Multiple emergency vehicle alert system

• US 7,236,101 B2
• Filed: 03/25/2004
• Issued: 06/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard T. Halishak
• Original Assignee: Richard T. Halishak
• Inventors: Halishak, Richard T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass; Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Labbees; Edny
• Application Number:
  US10/808,893
• Publication Number:
  US 20040189490A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,188 Days
• Field of Search: 340/908, 340/901, 340/902, 340/903, 455/78, 455/82, 455/83
• US Class Current: 340/908
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0965 responding to signals from another vehicle, e.g. emergency vehicle

Abstract

A warning system for making known the presence of an emergency vehicle. A transmitter is mounted in an emergency vehicle that outputs a digital UHF/LMS signal that is detectable within a range. A receiver responds to the digital UHF/LMS signal from the transmitter and is mounted, most preferably to a dashboard of a motor vehicle. The receiver detects from the digital signal the type of emergency vehicle from which the digital signal is originating. In one embodiment the digital signal also includes a unique identifier for the transmitter rather than simply a generic discipline identifier such as police, fire, emergency etc. A visual indicator mounted to the motor vehicle is activated in response to the digital signal from the transmitter to warn a motorist in the motor vehicle of a presence of the emergency vehicle within the range of the transmitter and to warn the transmitting vehicle of the presence of other emergency vehicles within receiving range.

Claims

1. A method of communicating a warning signal comprising:

mounting a transmitter and a receiver to an emergency vehicle that outputs a digital signal at periodic intervals that is detectable within a range;

said transmitter turning off its own signal at periodic intervals for 3-5 seconds to allow receipt by said receiver of a signal from other emergency vehicles in the vicinity;

mounting an additional receiver in a private or commercial motor vehicle that responds to the digital signal from the transmitter of a transmitting emergency vehicle to detect said digital signal;

transmitting a digital signal from the transmitter when an emergency vehicle light bar but not a siren of said emergency vehicle is actuated; and

displaying a visual warning from a visual indicator mounted to the private or commercial motor vehicle or other emergency vehicle in response by a receiver of receipt of the digital signal from an emergency vehicle transmitter to warn a motorist in the private or commercial vehicle and/or an other emergency vehicle of a presence of the emergency vehicle whose light bar has been actuated is within said range.

2. Apparatus for communicating a warning signal comprising:

a transmitter in a first emergency vehicle that outputs a digital signal at periodic intervals that is detectable within a range and is periodically turned off from three to five seconds, said transmitter including means responsive to actuation of an emergency vehicle light bar for outputting said digital signal;

a receiver mounted to a private or commercial motor vehicle that responds to the digital signal from the transmitter in an emergency vehicle to detect said digital signal;

visual indicator mounted to the private or commercial motor vehicle that is activated in response to the digital signal from the transmitter of an emergency vehicle to warn a motorist in said motor vehicle of a presence of the emergency vehicle within said range; and

a receiver and visual indicator mounted within the first emergency vehicle that responds to other transmitters in other emergency vehicles during the period the transmitted signal of the first emergency vehicle is turned off regardless of the government agency to which the emergency vehicle is assigned.