Abstract: The present invention relates to a worker's personal alarm device for generating alarms. The alarm device includes a health monitoring means for monitoring at least one health parameter relating to a worker. The device further includes a controller for generating an alarm subsequent to determining that the health parameter is indicative of unacceptable health. The controller also generates an alarm based upon one or more conditions relating to an allocated protection zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a railroad crossing (2). The railroad crossing (2) includes a railroad (4) along which a train can travel. The railroad crossing (2) further includes a road (6) extending across the railroad (4) and along which a vehicle or automobile can travel. The road (6) includes a curved approach (8) to the railroad (4). The curved approach (8) is effective in encouraging a reduction in speed of the vehicle without seriously disrupting vehicle traffic flow. The railroad crossing (2) further includes a movable vehicle impact barrier (10) which can prevent the vehicle from crossing the railroad (4). The road (6) may include two separated traffic lanes (16a, 16b) in which vehicles travel in opposite directions, and this separation of the lanes (16) deters the vehicle from being driven from one lane 16a and into the other lane (16b) in an attempt to circumvent the barrier (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a warning system for displaying a warning message to a vehicle approaching a railroad crossing. The railroad crossing includes a railroad along which a train can travel, and a road crossing the railroad and along which the vehicle can travel. The warning system includes an identification system for identifying at least one identity characteristic (e.g. number plate, vehicle type, etc.) relating to the vehicle. A train detection system detects at least one train characteristic (e.g. presence, position, speed) relating to the train approaching the railroad crossing along the railroad. A vehicle detection system detects at least one vehicle characteristic (e.g. presence, position, speed) relating to the vehicle approaching the railroad crossing along the road. The warning system further includes a display system for displaying the warning message to the vehicle responsive to detecting both the train and vehicle characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable computational device for protecting at least one worker. The device is configured to send a protection request for allocation of a protection zone for at least one worker. The device is also configured to receive confirmation that the protection zone has been allocated. In one embodiment, the device is configured to both monitor the location of the worker relative to the protection zone and determine whether a hazard is co-incident with the protection zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a worker's personal alarm device for generating alarms. The alarm device includes a health monitoring means for monitoring at least one health parameter relating to a worker. The device further includes a controller for generating an alarm subsequent to determining that the health parameter is indicative of unacceptable health. The controller also generates an alarm based upon one or more conditions relating to an allocated protection zone.

Abstract: A method is provided for the ranking of health care providers, the method comprising: identification of a user and logging of the user into a database having user information stored therein; entering of additional user demographic information necessary for a comparison of health care provider services; selecting a desired medical procedure for comparison between providers; presenting to the user of a facility ranking for the desired medical procedure based upon quality and cost; storage of ranking information for future retrieval by the user; and forwarding the ranking information to an insurance carrier to which the user subscribes.