Patent ID: 7733241
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
1. A telemetry unit for a tire monitoring apparatus, the telemetry unit including a housing having sensor means for measuring data relevant to the local environment of the telemetry unit, transmission means for transmitting measured data to a remote location, a piezoelectric power generator adapted to generate and store an electrical charge in response to rotation of the tire for powering the unit, and control means for controlling the sensor means and transmission means, in which the control means is arranged to vary the rate of transmission of data from the telemetry unit in dependence on the rotary speed of the tire, and wherein the piezoelectric power generator is arranged to produce at least one pulse of electric charge for each rotation of the tire, and the control means is adapted to monitor the number and/or frequency of the pulses generated in order to determine the appropriate rate of transmission of data.