The Goodyear & Tire Rubber Company

Prima-temp, Inc.

Phase Iv Engineering Inc.

Richard Stephen Pollack

Robert Walter Brown

Joseph Michael Letkomiller

Gene Raymond Starkey

Dale Lee Yones

John Roux Phelan

Wade Webster

Donald Lee Black

James Frank Kasic, Ii

Scott David Dalgleish

Eric Harden

Loren Fielding Hunt

Calder Daenzer

Elyse Kristen Eschbach

Robert Leon Benedict

William Frank Dunn

David Allan Johnson

Gary T Belski

Ronald M Ames

Donald E Kirkpatrick

Roy E White

Embodiments of a vaginal temperature sensing apparatus, a visually sense-able battery power-on indicator (), manufacturing with cure temperatures that protect a battery, substantially error-free, user-initiated device activation componentry () to start battery power, and a timer to automatically terminate flow of battery power. Data can, by an automatic data transform recalculator () with body temperature dips in transformed and recalculated diurnal high body temperatures, predict an ovulation event and provide an indication through a zenith based ovulation indicator (). Systems can include neural network based artificial intelligence to automatically self-improve by using historical or even other, multi user data and user input and improve its indication result.

User friendly vaginal temperature sensor system

Embodiments of a vaginal temperature sensing apparatus, a visually sense-able battery power-on indicator (), manufacturing with cure temperatures that protect a battery, substantially error-free, user-initiated device activation componentry () to start battery power, and a timer to automatically terminate flow of battery power. Data can by an automatic data transform recalculator () with body temperature dips in transformed and recalculated diurnal high body temperatures predict an ovulation event and provide an indication through a zenith based ovulation indicator (). Systems can include neural network based artificial intelligence to automatically self-improve by using historical or even other, multi user data and user input and improve its indication result.

Vaginal temperature sensing apparatus and methods

A method for using an RFID tag to retain information of an environment, such as high temperature, that is beyond the operable limits of the RFID tag. The method generally comprises providing an RFID tag that has nonvolatile RFID memory that can communicate with an RFID interrogator system. Exposing the RFID tag to a first environment (such as a high temperature) that renders the RFID tag inoperable. Collecting a first sensor value of the first environment and storing the first sensor value in nonvolatile memory accessible by the RFID interrogation system. Later, exposing the RFID tag and the sensor to a second environment that renders the RFID tag operable (such as room temperature). Wirelessly transmitting the first sensor value to the RFID tag via the RFID interrogator system while the first sensor is in the second environment, and storing the first sensor value in the nonvolatile RFID memory while the RFID tag is in the second environment.

RFID scheme in harsh environments

Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for remote sensing and/or monitoring utilizing a sensing device, such as may be implemented in a patch that can be placed on or affixed to a subject, where the sensing device includes multiple sensors. For example, one embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless human temperature skin patch providing accurate measurement of human temperature from a sensing device applied to the skin and even in the presence of differing ambient temperature. In such an embodiment, the patch can include, for example, a flexible, breathable bandage or adhesive strip or pad to affix the sensing device to a patient. The sensing device can include multiple sensors such as two or more temperature sensors that can be used to accurately determine the patient's core body temperature from the measured temperature at the skin.

Multi-sensor patch and system

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a temperature sensing device that can comprise an elastic ring structure. The temperature sensing device can further comprise a transducer device, such as a temperature sensor, and a microprocessor, memory and wireless transmitter. Such an arrangement can incorporate a passive (battery free), battery assisted or active battery powered transponder circuit with temperature measurement capability. The elastic ring structure can be forced in a spring loaded state when elastically deformed thus becoming retained when disposed in a vaginal vault. In one embodiment, an active RF receiver or an RFID reader is brought in proximity to the temperature sensing and transmitting device arrangement, such as near a woman's pelvis from the outside to read the temperature and record it in a Central Processing Unit, CPU, associated with the receiver or RFID reader, such as a portable, handheld computer or wireless device.

Wireless vaginal sensor probe

According to the invention there is in conjunction with a pneumatic tire having a central tread, one or more radially-extending belt(s) disposed radially inwardly of the tread and an innerliner disposed radially inwardly of the belt. Apparatus for mounting an electronic tag () within the tire is characterized by a patch () having a first side () for mounting against the innerliner of the tire; a second arcuately-shaped side () and an internally threaded member (); and an externally threaded member () having a portion extending from a side () of the tag and threadable into the internally threaded member of the patch.

Apparatus for monitoring a condition of a tire

An annular antenna loop is electrically coupled to a transponder. The antenna and the transponder are at least partially embedded into a non-conductive carrier strip to form a ring assembly to render the antenna and transponder package unitarily transportable. The annular assembly affixes to a tire in a post-manufacture attachment procedure and at a location that minimizes exposure of the annular apparatus to strain and to electromagnetic interference from the metallic wheel rim.

Coupled transponder and antenna system and method

An antenna comprises two elongate antenna segments () which extend from first ends ()/() connected to the antenna coupling coil in opposite directions to second ends ()/() at least partially around the inner surface of the tire. The antenna and antenna coupling coil are mounted to the inner surface of the tire, and the transponder module is attached to the antenna coupling coil in a way which positions the transponder coupling coil in close proximity and concentric to the antenna coupling coil, thereby providing effective transformer-type coupling between the transponder and the antenna.

Mounting transponders and antennas in pneumatic tires

Method and apparatus for mounting a transponder module () and a separate antenna () to an inner surface () of a pneumatic tire (), and for coupling the transponder module to the antenna by coupling coils which are included with the transponder module () and the antenna (). The transponder module mounting methods generally allow it to be inserted, removed, or accessed for maintenance at any time during the tire's life cycle, and allow sensing access to the tire's inner atmosphere.

Mouting transponders and antennas in pneumatic tires

A method ( ) of calibrating a transponder ( ) capable of measuring temperature data (N ) and pressure data (N ) in an object (e.g., a tire, ( )) and transmitting a data stream (FIG. C) to an external reader/interrogator ( ). The transponder includes memory ( ) for storing measurements, calibration data ( ), transponder ID number and the like. Since the transponder combines temperature and pressure information in the &ldquo;pressure&rdquo; data, the ratio N /N is a direct indicator of pressure only, and is also relatively insensitive to transponder power variations. The calibration method employs a calibration chamber ( ) containing reference pressure ( ) and temperature ( ) sensors. The transducer to be calibrated is placed in the chamber and exposed ( ) to a number of predetermined temperatures and pressures (as measured by the reference sensors) at a number of calibration points. At each calibration point, a temperature reading (N ) and a pressure reading (N ) sensed by the transponder are recorded along with the reference temperature and pressure. Prom these readings and reference measurements the calibration constants (N , m , N /N , m ) are calculated ( ).

Calibration of a transponders for a tire pressure monitoring system

A system for monitoring at least one tire condition value in each of a plurality of pneumatic tires of a moving vehicle, wherein each of the tires has associated therewith a passive electronic tire tag for sensing the at least one tire condition value and is responsive to an interrogation signal transmitted thereto to transmit a data modulated signal representative of the at least one tire condition value. The monitoring system includes portable ramp apparatus for supporting the moving vehicle, portable vehicle sensing apparatus for sensing the presence of the moving vehicle and tire pressure sensing apparatus embedded in the ramp apparatus for detecting the presence thereon of a vehicle tire on the ramp apparatus. In addition, the monitoring system includes transmitter antenna structure and receiver antenna structure respectively embedded in the ramp apparatus. The transceiver apparatus is operable for causing the transmitter antenna structure to transmit the interrogation signal to the respective tire tags when the tire pressure sensing apparatus detects the vehicle tire. In addition, the transceiver apparatus is operable for causing the receiver antenna structure to receive the respective data modulated tire tag signals independently of one another from different tire tags. And, the transceiver apparatus is operable for demodulating the respective data modulated tire tag signals and digitizing data therefrom.

System of apparatus for monitoring a tire condition value in a pneumatic tire

A method for monitoring pressure with a transponder ( ) capable of measuring temperature data (N ) and pressure data (N ) in an object (e.g., a tire, ( )) and transmitting a data stream (FIG. C) to an external reader/interrogator (106, 400). The transponder includes a memory (238) for storing measurements, calibration data ( ), transponder ID number and the like. Since the transponder combines temperature and pressure information in the &ldquo;pressure&rdquo; data, the ratio N /N is a direct indicator of pressure-only, and is also relatively insensitive to transponder power variations. The calibration method employs a calibration chamber ( ) containing reference pressure ( ) and temperature ( ) sensors. The transducer to be calibrated is placed in the chamber and exposed ( ) to a number of predetermined temperatures and pressures (as measured by the reference sensors) at a number of calibration points. At each calibration point, a temperature reading (N ) and a pressure reading (N ) sensed by the transponder are recorded along with the reference temperature and pressure. From these readings and reference measurements the calibration constants (N , m , N /N , m ) are calculated ( ).

Method of monitoring pressure in a pneumatic tire

Provided is a method of monitoring conditions of a pneumatic tire comprising a central tread, one or more belt(s) disposed radially inwardly of the tread and an inner-liner disposed radially inwardly of the belt(s), the belt(s) having a side edge. An electronic tag and associated condition sensors are disposed within the tire. The method includes: sensing a first temperature which is temperature of the tire inner-liner adjacent to the bet edge with the electronic tag; sensing a second temperature which is the air temperature within the tire with the electronic tag; and sensing air pressure within the tire with the electronic tag.

Method for monitoring a condition of a tire

Method and apparatus for mounting a transponder module ( ) and an antenna ( ) in a pneumatic tire ( ), and for coupling or connecting the antenna to the transponder module. A patch ( ) has an opening ( ) extending to a cavity ( ) within the body of the patch. The transponder module is removably retained in the cavity by a resilient annular lip ( ) extending around the opening. End portions ( ) disposed within the patch for coupling RF signals from the antenna to a corresponding coupling coil ( ) in the transponder module. Alternatively, the patch may have contact pads or plugs ( ) disposed therein for making electrical connections with corresponding contact pads ( ) disposed on an external surface ( ) of the transponder module.

Mounting transponders in pneumatic tires

A transponder measures temperatures and pressure within a pneumatic tire. A temperature count is transmitted, which is a function of temperature. A pressure count is transmitted, which is a function of both temperature and pressure. The pressure is determined by dividing the temperature count by the pressure count. Within the transponder, a timing generator generates a first timing window during which temperature is measured and a second timing window during which pressure is measured; a temperature register captures first data indicative of the temperature within the tire; a pressure register captures second data indicative of the pressure within the tire; and a modulator circuit impresses the first data as a first portion of a data stream on a signal output by the transponder, and impresses the second data as a second portion of the data stream on the signal output by the transponder. An oscillator outputs a signal having a first frequency which is indicative of the temperature within the tire during the first timing window, and having a second frequency which is indicative of the pressure within the tire during the second timing window. A register/counter circuit counts the oscillations of the oscillator signal during the first timing window to capture the first data in the first register, and counts the oscillations of the oscillator signal during the second timing window to capture the second data in the second register.

Growing community of inventors

Boulder, CO, United States of America

Richard Stephen Pollack