Abstract: An electronic traffic alert system for communicating with an emergency vehicle and a centralized traffic control station includes a traffic display having a screen for displaying graphics and configured to hold a plurality of modules. The modules are of substantially uniform shape, such that individual modules are interchangeably connectable to the traffic display, and the plurality of modules are mounted below the screen so that at least one of them extends below the traffic display. The traffic display also includes a central processor in communication with the plurality of modules and the screen, with the central processor configured to display a predetermined graphic on the screen according to input from at least one of the plurality of modules, and an interface for transmitting traffic-related information to the traffic display from and a centralized traffic control station.

Abstract: An electronic traffic alert system for communicating with an emergency vehicle and a centralized traffic control station includes a traffic display having a screen for displaying graphics and configured to hold a plurality of modules. The modules are of substantially uniform shape, such that individual modules are interchangeably connectable to the traffic display, and the plurality of modules are mounted below the screen so that at least one of them extends below the traffic display. The traffic display also includes a central processor in communication with the plurality of modules and the screen, with the central processor configured to display a predetermined graphic on the screen according to input from at least one of the plurality of modules, and an interface for transmitting traffic-related information to the traffic display from and a centralized traffic control station.

Abstract: A traffic control system includes a traffic display for installation near or adjacent existing street signage, which illuminates the signage and displays messages relating to traffic conditions including emergency conditions or the approach of an emergency vehicle. The traffic display is associated with a camera unit, which provides redundant confirmation with a central traffic control that the display is operating correctly, and displaying the message communicated to central traffic control or at its direction. The traffic control system advises drivers of changing traffic conditions in real time, provides control of the system from central traffic control, and allows central traffic control to monitor the functioning of the traffic display.

Abstract: The problem of damage sustained to a traction device and the extendable traction elements thereof due to tire-roadway interaction forces exerted on the traction elements while extended over the tire tread area is solved by resiliently coupling a traction assembly within a tire rim to permit movement and repositioning of the traction assembly relative to the rim and biasing back to the original position. Preferably the traction assembly is mounted to a traction hub through a resilient coupling, and with the traction hub permitted to rotate relative to the rim. Also preferably, the invention provides for full retraction and extension of the curved traction elements by use of a linear actuator. The present device delivers increased traction in slippery conditions while protecting the traction device and surrounding mechanics from damage due to the impact of roadway forces, and the device is effectively stowed within the rim when not in use.

Abstract: A traffic control system includes a traffic display for installation near or adjacent existing street signage, which illuminates the signage and displays messages relating to traffic conditions including emergency conditions or the approach of an emergency vehicle. The traffic display is associated with a camera unit, which provides redundant confirmation with a central traffic control that the display is operating correctly, and displaying the message communicated to central traffic control or at its direction. The traffic control system advises drivers of changing traffic conditions in real time, provides control of the system from central traffic control, and allows central traffic control to monitor the functioning of the traffic display.

Abstract: The problem of damage sustained to a traction device and the extendable traction elements thereof due to tire-roadway interaction forces exerted on the traction elements while extended over the tire tread area is solved by resiliently coupling a traction assembly within a tire rim to permit movement and repositioning of the traction assembly relative to the rim and biasing back to the original position. Preferably the traction assembly is mounted to a traction hub through a resilient coupling, and with the traction hub permitted to rotate relative to the rim. Also preferably, the invention provides for full retraction and extension of the curved traction elements by use of a linear actuator. The present device delivers increased traction in slippery conditions while protecting the traction device and surrounding mechanics from damage due to the impact of roadway forces, and the device is effectively stowed within the rim when not in use.

Abstract: The problem of damage sustained to a traction device and the extendable traction elements thereof due to tire-roadway interaction forces exerted on the traction elements while extended over the tire tread area is solved by resiliently coupling a traction assembly within a tire rim to permit movement and repositioning of the traction assembly relative to the rim and biasing back to the original position. Preferably the traction assembly is mounted to a traction hub through a resilient coupling, and with the traction hub permitted to rotate relative to the rim. Also preferably, the invention provides for full retraction of the curved traction elements. This inventive device delivers increased traction in slippery conditions while protecting the traction device and surrounding mechanics from damage due to the impact of various roadway forces, and the device is effectively stowed within the rim when not in use.

Abstract: An illuminated display apparatus for supplementing street signals includes a housing containing an LED array capable of producing multicolored and animated images, a bracket system holding the housings together wherein a row of multiple housings and LED arrays may be assembled together to create larger displays, and wherein a system of brackets supports the housings at an angle from vertical for viewing by passing vehicles below. The display may also include a solar array, loudspeakers, strobe apparatus and automatic brightness dimming.

Abstract: The problem of damage sustained to a traction device and the extendable traction elements thereof due to tire-roadway interaction forces exerted on the traction elements while extended over the tire tread area is solved by resiliently coupling a traction assembly within a tire rim to permit movement and repositioning of the traction assembly relative to the rim and biasing back to the original position. Preferably the traction assembly is mounted to a traction hub through a resilient coupling, and with the traction hub permitted to rotate relative to the rim. Also preferably, the invention provides for full retraction of the curved traction elements. This inventive device delivers increased traction in slippery conditions while protecting the traction device and surrounding mechanics from damage due to the impact of various roadway forces, and the devise is effectively stowed within the rim when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment installed unobstructively on a visor about a lens of a traffic signal and configured to receive a preemptive signal from an emergency or other authoritative source and transmit a correlating message visually or audibly to a surrounding citizenry via a display and optionally a speaker. The attachment can include one of a variety of display means to animatedly or statically communicate a directive to the citizenry. An optional series of LEDs can be included to draw attention to the directive as displayed. The directive can communicate an action to be taken by the citizenry, the type of vehicle approaching, or a route to be followed. Optionally, the frame or display may be shaped at least in part similarly to a standard street sign. The attachment provides a way to quickly and clearly direct people in a manner that clears a path for authorities.

Abstract: An emergency traffic signal device comprising a plurality of elongated display units that are affixed to the traffic signal around the three traffic lights thereon and comprise arrays of LEDs capable of displaying graphic directional instructions in the form of moving chevrons or arrows that indicate the need to move laterally to the side of the road in response to preemptive signals detected by a controller. The display units are mounted on channel-shaped bodies to be retrofitted to the signal, or are installed as original equipment on new signals, preferably in a continuous band around the traffic lights. Alternatively, message display panels, also responsive to the controller, are applied to one or both of the upper and lower sides of the traffic signal, and additional arrays of LEDs are provided in the positions of two of the traffic lights to emit standard color lights during normal operation and to display graphic directional symbols in response to emergency signals.

Abstract: An attachment for a traffic signal having a housing for fitting over one of the normal lights, herein the green light, of the signal and overriding the normal sequence in response to preemptive emergency signals, and a electro-optically responsive data display panel on the housing to provide clear and direct instructional messages to motorists as to the appropriate actions to be taken. A first embodiment overrides the normal green light with a reflective electro-optically responsive panel overlying the normal green light to become opaque in response to the emergency signals, with a red light source outside the panel that is activated to produce red reflected light. A second embodiment replaces the normal green (or alternatively yellow or red) signal with a panel of light-emitting elements (LEDs) that have one group capable of providing the normal green signals and a second group that are capable of providing graphic instructions in response to emergency signals.

Abstract: A portable pet refuse tool having two relatively movable jaws defining a receiving opening for a piece of refuse, and a disposable bag cartridge removably received between the jaws with a thin-walled plastic bag folded into a storage position with a pull tab accessible at the receiving opening attached to a cartridge slide that is latched in place and has a notch for serving as a closure clip for the bag after the refuse is picked up. The bag is extended out of the tool, folded back over the tool, and lines the receiving opening as the refuse is picked up, and then is pulled partially through the tool with the carrier slide so that the closure clip can be fitted around the bag to close it for disposal. A flashlight seat is provided for illumination, and a thumb hole is provided for ease of carrying.

Abstract: An emergency traffic signal device comprising a plurality of elongated display units that are affixed to the traffic signal around the three traffic lights thereon and comprise arrays of LEDs capable of displaying graphic directional instructions in the form of moving chevrons or arrows that indicate the need to move laterally to the side of the road in response to preemptive signals detected by a controller. The display units are mounted on channel-shaped bodies to be retrofitted to the signal, or are installed as original equipment on new signals, preferably in a continuous band around the traffic lights. Alternatively, message display panels, also responsive to the controller, are applied to one or both of the upper and lower sides of the traffic signal, and additional arrays of LEDs are provided in the positions of two of the traffic lights to emit standard color lights during normal operation and to display graphic directional symbols in response to emergency signals.

Abstract: An attachment for a traffic signal having a housing for fitting over one of the normal lights, herein the green light, of the signal and overriding the normal sequence in response to preemptive emergency signals, and a electro-optically responsive data display panel on the housing to provide clear and direct instructional messages to motorists as to the appropriate actions to be taken. A first embodiment overrides the normal green light with a reflective electro-optically responsive panel overlying the normal green light to become opaque in response to the emergency signals, with a red light source outside the panel that is activated to produce red reflected light. A second embodiment replaces the normal green (or alternatively yellow or red) signal with a panel of light-emitting elements (LEDs) that have one group capable of providing the normal green signals and a second group that are capable of providing graphic instructions in response to emergency signals.

Abstract: A scooter steering control on small-wheeled scooter having a steerable front wheel on a handlebar, the control comprising two split sleeves fitted around the handlebar and the mounting tube on the scooter body, and a control pin slidable on the upper sleeve into and out of a recess on the lower sleeve. The recess has angularly spaced sidewalls forming stops for limiting turning of the front wheel. A spring-loaded latch holds the pin releasably in engaged and disengaged positions, and a second spring urges the pin toward the disengaged position.

Abstract: A scooter steering control on small-wheeled scooter having a steerable front wheel on a handlebar, the control comprising two split sleeves fitted around the handlebar and the mounting tube on the scooter body, and a control pin slidable on the upper sleeve into and out of a recess on the lower sleeve. The recess has angularly spaced sidewalls forming stops for limiting turning of the front wheel. A spring-loaded latch holds the pin releasably in engaged and disengaged positions, and a second spring urges the pin toward the disengaged position.

Abstract: A scooter steering control on small-wheeled scooter having a steerable front wheel on a handlebar, the control comprising two split sleeves fitted around the handlebar and the mounting tube on the scooter body, and a control pin slidable on the upper sleeve into and out of a recess on the lower sleeve. The recess has angularly spaced sidewalls forming stops for limiting turning of the front wheel. A spring-loaded latch holds the pin releasably in engaged and disengaged positions, and a second spring urges the pin toward the disengaged position.