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: 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.