Abstract: A tire assembly with integrated electronic components includes a tire structure and an integrated electronics assembly, which preferably includes at least a radio frequency (RF) device and a multi-frequency antenna that enables wireless communication in at least first and second resonant frequency bands. Such multi-frequency antenna further comprises at least first and second antenna wires connected to the RF device, thus facilitating the transmission of RF signals which may include information such as tire identification information or measured condition information such as tire temperature, pressure, and other characteristics. The first and second antenna wires preferably function together as at least two dipole antennas, for example, two half-wave dipole antennas, or one half-wave dipole antenna and one three-half-wave dipole antenna.

Abstract: A system for facilitating training of a tire pressure monitoring system on a vehicle by providing an indication to the exterior of the vehicle. The system includes a receiver circuit configured to detect a wireless message including a tire sensor identifier, a memory configured to receive and store a number of tire sensor identifiers, at least one external indicator on the vehicle configured to provide an indication to the exterior of the vehicle, and a control circuit configured to provide a control signal to the external indicator on the vehicle to indicate to a user to actuate a tire sensor transmitter.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for operating a device for monitoring and wireless signalling a pressure or a pressure change in pneumatic tires of wheels on vehicles, the device being hereinafter referred to as wheel electronics, wherein the pressure prevailing in the pneumatic tire is measured and electric pressure signals are derived from such measurements, and an information signal containing information on the pressure or on a pressure change is transmitted, the information signal being intended to be received by a receiver provided in or on the vehicle, the wheel electronics being set by a first control signal, which is transmitted in wireless fashion from outside the wheel electronics, to a first mode of operation in which the prevailing pressure or a pressure change is measured and signalled in response to the receipt of an interrogation signal generated outside the wheel electronics and transmitted to the wheel electronics in wireless fashion, and, if the wheel electronics do not receive another int

Abstract: A dual purpose key fob has manipulable keys for, in a normal mode, locking and unlocking a vehicle and keys for opening a vehicle trunk and activating a panic alarm and, in a training mode, for sending code signals to tire pressure sensors to tell the sensors what tire they are in, e.g., after wheel rotation, so that the sensors subsequently can transmit the proper location signals to the vehicle's ECM along with the pressure signals.

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 method of sonically detecting a sonic act such as a graffiti-making act or firearm shot includes providing a sonic act detection system to sonically detect a sonic act and a camera to take an image of a perpetrator of the sonic act; locating the sonic act detection system and the camera near a location where the sonic act is prone to occur; sonically detecting with said sonic act detection system a sonic act; obtaining one or more images of the perpetrator of the sonic act with the camera; communicating to one or more entities that sonic act has been detected.

Abstract: A tire monitoring apparatus for a vehicle has plural transmitters arranged in plural tires for detecting air pressure of the corresponding tire and transmitting information including a detecting result by a radio wave, plural receivers for receiving the information transmitted from the respective transmitters, and signal receiving sensitivity changing means for changing signal receiving sensitivities. In the apparatus, each of the receivers is arranged in such a manner that a distance between one receiver and its corresponding transmitter is made shorter than the other distances between the one receiver and the other transmitters. A control means controls the signal receiving sensitivity changing means such that each of the receivers receives only the information included in the radio wave, which has a largest signal receiving level among the radio waves transmitted from the plural transmitters.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection of any intruder passing through an electronic wall is disclosed. The electronic wall is formed by a millimeter-wave radar positioned at one end of the wall and a plurality of combinations of plane reflectors and retroreflectors placed along the floor of the wall as well as on structures at both ends. The wall is formed of a plurality of electromagnetic beams with each beam having two segments, one between the radar antenna and a plane reflector and the second segment between the plane reflector and a retroreflector. A sufficient number of beams inhabit the wall volume to make traversing the wall by an intruder without detection essentially impossible, even though the intruder should attempt such detection avoiding methods as crawling under or jumping over the assumed locations of the beams. The primary means of determining that an intruder is traversing the wall is the detection of one or more electromagnetic beams being partially or completely blocked.

Abstract: A transmitter for a tire condition monitoring apparatus is located in a tire of a vehicle and transmits data indicating the tire condition using a carrier wave. The transmitter includes an oscillating circuit and a controller. The oscillating circuit generates a carrier wave frequency and has a predetermined characteristic carrier wave frequency. The controller corrects the generated carrier wave frequency in accordance with the difference between the characteristic carrier wave frequency and a predetermined reference carrier wave frequency.

Abstract: A recall mechanism for a pressure gauge stores pressure reading outputs for effectively conveying “last value” information to a user when requested.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and reporting vehicle tire pressure information. The system includes tire pressure monitors mounted to the tires of a vehicle. The tire pressure monitors detect tire pressure information from their respective tires and transmit that information to transponders that are fixedly-mounted to the vehicle. Each tire pressure monitor corresponds to a single transponder. When a tire pressure monitor transmits tire pressure information, the corresponding transponder receives the signal and transmits the tire pressure signal along with a unique transponder identification code to a vehicle central system controller. Based upon the transponder identification code, the central controller associates the tire pressure information with a particular tire location. However, under certain conditions, a transmitted tire pressure signal is received by one or more of the non-corresponding transponders as well as the corresponding transponder.

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: A system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure includes monitors mounted in the tires, each including a tire pressure sensor, a transmitter for transmitting a tire pressure signal, a battery for the transmitter, and a receiver for receiving an initiation signal. Initiators are mounted on-board the vehicle, each initiator associated with one of the tire monitors. Each initiator is for use in generating a low frequency initiation signal for receipt by a tire receiver to cause the transmitter to transmit a tire pressure signal. A vehicle mounted controller activates the initiators in order to generate the low frequency initiation signals, and processes the tire pressure signals to convey tire pressure information to a user. The controller further activates the initiators in order to generate a low frequency electromagnetic field for use in recharging the batteries in the tire monitors.

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: Device for detecting a detached tire of a vehicle. This device includes an arrangement for detecting the rotational movements of the wheels and generating first quantities that are dependent on the rotational movements detected. A comparison arrangement is also provided in which at least one comparison involving at least one of the first quantities is carried out, as well as an evaluation arrangement in which a signal is output as a function of the output of the at least one comparison. The at least one comparison carried out in the comparison arrangement is preceded by a sorting operation in which at least two of the first quantities are sorted by value; and a detached tire is detected as a function of the signal output by the evaluation arrangement.

Abstract: In a vehicle (102) a method of detecting air bag (106) deployment includes detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) and developing a spectral content (502) of the increase. Further comparing the spectral content (502) to a template (134) and if spectral content (502) correlates to template (134), outputting an air bag deployment signal (138). An apparatus for detecting air bag deployment includes a means for detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) in a vehicle (102), a spectral content (502) of the acoustic energy level increase (150) and a template (134), where the spectral content (502) is compared to template. An air bag deployment signal (138) is outputted if the spectral content (502) correlates to the template (134).

Abstract: An air pressure detecting device serves to detect the air pressure of a wheel of a vehicle which has a tire tube disposed in a tire, the air pressure detecting device is disposed between the tire tube and the rim of the wheel portion for detecting the air pressure of the tire. The air pressure detecting device has a pressure bearing plate held in contact with the outer surface of the tire tube, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the pressure bearing plate, and a detecting and transmitting unit for detecting pressure information from the pressure sensor, converting the pressure information into an electric signal, and transmitting the electric signal as a radio wave. The pressure bearing plate, the pressure sensor, and the detecting and transmitting unit are superposed in the order named. The components including the pressure bearing plate, the pressure sensor, and the detecting and transmitting circuit can be installed without the need for a special modification of the tire tube and the rim.

Abstract: A method is used to identify a plurality of tires of a motor vehicle by location allowing a sensed parameter of each of the plurality of tires to be monitored. The method incorporates the use of a central receiver, a plurality of sensors, a plurality of transmitters and a mobile training unit. The method includes the steps of moving the mobile training unit to a location adjacent one of the plurality of tires. Once there, the operator inputs manually the location of one of the plurality of tires with respect to the motor vehicle. The mobile training unit transmits the location to the adjacent sensor. The sensor identification is paired with the location in the sensor to create paired data.

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

Abstract: Arrangement for providing a boosted signal from a signal-generating device, such as a SAW device or an RFID tag, including an antenna and a circulator having a first port connected to the antenna to receive a signal therefrom and a second port connectable to the device to provide a signal thereto and receive a signal therefrom. The circulator amplifies the signal from the antenna and the signal received from the device such that a twice-amplified signal is directed to the antenna. A receiving and processing module transmits a signal to the antenna causing the antenna to generate its signal and receive a signal from the antenna derived from the twice-amplified signal. Various pumping systems for vehicle tires and electricity generating systems which generate energy upon rotation of a tire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for monitoring at least one parameter for vehicle wheels includes, on each wheel, a detector unit having a transmitter unit that respectively transmits a phase-modulated or frequency-modulated signal to a central evaluation and control unit. Each detector unit transmits, at specific time intervals, a brief signal that contains a uniquely defined identifier. After a wheel is changed, a renewed assignment of the detector unit to the respective wheel positions can be carried out in an assignment mode of the detector unit and of the control unit, by registering a profile of the mean reception power for each detector unit as a function of the angular position of the respective wheel and comparing such signature profile with stored signature information. The comparison can be carried out by cross-correlating the two respectively decisive curves, or by comparing individual values or specific characteristic variables of the profiles.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an air pressure detection device for a tire which includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a tire and an air pressure sensor for measuring the air pressure of the tire. A reduced air pressure arithmetic portion is provided for calculating a reduced air pressure Pm from the temperature Tx measured by the temperature sensor and the air pressure Px measured by the air pressure sensor by the formula set forth below. An alarm signal generating portion is provided for generating an alarm signal when the reduced air pressure Pm calculated by the reduced air pressure arithmetic portion is decreased to or below a first threshold value Pa. Pm=Px−K(Tx−T0) The condition where the tire air pressure is lowered to or below a threshold value determined based on a recommended air pressure can be accurately detected, and an alarm can be issued, without being affected by tire temperature rise or temperature variations.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting wheel lift of an automotive vehicle includes a yaw rate sensor (28) that generates a yaw rate signal, a lateral acceleration sensor (32) that generates a lateral acceleration signal, a roll rate sensor (34) generating a roll rate signal, and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) for generating a longitudinal acceleration signal. A controller (18) is coupled to the yaw rate sensor (28), the lateral acceleration sensor (32), the roll rate sensor (34), and the longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller determines a dynamic load transfer acting on the plurality of wheels as a function of yaw rate, lateral acceleration roll rate, and longitudinal acceleration. Normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is determined as a function of the dynamic load transfer. Wheel lift is indicated when at least one of the normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is less than a normal force threshold.

Abstract: A wireless microphone system for a vehicle mounted surveillance system including an audio/video recorder, which may be automatically activated. Upon activation by the surveillance system, an ultrasonic transmitter generates an ultrasonic signal which is received by a portable wireless microphone to activate a radio transmitter. The radio transmitter generates a radio signal including audio information which is received by the surveillance system and recorded.

Abstract: A signal receiver for tire air pressure monitoring system determines whether the pressure detection signals from all transmitters have been received during an engine stop state. Upon affirmative determination, the receiver sets a timer, and deactivates the entire or partial function of the receiver. The receiver determines whether the second predetermined period has expired after the setting of the timer. Until the period passes, the receiver retains the deactivated state thereby to save electric power consumption during engine stop state.

Abstract: A system for identifying the position of a tire on a vehicle based on wireless messages received from the tire includes a receiver circuit, a signal strength circuit, a memory, and a processing circuit. The receiver circuit is configured to receive the wireless messages. The signal strength circuit is configured to determine the signal strengths of the wireless messages. The memory is configured to store a predetermined frequency distribution. The processing circuit is configured to provide a frequency distribution of the wireless messages based on the signal strengths and to compare the frequency distribution to the predetermined frequency distribution to determine the position of the tire on the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel technique and system that allows the pressure of a tire to be remotely monitored by sensing a tire parameter indicative of the tire's pressure without mounting any device on the tire itself, while the tire is or is not rotating. In the illustrative embodiment, a tire parameter indicative of the pressure inside the tire, such as the temperature, acoustical signature, or shape of the tire, is measured remotely with a remotely mounted sensor. The measured parameter is compared to a range of known acceptable limits for that particular parameter, and a warning signal is generated if the measured parameter is not within that range of acceptable limits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out the allocation of tire pressure control devices (4a to 4d) to wheel positions in a tire pressure control system of a motor vehicle. Each tire pressure control device (4a to 4d) transmits, at certain time intervals, its individual identifier and a lengthened high frequency signal to the central unit (10) of the tire pressure control system. The high frequency signals have an individual trace which is dependent upon the rotational angle of the wheel and on the time because of the geometry of the wheel box and as a consequence of the rotation of the wheel. In the central unit (10), a time point is fixed from two sequential high frequency signals at which the wheel assumes the same angular position in each case with this wheel being the wheel from which the signals were transmitted. The corresponding wheel has made an integer number of revolutions between the two time points.

Abstract: An apparatus for alarming decrease in tire air-pressure based on rotational information obtained from tires, comprising a rotational information detecting means for detecting rotational information of each tire, a steering angle detecting means, a memory means for storing the rotational information of each tire and the steering angle, a turning radius calculating and processing means, a judged value calculating and processing means, and a correction means for correcting the turning radius. It is possible to obtain an accurate turning radius also in case any tire of the following wheels is decompressed by correcting the turning radius obtained on the basis of rotational information by using the steering angle information, thereby the DEL value might be obtained in a more accurate manner than compared to conventional arrangements.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a first parameter includes an active sensor, a receiver and an indicator. The active sensor is positioned at a first location and is operable to sense the first parameter. The receiver is positioned at a second location remote from the first location and within proximity to the sensor. The receiver is operable to generate a signal indicative of the first parameter and includes a first inductor, a second inductor and an amplifier having a feedback path. The first inductor and the second inductor are positioned relative to one another to create an electromagnetically coupling between the inductors such that feedback from the coupling is one of either a substantially zero feedback and a negative feedback. The indicator is in communication with the receiver to provide the first parameter to the user. This parameter may include a tire pressure of a tire on a vehicle.

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

Abstract: A tire condition sensing apparatus (14) includes a tire condition sensor (78, 84, 88) for sensing a tire condition and providing a sensor signal indicative thereof. A transmitter (44) transmits a data message having a plurality of data locations for accommodating data. A controller (72) is electrically connected with the tire condition sensor (78, 84, 88) and the transmitter (44). The controller (72) controls the transmitter (44) to transmit tire condition data in selected data locations of the data message based on a parameter associated with the apparatus (14), such as an identification code of the apparatus (14).

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method for detecting a vehicle tire leak. The system includes one or more sensors adapted to detect the vehicle tire leak and transmit a signal representative of the vehicle tire leak, and a base unit including electronics adapted to process the signal and determined whether the signal represents a vehicle tire leak, and a communication device coupled to the electronics and adapted to communicate to one or more entities such as a driver and/or dispatcher that a vehicle tire leak has been detected. The method includes sonically detecting the vehicle tire leak, and initiating an alarm indicating that the vehicle tire leak took place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for operating a braking system in motor vehicles including both a service brake and a parking brake in which an acoustic signal is given when the vehicle is held in the stopped condition exclusively by the service brake for a predetermined period of time, and further providing for integration of driver actions to prevent dangerous situations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out the allocation of the wheel position to tire pressure control devices (6a to 6d) in a tire pressure control system of a motor vehicle. The tire pressure control devices (6a to 6d) transmit their individual identifiers to the central unit (10) of the tire pressure control system at pregiven time intervals. The individual identifiers are transmitted at transmitting time points. At these time points, the wheel assumes a defined angular position so that a defined angular offset is present between two transmission time points. The rotation signals, which are supplied by the rpm sensors (4a to 4d), are checked in the central unit (10) as to which rotation signal exhibits the same angular offset. In the central unit (10), the tire pressure control devices (6a to 6d) are allocated to that wheel position whose rpm sensor (4a to 4d) likewise has measured the pregiven angular offset.

Abstract: A process for checking the air pressure in the tires of motor vehicle wheels wherein at least a pressure signal characteristic for the air pressure will be picked up as a measured signal by a measurement device located in or on the tire of each motor vehicle wheel, wherein at least.

Abstract: A new and improved audible vehicle monitoring apparatus includes a sound monitoring assembly adapted for connecting to an undercarriage portion of a wheeled vehicle. A monitor housing assembly connects to the undercarriage portion of the wheeled vehicle. A microphone assembly and a first power source are retained by the monitor housing assembly. A wave transmitter assembly is powered by the first power source and is retained by the monitor housing assembly. The wave transmitter assembly is connected to the microphone assembly and transmits waves representing sounds picked up by the microphone assembly. An audible signalling assembly is retained in a cab portion of a motor vehicle in proximity of a driver within easy hearing and easy reach of the driver. The audible signalling assembly includes a signaling housing assembly, and a second power source is housed within the signaling housing assembly. A wave receiver assembly is retained by the signaling housing assembly and is powered by the second power source.

Abstract: Device (1, 2, 3, 4) for warning of the under-inflation of a tire, mounted the wheel of the tire, includes a stationary element (10, 71) with two inner chambers (11, 12, 73, 74), one (11, 73) of which is brought to the inflation pressure, the other (12, 74) to the atmospheric pressure, and a centrifugal mass (20, 72). A blocking device (30, 90) blocks any displacement of centrifugal mass (20, 72) when the inflation pressure is greater than a certain threshold and frees the centrifugal mass (20, 72) when the inflation pressure decreases below the inflation threshold. Centrifugal mass (20, 72) can then become off-centered under the effect of centrifugal forces and creates a dynamic imbalance able to be sensed by the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety system for large and long over-the-road vehicles, such as a tractor semitrailer rig, having wheels mounted remotely from the vehicle's cab. A conventional airborne sound receiving microphone is mounted within a mechanical vibration damping housing at the bottom of the vehicle body near and aimed at the remote wheels to receive sounds from that area of the vehicle. The mounting and housing are constructed to prevent or greatly lessen mechanical vibration and sounds from reaching the microphone through the vehicle body. A communication cable runs from the microphone and housing to the cab and is connected through an amplifier to a speaker provided inside the cab. While the vehicle is being driven, the speaker reproduces a significant portion of the airborne sound received by the microphone within the cab.