Patent Publication Number: US-2011050444-A1

Title: Person/Worker/Device Proximity Warning System

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relate to the field of construction work, construction workers, and construction equipment and vehicles and a system for informing equipment operators and truck drivers when a person (worker) is within proximity of or in the driving path of a heavy vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Small radio and infrared devices are used on a regular basis, e.g. ADA technology (radio operated chairs and switches) and television remote controls. In my field of work, I design intelligent transportation systems where communication often takes place with radio equipment. 
     I work for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) where employee safety is high priority. During a department wide safety meeting, a video was presented, which had an employee discuss how he was backed over by a traffic control, truck mounted impact attenuator. While he was discussing the scenario, I thought that if the employee was wearing a small radio transmitter and the truck had a receiver that could activate an alarm inside the truck cab, the driver would have heard the alarm and stopped the vehicle, before the worker was backed over. After the video was completed, I mentioned by idea fellow employee and friend, because I thought that this idea could save lives and I decided to pursue developing the idea. 
     I further discussed this idea with another fellow employee, who works as a radio technician for the WSDOT, to see if this idea was feasible. After a brief discussion, I figured that the idea could be developed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Based in the previous discussion, the intent of the invention is to create a system that can alert a driver or operator of construction equipment that a worker or person is in dangerous proximity of the equipment being operated. 
     The features of this present invention comprise of a pocket radio or infrared transmitter that can be attached to an article of clothing, such as a safety vest, either by clipping the transmitter onto the clothing article or by placing the transmitter into a pocket located on the clothing article. 
     Further, the system includes a radio or infrared antenna receiver that can be mounted to the top or back of the vehicle, which when it receives the signal from the pocket transmitter an alarm system mounted inside the driver/operator compartment will alert the driver/operator of the presence of the transmitter being worn by a work/person. 
     Further, the system includes a surface or in dash mounted alarm system that provides audible and visual warning signals for the purpose of alerting the equipment driver/operator so the driver/operator can take necessary action to avoid injury or death to a person/worker. 
     Further, the transmitter can be attached to a device or equipment, such as surveying equipment or a smaller vehicle working within the proximity of a larger vehicle. 
     Further, the transmitter, receiver, and warning device can be powered by a direct current power source such as battery(ies) or by a small solar panel. 
    
    
       FIG. 1 , is an illustration of a worker with the radio transmitter in place, on his person. The piece of heavy equipment is shown with the antenna mounted on the top of vehicle and a signal is being transmitted from the worker&#39;s transmitter and received by the vehicle&#39;s antenna.