American Lafrance, LLC

Brian S Ritchey

Jon Milton Green

An Outrigger Obstruction Detection System for an Aerial Fire Truck that will warn the driver of an impending obstruction to an outrigger prior to full extension of the outrigger. The system comprises ultrasonic sensors located at or near each outrigger assembly on the aerial fire truck, which can be programmed to detect an object within the travel range of the outrigger. In addition, a control/indicator panel is mounted in the cab of the aerial fire truck. The control/indicator panel is positioned in the cab to allow the driver physical and visual access. The control/indicator panel contains the power switch, diagram of the truck and indicator lights used to warn the driver of an obstruction. The sensors provide an electrical signal to a control/indicator panel located in the cab of the aerial fire truck to alert the driver if an object is detected. This alert allows the driver to reposition the truck to clear the obstruction, which in turn reduces the time to react to the emergency. The ultrasonic sensors are affixed to the aerial fire truck via a pivotal mounting assembly, which allows proper sensing alignment to be achieved.

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Manheim, PA, United States of America

Brian S Ritchey