Signals and indicators – Horns – whistles and compressional wave generators
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-04
2002-03-19
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Signals and indicators
Horns, whistles and compressional wave generators
C116S215000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06357382
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates generally to audible warning devices, and in particular to warning devices which are activated by being tilted from an initial, deactivated position.
1. Prior-Art—Barriers
Road construction is a dangerous occupation. Because of their proximity to traffic, road workers are occasionally struck by vehicles and maimed or killed. At present, they are minimally protected by warning signs which advise drivers in advance of the presence of the workers. Nearer the work site, brightly colored cones or poles are placed on or near the roadway to direct vehicles around the workers and their equipment. Frequently, there are no rigid barriers which can stop errant vehicles which might injure the workers.
Unfortunately, workers are frequently unaware of approaching danger. They cannot always watch traffic while they work. A careless motorist may drive through flimsy, temporary barriers almost noiselessly and strike a worker who is unable to get out of the way of the approaching vehicle.
Most temporary barriers are made of a flexible, plastic material. When these are struck by a moving vehicle they are deflected, or they deform as the vehicle passes over them. In both cases, the interaction of the barrier with the moving vehicle is virtually silent. In many cases, the worker is in the vicinity of loud machinery and is unable to hear the vehicle as it approaches, even though the barrier is struck or knocked over by the vehicle.
2. Prior-Art—Civil Disobedience or Hostage Situations
Situations involving civil disobedience and hostages are dangerous to all involved. Tear gas and concussion grenades are sometimes used to confuse the perpetrators long enough for law enforcement personnel to gain the upper hand. Both of these methods are potentially more destructive to personnel and property than the situation merits.
3. Prior-Art—Transport of Fragile or Dangerous Materials
Fragile and dangerous materials are often subject to damage or leaking when their container is shocked or tilted. For example, a plastic bottle containing a flammable substance may leak in the cargo hold of an airplane, placing the passengers, crew, and other cargo at risk from fire or fumes. At present, there is no way for persons in the vicinity to know that a delicate package has been dropped, tilted, or bumped hard enough to cause breakage of its contents.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, one object and advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved method of protecting workers who are required to work behind a physical barrier in the proximity of moving vehicles. Other objects are to provide an indication which is associated with a visible barrier, to provide an audible alarm which will alert the operator of a vehicle when the vehicle has struck or tipped over a barrier, to provide an audible alarm which will alert other drivers in the vicinity that a barrier has been struck or tipped over, to provide an alarm which additionally gives a visual indication of its activation, to provide an alarm which creates a diversion but is not harmful or destructive to personnel or property, and to provide an audible indicator for use in delicate or dangerous goods shipments.
Additional objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description thereof
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, a method, and apparatus are provided which use a plurality of visible and audible warning devices to audibly alert all personnel in the vicinity of a barrier that the barrier has been breached. An audible alarm is provided which is activated by a physical trauma such as caused by a blow or by being tilted. In order that the alarm not activate unintentionally, the acceleration associated with a physical blow, or the degree of tilt must exceed a certain threshold. Visible indication of an activated alarm is optionally provided by emission of a colored dye cloud into the air surrounding the alarm device. Additionally, an odorant or tissue-irritating substance can be released by the alarm device.
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patent: 4230450 (1980-10-01), LeFever
patent: 4762082 (1988-08-01), Suchevits
patent: 5007368 (1991-04-01), Bush
patent: 5682834 (1997-11-01), Croghan
Gutierrez Diego
Smith R. Alexander
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