Vibration Inducing Member (e.g., Road Stud, Speed Bump) Patents (Class 404/15)
  • Patent number: 11946210
    Abstract: A driveway reflector holder and installation tool assembly includes a reflector holder and an installation tool removably receivable in the reflector holder. The reflector holder includes a hollow sleeve body, a washer disposed on an upper end of the hollow sleeve body, and at least one retention feature disposed on the hollow sleeve body. The installation tool includes an elongated body, a head, and a tapered tip. The installation tool is configured to extend through the hollow sleeve body of the reflector holder with the head being positioned above the upper end of the hollow sleeve body and the tapered tip being positioned below the lower end of the hollow sleeve body. The installation tool is configured to be driven to insert the at least one reflector holder into a ground surface and then be removed from the at least one reflector holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: William P. Bernardi
  • Patent number: 11643624
    Abstract: An apparatus for aging a liquid in a container includes: an elongated bung having a top and a bottom, the bottom having a male or female connector; and an elongated wooden piece having a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a lower end, and a side, the upper end having a male or female connector adapted to connect to the male or female connector of the bottom of the elongated bung, whereby the elongated bung and the elongated wooden piece are removably connected by connecting the male or female connector of the bottom of the elongated bung with the male or female connector of the upper end of the elongated wooden piece. The bung may have a first opening, a side with another opening, the first opening being fluidly connected to the another opening by a pathway adapted to transmit a gas from the container through the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Azar
  • Patent number: 11603633
    Abstract: A system of retroreflectorized traffic control channelizing devices is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of channelizing devices, each device having a reflective member that is either white, yellow, or red in color. Those having a white reflective member are used to direct traffic from a right side of a traffic lane. Those having a yellow reflective member are used to direct traffic from a left side of a traffic lane. Those having a red reflective member are used to stop traffic for a road closure. A method of use of a system of retroreflectorized traffic control channelizing devices is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: Terry Utz
  • Patent number: 11591020
    Abstract: A transit system includes a road, a plurality of pavement markers spaced apart along a lane line of the road, and a plurality of RF devices carried by the pavement markers. The RF devices are configured to transmit RF navigation signals to motor vehicles traveling along the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Janice H. Nickel
  • Patent number: 11203844
    Abstract: A road marker placement system has a frame, a holder mechanically coupled to the frame, a drive system mechanically coupled to the frame, and a rotatable carrier mechanically coupled to the drive system to allow the rotatable carrier to be rotationally driven by the drive system. The rotatable carrier has at least a first pocket formed therein that receives one of the road markers dispensed from an opening of the holder when the rotatable carrier is in a first position. The rotatable carrier is rotated by the drive system from the first position to a second position that is facing the road surface such that the road marker held in the first pocket is forced at least by gravity and by centrifugal force of the rotating rotatable carrier to be ejected from the first pocket onto an adhesive material located on the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: FORTSON-PEEK COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 11033452
    Abstract: Detectable warning areas (DWAs) and methods of forming the same are provided. A dome-forming material can be mixed with a catalyst to form a mixture, which can then be poured into a dome-shaped cavity of a die-cast mold. A peg may be inserted into the mixture in the dome-shaped cavity of the die-cast mold. The mixture may be allowed catalyze and harden in the dome-shaped cavity of the die-cast mold, then a molded dome may be removed from the dome-shaped cavity of the die-cast mold. A portion of the molded dome such as the peg may be inserted into a hole in a prepared substrate. The dome may also be prepared by grinding an outer top surface with a drilling attachment. The dome may instead be formed with the use of an insert and a mat template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: James Urbanek, Rodney Brown, Matthew Urbanek, Tyler James Whiting
  • Patent number: 11030893
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system (1000) for reducing speed of a vehicle and a method thereof which reduces the speed of the vehicle and increases fuel efficiency. The system (1000) comprises at least one protruding element (200) positioned on a surface of a roadway (110) such that the at least one protruding element (200) interrupts a smooth movement of the vehicle (100); and at least one camera (400) located away from the at least one protruding element (200) such that the at least one camera (400) is able to capture images of a monitored area of the roadway (110). The at least one camera (400) is configured to capture at least one image of a moving vehicle (100) going around and avoiding the at least one protruding element (200) in the monitored area of the roadway (110). A method for reducing speed of a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Samuel Messinger
  • Patent number: 10774485
    Abstract: A pre-filled adhesive pavement marker having a body with downwardly facing openings that are pre-filled with an adhesive. An adhesive pad including an adhesive can be provided on a surface of a pavement. The pre-filled adhesive pavement marker can be attached to the adhesive pad to thereby adhere the pre-filled pavement marker to the surface of the pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony Watkins, Darren Brown
  • Patent number: 10600112
    Abstract: A system for directing a shopper to an item of interest in a store comprises a floor surface at a store configured with indicators that communicate with each other to identify a path for guiding a store visitor from a current location to a location of an item of interest; a mobile device application executed by a mobile electronic device, the mobile device application generating a request for locating the item of interest; and a special-purpose processor that calculates the path from the current location of the store visitor to the location of the item of interest in response to the request received from the mobile device application. The indicators identify the path in response to the special-purpose processor calculating the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Subodh Kumar Pandey, Jimmie R. Clark, Christopher Soames Johnson
  • Patent number: 10024008
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier apparatus includes a horizontal barrier component, a vertical barrier component, at least one rigid stabilizer beam having two end surfaces and at least one elongated side surface. One end of the stabilizer beam is affixed to the vertical barrier component. The elongated side surface of the stabilizer beam is affixed to the horizontal barrier component to prevent rotational movement of the vertical barrier component. A lower surface of the horizontal barrier component is a friction-enhanced surface which creates a sliding friction interface upon contact of a moving vehicle with the vertical barrier component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by The Secretary of The Army
    Inventors: Matthew S. Holmer, James C. Ray, Bradford A. Steed, Bradley W. Foust, Micael C. Edwards, Christopher G. Price, Tyler S. Oesch, Daniel W. Wilkes, Jr., Keith A. Flournoy, Gordon W. McMahon, Bartley P. Durst
  • Patent number: 9951487
    Abstract: A selectively activated speed bump is placed on streets to slow down vehicles. The cover has a central part and lateral parts on both sides of the central part. An elevation movement mechanism for the cover is installed in a rectangular pit formed by a box. A shaft has a terminal end joined to pillow blocks inside the box and a plurality of cams, being flexible offset discs, along a length of the shaft. The cams turn to raise the cover to a higher level than the ground and continue to turn in order to return the cover to the same height of the ground. The speed bump slows vehicles on streets and on avenues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Luis Ricardo Gonzalez De Cosio Leal
  • Publication number: 20150110554
    Abstract: A portable roadway warning device comprises one or more rumble strips. Each rumble strip comprises at least two interconnected strip sections, each made of a polymeric material. Opposite end edges of the strip sections have respective alternating notches and tabs sized and spaced for engagement with respective tabs and notches on opposite end edges of other of the strip sections to provide a releasable connected joint therebetween. The undersides of the tabs have transverse slots adjacent axial inner ends of the tabs for seated engagement by lower outer cross members extending transversely of the notches adjacent axial outer ends of the notches. The alternating notches and tabs in the respective opposite end edges of the strip sections are dovetailed for dovetailed engagement with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Charles M. Mettler, Gregory H. Brown
  • Publication number: 20150056012
    Abstract: A three dimensional (3-D) thermoplastic pavement marker and the application thereof to roads, streets, walkways and other paved surfaces is described. The marking patterns are composed of two or more independent sections, the first section is a grid representing for example, the mortar joints in a brick wall. The second sections or inserts, for example, can represent bricks which are contained within the grid. By varying the measurements in height of the brick component (first section) and the grid component (second section), a three-dimensional pavement marking pattern is created. This article of manufacture allows for enhancements in beautification and preservation of historical pavements as well as the introduction of safety/warning devices using the same or different pavement marking patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Flint Trading, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Greer, Simon Yakopson
  • Publication number: 20150030390
    Abstract: A portable roadway warning device comprises one or more rumble strips. Each rumble strip comprises at least two modular strip sections, each made of a polymeric material having top and bottom surfaces and end edges and side edges. At least one of the end edges of each of the strip sections has a plurality of aligned alternating notches and tabs, and connecting links hingedly connect the tabs at one of the end edges of one of the strip sections to respective aligned tabs at one of the end edges of another of the strip sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory H. Brown, Charles M. Mettler
  • Publication number: 20140270942
    Abstract: A modular highway warning strip system which comprises a modular warning strip segment having first and second ends, a length extending between the first and second ends, two opposing lengthwise sides, a width extending between the opposing lengthwise sides of the segment, top and bottom surfaces, and a thickness. Each of the first and second ends comprise at least one male protrusion and at least one female receptacle, wherein the at least one male protrusion is configured to engage the at least one female receptacle for joining a plurality of the segments together end-to-end. Advantageously, a plurality of metallic cables are molded into the molded rubber segment and extend along substantially the entire length thereof. One of the metallic cables extends into each of the male protrusions. The cables are preferably formed of corrosion-resistant steel, and preferably are joined together to form a cable mat. The mat is molded into the segment, which segment is molded of rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Smith, Geoffrey B. Maus, Jack H. Kulp
  • Publication number: 20140227031
    Abstract: The automatic speed bump is installed in a roadway to discourage motor vehicle travel at excessive speeds. The device includes a box-like structure set into the surface, the box having upper edges flush with the surface. Two doors are hinged to the box along their opposite edges. Concentric spring and shock absorber assemblies lift the centers of the doors to create a speed bump. A guide strut is installed between each spring and shock absorber assembly to maintain alignment of the apparatus. The springs and shock absorbers retract at a predetermined rate when a standard motor vehicle encounters the raised doors at a reasonable speed. The doors folding flush with the surface to allow the vehicle to travel over a flat surface. The shock absorbers cannot retract faster than their predetermined rate, resulting in the doors remaining raised when a vehicle travels over the device at higher than reasonable speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: MUHAMMAD SULAIMAN FARHAN AL MADRI AL FIFI, SULAMAN PASHAH
  • Patent number: 8784010
    Abstract: A device and a system for an oil field road crossing and a method of installing thereof. A plurality of conduits having a rectangular cross-section with a coupling header on each end are set in the ground at the road crossing, the conduit top surfaces substantially level with the ground. The long sides of adjacent conduits are welded together in parallel. The coupling headers are in fluid communication with the rectangular conduit, each header have an open end operative to connect to the end of a cylindrical pipeline. When cylindrical pipelines are connected to the headers, one at each end of the rectangular conduit, the pipelines are in fluid communication with each other. The flat surfaces of the rectangular conduits form a road crossing substantially level with the ground for a vehicle to safely travel over without disrupting flow through the pipelines absent burying the pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Alan Cessac
  • Patent number: 8730063
    Abstract: A fail-safe circuitry for a vehicle barrier security system prevents accidental raising of the barrier due to inadvertent closing of an activation relay causing power to be provided to an activation mechanism raising the barrier. A latching relay, having a latched state and reset state, is placed in series between the activation relay and the activation mechanism. The latching relay is reset whenever the OPEN switch is pressed for lowering the barrier or an automatic reset relay is energized by a controller whenever passage of a vehicle is sensed. Prior to raising the barrier, the latching relay must be reset, which can occur by pressing the OPEN switch or by the controller detecting passage of a prior vehicle and activating a automatic reset relay. Accidental raising of the barrier due to malfunctions of the activation relay due to vibrations is prevented by latching and resetting the latching relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: SecureUSA, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Lee Souther
  • Patent number: 8684625
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for limiting the speed of moving traffic. The device comprises at least one protruding element positioned on the surface of a road that is open to traffic. The protruding element wherein the shape and dimensions thereof are such that it affects only vehicles of certain sizes, the speed of which is going to be controlled. Likewise, vehicles travelling at an acceptable speed and along an appropriate path are also not affected by the device of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Universidad Politecnica de Valencia
    Inventors: Alfredo García García, Mario Alfonso Romero Rojas
  • Patent number: 8517626
    Abstract: An embedded-type reflective road marker which includes a base and a reflector for reflecting light cast onto the marker. The reflector is detachably connected or secured, in use, to the base and received in a central depression. The detachable connection is achieved by a connector having a pair of resilient clips each with an outwardly extending projection arranged to releasably engage by a snap fit a recess or aperture in a respective facing side wall of the central depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Dudley, Daniel Rowntree, Robert Menear
  • Publication number: 20130216305
    Abstract: A road module for regulating a passability of vehicles on a roadway. The road module includes an elongated container immersed across the roadway and having an upper plane being essentially at level with the roadway. A lid is pivotally arranged and hinged along an edge of the container. The edge extends along a longitudinal side of the container facing vehicles approaching the road module. The lid forms at least a part of the upper plane of the container. An eccentrically mounted cylindrical roller is configured to support the lid at an opposite longitudinal side of the container. The roller is rotatable between an upper or a lower position. An actuator is configured to rotate the roller to lower and raise the lid, thereby forming a downward ramp in a passing direction of the vehicles when the roller is in the lower position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: EDEVA AB
    Inventor: Jonas Wallinder
  • Publication number: 20130209169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a height adjustable speed bump for controlling speed of vehicles when placed on roadways and for serving as a barrier when used for blocking restricted areas. The speed bump comprises a portable body (100) having a middle portion (120) and two side portions (110a, 110b). An elevation (290) of the body (100) is adjustable in dependence upon the usage as the speed bump or the barrier. Various arrangements are proposed for adjusting the elevation (290). A sensor is also provided on the body (100), for tracking the number of objects such as vehicles, passing over it. Methods of using the bump and barrier are thus proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Nicholson (M) Sdn Bhd
    Inventors: Hong Meng Alan Chew, Joon Yip Chew
  • Publication number: 20120282024
    Abstract: A retractable speed bump mounted in a street, road or roadway for controlling the speed of vehicles, which includes three main components: enabling bar, bump, and a link mechanism. The speed bump rests in the grooves on the road surface when it is not in operation. When a vehicle moves over the enabling bar, the tire runs on top of the enabling bar, pushing the enabling bar downward. This downward force triggers the link mechanism and pushes the bump up out of the grooves on the road surface. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the link mechanism is a class 1 lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Cheyenne Hua
  • Patent number: 8281509
    Abstract: A nautical navigation aid comprising a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities used to enhance the safety of nautical travelers on waterways in conditions where visibility is limited. The navigation aid sign has a first rigid sheet member having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge, a second rigid sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface extending outward from the peripheral edge of the first rigid sheet member at a predetermined angle to a predetermined length, thereby defining an angled collar of the first rigid sheet member sized and configured to redirect light waves emanating from a light source, and a luminescent layer. It is envisioned that an embodiment of the present invention might also include a means for retrofitting existing nautical navigation aids with a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Edwin Perez
  • Patent number: 8061927
    Abstract: A component mat combines with similar mats to form a vehicle tracking pad assemblage, with juxtaposed ends joined by mechanical interlock. Optional turnout mats are interlocked to sides of the component mat. A top mat surface carries a finish formed of an array of upstanding mud removal elements of effective height. Mud removal element heights may be uniform among spaced apart elements or may vary among juxtaposed elements. The intermat interlock may carry the top finish to establish continuity over the junction. Suitable mud removal elements include cylinders, pyramids, ribs, and simulated rock patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin L. Martinez
  • Publication number: 20110217116
    Abstract: Segmented bump, especially speed bump, consisting of at least one central segment, which has the cross section similar to sector and beneficially at least one terminal sector, equipped with holes for fixing to the ground and blind holes on the base side, characterized in that the central segment (1) and terminal segments (2) and (2?) have on the upper surface, beneficially symmetrically located, self cleaning recesses (11) and (21), at the same moment blind, stabilizing holes(12) and (22), located on the base of segments (1), (2) and (2?) have square cross section and at least two through ducts (13) or blind ducts (23) are “U” shaped, whereas the middle part (14) of central segment is separated from the rest by crosswise grooves (15) and beneficially has on the upper side colored layer (16), vulcanized with the ground of middle part (14) of central segment (1), whereas in the middle part (14) of central segment (1), rectangular recesses (17) are symmetrically located on both sides, corners of which are connec
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Jerzy Niziolek
  • Patent number: 7992360
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a body for extending the fastener through the panel and into the substrate matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: EZ Set Tile, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Driscoll
  • Patent number: 7980782
    Abstract: An integrated system for traffic safety (1), particularly in low visibility conditions, for use on a site (2) of a road, railway, airport, harbor or the like, which comprises road markings and/or signs (3). The system (1) comprises at least one light-emitting device (4) for generating at least one light beam (5). One feature of the invention is that it comprises means (6) for controlling the light-emitting device (4) to generate the beam (5). The device has such a predetermined relative position with respect to said site (2) as to selectively interact with the road markings and/or signs (3) and to make the beam (5) only visible to the drivers that drive over the site (2) in a predetermined drive direction, and not to those who drive in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Astron Fiamm Safety S.p.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Bleiner, Bruno Dessert-Vidalet
  • Patent number: 7967526
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device reducing speed of vehicles travelling on a roadway, formed by at least one strip of flexible material, rubber or other similar material, made up of several hollow chambers which are interconnected by a calibrated conduit which enables the controlled passage of the fluid filling said chambers from that flattened by the wheel of the vehicle towards the adjacent chamber. The fluid contained therein is water, or a non-Newtonian fluid offering the higher viscosity, the higher the stress gradient applied thereto is, the fluid itself acting as means for controlling the resistance to deformation of the strip as the higher is the speed of impact of the vehicle in said strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Jose Antonio Aguilera Galeote
  • Patent number: 7819606
    Abstract: A side guard for a roadway marker comprising an elongated rail member having a top and a bottom. A rooting pin extending from the bottom of the rail member. The rooting pin having a laterally open recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Obedzinski
  • Publication number: 20100215431
    Abstract: A portable highway warning device comprised of one or more rumble strips. Each rumble strip is comprised of a plurality of modular strip sections made of a polymeric material. Each strip section has end edges with alternating notches and tabs sized and spaced for overlapping engagement with respective tabs and notches on opposite end edges of other ones of the strip sections for connecting the end edges of the strip sections together. Embedded in each of the strip sections are a plurality of metal plates or bars that run transversely between side edges of the strip sections in laterally spaced relation from one another to provide ballast to the strip sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Charles M. Mettler, Gregory H. Brown
  • Patent number: 7775739
    Abstract: A method for shaking vehicles comprises driving them over a series of appropriately spaced-apart, mutually parallel bars to vigorously shake the wheels, undercarriage, and body to free them of dirt, gravel and debris. An apparatus may have bars with the appropriate spacing. A track may include a frame and the spaced-apart bars may form part of the frame. The track may be large enough to accommodate all the wheels of a vehicle at once. Alternatively, smaller tracks may be flexibly connected end-to-end to form a shaker that will receive right and left hand wheels of the vehicle on respective rows. The shaker may be deployed onto a bed of aggregate that is sufficiently coarse to allow the fallen dirt to sift or be washed through the bed of aggregate. The aggregate may also assist in holding the shaker in place and may provide ramps at the ends of the shaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lange
  • Publication number: 20100158607
    Abstract: A portable highway warning device includes any number of elongated rumble strips each fabricated of a suitable flexible polymeric material. Embedded within each rumble strip are a plurality of laterally spaced metal plates or bars to provide ballast to each rumble strip. The metal plates or bars run transversely across the width of each rumble strip with sufficient spacing therebetween to permit each rumble strip to be rolled up lengthwise from end to end when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Charles M. Mettler, Gregory H. Brown
  • Patent number: 7736087
    Abstract: A portable highway warning device includes any number of elongated rumble strips each fabricated of a suitable flexible polymeric material. Embedded within each rumble strip are a plurality of laterally spaced metal plates or bars to provide ballast to each rumble strip. The metal plates or bars run transversely across the width of each rumble strip with sufficient spacing therebetween to permit each rumble strip to be rolled up lengthwise from end to end when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Plastic Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Mettler, Gregory H. Brown
  • Patent number: 7731448
    Abstract: A portable rumble strip that is adapted to conform to a roadway having a base portion, grips that adhere to the roadway, and a plurality of vibrators protruding away from the roadway. The vibrators are effective to cause a vibration in a tire when engaged by a moving vehicle and effectively alerting the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony Fillie
  • Patent number: 7717043
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decelerating a train are provided. The method including: disposing a movable surface configured to be moved by the train as the train passes the movable surface; and converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface by the train to thereby decelerate the train. The apparatus including a railway upon which a train travels. The railway including: a movable surface extending in a direction of the train's travel; and potential energy storage device operatively connected to the movable surface for converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby slowing the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7645090
    Abstract: A method for at least slowing a vehicle moving along a surface, the method comprising: providing first and second panels rotatably disposed on the surface and capable of extending above the surface, wherein each of the first and second panels rotate in a different and opposite direction; providing at least one center panel disposed between the first and second panels, the center panel being capable of being deployed into a position extended from the surface; detecting at least one of a vehicle speed, vehicle type, and vehicle weight; and controlling one or more of the first, second, and center panels based on the detecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7625152
    Abstract: A roadway safety warning device, preferably in the form of a continuous, integrated, prefabricated, plastic, raised rumble strip (IPPRRS), preferably pigmented to serve as edge lines as well as a continuous shoulder rumble strip (CSRS), for roadways, including but not limited to highways, county roads, and streets. It is preferably provided as a strip which has a series of first areas and second areas, the first areas having a first height, the second areas having a second height, and the second height being different than the first height. The first and second areas extend substantially across the width of the strip. The first and second areas alternate substantially along the length of the strip. The strip is made of an abrasion-resistant material and bonded to the pavement. The devise warns the driver of the vehicle riding on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Paul M. Swamidass
  • Patent number: 7591605
    Abstract: The modular traffic calming device comprises a plurality of substantially rectangular modules. Each module is connectable to one or more adjacent modules using a complementary interlocking connection across a first of the side faces of modules, and using a complementary non-interlocking connection across a second of the side faces of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: GNR Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Slawomir Jonasz, Joseph Chait, Alain Masson
  • Patent number: 7591606
    Abstract: A speed bump system and method for a roadway that encourages a driver of a passenger vehicle to slow down and that does not substantially impede an emergency vehicle are described herein. The system includes a structure for disposing across the roadway to encourage the driver of a passenger vehicle to slow down before driving over the structure. In one embodiment, the structure has a raised middle portion, a first raised outer portion proximal to one end of the raised middle portion, and a second raised outer portion proximal to the other end of the raised middle portion. The three raised portions are traversable by the passenger vehicle. The structure further includes a first gap between the first raised outer portion and the raised middle portion, and a second gap between the second raised outer portion and the raised middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jerry Moscovitch
  • Patent number: 7524137
    Abstract: A side guard for a roadway marker comprising an elongate rail member having a top and a bottom. A rooting pin extending from the bottom of the rail member. The rooting pin having a laterally open recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Obedzinski
  • Patent number: 7507052
    Abstract: A speed bump device is provided. The speed bump device comprises a first parallelogram frame, wherein the frame comprises an upper nested beam and a lower nested beam, wherein the upper beam and the lower beam are connected by way of at least one pivotable connecting arm, wherein the lower beam comprises at least one depression and at least one raised section, and wherein the upper beam is displaceable, relative to the lower beam, by way of the at least one connecting arm, from a retracted position, through a maximally extended position, to a raised position. A road surface element may suitably overlie the upper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: David Gardner Griffiths
  • Publication number: 20090060653
    Abstract: Apparatus and processes that include a detectable warning tile having a top side with a plurality of protuberances forming a pattern or array and a second tile member disposed perpendicular to an edge of the detectable warning tile. The bottom side of both the detectable warning tile and the second tile member have at least one anchoring member embedded within a concavity in the bottom side, making the tile and tile member especially durable on platform edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: StrongGo LLC
    Inventors: Georg R. Becker, Jeremiah A. Moore
  • Patent number: 7484907
    Abstract: A solar energy lane marking system for a road surface having at least a traffic lane includes a set of lane markers, and a solar energy collection arrangement. The lane markers are for spacedly providing on the road surface to define the traffic lane, wherein each of the lane markers includes an illuminator for lane illumination. The solar energy collection arrangement is for controlling the set of lane markers in centralized manner to ensure sufficient and consistent illumination of the illuminators, and includes a solar energy collector for collecting solar energy, an energy storage, and a central processing circuitry. The central processing circuitry, which is electrically connecting the energy storage with the illuminators of the lane markers, operatively controls the illuminators of the lane markers as an illuminable road divider for identifying the traffic lane in case of low visibility of the traffic lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Fufu Yang
  • Publication number: 20090022546
    Abstract: A method for at least slowing a vehicle moving along a surface, the method comprising: providing first and second panels rotatably disposed on the surface and capable of extending above the surface, wherein each of the first and second panels rotate in a different and opposite direction; providing at least one center panel disposed between the first and second panels, the center panel being capable of being deployed into a position extended from the surface; detecting at least one of a vehicle speed, vehicle type, and vehicle weight; and controlling one or more of the first, second, and center panels based on the detecting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7476052
    Abstract: Primary vehicle impedance is provided when an actuator exerts a rigid object against a envelope of enclosed fluid to activate the restriction surface by pushing the fluid from the reservoir to the supporting side of the restriction surface. Reversal of the actuator withdraws the rigid object from the enclosed fluid volume, allowing the fluid to return from supporting the deployed restriction surface back to the reservoir. Secondary vehicle impedance is provided when the vehicle's tires traverse a predetermined contoured shape of the restriction surface. Continuous contact between the radial tire surface and the ends of the restriction surface is maintained by tapering the ends. Static structural components support the fluid and distribute the forces to the ground as the impact and weight of the vehicle's tires are applied to the restriction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Brett Osmund Hall
  • Publication number: 20080260458
    Abstract: A portable rumble strip that is adapted to conform to a roadway having a base portion, grips that adhere to the roadway, and a plurality of vibrators protruding away from the roadway. The vibrators are effective to cause a vibration in a tire when engaged by a moving vehicle and effectively alerting the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Fillie
  • Publication number: 20080240856
    Abstract: A speed bump device is provided. The speed bump device comprises a first parallelogram frame, wherein the frame comprises an upper nested beam and a lower nested beam, wherein the upper beam and the lower beam are connected by way of at least one pivotable connecting arm, wherein the lower beam comprises at least one depression and at least one raised section, and wherein the upper beam is displaceable, relative to the lower beam, by way of the at least one connecting arm, from a retracted position, through a maximally extended position, to a raised position. A road surface element may suitably overlie the upper beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: David Gardner Griffiths
  • Patent number: 7423552
    Abstract: A Warning Bump traffic safety device comprised of a base which is inserted over traffic cones or barrels and a strip and extensions, generally trapezoidal in cross section, attached to the base which extends into the roadway which causes both an audible and sensory warning to motorists driving over these strips. This traffic safety device is typically deployed in construction work zones in the buffer and work areas to provide additional warnings to both drivers as they approach a construction work area and additional warnings to both drivers and construction workers if a driver encroaches into lateral buffer area in the work zone. These traffic safety devices also tend to stabilize the cones and barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventors: Tim Sherman, Robert Kenneth Fulagar, Scott Allen Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20080179791
    Abstract: A base unit for a road stud is provided. In one embodiment, the base unit is made of plastic and has a recess with a plurality of projections. The projections extend over the floor of the recess for retaining a resilient insert within the recess. The base unit comprises a first portion representing the body of the base unit, and one or more additional portions fitted to said first portion, for example by adhesive bonding. Each of said projections may be formed from one or more planar elements. The base unit further has a front portion, a back portion, and opposing side walls, wherein the recess is located between the front and back portion and the opposing side walls. The underside of the front and back portions is provided with ribbing for transverse strengthening. A cavity is formed in the underside of each of the opposing side walls. A colourant may be added to the plastic of the base unit in order to colour the base unit, for example to match the colour of reflectors provided in the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: D. YOUNG & COMPANY
    Inventors: Lou Bown, Dave Hill, Rod Ashton