Tire monitoring apparatus and method

United States Patent [19]

Bowler et al.

...

US005231872A

Patent Number: 5,231,872 [45] Date of Patent: Aug. 3, 1993

[54] [75]

TIRE MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD

[73] Assignee:

Inventors: Paul R. Bowler, Surrey, Canada;

John Mackay, South Durham,
England; Shawn D. Lammers, Delta;
Robert H. Fulton, North Delta, both
of Canada

TTC/Truck Tech Corp., Richmond,
Canada

[21] Appl. No.: 658,025

[22] Filed: Feb. 21, 1991

[51] Int. CI.* B60C 23/02

[52] U.S. CI 73/146.5; 340/445

[58] Field of Search 73/146.5, 146.8;

375/143; 116/34 R; 340/442, 445, 447, 858, 859

[56] References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

3.261,001 7/1966 Magnin 340/172.5

3,309.463 3/1967 Roedl 178/69.5

3.329,934 7/1967 Wooden 340/58

3,810,090 5/1974 Davis. Jr. et al 340/58

4,057,783 11/1977 Blanchier 340/58

4,067,235 1/1978 Markland et al 73/146.5

4,074,227 2/1978 Kalmus 340/58

4.101.872 7/1978 Pappas 340/539

4.119.944 10/1978 Smith 340/58

4,137,520 1/1979 Deveau 340/58

4,160,234 7/1979 Karbo et al 340/58

4.186.377 1/1980 Barabino 73/146.5

4.237,728 12/1980 Betts et al 73/146.5

4,263,579 4/1981 Corgan et al 340/58

4.300.118 11/1981 Matsudaetal 340/58

4,328.494 5/1982 Goodall 340/870.18

4.467,641 8/1984 Abraham 73/146.5

4.510,484 4/1985 Snyder * 340/58

4,531.112 7/1985 Thomas 340/58

4.571.588 2/1986 Lee et al 340/870.13

4,619,137 10/1986 Bott 73/146.5

4.695.823 9/1987 Vernon 340/58

4.703,650 11/1987 Dosjoub et al 73/146.5

COMPARATORS

A method and apparatus for measuring a physical quantity, property or condition and for transmitting a code representing the measured physical quantity, property or condition. The method includes the steps of developing a first signal in response to a physical quantity, property or condition, sampling the first signal to produce an instantaneous first signal value, assigning a first code to the instantaneous first signal value, and transmitting the first code for reception by a receiver. The method and apparatus are explained in connection with a vehicle tire monitoring apparatus wherein plurality of tire units measure tire pressures and temperatures and transmit values representing pressure and temperature to a central receiver located in a cab portion of the vehicle.

52 Claims, 46 Drawing Sheets

TO TX GROUND

114

15CS DUAL!

REF EQUAL