United States Patent #6,433,691
Inventors: Hilliard; Donald Patrick (Oxnard, CA); Hilliard; Glenda Esnardo (Oxnard, CA); Hilliard; Michael Patrick (Oxnard, CA); Hilliard; Christina Ann (Oxnard, CA)
August 13, 2002

A sensor transmits a pulse in the direction of travel of a user and receives reflections from any obstacle in the path. The sensor provides two signals which indicate the relative range and the relative velocity between the user and the obstacle. A decision logic and control circuit processes the signals and determines whether the user and the obstacle are close enough and there is sufficient closing velocity to present a hazard to the user. When the circuit determines there is a hazard, the circuit activates a warning device. An activation signal is also generated when the circuit determines that the user cannot avoid the obstacle. This signal is supplied to an automatic protection system which includes an air bag located on the front portion of a jacket worn by the user. The air bag is inflated by the activation signal to protect the user when colliding with the obstacle.

Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy (Washington, DC)
Appl. No.: 793783
Filed: February 27, 2001