Abstract: Preferably, an embodiment of a tire inflation system includes at least an axle housing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap, and a lubrication trap axially aligned with the axle, supporting the rotary union and secured to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap for rotation with the hubcap. In another embodiment, a tire inflation system includes at least an axle housing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap, and a bushing axially aligned with the axle and disposed between the rotary union and the hubcap.

Abstract: A magnetic pressure sensing device for rotatably moving parts, of the type including at least one magnetic field source element associated with the rotatably moving part and a magnetic field sensing element associated to a fixed part to measure parameters of a magnetic field determined by the magnetic field source element, the parameters of the magnetic field being a function of the pressure applied to the rotatably moving part. The magnetic field source element includes a device for rotating around at least one axis the direction of the magnetic field as a function of the pressure applied to the rotatably moving part.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein may relate to energy harvesting piezoelectric modules as may be used, for example, in power supplies for tire pressure monitoring systems.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a tire is in rotation is provided. A measured acceleration is compared to a first threshold after a first timer indicates that a first period has lapsed, and indication that the tire is in rotation is provided if at least one of the measured accelerations is greater than the first threshold. If an absolute difference between consecutive measured accelerations is greater than a second threshold, an indication that the tire is in rotation is also provided. Additionally, the second timer is started if the absolute difference is greater than the second threshold and if a second timer is not running, and indication that the tire is rotating is provided if the absolute difference is less than a predetermined threshold and if the second timer is running.

Abstract: A method includes forming multiple trenches in a first wafer, forming a sensor structure on a first surface of a second wafer, and bonding the first wafer and the second wafer. The method also includes etching a second surface of the second wafer to form a sensor diaphragm in the second wafer. The method further includes removing a portion of the first wafer by cutting the first wafer in multiple areas of the first wafer associated with the trenches. A sensor includes a substrate and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator on a first surface of the substrate. The sensor also includes a bonding pad electrically coupled to the SAW resonator and a notch formed in a second surface of the substrate. The sensor further includes a cover separated from the first surface of the substrate by a spacer. The SAW resonator is located between the cover and the substrate.

Abstract: A wheel for vehicles includes a rim, a tyre mounted on the rim, and at least one device for energy generation operatively associated with the tyre. The device for energy generation includes a first element that is fixed relative to the rim or to the tyre, and a second element mounted on the first element and free to rotate relative to the first element around a predetermined rotation axis. The second element has a mass centre eccentric to the predetermined rotation axis. The device for energy generation further includes an electric generator having a stator mounted on the first element and a rotor mounted on the second element.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge includes a housing, a tire pressure detection unit, an air valve, and at least two limit members. The housing has a lateral side and a chamber. The tire pressure detection unit is mounted in the chamber. The air valve is mounted to the housing, extending out of the chamber from the lateral side of the housing. The at least two limit members are mounted to the lateral side of the housing and located bilaterally at the air valve, each having an end surface to which the air valve is perpendicular. Accordingly, when the tire passes through the rough roadbed to be violently shocked or impacted, the tire pressure gauge of the present invention remains in original position because of positioning efficacy of the two limit members.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system of the present invention includes wireless sensor units (4A, 4B) and a sensor signal receiving unit (5). The sensor units (4A, 4B) have sensors (6A, 6B), an electric power receiver (8A, 8B) for securing the electric power from an electromagnetic wave of a power feeding frequency f1 through a tuning circuit and a detecting and rectifying circuit, and sensor signal transmitters (9A, 9B) for transmitting the signals outputted from the sensors as a wireless sensor signal of the electromagnetic wave of unique frequencies f2 and f3 different from the power feeding frequency f1. The sensor signal receiving unit (5) has an electric power transmitter (12) for transmitting the electromagnetic wave of the power feeding frequency f1 to the units (4A, 4B) and a sensor signal receiver (13) for receiving wireless the sensor signals of the respective frequencies f2 and f3 transmitted from the units (4A, 4B).

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.

Abstract: A tire pressure detecting valve stem has a case, a body and a tire pressure detector. The case is rectangular and has an inner surface. The body is a valve stem and is integrally and transversely mounted on the case and has an inner section and a center pin. The inner section is integrally mounted in the case. The center pin is conductive, is coaxially mounted in the inner section and protrudes from the inner surface of the case. The tire pressure detector corresponds to and is mounted on the inner surface and is electronically connected to the center pin. Because the case is integrally and compactly mounted on the inner section of the body, the case will be mounted on and stay close to a rim when the body is mounted through the rim.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.

Abstract: A spare tire pressure monitoring system includes a detection mechanism releasably connectable to the valve stem of a spare tire and includes a sensing device for measuring the actual air pressure contained in the spare tire, a selection mechanism for selecting an air pressure desired to be contained in the spare tire, and a transmitter unit for transmitting signals corresponding to the actual air pressure and the desired air pressure; a monitoring unit having a control mechanism, a receiving unit for receiving the signals from the transmitter unit, a display unit for displaying the desired air pressure, a discriminator mechanism for determining the difference between the desired air pressure and the actual air pressure, and an alerting mechanism that is activated when the difference between the desired air pressure and the actual air pressure varies from certain predetermined magnitudes; and an energy source.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting the type of tire are disclosed, in particular in an indirectly measuring tire pressure monitoring system, which detects tire inflation pressure loss from the wheel rotational behavior. At least one modified vehicle tire is used, which incites specific patterns related to tire properties in the wheel rotational speed signal, and information about the tire is acquired by evaluation of the wheel rotational speed information.

Abstract: A method for estimating accurately and stably the change of forces exerted on the tire or change of contact condition with the ground of the tire and an apparatus for putting it in operation.

Abstract: A tire sensor that communicates to a remote interrogator in one of two modes depending on the nature of the interrogation. The interrogator may be distributed throughout a vehicle if needed for design options. Further, the interrogator only interrogates the transponder when the interrogator has reason to believe that the transponder is in range of the interrogator. The interrogator and transponder may be configured to operate in different modes for communication during operation of the tire on a vehicle and during non-operation. The transponder may communicate tire condition information to the interrogator concerning environmental or other information sensed about the tire.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to systems, methods, and apparatuses for detecting tire deformation. In one embodiment, a tire deformation detection system comprises a deformation detection structure, a transmitter, and receiver. The deformation detection structure can be mounted in a tire and configured to detect mechanical deformation of the tire. The transmitter can be configured to transmit data related to the mechanical deformation. The receiver can be configured to receive the data.

Abstract: A group for measuring physical parameters relating to a state of a tire, comprising: an internal panel comprising at least a sensor, means for fixing for removably connecting the internal panel to a groove of a rim. The means for fixing comprise: a support element, solidly associable to the rim, and means for connecting predisposed to realize a reversible elastic coupling between the support element and the internal panel.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring the tire condition in a vehicle, the vertical acceleration is measured at one axle of the vehicle, a reference stiffness value is determined from the vertical acceleration, and a tire pressure is assigned to the reference stiffness value. In the case of a detected tire pressure loss, the tire pressure is assigned to the tire of the wheel having the pressure loss.

Abstract: Method of allowing control of a vehicle provided with at least two wheels in case of puncture of a tire, each wheel having a rim and a tire associated therewith, including the steps of inflating each tire to an operating pressure at a reference temperature; admitting a fluid compressed to a first pressure higher than the operating pressure of the tire at the reference temperature into at least one tank associated with at least one of the rims; bringing the tire into communication with the tank when the inner pressure of the tire is lower than the operating pressure by a predetermined first threshold value; measuring the inner pressure of the tire with a predetermined frequency; calculating a variation of the inner pressure in the time unit; generating an alarm signal when the variation of the inner pressure corresponds to a reduction and is higher than a predetermined value; and transmitting the alarm signal to the driver.

Abstract: A tire inflation system of a motor vehicle comprises a compression device, a pressure accumulator from which inflation lines lead via an inflation valve and control lines lead via a control valve to a wheel valve, and the tire inflation system has a control device. A method for operating the tire inflation system carries out the following steps in a cyclically repeating sequence: (1) acquisition of a set point tire pressure from operating variables, (2) comparison with the actual tire pressure last measured, (3) supply of air or extraction of air during a specific time period without accompanying pressure measurement, and (4) measurement of the pressure in the inflation line and comparison with the set point value. The system has a pressure sensor in the inflation line on the wheel side of the inflation valve, and each inflation valve is connected to a relief valve via a relief line, wherein the relief lines are connected to one another upstream of the relief valve.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sensor malfunction determination unit 207 detects the pressure value corresponding to a signal outputted by a pressure sensor 101 capable of measuring the internal pressure of a pneumatic tire 10. When the detected pressure value is decreasing along the time axis, the sensor malfunction determination unit 207 determines that the pressure sensor 101 is not malfunctioning.

Abstract: A method of detecting a rapid leak of gas contained in an automobile tire based on periodic measurements of a pressure Pa and a temperature Ta of the gas. The method includes determining a reference pressure Pcref, calculating an alarm threshold pressure Sref from the reference pressure Pcref, calculating a temperature-compensated pressure Pc at each measurement acquisition period, and comparing the compensated pressure Pc with the alarm threshold pressure Sref, wherein the leak is detected if the compensated pressure Pc is less than the alarm threshold pressure Sref.

Abstract: A tire pressure warning assembly includes a tire valve with a switch received therein, which had a conductive member, a movable member and a biasing member. The movable member is located at a distance from the conductive member and one end of the movable member is exposed to the air in the valve and the other end of the movable member is in contact with the biasing member, which exerts a force to the movable member. The tire pressure compresses the biasing member. When the tire pressure is less than the biasing force of the biasing member, the biasing member pushes the movable member to contact the conductive member to form a circuit so that the warning device sends a signal to the driver.

Abstract: System for obtaining information about a vehicle or a component therein includes sensors arranged to generate and transmit a signal upon receipt and detection of a radio frequency (RF) signal and a multi-element, switchable directional antenna array. Each antenna element is directed toward a respective sensor and transmitter RF signals toward that sensor and receive return signals therefrom. A control mechanism controls transmission of the RF signals from the antenna elements, e.g., causes the antenna elements to be alternately switched on in order to sequentially transmit the RF signals and receive the return signals from the sensors or cause the antenna elements to transmit the RF signals simultaneously and space the return signals from the sensors via a delay line in circuitry from each antenna element such that each return signal is spaced in time in a known manner without requiring switching of the antenna elements.

Abstract: A tire-information administration system includes a plurality of sensor modules installed in tires; at least one reception module configured to receive data from the sensor modules; and a central control module configured to command the reception module to acquire data from the sensor modules. The central control module includes a predetermined number of connection ports for the reception module, assigned in advance to each sensor modules; and a specifically configured control means.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure in a high acceleration environment. The sensor has a non-planar membrane between fluid at a reference pressure and fluid at the pressure to be sensed, such that the non-planar membrane deflects due to pressure differentials between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure. The deflection is converted into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure by associated circuitry. By keeping the area of the membrane exposed to the fluid in the chamber to less than 0.1 grams, the acceleration forces have minimal affect on the amount that membrane flexes.

Abstract: A dock has a cradle and at least one port for recharging and communicating with a tire pressure monitoring tool. The dock recognizes that the tool is inserted into the dock; evaluates the programming in the memory; compares the programming in the memory against programming stored in a computer; determines whether the programming in the memory is older than the programming stored in the computer; and if the programming in the memory is older than the programming in the computer, then loads the programming from the computer into the memory.

Abstract: An electronic vehicle tester includes a battery tester configured to measure a parameter of a battery of a vehicle. A tire tester is configured to receive a parameter of a tire of the vehicle. A wireless receiver can be configured to receive pressure information from a transmitter associated with a tire of a vehicle.

Abstract: A transmitter module has a sensor module that includes a plurality of sensors and operates intermittently, a signal processor module that permits transmission of an output of the sensor module to a receiver module at given permission timings, a radio transmission module that wirelessly transmits data when the transmission is permitted, and a power source that supplies power to each module. The signal processor module has a microcomputer and an interval timer that outputs a first timing signal when a count value corresponds to a set value. The microcomputer is activated by the first timing signal and changes the set value in a compare register according to a vehicle operation state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for determining an end stage of lifetime of a run-flat tire under a run-flat state. The method includes the step S1 of monitoring the tire internal pressure on a vehicle equipped with a run-flat tire system comprising run-flat tires and tire information transmitter to determine that the tire starts running under a run-flat state when the tire internal pressure becomes lower than a given internal pressure, the step S2 of measuring the temperature of the tire during running at the run-flat state, the step S3 of calculating a rate of change in temperature per unit time based on the measured temperature value of the tire, and the step S4 of comparing the rate of change with a given negative threshold to determine that the run-flat tire is in an end stage of lifetime under a run-flat state when the rate of change in temperature is smaller than the given threshold.

Abstract: A tire monitor for mounting to a vehicle as part of a remote tire monitoring system includes a tire condition sensor to produce a tire condition signal, a controller coupled to the tire condition sensor to control operation of the tire monitor, and a radio circuit coupled to the controller to transmit radio signals based at least in part on the tire condition signal. A shock sensor is coupled to the controller of the tire monitor to produce a motion signal indicating motion of the tire monitor.

Abstract: A transmitter in an apparatus for monitoring a condition of a tire of a vehicle includes a circuit portion and a casing that accommodates the circuit portion. The casing has a first pressure transmitting portion that transmits the pressure in the tire to the circuit portion so that the circuit portion can detect the pressure in the tire. The pressure transmitted to the circuit portion through the first pressure transmitting portion produces force that presses the circuit portion. The casing further has a second pressure transmitting portion that transmits the pressure in the tire to the circuit portion to apply force that acts against the pressing force to the circuit portion. Therefore, the transmitter prevents a substrate from flexing.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a tire deformation of a vehicle tire includes a tire pressure sensor for sensing a tire pressure, a signal processor configured to provide a signal indicating the tire deformation based on a difference between the tire pressure at a first time and the tire pressure at a second time. What is achieved thereby is that a tire deformation may efficiently be sensed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to regulate the inflation of objects. To start inflation, the apparatus couples a fluid source to the object via a plenum. Concurrent with inflation, the apparatus substantially continuously measures pressure within the plenum using a sensor sufficiently proximate the object such that pressure measured by the sensor is substantially similar to pressure within the object. When measured pressure exceeds a target pressure by a prescribed margin, the apparatus stops inflating. While inflation is stopped, the apparatus reads pressure measured by the sensor and deflates the object as needed to reduce measured pressure to the target pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire pressure monitoring device for a motor vehicle. A tire pressure monitoring system with direct measurement includes a transmission device for transmitting tire pressure values determined by pressure sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system with indirect measurement that operates on the basis of wheel speed sensors. The tire pressure monitoring system with direct measurement includes a tire pressure measuring device for measuring a tire pressure value only on each wheel of a driven vehicle axle and on at most one wheel of a non-driven axle. The tire pressure monitoring system with indirect measurement includes wheel speed sensors on the non-driven vehicle axle.

Abstract: A valve device includes a metal tube fixed to a tire rim of a vehicle. A valve is mounted in an end of an air passageway of the metal tube. A transmitter includes two switches respectively connected to two contact members fixed on the metal tube. A Bourdon tube includes a fixed end in communication with the air passageway of the metal tube and a movable end. When a tire pressure of the tire is in a normal range, the movable end of the Bourdon tube is between the contact members, leading to an open circuit. When the tire pressure is too high or too low, the movable end of the Bourdon tube is in contact with one of the contact members. One of the switches is turned on to activate the transmitter to send a signal for reminding the driver of the abnormal tire pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle tire pressure monitoring system and method is provided, the system including a tire pressure transducer affixed to either the tire or wheel of a vehicle. An electromagnet system is in electrical communication with the tire pressure transducer, the electromagnet system configured to generate pulses and transfer a single bit of data to a sensor system on the vehicle body upon each revolution of the tire or wheel. The sensor system in turn transfers the received bits to an electronic control unit wherein the code is converted into a read out for the vehicle operator. One or more bits within the code may be redundant checking bits or bits representing the status of the pressure transducer or electromagnet system.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a tire pressure sensor assembly that includes a battery and a printed circuit board (PCB) configured with electronics to measure tire pressure and to transmit an electromagnetic signal related to the measured tire pressure. The PCB and battery are contained in a housing that allows the PCB and the battery to be angularly oriented with respect to each other. Such orientation permits the sensor to conform to the curved surface of the rim. An embodiment of the disclosed tire pressure sensor assembly is adapted to fasten to a valve stem via a metal terminal. The attachment configuration permits the valve stem assembly to deform as the valve stem is installed in a rim and also allows the valve stem to function as a portion of the antenna structure to facilitate transmitting the RF signal to a receiver.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge includes a casing, conduits and a pressure indicator. The conduits are in fluid communication with one another, and are connectable to respective valves of tires of a vehicle. The pressure indicator is operable to provide an indication that is indicative of the pressure in at least one of the tires of the vehicle when at least one of conduits is interconnected with at least one valve of the tires. The tire pressure gauge may include an illumination source operable to automatically illuminate the pressure indicator in response to at least one triggering event that is indicative of the tire pressure gauge being interconnected with the valves of the vehicle tires. The tire pressure gauge may include an inlet port for connecting the tire pressure gauge and conduits to a pressurized supply line for inflating the tires.

Abstract: A tire inflation system includes an air supply source in selective fluid communication with a tire via a pneumatic conduit. A method of inflating the system includes providing a tire pressure retention valve in the pneumatic conduit adjacent to the tire. An inflation pressure of the tire is determined with a step-up procedure, in which air bursts are communicated from the air supply source to a portion of the pneumatic conduit between the air supply source and the tire pressure retention valve. The volume of at least one selected communicated air burst is related to a volume of a section of the conduit. The tire is inflated with an extended-pulse procedure, in which extended bursts of air are communicated from the air supply source to the tire. A shut-down sequence is performed once a predetermined target inflation pressure in the tire is reached.

Abstract: Wheel assembly identification indicating members and first communication devices are respectively mounted to wheel assemblies mounted to a vehicle body. The indicating members have characteristic appearances, which are different among the wheel assemblies and which make the respective wheel assemblies identifiable in external appearance. The first communication devices transmit by wireless transmission pieces of wheel assembly information on the respective wheel assemblies as well as pieces of identification information held by the respective first communication devices. A second communication device provide on the vehicle body side receives the pieces of wheel assembly information and the pieces of identification information and specifies the respective wheel assemblies from which the pieces of wheel assembly information are transmitted, by referring to a correlation between prestored piece of information on characteristic appearances of the indicating members and the pieces of identification information.

Abstract: A wireless transmission method for tire detection signals increases the percentage of successfully received tire detection signals received by the receiving unit and extends the usage life of batteries. A delay time for emitting the tire detection signals via the detection unit is calculated according to the acceleration of the tire. The operation time for one rotation of the tire is divided into several equal periods. Then, the tire detection signals are emitted to the receiving unit via a wireless transmission method.

Abstract: A pressure detection sensor for detecting a tire internal air pressure and a wheel side communication device for transmitting a detection result of the pressure detection sensor using a preset transmission mode are provided on each wheel. The detection result from the pressure detection sensor is transmitted to an ECU via a vehicle body side communication device provided on a vehicle body. The ECU is able to notify a transmission mode determination device provided on each wheel that adjustment of the tire internal air pressure is being performed by manipulating a state of the tire internal air pressure. The transmission mode determination device determines a transmission mode to be used by the wheel side communication device such that a transmission frequency of a notification related to the occurrence of an abnormality of the wheel is reduced while adjustment of the tire internal air pressure is being performed.

Abstract: A tire air pressure monitoring system is provided with at least one trailer-use receiving unit, which is mounted at a rear end of a tractor head to receive radio wave sent by multiple tire air pressure sending units. The tire air pressure sending units are respectively attached to wheels of a trailer. The trailer-use receiving unit, having a directional antenna, is oriented to have a stronger receiving sensitivity with respect to a direction of the trailer than other directions.

Abstract: A handheld tire pressure gauge including: a display; a pressure sensor; a memory; a processor being operatively coupled to the display, pressure sensor and memory; and, code being stored in the memory and operable by the processor to: retrieve at least one value indicative of a target tire pressure from the memory, determine a pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, and, cause the display to present information indicative of the target tire pressure and sensed pressure.

Abstract: A gauge is provided for monitoring pressure of air or other gases within a tire or other gas containing chamber. A gauge includes a receiver attachable to a valve stem of the tire. A valve core is also provided on the gauge through which fill air can be directed. In this way, the gauge does not need to be removed during filling of the tire with air. A pathway extends from the valve core to the receiver within the gauge. A pressure sensor, such as a Bourdon tube, is coupled to this pathway and monitors pressure within the tire. A sensor protector is located within the path and adjacent the Bourdon tube or other pressure sensor to protect the Bourdon tube or other pressure sensor from over-pressure air or other gases that could damage the Bourdon tube or other pressure sensor.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a tire pressure sensing system. The tire pressure sensing system includes a pressure sensor placed on a wheel to sense pressure of a tire which is mounted on the wheel. The wheel is a cast wheel for a vehicle including a rim portion where the tire is mounted, a hub portion provided at the center of the rim portion, and spoke portions connecting the rim portion and the hub portion. The pressure sensor is placed in a boundary portion between the rim portion and the spoke portions. Since the pressure sensor is placed in the boundary portion between the rim portion and the spoke portions, a portion protruding into the tire when replacing a tire can be reduced. Consequently, workability for tire replacement can be improved.

Abstract: A wheel sensor communication system (10) includes a primary coil (30) and a secondary coil (32), which operate as an electromagnetic transformer which is uncoupled mechanically but coupled electrically through a vehicle wheel assembly rotational interface. The electromagnetic transformer provides for the transfer of energy and data from a sensor (18) to a controller (14).

Abstract: To issue a warning against an improper (a lowered) air pressure in accordance with a vehicle state and driver's presence/absence, the warning system includes air pressure measuring means for measuring an air pressure of a tire of a vehicle; air pressure judging means for judging whether or not the air pressure is proper; warning issuing means for issuing, if a result of the judgment is negative, a warning; and driver on-board judging means for judging whether or not a driver is on board the vehicle; and driver detecting means for detecting whether or not the driver is in the proximity to the vehicle. If the results of the judgments by the air pressure judging means and the driver on-board judging means are negative and a result of the detection by the driver detecting means is positive, the warning issuing means issues the warning outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A tire parameter sensing system (12) for a vehicle (10) having a plurality of tires (16, 18, 20, 22) comprises a plurality of tire-based units (34, 36, 38, 40). Each tire-based unit (34, 36, 38, 40) being configured to receive initiation signals and, in response thereto, to transmit response signals (54, 56, 58, 60). A vehicle-based unit (42) receives the response signals (54, 56, 58, 60) and transmits the initiation signals (90). A plurality of signal masking devices (44, 46, 48, 50) is coupled to the vehicle-based unit (42). The signal masking devices (44, 46, 48, 50) have associated tire locations on the vehicle (10) and are actuatable for masking the initiation signals (90) near the associated tire locations. The vehicle-based unit (42) controls the signal masking devices (44, 46, 48, 50) so as to control the tire location from which a tire-based unit responds to the initiation signals (90).