Abstract: Primary vehicle impedance is provided when an actuator exerts a rigid object against a envelope of enclosed fluid to activate the restriction surface by pushing the fluid from the reservoir to the supporting side of the restriction surface. Reversal of the actuator withdraws the rigid object from the enclosed fluid volume, allowing the fluid to return from supporting the deployed restriction surface back to the reservoir. Secondary vehicle impedance is provided when the vehicle's tires traverse a predetermined contoured shape of the restriction surface. Continuous contact between the radial tire surface and the ends of the restriction surface is maintained by tapering the ends. Static structural components support the fluid and distribute the forces to the ground as the impact and weight of the vehicle's tires are applied to the restriction surface.

Abstract: The fluid-filled retractable speed bump (Vehicle Restrictor) can be used in a traffic environment in which it is impractical to use a traditional speed bump. When integrated with an appropriate traffic management system, it can be used to impede the position and speed of vehicles for improved traffic management and the prevention of vehicular collisions involving pedestrians, trains, and other vehicles. The invention transfers fluid between a reservoir volume and an active volume to present or withdraw impedance to motor vehicles using a retractable restriction surface. The fluid also distributes the vehicle's loading forces to static structural components rather than mechanical moving parts. Reduced stress within fewer moving components minimizes the frequency and magnitude of maintenance compared to other such retractable devices.

Abstract: The Collision Avoidance System prevents collisions between vehicles and vehicular collisions with pedestrians, trains, and stationary objects by monitoring, controlling, documenting, and reporting the speed and position of vehicles. The system guards against speeding violations, moving violations, and particular safety hazards by invoking a reduction of vehicle speed or by restricting vehicle movement to control its position. This is primarily accomplished with the activation of a controllable road perturbation. The system also monitors pedestrians, school bus loading/unloading, traffic density, trains, environmental conditions that may affect driving, and traffic control systems to determine the action to take for collision prevention.