Entrance and exit ramp safety system

• US 9,640,072 B2
• Filed: 06/04/2013
• Issued: 05/02/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tony D. White
• Original Assignee: Tony D. White
• Inventors: White, Tony D.
• Primary Examiner(s): BAILEY, FREDERICK D
• Application Number:
  US13/909,219
• Publication Number:
  US 20150146001A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,428 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 13/046 the obstructing members moving up in a translatory motion, e.g. telescopic barrier posts for lane control E01F9/594
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 13/06 by swinging into open position about a vertical or horizontal axis parallel to the road direction, i.e. swinging gates
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 13/105 depressible by right-way traffic, e.g. pivotally; actuated by wrong-way traffic type-disabling elements E01F13/123
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/075 Ramp control
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices

Abstract

A traffic safety system is provided for controlling the entry of motorists onto one way roads. The system has a motion detection unit which identifies the presence of motor vehicles travelling the wrong direction on one way roads, highway exit ramps and entrance ramps. Upon detection of a vehicle, the system activates audible and visual warnings. If the motorist does not stop moving, a barrier will deploy and a camera unit will photograph the license plate of the vehicle before transmitting same to local authorities. Additionally, a set of warming indicators positioned at a far end of the road are provided, which illuminate when the system is deployed, notifying travelers of a road blockage.

Claims

1. A traffic control and safety system, comprising:

a first optical motion detector capable of detecting the direction of travel of an oncoming motor vehicle;

one or more warning indicators in communication with said first optical motion detector;

wherein activation of said first optical motion detector initiates visual or audible feedback from said one or more warning indicators;

a second optical motion detector in communication with said first optical motion detector, such that detection of said oncoming motor vehicle by said first optical motion detector, activates a camera stored within said second optical motion detector, and wherein said camera is positioned to photograph and store images of said oncoming motor vehicle;

a barrier having a stowed and a deployed state, and in communication with said second optical motion detector;

wherein detection of said oncoming motor vehicle by said second optical motion detector, initiates deployment of said barrier to the deployed state, and wherein the deployed state of said barrier blockades a portion of a roadway due to a driver'"'"'s unresponsiveness to said one or more warning indicators;

wherein said first optical motion detector must be activated prior to activation of said second optical motion detector in order to allow said oncoming motor vehicle traveling a wrong direction on said roadway to be warned prior to said barrier deployment via the one or more warning indicators, thereby preventing said barrier from being deployed unnecessarily;

said second optical motion detector is adapted to transmit said images to an external computer.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said second optical motion detector is electrically connected to said barrier.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said first optical motion detector transmits activation signals to said second optical motion detector.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said second optical motion detector has a digital cable connection facilitating transmission of stored images.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said second optical motion detector has a wireless communication means facilitating transfer of stored images, and transmission of activation signals.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said warning indicators are illuminated signs.