Abstract: A vehicle includes a system for autonomously onboarding the vehicle onto a ramp with one or more ramp paths. The system has sensors positioned in front of the front wheels of the vehicle that obtain a three dimensional view of at least an area in front of the wheels. The system also has a control unit configured to receive the three dimensional view from the sensors, identify the one or more ramp paths of the ramp in the three dimensional view, calculate a three dimensional path for onboarding the vehicle on the one or more ramp paths of the ramp and control the vehicle to autonomously onboard the vehicle on to the one or more ramp paths of the ramp along the three dimensional path.

Abstract: A tire or tread detection device for the classification of vehicular traffic. The invention allows the detection of tires by identifying with certainty the number of axles that make up a vehicle, thus determining its traffic category or classification, for the determination of loads, toll collection and evaluation of traffic supply and demand. The invention is a development integrated by hardware and software, electronic control devices, signal analysis and communications. The device is made up of Hall Effect sensors for detecting the magnetic field and magnetic field reinforcement magnets, geometrically arranged and interconnected to a microcomputer that interprets analog signals, to obtain the detection of the tire.

Abstract: Described herein is a disinfectant system in the form of an autonomous device for performing a disinfectant operation within an enclosed space defined by the walls, ceiling and floor of a room when a predefined condition, in the form of the absence of a human being within the room, is met. The purpose of the system is environmental decontamination and specifically to inactivate pathogenic organisms. The device includes a disinfectant module for carrying out the disinfectant operation when there is an absence of a human being within the room, and a sensing module for sensing the presence of a substantially stationary human being within the room.

Abstract: Systems and methods of maneuvering an autonomous vehicle in a local region using topological planning, while traversing a route to a destination location, are disclosed. The system includes an autonomous vehicle including one or more sensors and a processor. The processor is configured to determine the local region on the route and receive real-time information corresponding to the local region. The processor performs topological planning to identify on or more topologically distinct classes of trajectories, compute a constraint set for each of the one or more topologically distinct classes of trajectories, optimize a trajectory to generate a candidate trajectory for each constraint set, and select a trajectory for the autonomous vehicle to traverse the local region from amongst the one or more candidate trajectories.

Abstract: A safety warning system including at least one sensor or sensor system to detect an abnormal safety situation relative to a safety zone, at least one network transmitter associated with the at least one sensor or sensor system, at least one controller associated with the at least one sensor or sensor system to receive information from the at least one sensor or sensor system and issue an alert signal based on a comparison of the information received and a safety setpoint, the alert signal issued over a safety zone network, and at least one wearable unit provided for each user in the safety zone, the wearable unit providing at least a tactile alert to the user based on the comparison to warn the user of the occurrence of an abnormal safety situation within the safety zone.

Abstract: A system and method for zone projection are presented. Specifically, anticipated paths of travel are determined for a number of different vehicles operating within an environment. Based upon those anticipated paths of travel, as well as likely stopping distances of each vehicle, the system generate zones around each vehicle. These projected zones define a geographical region into which each vehicle is likely to proceed as it maneuvers about the environment. With the zones determined, the system is configured to detect zones that overlap, and, when such overlapping zones are detected, can generate an alarm warning of a potential collision condition that may exist between the two corresponding vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement and a method for mitigating a forward collision between a host vehicle, having sensors for monitoring a road ahead and wheel brakes, and an oncoming vehicle. The sensors are utilized to estimate parameters of an oncoming vehicle. The estimated parameters are utilized to predict a future path of the oncoming vehicle, and host vehicle parameters are utilized to predict a future path of the host vehicle. The predicted future paths are assessed to determine if a forward collision is likely unavoidable assuming full freedom for performing avoidance maneuvers for both vehicles. The wheel brakes are controlled to reduce a relative longitudinal velocity between the vehicles at a predicted collision instant if determined that a forward collision is likely unavoidable at a determined relative longitudinal velocity above a first threshold.

Abstract: A method for operating a controlled object that is embedded in a changing environment. The controlled object and its environment are periodically observed using sensors. Independent data flow paths (“DFP”) are executed based on the data recorded through the observation of the controlled object and its environment. A first DFP determines a model of the controlled object and the environment of the controlled object and carries out a trajectory planning in order to create possible trajectories that, under the given environmental conditions, correspond to a specified task assignment. A second DFP determines a model of the controlled object and of the environment of the controlled object and determines a safe space-time domain (“SRZD”) in which all safe trajectories must be located. The results of the first and the second DFP are transmitted to a deciding instance to verify whether at least one of the trajectories is safe.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle comprising a path validation tool and a drive unit, steering unit, localization module, and navigation module that cooperate to navigate the vehicle along a warehouse travel path. The tool comprises warehouse layout data, a proposed travel path, vehicle kinematics, and a dynamic vehicle boundary that approximates the vehicle physical periphery. The tool executes path validation logic to determine vehicle pose along the proposed travel path, update the dynamic vehicle boundary to account for changes in vehicle speed and steering angle, determine whether the dynamic vehicle boundary is likely to intersect obstacles represented in the layout data based on the determined vehicle pose at candidate positions along the proposed travel path, determine a degree of potential impingement at the candidate positions by referring to the dynamic vehicle boundary and obstacle data, and modify the proposed travel path to mitigate the degree of potential impingement.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program wherein the apparatus comprises: processing circuitry; and memory circuitry including computer program code; the memory circuitry and the computer program code configured to, with the processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least to perform: obtaining information from at least one sensor wherein the information comprises a current location of a vehicle; using the obtained information to determine an autonomous evacuation strategy for the vehicle; and enabling the vehicle to access the autonomous evacuation strategy when an emergency is detected.

Abstract: A sensor device, including a sensor casing, inside of which one sensor or multiple sensors is/are situated, a holder for fastening the sensor casing to a traffic infrastructure, a processor being situated in the sensor casing, which is designed to detect, based on sensor data from one or multiple of the one sensor or of the multiple sensors, an impermissible application of force on the sensor casing.

Abstract: A route for a trip to a destination is generated using map information. A set of no-go roadway segments, where the vehicle is not able to drive in an autonomous mode, relevant to the route from the plurality of no-go roadway segments is identified from the map information. A local region around a current location of the vehicle is determined. A local map region including roadway segments of the map information that correspond to locations within the local region is determined. The set of the plurality of no-go roadway segments is filtered from the roadway segments of the local map region. A cost value is assigned to each roadway segment of the filtered roadway segments of the local map region. Any assigned cost values are used to determining a plan for maneuvering the vehicle for a predetermined period into the future. The vehicle is maneuvered according to the plan.

Abstract: A path plan generating apparatus 10 corrects an RRT path plan that an RRT path plan generating section 22 has generated by processing based on the RRT algorithm, by a path plan correcting section 23 by processing based on the potential method. If the corrected path plan becomes a path plan with which interference between the mobile body 1 and an obstacle A is unavoidable, the apparatus 10 causes the RRT path plan generating section 22 to generate a new RRT path plan.

Abstract: A system includes a computer programmed to determine, along a nominal path to be traversed by a vehicle, a potential field representing a driving corridor for the vehicle. The computer is further programmed to identify a position of the vehicle relative to the potential field at a current time, and apply a torque to q steering column of the vehicle. The torque is based at least in part on the position. The potential field includes an attractive potential that guides the vehicle to remain within the corridor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a traffic detector (200) comprising: a hermetically closed tube (202); the said tube (202) delimiting at least one chamber (218), each chamber (218) extending from one of the ends of the said tube (202), for each chamber (218), a piezoelectric sensor placed at the corresponding end of the tube (202) and suitable for transforming the shock waves received into an electrical signal; the traffic detector (200) being characterised in that it comprises an elastic band (204) and fixing devices (208, 210) intended to keep the said elastic band (204) tensioned between the ends of the said tube (202).

Abstract: An apparatus defines a protection envelope in an aircraft, including a processor and at least one sensor, each sensor being coupled with the processor, the processor executing at least one neural network based algorithm. The at least one sensor monitors flight parameters of the aircraft thereby generating monitored flight parameters. The processor divides the performance envelope of the aircraft into predefined flight regimes, wherein for each predefined flight regime, the processor defines and stores a suitable protection envelope. The processor determines an estimated flight regime of the aircraft using the neural network based algorithm based on the monitored flight parameters. The processor selects a respective suitable protection envelope for the aircraft based on the estimated flight regime.

Abstract: A device and method aids the evaluation of a flight trajectory that is intended to be followed by an aircraft within a constrained environment. The method includes receiving information from a processing unit regarding stationary and moving obstacles, implementing a collision trial based on this information, and displaying any collision risks to the pilot on a display device in the cockpit. Consequently, a pilot can know within the constrained environment whether a flight trajectory needs to be modified to avoid potential collisions.

Abstract: This Terrain Awareness and Warning System produces a new “Too Low Terrain” predictive alert of “Caution” type when the crew of the aircraft has the possibility of resolving a detected risk of collision with the terrain without interrupting the current maneuver to stabilize at a safety altitude by a leveling-off maneuver, without performing a vertical avoidance maneuver. To do this, it measures the ability of the airplane to avoid the terrain with a sufficient margin without performing a vertical avoidance maneuver, taking into account the location or locations of the penetration or penetrations of the terrain along an alert prober C as well as the capacity of the aircraft to level off knowing the flight conditions.

Abstract: At least one waveform characteristic of a vehicular sensor waveform is reported in a wireless vehicular sensor network. The vehicular sensor waveform results a vehicle's presence near a wireless vehicular sensor node. The waveform characteristic may be rising edge, falling edge, waveform duration and/or waveform midpoint of vehicular sensor waveform. Report transmission uses at least one wireless physical transport. Transmitting the report may initiate a response across the wireless physical transport, preferably from an access point, an acknowledgement of receiving the report. The transmitted report may be received by an access point in the wireless vehicular sensor network. The wireless vehicular sensor network may create any of a vehicular traffic report, a vehicular parking report, and/or a vehicular speeding report, based upon the received vehicular sensor waveform report.

Abstract: A device for activating an actuator system for protecting a pedestrian is provided, the device being connected to an environment sensor system and a contact sensor system. The device compares a first signal from the contact sensor system to a threshold. The threshold or the first signal is changed as a function of a second signal of the environment sensor system and the actuator system is activated as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: An event sensing component includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a first tube that is provided along an entire length of the housing, and a second tube that is provided along the entire length of the housing. The housing also includes a first connector provided at one end of the first tube and configured to couple with a first bypass tube that is attached at another end to another traffic sensing component. The housing further includes a second connector provided at one end of the second tube and configured to couple with a second bypass tube that is attached at another end to the another traffic sensing component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating incursion alerts in response to incursion events detected by incursion detector units, attached to safety icons such as traffic cones and signage. The incursion detector units are activated by automatic activation sensors and remain activated for a period of time. Alerts are generated in response to impacts detected at the safety icons by an incursion detector and transmitted to one or more incursion receiver units which annunciate the alert with audio, lights, or tactile output to warn personnel of possibly impending danger. Alert signals are preferably repeated by other incursion detectors wherein the distance and conditions over which the alert signals may be communicated is extended. A validation circuit and tilt sensor filter out not incursion events such as wind tipping. The incursion detectors may generate area alerts, or personal alerts and can transmit operational status and alerts to discrete groups of receivers.

Abstract: There are basically two types of rumble strips: shoulder/center rumble strips and in-lane rumble strips. In an embodiment of the invention, there is a device that automatically identifies the type of rumble strip with which a vehicle tire is in contact with. The device may include a processor adapted to receive input indicative of a state of rotation of a first vehicle tire and input indicative of a state of rotation of a second vehicle tire when one or more of the first vehicle tire and the second vehicle tire is in contact with a rumble strip. The processor includes logic to compare the state of rotation of the first vehicle tire to the state of rotation of the second vehicle tire, and determine from the comparison, the type of rumble strip in contact with at least one of the first vehicle tire and the second vehicle tire.

Abstract: A method of assessing the accuracy of a roadside traffic monitoring system (TMS) arranged to measure the speed and/or other parameters of vehicles passing a predetermined measurement point adjacent the TMS is disclosed. The method includes measuring the speed of each vehicle passing the measurement point using the TMS, measuring the moment in time that each vehicle passes the measurement point using the TMS, and recording the measured speeds and times as data pairs. The method further includes driving an Instrumented Probe Vehicle (IPV) at the measurement point, the IPV having an onboard system for measuring speed, determining the location of the IPV, determining a calibration time at which the determined location of the IPV corresponds to the location of the measurement point, and measuring a calibration speed of the IPV using the onboard system when the determined location of the IPV corresponds to the location of the measurement point.

Abstract: An intelligent vehicle identification system that uses inductive loop technology to profile and classify a vehicle. In a tolling industry application, classification of the vehicle is made prior to the vehicle arriving at a payment point in a toll lane in which the vehicle travels. A predetermined fare associated with the classification is then solicited from an operator of the vehicle without efforts from a toll attendant. In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes an intelligent queue loop that verifies the vehicle at the payment point to prevent misclassification due to a second vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle, that changes from a different lane to the toll lane in question.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a device to alter transfer characteristics of a road departure warning installation installed on a road to a driver of a vehicle, including a rumble strip sensor to sense input from a rumble strip and an adjustable vehicle component in communication with the rumble strip sensor, the adjustable vehicle component configured to automatically adjust to increase an amount of input from the rumble strip sensed by the driver. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a device to estimate lateral displacement of a vehicle based on the location of a rumble strip installed on a road with respect to the vehicle, the device including a processor configured to receive four signals indicative of contact of a rumble strip with respective associated four tires of the vehicle and to estimate a lateral distance that the vehicle has traveled beyond the detected rumble strip.

Abstract: A system and method for generating remote incursion alerts in response to incursion detected by incursion transmitter units, such as at traffic cones, posts, barricades and signage. Alerts are generated in response to impacts detected at the safety icons within an incursion transmitter (or transceiver) and transmitted to one or more incursion receiver units which annunciate the alert with audio, lights, and or tactile output to warn construction crews of possibly impending danger. The alert signals may be communicated over a wired connection or a wireless communication link. Alert signals wirelessly communicated are preferably repeated by other incursion transmitters which are each coupled to a receiver to form a transceiver, wherein the distance and conditions over which the wireless alert signals may be communicated is extended. The incursion receiver may generate area alerts, or personal alerts, such as comprising the generation of audio, physical outputs, or light signals.

Abstract: An acoustic pulse transfer device according to the invention has one or more carrier segments that can be connected together to transport acoustic pulses through them. Acoustic pulses generated by events in a first segment are transported through a second segment, which may or may not have its own acoustic pulse generator generating acoustic pulses in response to different events. Acoustic pulses generated in the first and second segments are then independently transported through a third segment. Any number of such segments can be connected together. Typically, acoustic pulses are generated by compressing a pneumatic tube in a carrier segment. The pneumatic tube is connected to a substantially non-compressible acoustic pulse carrier tube connected to the segment's pneumatic tube through a trough in a wall separating the pneumatic tube from the acoustic pulse carrier tube.

Abstract: Surface-mounted traffic monitoring sensors that do not require substantial disruption to traffic flow to install or maintain, and that do not substantially degrade the physical integrity of the road. Pneumatic road-tube wedges and surface-mount inductive blades detect wheel-spikes and/or inductive signatures in both fixed and portable installations, single or multi-lane roadways, and provides accurate vehicle speed, volume, occupancy, turning movement counts, weaving sections, classification, re-identification, travel-time, origin and destination, lane-keeping variation, speed-variation, angle-of-attack, and vehicle weight and load distribution. This data is useful to infrastructure planners, traffic-flow modelers, to enhance the safety of work-zone crews, law enforcement, and for real-time traffic operations, etc.

Abstract: System and method of detecting an onset of tread rubber separation of a pneumatic tire on a vehicle, in which a permanent first periodic vibration is produced, in at least one of each axle and each wheel, that is proportional to a wheel rotational speed as a speed output signal. The speed output signal is fed to a signal processing device, wherein in the onset of tread rubber separation, there is provided the superimposition on a first vibration or the speed output signal, at least one separately defined periodic vibration characteristic of the onset of tread rubber separation and proportional to the wheel rotational speed. The superimposition of the first periodic vibration with the at least one separately defined periodic vibration characteristic of the onset of tread rubber separation is detected in the signal processing device and a warning signal is produced.

Abstract: A brake light system for a vehicle includes an indicating member movable between a first position and a second position, which is different from the first position. The indicating member is movable from its first position to its second position in response to the actuation of a brake system of the vehicle so as to indicate the extent of engagement of the brake system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and/or controlling the behavior of a vehicle including at least one wheel includes determining one or more values of deformation of a tire of the at least one wheel by measuring the one or more values using a first signal emitted between a rim of the at least one wheel and a casing of the tire, providing a database comprising predetermined values of deformation of the tire that correspond to a behavior of the at least one wheel, comparing the measured one or more values of deformation with one or more of the predetermined values of deformation, and emitting a second signal dependent on at least one result of the comparison for monitoring and/or controlling the behavior of the vehicle. The one or more values of deformation are determined in vertical, transverse, and longitudinal directions or along the axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.

Abstract: Surface-mounted traffic monitoring sensors that do not require substantial disruption to traffic flow to install or maintain, and that do not substantially degrade the physical integrity of the road. Pneumatic road-tube wedges and surface-mount inductive blades detect wheel-spikes and/or inductive signatures in both fixed and portable installations, single or multi-lane roadways, and provides accurate vehicle speed, volume, occupancy, turning movement counts, weaving sections, classification, re-identification, travel-time, origin and destination, lane-keeping variation, speed-variation, angle-of-attack, and vehicle weight and load distribution. This data is useful to infrastructure planners, traffic-flow modelers, to enhance the safety of work-zone crews, law enforcement, and for real-time traffic operations, etc.

Abstract: An acoustic pulse transfer device according to the invention has one or more carrier segments that can be connected together to transport acoustic pulses through them. Acoustic pulses generated by events in a first segment are transported through a second segment, which may or may not have its own acoustic pulse generator generating acoustic pulses in response to different events. Acoustic pulses generated in the first and second segments are then independently transported through a third segment. Any number of such segments can be connected together. Typically, acoustic pulses are generated by compressing a pneumatic tube in a carrier segment. The pneumatic tube is connected to a substantially non-compressible acoustic pulse carrier tube connected to the segment's pneumatic tube through a trough in a wall separating the pneumatic tube from the acoustic pulse carrier tube.

Abstract: The function of each autonomous vehicle in a surface mine is performed according to a predetermined trajectory related to its particular task and implemented by a guidance system through on-board GPS and two-way communication hardware. The current position of the vehicle is continuously monitored and correlated to the position of potential hazards along its path, so that corrective action can be taken by implementing appropriate, predetermined control strategies. Each vehicle is assigned a safety envelope that accounts for the vehicle's physical presence and operating tolerances. The safety envelope is characteristic of each vehicle and is defined by a variable space surrounding the vehicle wherein it may be physically present as it travels along its intended trajectory. The shape and size of the safety envelope is dynamically varied to meet safety requirements for current trajectory conditions facing the vehicle as it performs its autonomous function along its predetermined path.

Abstract: A traffic management systems, combining different monitoring capabilities, beginning with standard WIM (Weigh in Motion) systems for axle weight measurements, combined with tire pressure monitoring in motion and suspension monitoring in motion, whereby for all three specialties, novel road embedded force measuring sensors are used, partly for force measurement and partly for switching operation upon touching the edge of the sensors by the onrolling tire, whereby all possible combinations of the three specialties are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A traffic recording system for recording vehicular traffic events on a roadway having one or more lanes of traffic has a power control unit and a timer counter. Multilane roadway sensors sense roadway traffic and generates analog signals for vehicles traversing the traffic lanes. Each lane has a lane circuit having a sensor amplifier for processing incoming analog signals and converting the analog signals to digital square wave signal with fast rise time, a latch circuit connected to the sensor amplifier for latching sensor amplifier data. A data storage unit has removable data storage media, such as flashcards. A second latch circuit is connected to the timer counter, and a timing and power control logic circuit connected to receive signals from the sensor amplifier.

Abstract: The portable roadway perimeter alarm has an impact sensor which may be a shock or pressure sensor that is connected to a transmitter. The impact sensor and transmitter unit is located around the perimeter of a roadway work area to detect vehicles penetrating the perimeter into the designated work area which vehicles may represent a hazard to work crews. The vehicle penetration event is transmitted to a warning receiver and alarm unit which may be placed in a pocket of a worker's vest or may be mounted on a work vehicle to sound an area alarm. The impact sensor and transmitter units are durable and operate in adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: An improved detector is provided for installation in a roadway surface. The detector finds utility in a highway vehicle detection system for determining vehicle presence, vehicle speed and vehicle length. First and second matched induction coil magnetic sensors are maintained at or near the roadway surface. Each of the sensors has a longitudinal axis aligned normal to the roadway surface. The first and second sensors are separated from one another by a known distance in a direction substantially aligned with a direction of traffic flow. Each of the sensors generate a differential magnetic field signature with respect to time to indicate a passing vehicle's leading and trailing edge magnetic signatures. Vehicle speed is determined by a time-distance relationship using the leading and trailing edge magnetic signatures and the known distance. Vehicle length is determined by a time-speed relationship using the leading and trailing edge magnetic signatures and the determined vehicle speed.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a parking assist device which is removably affixed in relation to a surface and is adapted to engage the on coming wheels of a vehicle and provide upon being engaged by the wheels of a vehicle a signal to the operator to stop the vehicle. The signal may be produced by a mechanical, electrical or other means.

Abstract: A traffic sensor for dispostion across a lane or lanes of a roadway includes a pliable strip within which is housed a flexible carrier which in turn supports electrical sensors and coaxial cables. The components are in circuit with a roadside located recording device. Vehicle imparted loads applied to the strip and carrier are counteracted by an inelastic member extending lengthwise of the strip to prevent erroneous electrical impulses. The inelastic is embodied in strands of material embedded in the carrier. Fastener elements extend through the strip for insertion into the roadway for strip retention.

Abstract: A work zone intrusion alarm system which sounds a siren to warn highway workers in the event a vehicle enters a work zone. Workers may thus react to errant vehicles in time to avoid injury. The work zone intrusion alarm system is composed of a series of pneumatic sensing lines arranged within a highway work zone adjacent a perimeter separating the work zone from oncoming traffic. The sensing lines are connected at junction boxes which include pressure switches. A warning alarm including a siren is activated by the pressure switch upon the compression of a sensing line when driven over by an errant vehicle.

Abstract: An optical treadle of extended longevity is disclosed. The treadle is of unitary construction with an improved cross-sectional passageway shape that more effectively interrupts light when a vehicle tire passes thereover. A treadle assembly with permanently affixed light transmitting and light receiving means is also provided such that a failed assembly can be quickly replaced as a unit. Further, a roadway treadle assembly comprising a frame for installation in a roadway and an adapter plate for adapting a preexisting treadle frame are provided for mounting the treadle assembly across a surface portion of a roadway.

Abstract: A protective alarm system for encompassing an area to be protected, such as a swimming pool, includes an enclosure arrangement having at least one and preferably a plurality of flexible hoses that are filled with fluid and substantially enclose or surround the perimeter of the area to be protected. The protective alarm system also includes a detector mechanism connected to the enclosure arrangement and capable of detecting change in the fluid pressure caused by transfer of the weight of a person to compress the hose by stepping thereon. The protective alarm system further includes an alarm device connected to the detector mechanism and operable to generate an alarm signal in response to detection by the detector mechanism of a change in the fluid pressure in the hoses.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate volume control for route aural guidance. When supplying a guidance voice to a loudspeaker 34a, a voice control section 30 disconnects the loudspeaker 34a from audio and outputs the guidance voice through the loudspeaker. A volume control screen is displayed on a display section 28 where the user adjusts the volume by touching the screen. When the voice control section 30 switches a signal to the loudspeaker 34a, a mute circuit 40a is operated to mute the voice output before the voice is output through the loudspeaker 34a. When the user terminates volume adjustment, the voice control section 30 outputs a voice for volume confirmation or check at the adjusted volume through the loudspeaker 34a. The user can check the adjusted volume at this time.

Abstract: A traffic sensor including piezoelectric sensors having different polarities in different lanes of the roadway so that traffic data for different lanes of a roadway may be discriminated from the polarity of the received signal(s). Preferably, the piezoelectric sensors are formed by splicing oppositely polarized piezoelectric cables or films, by changing the applied electric field during manufacture so that adjacent portions of a piezoelectric cable or film have different polarities, or by applying an electric field of a reversed polarity to respective longitudinal sections of a piezoelectric film. Traffic data from up to 8 different lanes of traffic may be discriminated using only two piezoelectric sensors in accordance with the invention by providing unique combinations of output polarities for deflections of the piezoelectric sensors in the different lanes.

Abstract: A portable traffic warning device identifies hazardous traffic conditions at highway construction sites. The device includes an air hose that actuates a monitor switch whenever a vehicle travels over the air hose. A siren is operably coupled to the monitor switch and is capable of generating a high decibel audible alarm. A portable controller is coupled between the siren and the monitor switch and selectively couples power for preprogrammed amounts of time to the siren after the monitor switch is activated. A spool of retractable wire connects the monitor switch to the controller and allows the air hose to be placed at variable distances from the siren. A portable telescoping pole assembly is used for supporting the siren at variable vertical distances above the ground.

Abstract: A parking lot traffic control and fee collection system is disclosed for use in stadium type parking lots. A vehicle counter installed in a portable traffic pylon is provided at the entry point for each entrance lane of the parking lot for marking the station of the parking attendant. The vehicle counter is installed in a tamper-proof arrangement and the cumulative count of vehicles is presented on a display device which is viewable without opening the enclosure provided by the pylon. A parking supervisor may read the cumulative count at any time and pick-up the receipts from the parking attendant during or at the completion of the parking process. The amount of the receipts collected is compared with the reading on the display device and discrepancies are noted by the supervisor. The vehicle counter is provided with a tamper-proof reset switch.

Abstract: The treadle assembly of the present invention comprises one or more lightweight flexible circuits completely sealed within an envelope of resilient elastomeric material. This treadle is thus more resistant to water, wear, road salt, and other environmental factors than conventional treadle assemblies.

Abstract: A housing assembly of the apparatus includes a roadway mounted base plate to which a housing is secured with the housing having a low profile and inclined side and end walls to permit placement of the housing assembly along a course of lane markers. The housing defines a chamber in which transducer and electronic components are housed. A collapsible road tube terminates within the housing in communication with the transducer. A retainer prevents road tube separation from the housing. An electrical cable of flat section passes downwardly through the base plate and terminates at a remote tallying component.