Proximity alarm system and method of operating same
OwnerBrian Shanleyinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to a proximity alarm system for a worker operating in the vicinity of a moving machine and a method of operating such a system. The proximity alarm system comprises a machine unit for mounting on the moving machine and a worker unit configured to be carried about the person of the worker. The machine unit comprises a boundary field generator for generating an electric field that extends outwardly from the machine. The worker unit comprises an electric field pick-up sensor for detection of the electric field and a worker alarm unit comprising, for example, an audible alarm. The worker alarm unit is actuated in response to the electric field pick-up sensor detecting the electric field, thereby alerting the worker to the proximity of the moving machine.
Claims28
A proximity alarm system for a worker operating in the vicinity of a moving machine, the proximity alarm system comprising a machine unit for mounting on the moving machine and a worker unit configured to be carried about the person of the worker;
- the machine unit comprising a boundary field generator for generating an electric field emanating outwardly from the machine;
- the worker unit comprising an electric field pick-up sensor for detection of the electric field, a power supply, a worker alarm unit, and a microcontroller in communication with the electric field pick-up sensor and the worker alarm unit and operable to actuate the worker alarm unit in response to the electric field pick-up sensor detecting the electric field, thereby alerting the worker to the proximity of the moving machine.
A method of operating a proximity alarm system for a worker operating in the vicinity of a moving machine comprising the steps of:
- mounting a machine unit on the moving machine and providing the worker with a worker unit configured to be carried about their person;
- using the machine unit, generating an electric field emanating outwardly from the machine;
- using the worker unit, detecting the electric field emanating outwardly from the moving machine with an electric field pick-up sensor of the worker unit, and on the electric field pick-up sensor detecting the electric field, alerting the worker to the proximity of the moving machine by actuating a worker alarm unit of the worker unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.