Patent ID: 6069558
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
A system for reducing the collision rate between vehicles and obstacles in confined areas comprising a photoelectric emitter on the vehicle adapted to project light substantially vertically from the vehicle; at least one substantially downwardly facing reflector strategically placed above the vehicle approach path to obstacles in the confined area comprising the working environment for the vehicle such that the projected light will be reflected back to the vehicle by the at least one substantially downwardly facing reflector in the event that the vehicle approaches an obstacle; a photoelectric sensor on the vehicle adapted to sense the presence of the light projected from the emitter on the vehicle and reflected back to the vehicle by the at least one substantially downwardly facing reflector; alarm means responsive to the sensing of the reflected photoelectric beam adapted to warn the operator or alter the control settings of the vehicle so as to minimise the likelihood of the vehicle colliding with an obstacle.