Patents Assigned to International Road Dynamics
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Patent number: 11415436Abstract: A Parametric Disturbance Sensor is provided. The parametric disturbance sensor has a stripline enclosure having an internal chamber; a stripline sensor core positioned within the internal chamber; a fill material filling the internal chamber so that the stripline sensor is not in direct contact with the stripline sensor core enclosure; and a cable-end connector connected to the stripline sensor core for connecting the stripline sensor core to a processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: INTERNATIONAL ROAD DYNAMICS, INC.Inventors: Randy Hanson, Tyler Haichert, Martin Russell Conrad Plemel
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Patent number: 10876884Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for measuring moving vehicle information. Moving vehicle information may be measured by a sensor configured to respond to one or more wheels of the moving vehicle, where one or more of the wheels change the characteristic impedance of the sensor at the wheel's contact location. An electrical time domain reflectometry signal processing system which is capable of measuring the change in the impedance of the sensor and converting the impedance change to a signal may be connected operatively to the sensor. A data-processing system receives the signal and extracts the moving vehicle information therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL ROAD DYNAMICS INC.Inventors: Randal Leroy Hanson, Michael David Lockerbie, Ian Robert Meier, Tyler William Haichert
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Patent number: 10006799Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for measuring moving vehicle information. Moving vehicle information may be measured by a sensor configured to respond to one or more wheels of the moving vehicle, where one or more of the wheels change the characteristic impedance of the sensor at the wheel's contact location. An electrical time domain reflectometry signal processing system which is capable of measuring the change in the impedance of the sensor and converting the impedance change to a signal may be connected operatively to the sensor. A data-processing system receives the signal and extracts the moving vehicle information therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL ROAD DYNAMICS INC.Inventors: Randal Leroy Hanson, Michael David Lockerbie, Ian Robert Meier, Tyler William Haichert
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Patent number: 9880045Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a transmission-line assembly having an electrical transmission-line parameter configured to change, at least in part, in response to reception, at least in part, of a vehicular load of a moving vehicle moving relative to a vehicular roadway to the transmission-line assembly positionable, at least in part, relative to the vehicular roadway.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: International Road DynamicsInventors: Randal Leroy Hanson, Michael David Lockerbie, Ian Robert Meier, Tyler William Haichert
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Patent number: 9429463Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for measuring moving vehicle information. Moving vehicle information may be measured by a sensor configured to respond to one or more wheels of the vehicle, where one or more of the wheels changes the characteristic impedance of the sensor at the wheel's contact location. An electrical time domain reflectometry signal processing system which is capable of measuring the change in the impedance of the sensor and converting the impedance change to a signal may be connected operatively to the sensor. A data-processing system receives the signal and extracts the vehicle information therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: International Road Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Randal Leroy Hanson, Michael David Lockerbie, Ian Robert Meier, Tyler William Haichert
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Publication number: 20140291039Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a transmission-line assembly having an electrical transmission-line parameter configured to change, at least in part, in response to reception, at least in part, of a vehicular load of a moving vehicle moving relative to a vehicular roadway to the transmission-line assembly positionable, at least in part, relative to the vehicular roadway.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL ROAD DYNAMICSInventors: Randal Leroy HANSON, Michael David LOCKERBIE, Ian Robert Meier, Tyler William HAICHERT
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Publication number: 20140249711Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for measuring moving vehicle information. Moving vehicle information may be measured by a sensor configured to respond to one or more wheels of the vehicle, where one or more of the wheels changes the characteristic impedance of the sensor at the wheel's contact location. An electrical time domain reflectometry signal processing system which is capable of measuring the change in the impedance of the sensor and converting the impedance change to a signal may be connected operatively to the sensor. A data-processing system receives the signal and extracts the vehicle information therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL ROAD DYNAMICSInventor: International Road Dynamics
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Patent number: 8825586Abstract: A method is provided herein for determining and recognizing types of vehicles passing a check point. The method takes advantage of an EM algorithm which is up-loaded into a CPU and which processes data of the vehicles which drive past a checkpoint, the data being representative of essential characteristics of vehicles to produce an output model of the traffic volumes of the various types of vehicles. This model enables the forecasting of future road maintenance costs and the planning and designing of future road networks.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: International Road DynamicsInventor: Zhengrong Li
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Patent number: 8502697Abstract: A method and system for a mid-block traffic detection and traffic signal control system is provided herein that is suited to monitoring heavy commercial vehicles such as trucks is provided. The method comprises detecting a vehicle and determining at least one pre-determined parameter of the vehicle. A traffic condition is evaluated based on the at least one pre-determined parameter. In response to the evaluation of the traffic condition, a traffic signal is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: International Road Dynamics Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Bushman
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Patent number: 8080742Abstract: The present invention provides an improved weigh-in-motion scale. A slight increase in the thickness of a an upper, flexibly-deformable metal plate in a thin, flexibly-deformable plate system coupled with a change in the transverse locations of the load cells provides the improved weigh-in-motion scale, which is capable of weighing substantially heavier loads than previously known weigh-in-motion scales. In use, as weight is applied to the weigh-in-motion scale, the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate elastically bends. The strain gauges thus provide a changing resistive value proportional to the bending of the flexible element and the weight applied, to generate signals to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which then provides output signals from the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which are proportional to the force applied to the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: International Road Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Terrance Arthur Bergan, Randal Leroy Hanson
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Publication number: 20100274754Abstract: A method is provided herein for determining and recognizing types of vehicles passing a check point. The method takes advantage of an EM algorithm which is up-loaded into a CPU and which processes data of the vehicles which drive past a checkpoint, the data being representative of essential characteristics of vehicles to produce an output model of the traffic volumes of the various types of vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: International Road DynamicsInventor: Zhengrong LI
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Publication number: 20100126782Abstract: The present invention provides an improved weigh-in-motion scale. A slight increase in the thickness of a an upper, flexibly-deformable metal plate in a thin, flexibly-deformable plate system coupled with a change in the transverse locations of the load cells provides the improved weigh-in-motion scale, which is capable of weighing substantially heavier loads than previously known weigh-in-motion scales. In use, as weight is applied to the weigh-in-motion scale, the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate elastically bends. The strain gauges thus provide a changing resistive value proportional to the bending of the flexible element and the weight applied, to generate signals to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which then provides output signals from the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which are proportional to the force applied to the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: INTERNATIONAL ROAD DYNAMICS, INCInventors: Terrance Arthur BERGAN, Randal Leroy HANSON
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Publication number: 20090284395Abstract: A method and system for a mid-block traffic detection and traffic signal control system is provided herein that is suited to monitoring heavy commercial vehicles such as trucks is provided. The method comprises detecting a vehicle and determining at least one pre-determined parameter of the vehicle. A traffic condition is evaluated based on the at least one pre-determined parameter. In response to the evaluation of the traffic condition, a traffic signal is controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL ROAD DYNAMICS INC.Inventor: Robert J. BUSHMAN
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Patent number: 6825778Abstract: A variable speed limit work zone safety system is provided herein. It includes at least two spaced-apart stations. Each station includes a plurality of sensors to gather information relative to at least one of traffic flow and road conditions. The station includes a controller which is programmed to analyse data which is received from the sensors and to derive, therefrom, an optimum speed limit at a selected location adjacent to, or in, the work zone. The station further includes a communication sub-system to communicate data related to the optimum speed limit to a message board to display the optimum speed to motorists.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: International Road Dynamics Inc.Inventors: Terry Bergan, Robert Bushman
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Patent number: 6559774Abstract: A novel dynamic work zone safety system and method of traffic control for a construction work zone are provided herein. The system includes at least two traffic signalling device which are positioned along a roadside immediately upstream of a point where traffic is diverted to a single lane. The traffic signalling devices selectively flash a suitable warning, e.g., “DO NOT PASS” or “MERGE LEFT” or “MERGE RIGHT”, thereby to provide at least two “NO PASSING” or “MERGE LEFT” or “MERGE RIGHT” zones which is defined by the distance between the traffic signalling devices and the end of the work or construction zone. The “NO PASSING” or “MERGE LEFT” or “MERGE RIGHT” zones traffic signalling device and the end of the work or construction zone may thus be expanded or contracted.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: International Road Dynamics Inc.Inventors: Terry Bergan, Rod Klashinsky
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Patent number: 6469266Abstract: An improved vehicle road sensor is provided for signalling the passage of a vehicle over a predetermined location on a roadway. The vehicle road sensor includes a membrane switch which includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a non-conductive substrate, a pair of electrically-conductive stripes upon the non-conductive substrate, an electrically non-conductive gap separating the electrically-conductive stripes, and an electrically-conductive lead connected to each electrically-conductive stripe. The second member includes an electrically-conductive strip which is superposed upon the electrically-conductive stripes on the first member. The second member is normally out of electrical contact with the electrically-conductive stripes on the first member.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: International Road Dynamics Inc.Inventor: Brian Taylor
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Patent number: 6204778Abstract: Traffic monitoring and warning systems and vehicle ramp advisory systems are provided herein. Such system includes a set of sensor arrays comprising a set of above-road electro-acoustic sensor arrays which is disposed above a traffic lane approaching a hazard for producing signals which are indicative of whether the vehicle is an automobile or a truck and, if it is a truck, to record the presence of such truck, and to provide signals which are indicative of the speed of such truck. A processor is provided which has a memory for storing site-specific data related both to the geometry of the hazard and to signals which have been received from the set of above-road electro-acoustic sensor arrays. A traffic signalling device is associated with the traffic lane and is disposed downstream of the set of above-road electro-acoustic sensor arrays, the traffic signalling device being controlled by the processor.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: International Road Dynamics Inc.Inventors: Terry Bergan, Rod Klashinsky
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Patent number: 6006386Abstract: A capacitance transducer is provided herein for use in measuring loads. It includes a flexible first electrode, a flexible thin film solid dielectric and a fluid dielectric therebetween. A load which is applied to the transducer presses the first electrode, and the thin film dielectric against the second electrode, thereby squeezing out the fluid dielectric to increase the area of the electrodes that are in close proximity. This provides a capacitance transducer that has a significant linear response and an insignificant non-linear response.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: International Road Dynamics Inc.Inventor: Udo H. Mohaupt
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Patent number: 5747746Abstract: A securing system is provided for securing a central, load-supporting, movable platform to a fixed peripheral framework base of a weigh scale, in a torque arm mounting for weigh scales. The securing system includes at least one securing element disposed between the central inner movable load-supporting platform constituted by inner upper and inner lower platforms, between the outer lower frame member and the fixed peripheral mounting frame. Aligned-through holes pass through the central inner lower platform and the outer lower frame member. A dead-end cylindrical bore extends from the upper face of the inner upper platform. A compression spring is seated within such dead-end cylindrical bore. A hole pierces the bottom of the dead-end cylindrical bore. A third aligned through-hole passes through the compression spring. A securing bolt extends concentrically through the three aligned through-holes, and the compression spring and is threadably secured to the mounting frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: International Road Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Terry Bergan, Dwaine Friesen
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Patent number: 5719356Abstract: An improvement is provided in the mounting means for a weigh scale including a fixed peripheral frame base structure (the "base"), a central, movable, load-supporting platform (the "platform"), and interconnections between the platform with the base to allow limited vertical motion of the platform. The interconnecting means comprises at least four torque-transmitting tubular arms which are mounted and arranged around the perimeter of the platform, with one portion of each torque-transmitting tubular arm being supported with respect to the base, and another portion of each torque-transmitting tubular arm being supported with respect to the platform. The improved mounting includes a butterfly block at each end of each such torque-transmitting tubular arms. The butterfly block includes two parallel upper vertical guideways and two parallel lower vertical guideways.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1996Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: International Road Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Dwaine Friesen, Terry Bergan