Patent ID: 6768423
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: B60H,B61C

Abstract:
An apparatus for protecting a vehicle operator within a cab of a mobile vehicle working in a polluted environment, the cab sealed from the polluted environment and including a pressure system for maintaining a cab pressure above a threshold pressure and a pressure sensor for generating an alarm signal when the cab pressure drops below the threshold pressure, the apparatus comprising:a timer; a processor linked to the timer and for, when a first alarm signal is generated, disrupting operation of the vehicle, timing out a disrupt period and, at the end of the disrupt period, returning the vehicle to normal operation; and a communication device for communicating information to a vehicle operator and a memory device for storing information related to possible causes of cab pressure reduction, the processor linked to the communication device and the memory device and, when an alarm signal is generated, retrieving the information and providing the information to the vehicle operator via the communication device, wherein, during the disrupt period, the processor monitors the alarm signal and, if the alarm signal ceases, returns the vehicle to normal operation.