Traffic Director Patents (Class 404/9)
  • Patent number: 7524135
    Abstract: A post assembly having a first post member, a second post member positioned within the first post member, and a sleeve member installed in the ground. The first and second post members are insertable into the sleeve member and the second post member is rotatable relative to the first post member and the sleeve member to inhibit separation of the first post member and the second post member from the ground sleeve. The first post member includes a first passage, the second post member includes a second passage having a first section and a second section, and the sleeve member includes a latch pin that travels along the first and second passages. When the latch pin is in a particular position within the first and second passages, removal of the first post member and the second post member from the sleeve member is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Schram Management Company
    Inventors: Clifford R. Mirman, Jon M. Schram
  • Patent number: 7520694
    Abstract: A traffic control device is made up of a round lower tube of a rigid material, a round adapter tube of a flexible material, and a round upper tube of a rigid material. An upper portion of the upper tube provides a motorist recognizable indicia. A lower portion of the adapter tube is inserted axially within the lower tube and secured by mutually engaging portions of the tubes. An upper portion of the adapter tube is joined with the upper tube by mutually engaging fasteners. An upper end of the lower tube is spaced apart from a lower end of the upper tube by between one and five inches to allow for the adapter tube to bend by 90 angular degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Joe Dvoracek
  • Publication number: 20090097914
    Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery and retrieval device for road cones. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a track for mounting across the rear of a vehicle, a tower mounted to slide on the track, means such as motor to move the tower on the track, a conveyor to deliver road cones from a roadway to the base of the tower or to deliver road cones from the base to the roadway, a conveyor platform powered to move from a first height position at the base of the tower and adjacent one end of the conveyor to a second height position up the tower, and a handling mechanism to support a stack of road cones above the platform. In use the device collects and deposits cones from/to the roadway, in such a way as top enable a portion of a carriageway to be selectively closed by forming a ‘taper’. The invention thus overcomes problems associated with personnel having to walk behind a vehicle in order to place cones in this arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Patrick Flynn
  • Patent number: 7517170
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for quick mounting of a barrier operator on a ground surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting frame positioned on the ground and mounting structure extending into the ground surface. Concrete may then be poured into the mounting frame to form an operator support on which the barrier operator is mounted. The mounting structure may be a mounting post received in an excavated portion of the ground, and the mounting post and excavated portion may then be filled with concrete. The concrete in the frame, mounting post, and mounting frame may communicate as to form a unitary mass with the mounting frame and mounting post. The mounting structure may be mounting rods secured directly with the ground. The mounting rods have a spiral flute for driving into and securing with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Olmsted
  • Patent number: 7513710
    Abstract: A new type of spacer (1) for road or motorway crash barrier is described, consisting of an elastic body (2), fixed by means of bolts (4) or of other known fixing means to the supporting posts (5) of the crash barrier, which is integral with means (3) for supporting the longitudinal beam (6) belonging to the crash barrier. Preferably, the elastic body (2) is a rubber body with trapezoidal section and the means (3) for supporting the longitudinal beam (6) are connected to the rubber body (2) by vulcanization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Provincia Autonoma Di Trento
    Inventors: Andrea Demozzi, Massimo Eccel, Vittorio Giavotto
  • Patent number: 7510346
    Abstract: A post for supporting a roadway sign comprises a hollow, continuous sleeve formed of thermoplastic resin. The sleeve has an interior surface and a continuous core disposed within the sleeve and generally coextensive with the interior surface of the sleeve. The core is formed at least partially of recycled crumb rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Caminoverde II, L.L.P.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Riker
  • Patent number: 7507050
    Abstract: An adjustable bollard is formed of a rigid post body to absorb impact forces. At least two leg portions support the rigid post body. The distance dimension between the leg portions is adjustable to enable minor variations in the placement of the mounting holes into which the leg portions fit to install the bollard in the ground or floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: McCue Corporation
    Inventors: David S. McCue, Daniel B. Ballou, Adam P. Stevens, Brent Hild, Teodoro A. Mesa, Genesis J. McDermott
  • Patent number: 7507051
    Abstract: An adjustable bollard protects structures from collisions with objects and limits access to particular areas. The bollard includes a rigid post body and a leg structure secured to the rigid body. The leg structure includes at least two leg portions adapted to support the rigid post body, where the two leg portions are separated by a predetermined distance. The bollard further includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to the rigid body, the two leg portions, or both. The adjustment mechanism is configured to apply a force to the rigid post body to flex the rigid body to adjust the predetermined distance for installation of the at least two leg portions. The bollard is constructed of material with sufficient strength and toughness to withstand collisions with heavier industrial type equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: McCue Corporation
    Inventors: David S. McCue, Daniel B. Ballou, Adam P. Stevens, Brent Hild, Teodoro A. Mesa, Genesis J. McDermott
  • Patent number: 7497640
    Abstract: A road safety barrier having four or more ropes 4-7 supported by posts 1-3 rigidly mounted on or in the ground is described. Each rope is held in tension against the posts and follows a sinuous path between the posts. The ropes are tensioned against the posts and this gives rise to a combined frictional resistance to displacement of the ropes relative to each post along the length of the safety barrier. The structure of at least some of the posts and/or their mounting with respect to the ground defines a minimum bending yield strength in a direction along the length of the barrier. This minimum bending yield strength is greater than the bending moment resulting from the combined frictional resistance forces acting on the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hill & Smith Holdings, PLC
    Inventors: Graham T. Sharp, Sean Billingham, John M. Walton
  • Publication number: 20090047068
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method is provided for conveying driving-related information to vehicle drivers on a track or road course. The system includes evaluating a track or road course and determining recommended driving actions for various segments of the track or road course which may be suitable for drivers of different skill levels, including a relatively inexperienced driver. The recommendations can include speed-related information such a target speed, maximum speed, or a speed range. Optionally, the recommendations relate to other specific driving tasks such as starting or stopping a braking procedure, the appropriate line or path to follow around a curve at a given indicated speed, or starting or stopping an acceleration procedure. The recommendations are conveyed to the driver by way of indicia that is preferably provided on a portion of the driving surface of the track or road course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Louis R. Bucalo
  • Publication number: 20090047067
    Abstract: A longitudinal, channelizing traffic separator system has interlocking D-shaped curb sections with a recessed delineator post mounting receptacle formed in the top side of interlocked sections at an interlock joint. The receptacle will releasably retain a quick-release delineator post. Tapered nose-end sections may be longitudinally aligned with interlocked curb modules at the beginning and end of a sequence of curb modules. The curb sections and nose-end sections have both longitudinal ribs and lateral plates beneath the top side to transmit top side loads to a support surface such as a roadway or bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory L. Hannah
  • Patent number: 7484906
    Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes first, second and third bays. The first bay is positioned forwardly of the second bay and the second bay is positioned forwardly of the third bay. The first, second and third bays each have energy absorbing structures with first, second and third impact strengths respectively. The first impact strength is greater than the third impact strength, which is greater than the second impact strength. In another aspect, a deformable tube is at least partially filled with a secondary component, which filled portion has a greater deformation strength than unfilled portions of the tube. In another aspect, a vehicle crash cushion includes first and second side panels. A connector includes a first strap portion disposed in a valley of and connected to the first side panel and a second strap portion disposed adjacent to and connected to a ridge of the second side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. La Turner, Michael H. Oberth, Douglas E. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7484904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a removable barrier which is intended to control the passage of traffic on a travel path. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a rail (100) which is made from a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: BCA Barrieres et Controle d'Acces
    Inventor: Olivier Guedon
  • Patent number: 7484905
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system. The energy absorbing system includes a supporting member, a barrier pivotable between a first angular position and a second angular position, where the barrier becomes mechanically coupled to the supporting member when arranged at a predetermined angular position, and an energy absorber mechanically coupled to the supporting member, where the energy absorber absorbs energy when the supporting member travels from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Universal Safety Response, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Gelfand, Joel F. Hugghins
  • Publication number: 20090028639
    Abstract: A driver training device that facilitates practicing vehicle maneuverability tasks to help develop vehicle maneuverability skills. In one embodiment, the device includes a plurality of boundary markers interconnected by flexible connecting members. The flexible connecting members are movable from first positions wherein the boundary markers are in a compact arrangement, to second positions wherein the boundary markers are located in a predetermined arrangement and spacing that facilitates practicing a vehicle maneuverability task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Faith Thomas
  • Patent number: 7481600
    Abstract: Provided is an energy-absorbing wall system for use with vehicle barriers, such as race track walls or barriers, highway guard rails or partitions, and the like. The wall system comprises a series of impact panels attachable to a wall and crush panels between the impact panels and the wall. The overlapping impact panels of the present system distribute collision energy from the impacted panels to crush panels and distally adjacent impact panels and crush panels, until the collision energy has been substantially distributed along the energy-absorbing wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas Barton
  • Publication number: 20090022547
    Abstract: An improved roadside barrier marker structure, mainly comprises two triangular marker bodies, and a semicircular groove being disposed on one of the marker bodies with its bottom connected to a base, and a cylindrical cylinder disposed at the center of the base; a cylindrical cylinder disposed on the upper section of another marker body, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (L.E.D.) arranged in partitions, and a base being connected to its bottom having a battery base and a control circuit; an L.E.D. control circuit for coupling to the surface of marker body further comprising a magnetic spring switch; a rectangular magnet, embedded into the cylindrical cylinder at the base of the marker body; with both marker bodies passing through the groove, the cylinder being fixed to the bolt cylinder, such that the bases of the marker bodies being coupled in a cross overlapping. When the present invention is used during car trouble, the system will automatically light up the blinking L.E.D.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Wen Yao Lo
  • Patent number: 7476051
    Abstract: A vertical panel system comprises a vertical panel having a panel with opposing first and second panel surfaces and a base edge. The system further comprises a base having a slot for engaging the base edge of the panel. An aperture is disposed in the panel in proximity to the base edge, which is of sufficient size to receive a foot of a user, for assisting in the engagement of the panel and the base. The base for the vertical panel system comprises a center zone fabricated of vulcanized rubber, and an outer zone fabricated of recycled rubber. The slot is disposed in the center zone. Thus, the combination solves a need to be environmentally responsible and cost effective by recycling rubber which would otherwise fill our landfills, yet provides increased durability by using virgin vulcanized rubber in the zone of the base which includes the engagement slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent M. Kulp, David C. Gertz
  • Patent number: 7465693
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and composition for a thermochromatic, color indicative sheet or device that is bonded to an article such as a concrete or asphalt surface, a traffic sign, a plate of a guidepost and on which is indicated a surface temperature near or below the freezing point of water. The invention can also utilize an adhesive system including a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and/or thermal sensitive adhesive sheet for adhering sheets of preformed thermoplastic with the thermochromatic color indicative sheet to concrete, asphalt, wood or composite material surfaces. The invention includes methods of applying the product allowing for immediate use in a traffic area upon completion of the application to any appropriate outdoor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Flint Trading, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Greer, Alexander F. Cady
  • Patent number: 7448824
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to traffic barricade having interchangeable base members and upright members that interconnect to each other. The base member and upright member are identical which allows the base member and the upright member to be interchanged together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Confer Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Lipniarski
  • Patent number: 7445402
    Abstract: A barrier plate for highways comprises a M-shaped protective member made of plastic material and integrally press formed, and including a plurality of trapezoid and spaced projections and concaved planes, each of the projections having integrally formed and spaced first, second and third passages formed in the inner rim thereof and having a warning structure affixed on the outer periphery thereof; a saddle, one side of which is joined with the M-shaped protective member by using a trapezoid elongated retaining portion, made of ABS plastic material and injection molded in the shape of a flat lamination, and including a plurality of corresponding bores provided on one side thereof and a recessed adhesive portion formed on another side thereof; a support, one end of which is inserted in the ground yet another end of which cooperates with the adhesive portion of the saddle, retained by bolts through the M-shaped protective member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 7416364
    Abstract: A pivot unit for use with barrier devices which may be connected end-to-end to form a barrier wall. The pivot unit comprises first and second end connectors, each of which may be coupled to the end of one barrier device, and a hinge post extending between the end connectors. The hinge post is mounted by a pin to each end connector allowing pivotal motion of one end connector, and the barrier device to which it is coupled, through an angle of at least 90° relative to the other end connector and its associated barrier device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventors: Leo J. Yodock, III, Leo J. Yodock, Jr., Guy C. Yodock
  • Patent number: 7401996
    Abstract: A cable-release anchor assembly including a cable mounting plate adapted for removably holding a cable proximate its terminal end and a leveraging member positioned to release the cable from the terminal end when the leveraging member is impacted. The cable may be connected to a safety system such as, but not limited to, a cable barrier system, W-beam guardrail, and/or an energy absorption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William H. Neusch
  • Publication number: 20080166181
    Abstract: An anchoring system for securing traffic control lines to a roadway. The anchoring system includes an anchoring device that is a substantially planar member that includes at least one through hole. An adhesive is applied to the device or roadway that then secures the anchoring device to the roadway. The anchoring device is positioned over a traffic control line formed by an adhesive tape for securing and retaining the tape in a proper location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Pilate
  • Patent number: 7396184
    Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes front and rear anchors spaced along a longitudinal direction and at least one deformable attenuator member extending in the longitudinal direction and having a first end coupled to the front anchor and a second end coupled to the rear anchor. A support member is positioned adjacent the attenuator member and is moveable in the longitudinal direction relative thereto between at least an initial position and an impact position toward the rear anchor and away from the front anchor. At least one deforming member is mounted on the support member and is engaged with at least a portion of the attenuator member. In another aspect, a vehicle crash cushion includes first and second side panels each having at least one longitudinally extending ridge and at least one longitudinally extending valley. The first side panel is moveable relative to the second side panel in response to an axial force being applied to the elongated frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. La Turner, Michael H. Oberth, Douglas E. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20080145145
    Abstract: A guidepost of a road is disclosed, in which there are provided a groove pipe frame having an insertion groove along an entire length of a circular pipe and a guidepost having an insertion frame inserted into the insertion groove and provided at a backside of a guidepost having various road and traffic information, and the insertion groove of the groove pipe frame and the insertion frame of the guidepost are assembled based on an insertion method, and a rim reinforcing angle is provided for reinforcing the guidepost made of an aluminum plate at an outer side of a backside of the guidepost, and a T-shaped space portion is formed at the insertion frame, with an upper side of the same being opened, and the insertion frame and the guidepost are assembled based on a sliding and insertion method for thereby achieving a simple and easily assembling work in a state that it is loosely installed at the insertion groove of the groove pipe frame using a fixing bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Joong Suk Park
  • Patent number: 7387295
    Abstract: Above ground fences are constructed with used tires from vehicles. Various arrangements of tires and inter-tire binding and anchorage of tires in place are disclosed. Usage for area fencing for animal containment, for privacy fencing, for limited privacy screening, for noise control, for roadway collision safety and for building wall protection are disclosed. Avoidance of collection and stagnation of water from rain, snow and sprinkling, is disclosed. The use of the tread portion of waste tires, for tire fence binding material, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Lifenet Softwalls, LLC
    Inventor: Alex F. Talbott
  • Patent number: 7377716
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system. The energy absorbing system spanning a roadway and including a net spanning the roadway, the net having a first member coupled to a second member, and a mat arranged on the roadway, the mat having recesses to accommodate the net when the net is in a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Universal Safety Response, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew A. Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20080112756
    Abstract: A fixed bollard system includes a plurality of spaced apart, elongated bollards each longitudinally disposed along a corresponding X-axis, each bollard being comprised of an I-beam having a front face and a opposing back face extending between a top end and an opposing bottom end. A plurality of horizontal support beams are each longitudinally disposed along a corresponding Y-axis, each horizontal support beam being comprised of an I-beam and having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of each horizontal support beam being connected to the back face of a corresponding bollard at the bottom end thereof. An elongated lateral front beam connects to the front face of each of the plurality of bollard at the bottom ends thereof. An elongated lateral rear beam connects to the second end of each of the plurality of horizontal support beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Tarek Ahmed Omar
  • Patent number: 7371029
    Abstract: A security barrier system for use with a trafficable surface and a site requiring protection from advancing vehicles includes a visual indicator element having an appearance that is distinctive from the trafficable surface and disposed adjacent to the trafficable surface. A composite bed system includes a first structure beneath a second structure, where the first structure includes a deformable material that collapses under vehicle loads, and the second structure includes a pedestrian cover surface of a different material over the deformable material that conceals the deformable material and supports pedestrian traffic over the deformable material without permanently collapsing the deformable material. A pedestrian sidewalk is located between the bed and the visual indicator element, and a containment structure contains the bed system and resists the impact of a vehicle that has traversed the bed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Rock Twelve, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Rogers, Graeme Waitzkin, Vincent Lee, Scott Demel
  • Publication number: 20080107481
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for providing tactile feedback for visually impaired persons with arrangements of tactile tiles. An elongated tactile tile includes multiple rows of elongated blisters with alternating rows offset. The longitudinal axis of the elongated blisters is parallel to the direction of travel indicated by the tile. The offset rows prevent the alignment of adjacent blisters that could be confused with the rows indicating the direction of travel. In various embodiments, the tactile tile is bounded on one side by a guide way tile and on the opposite side by a hazard rib tile, both of which are aligned with the direction of travel. A plurality of tactile tiles are positioned adjacent a pedestrian walkway crossing a street. Where multiple walkways cross an intersection, a plurality of tactile tiles n the sidewalk corner indicate the direction for each walkway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: MRB HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Malcolm Roger Curzon Donald, Simon Hardman
  • Publication number: 20080075530
    Abstract: A bollard with connecting mechanism for connecting railings, comprising: a bollard body which is provided with at least two receiving parts concave inwardly on each of opposite surfaces thereof; at least two connectors, each of which includes a base and an ear extending from the base and having a connecting hole thereon for connecting the railing; wherein the base is accommodated in the receiving part, and the ear is selectively accommodated in the receiving part or exposed out of the receiving part according to whether railings need to be connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Kin Wai Michael SIU
  • Publication number: 20080069637
    Abstract: A reflector assembly for controlling vehicular traffic. The reflector assembly comprising a saddle-bag assembly having a reflector member. The saddle-bag assembly may be supported by a barrier member. A method for controlling traffic on a highway at night. The method includes providing a barrier member, and disposing a saddle-bag assembly on the barrier member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Max D. Mize, Stanley R. McEnroe, Alan C. Moseley
  • Patent number: 7338229
    Abstract: A traffic cone counterweight structure, the base of the cone is preformed with a large-diameter opening at the center having a convex ring member of proper width at its mid-section along the inner edge. A plurality of dovetail through holes are annularly configured along the circumference of the opening of base at where it adjoins the convex ring member. The preformed base is placed in an existing mold for making an integrally-formed traffic cone for injection molding of cone body. The better fluidity material that is used for the cone body flows through the preformed dovetail through holes on the base to wrap around the convex ring member to conjoin the base and the cone body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Jing Nan Traffic Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Nan Kuo
  • Patent number: 7331734
    Abstract: A vehicle access control bollard for path entryways and restricted drives which allows access for approved vehicles through the use of a self-contained interior lowering mechanism. The three-piece bollard comprises a lower section which is concreted below grade, an intermediate section which houses the interior slip-fit hinge lowering assembly, and an upper section that stands vertically or can be lowered to an approximately four and one-half to five inch clearance height to allow approved vehicles to pass over. There are no exterior hinges, locks, or bolts, thereby giving the appearance of a single permanent non-movable bollard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Craig Stephen Gallop
  • Patent number: 7325998
    Abstract: A bollard includes a bollard post having a lamp which includes a louver stack. The louver stack includes louvers spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the bollard post. The bollard post is rectangular in cross section and the louver stack extends outwardly beyond the periphery of the bollard. There is a primary light source inwardly of the louver stack and a mechanism for providing light downwardly about the base end of the bollard post. One such mechanism includes an LED providing a light wash down the bollard post from beneath where that louver extends outwardly of the periphery of the bollard post. A second mechanism employs a top reflector above the primary light source to reflect light downwardly about the light source. Bottom reflector surfaces direct the light from the top reflector outwardly to louver reflectors located beneath the lowermost louver. Such reflectors can reflect light downwardly for light wash of the bollard post and an illumination about the base of the bollard post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Leonhardt, Tori C. Poppenheimer, David Crookham, Nicole Skogg
  • Patent number: 7325999
    Abstract: A locking device is disclosed for locking a signaling body coupled to a holding device of a traffic beacon by a coupling device. The locking device comprises a locking bar extending over at least a portion of the coupling device. A fastener device fastens the locking bar to the holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Qwick Kurb, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Schindler, Jon Detwiler
  • Publication number: 20080019772
    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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Obedzinski
  • Patent number: 7303353
    Abstract: A relocatable traffic barrier system including a plurality of elongate barrier modules (112, 113) connected end-to-end, each module having a cavity for receiving a ballast of a fluid material wherein the barrier system includes at least one crash rail (124) extending lengthwise along at least one side of the plurality of elongate barrier modules wherein the at least one crash rail is secured to selected elongate barrier modules by a deformable member (123), said deformable member being disposed between the at least one crash rail and the selected elongate barrier modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Way-Togo Aussindo Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Anthony J. Carey
  • Patent number: 7287930
    Abstract: A vehicle impact attenuator that can be installed at low cost in a narrow installation space, immediately stop a colliding vehicle, and effectively mitigate the impact on the vehicle. The vehicle impact attenuator includes a shock absorber that deforms upon a collision by a vehicle to reduce the impact on the vehicle. A support is provided for the shock absorber and a holding portion holds the support (20A) in a vertical position in an installation area. The support has cuts made in it that upon application of a load equal to or exceeding a set value, fracture and function as a release mechanism to thereby release the support from being held in a vertical position in the installation area. The support is deformable by a load less than the set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignees: NKC CO., Ltd., Osaka Prefectural Government, Hiraoka & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sei Yamasaki, Takamasa Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20070231067
    Abstract: A high visibility fluorescent fabric and retro-reflective tape banner to be attached to the rear of a vehicle in the event of a breakdown. It will raise visibility to approaching vehicular traffic thereby reducing the risk of collision and injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: David Ian Roche, Bilfer Ecin
  • Publication number: 20070233542
    Abstract: In a method and system for executing and managing a road construction project, the following operations are implemented in a single computer software. Input data are defined to provide guidelines for designing the road construction project. Underground layers are determined based on the input data and a plurality of road design scenarios are generated using the underground layers. An optimal road design scenario is selected out of the plurality of scenarios and drawings and specifications are produced to implement the selected optimal road design scenario. Quantities executed during the road construction project are calculated in order to monitor in real time the executed quantities and keep track of the progress in the execution of the road construction project.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: CONCEPTION DESIGN WARE, INC.
    Inventors: Bruno Dubreuil, Daniel Lemire, Nicolas Inkel, David Deschenes, Michel Tousignant, David Deschenes
  • Patent number: 7273328
    Abstract: A highway marker and vehicle mounted detection system in which the highway marker includes LEDs of different colors that can be selected under different conditions, and non-visible light LEDs for transmitting information to passing vehicles and between highway markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Next Safety, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Eric Hunter, Drew G. Narayan
  • Patent number: 7264417
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier system is provided, which features a security barricade, a hydraulic actuator for moving the barricade between open and closed positions, a pump, a DC motor for operating the pump, and a controller. In a first embodiment, the system features a rechargeable battery for powering movement of the barricade between the open and closed positions in normal operation mode, and a hydraulic accumulator for effecting movement of the barricade from the open to closed position in emergency operation mode. According to a second embodiment, the system features a rechargeable primary battery for powering movement of the barricade in normal operation mode, and a rechargeable secondary battery for effecting movement of the security barricade from open to closed position in emergency operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Nasatka Barrier, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Nasatka
  • Patent number: 7258506
    Abstract: A triangular retractable safety marker provides motorists and motorcyclists with advance warning of disabled vehicles and/or work zone areas. The device has been designed to withstand reasonable winds through the use of two base supports, a lower portion and two sets of lower, middle and upper risers. The risers allow for the device to easily expand to height consistent with traffic engineering design standards for triangles when in operation and then compact when it is in storage. The two base supports in are designed not only to provide the necessary structural stability but to also open and close about the retractable risers thus providing for additional compactness. The upper part of the lower portion along with the two sets of lower, middle and upper risers have reflective decals affixed to them to correspond with standard triangle design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: John M. Tipaldo
  • Patent number: 7258505
    Abstract: A portable and scaleable barrier uses a unique combination of feet, interconnecting members and top portions to provide a vehicle barrier that is capable of, for example, lifting the vehicle of the ground and providing substantial undercarriage damage. The interconnecting nature of the barrier allows the barrier to be configured or adapted based on, for example, a particular environmental condition or application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Blackwater Target Systems LLC
    Inventor: Jim Dehart
  • Patent number: 7249910
    Abstract: A delineator includes a post having a bottom portion and a stem extending from the bottom portion. At least a portion of the post is moveable in a lateral direction between an at-rest position and an impact position. An anchor includes a top and an elongated receptacle. In one aspect, the stem is removably inserted in the receptacle and is moveable in a longitudinal direction between at least a first position and a second position relative to the receptacle as the flexible post is moved between the at-rest position and the impact position respectively. A first portion of the length of the stem is disposed in the receptacle when the stem is in the first position and a second portion of the length of the stem remains disposed in the receptacle when the stem is in the second position, wherein the first portion is greater than the second portion. Methods of removably retaining a boundary in a pathway and of installing a boundary in a pathway are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret R. Eckert, Jeffrey M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7246791
    Abstract: An energy absorbing terminal is described that is made up of a plurality of cells partially defined by cambered panels made of thermoplastic or another suitable material. The panels are supported upon rectangular frames. The cambered portion of the panels provides a predetermined point of flexure for each panel and, thus, allows for energy dissipation during a collision. The stiffness of the crash cushion may be varied by altering material thicknesses and diaphragm spacing. In operation, a vehicle colliding in an end-on manner with the upstream end of the energy absorbing terminal will cause each of the cambered panels to bend angularly at its point of flexure and, thus, cause the cells to collapse axially. The use of thermoplastic, such as polyethylene results in a reversible, self-restoring collapse for the terminal, meaning that the terminal is reusable after most collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Christopher J. Karpathy, John F. Carney, III
  • Patent number: 7234687
    Abstract: A block used to space guardrails from support posts. The positioning or spacer block is a generally rectangular block having corded-out cavities to reduce weight and tabs or projections for cooperatively engaging the sides and top of a support post as well as the edges of the guardrail during roadway safety barrier system installation. Webbing within one or more of the cavities is used for additional structural support. The spacer block may be formed by low-pressure injection molding to optimize the strength to weight characteristics of the spacer block. The spacer block is formed from virgin and/or recycled plastic material and/or includes virgin or recycled rubber material, such as that obtained from the regrind of used tires, and/or another elastomeric materials from other sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: K.E.S.S. Inc.
    Inventor: David T. King
  • Patent number: 7234892
    Abstract: A road-marking system comprising at least a first (1) and a second road marking unit (2), each having an emission surface (10; 20), the first unit comprising a first light source (21, 21? . . . ) and the second unit comprising a second light source (22, 22? . . . ). Each unit has a housing (11, 12) of a shape adapted to a saw-cut cavity (9) accommodating the unit and lying in a plane P. Each unit is provided with stabilizers (23, 23?; 24, 24?) which are situated at the ends of said emission surface and lie in the plane P as well, thus preventing turning of the unit around an axis A normal to the plane P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Antonius Henricus Maria Raaijmakers, Jacob Cornelis Paul Den Dulk, Waltherus Emericus Johannes Van Gompel