Abstract: A system and method for visually warning a person of a dangerous condition related to the proximity of the person to a machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine, a locator for being carried by the person, an algorithm performed at the transmitter for determining coordinates of the locator relative to the transmitter system, data input into the controller defining one or more safety zones around the machine, a warning indicator for generating a signal when the locator enters any of the one or more safety zones, and a lamp associated with the person. The lamp may be a spot lamp for illuminating the area around the person, and it may also include one or more warning lamps associated with the warning indicator such that the one or more warning lamps are illuminated when the locator enters either of the safety zones.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing vehicle collisions is provided. The system includes a transmitter system on the first vehicle, a machine mounted locator on the second vehicle, means for determining coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system; means for defining a safety zone around the first vehicle; and warning means for generating a signal when the machine mounted locator enters the safety zone surrounding the first vehicle. The method includes the steps of: generating and transmitting an encoded signal around the first vehicle; receiving the encoded signal at a machine mounted locator on the second vehicle; processing the encoded signal; transmitting a locator radio frequency signal from the machine mounted locator in response to the encoded signal; receiving the locator radio frequency signal at the transmitter system; and performing an algorithm to determine coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing errors and defects of components of a machine and detecting and diagnosing environmental conditions in a hazardous workspace surrounding the machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine and a machine mounted locator located on the machine. Locating means for determining the coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system are also provided, The system also includes error detection means for determining whether the coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system are within programmed parameters.

Abstract: A system for detecting patterns on objects having reflective or high visibility colored material thereon. The system includes a lighting unit that includes a main housing having a front opening and a cavity, a first visual lighting assembly positioned within the cavity of the main housing that emits light in the visible spectrum, and a second ultraviolet lighting assembly positioned a fixed distance from the first visual lighting assembly within the cavity of the main housing that emits light in the ultraviolet spectrum, a camera having a field of view within which the system is configured to detect patterns of reflective or high visibility colored material on one or more objects, a warning device to alert the operator when a marked object enters the camera's field of view. A controller/processor is programmed to detect when a pattern of reflective or high visibility colored material enters the camera's field of view.

Abstract: An improved long range coil and driver assembly for a magnetic field generator wherein the driver and coil generate a large magnetic field is provided. The coil and driver assembly includes a source impedance control network which includes a plurality of pairs of resistors and amorphous noise suppression devices, and a coil that utilizes a unique basket weave winding pattern to reduce the effect of the back EMF from one wire on the adjoining wires, thereby reducing the impedance of the coil. The reduced impedance and improved impedance control increases the current that can flow creating a larger field.

Abstract: A system for detecting patterns on objects having reflective or high visibility colored material thereon. The system includes a lighting unit that includes a main housing having a front opening and a cavity, a first visual lighting assembly positioned within the cavity of the main housing that emits light in the visible spectrum, and a second ultraviolet lighting assembly positioned a fixed distance from the first visual lighting assembly within the cavity of the main housing that emits light in the ultraviolet spectrum, a camera having a field of view within which the system is configured to detect patterns of reflective or high visibility colored material on one or more objects, a warning device to alert the operator when a marked object enters the camera's field of view. A controller/processor is programmed to detect when a pattern of reflective or high visibility colored material enters the camera's field of view.

Abstract: An improved long range coil and driver assembly for a magnetic field generator wherein the driver and coil generate a large magnetic field is provided. The coil and driver assembly includes a source impedance control network which includes a plurality of pairs of resistors and amorphous noise suppression devices, and a coil that utilizes a unique basket weave winding pattern to reduce the effect of the back EMF from one wire on the adjoining wires, thereby reducing the impedance of the coil. The reduced impedance and improved impedance control increases the current that can flow creating a larger field.

Abstract: A lighting unit for use in low lighting environments such as underground mines is provided. The lighting unit includes a main housing having a front opening and a cavity, a first visual lighting assembly positioned within the cavity of the main housing that emits light in the visible spectrum, and a second ultraviolet lighting assembly positioned a fixed distance from the first visual lighting assembly within the cavity of the main housing that emits light in the ultraviolet spectrum. The lighting unit is part of a system for detecting patterns on objects having reflective or high visibility colored material thereon. In addition to the lighting unit, the system includes a camera having a field of view within which the system is configured to detect patterns of reflective or high visibility colored material on one or more objects, a warning device to alert the operator when a marked object enters the camera's field of view.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing errors and defects of components of a machine and detecting and diagnosing environmental conditions in a hazardous workspace surrounding the machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine and a machine mounted locator located on the machine. Locating means for determining the coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system are also provided, The system also includes error detection means for determining whether the coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system are within programmed parameters.

Abstract: A system for detecting the angle of articulation at an articulating point between a first section and a second section of an articulating machine is provided. The system includes a controller positioned on the articulating machine for generating a uniquely encoded signal. A plurality of drivers are positioned on the second section of the articulating machine such that they are in communication with the controller for transmitting the uniquely encoded signal. A machine mounted locator is positioned on the first section of the articulating machine such that it is in communication with the drivers. An algorithm based on the uniquely encoded signal and a radio frequency signal generated by the machine mounted locator is performed at the controller to generate the uniquely encoded signal.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring the distance and determining the coordinate position of one or more target transceivers relative to a set of anchor transceivers with known locations is provided. The position of the target transceiver is determined by using a time-of-flight (TOF) initialization signal generated by the master anchor transceiver, a TOF response transmission generated by the target transceiver, calculation of the distances between the target transceiver and each anchor transceiver, and transmission of a TOF distance report by the master anchor transceiver. The system and method of the present invention permit the accurate locating of a target transceiver that is located “outside the box.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring the distance and determining the coordinate position of one or more target transceivers relative to a set of anchor transceivers with known locations is provided. The position of the target transceiver is determined by using a time-of-flight (TOF) initialization signal generated by the master anchor transceiver, a TOF response transmission generated by the target transceiver, calculation of the distances between the target transceiver and each anchor transceiver, and transmission of a TOF distance report by the master anchor transceiver. The system and method of the present invention permit the accurate locating of a target transceiver that is located “outside the box.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a position of a person or second machine relative to a machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine, a locator for being carried by the person, means for determining the position of said locator relative to the transmitter system, means for defining one or more safety zones around the machine; and warning means for generating a signal when said locator enters into any of said one or more safety zones. The transmitter system includes a controller for generating a uniquely encoded magnetic signal and a plurality of drivers in communication with the controller for transmitting the uniquely encoded magnetic signal. According to the method a uniquely encoded magnetic signal is generated and transmitted around the machine from a transmitter system located on the machine. The magnetic signal is received and processed at a locator carried by the person.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a position of a person or second machine relative to a machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine, a locator for being carried by the person, means for determining the position of said locator relative to the transmitter system, means for defining one or more safety zones around the machine; and warning means for generating a signal when said locator enters into any of said one or more safety zones. The transmitter system includes a controller for generating a uniquely encoded magnetic signal and a plurality of drivers in communication with the controller for transmitting the uniquely encoded magnetic signal. According to the method a uniquely encoded magnetic signal is generated and transmitted around the machine from a transmitter system located on the machine. The magnetic signal is received and processed at a locator carried by the person.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a position of a person or second machine relative to a machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine, a locator for being carried by the person, means for determining the position of said locator relative to the transmitter system, means for defining one or more safety zones around the machine; and warning means for generating a signal when said locator enters into any of said one or more safety zones. The transmitter system includes a controller for generating a uniquely encoded magnetic signal and a plurality of drivers in communication with the controller for transmitting the uniquely encoded magnetic signal. According to the method a uniquely encoded magnetic signal is generated and transmitted around the machine from a transmitter system located on the machine. The magnetic signal is received and processed at a locator carried by the person.