Abstract: A mouth piece assembly (20) for relaxing muscles associated with a jaw of a person having teeth (22). The assembly includes a mouth piece body (24) having a cross-section presenting a pocket (38). The mouth piece body (24) is engaged to the teeth (22) of the person and the person's vertical dimension of occlusion is measured and compared to a predetermined range of 19±2 mm. At least one calibrating member (44) is inserted into the pocket (38) of the mouth piece body (24) to increase the height of the mouth piece body (24) so that the person's vertical dimension of occlusion is increased into the range of 19±2 mm. While wearing the resulting mouth piece assembly (20), the person experiences increased strength, stamina, and balance.

Abstract: A mouth piece assembly (20) for relaxing muscles associated with a jaw of a person having teeth (22). The assembly includes a mouth piece body (24) having a cross-section presenting a pocket (38). The mouth piece body (24) is engaged to the teeth (22) of the person and the person's vertical dimension of occlusion is measured and compared to a predetermined range of 19±2 mm. At least one calibrating member (44) is inserted into the pocket (38) of the mouth piece body (24) to increase the height of the mouth piece body (24) so that the person's vertical dimension of occlusion is increased into the range of 19±2 mm. While wearing the resulting mouth piece assembly (20), the person experiences increased strength, stamina, and balance.

Abstract: A novel system and method of integrating an RF emissions device, such as a radar system (103A), within a traffic control indicator (101) system. The system and method determines, using LFM-CW radar signals (201) and a multi-stage spectral processing algorithm (600), if one or more object/vehicle targets will enter an intersection and comprises receiving a radar echo response (203) indicating the object/vehicle target (104) is approaching the intersection, receiving range and velocity of the object/vehicle targets (104), and based on the receiving, determining if the object/vehicle target (104) will enter the intersection. The system and method can programmatically be configured to activate red-light-hold, green-light-extension, or left-turn-warning.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer readable medium for configuring an electronically steerable beam of a traffic signal light (234). The system comprises a wireless device (232) adapted to send at least one command to change a viewing angle of the traffic signal light (234), and a control unit (252) adapted to receive the command, the control unit (252) further adapted to send the command to the traffic signal light (234), wherein the command adjusts a viewing angle of at least a portion of the traffic signal light (234).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer readable medium for configuring an electronically steerable beam of a traffic signal light (234). The system comprises a wireless device (232) adapted to send at least one command to change a viewing angle of the traffic signal light (234), and a control unit (252) adapted to receive the command, the control unit (252) further adapted to send the command to the traffic signal light (234), wherein the command adjusts a viewing angle of at least a portion of the traffic signal light (234).

Abstract: A solid state traffic control apparatus (10) having LED lights (12) including a suspended particle (52) for controlling both the color and shape of the illuminated light therefrom. The suspended particle (52), such as an LCD, operates as a light filter to generate green or yellow light, as well as to generate green and yellow arrows (60). Only two lights (12) are required, one generating red light, and the other generating all other colors including yellow, green, and colored arrows to accommodate color blind drivers. The light apparatus is also adapted for use as a pedestrian head (20) capable of generating different colored symbols such as a pedestrian (62), a hand (64), a count down timer (66), and the combination thereof. A diffuser (46) is disposed over the LED array (42) to provide a homogenous light to the suspended particle (52) which modulates the light to control shape and permit light of a certain color to transmit therethrough.

Abstract: A pedestrian head (10) having a countdown timer associated with both a walking pedestrian symbol, and also the stop hand symbol. This timer indicates the amount of time left until the associated ped head changes state, i.e. from the illuminated walk symbol to the blinking don't Walk hand symbol, and from the blinking don't Walk symbol to the solid illuminated Don't Walk Hand symbol. Preferably, the pedestrian head (10) is a solid state device including a suspended particle (52) such as an LCD, operating as a light filter to generate an illuminated count down display operating in association with the status of the Walk and Don't Walk symbols. Preferably, a diffuser (46) is disposed over the LED array (42) to provide a homogenous light to the suspended particle (52) which modulates the light to control shape i.e. generate a numerical count down display.

Abstract: A solid state light apparatus with a solar shielded heatsink ideally suited for traffic controls. The current state of the art solid state traffic signals utilize LED arrays encased in the existing plastic or metal traffic signal cases which were originally design for incandescent bulbs. Unlike LED's, incandescent bulbs are insensitive to high temperatures. As a result heat will build up on the LED die because of the limitations of the existing incandescent case design. The apparatus mounts the LED array directly to a louvered external heatsink in contact with the air outside of the traffic signal case facilitating the dissipation of heat generated from the LED die and from the sunlight shining on the case. For 25% of all signals (those facing west), during the late afternoon sunset the lensing system will focused the sunlight directly on the LED die raising the die temperature an additional 20 C.

Abstract: A reconfigurable LED array (22) having LED sets (26, 28, 30) in series with a main LED array (24). The LED array (22) is controlled as a function of the operating DC voltage such that as the operating DC voltage level drops, selective ones of the LED strings are shunted so that the remaining LEDs of the array (22) are operational. The operational LEDs are PWM controlled such that the overall light intensity generated by the operational LEDs meets DOT requirements. The LED sets (26, 28 30) are connected in series with the main LED (24) as is stacked logic (62, 64) along with a voltage regulator (60).

Abstract: An area array of LEDs (46) encompassed within a single reflector housing (302) which can be selectively masked (320) to mechanically adjust the viewing angle of the light generated therefrom. The area array of LEDs are disposed within a cavity of a housing forming a trough which is covered by a holographic diffuser. A mask is selectively positionable and attached to the top of the diffuser to mask a portion of the LEDs, and may be secured in position using Velcro® material. By selectively masking the portions of LEDs, the beam angle from the lens can be selectively adjusted. Multiple colored LEDs are provided such that more than one color light beam can be generated from the single signal housing. The mask selectively adjusts both the angle and shape of the beam ultimately transmitted by the associated Fresnel lens.

Abstract: A split-phase pedestrian head traffic signal having directional light beams and a variable beamwidth. The pedestrian heads are selectively controlled such that half-way through a control cycle, a pedestrian half-way across the street may see a “walk” signal, while a pedestrian still at the far side of the street will actually see a “stop hand” signal. A pair of pedestrian heads each having a split-phase facilitate the beam steering such that the appropriate walk or stop hand signal are viewed by the pedestrian at the appropriate location. An area array of LEDs in combination with a Fresnel lens is selectively controlled such that light generated from the respective head can be directed toward different positions of the street for informing pedestrians at different locations attempting to cross the street.

Abstract: A solid state light apparatus generating a homogenous light beam ideally suited for use in traffic control signals. A solid state light source comprises an area array of LEDs uniformly illuminating a light diffuser to achieve the homogenous light beam. In one embodiment, a plurality of light guides direct light from each LED such that each LED illuminates the same square area of the light diffuser. In another embodiment, the LEDs are provided with lenses having a different radius of curvature such that a convex bottom surface of the light diffuser is uniformly illuminated. The LEDs proximate the center of the array have a smaller radius of curvature than the outer LEDs having flatter lenses.

Abstract: A solid state light apparatus ideally suited for use in traffic control signals having a Self Diagnostic/Predictive Failure Analysis (SD/PFA) function facilitating a real time status of the signal as well as prediction of failure years in advance of the actual failure. Unlike incandescent signals, all LED based signals degrade over time until they are no longer in DOT light output specifications. Current state of the art solid state signals must be periodically monitored to see if the light output is in specification. This is done by having DOT or contracted personnel ascend in a bucket truck and place a light meter on the signal typically on an annual basis. A signal system with SD/PFA coupled with a modem or RF link provides real time data, without the use of a bucket truck on the status of the signal. The system also provides data which allows the determination via an algorithm of when the signal will go below light output specifications in the future.

Abstract: A solid state traffic control signal adapted to facilitate light alignment and viewing angles during installation. The traffic control signal includes a video camera or a detachable optical sighting system with a grid representing the various viewing angles of individual LED's for quick alignment and viewing angle programming. This system greatly reduces the amount of trial-and-error and multi-man requirements for installation.

Abstract: A solid state light apparatus suited for use in traffic control signals and having a unitary transparent cover generating a homogenous light beam. A solid state light source comprises an area array of LEDs uniformly illuminating a light diffuser to achieve the homogenous light beam. The unitary cover has a lens defined at an inner portion thereof, and an outer portion encompassing the lens adapted to sealingly secure to the apparatus housing. The lens is continuous with the outer portion such that water and other environmental elements can not penetrate into the housing electronics.

Abstract: A modular solid state light apparatus ideally suited for use in traffic control signals. Current state of the art solid state signals are sealed units which fit into existing signal cases once the primary lens and incandescent bulb, and sometimes even the incandescent reflector, are removed. The modular system replaces the entire case with a custom case designed to accommodate current and future features at approximately {fraction (1/10)} the present cost of a stand alone system. These upgrade features include but are not limited to vehicle preemption, electronically steerable beam, predictive failure analysis, various power supplies, LED arrays in various colors, optical alignment tools used for installation, video camera, in car Telematics, video loop detection, red light running, various communications links, infrared sensors to sense people and vehicles under fog, rain smoke, and other adverse visual conditions, chemical ‘sniffers’, automobile emission monitoring, and adaptive control.

Abstract: An electrically steerable solid state light apparatus is ideally suited for traffic controls. There exist many applications where a driver wishes limited viewing angles of traffic signals for safety, one example being left hand turn arrows. Current state of the art for solid state traffic signals involves the use of a mechanical louver to block the light from the unintended traffic lanes. This approach reduces the intensity of the light and customization of the viewing angle available to the DOT (Department of Transportation).