Surface condition sensing and treatment systems, and associated methods
US7839301B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01H10/007
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A surface condition sensing and treatment system includes a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) toward a surface material disposed upon a vehicle travel surface. Reflected EMR is received and signals indicative of the reflected EMR are processed to produce output corresponding to a characteristic of the surface material. Characteristics include friction, depth and composition, including ice present in the surface material. Sensing may be locally or remotely, automatically or manually initiated. The system may include a display and at least one computer with a database of surface material characteristics, historical, environmental and GIS positional information. Sensed characteristics processed with database information may determine a surface treatment, according to a selected outcome or level of service. A spreader system applies the surface treatment responsive to local, remote, automatic or manual command. The system may be mounted with a vehicle, and may sense surface conditions while the vehicle is in motion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.