798 results about "Emergency vehicle" patented technology

An emergency vehicle traffic light preemption system for preemption of traffic lights at an intersection to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. The system includes a real-time status monitor of an intersection which is relayed to a control module for transmission to emergency vehicles as well as to a central dispatch office. The system also provides for audio warnings at an intersection to protect pedestrians who may not be in a position to see visual warnings or for various reasons cannot hear the approach of emergency vehicles. A transponder mounted on an emergency vehicle provides autonomous control so the vehicle operator can attend to getting to an emergency and not be concerned with the operation of the system. Activation of a priority-code (i.e. Code-3) situation provides communications with each intersection being approached by an emergency vehicle and indicates whether the intersection is preempted or if there is any conflict with other approaching emergency vehicles. On-board diagnostics handle various information including heading, speed, and acceleration sent to a control module which is transmitted to an intersection and which also simultaneously receives information regarding the status of an intersection. Real-time communications and operations software allow central and remote monitoring, logging, and command of intersections and vehicles.

A mobile backhaul inter-mesh communication point forms an interface between a wireless mesh network on a first level and a wireless mesh network on a second, higher bandwidth, level. The two wireless networks are differentiated, e.g., by causing the mesh networks to be formed using different spectra, protocols or coding, or antennae. The mobile intra-mesh communication point functions as an access point in the lower level mesh network and as a relay point in the upper level mesh network. Utilizing mobile inter-mesh communication points facilitates deployment of wireless network access points while enabling the location of access points to follow the concentration of network users. Mobile inter-mesh communication points may be deployed in personal vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles, public transportation vehicles such as busses, trains, and aircraft, emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances, and many other types of vehicles.

A position locator enables the detection of an originating location of a 911 caller under various RF propagation positions. Through the use of a transceiver and global positioning unit in a portable position locator, even if only one base station receiving the 911 call can be detected, the origin of the 911 call can still be located. Utilizing information from the position locator and at least one base station, an estimated distance between the position locator and the 911 caller, as well as an estimated distance between the at least one base station and the 911 caller, can be determined utilizing TOA or TDOA techniques to enable the location of the caller. An emergency vehicle carrying the position locator can constantly monitor and move toward the location of the 911 caller calling from a wireless mobile unit.

An emergency vehicle warning device and a vehicle warning system method for notifying a person (and plural) in a moving vehicle (and plural), an approaching emergency vehicle (and plural), including a transmitter for transmitting an emergency signal from an emergency vehicle and a receiver embedded in a siren and light vehicle warning device located near or attached to a traffic signal, and the receiving vehicle warning devise emits lights and loud siren sounds, which alert driver(s) of moving vehicle(s) and pedestrian(s), that the emergency vehicle(s) are approaching a nearby intersection; and the Emergency vehicle warning system comprising a transmitting means located in an emergency vehicle for transmitting an emergency signal indicating that the emergency vehicle(s) are approaching the intersection that is activated or starts and continues signaling when emergency vehicle(s) are on the move nearby in emergency conditions, a receiving means located in a siren and light vehicle warning device, such device located near or attached to a traffic signaling device or light, such receiving means for receiving the emergency signal from the transmitting means, and an alert means triggered by the receiving means to alert the driver of the moving vehicle(s) that the emergency vehicle(s) are approaching.

An emergency vehicle traffic light preemption system for preemption of traffic lights at an intersection to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. The system includes a real-time status monitor of an intersection which is relayed to a control module for transmission to emergency vehicles as well as to a central dispatch office. The system also provides for audio warnings at an intersection to protect pedestrians who may not be in a position to see visual warnings or for various reasons cannot hear the approach of emergency vehicles. A transponder mounted on an emergency vehicle provides autonomous control so the vehicle operator can attend to getting to an emergency and not be concerned with the operation of the system. Activation of a priority-code (i.e. Code-3) situation provides communications with each intersection being approached by an emergency vehicle and indicates whether the intersection is preempted or if there is any conflict with other approaching emergency vehicles. On-board diagnostics handle various information including heading, speed, and acceleration sent to a control module which is transmitted to an intersection and which also simultaneously receives information regarding the status of an intersection. Real-time communications and operations software allow central and remote monitoring, logging, and command of intersections and vehicles.

A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or culminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use on an emergency vehicle. The warning light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.

A mobile device is associated with navigational information of a client vehicle and provides the navigational information of the client vehicle to an emergency vehicle notification service. The mobile also receives an emergency vehicle message from the emergency vehicle notification service, where the emergency vehicle message includes navigational information of an emergency responder vehicle. The mobile device determines updated navigational information of the client vehicle, and identifies a projected intersection between a path of the emergency responder vehicle and a path of the client vehicle based on the emergency vehicle message and the updated navigational information of the client vehicle. The mobile device generates an alert signal to a user of the mobile device based on the identification of the projected intersection.

A mobile device is associated with navigational information of a client vehicle and provides the navigational information of the client vehicle to an emergency vehicle notification service. The mobile also receives an emergency vehicle message from the emergency vehicle notification service, where the emergency vehicle message includes navigational information of an emergency responder vehicle. The mobile device determines updated navigational information of the client vehicle, and identifies a projected intersection between a path of the emergency responder vehicle and a path of the client vehicle based on the emergency vehicle message and the updated navigational information of the client vehicle. The mobile device generates an alert signal to a user of the mobile device based on the identification of the projected intersection.

A knowledge-based system and method for establishing and managing routes for emergency vehicles. The knowledge-based system and method uses a knowledge base having information useful in establishing and managing routes for emergency vehicles including information on intersections, road segments connecting intersections, expected travel time along the road segments, and dynamic factors that influence traffic flow, and a database for storing routes designed using the information useful in establishing and managing routes. The knowledge-based system also consist of one or more software modules operable to retrieve information from the knowledge base and to perform operations such as designing routes between location involved in emergency response, selecting between such routes, and modifying such routes all using information in the knowledge base.

The present invention provides a system that utilizes radio signals, cellular network and GPS technologies to provide a multi task system that deals with a variety of traffic related aspects such as intersection design systems, in-car traffic light systems, in-car traffic light system app for both drivers and pedestrians, roadside assistance and safety alert systems, high speed chase systems, roadway radar systems, law enforcement safety systems, emergency vehicles preemption systems, vehicle location logging systems, security and crime-fighting systems, missing person search systems and children in vehicles safety systems. The system consists of a number of electronic units, each one of these units perform a number of programmed functions. Examples of these units are: Police Vehicle Unit, Emergency Vehicle Unit, Vehicle Unit and Roadway Intersection Unit.

Telemedicine systems and methods are described. In a telemedicine system operable to communicate with a remote operations center, communications can be transmitted / received using a transceiver having an antenna. The antenna can include first and second di-pole antenna elements, the first di-pole antenna element being vertically polarized and the second di-pole antenna element being horizontally polarized. A controller of the system can establish, using the transceiver, a telemedicine session with the operations center using a Transport Morphing Protocol (TMP), the TMP being an acknowledgement-based user datagram protocol. The controller can also mask one or more transient network degradations to increase resiliency of the telemedicine session. The telemedicine system can include a 2D and 3D carotid Doppler and transcranial Doppler and / or other diagnostic devices, and provides for real-time connectivity and communication between medical personnel in an emergency vehicle and a receiving hospital for immediate diagnosis and treatment to a patient in need.

A vehicle warning system consisting of a transceiver that augments the audible warnings of standard or emergency vehicles by transmitting and receiving a signal (in conjunction with activation of the typical audible warnings; e.g., horns and / or sirens) which, when received, triggers a visual stimulus to alert drivers to the hazardous condition within the vicinity of their vehicle.

An emergency communication system for automated-vehicles includes a transceiver and a controller. The transceiver is used to communicate messages from and to an automated-vehicle that is classified as a non-emergency-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the transceiver. The controller is configured to receive a request for an emergency-certification from the automated-vehicle via the transceiver, determine when a circumstance exists that justifies the request, and grant the request when the circumstance exists. When the request is granted, the automated-vehicle is authorized to operate in a manner comparable to an emergency-vehicle.

A computerized information processing and retrieval system is described. The system includes a data acquisition device that collects various types of data. After collecting the data, this device transfers the data to a data accumulation device. The data accumulation device effectively stores and transfers data between digital devices. Finally, a computer system processes the data stored on the data accumulation device, retrieves any relevant information, and produces a report for a user. Consequently, this multipurpose system includes components easily adaptable to numerous applications such as wellness monitoring, emergency medical treatment, financial planning, an informational resource system, inventory management, management of service providers, as well as other suitable applications. The computerized information processing and retrieval system easily adapts into a wellness monitoring system that can track fitness, nutrition, medicine, blood-lipid levels, as well as other values. As a medical treatment system, the computerized information processing and retrieval system enables more effective treatment of patients in either an emergency vehicle or a medical facility. Another application of the computerized information processing and retrieval system includes an informational resource system that efficiently retrieves detailed information associated with a simple informational identifier.

A knowledge-based system and method for establishing and managing routes for emergency vehicles. The knowledge-based system and method uses a knowledge base having information useful in establishing and managing routes for emergency vehicles including information on intersections, road segments connecting intersections, expected travel time along the road segments, and dynamic factors that influence traffic flow, and a database for storing routes designed using the information useful in establishing and managing routes. The knowledge-based system also consist of one or more software modules operable to retrieve information from the knowledge base and to perform operations such as designing routes between location involved in emergency response, selecting between such routes, and modifying such routes all using information in the knowledge base.

The specification relates to a method for alerting a personal, moving vehicle of an approaching emergency vehicle comprising trarnsmitting an emergency signal from an emergency vehicle, receiving the emergency signal in a personal vehicle, and alerting the driver of the personal vehicle that the emergency vehicle is approaching; and the underlying process for an Emergency Alert System comprising a transmitting means located in an emergency vehicle for transmitting an emergency signal indicating that the emergency vehicle is approaching, a receiving means located in a personal vehicle for receiving the emergency signal from the transmitting means, and an alert means triggered by the receiving means to alert the driver of the personal vehicle that the emergency vehicle is approaching.

A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. The warning signal light may also be transportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod for electrical connection to a power supply as a stand-alone warning signal.

A knowledge-based system and method for establishing and managing routes for emergency vehicles. The knowledge-based system and method uses a knowledge base having information useful in establishing and managing routes for emergency vehicles including information on intersections, road segments connecting intersections, expected travel time along the road segments, and dynamic factors that influence traffic flow, and a database for storing routes designed using the information useful in establishing and managing routes. The knowledge-based system also consist of one or more software modules operable to retrieve information from the knowledge base and to perform operations such as designing routes between location involved in emergency response, selecting between such routes, and modifying such routes all using information in the knowledge base.

An emergency vehicle traffic light preemption system for preemption of traffic lights at an intersection to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. The system includes a real-time status monitor of an intersection which is relayed to a communications controller for transmission to emergency vehicles as well as to a central dispatch office. The system also provides for audio warnings at an intersection to protect pedestrians who may not be in a position to see visual warnings or for various reasons cannot hear the approach of emergency vehicles. A transponder mounted on an emergency vehicle provides autonomous control so the vehicle operator can attend to getting to an emergency and not be concerned with the operation of the system. Activation of a Code 3 situation provides communications with each intersection being approached by an emergency vehicle and indicates whether the intersection is preempted or if there is any conflict with other approaching emergency vehicles. On-board diagnostics handle various information including heading, speed, and acceleration sent to a communications controller which is transmitted to an intersection and which also simultaneously receives information regarding the status of an intersection.

A method for aiding emergency vehicle navigation includes a first step (100) of calculating a travel route for the emergency vehicle from a starting point to a destination point. A next step (102) includes establishing a location of any non-emergency vehicle in proximity to the emergency vehicle. A next step (104) includes determining a likelihood of the non-emergency vehicle and emergency vehicle encountering each other. A next step (106) includes providing navigational information to the non-emergency vehicle to re-route the non-emergency vehicle out of the path of the emergency vehicle if the vehicles are likely to encounter each other. Likelihood can be based on whether the vehicles are on the same navigational road segment or by a time or distance when the vehicles will intercept each other.

Methods and apparatus are described to improve emergency vehicle deployment by automatically alerting all other nearby vehicles on the road as to the presence and intention of the emergency vehicle. Since the use of audible sirens has somewhat marked effectiveness, in selecting the most practical automated method to notify most drivers a review is given of the various data-links that are available today, including plans for new standards. The invention focuses on the ubiquitous cellular telephone and methods are described to relay an emergency vehicle's siren through the device to help clear the road ahead for the emergency services vehicle. Furthermore, the method uses techniques to determine which cell users are in the path of the vehicle and targets only those cell devices to relay the siren. The relaying is virtual as it may use siren or similar ring-tones that respond to the emergency notification to the user's cell phone number. The invention makes use of calls, broadcasts, SMS messaging, text messaging, Push to Talk (PTT), e mails, and other means of cell phone communication.

An emergency vehicle alert system includes a first GPS receiving unit provided on the emergency vehicle that determines emergency vehicle location information of the emergency vehicle; a transmitter unit provided on the emergency vehicle that transmits the emergency vehicle location information by way of an emergency vehicle location signal; a second GPS receiving unit provided on the motor vehicle that determines vehicle location information of the motor vehicle; a receiver unit provided on the motor vehicle that receives the emergency location signal output by the transmitter unit of the emergency vehicle; and a map display that displays a current location of the motor vehicle and a current location of the emergency vehicle. The emergency vehicle is shown as an icon on the map, whereby the icon has a different visual characteristic depending on the position of the emergency vehicle with respect to the motor vehicle.

A system on interactive tracking and inventorying of incident response equipment and associated methods is provided. The system and methods enable command centers to determine the geographic location of all available emergency response equipment that are capable of responding to an incident. The systems and methods allow the inventory to be updated as equipment and personnel are spent during the course of the incident. The location of the equipment and personnel can be viewed on a topography map, as well as an aerial map, to enable the incident command to determine the atmospheric surroundings of each piece of equipment. The maps can be superimposed so that more than one type of map data can be viewed simultaneously.

A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. The warning signal light may also be transportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod for electrical connection to a power supply as a stand-alone warning signal.

An emergency vehicle alert system for providing information as to a location of an emergency vehicle to a motor vehicle, includes a first GPS receiving unit that is provided on the emergency vehicle and that receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and that determines emergency vehicle location information of the emergency vehicle. The system also includes a radio-wave transmitter unit that is provided on the emergency vehicle and that transmits the emergency vehicle location information by way of an emergency vehicle location signal. The system further includes a second GPS receiving unit that is provided on the motor vehicle and that receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and that determines vehicle location information of the motor vehicle. The system also includes a radio-wave receiver unit that is provided on the motor vehicle and that receives the emergency location signal output by the radio-wave transmitter unit of the emergency vehicle. The system further includes a map display that displays, on a map that includes a plurality of street locations, a current location of the motor vehicle a current location of the emergency vehicle. The emergency vehicle is shown as an icon on the map, whereby the icon has a different visual characteristic depending on the position of the emergency vehicle with respect to the motor vehicle.

A radio linked vehicle communication system for text messaging, traffic light control, resource management and traffic monitoring, designed to establish the location of emergency vehicles and related privately owned vehicles within their vicinity and have this information relayed to a third party using conventional electronic devices. Specifically to notify the privately owned vehicle or vehicles in close proximity of an emergency vehicle of their presence, so as to avoid possible accidents and to relay this information to a third party to be recorded and verified. Additional benefits of the system would be the ability of having interrogators, either mobile, aircraft of in a fixed location that could identify and personalize specific vehicles for investigation purposes and to provide a mobile repeater system.

A system and method of centralizing traffic signal preemption for roadway emergency operations provides for increased accuracy and coordination of emergency response vehicles along an emergency route. A centralized preemption system receives status and location information, e.g., GPS, from emergency vehicles via fleet management systems or dispatch centers. As an emergency route is determined and projected in real-time, predetermined policies are applied to create an overall preemption plan of traffic lights at intersections along an anticipated route. The preemption plan results in preemption directives being transmitted to traffic management systems that are controlling traffic signal controllers at intersections along the route. The centralized preemption system may coordinate among many traffic management systems that provides for a much larger preemption service area including multiple jurisdictions.

An on-vehicle system for identifying and reporting external conditions is presented. The system has an operator-selectable user interface to identify occurrence of an external condition, a global positioning system receiver; and, a wireless communications system. The unit may be used to assist in discovering localized roadway conditions that adversely affect safety and travel. The unit is placeable into a vehicle of a volunteer, is manually operated whenever a hazard is detected. Reportable hazards include potholes, obstacles or debris in the highway, snow or ice patches, fog, unusual traffic or pedestrian activity, and localized incidences, such as presence of disabled or emergency vehicles. Nature of the hazard is indicatable by manual activation of additional push buttons or other suitable devices. A GPS receiver is incorporated to estimate position, speed, and heading of the hazard. The information is encoded as a message sent to a central server.

An ambulance cot loading and unloading apparatus includes a base for mounting to an emergency vehicle deck and an arm mounted for linear movement along the base, which is configured for engaging an ambulance cot. A drive mechanism is provided for raising the arm, which is configured in the presence of an applied force with a first magnitude on the arm to raise the arm at a first speed and in the presence of an applied force on the arm with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude to raise the arm at another speed or speeds lower than the first speed.