US3783446A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Traffic control system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-12-09
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Granted: 1974-01-01
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Expires: 1991-12-09
Abstract
Abstract A traffic control and warning system for the control of traffic characterized by a series of traffic lights selectively operated through relays which are operated by switches located in the roadway and which switches are tripped by the wheels of a vehicle. Provision is made for warning drivers when a vehicle stalls in the roadway.
Inventors
- 👤 J Mcgimpsey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:10
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/07; G08G1/075; G08G1/01; G08G1/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
372 words
A traffic control system, for use in controlling traffic traveling along a uni-directional roadway having separate entrances and exits, comprising a series of traffic control zones, each of said zones comprising: at least one entering detector for sensing the entrance of a vehicle into the zone; at least one exiting detector for sensing the exiting of a vehicle from the zone; at least one traffic signal installed at the entrance to said zone and at each entrance to the said roadway to control traffic travelling along said roadway and entering onto said roadway; each of said traffic signals being provided with a plurality of differently colored lights; light controlling switch means operated by said entering and exiting detectors to control the lighting of said differently colored lights, said entering and exiting detectors being connected to said light controlling switch means in such a manner as to control the lighting of the various lights located at the entrances to the zone and to the preceding zone, so that when a vehicle is detected entering the zone by an entering detector, its presence within the zone is indicated at the entrances to the zone, and when the vehicle is detected leaving the zone by an exiting detector, its absence from the zone is indicated at each entrance to the zone; and timing means operating in conjunction with said light controlling switch means to activate lights at each entrance to a zone to indicate when a possible obstruction in the form of a stopped vehicle may be expected in the zone, said timing means being adapted to transmit a signal to activate warning lights at the entrances to a zone when a vehicle in the zone fails to pass from an entering detector to an exiting detector of the zone within a predetermined interval of time; and an entering detector being provided at each entrance to the roadway to sense the approach of a vehicle at an entrance to the roadway and the traffic control system being adapted to control the same entry of the vehicle onto the roadway and to cause the lights at the entrances to the zone to indicate that the entering vehicle is in the zone associated with the roadway entrance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
372 words
A traffic control system, for use in controlling traffic traveling along a uni-directional roadway having separate entrances and exits, comprising a series of traffic control zones, each of said zones comprising: at least one entering detector for sensing the entrance of a vehicle into the zone; at least one exiting detector for sensing the exiting of a vehicle from the zone; at least one traffic signal installed at the entrance to said zone and at each entrance to the said roadway to control traffic travelling along said roadway and entering onto said roadway; each of said traffic signals being provided with a plurality of differently colored lights; light controlling switch means operated by said entering and exiting detectors to control the lighting of said differently colored lights, said entering and exiting detectors being connected to said light controlling switch means in such a manner as to control the lighting of the various lights located at the entrances to the zone and to the preceding zone, so that when a vehicle is detected entering the zone by an entering detector, its presence within the zone is indicated at the entrances to the zone, and when the vehicle is detected leaving the zone by an exiting detector, its absence from the zone is indicated at each entrance to the zone; and timing means operating in conjunction with said light controlling switch means to activate lights at each entrance to a zone to indicate when a possible obstruction in the form of a stopped vehicle may be expected in the zone, said timing means being adapted to transmit a signal to activate warning lights at the entrances to a zone when a vehicle in the zone fails to pass from an entering detector to an exiting detector of the zone within a predetermined interval of time; and an entering detector being provided at each entrance to the roadway to sense the approach of a vehicle at an entrance to the roadway and the traffic control system being adapted to control the same entry of the vehicle onto the roadway and to cause the lights at the entrances to the zone to indicate that the entering vehicle is in the zone associated with the roadway entrance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
123 words
A traffic control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the entering detectors and the exiting detectors comprise pressure operated switching means which comprise a plurality of contact bar assemblies installed in cavities in said roadway and at the entrances and exits to said roadway, each of said contact bar assemblies comprising a contact bar mounted substantially level with the surface of the roadway and perpendicularly movable with respect to said surface of the roadway, rigid supports for limiting said perpendicular movement of said contact bar, spring means for supporting said contact bar substantially level with the roadway when there is no stress placed on said contact bar, and momentary contact switch means operated by the said perpendicular movement of said contact bar.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A traffic control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light controlling switch means to control the delivery of electrical power to said lights comprises a plurality of relays wired to said entering and exiting detectors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
A traffic control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a flasher is provided which is operated by said timing means, which flasher provides electrical power to intermittently operate the lights used to warn about a possible obstruction, and manually operated reset means are provided which are adapted to by-pass the said timing means and to terminate the operation of the said warning lights.
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) | 1976-12-31 | 1977-07-02 | 1978-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-31 | 1981-07-02 | 1982-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-31 | 1985-07-02 | 1986-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |