Temperature Patents (Class 340/449)
  • Patent number: 8330594
    Abstract: A tire pressure measuring system (TPMS) for transmitting pressure information from a tire to a vehicle body has a complicated structure when a plurality kinds of transmission data exist. A sensor unit receives a transmission electromagnetic field from a sensor control unit, and rectify-detects the received field. The counter of the sensor unit determines a rotation cycle of a tire, based on the signal obtained by the rectification detection, then switches the switch in conjunction with the rotation cycle, and sequentially sends the plurality of transmission data items for every tire rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohisa Suzuki, Eiji Akama, Kazuo Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8321080
    Abstract: In engine temperature display device for a watercraft, an engine temperature data value is calculated based on a detection signal of a temperature of an engine of an outboard motor. The engine temperature data value is sent to an engine state display device installed in a watercraft by a LAN. A control portion of the engine state display device computes the engine temperature data value based on a plurality of threshold temperatures of a standard engine model stored in a nonvolatile memory, and converts the data value into a display data for indicating a temperature level among a plurality of temperature levels. The display data is displayed on a display device on the watercraft. An engine temperature data value calculating and sending device computes using a plurality of threshold values on an engine block wall temperature specific to an engine, and sends the appropriately converted engine temperature data value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Bamba
  • Patent number: 8299908
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system distinguishes a mounted tire from a non-mounted tire, and which automatically changes over IDs and tire-pressure thresholds without any exclusive apparatuses. A tire pressure monitoring unit stores an identification code of a tire pressure sensor unit and a tire-pressure set value as a pair. While a vehicle is traveling at a speed equal to or faster than a predetermined vehicle speed, if an identification code received within a predetermined time coincides with any one of identification codes of registered tires and the number of coinciding identification codes is equal to the number of tires, and, at least one of the coinciding identification codes is an identification code other than specified identification codes, the specified identification codes are replaced with those coinciding identification codes which are newly specified as respective identification codes of tire pressure sensor units mounted in tires mounted on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Makoto Isomura, Makoto Bessho
  • Publication number: 20120235806
    Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernández, Steven Bishop, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage, Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, James Belloli, Jeffrey Greenberg, Michael Blommer
  • Publication number: 20120232749
    Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for an alarm or notification that a child is in a car seat. The systems generally determine if a child is in the seat and that the seat, and therefore the vehicle, is not in motion. Upon detecting both situations, the notification or alarm is activated. The system will generally provide for an alarm to a smartphone or other remote notification device to improve the likelihood that the alarm will be received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory B. Schoenberg, Robert S. Steffen
  • Patent number: 8248242
    Abstract: A wireless tracking system and method for real-time location tracking of a extreme-temperature sterilizable object is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to the extreme-temperature sterilizable object which includes a housing, a processor, a temperature sensor and a transceiver. If an internal temperature of the tag is detected by the temperature sensor, the tag enters a sleep mode. The temperature sensor periodically activates to determine if the internal temperature of the tag is within an acceptable operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Awarepoint Corporation
    Inventors: Dyami Caliri, Derek Smith
  • Patent number: 8223006
    Abstract: A temperature warning system for a vehicle includes a thermal plug disposed on the wheel end assembly of the vehicle. The thermal plug is in fluid communication with an air supply and with a flow sensor. The flow sensor is operatively connected to a warning light or indicator. Excessive heat in the axle spindle end and/or the wheel end assembly causes a fusible material in the thermal plug to melt allowing air to flow from the air supply through the thermal plug thus activating the flow sensor. The flow sensor in turn activates the warning light or indicator alerting the driver of the vehicle of a problem condition at the wheel end assembly and/or axle spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Matt J. Wilson, Matthew VanMeter, Santo Padula, Jesse W. Cervantez
  • Patent number: 8217779
    Abstract: An RFID device includes an analog block, a digital block, and a memory block. The analog block receives a radio frequency signal in order to output an operating command signal. The digital block outputs an address, an operating control signal, a temperature sensor activating signal, and a temperature compensating signal in response to the operating command signal. The memory block reads/writes data in a cell array having a plurality of nonvolatile ferroelectric capacitors. The memory block also has a temperature treating unit that sets a parameter value for temperature compensation in response to the temperature compensating signal, detects a temperature change state in an RFID tag in response to the temperature sensor activating signal, and compares the temperature change state with the parameter value. The parameter value is changed according to the comparison result and outputs a digital code value corresponding to the temperature change state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Bok Kang, Suk Kyoung Hong
  • Publication number: 20120169489
    Abstract: A vehicle meter apparatus has a judging section that judges whether an automatic air conditioner purpose ambient temperature sensor is provided by comparing an input signal value inputted from an automatic air conditioner to an input section with a set threshold value and judges whether a display purpose ambient temperature sensor is provided by comparing the input signal value inputted from the display purpose ambient temperature sensor with the set threshold value when an internal power supply is supplied to input section and a display output section which displays an ambient temperature external to the vehicle on a second display section on a basis of a temperature detection signal from either of these sensors in a case where the judging section judges that the automatic air conditioner ambient temperature sensor is provided and in a case where the judging section judges that the display purpose ambient temperature is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Miyuki Gocho, Syuiti Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20120139717
    Abstract: A system and method for a tire temperature measurement system is disclosed. An instantaneous temperature value of a tire may be requested through an input device. At the time of a temperature measurement request a control unit may retrieve tire temperature from a sensor and determine an instantaneous temperature value of a tire. The instantaneous temperature value of a tire may be displayed, stored and transmitted to a remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Cao
  • Patent number: 8190331
    Abstract: Systems for detecting animate objects in a vehicle compartment include active materials based sensors for detecting the presence of an animate object in the compartment. The systems produce a response if the sensors detect the presence of an animate object in the compartment and at least one other predetermined condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, James Y. Khoury, Artie J Martin, Pablo D. Zavattieri, William Barvosa-Carter
  • Patent number: 8188849
    Abstract: To display a temperature value in a passenger compartment (5), it is proposed to use a luminous pointer that is moved along a row of modules (7a, 7b . . . ) that are on or off. Values (9a, 9b . . . ) of this temperature are also marked on the panel (3), along this row. Depending on the temperature to be displayed, the pointer will be moved with a single module on for a first type of temperature values and two adjacent luminous modules on for a second type of temperature values that are intermediate between two successive values of the first type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive France
    Inventor: Christian Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20120086567
    Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus operates on a second frequency by a second vibrator while wirelessly receiving from a portable apparatus a wireless signal on a first frequency by a first vibrator along with information on temperature of the portable apparatus. The in-vehicle apparatus previously stores a data map of a frequency and temperature characteristic of the first vibrator and second vibrator while measuring own temperature. The in-vehicle apparatus has an amendment device that acquires an offset value for the second vibrator based on the data map and information on temperatures of the in-vehicle apparatus and portable terminal. The acquired offset value is added to the second vibrator to thereby cause the second frequency to approach the first frequency of the first vibrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Namizaki, Toshifumi Shimoda
  • Patent number: 8155809
    Abstract: A system and method for data logging, collection, and analysis techniques. Logging, collection, and analysis of data relating to the condition of a structure, such as a railway rail. Monitoring the neutral temperature of a railway rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: James R. Bilodeau, William A. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8138904
    Abstract: An elastic member 11 positioned between an inner surface of a casing 2 and a front face of a pressure sensing portion 8 of a pressure sensor 1 reduces a possibility of liquid and foreign matters in a tire directly reaching the pressure sensing portion 8. The elastic member also increases adhesiveness between the pressure sensing portion 8 of the pressure sensor 1 and a labyrinth structure and further prevents a potting agent 9b from flowing into the sensing portion 8. Moreover, the elastic member 11 is a member constituting at least a part of the labyrinth structure, so that it does not need that a wall is provided on the pressure sensor 1 and a dedicated seal member is provided on the pressure sensing portion 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Yamaguchi, Takao Kokubu
  • Patent number: 8125346
    Abstract: An analog-style gauge for displaying the value of a parameter measured or sensed by a remote sensor. The gauge comprises an actuator having a selectively rotatable shaft and a pointer fixedly attached to the actuator shaft and capable of being internally illuminated by light directed into the pointer. A light source is disposed to direct light of at least two colors into the pointer. Control circuitry is operably connected to the actuator, the light source and a remote sensor. The control circuitry rotates the actuator shaft within a range of motion in response to signals received from the remote sensor indicative of changes in the value of the sensed parameter. The control circuitry changes the color of light directed into the pointer when the pointer reaches a pre-determined point within the range of motion, whereby the internal illumination of the pointer will change color when the pointer reaches a predetermined point within the range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Veedims, LLC
    Inventors: Claudio R. Ballard, Jeff Seward
  • Patent number: 8115613
    Abstract: A method of operating a tire pressure monitoring system on a vehicle comprising tracking number of burst transmissions sent by a sensor, building a pareto of potential sensor identifications based on the greatest number of burst transmissions received from the sensor associating a potential sensor identification to a respective tire location on the vehicle and storing the associated sensor identification in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Dilip B. Patel, Thomas Michael McQuade, Mohsen Katiba, Greg Swadling
  • Publication number: 20120032792
    Abstract: A display apparatus is provided for a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a scale having a plurality of scale values for at least one associated operating parameter of the vehicle, including, but not limited to an indicator for the display of a current operating parameter value. The scaling of the scale is variable and an adaptation of the scaling is made depending on the current operating parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gerd BITZ
  • Publication number: 20120032793
    Abstract: A visual high-temperature warning system for a vehicle wheel-end assembly, the system comprising a thermochromic temperature indicator affixed to the wheel end assembly in heat exchange relationship therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Sonzala, Mark Kevin Hennig, Michael James McIver
  • Publication number: 20120001746
    Abstract: A charge control apparatus includes a main control unit and a power source control unit. The main control unit acquires time-divided temperature information, which corresponds to a predetermined period covering the present time, based on present time information and the time-divided temperature information indicating a location temperature of a backup battery in each predetermined period. The main control unit determines a charge/discharge amount of the backup battery based on the time-divided temperature information and a residual charge amount of the backup battery. The power source control unit controls the backup battery by charging and discharging in accordance with the determined charge/discharge amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20110267186
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for detecting an occupant in a vehicle. Successive images from an infrared camera are analyzed to detect thermal characteristics of an occupant as well as movement. If an operator of the vehicle has exited the vehicle, the vehicle is deactivated, an occupant is detected, and a temperature in the cabin of the vehicle is higher or lower than desired, a report is made to the operator via a mobile phone or key fob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Mark A. Cuddihy, Tai Luu
  • Patent number: 8044784
    Abstract: A sun protection system for a transportation vehicle has plurality of LCD zones laminated into one or more glazings of the vehicle. An occupant sensor detects an expanse of at least one occupant in the vehicle. A navigation system determines a vehicle location, a date and time value, and a heading. External and internal temperature sensors sense outside and inside temperatures. A controller generates respective drive signals for the respective LCD zones in a manual mode and in an automatic mode. The controller compares a temperature difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature to a temperature threshold. The respective drive signals provide substantially zero attenuation if the temperature difference is less than the temperature threshold while in the automatic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Y. Ghannam, Howard E. Churchwell, Todd N. Clark, John W. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8041470
    Abstract: An outside air temperature of a vehicle is detected, an operating time of a fan is set in accordance with the detected outside air temperature based on a fan operating time map, and an idle speed increase time is set in accordance with the an operating time based on an idle speed increase time map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahide Kyuma
  • Patent number: 8035501
    Abstract: A tire monitoring system in or for a vehicle for determining tire-specific parameters has a distributed bus architecture. At least one intelligent receiving device is configured to receive transmit signals of a wheel electronic system. The receiving device has a signal processing device that carries out an evaluation of the received transmit signals and/or an evaluation of received signals of another subscriber of the bus architecture. The invention also relates to methods for operating the intelligent receiving devices of a distributed bus architecture of the novel tire monitoring or tire pressure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: VDO Automotive AG
    Inventors: Alexander Fink, Frank Fischer, Gregor Kuchler
  • Patent number: 8022820
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Patent number: 8013725
    Abstract: Pneumatic pressure monitoring units that measure pneumatic pressures of respective tires and that transmit results of the measurements of the pneumatic pressures from respective antennas by the use of radio signals are provided at the tires, respectively. A communication unit including a beam controller arranged to selectively direct reception beams towards the respective tires is provided at substantially the center near the bottom surface of a vehicle. The antennas of the respective pneumatic pressure monitoring units are constructed so that directivity patterns of transmission beams are directed towards the inside in axle directions of the tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneo Murata, Yuki Yamagata
  • Publication number: 20110199203
    Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature sensing light-emitting device, applicable for use in electronic devices, and is structured from a temperature sensing element, a processing unit, a display element, and a voice unit. The temperature sensing element is used to sense the temperature of the area under measurement, after which the electrically connected processing unit determines the measured temperature. The present invention is characterized in that the processing unit is connected to the display element, thereby enabling the measured temperature to be visually displayed for the user; and the temperature sensing element is used to sense the temperature of the area under measurement after which the processing unit determines the temperature range of the area under measurement to adjust the display element to display different color lights, thereby enabling the user to easily determine the temperature of the area under measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Chia-Ho Hsu
  • Publication number: 20110163866
    Abstract: A sun protection system for a transportation vehicle has plurality of LCD zones laminated into one or more glazings of the vehicle. An occupant sensor detects an expanse of at least one occupant in the vehicle. A navigation system determines a vehicle location, a date and time value, and a heading. External and internal temperature sensors sense outside and inside temperatures. A controller generates respective drive signals for the respective LCD zones in a manual mode and in an automatic mode. The controller compares a temperature difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature to a temperature threshold. The respective drive signals provide substantially zero attenuation if the temperature difference is less than the temperature threshold while in the automatic mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Y. Ghannam, Howard E. Churchwell, Todd N. Clark, John W. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7973654
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting impending failure of a component of a disc cutterhead of a cutterbar of a plant cutting machine, the components will generate at least one indicator of an impending failure thereof, utilizing a plurality of sensors distributed among the cutterheads, each of the sensors being configured and operable for sensing at least one of the indicators of impending failure and outputting signals representative thereof to a controller automatically operable for processing the signals, to enable identifying an individual location or one of the cutterheads in which an impending failure of one or more of the components is present, and outputting a signal representative thereof to a warning device. The indicators can include, but are not limited to, temperature, sound, and vibration. The controller is also operable for determining comparative threshold values for the indicators, to adapt to changing conditions and norms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Ehrhart, Luke J. Harris
  • Patent number: 7928837
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that includes a GPS receiver and connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector. The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module includes a display computer including a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions for display on a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer. The display module collects information from the GPS receiver via direct electrical communication and/or vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Patent number: 7902969
    Abstract: A control system is employed in a vehicle to assist a user to operate the vehicle effectively and safely. In accordance with the invention, the system provides driving assistance to the user by taking into account the user's physical condition, the vehicle condition and the surrounding conditions. The surrounding conditions include, e.g., road, weather and traffic conditions, external to the vehicle. The vehicle condition concerns the conditions of the brakes, steering, tires, radiator, etc. of the vehicle. Signs of fatigue, stress and illness of the user are monitored by the control system to assess the user's physical condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Obradovich
  • Publication number: 20100327070
    Abstract: A touch-sensitive interface (7) for a heating and/or air-conditioning device (9) of a motor vehicle (5) includes at least one heat-sensitive wall (11a, 11b) accessible to the fingers (13a, 13b) of a user and designed to be heated and/or cooled by a heating and/or cooling element (15) arranged behind this wall (11a, 11b) so that, upon contact with the wall, the user has a feeling of hot or cold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventor: Christian Bouchard
  • Patent number: 7839270
    Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system which may easily identify information transmitted from each of detecting devices without registration of identification information of the detecting devices and a transponder thereof are provided. A display is disposed in a distal end of the transponders all connected in series through a cable. Each of the detecting devices detects conditions in a predetermined portion of a vehicle and transmits vehicle information including measurement results, its own identification information and the number of transmissions. Each of the transponders determines whether the vehicle information transmitted from the detecting devices is received or not based on the identification information of the detecting devices registered in advance, and transmits the vehicle information to the transponder connected to the transmitting side or the display, when it determines that the vehicle information is to be received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Shimura
  • Patent number: 7786886
    Abstract: A display system for a steering wheel includes: a vehicle information acquiring unit for acquiring vehicle information; an irradiation unit mounted to the steering column such that the irradiation unit is stationary during rotation of the steering wheel; a display device mounted to the steering wheel; and a display controller for controlling display content based on the vehicle information. A method includes: acquiring vehicle information; detecting a steering direction and/or a steering amount of the steering wheel; calculating a display range and/or a display speed to be displayed based on the steering information; controlling display content, based on information acquired by the vehicle information acquiring unit and a result calculated by the display portion calculating unit; and displaying the steering direction, the steering amount, and/or the steering time at a position on the steering wheel that is stationary during rotation of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai-Kia Motor Japan R & D Center Inc.
    Inventors: Shuji Maruyama, Tomotaka Kurozu
  • Patent number: 7786851
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Publication number: 20100141418
    Abstract: A configurable sign includes a mounting mechanism that connects the configurable sign to a vehicle, a display, a memory to store a plurality of instructions, and a processor to execute instructions in the memory. The processor executes instructions in the memory to receive configured sign information from one of a user device or a server, configure one of text, graphics, video, or audio, associated with the display, based on the configured sign information, and display, via the display, the configured text, graphics, video, or audio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: VERIZON BUSINESS NETWORK SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: John R. FEROLDI
  • Patent number: 7705722
    Abstract: An active body ventilation system which is dynamically responsive to vehicle status parameters, including for example the door open/closed status and the HVAC system status. An active ventilation unit is attached with a body wall which includes a portal housing defining a portal, a portal cover and a portal cover actuator for selectively adjusting the portal cover to thereby increase or decrease the unobstructed size of the opening of the portal. The active ventilation unit is interfaced electronically to various sensors of the motor vehicle, in which programming of an electronic control module determines optimum positioning of the portal covering via selective actuation of the portal cover actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Shoemaker, Warren J. Miedinger, Andrew J. Novajovsky, Douglas V. Melonson, Heather A. Cochran
  • Patent number: 7668686
    Abstract: A method of controlling an initial external temperature display in a vehicle may include comparing an ignition-off time with a first threshold and displaying a current reading from an outside ambient temperature sensor when the ignition-off time equals or exceeds the first threshold. The method further includes comparing at least one secondary condition with at least one secondary parameter when the ignition-off time falls below the first threshold and selecting and displaying a reading based on the comparison of the at least one secondary condition with the at least one secondary parameter. This comparison can include comparing a previous ignition-on time with a second threshold and comparing a sum of the ignition-off time and a stored amount with a third threshold when the previous ignition-on time equals or falls below the second threshold. Alternatively, this comparison can include comparing an engine water temperature with a temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Conte, Akira Oga, Robert Wunsche
  • Patent number: 7656282
    Abstract: A tire inflation pressure detecting apparatus includes a second transceiver provided on the body of a vehicle which changes its operation alternately between a second transmitter and a second receiver mode, thereby intermittently transmitting a radio wave. A first transceiver provided on a wheel of the vehicle operates in a first receiver mode to receive the radio wave, thereby charging a charging unit. When the charging unit has been sufficiently charged, the first transceiver changes operation thereof from the first receiver mode to a first transmitter mode, in which the first transceiver first repeatedly transmits an informing signal at predetermined time intervals for a predetermined time period and then transmits a pressure signal. When the informing signal is received by the second transceiver in the second receiver mode, the second transceiver keeps its operation in the second receiver mode until the pressure signal is completely received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Saitou, Akira Takaoka, Nobuya Watabe, Hideki Saito, Tomohiro Kuno
  • Publication number: 20100019893
    Abstract: To display a temperature value in a passenger compartment (5), it is proposed to use a luminous pointer that is moved along a row of modules (7a, 7b . . . ) that are on or off. Values (9a, 9b . . . ) of this temperature are also marked on the panel (3), along this row. Depending on the temperature to be displayed, the pointer will be moved with a single module on for a first type of temperature values and two adjacent luminous modules on for a second type of temperature values that are intermediate between two successive values of the first type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventor: Christian Bouchard
  • Patent number: 7652562
    Abstract: A temperature warning system for a heavy-duty vehicle, having at least one axle formed with an inner diameter. The axle includes a pair of spindle ends, and a wheel end assembly rotatably mounted on each spindle end. A thermal switch is disposed in the inner diameter of at least one of the axle spindle ends. The switch is electrically connected to a control module to form a closed electrical circuit, and the control module is electrically connected to an indicator device. When the temperature of the switch reaches a predetermined minimum temperature, such as from undesirable increased temperature in the axle spindle end and/or the wheel end assembly, the switch opens, breaking the closed electrical circuit, and causing the control module to activate the indicator device. The indicator device is viewable by the vehicle operator during its operation, thus warning the operator of the undesirable high temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jay D. White, Richard R. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20100013619
    Abstract: A sensor module is provided for use in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a circuit board, at least one passenger compartment temperature sensor, and at least one solar irradiation detection sensor. The sensor module further includes, but is not limited to at least one ambient light detection sensor and at least one content theft deterrent device. A motor vehicle is also provided with such a sensor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Claes ZIMMER
  • Patent number: 7636046
    Abstract: A wireless tracking system and method for real-time location tracking of an extreme-temperature sterilizable object is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to the extreme-temperature sterilizable object which includes a housing, a processor, a temperature sensor and a transceiver. If an internal temperature of the tag is detected by the temperature sensor, the tag enters a sleep mode. The temperature sensor periodically activates to determine if the internal temperature of the tag is within an acceptable operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Awarepoint Corporation
    Inventors: Dyami Caliri, Derek Smith
  • Patent number: 7629562
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement is provided that includes at least one sun sensor in a motor vehicle, wherein the sun sensor is used in the region of the outside surface of the motor vehicle, and the sun sensor is mounted in the area of at least one exterior mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: PRKH GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kuechler
  • Publication number: 20090284362
    Abstract: A temperature warning system for a vehicle includes a thermal plug disposed on the wheel end assembly of the vehicle. The thermal plug is in fluid communication with an air supply and with a flow sensor. The flow sensor is operatively connected to a warning light or indicator. Excessive heat in the axle spindle end and/or the wheel end assembly causes a fusible material in the thermal plug to melt allowing air to flow from the air supply through the thermal plug thus activating the flow sensor. The flow sensor in turn activates the warning light or indicator alerting the driver of the vehicle of a problem condition at the wheel end assembly and/or axle spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: HENDRICKSON USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Matt J. Wilson, Matthew VanMeter, Santo Padula, Jesse W. Cervantez
  • Publication number: 20090237227
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting impending failure of a component of a disc cutterhead of a cutterbar of a plant cutting machine, the components will generate at least one indicator of an impending failure thereof, utilizing a plurality of sensors distributed among the cutterheads, each of the sensors being configured and operable for sensing at least one of the indicators of impending failure and outputting signals representative thereof to a controller automatically operable for processing the signals, to enable identifying an individual location or one of the cutterheads in which an impending failure of one or more of the components is present, and outputting a signal representative thereof to a warning device. The indicators can include, but are not limited to, temperature, sound, and vibration. The controller is also operable for determining comparative threshold values for the indicators, to adapt to changing conditions and norms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Philip J. Ehrhart, Luke J Harris
  • Patent number: 7573391
    Abstract: A temperature sensing system (100) for use with a variable reluctance sensor such as found in vehicle wheel bearing applications, which utilizes existing sensors (12) such as the antilock braking system or traction control system sensors as a direct current resistive temperature gauge. The temperature sensing system (100) includes electrical components (R4, C1) configured to separate the DC voltage (VDC(t)) representative of sensor temperature from the original magnetically induced AC voltage output signal (VSN1(t)) representative of the rotation such as vehicle wheel speed, thereby permitting the temperature sensing system (100) to be retrofitted and installed in vehicles or other components without significant alteration to an existing wiring harness or electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Christian Adam
  • Patent number: 7551069
    Abstract: A vehicle tyre data monitoring system has a wheel mounted sensor means that is adapted to transmit one or more of pressure, temperature, angular velocity, and force vector data for a tyre as a digital serial datagram through a two-wire communication channel to a chassis mounted reader means. The communication channel is adapted to simultaneously supply power to the sensor means and receive the data for processing and subsequent display to a user of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Phillip Albert Cohen
  • Patent number: 7538662
    Abstract: A programmable vehicle gauge generates and presents display information in accordance with a user modifiable gauge processing configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, data from one or more digital sensor systems is extracted from a digital sensor signal in accordance with a user modifiable data extraction configuration, the extracted data is processed in accordance with a user modifiable display information generation configuration to generate the display information and a user modifiable presentation configuration defines how the display information is presented through an output device. In accordance with the user modifiable presentation configuration, a controller generates control signals to activate visual display devices in a particular format to present the display information generated from the extracted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Innovate! Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus K. Allmendinger
  • Patent number: 7528708
    Abstract: A variation detection device has a processor, an AD converter converting a signal voltage output from a sensor to generate an AD converted value and outputting the AD converted value to the processor, a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the sensor, and a memory storing a table which indicates a relationship between temperatures and initial values. When receiving the AD converted value, the processor identifies a temperature of the sensor based on an output of the temperature sensor, reads out an initial value corresponding to the identified temperature from the table, and calculates a variation between the initial value and the AD converted value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Saitou, Yoichi Takahashi, Tomotake Ooba, Keiichi Iwazumi, Fujio Higuchi, Keiko Kobayashi