초록 ▼

A two-stage traffic alert system, and a method for its use, to visually alert pedestrians and operators of surface vehicles to the approach of emergency vehicles toward roadway intersections. A wireless signal transmitter mounted to an emergency vehicle automatically transmits a signal of a predeter

A two-stage traffic alert system, and a method for its use, to visually alert pedestrians and operators of surface vehicles to the approach of emergency vehicles toward roadway intersections. A wireless signal transmitter mounted to an emergency vehicle automatically transmits a signal of a predetermined frequency while the emergency vehicle is en route to an emergency destination. The signal is received by at least one ground-based signal receiver and strobe light assembly mounted centrally within the pavement of approaching intersections. The transmitted signal first actuates an upper strobe light system within the ground-based assembly, alerting the public to the approach of the emergency vehicle toward the intersection. The initiation of the upper strobe light comprises the first stage of the traffic alert system. The second stage of the traffic alert system is initiated either by a time delay command based on the time of receipt of the first signal or a change in signal frequency from the transmitter. During second stage alert, the ground-based assembly translates vertically from the surface of the pavement and activates side mounted strobe lights while maintaining activation of the upper strobe light, further alerting the public to the approach of the emergency vehicle. The traffic alert system can be manually overridden by emergency workers as needed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A traffic alert system to warn motorists and pedestrians of approaching emergency vehicles, said system comprising a plurality of wireless transmitting units and a plurality of ground-based assemblies, each of said transmitting units comprising a transmitter housing havin

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A traffic alert system to warn motorists and pedestrians of approaching emergency vehicles, said system comprising a plurality of wireless transmitting units and a plurality of ground-based assemblies, each of said transmitting units comprising a transmitter housing having a hollow interior, wireless signal emitting means for emitting a signal at a designated frequency, said signal emitting means being positioned within said transmitter housing, a transmitter antenna, a transmitter power source, and a first quantity of electrical wiring to interconnect said antenna with said signal emitting means and said power source, and each of said ground-based assemblies comprising a dome, an outer housing positioned beneath said dome, an inner housing positioned within said outer housing, an upper movable housing positioned within said inner housing, said upper movable housing having an upper portion and being connected to said dome, at least one upper strobe light positioned within said dome, a plurality of side strobe lights positioned within said upper portion of said upper movable housing, mechanical lifting means positioned underneath said upper movable housing between said upper movable housing and said inner housing, said mechanical lifting means capable of lifting said dome between a raised position and a lowered position, a signal receiver able to receive signals emitted by said wireless signal emitting means, an antenna connected to said signal receiver, a controller connected between said signal receiver, said upper strobe light, said side strobe lights, said mechanical lifting means, a power supply connected to said controller, and a second quantity of electrical wiring connected between said antenna, said signal receiver, said controller, said upper strobe light, said side strobe lights, said mechanical lifting means, and said power supply, wherein when one of said transmitting units is positioned within each emergency vehicle within a community and at least one of said ground-based assemblies are centrally positioned with the roadway surface of each intersection commonly traveled by said emergency vehicles, each of said transmitting units can automatically initiate said upper strobe light, said side strobe lights, and vertical movement of said movable housing within said ground-based assembly to warn motorists and pedestrians of the approach of said emergency vehicles.