Radio Systems Corporation

Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.a.

Michelin Recherche Et Technique

Societe Detechnologie Michelin

Patrick Allan Tyndall

Brent A Goetzl

Matthew Richardson

Frank E Gramling

Christopher E Mainini

David Alan Weston

Albert Leon Lee, Iv

George Phillips O'Brien

Jay Clifford Sinnett

Richard Alan Seltzer

Kevin A Zinn

Stephen Weybrecht

Kevin Zinn

Timothy R Tedrow

A method is described that comprises receiving a filtered signal corresponding to an acoustic event, applying one or more tests to the filtered signal in a sequence, wherein each test of the one or more tests assesses the filtered signal for the presence of one or more characteristics, the determining the presence of the one or more characteristics comprising a failure to identify the acoustic event as a first event, terminating the applying the one or more tests when a test determines the presence of the one or more characteristics, and identifying the acoustic event as the first event upon an occurrence of completing all tests of the one or more tests, the completing all tests including each test in the sequence determining the absence of the one or more characteristics.

Piezoelectric detection coupling of a bark collar

A collar unit device is described comprising a receiving cavity for receiving a metal electrode probe, wherein at least one elastomeric ring encircles the metal electrode probe, wherein the at least one elastomeric ring mechanically isolates the metal electrode probe from the receiving cavity. The device includes a piezoelectric element. The device includes a retainer component for maintaining the piezoelectric element in a secured position, wherein the secured position comprises the piezoelectric element maintaining contact with the metal electrode probe. The device includes the metal electrode probe for detecting vibrations of one or more acoustic events and transferring the vibrations to the piezoelectric element through the contact, the piezoelectric element for receiving the vibrations of one or more acoustic events, the receiving the vibrations including generating an electrical signal proportional to the frequency and magnitude of the vibrations, and at least one processor for receiving and processing the electrical signal.

A device is described comprising at least one processor, a storage component, a power source, a switch, a primary electrode, and a secondary electrode, the at least one processor for directing the power source to charge the storage component, for controlling a switch to provide an electrical pathway from the storage component to a resistive load at the earliest when the voltage reaches a first value, and for controlling the switch to disable the electrical pathway from the storage component to the resistive load. The device includes the at least one processor for directing the power source to recharge the storage component, for determining a time of recharge, wherein the time of recharge is the time required to restore the voltage to the first value, for comparing the time of recharge with time values, and for using information of the comparing to adjust the first value.

Method and apparatus for applying, monitoring, and adjusting a stimulus to a pet

A collar unit device is described comprising a receiving cavity for receiving a metal electrode probe, wherein at least one elastomeric ring encircles the metal electrode probe, wherein the at least one elastomeric ring mechanically isolates the metal electrode probe from the receiving cavity. The device includes a piezoelectric element. The device includes a grommet component for maintaining the piezoelectric element in a secured position, wherein the secured position comprises the piezoelectric element maintaining contact with the metal electrode probe. The device includes the metal electrode probe for detecting vibrations of one or more acoustic events and transferring the vibrations to the piezoelectric element through the contact, the piezoelectric element for receiving the vibrations of one or more acoustic events, the receiving the vibrations including generating an electrical signal proportional to the frequency and magnitude of the vibrations, and at least one processor for receiving and processing the electrical signal.

A bark deterrent apparatus with an internal vibration sensor. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus uses an internal mechanical vibration sensor that detects vibrations induced in the housing. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus eliminates the external probe used in conventional bark deterrent devices to pick up vibrations at the dog's throat and communicate them to a mechanical vibration sensor to be eliminated while still allowing accurate bark detection.

Bark deterrent apparatus with internal vibration sensor

Apparatus and methodology for inductively coupling tire rotations related signals to a tire electronics module associated with a tire are provided. The tire electronics module is configured to receive the tire rotation related signals through inductive transmission from a signal transmission module that includes at least a piezoelectric element and a transmitter inductor. The signal transmitter module and the tire electronics module may be physically separated from each other and may be separately or collectively encased in a protective coating.

Inductive coupling of pulses from piezoelectric device

Disclosed ia an apparatus and methodology for detecting tire () rotation by associating a piezoelectric sensor () with an enclosure housing () tire environment related sensors and electronics. The enclosure () may be mounted in a tire () in a location subject to multi-dimensional strain and a signal processor is employed to separate tire rotation information for other types of strain induced signals that may be produced by the piezoelectric sensor ().

Use of piezoelectric sensor attached to electronics package housing

A system and corresponding method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy concerns a piezoelectric power generation device associated with a power harvesting and conditioning module. The piezoelectric structure is preferably mounted within a tire structure such that electric charge is generated therein as the wheel assembly moves along a ground surface. The electrodes of the piezoelectric structure are coupled to a power harvesting and conditioning module that rectifies the resultant electric current from the piezoelectric structure, conditions and stores it in a multi-stage energy storage device, preferably a plurality of capacitors. A regulated voltage source is provided from the energy stored in the power generation device and can be used to selectively power various electronics systems integrated within a tire or wheel assembly. An example of an integrated tire electronics system for use with the disclosed power generation device corresponds to a tire monitoring system that wirelessly transmits such information as tire pressure, temperature and identification variables to a remote receiver location.

Power conversion from piezoelectric source with multi-stage storage

A self-powered tire revolution counter includes a motion sensitive power generation mechanism, a power conditioner, a pulse detector, a microcontroller, and, optionally, a radio frequency (RF) transmitting device. In one exemplary embodiment, the power generation mechanism corresponds to a piezoelectric patch that, during movement, provides both operating electrical power and pulsed signals indicative of tire rotation. The power conditioner receives a generator signal from the power generation mechanism and produces a conditioned output voltage that can be used to power associated electronic devices, including the microcontroller. The pulse detector receives the generator signal and produces a detection signal whenever the generator signal meets a predetermined condition. The microcontroller is programmed to determine current and lifetime-accumulated values of selected pulse indications in the detection signal that meet predetermined criteria. Data corresponding to tire environment related parameters such as temperature, pressure, tire deflection, and/or vehicle speed may be stored in the microcontroller at times during tire rotation as power is supplied from the power generation mechanism through the power conditioner. Additional data may be supplied to the microcontroller directly from an external source and read from the microcontroller either by direct electrical contact or via selective RF transmission.

Integrated self-powered tire revolution counter

Methodology and apparatus are disclosed for transmitting data to a tire electronics device contained in a tire. The tire electronics device includes a vibration sensor and microcontroller configured so that vibrations sensed by the vibration sensor may be analyzed to determine if the vibrations occurred according to a predetermined sequence. Detection of the predetermined sequence of vibrations may be used to trigger data transmission from the tire electronics device or may be used as an indication to the tire electronics device that it should store additional data or modify its operation in a predetermined fashion. Data may be transmitted to the tire electronics using a variety of mechanical and electromechanical devices including permanently or temporarily installed traffic lane devices or portable mechanical or electromechanical devices.

Growing community of inventors

Simpsonville, SC, United States of America

Patrick Allan Tyndall