January 2006
Practical Technology's new system has a better collapse
detection sensor
based on copper cable instead of fiber optic cable. It also includes the new
controller cabinet with autodialer and UPS functionality.
Contact us for an on-site demo!
 Patent issued
December 2005
Practical Technology was issued patent number US 6,972,687 on
12/6/05. It covers
the basic
system now offered. Patents on the copper-based sensor are now
pending.
Read
All About It!
September 2005
Read more about Practical Technology's
spindle anchor installed in TxDOT's Queen
Isabella warning system in the September 2005
IEEE Intelligent Transportation System
Newsletter (p. 28).
Complete Controller
Cabinet Now Available
August 2005
Practical Technology has now developed a complete
pre-programmed package
subsystem implementing industrial computer controller functionality. This
off-the-shelf
system replaces the PLC, UPS, and autodialer used in the QIC system.
New Improved Collapse Detection Sensor
July 2005
Practical Technology's has developed a
new and improved collapse
detection
sensor - a cable anchor - based on copper cable instead of fiber optic cable.
This
new sensor is easier to install.
Queen Isabella Causeway System Installed
March 2004
Queen Isabella Causeway Memorial Bridge (courtesy TxDOT)
On March 5, 2004, TxDOT commissioned a bridge collapse
detection and
motorist warning system on the Queen Isabella Causeway Memorial Bridge.
This system included Practical Technology's patented spindle anchor.
Development Continues...
Late 2004
Developments of Practical Technology's
complete  system
are underway.
We are continuously undergoing improvements in our system's components
as well.
For example, there is a new spindle anchor/cable method being developed whereby
the sheath of the fiber optic cable does NOT have to be severed
when installed.
This should allow more reliable installation without giving up any of
the safety
aspects of the system. Testing continues, so stay tuned for more
details soon!
Additionally, there is major progress towards a new controller that will
take the
detection of the fiber optic signal and be able to customize its output.
This will make
our system more flexible for those who may not want to provide their own
controller
to interface with warning systems.
TxDOT Designs Its First Bridge Warning
System
Early 2003
- Since the collapse of the Queen
Isabella Causeway in late 2001, the TxDOT
Bridge Division has been searching for a solution to an important
problem:
a way to save lives. They needed a system that would
reliably warn motorists
immediately in the event of a bridge failure. After over a
year of testing and
engineering design, the TxDOT Bridge Division has finally found
the answer
they were seeking.
-
- TxDOT has selected Practical
Technology's spindle anchor as an integral
part of their overall warning system
for the Queen Isabella Causeway. Installation
is slated for sometime later
this year.
Queen Isabella Causeway - Hit by Barge
September 15, 2001
South Padre Island, TX
Eight people died and
several others had to be rescued from the water in the
early morning hours of September 15, 2001, after a barge accident. In the
short time before emergency officials could
arrive to warn motorists, many
of them unknowingly drove their vehicles off the end of this collapsed bridge.
More
general news about the Queen Isabella Collapse
Here
are some interesting links we found:
http://bridgepros.com/projects/queenisabellacauseway/
http://www.caller2.com/2001/october/09/today/localnew/14086.html
http://www.stexasbiz.com/TXBIZ/COLLAPSE/collapse.html
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