Telecommunications – Transmitter and receiver at separate stations – Having diverse art device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-22
2001-09-04
Trost, William (Department: 2683)
Telecommunications
Transmitter and receiver at separate stations
Having diverse art device
C455S345000, C340S426110, C340S870030
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285860
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to machine controls in particular to a lockout system for preventing or inhibiting operation of a machine under predetermined operating conditions.
BACKGROUND ART
In the construction industry it is not uncommon to have many workers in the vicinity of a machine being operated to excavate, tunnel, bore, etc. For example, directional drills are commonly used to drill bores under obstacles such as waterways. In addition to the operator of the directional drill, workers are also needed to monitor and operate the “mud” system which is an integral part of many drilling operations. Workers are also needed at the exit hole to attach reamers, pipe casing, etc. to the end of the drill string before it is “pulled back” by the directional drill. In some operations, the workers located at the exit hole are a significant distance from the directional drill itself and may even be out of sight.
Under some circumstances, the workers at the exit hole would like to exert at least indirect control over the directional drill. Accordingly, it is common for workers at the exit hole to be in radio communication with the operator of the directional drill. The operator of the directional drill controls the drilling rig based on the voice commands he or she receives from the workers located at the exit hole.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a new and improved control system that is especially adapted to work in conjunction with construction equipment or other heavy machinery. In particular, the control system provides a lockout function which inhibits one or more functions of the equipment being operated, under predetermined operating conditions. The functions may include power to the hydraulic unit, engine power, power wrench operation, etc.
The equipment lockout control system includes at least one radio receiver that includes an equipment inhibitor device for disabling at least one function performed by the equipment. At least one portable transmitter that is operable by an operator is located on or near the operator. The portable transmitter includes circuitry for generating a continuous radio signal that is receivable by the receiver. Upon detecting an interruption in the continuous radio signal, the receiver renders the equipment inhibitor effective and disables at least one function performed by the equipment.
When used with a directional drill, the receiver may include lockout relays which are normally energized so long as a radio signal between an operator-carried transmitter and the receiver is maintained. If the radio signal is interrupted, the relay(s) is deenergized and a function (such as power for the hydraulic system) is disabled or discontinued.
The transmitter also includes a signal generator for broadcasting a stop signal upon actuation of an operator actuatable stop member forming part of the transmitter.
In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, local operators located near the equipment all carry transmitters which must maintain radio communication with the receiver in order to render the equipment inhibitor ineffective. In a more preferred embodiment, a plurality of remote transmitters are worn by remote operators that may be located a substantial distance from the equipment.
In order to facilitate the radio communication between the remote transmitters and the receiver, in the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a relay/transmitter station is located in the vicinity of the remote operators. In this embodiment, the transmitters worn by the remote operators are in constant radio communication with the relay/transmitter station. The relay/transmitter station, in turn, is in continuous radio communication with the receiver, and its continuous signal is maintained so long as it continues to receive continuous radio signals from the remote transmitters.
Upon interruption of the radio signal broadcasted by the remote transmitters, the relay/transmitter station interrupts its signal to the receiver which, upon sensing the interruption, renders the equipment inhibitor effective. Alternately, the relay/transmitter station may issue a “stop” command which when received by the receiver also renders the equipment inhibitor effective.
According to a feature of the invention, each of the transmitters generates a continuous signal having address and lockout status data. The address identifies the transmitter, and the status data indicates that a stop member (i.e. push button) forming part of each transmitter has not been pressed by the operator. Upon actuation of the stop member, the transmitter begins issuing a continuous radio signal containing address information and a stop command. The receipt of stop command by the receiver causes the equipment inhibitor to be rendered effective, thus disabling at least one function of the equipment.
Additional features of the invention will become apparent and a fuller understanding obtained by reading the following detailed description made in connection with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4087781 (1978-05-01), Grossi et al.
patent: 4378507 (1983-03-01), Root
patent: 4481512 (1984-11-01), Tscheulin et al.
patent: 4958084 (1990-09-01), Carlo et al.
patent: 4968978 (1990-11-01), Stolarxzyk
patent: 5025175 (1991-06-01), Dubois, III
patent: 5200735 (1993-04-01), Hines
patent: 5345138 (1994-09-01), Mukaidono et al.
patent: 5623245 (1997-04-01), Gilmore
Heckl Max
Rempe Torsten
Szarka Joseph R.
American Augers, Inc.
Gesesse Tilahun
Trost William
Watts, Hoffmann, Fisher & Heinke Co.
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