Early blowout warning
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A TYRE pressure sensing device capable of transmitting a warning signal to the driver has been developed primarily for use on commercial vehicles by the Bridgestone Tire Co Ltd of Tokyo, Japan.
This follows the introduction of legislation in Japan which makes it compulsory for the fitting of puncture warning devices.
From 1981 all new cars produced in America will need a tyre-pressure warning device. Australia too is to require a similar safety device from 1982 on both new and existing vehicles.
The Bridgestone pneumatic sensor consists of a small coil submerged in a resin capsule located on the rim of the vehicle's wheel. Employing a resonance system, the signal is transmitted to the vehicle body without any physical contact, so that false signals are significantly reduced.
With the vehicle at rest, the driver is able to check that the system is functioning. The system is powered from the vehicle's normal electrical supply.
Fitting allows for a tolerance of plus and minus 5mm on the gap of 13mm specified, which is said to allow a much greater margin of error in installation over similar systems available.