Radio Wave Patents (Class 340/447)
  • Patent number: 10777013
    Abstract: An image processing system for enhanced vision includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor. The memory contains program instructions that, when executed, causes the processor to provide symbols for a HUD image. The symbols represent runway lights captured by the enhanced vision system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Nixon Lange
  • Patent number: 10756834
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatic optimization of vehicle RF audio systems. The method includes receiving first data describing a radio-frequency environment experienced by a radio system of a vehicle, the vehicle radio system comprising a processor and a memory storing code executable by the processor; receiving second data describing responses of one or more occupants of the vehicle to audio produced by the radio system; correlating the responses of one or more occupants of the vehicle with changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system; generating a code update using the correlation of the responses with changes in the radio-frequency environment experienced by the radio system, and refreshing code stored in a memory of the vehicle according to the code update, wherein a processor in the vehicle executes the code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Devang Parekh, Louis Brugman
  • Patent number: 10710418
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention relates to a method for the radio-oriented optimization of wheel monitoring in a vehicle equipped with vehicle wheels, wherein the monitoring of at least one of the vehicle wheels is prompted by an electronic wheel unit arranged on the relevant vehicle wheel capturing at least one wheel operating parameter of the vehicle wheel, and radio signals containing information about the at least one captured wheel operating parameter being transmitted for a respective wheel rotational position of the vehicle wheel, stipulated by the electronic wheel unit, wherein the radio signals are received and evaluated by a control device of the vehicle and wherein the radio-oriented optimization of the wheel monitoring is prompted by the electronic wheel unit being used to transmit multiple radio signals for different wheel rotational positions, wherein the radio signals are received by means of the control device and rated in respect of their respective radio signal strength, wherein the control devic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Fischer, Thomas Haas, Matthias Kretschmann
  • Patent number: 10675925
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tire-wear detection sensor for a vehicle having a telematics system and tires including a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and an RF antenna in electronic communication with the sensors, and capable of transmitting the temperature signal and the pressure signal to the telematics system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Charles Lee Oakes, III, Jess W. Gingrich
  • Patent number: 10591607
    Abstract: A tracking device (10) configured to track a shipment of cargo is provided including a housing (20) having a complementary top portion (22) and bottom portion (25). The top portion and the bottom portion of the housing are pivotally coupled. A tracking unit, arranged within the housing, includes a processor configured to collect and transmit data. A power unit having at least one power source is arranged within the housing and is configured to supply power to the tracking unit. A circuit board connects the power unit and the tracking unit. The circuit board includes a metal tab arranged adjacent a conductive interface. A portion of a pull tab (80) formed from a thin, non-conductive material is arranged between the tab and the conductive interface. The tracking device is configured to transform from an inactive state to a fully active state upon removal of the pull tab (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Heston Grant Woolf, Bill Games, Blair Streit, Robin L. Wald, Tim Uys, Stephen Varga, Jeffrey Allen Leshuk, Richard Mark Desmarais
  • Patent number: 10576797
    Abstract: A tire pressure detection apparatus includes: a transmitter at each of a plurality of wheels with a tire; and a receiver at a vehicle body. The transmitter has: a sensing device having a pressure sensor outputting a detection signal related to a tire pressure of each of the plurality of wheels and an acceleration sensor detecting an acceleration including a centrifugal acceleration caused by rotation of the wheel and a gravitational acceleration; a first controller performing signal processing on the detection signal of the pressure sensor and creating a frame storing data related to the tire pressure; and a radio wave transmitter transmitting the frame. The receiver has: a radio wave receiver receiving the frame; and a second controller detecting a tire pressure based on the data related to the tire pressure stored in the received frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryoichi Ijima, Nobuya Watabe
  • Patent number: 10576795
    Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle includes a central tire inflation system (CTIS) electronic controller, the CTIS controller being configured to control the CTIS to cause inflation and deflation of one or more tires, the CTIS controller being configured to cause the CTIS to operate in a selected one of a plurality of operating modes in each of which the system is configured to set a pressure of one or more tires of the vehicle to a predetermined tire pressure value, the CTIS controller being configured to receive data indicative of a type of tire fitted to the vehicle, the controller being configured to prevent operation in a predetermined at least one of the plurality of operating modes in dependence on the data indicative of tire type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventors: Roxana Ciovnicu, Jonathan Woodley
  • Patent number: 10543723
    Abstract: Air pressure measuring device (10) for a vehicle wheel (2), having a valve body (11) which constitutes a first element (31) and which can be inserted in a through-hole (5) in a vehicle wheel rim (1), having a cap nut (30) which constitutes a second element (32) for axially tensioning valve body (11) on the vehicle wheel rim (1), wherein when the air pressure measuring device (10) is in the installed state a threaded connection (35) is created between the valve body (11) and the cap nut (30), consisting of a thread (40) formed on the valve body (11) and a thread (41) formed on cap nut (30), wherein, in order to create one of the two threads (40, 41) both elements (31, 32) are made from materials of different hardnesses, a self-cutting thread (40) is produced in the element (31) that is made of the harder material, and a deforming section (39) is produced in the element (32) that is made of the softer material, in and in which the other thread (41) can be created by cooperation with the self-cutting thread (40)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Alligator Ventilfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Renato Palaoro
  • Patent number: 10489619
    Abstract: An inventory system for objects contained in a space bounded by an enclosure, said system including a tag fixed to each of the objects to be inventoried and a reading point provided with at least one antenna for emitting a wakeup electromagnetic wave confined inside said enclosure so that a tag, on receiving same, becomes active and then emits its identification data intended for said reading point, wherein the system includes means for controlling the emission power of said wakeup electromagnetic wave in accordance with a power-variation model defined by a series of emissions by said or each antenna in stages at power levels different from one stage to another in order to carry out said inventory. The present invention also relates to an inventory method implemented by such an inventory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: NEXESS
    Inventors: Frédéric Reno, Jean-Anaël Monblanc, Plamen Iliev
  • Patent number: 10464678
    Abstract: A safety belt is intended to be installed on an aircraft seat and includes a first part and a second part which are able to be joined together by means of a buckle to hold the passenger on the seat. The safety belt may also include a status detection system able to transmit information relating to the fastening status of the safety belt, a presence detection system able to transmit information relating to the presence of a passenger wearing the safety belt, and/or a communications module, notably wireless, able to transmit information relating to the fastening of the safety belt and/or to the presence of a passenger wearing the safety belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Safran Seats
    Inventors: Yannick Brunaux, Alison Gill
  • Patent number: 10432329
    Abstract: A transmitter includes a transmitter control section, which generates transmission data to be transmitted to a receiver. The transmission data contains variable data and verification data. The verification data is data for causing a verifying section of the receiver to verify an ID code registered in the transmitter against an ID code registered in the receiver. The transmitter control section is capable of switching between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which fixed data representing identification information is transmitted as the verification data. The second state is a state in which computation data computed from the variable data and the fixed data is transmitted as the verification data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhisa Tsujita
  • Patent number: 10419061
    Abstract: A communications apparatus includes a hardware subsystem including a test signal control component, a duplexer component, and Radio Frequency processing components. The Radio Frequency processing components include a transmitter chain portion and a receiver chain portion having a signal sensitivity threshold associated therewith, to a receive side port of the duplexer component. The test signal control component is arranged to cooperate with the transmitter chain to generate a test signal. A portion of the test signal control component is leaked by the duplexer component. The test signal control component is also configured to ensure that any irradiated power of the test signal complies with the transmit OFF power threshold requirement and the portion of the test signal leaked is above the signal sensitivity threshold of the receiver chain portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: u-blox AG
    Inventors: Norman John Beamish, James Connelly
  • Patent number: 10384496
    Abstract: A tire pressure sensor of a vehicle having a receiver configured to receive, from an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) mounted in the vehicle and having configuration data stored therein, an acknowledgement signal including a request for configuration, and the configuration data; and a controller configured to update the tire pressure sensor with the received configuration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Scheibenzuber, Ismael Fernando Gamboa Corro, Michael Kandler, Maximilian Werner
  • Patent number: 10348140
    Abstract: Apparatus to control transmission of data, the apparatus comprising: a controller configured to: receive data from at least a first sensor within an azimuth thruster; control storage of the received data in memory; determine whether at least one criterion is satisfied, the at least one criterion varying with the relative positioning of a first antenna mounted on a lower housing of the azimuth thruster and a second antenna mounted on an upper housing of the azimuth thruster, the lower housing being configured to rotate relative to the upper housing; and control transmission of the stored data from the first antenna in response to determining that the at least one criterion is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Huw L Edwards, Vishal K. Dhutia, Faidon Mitzalis, Edoardo G Frau, Mathias H Broman, Werner P Schiffers
  • Patent number: 10315471
    Abstract: A sensor device for tire inspection is provided. The sensor device is configured for removable placement upon or near the surface of the tire. The sensor device includes one or more tire inspection sensors configured to inspect e.g., the condition of one or more components or portions of the tire. The sensor device also includes one or more proximity sensors configured to detect whether the sensor device is in proper proximity of the tire such that the one or more tire inspection sensors can operate correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Frank Gramling, Bradley Schober, David Judd
  • Patent number: 10259277
    Abstract: An electronic unit for measuring operating parameters of a tire, the tire being mounted on a rim, the mounted assembly forming a vehicle wheel able to rotate about an axis of rolling, the electronic unit includes a support designed to be mounted on the wheel, the support forming a printed circuit on which there is mounted a radial-acceleration sensor able to measure radial accelerations of the wheel, the radial-acceleration sensor being mounted inclined in an angular range from 30 to 60 degrees with respect to a plane tangential to the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stéphane Billy, Jean-Christophe Bouthinon
  • Patent number: 10173481
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring sensor comprises an environmental pressure sensor, a non-volatile memory for storing a first program and a second program, a processing unit for executing the first program, a communication module including a wireless transmitter for transmitting at least one parameter indicative of conditions within a tire and a wireless or wired receiver for loading the second program into the non-volatile memory and a battery for powering the sensor. The second program contains a sensor operation description which is used by the first program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: WEGMANN AUTOMOTIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Bartlomiej Wicher, Andreas Riemann
  • Patent number: 10166823
    Abstract: A tire air pressure monitoring system for a vehicle is disclosed. The tire air pressure monitoring system includes a detector configured to detect tire air pressures of tires of the vehicle; and a processing device. The processing device is configured to output a first notification that is an alarm representing a reduced tire air pressure state based on at least one of the tire air pressures less than or equal to a first threshold, detect a predetermined opportunity at which the tires can be filled with air, and output a second notification, differently from the first notification, based on a detection of the predetermined opportunity and at least one of the tire air pressures less than or equal to a second threshold but greater than the first threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 10166822
    Abstract: Each of a plurality of tire air pressure detectors includes an information retention portion that retains one or more pieces of timing information indicating the time at which the tire air pressure detector has rotated to a specific detector angle in a first time band for withholding transmission of a radio wave signal, and a radio wave transmission control portion that transmits one or more of the pieces of timing information retained in the information retention portion to a receiver in a second time band enabling transmission of the radio wave signal. The receiver includes an axle rotation amount reader portion that receives axle rotation amount information generated in each of a plurality of axle rotation detection portions, and a position determination portion that calculates an axle rotation amount at the point in time at which the tire air pressure detectors have rotated to the specific detector angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori Kosugi, Takao Araya, Koji Okumura
  • Patent number: 10154427
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method of managing an electronic device is provided, which includes determining a management target device, selecting at least one measurement device based on the determined management target device, transmitting an operation command to the management target device, receiving measurement information from the at least one measurement device, and determining a state of the management target device based on the received measurement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Elctronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyunsuk Min, Jieun Kim, Yunjae Lim, Changseok Lee, Sangsun Choi, Jaeeun Kang, Junho Koh, Jongyoub Ryu, Yonghyun Lim
  • Patent number: 10150339
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitor system allows for customized configurations and a variety of intelligent alerts to increase usability and reliability over existing tire pressure monitor systems. A central receiver determines the alerts, rather than individual receivers, so that the tires can be monitored as a system rather than as individual tires. For instance, a Cross-Axle Alert is triggered when the pressure in a tire on one side of an axle is significantly greater than the pressure in a tire on an opposite side of the axle. Additional features include the use of Dynamic Reference Pressures, as opposed to static reference pressures, so that the alert parameters can be adjusted according to the current driving conditions. A robust user interface provides a user with a variety of views and screens and enables an administrator to adjust alert parameters while preventing a driver from adjusting the same parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Advantage Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip George Zaroor, Jason Phillip Zaroor, Vanessa Zaroor Hargrave, Edward Allen Lutsko, III, Jeromy Abed Mogharbel
  • Patent number: 10154409
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for binding an authenticated user with a wireless device are disclosed. One method includes receiving local environment information from the wireless device, receiving local information from a computing device of the authenticated user, comparing the local environment information of the wireless device with the local information of the computing device, binding the wireless device with the computing device based on the comparison of the local environment information of the wireless device with the local information of the computing device, and communicating information to a wireless device cloud management system that indicates that the binding between the wireless device and the computing device has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Cirrent, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Conant, Barbara Nelson, Anre Nario Roshan Paiva, Stark Pister
  • Patent number: 10144253
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are generally related to one or more systems, methods, and devices for providing an integrated tire inflation system, mounted on each tire, wheel, rim, axle, or structure of the vehicle, that communicates with a remote device (e.g., communication device located in the cab of the vehicle and/or a remote network entity) and obtains an optimal tire pressure from the network entity that is calculated to maximize fuel economy, tread life, load, or an environmental condition. In some examples, the integrated telematics system may periodically measure and transmit data associated with the tire to the communication device in the cab and/or to a network entity that may calculate the optimal tire pressure for each tire on the vehicle. The integrated telematics system may receive the optimal tire pressure information from the communication device and/or the network entity and automatically adjust the tire pressure accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: OMNITRACS, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley M. Mays, James Fortuna
  • Patent number: 10137742
    Abstract: A tire, in particular cycle tire, with a device for generating rotation-dependent signals, in which the device is arranged in the tire or is connected to the tire and has a signal-generating element, which is held in a retaining element connected positively or non-positively to the tire body. The receiving element is arranged substantially on the outside of strengthening elements or reinforcing elements of the tire and the signal-generating element is held in the retaining element in such a way that the signal-generating element forms part of the outer surface of the tire or protrudes beyond the outer surface of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Bicycle Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Surmann, Horst Walter, Christian Wurmbäck
  • Patent number: 10124634
    Abstract: A wireless tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) emulation device for a vehicle and a method of activating the device. The device has a memory, a microcontroller, a radio frequency transmitter, a trigger, an actuator and a power supply. The memory is adapted to have stored thereon a software module. The microcontroller is powered by a power supply, such as a battery, and is connected to the memory. The microcontroller is adapted to control a TPMS transmission signal indicative of an acceptable tire pressure signal, according to the software module. The radio frequency transmitter is connected to the microcontroller and is adapted to transmit the transmission signal. The trigger is connected to the microcontroller and is adapted to activate a TPMS sensor pairing of the emulation device for at least one tire of the vehicle. The actuator is connected to the microcontroller and is adapted to activate the emulation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: FZ Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Poulin, Mykolai Dutkewych
  • Patent number: 10112448
    Abstract: A tire wheel position detection device is provided. The tire wheel position detection device includes a transmitter attached to each tire wheel and including a first controller to transmit a frame including unique identification information, and a receiver including a second controller that performs tire wheel position detection through selecting, from the identification informations included in the frames, candidate identification informations indicating candidates to be registered, and identifying, from the candidate identification informations, the candidate identification informations that match the transmitters attached to the tire wheels, and storing the tire wheels and the identification informations of the transmitters in association with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriaki Okada, Masahiro Fukuda
  • Patent number: 10105998
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless tire monitoring device for a vehicle. Accordingly, the wireless tire monitoring device (100) includes: a) a tire pressure/temperature signal transmitting device (110); b) at least one sensor unit (130) for measuring or detecting at least one parameter relating to the conditions of the tire (200); c) an antenna (150) for transmitting signal corresponding to the tire conditions; wherein the wireless tire monitoring device (100) is detachably mounted to a valve stem (210) of the tire (200) and being served as a cap for the valve stem (210); wherein the antenna (150) includes at least one curvature strip (151) configured at same axis (Z-Z) with the valve stem (210) so that it center axis aligns with the valve stem (210) of the tire (200); and wherein the antenna (150) and valve stem (210) share a common axis (X-X) of a tire wheel (230) and adapted to be revolved about the common axis (X-X) of the tire wheel (230).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Salutica Allied Solutions Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventor: Peter Sie Jeng Heng
  • Patent number: 10094742
    Abstract: A control unit supplies power and data through a rotary transformer to a sensor assembly disposed on a wheel. The data sent by the control unit to the sensor assembly is produced by modulation of the power signal using frequency shift key or amplitude shift key modulation. The sensor assembly converts the received power signal that power to operate the circuitry and sensor assembly, converts the FSK or ASK data signal, and sends sensor data back to the control unit through the rotary transformer by load modulation. The control unit demodulates the load modulated sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Stein, Philip Readio, Paul L. Summers
  • Patent number: 10070286
    Abstract: A electronics control unit is in contemporaneous wireless power communication and wireless data communication with a network of sealed, sensors over a shared bidirectional power antenna. Sensors and sensor networks described below enable the development of networks that are secure and robust, and yet are lighter-weight and lower-cost than, for example, conventional automotive sensor networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10052922
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor and a communication method are provided. The TPMS sensor includes a microcontroller unit, a pressure sensor electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and configured to measure an internal air pressure of a tire and a receiver electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and configured to receive at least one communication signal. The receiver includes a magnetic sensor configured to detect a modulated low-frequency electromagnetic carrier signal as a first communication signal and output an encoded measurement signal based on the detected modulated low-frequency electromagnetic carrier signal. The TPMS sensor further includes a demodulator configured to convert the encoded measurement signal into a data signal and output the data signal to the microcontroller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Thomas Lemense, Thomas Lange, Jooil Park
  • Patent number: 10005326
    Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to tires, and more particularly to a method of and a smart tire system for evaluating a state of a tire, and providing an alarm, and to a smart tire configured for the method and the system. In one aspect, a method includes determining whether an abnormality or a problem exists in a state of a tire, by processing a tire state value from a TPMS sensor. Processing the tire state can be carried out by a sensor processor and/or a sensor information processor. The method additionally includes providing an alarm to a user, e.g., a driver. The method additionally includes verifying the determination of whether there is an abnormality or a problem. Thus, the disclosed method includes determining the state of a tire and providing an alarm, where the alarm has high reliability because it is generated based on examination of various parameters of the tire state, including, e.g., pressure, temperature and/or acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Hankook Tire Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soon Hong So, Jeong Mu Heo, Jae Wook Ihm, Jeong Heon Kim
  • Patent number: 9994082
    Abstract: A vehicle tire monitoring methodology is based on embedding into a tire at least one tire inductor coil with multiple circumferential windings. A tire condition that causes deformation of the tire, causes deformation of the tire inductor coil. A tire condition (such as pressure, speed, damage or deterioration) can be monitored by acquiring tire coil response measurements corresponding to an inductive response to the tire condition that causes deformation of the tire, and thereby deformation of the tire inductor coil, and then converting the tire coil response into data representing the tire condition. Multiple circumferential tire inductor coils can be embedded (such as into the tread and/or sidewalls), so that tire monitoring can involve acquiring respective tire coil responses corresponding to a tire condition that causes differential tire coil responses (such as steering direction), which can be converted into data representing the tire condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Deutschland, GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Christian Seboe, Vlad Tiberiu Craciunescu
  • Patent number: 9921133
    Abstract: An tread depth measuring system includes a tread measuring apparatus, a processor, a supporter, and a warning apparatus. The tread measuring apparatus is positioned on the ground and configured to measure a tread depth. The processor is coupled to the tread measuring apparatus and configured to compare the tread depth measured by the tread measuring apparatus with a preset critical depth. The supporter stands on the ground. The warning apparatus is supported by the supporter and coupled to the processor. When the tread depth measured by the tread measuring apparatus is less than the preset critical depth, the processor sends a control signal to actuate the warning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Yen Lee
  • Patent number: 9895929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for acquiring and evaluating a measurand, in particular a temperature, of at least one component of a vehicle, in particular a wheel bearing, comprising at least one sensor for acquiring a measurand, in particular a temperature of at least one component, in particular of a wheel bearing of the vehicle, and for outputting an output parameter, and least one evaluation device for evaluating the output parameter, and for generating a warning signal in dependence on the evaluation of the output parameter on the basis of at least one defined warning criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Florian Höβle
  • Patent number: 9827814
    Abstract: A carrier module of a tire pressure monitoring device includes a plastic carrier and a metallic tube. The plastic carrier has a trough and a tube extended from a bottom portion of the trough. The trough has an airflow channel penetratingly formed on the bottom portion thereof, and the trough is in air communication with the tube by the airflow channel The metallic tube is seamlessly formed on an inner surface of the tube of the plastic carrier. The metallic tube has an inner screw thread formed on an inner surface thereof for detachably screwing to a nozzle of a tire. Thus, by seamlessly forming the metallic tube on the inner surface of the tube of the plastic carrier, the tire pressure monitoring device of the instant disclosure has a better airproof effect and a longer service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: ICHIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Hao Hsu, Chung-Hsin Yang, Chih-Pin Lin, Shih-Fu Yu, Wei-Tsen Yen
  • Patent number: 9783010
    Abstract: A tire condition monitoring system includes a plurality of tire condition acquisition devices that are installed on pneumatic tires and acquires quantities of tire conditions, and a monitoring device that receives a radio signal from each of the tire condition acquisition devices and performs a predetermined process. The monitoring device sequentially specifies tire labels of the tire condition acquisition devices and requests input of tire positions of the tire condition acquisition devices. The monitoring device generates registration information in which a sensor ID and a tire position are associated based on the input results of the tire position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Naruse
  • Patent number: 9787181
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a first sensor unit, a control IC configured to switch a power supply route, a power supply, a DC converter, and a regulator configured to regulate the voltage. A power supply route A and a power supply route B is provided as a power supply route from the power supply to the sensor unit and the control IC. In the power supply route A, the sensor unit is not electrically conducted to the power supply, and the control IC is directly connected to the power supply. In the power supply route B, the power supply, the DC converter, and the regulator are connected in series, output of the regulator is supplied to the sensor unit, and output of the DC converter is supplied to the control IC. The control IC switches between the power supply route A and the power supply route B according to an operating state of the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Teruki Hasegawa, Hiroshi Imai, Hiroshi Sameshima, Tomohiro Ozaki
  • Patent number: 9787102
    Abstract: This invention is related to a novel method and apparatus that provides selective and enhanced power flow in wireless power transfer systems with multiple receivers. Auxiliary circuits are introduced in the receiver circuits (and relay circuits if applicable) so as to ensure proper frequency-selective wireless power flow to the appropriate targeted receivers, with the pickup power by the non-targeted receivers substantially reduced even if the chosen tuned frequencies for different receivers are not widely apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Wenxing Zhong, Shu Yuen Ron Hui
  • Patent number: 9776461
    Abstract: In a tire inflation pressure detection device, a receiver functions such that, when an ignition switch is on, power is generated by a power supply controller to set the power supply state of the receiver to one in which frame reception is enabled to detect the inflation pressure of a tire, and such that, when the IG is off, in each predetermined intermittent cycle power is generated by the power supply controller to set the power supply state of the receiver to one in which frame reception is enabled to detect the inflation pressure of the tire. A transmitter determines whether a decrease in tire inflation pressure occurs, and when the decrease occurs, the transmitter transmits frames more frequently than before the occurrence of the decrease in tire inflation pressure at a shorter frame transmission time interval than a regular transmission cycle during a high-frequency transmission period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriaki Okada, Nobuya Watabe, Masashi Mori
  • Patent number: 9757995
    Abstract: A system includes a wheel, a hubcap coupled to the wheel and a tire pressure sensor coupled to the wheel. The system also includes a brake control unit (BCU) and an active hubcap circuit coupled to the hubcap. The active hubcap circuit is electrically coupled to the tire pressure sensor and the BCU and configured to receive an input signal from at least one of the tire pressure sensor or the BCU, generate an output signal by increasing a signal to noise ratio of the input signal and output the output signal to at least one of the BCU or the tire pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Stein, Paul L. Summers
  • Patent number: 9738123
    Abstract: A vehicle warning includes a tire pressure monitoring device disposed in each tire of the vehicle. Each tire pressure monitoring device obtains information regarding pressure within the associated tire and communicated the tire pressure information in a wireless manner. A receiver receives the communicated tire pressure information from each tire pressure monitoring device. A processor circuit, associated with the receiver, determines if the communicated tire pressure information from at least one of the tire pressure monitoring devices is significantly less than a tire pressure determined to be safe for vehicle operation and, if so, to generate a warning signal. A body control module, upon receiving the warning signal, automatically activates the hazard lights without driver input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cruz Mendez, Ernesto Amezcua Maciel, Ignacio Padilla Rabadan, Carlos Alfonso Rodriguez Gomez
  • Patent number: 9702121
    Abstract: A state information display for a work machine displays plural kinds of state information of the machine including first and second state information, and includes: a state information displaying unit defining first and second display areas respectively displaying the first and second state information; and a display controller controlling the entire display including the unit and including: a malfunction information determining unit receiving the plural kinds of state information and determining whether or not the state information includes malfunction information indicating a malfunction of the machine; a first display switching unit switching the first state information in the first display area with a caution sign for reporting the malfunction, when the unit determines the malfunction information is received; and a second display switching unit switching the second state information in the second display area with the first state information, when the first state information is switched with the caution s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tanaka, Takehiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 9701165
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitor system tool that stores information regarding a plurality of tire pressure monitor systems. The information may include procedures for resetting and diagnosing the tire pressure monitor system. The tool may include a storing module that stores the information and a displaying module that causes the information to be displayed on a display of the tool. The tool may enable a user to input data regarding a vehicle. Based on the vehicle data input by the user, the tool may determine a tire pressure monitor system installed on the vehicle using the information stored. Based on the tire pressure monitoring system installed on the vehicle, the tool may determine one or more reset or diagnostic procedures that may be performed by the tool. The tool may also reference the owner's manual of the vehicle. The tool may also include an updating module that updates the information stored by the tool. The tool may also include an update interface that may be, for example, an RS232 port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kochie
  • Patent number: 9694632
    Abstract: A device for monitoring tires for vehicle wheels, includes: an electronic unit adapted to detect at least one characteristic quantity of a tire and to transmit at least one corresponding parameter representative of said detected quantity; a connection element to keep the electronic unit constrained to an internal surface of the tire, the connection element including a first portion having a base surface adapted to be secured to the inner surface of the tire, and a cavity for housing the electronic unit wherein the first portion has at least one slot interposed between the electronic unit and the projection thereof on the base surface, the slot having a distal profile relative to the electronic unit which is entirely contained in the base surface. A tire for vehicle wheels provided with the monitoring device and a method for installing the electronic unit in the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PIRELLI TYRE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Federico Mancosu, Massimo Brusarosco
  • Patent number: 9646182
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interrogator, method of discerning metal and radio frequency identification (RFID) objects, and an interrogation system employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogator includes a metal sensing subsystem configured to provide a first signal having a signature representing a presence of a metal object, and a RFID sensing subsystem configured to provide a second signal having a signature representing a presence of a RFID object. The interrogator also includes a control and processing subsystem configured to discern a presence of at least one of the metal and RFID objects from one of the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Medical I.P. Holdings LP
    Inventors: John P. Volpi, Jimmy D. Laferney, William C. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 9607508
    Abstract: A wireless, remote foot controller and a wireless instrument in direct communication with one another and method of operation. The remote foot controller can determine the wireless instrument in the hand of the dental professional and can determine whether the instrument is operational in an continuously variable mode or whether the instrument is operational at discrete speeds. The remote foot controller can then respond to activation by a user to provide a predetermined signal that drives the handheld unit with the appropriate signal. The remote foot controller is activated by application of pressure to the foot controller that provides tactile, sensory feedback to the user. The foot controller includes a circuit board, antenna and battery so that it is wireless. The circuit board includes communications protocol to permit the foot controller to communicate with several dental instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin Kenneth Lint, Jared Witmer, Joseph Robert Reagan
  • Patent number: 9592710
    Abstract: In a wheel position detecting device, a receiver acquires gear information indicating a tooth position of a gear rotating in association with a corresponding wheel at a predetermined interval. In a wheel position detection, the receiver sets a variation allowance range based on the tooth position at a reception timing of a frame transmitted from a transmitter integrated to each wheel. When the tooth position of the gear at a subsequent reception timing of the frame is not within the variation allowance range, the receiver excludes the wheel corresponding to the gear from a candidate wheel. The receiver registers the wheel remaining last as the wheel to which the transmitter is integrated. The receiver performs the wheel position detection only when a wheel speed is higher than a predetermined threshold, so that the wheel position detection is performed based on an accurate tooth position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriaki Okada, Nobuya Watabe, Masashi Mori, Takatoshi Sekizawa
  • Patent number: 9588019
    Abstract: A tire deformation sensing and tire inflation system for tires that makes use of ultrasonic sensors embedded in the bead lock of the tire to measure time intervals between transmitted ultrasonic signals and the echo received signals to and uses the information obtained to adjust the tire pressure through a central tire inflation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Texas Research International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Philip Brushaber
  • Patent number: 9579936
    Abstract: A tire deformation sensing and tire inflation system for a steel belted tires which makes use of magnetic coils embedded in the wheel assembly to detect the position of the tire's steel belting and uses the information obtained to adjust the tire pressure through a central tire inflation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Texas Research International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Philip Brushaber
  • Patent number: 9569379
    Abstract: A method for burning data into a tire pressure monitoring device includes the steps of preparing a burning tool and a tire pressure monitoring device and connecting them electrically with a single wire to enable data or signal transmission between the burning tool and the tire pressure monitoring device, thereby achieving single-wire data burning and two-way communication between the burning tool and the tire pressure monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: CUB ELECPARTS INC.
    Inventors: San-Chuan Yu, Tsan-Nung Wang, Tzu-Wen Ko, Chao-Ching Hu, Chi-Hung Chen