the angular speed of the wheel d?(t)/dt; a quantity characteristic of the dispersion of measuring signals is calculated; an alarm is set off when the characteristic quantity satisfies a given ratio.

Abstract: A method has acts of detecting pressure value in each tire of the vehicle, calculating a base point of pressure according to the detected pressure values and calculating a safety scope in pressure reference to the base point of pressure. An alarm will be generated when the pressure value in tires has a difference relative to the base point. With the method, a pressure detecting device can fit with different types or models of vehicles, and the use of the pressure detecting device is versatile.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure on the basis of rotational information obtained from tires attached to a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: detecting rotational information of the respective tires; storing the rotational information of the respective tires; obtaining an acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle; obtaining a slip rate when the acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle is within a specified range proximate to zero; comparing the slip rate with a slip rate which has been preliminarily obtained when the tire is under normal air pressure; and judging simultaneous decompression of both front wheel tires or simultaneous decompression of both rear wheel tires on the basis of a relationship between a value obtained through comparison of the two slip rates and a specified threshold. It is possible to judge simultaneous decompression of both front wheel tires or both rear wheel tires when employing the present invention.

Abstract: A four-wheel vehicle is equipped with rotational speed sensors S1-S4 that detect a rotational speed V1 of a left front wheel T1, a rotational speed V2 of a right front wheel T2, a rotational speed V3 of a left rear wheel T3 and a rotational speed V4 of a right rear wheel T4, respectively, and a yaw rate sensor S&ggr; that detects a yaw rate of the vehicle. An underinflation detector 1 includes a controller 2 that calculates a front-wheel yaw rate &ggr;F derived from a difference in rotational speed between the front wheels T1, T2, a rear-wheel yaw rate &ggr;R derived from a difference in rotational speed between the rear wheels T3, T4, and deviations of the yaw rates &ggr;F, &ggr;R from an actually measured value output from the yaw rate sensor S&ggr;. A rate of change of the deviation with respect to change of vehicle speed is determined to thereby detect insufficiency of inflation pressure of tires with high reliability.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure in which decrease in internal pressure of a tire is detected on the basis of rotational information. The method includes the steps of: detecting rotational information of the tires; storing the rotational information; comparing rotational information of all left-sided wheels and rotational information of all right-sided wheels of the vehicle when the vehicle is performing straight-ahead running; and judging decompression on the basis of a relationship between a value obtained through comparison of the left-sided and right-sided rotational information and a specified threshold. It is possible to detect decompression of a single wheel tire while it is also possible to detect that two wheel tires on the left or right are simultaneously decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a drop in pressure of a motor vehicle tire by evaluating wheel speeds determined by sensors. The method for detecting the drop in pressure is based on the detection of a large drop in pressure or a complete drop in pressure using a reduction of the angular velocity or an increase (8) in the dynamic read radius rd of one or more wheels. The invention also relates to a device for controlling the braking power and/or driving dynamics and for measuring the pressure of vehicle tires wherein a microcomputer, which is connected to wheel rotational speed sensors and optionally to driving dynamic sensors, is used to perform the aforementioned method and a known method for regulating the braking power and/or driving dynamics.

Abstract: A tire and suspension monitoring and warning system consisting of a set of multi-function sensors that monitor and warn of a failure mode. The system monitors and warns for tire imbalance, tire tread wear, and shock absorbers for a tire attached to a vehicle. The monitoring and warning system includes one axial, radial, and lateral acceleration measurement of the wheel to provide acceleration signal sample power. For tire imbalance, signal sample power in the second harmonic of the tire rotational frequency is compared to that of the first harmonic. For tire tread wear, average signal sample power within a second frequency range is compared to a previously stored baseline value. For shock absorber performance, a sum of all frequency components in a second predetermined frequency range is compared to a baseline value.

Abstract: A data transmission-reception unit which operates by means of energy of a received electromagnetic wave and serves as a main circuit, is provided with a sensor circuit as an additional circuit, and a transponder having a sensor power circuit for supplying electric power only to the sensor circuit is constituted. From a sensor charging circuit of an interrogator, an electromagnetic wave of a lower frequency different from a frequency of electromagnetic wave for data communication is radiated, or loop coil-shaped charging antennas are electromagnetic-coupled to thereby charge a capacitor for the sensor power circuit. Thereby, a secondary battery and the capacitor such as a large scale capacitor can be easily charged from an outside, and further, a power consumption for the capacitor can be restrained.

Abstract: A method for alarming decrease in tire air-pressure. The method includes the steps of: detecting rotational information of respective tires; respectively calculating and storing a wheel speed, a vehicle acceleration, a slip ratio between front and rear wheels, a running distance and a turning radius; accumulating the running distance, the moving-averaged vehicle acceleration and the slip ratio between front and rear wheels; obtaining a linear regression coefficient and a correlation coefficient of the vehicle acceleration and the slip ratio; judging whether at least a driving wheel tire has decompressed upon comparing a judged value of the linear regression coefficient and a reference value for internal pressure of the linear regression coefficient; and issuing an alarm of decrease in tire air-pressure.

Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of tire pressure in a vehicle having front tires including a right tire and a left tire, and rear tires including a right tire and a left tire, a system and method are provided for automatically identifying tire location. A transmitters mounted in each tire transmits tire information signals conveying tire pressure data and associated tire rotation direction data. A vehicle mounted receiver has a location a first distance from the front tires and a second distance from the rear tires, the first distance being different from the second. A vehicle mounted controller in communication with the receiver determines whether pressure data is associated with a front tire or a rear tire based on the strength of the tire information signal, and whether pressure data is associated with a right tire or a left tire based on the associated rotation direction data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to estimate the condition amount of a vehicle tire in a vehicle equipped with vehicle wheels formed with air enclosed under pressure in an inside portion of a tire mounted to a disc wheel. A plurality of wheel speed sensors detect the vehicle speed of each vehicle wheel. An estimating unit obtains a reflected value reflecting the tire condition amount of a vehicle wheel based on the vehicle wheel speed, and estimates the tire condition based upon the reflected value. The estimating unit estimates a reflected value for a first vehicle wheel which is difficult to accurately obtain the reflected value based on the vehicle wheel speed by obtaining the reflected value for a second vehicle wheel which is easier to accurately obtain the reflected value based on the wheel speed.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a spare tire of a vehicle (10) includes an indicator (52) and a timer (44) that generates a first time signal corresponding to the time the spare tire is used as a rolling tire and a second time signal corresponding to a time the spare tire is stowed. The temperature sensor (34) generates a temperature profile and a controller (22) that is coupled to the indicator, the timer, and the temperature sensor generates a spare tire warning signal in response to the temperature profile, the first time signal, and the second time signal.

Abstract: A method for alarming a decrease in tire air-pressure, in which rotational numbers of four tires are detected for judging whether any of the tire air-pressures is decreased or not, and issuing an alarm if the internal pressure of a tire is decreased. In an equation for calculating a judged value for detecting deflation of a tire, correction factor function values including a first factor related to lateral acceleration of the vehicle and a second factor related to lateral acceleration and front and rear wheel ratios are subtracted from actually measured values when performing actual running of the vehicle with the tires being set to specific air-pressures. The first and second factors are calculated such that a result of subtraction is approximately close to zero and is stored. It is possible to improve accuracy of detection of deflations of tires by automatically obtaining factors for turning correction after mounting the tires to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transferring data between a plurality of vehicular sensors and an electronic communication unit. The system and the method further conserve energy by providing a method for controlling and intermittently transmitting data. The system further comprises a method and component whereby power may be generated and/or stored for use in powering the wireless vehicular wheel sensor transceivers. Finally, a system and method for identifying the vehicular sensors is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire air pressure detection device of the present invention includes a warning anticipation timing calculating portion for anticipating a warning timing at which tire air pressure decrease detecting portion will detect the tire air pressure decrease based on rotational status value compensated for by a rotational status value compensating portion. A tire air pressure decrease detecting portion detects a decrease in tire air pressure when a clocked determination time reaches the warning anticipation timing anticipated by the warning anticipation timing calculating portion.

Abstract: A tire and suspension monitoring and warning system consisting of a set of multi-function sensors that monitor and warn of a failure mode. The system monitors and warns for tire imbalance, tire tread wear, and shock absorbers for a tire attached to a vehicle. The monitoring and warning system includes one axial, radial, and lateral acceleration measurement of the wheel to provide acceleration signal sample power. For tire imbalance, signal sample power in the second harmonic of the tire rotational frequency is compared to that of the first harmonic. For tire tread wear, average signal sample power within a second frequency range is compared to a previously stored baseline value. For shock absorber performance, a sum of all frequency components in a second predetermined frequency range is compared to a baseline value.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure for detecting decrease in internal pressure of a tire on the basis of rotational information obtained from tires attached to a vehicle. A threshold for judging decrease in air-pressure of following wheels is different from a threshold for judging decrease in air-pressure of driving wheels. Threshold for judging abnormalities in air-pressure are varied for judging abnormalities of tire air-pressures of following wheels and for judging abnormalities of tire air-pressure of driving wheels so that appropriate judgment of abnormalities in air-pressure can be performed.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure including the steps of: detecting rotational information of the respective tires; storing rotational information; detecting whether the vehicle is running on a flat road or not; detecting whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating; comparing rotational information of both front wheels with rotational information of both rear wheels when it has been determined that the vehicle is running on a flat road and that the vehicle is neither accelerating nor decelerating; and judging simultaneous decompression of both front wheel tires or simultaneous decompression of both rear wheel tires on the basis of a relationship between a value obtained through comparison of the rotational information of both front wheels and both rear wheels and a specified threshold. It is possible to judge simultaneous decompression of both front wheel tires or both rear wheel tires when employing the present invention.

Abstract: Provided is rotational-state-of-wheel detecting apparatus that can avoid output of an incorrect rotational direction during a halt of a wheel. In ECU 10, a signal input section 10a accurately detects wheel speeds and rotational directions of respective wheels 12, 14, 16, 18, and, based on the results, respective computers 10b, 10c, 10d execute ABS control, TC control, and VSC control. On this occasion, switching of the rotational direction is restricted with a computation result of wheel speed of zero, and it is thus feasible to prevent occurrence of a malfunction or state hunting being repetitive switching of signs, due to an external magnetic field during halts of the wheels 12, 14, 16, 18. This further optimizes the state control of a vehicle.

Abstract: A system for notifying a driver in a vehicle of a level of danger of an occurrence of tire failure according to the present invention has a danger level assessment device which calculates a danger level assessment value indicating an index showing a probability of the occurrence of the failure from a measured tire inflation pressure and a measured tire running speed, using a characterized danger level assessing function to assess the danger level according to the calculated value. The characterized assessing function is a function of a tire running speed and of a tire inflation pressure, in which a value of the function monotonously increases as the tire running speed increase and as the tire inflation pressure decreases. The danger level assessment value is obtained by adding a cumulative value determined according to usage history of the tire to a value calculated from the danger level assessing function with the measured tire running speed and the measured tire inflation pressure.

Abstract: A generator system powered by a fluid fly-wheel is disclosed that generates electric current to power a tire pressure maintenance and monitoring system. A vehicle wheel including a tire and a rim. A sealed tube containing fluid is fixed around the rim. When the rim accelerates or decelerates, the fluid within the tube moves within the tube a turbine in communication with the fluid is turned by the moving fluid within the tube. The turning turbine drives an electric generator to produce an electric current through induction. In certain configurations, the turning turbine rotates gears to drive a mechanical pump. The electric generator, or mechanical pump may be used to add air pressure to the tire when a sensor indicates low air pressure.

Abstract: A sensor (36) for monitoring rotation of an object (16) about an axis (20) comprises a switch member (40) that is urged into a neutral position and is movable relative to the object (16). A direction of movement of the switch member (40) relative to the object (16) is indicative of a direction of rotation of the object (16). Inertia of the switch member (40) during initial rotation of the object (16) results in relative movement of the switch member (4) away from the neutral position. Centrifugal force during object (16) rotation further enhances the relative movement of the switch member (40). The sensor (36) also comprises a device (56) for monitoring a direction of movement of the switch member (40) and for providing a signal indicative thereof.

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 method and a device for producing an error signal and carrying out measures based thereon in a motor vehicle equipped with a wheel-slip control system and/or a wheel deceleration control system. At least one function variable representing the functionality of the wheel-slip control system and/or wheel-deceleration control system is monitored here for an error and if at least one error is detected, the value of at least one error counter is incremented. Likewise when there is at least one detected error, at least one error signal is output when the value of at least one error counter exceeds a predeterminable limiting value.

Abstract: A self training tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle includes at least two pressure sensors, at least two wheel sensors and a control. The pressure sensors are positioned at respective tires and are operable to provide a measured pressure output indicative of the pressure of the respective tires. The wheel sensors are positioned at respective wheels of the vehicle and are operable to provide a characteristic output indicative of rotation of the wheels over a period of time. The control receives the characteristic outputs and the measured pressure outputs and is operable to integrate the outputs to determine the particular wheels at which the pressure sensors and associated tires are positioned. The measured pressure and location of the tires may be displayed at a display of the vehicle. Preferably, the control deduces a deduced rolling radius of the tires in response to the characteristic output of the wheel sensors.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel speed is calculated based on a vehicle wheel speed signal outputted from a vehicle wheel speed sensor and a change width w which is an amplitude of a time change component of the calculated vehicle wheel speed. When the calculated change width w is equal to or more than a reference value w0 it is judged that a quick tire deformation is currently generated and a driver of the vehicle is informed of the quick deformation by actuating a warning device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring various engineering conditions of a vehicle tire/wheel assembly such as temperature, pressure, tire rotation and other operating conditions of the tire and wheel. A tag with radio frequency read/write capability is located on the tire and includes data storage of tire identification and tire specific information. A tag with radio frequency read/write capability is located on the wheel and includes data storage of wheel identification and wheel specific information. Either tag may act as permanent storage devices including the information of both tags when queried by transmitted radio frequency waves.