US4420740A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Obstruction warning system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-08-31
•
Granted: 1983-12-13
•
Expires: 2001-08-31
Abstract
Abstract An obstruction warning system apparatus is provided having elongated optical light path members each having a volume capable of transmitting light therethrough and having means to interrupt the light along the light path to render the light path member visible at a distance. The optical light path members are supported on guy wires or to an obstruction and have a high intensity light source operatively connected to one end of at least one elongated optical light path member and a reflector formed on the other end thereof for reflecting light from the light source back into the elongated optical light path member. A switching circuit may be provided for switching the light source between a plurality of elongated optical light source members.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert L. Brown
- 👤 Frederick J. Mayer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:03
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B5/00; G08B5/22; G08B5/36; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0005; G02B6/001; F; F21; F21W; F21W2111/00; F21W2111/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
An obstruction warning system comprising in combination: elongated optical light path means having a volume capable of transmitting light therethrough; at least one light source operatively connected to one end of said optical light path means for directing a light thereinto; reflecting means attached to the other end of said elongated optical light path means for reflecting light from said light source; support means for supporting said optical light path means in a predetermined position adjacent an obstruction; and means to interrupt light from said light source along said optical path means to produce increased visibility of said elongated optical light path means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
An obstruction warning system comprising in combination: elongated optical light path means having a volume capable of transmitting light therethrough; at least one light source operatively connected to one end of said optical light path means for directing a light thereinto; reflecting means attached to the other end of said elongated optical light path means for reflecting light from said light source; support means for supporting said optical light path means in a predetermined position adjacent an obstruction; and means to interrupt light from said light source along said optical path means to produce increased visibility of said elongated optical light path means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 1, in which said elongated optical light path means includes a plurality of elongated optical light tubes each attached to individual guy wires.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 2, in which each of said plurality of elongated optical light tubes has a guy wire passing therethrough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 3, in which said light source includes at least one laser.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 3, in which said light source includes at least one high intensity discharge lamp.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 1, including a switching circuit connecting to a plurality of light sources to sequentially actuate said light sources to operate each light source separately.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 6, in which said switching circuit includes photo cell switching means for actuating said light sources only in low light conditions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 2, in which said means to interrupt light along said optical path means includes a plurality of annular raised surfaces equally spaced along each said elongated optical light path tube.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 2, in which said means to interrupt light along said optical path means includes cylindrical shaped elongated interruptions formed along the surface of each elongated optical light path tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 2, in which said means to interrupt light along said optical path means includes grooves formed in each elongated optical light path tube.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
An obstruction warning system in accordance with claim 2, in which said means to interrupt light along said optical path means includes an elongated optical light path tube having a roughened surface for dispersing light passing therethrough.
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) | 1986-12-12 | 1987-06-13 | 1987-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-12 | 1991-06-13 | 1991-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-12 | 1995-06-13 | 1995-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |