US3648235A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical systems
Assignee: Marbelite Co Inc
•
Filing: 1970-07-15
•
Granted: 1972-03-07
•
Expires: 1990-07-15
Abstract
Abstract A traffic signal apparatus for illuminating a message in alternate colors carries two light sources of different light color outputs. A one-way light mirror is positioned about one of the light sources to allow passage of light therefrom and to reflect substantially all light from an outside source such as the second light source. This optical system construction avoids unwanted light color reflection on a message plate of the housing during periods when the light source outside of the mirror is illuminated and the light source in the mirror is unlit.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael R Cahill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 08:41
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/09; G08G1/095; F; F21; F21V; F21V9/00; F21V9/08; F21W; F21W2111/00; F21W2111/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/812
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A traffic signal apparatus for generating and transmitting two different light colors, said apparatus comprising, a first light source for generating light rays of a first predetermined color, a second light source for generating light rays of a second color different from said first-mentioned color, means for reflecting light originating from both of said light sources to a predetermined area, and one-way mirror means positioned about said first light source for reflecting light rays from said second light source impinging on said means and generated by said second light source while permitting passage of light rays therethrough originating from said first light source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A traffic signal apparatus for generating and transmitting two different light colors, said apparatus comprising, a first light source for generating light rays of a first predetermined color, a second light source for generating light rays of a second color different from said first-mentioned color, means for reflecting light originating from both of said light sources to a predetermined area, and one-way mirror means positioned about said first light source for reflecting light rays from said second light source impinging on said means and generated by said second light source while permitting passage of light rays therethrough originating from said first light source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A traffic signal apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first light source comprises an incandescent lamp and said one-way mirror means is a thin coating over said lamp.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A traffic signal apparatus in accordance with claim 2 and further comprising means for activating said first and second light sources at different time periods.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A traffic signal apparatus in accordance with claim 2 and further comprising a housing surrounding said reflector and said light sources, said area comprising a means for selectively allowing passage of light to illuminate a message.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A traffic signal apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said thin coating is white.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A traffic signal apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein said thin coating is silver.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A traffic signal apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein said first light source is an orange-colored incandescent lamp and said second light source is a white incandescent lamp.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A traffic signal apparatus in accordance with claim 7 and further comprising means for activating said first and second light sources at different time periods, said message being a WALK indication.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A traffic signal apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said one-way mirror means is formed on an element spaced from said first light source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a traffic signal apparatus having a transparent WALK message panel and a DON''T message panel, a reflector behind said WALK panel with said reflector carrying a first incandescent light source of one color, and a second incandescent light source of a second color constructed and arranged to emit polychromatic light containing some light rays of a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of light rays produced by said first incandescent light source, the improvement comprising, said first light source having an outer translucent covering for reflecting light impinging thereon from outside of said light source while permitting light generated by said first light source to pass through said translucent covering to said WALK panel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a traffic signal apparatus having a transparent WALK message panel and a DON''T message panel, a reflector behind said WALK panel with said reflector carrying a first incandescent light source of one color, and a second incandescent light source of a second color constructed and arranged to emit polychromatic light containing some light rays of a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of light rays produced by said first incandescent light source, the improvement comprising, said first light source having an outer translucent covering for reflecting light impinging thereon from outside of said light source while permitting light generated by said first light source to pass through said translucent covering to said WALK panel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement of claim 9 wherein said first light source is an incandescent lamp having a colored layer under said outer translucent covering.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-03-07 | 1975-09-06 | 1976-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-03-07 | 1979-09-06 | 1980-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-03-07 | 1983-09-06 | 1984-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |