Communications: electrical – Land vehicle alarms or indicators – Internal alarm or indicator responsive to a condition of the...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-15
2001-09-18
Hofsass, Jeffery (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Land vehicle alarms or indicators
Internal alarm or indicator responsive to a condition of the...
C340S446000, C340S442000, C340S447000, C073S146200, C073S146800, C116S03400R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06292096
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a tire condition sensing apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for transmitting data in a tire condition sensing system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Numerous tire pressure monitoring systems have been developed in order to detect when the air pressure within a tire drops below a threshold pressure value. A system typically includes a pressure switch, an internal power source, and a communications link that provides the tire pressure information from a location at each vehicle tire to a central receiver, which may be mounted on the vehicle dashboard. The communications link may be a wired or wireless link.
There has been an increasing need for tire pressure monitoring systems due to the use of “run flat” tires in vehicles. The “run flat” tires enable a driver to travel an extended distance after the loss of air pressure within a vehicle tire.
As more vehicles are equipped with tire pressure sensing systems, steps must be taken to reduce the likelihood of overlapping signals from tire pressure sensing modules. Examples of tire pressure monitoring systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,176, U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,610, U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,301, U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,524, U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,671 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,993.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention provides a tire condition sensing apparatus that includes a tire condition sensor for sensing a tire condition. A transmitter transmits a data message having a plurality of data locations for accommodating data. A controller is electrically connected with the tire condition sensor and the transmitter. The controller controls the transmitter to transmit data in selected data locations of the data message based on an identification code of the apparatus.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a tire condition sensing system that includes a plurality of tire condition transmitter modules. Each of the modules has a unique identification code and includes a tire condition sensor for sensing a condition of an associated vehicle tire. Each module also includes a transmitter which, when activated, transmits a data message having a plurality of data locations for accommodating data. Each module also includes a controller electrically connected with the tire condition sensor and the transmitter of the corresponding module. The controller controls the associated transmitter to transmit tire condition data in data locations of the data message selected based on the unique identification code of the corresponding module.
Still another aspect of the present invention provides a tire condition sensing apparatus that includes a tire condition sensor for sensing a tire condition. A transmitter transmits a data message having a plurality of data locations for accommodating data. A controller is electrically connected with the tire condition sensor and the transmitter. The controller controls the transmitter to transmit tire condition data in selected data locations of the data message based on a parameter associated with the apparatus.
Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method of transmitting a data message from a tire condition module having an identification code. The method includes the steps of sensing a condition of a tire and determining random data locations of a data message based on the identification code of the tire condition module. A data message is transmitted, in which tire condition data indicative of the sensed tire condition is provided in the determined random data location of the data message.
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DeZorzi Timothy
Munch Carl A.
Wyman Daniel J.
Hofsass Jeffery
Previl Daniel
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covel, Tummino & Szabo L.L.P
TRW Inc.
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