With Particular Telemetric Coupling Patents (Class 340/445)
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Patent number: 8820154Abstract: A transmission device of a tire condition monitoring system comprises a sensor which detects, as tire information, the condition of gas filled into a tire cavity region, a transmitter which transmits the detected tire information by radio, and a housing which covers the sensor and the transmitter. A surface of the housing defines an opening that connects an internal space within the housing and the tire cavity region. The opening extends on the surface of the housing while forming the shape of a straight line, a curved line, or a combination of a straight line and a curved line. The maximum value of the opening width orthogonal to the direction in which the opening extends is 0.8 mm or less. Even if a flat tire is fixed using a puncture sealant, tire information such as tire pressure information can be appropriately measured and acquired by this transmission device.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daisuke Kanenari
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Patent number: 8810386Abstract: A collision avoidance method for transmitting data from multiple wireless tire condition sensors on a vehicle is executed by each wireless tire condition sensor having a unique ID and multiple different wake-up times. After the sensor is operated to sense data, the method has steps of reading the ID and computing a determination value with the ID and a variable, selecting one of the wake-up times according to the determination result, and after the selected wake-up time expires, transmitting the sensed data. As the selected wake-up times of the sensors differ from one another, data collision at the receiving end arising from data transmission from the sensors can be avoided. Additionally, besides the wake-up time, a time gap between data transmitted twice consecutively from each sensor can be employed to achieve data collision avoidance.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Orange Electronic Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hung-Chih Yu, Yi-Sheng Lin
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Patent number: 8789412Abstract: A tire condition monitoring system includes a transmission device, a receiving device, and a monitoring section. The transmitting device includes a sensor which detects, as tire information, a condition of gas in the tire cavity area surrounded with a tire and a rim, a transmitter which wirelessly transmits the tire information, and a housing having a wall surrounding the sensor and the transmitter and separating an inner space from the tire cavity area. The housing wall defines a communicating through hole which enables communication between the cavity area and inner space and a selectively non-communicating through hole having a member which is movable between blocking and unblocking positions to impede and enable communication, respectively, between the cavity area and inner space. The receiving device receives the tire information, and the monitoring section determines whether a tire anomaly exists based on the tire information and provides a result.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daisuke Kanenari
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Patent number: 8776588Abstract: A tire condition monitoring system includes a transmission device, a receiving device, and a monitoring section. The transmission device includes a sensor, a transmitter, a housing, and a engaged member. The sensor detects, as the tire information, a condition of gas filled in the tire cavity area surrounded with the tire and a rim. The transmitter wirelessly transmits the detected tire information. The housing houses the sensor and the transmitter, including an inner space and a through hole. The inner space is surrounded with a wall of the housing and is separated from the tire cavity area. The through hole passes through the wall. The engaged member is engaged with the through hole to be provided to the housing. The engaged member includes one of an air vent and a communication groove for communicating between the tire cavity area and the inner space.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daisuke Kanenari
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Patent number: 8775017Abstract: A method for wear control of vehicle tires, includes: detecting deformation of an inner surface of a first tire by means of a first sensor; determining a first level of wear of the first tire; detecting a deformation of an inner surface of a second tire by means of a second sensor; determining a second level of wear of the second tire; comparing the first and second levels of wear with each other; and generating a notification signal representative of the comparison. Also disclosed is a system for wear control of vehicle tires, a method of determining the wear of a tire and a system for determining the wear of a tire.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Pirelli Tyre, S.p.A.Inventors: Massimo Brusarosco, Federico Mancosu
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Patent number: 8760278Abstract: A tire information monitoring system includes a transmission device, a receiving device, and a monitoring section. The transmission device includes a sensor which detects tire information, a transmitter which wirelessly transmits the detected tire information and a housing. The housing includes a wall surrounding the sensor and the transmitter, an inner space divided from the tire cavity area by the wall, and an air vent passing through the housing and connecting the inner space and the tire cavity area. An outer opening portion of the air vent formed on a surface of the housing facing the tire cavity area has an opening area of 0.4 mm2 or smaller. An inner opening portion of the air vent formed on a surface of the housing facing the inner space has an opening area larger than that of the outer opening portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Kanenari, Yasuhiko Araki
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Patent number: 8760279Abstract: In an air pressure information display system of a vehicle tire, a vehicle (1) has air pressure sensors (7-9) for detecting the air pressure of a vehicle tire (2-5), and transmitting air pressure information indicating the detected air pressure via a wireless communication, and an informing unit (100) installed in a gas station or the like has a display module (100b) for displaying the received air pressure information.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Fumitaka Andou, Kiyoshi Sakamoto
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Patent number: 8760277Abstract: Method for allocating identification codes which are contained in signals transmitted by components of a tire pressure monitoring system, said components being attached to wheels of the vehicle, to the wheel positions. A plurality of sensors to the tire pressure, to the rolling direction of the wheel, to the shocks, as well as a memory for the identification code, and a transmitter which supplies signals with the identification code, the rolling direction and the occurrence of a shock on a wheel to a receiver which, based on the supplied rolling direction information, distinguishes identification codes pertaining to wheels on the left-hand or right-hand side of the vehicle from shocks which occur on the left-hand or right-hand side of the vehicle, measures the time interval elapsing between shock signals on one side of the vehicle, multiplies this time interval by the velocity of the vehicle measured within the same time interval.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Inventors: Ralf Kessler, Markus Wagner, Andreas Kraft, Jürgen Schönbeck, Peter Brand, Markus Adrian Alexander
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Patent number: 8749369Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for sensing positions of tires. The system for sensing the positions of the tires comprises: a plurality of transmitters having identification numbers (ID) which are attached to inner parts of a plurality of tires to detect the states of the tires; an external device which records position information of the transmitters located in a vehicle in each of the transmitters; and a receiver for receiving the IDs and the state information and the position information of the tires.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Seetron Inc.Inventors: Kyu Cheol Lee, Seok Chul Ahn, Hee Yong Jung, Jae Yun Joo
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Patent number: 8742912Abstract: A self-powered tire pressure sensor device. The sensor device includes a power circuit, an air pressure measurement sensor, a signal circuit and a wireless transmission circuit. The power circuit converts mechanical acceleration experienced by the device into electrical potential using an electromechanical transducer. Mechanical acceleration due to collisions between the mobile sensor device and the wall of the tire while the tire is in motion cause the transducer to emit a small electrical charge. An electrical potential storage element in the power circuit accumulates and stores the charge as electrical potential. Alternatively the power circuit receives and converts electromagnetic energy into electrical potential. The electrical potential powers an air pressure measurement sensor within the tire. A signal circuit and wireless transmission circuit transmit the measurement to a chassis-mounted receiver, which makes the tire pressure measurement available to systems remote from the tire.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventor: Richard Austin Blanchard
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Patent number: 8742913Abstract: A method of programming a tire pressure monitoring device includes the step of forming a physical interface between a tire pressure monitoring device and a programming device. The programming device includes a first memory including a plurality of selectable programs that provide instructions defining a communication protocol for communication between a tire pressure monitoring device and a receiver. The method further includes the step of selecting through a user interface of the programming device a desired one of the plurality of selectable programs and loading the selected one of the plurality of selectable programs from the first memory device of the programming device to a second memory device disposed within the tire pressure monitoring device.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Brian J. Farrell, John R. Costello, Tejas B. Desai, Franck Bigot
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Patent number: 8742915Abstract: In a system for monitoring the pressure of the tires of a vehicle, it is proposed to compensate the raw data of the parameters of the tires only if the comparison of the successive raw data of at least one reference parameter exhibits a deviation, in absolute value, greater than a determined threshold of variation. In a TPMS monitoring system, each wheel unit includes sensors for measuring the parameters of pressure, temperature and acceleration, and elements of storage and autonomous power supply, in conjunction with a processor. The raw data provided by the sensors are stored, compensated and transmitted as finalized data by a radiofrequency emission circuit to a central unit. It is proposed that the wheel unit also includes, in a processing module, comparison elements, external to the processor, for comparing between successive raw data of one and the same parameter that are provided by the measurement sensors.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbHInventor: Youri Vassilieff
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Patent number: 8738308Abstract: A method of detecting a decrease in tire air pressure includes calculating tire rotation information obtained from the wheel tires; computing a first determination value showing a difference between the sums of the wheel rotation information of pairs of wheel tires on two diagonal lines and a second determination value showing a difference between the sum of the wheel rotation information of right wheel tires and the sum of the wheel rotation information of left wheel tires; assuming the computed first and second determination values as points on orthogonal coordinates; determining position of tire(s) having a decreased pressure based on the argument of the points on the polar coordinates; and comparing the moving radii of the points on the polar coordinates with a predetermined threshold value to thereby determine a decrease in tire air pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Masashi Kitano
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Patent number: 8736435Abstract: A tire information monitoring system includes a transmitting device, provided in a tire cavity region, for transmitting tire information, a receiving device, provided in a vehicle body, that receives the tire information from the transmitting device and determines a tire condition based on the tire information, and a setting device that transmits identification information and a criterion to the receiving device so as to set the identification information of the transmitting device and the criterion of the tire information used for determining the tire condition by the receiving device. The setting device can be a mobile telecommunication terminal device for setting the identification information and the criterion in the receiving device using a program downloaded via an external network.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daisuke Kanenari
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Patent number: 8730022Abstract: A communication method transmits a detection signal including a valve ID, which is a fixed data string, and detection information, which is a variable data string, performs error detection on the received detection signal, and uses the detection information when there is no error. The communication method generates third data corresponding to the detection information in accordance with a predetermined rule to increase redundancy of the detection information, generates computed data by performing an exclusive disjunction logic operation with the valve ID and data including the detection information and the third data, transmits the detection signal that includes the computed data, receives the detection signal, restores the detection information and the third data by performing an exclusive disjunction logical operation with the received detection signal and the computed data, and determines whether the detection information conforms to the third data.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Masanori Kosugi
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Patent number: 8723662Abstract: In a tire pressure detecting apparatus, a receiver stores wheel positions detected by a previous wheel position detection as previous wheel positions. When an ignition switch is turned on and until wheel positions are newly specified by a current wheel position detection, the receiver permits an indicator to indicate tire pressure of each of wheels based on the previous wheel positions to notify a driver of the tire pressure from an earlier timing. The receiver permits the indication of the tire pressure based on the previous wheel positions only when a difference of the tire pressure between the wheels is equal to or less than a threshold. If there is a possibility that tire pressure of one of the wheels is insufficient, the receiver prevents the indicator to indicate the tire pressure until a current wheel position detection finishes.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Nobuya Watabe, Masashi Mori, Noriaki Okada, Takatoshi Sekizawa
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Patent number: 8714002Abstract: Described is a device (51) for monitoring the state of inflation of vehicle wheel tires, the wheels comprising a rim (100) and a respective tire (101) delimiting a hollow space (103) inside the wheel from the outside environment (104).Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Barbalab S.r.l.Inventor: Marco Faretra
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Patent number: 8692661Abstract: A programming system for a tire pressure monitoring device includes a programming device capable of communicating which of a plurality of communication protocols is to be utilized by the transmitter/receiver of a tire pressure monitoring device. The programming device including a user interface actuateable for communicating which of a plurality of communication protocols is to be utilized by the transmitter/receiver of the tire pressure monitoring device.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Brian J. Farrell, John R. Costello, Tejas B. Desai, Franck Bigot
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Patent number: 8692718Abstract: An antenna and a wireless IC device that includes the antenna are provided for which the manufacturing process is simple and for which there is a low probability of a poor connection occurring between a feeder portion and a radiation electrode. An antenna includes a radiation electrode that is provided on a main surface of an insulator board, a ground electrode and/or a counter electrode that is arranged so as to oppose the radiation electrode, and a magnetic field electrode that is connected to the radiation electrode through a connection portion. The magnetic field electrode is defined by line-shaped electrodes and feeds a signal to the radiation electrode from a feeder portion defined by ends of the line-shaped electrodes through the magnetic field electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Noboru Kato, Yuya Dokai
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Patent number: 8680981Abstract: The present invention is related to a tire pressure display device and its detection method. The tire pressure display device includes a main module, multiple tire pressure detection modules and a vehicle audio module, wherein the main module includes a CPU and a receiver. By the composition of the above elements and the detection method, the tire pressure display device may actively report the location and tire pressure of tires during pumping up, synchronously execute broadcasting with image and voice, and directly correct errors and detect if the tire pressure detection module is break down for warning.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: E-Lead Electronic Co., Ltd.Inventor: Stephen Chen
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Patent number: 8680980Abstract: A blank tire pressure monitoring device includes a housing having an air valve at one end and connection terminals at an opposite end, a circuit board mounted in the housing and carrying a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, an analog-digital converter electrically connected with the pressure sensor, the temperature sensor and the acceleration sensor, a general purpose I/O terminal unit electrically connected with the connection terminals of the housing; an embedded microcontroller module electrically connected with the general purpose I/O terminal unit and the analog-digital converter and having built therein a flash memory, a microcontroller core and a special-function register controller, a LF receiver electrically connected to the embedded microcontroller module, and a transmitter electrically connected to the embedded microcontroller module; and a method is still also disclosed for setting up a blank tire pressure monitoring device.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Cub Elecparts Inc.Inventors: San-Chuan Yu, Chih-Ming Chiang, Yuan-Tung Hung, Chao-Ching Hu
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Patent number: 8659412Abstract: A tire pressure measuring device is configured with a plurality of communication protocols. Tire pressure information is sensed using the tire pressure measuring device. The tire pressure information is transmitted from the tire pressure measuring device to an external receiver device according to each of the plurality of communication protocols.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jean-Christophe Deniau
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Patent number: 8659411Abstract: A method, a sensor, a detector and a system are provided for locating at least one wheel on a vehicle. A signal is received from a first sensor mounted on the wheel, the signal providing a position of the wheel. Additionally, a measurement value is received from a second sensor that measures the angular position of a wheel and that is associated with a specific position of the vehicle. When the phase position of the first signal stays within a predefined tolerance range relative to the measured value within a specific observation period, the first sensor can be associated with the second sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventor: Alexander Fink
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Patent number: 8648703Abstract: A vehicle having a sensor apparatus includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion disposed on a side surface of a vehicle frame, wherein the first and second mounting portions are spaced apart in a vehicle length direction, wherein the first and second mounting portions configured to receive a load platform of the vehicle, a wheel assembly comprising a sensor transmitter, and a receiver mounted to the side surface between the first and the second mounting portions, the receiver configured to receive a signal from the sensor transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiji Inoue, Masanori Usui
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Patent number: 8638207Abstract: A vehicle computer interface and software upgrade tool is in the form of a module. A base module contains basic vehicle interface, information and software. Additional modules can be connected to the base module or similar modules to provide a user or technician with the latest interface and software upgrades for vehicles, new vehicle data and new reprogramming features for existing vehicles. This is an expandable system which enables a user of technician to only purchase a relatively small module or component that contains the new interface or information rather than having to repurchase an entire new scan tool or vehicle analyzer. The modules are readily connectable to a vehicle's data port, commonly known as an OBD II connector or port. The modules also include additional connection ports for power in, power out, USB and/or pin connectors which provide for the export of data and other connectors. These modules can also be used in conjunction with an intelligent cable.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Drew TechnologiesInventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
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Publication number: 20130335216Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system where the position and orientation of a receiver antenna associated with the tire pressure monitoring system is at a location that is proximate the tire pressure monitoring system. In one embodiment, the receiver antenna is positioned beneath a vehicle chassis. The location of the receiver antenna can be determined by system performance prediction tools that include mean-time-to-warning verses packet error rate curves for a desired packet error rate and packet error rate verses signal-to-noise ratio curves for various operational scenarios and different classes of vehicle that provides a necessary signal-to-noise ratio for a wireless link, and operational scenarios that established desired levels of performance and reliability.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Vikas Kukshya, Hyok Jae Song, Hui Pin Hsu, Richard W. Wiese
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Patent number: 8610553Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tire pressure monitoring system, including an electrical device unit including a pressure sensor for detecting an air pressure of a tire; a housing that is accommodated in the electrical device unit and into which the air pressure of the tire is introduced; a valve antenna having one end that is inserted into the housing and the other end into which the air pressure of the tire is introduced; a conduction member having one end that is electrically connected to the electrical device unit and the other end that is electrically connected to the valve antenna; and a coupling member fixing and coupling the housing and the valve antenna to each other, wherein the valve antenna transmits a pressure signal about the air pressure of the tire, which is detected by the pressure sensor, to a receiver of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Won Han, Jong Hyeong Song, Kyung No Lee, Hae Seung Hyun, Jong Woo Han
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Patent number: 8611831Abstract: Numeric values “a” representing a respective order of transmission by a plurality of transmitting units, and a numeric value N representing the total number of transmitting units, are set for each of the transmitting units. At startup, a transmitting unit for which the value “a” representing the order of transmission of the unit has been set to 1 sets a trigger value to N and transmits information about the value “a” of the unit and detection information from a sensor, and, when the value N is detected from a received signal, transmits the value “a” of the unit and detection information. When a value of a?1 is detected from a received signal, the transmitting unit for which the value “a” representing the order of transmission of the unit has been set to other than 1 transmits the information of the value “a” of the unit and detection information.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Nakatani, Shu Yamada, Sigeki Sakakibara, Michito Kaneko
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Patent number: 8600607Abstract: The invention describes a method for allocating identifiers of wheel electronics of a tire pressure monitoring system to positions of wheels of a vehicle, the simultaneously occurring rotation speeds of the wheels, normalized on a consistently chosen rolling radius of the wheels differ during cornering because of the different positions of the wheels on the vehicle, so that the positions of the wheels can be sorted according to increasing speed of the wheels during cornering, the wheel electronics of each wheel comprising a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a memory and a transmitter, which transmits signals to a receiver being connected to an evaluation device, which receives the transmitted identifiers and compares the distances which the corresponding wheels have traveled in a defined time span, sorts the identifiers according to the length of the distance traveled in the defined time span and allocates the identifiers to the wheel positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Kessler, Andreas Kraft, Markus Wagner, Juergen Schoenbeck, Peter Brand
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Patent number: 8599044Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a number of tires for a vehicle, a number of systems, and a number of processor units. The number of systems is configured to generate data about the number of tires and the vehicle. The number of processor units is configured to monitor the data and manage the health of the number of tires.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeanne C. Maggiore, Wayne R. Majkowski, David A. Followell
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Patent number: 8593273Abstract: Embodiments relate to unidirectional TPMS utilizing information from a corresponding vehicle system in order to correlate with vehicle speed information to be used in a tire localization methodology. In an embodiment, the vehicle system is an anti-lock brake system (ABS), and the vehicle speed can be used in a localization scheme that reconstructs a +/?1 g ripple with waveform, amplitude, frequency and phase parameters. Because the waveform is known to be sinusoidal (due to the wheel rotation), the amplitude is known to be 2 g peak-to-peak (due to the gravitational +/?1 g), the frequency depends on vehicle speed (which can be estimated from centrifugal force measurements), and an algorithm is discussed herein for determining the phase by correlation, the +/?1 g ripple can be reconstructed and the wheels localized therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Martin Gotschlich, Thomas Lange
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Patent number: 8594654Abstract: A system for using at least one mobile terminal in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger automobile or a two-wheeled vehicle in particular, having at least one mobile terminal, a display device situated in the vehicle, an operating device provided in the vehicle, and a communication interface between the vehicle and the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal and/or a terminal integration device provided in the vehicle be provided with a terminal sequence controller, which calls up an operating and/or display interface on the vehicle display device for operating functions and/or software applications of the mobile terminal and is operated via the vehicle operating device.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Daniel Weyl, Karl-Ernst Steinberg
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Patent number: 8576059Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring tires of a vehicle are provided. The systems can include a sensing device adapted to engage a tire of a vehicle and sense properties of a tire such as pressure and/or temperature. The sensing devices can be adapted to transmit sensed data to a system receiver adapted to provide the data to a user. The systems and methods can provide a user the desired information pertaining to one or more tires of a vehicle that are to be monitored, and the respective locations of the tires. The systems and methods can be adapted to monitor tires on any vehicle with inflatable tires, including off-the-road (OTR) vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Dill Air Controls Products, LLCInventors: Brian P. Rigney, Larry Schlesinger, Miguel B. Cavas
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Patent number: 8564429Abstract: A wireless dual tire pressure monitor and equalizer apparatus is adapted to install on a vehicle dual wheel and connect to the two tire valve stems. The apparatus includes capabilities of monitoring individual tire pressure and transmitting tire data to be received by a remote receiver, equalizing pressure in the two tires when pressure is above a selected level, isolating the two tires when pressure is below the selected level, and transmitting warning signals upon detection of low pressure and air leaks. The apparatus further includes capability to integrate with available tire inflation systems for providing tire pressure monitoring and equalizing functionalities.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Joe Huayue Zhou
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Patent number: 8527237Abstract: A method of detecting at least one suspended threadlike object by telemetry, the object lying in the detection field of a telemeter on board a vehicle. The method wherein in step iii), for each vertical plane taken into consideration, and for each set of at least four candidate points close to the vertical plane in question, using the least squares method to calculate the values of three parameters a, b, and c of a catenary having an equation of the form: y=a cos h[(x?b)/a]+c the catenary containing the projections on the vertical plane of the points in the set under consideration; and determining that at least one suspended threadlike object is present as a function of the value of the correlation coefficient associated with said least squares method for all of the sets of at least four candidate points close to the vertical plane under consideration.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: EurocopterInventors: Richard Pire, Marianne Gillet
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Patent number: 8514063Abstract: A device is described for detecting and wirelessly transmitting at least one measurement signal of the state of a vehicle tire of a vehicle (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbHInventor: Markus Stoehr
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Patent number: 8497771Abstract: A vehicle entry/tire pressure management system includes a plurality of tire sensors, a plurality of low frequency (“LF”) antennas and an ECU. Each tire sensor is mounted in a respective tire of the vehicle. Each LF antenna is mounted on the vehicle and is configured to transmit an LF field to wake up two tire sensors. Some antennas can also be configured to transmit a SMART entry LF search field to wake up a portable transmission/reception unit for keyless entry of the vehicle. The ECU is in communication with the tire sensors, via a receiver, and the LF antennas. The ECU is configured to receive identification signals from the respective tire sensors and to determine locations of the respective tire sensors based on which antenna woke up the tire sensor transmitting the respective identification signal and whether the respective identification signal matches other received identification signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Hideaki Arai, Nicky Strock
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Patent number: 8497772Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system includes tire sensors mounted in, on or adjacent respective tires of the vehicle, LF antennas mounted on the vehicle, and an ECU. Each tire sensor is configured to transmit an RF signal and to detect an LF field. Each antenna is configured to transmit an LF field to wake up the tire sensors. The ECU is in communication with the antenna, the tire sensors and a radio configured to receive AM broadcast signals. The ECU can communicate with the radio to inhibit speakers in communication with the radio from emitting sound while each LF field to wake up the tire sensors is being transmitted.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Nicky Strock
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Patent number: 8482395Abstract: A system and method for detecting a rotation of the vehicle tires between different wheel locations. The method carried out by the system involves obtaining and storing TPM sensor identification numbers and their corresponding tire locations. Next, the system checks the sensors periodically to determine if any of the sensors have changed tire location. Based on that change, the system determines if a tire rotation has occurred; for example, by matching changes in sensor positions with known tire rotation patterns. This approach allows the system to detect and record a tire rotation, as well as to take some automated action, such as subsequently notifying the vehicle owner when the next scheduled tire rotation is due.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: General Motors LLCInventors: Jeffrey P. Rysenga, Russ Eling
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Patent number: 8471694Abstract: A tire condition acquisition device located in a tire and that transmits at least tire internal air pressure information includes: a housing that allows outside air to enter in only through a ventilation hole; an air pressure detecting element disposed in the housing and that detects an air pressure of air that enters in through the ventilation hole, and converts the detected air pressure to an electric signal which is then output; and a transmission circuit disposed in the housing and that transmits the detected air pressure information via electromagnetic waves based on the electric signal output from the air pressure detecting element; wherein at least the ventilation hole and an area peripheral thereto are treated so as to be water repellent.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daisuke Kanenari
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Patent number: 8467941Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Segway, Inc.Inventors: J. Douglas Field, Michael T. Gansler, John D. Heinzmann, Jon M. Stevens
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Patent number: 8463491Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for identifying tire locations associated with a vehicle. Sensed variations in tire related parameters are measured as a vehicle traverses a known or ascertainable travel path. Data accumulated over one or more measurement windows may be analyzed to determine the location of each individual tire associated with a vehicle. Measurements and accumulation of data may be initiated upon detection of a stationary vehicle state exceeding a predetermined time, a predetermined lateral acceleration, and/or a predetermined vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventor: David Alan Weston
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Patent number: 8452477Abstract: Wireless transmission from sensor devices included in tires is coordinated by a receiving unit associated with the tire, or transmission coordinator. In more detail, every sensor device is made aware of an overall time window available for transmission, and based on at least this information, it calculates a dedicated timeslot for the transmission of its data within such time window. This coordinated transmission makes possible a strong reduction of the probability of collisions and transmission errors, and reduces the number of transmissions, so as to comply with the limited power resources available at each sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Pirelli Tyre S.p.A.Inventors: Sinem Coleri Ergen, Xuening Sun
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Patent number: 8436724Abstract: An apparatus (10) determines a tire condition and location on a vehicle (12) including a tire-based sensing unit (14) including, a first tire rotation sensor (66) for providing a first tire rotation signal (80) each time the tire passes one of at least two predetermined rotational positions and an unique tire identification indicator, a transmitter (86) and a controller for controlling the transmitter so that the transmission occurs when the first tire rotation signal indicates the tire has reached one of the at least two predetermined rotational positions. The apparatus further includes a second tire rotation sensor (22) mounted external of the tire for sensing tire rotation and for providing a second tire rotation signal indicative of incremental angular position of the tire relative to a reference. A vehicle-based receiver (44) correlates reception with a particular tire location on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventor: Timothy Michael Hannon
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Publication number: 20130106596Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved universal TPMS tool. According to one aspect of the tool, the tool can include a housing and a processor and a memory storage device positioned within the housing. The tool can optionally include a key pad positioned on the housing in communication with the processor for input of commands from a user, an electronic communication port positioned on the housing in communication with the processor, and an antenna for transmission and receipt of electronic information from the plurality of TPMS tire sensors. The tool can also include an optical scanner for reading indicia connected to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: ATEQ CORPORATIONInventor: ATEQ Corporation
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Patent number: 8423228Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a decrease in air pressure of a tire attached to a vehicle includes a rotation speed detection means for periodically detecting rotation speeds of tires of respective wheels of the vehicle; a rotation wheel speed ratio calculation means for calculating a rotation wheel speed ratio between front wheels and rear wheels of the vehicle; a wheel torque calculation means for calculating a wheel torque of the vehicle; an initialization means for obtaining a relation at a normal internal pressure between the wheel torque and the rotation wheel speed ratio; a comparison means for comparing the rotation wheel speed ratio with the rotation wheel speed ratio at a normal internal pressure obtained from the wheel torque and the relation; and a determination means for correcting the comparison result by a front-to-rear direction acceleration and determining whether there is a tire having a decreased air pressure or not.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Oshiro
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Publication number: 20130076500Abstract: A collision avoidance method for transmitting data from multiple wireless tire condition sensors on a vehicle is executed by each wireless tire condition sensor having a unique ID and multiple different wake-up times. After the sensor is operated to sense data, the method has steps of reading the ID and computing a determination value with the ID and a variable, selecting one of the wake-up times according to the determination result, and after the selected wake-up time expires, transmitting the sensed data. As the selected wake-up times of the sensors differ from one another, data collision at the receiving end arising from data transmission from the sensors can be avoided. Additionally, besides the wake-up time, a time gap between data transmitted twice consecutively from each sensor can be employed to achieve data collision avoidance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Hung-Chih YU, Yi-Sheng Lin
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Patent number: 8406683Abstract: A system and method of initiating a vehicle data upload function at a plurality of mobile vehicles. A satellite radio system broadcast channel is monitored for a call center initiated vehicle data upload command signal at the plurality of mobile vehicles. A determination is made, at the plurality of mobile vehicles, whether the vehicle data upload command signal corresponds to a mobile vehicle. The vehicle data upload command signal is extracted from the broadcast channel based on the determination. A vehicle data upload function is performed based on the extracted vehicle data upload command signal. The method further comprises determining the plurality of mobile vehicles at a call center based on a service criterion. A computer usable medium is with suitable computer program code is employed for of initiating a vehicle data upload function at a plurality of mobile vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: General Motors LLCInventor: Christopher L. Oesterling
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Patent number: 8400289Abstract: Disclosed is a tire pressure monitoring system for motor vehicles, including a central unit (2, 7) with at least one trigger module (4), which is integrated into the central unit or connects through control lines (3) to the central unit, and with at least one tire module (6) arranged in a vehicle wheel (5), with the tire module being in communication with the central unit and the trigger module by means of wireless transmission technology, and with the tire pressure monitoring system including fewer trigger modules than tire modules.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co, OHGInventors: Andreas Heise, Jens Bachon, Stefan Kammann, Ralf Hartmann, Wolfgang Erler, Markus Neumann, Marco Bös, Peter Säger
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Patent number: 8373551Abstract: A tire pressure sensor is provided having a housing, a pressure transducer within the housing electronically coupled to a transmitter, a battery within the housing connected to deliver electrical power to the pressure transducer and to the transmitter, and a pressurized compartment within the housing bounded at least partially by a flexible membrane. A first conduit extends from the pressure transducer to the compartment. An inlet port extends through the housing to allow pressurized air within the tire to contact the membrane. In particular embodiments, the pressure transducer, transmitter and battery are rubber coated and encapsulated with epoxy.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Rimex Supply Ltd.Inventors: David Norman Laird, Pawel Miskiewicz, Darryl Dean Wasilenkoff, Christopher George Demetrioff