Mounted On Or Adjacent Roadway Patents (Class 359/547)
  • Patent number: 11952732
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a retro-reflective raised pavement marker (100) and a method of manufacturing (200) thereof. The marker (100) comprises a marker body (1), at least one intermediate frame (6), and at least one retro-reflective lens (7) such that the marker body (1) completely houses the at least one intermediate frame (6) and the at least one retro-reflective lens (7). Further, the manufactured marker (100) is durable, effective and has better retention with the ground surface and better load distribution to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Santhosh Kumar Rajendran, Vipulkumar Himatbhai Prajapati, Govindarajan Ganesan
  • Patent number: 11420768
    Abstract: An LED flash light source for a runway-embedded flash lighting device, includes an LED module; a frame-shaped attaching plate; a lens member; and a shock-absorbing sheet, wherein the lens member is attached to a hollow portion in a frame of the frame-shaped attaching plate, the lens member is configured to allow an emission surface of a flash emitted from the LED module to have a uniform illuminance distribution, the shock-absorbing sheet includes: a lower shock-absorbing sheet; and an upper shock-absorbing sheet, the lower shock-absorbing sheet is disposed on the LED module, the frame-shaped attaching plate to which the lens member is attached is disposed on the lower shock-absorbing sheet, and the upper shock-absorbing sheet is disposed on the frame-shaped attaching plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: HotaluX, Ltd.
    Inventor: Norimasa Mizobe
  • Patent number: 11124932
    Abstract: A retroreflective traffic stripe comprising an exposed top surface containing a widely spaced repeating pattern of linear light-turning prisms over a bottom surface containing two different types of cube corner retroreflective prisms. The light-turning prisms are configured to use refraction and reflection to redirect light from distant headlights into a downward direction onto the bottom surface of the traffic stripe. Cube corner retroreflective prisms of the first type on the bottom surface have optical axes which are substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the traffic stripe and are located substantially beneath such light-turning prisms. Cube corner retroreflective prisms of the second type on the bottom surface have optical axes tilted toward the distant headlights by at least 25 degrees and are located substantially between such light-turning prisms. Under dry road conditions, the light-turning prisms and first type of cube corner prisms provide unprecedented levels of retroreflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Mark Joseph O'Neill
  • Patent number: 10794021
    Abstract: A retroreflective traffic stripe comprising a widely spaced repeating pattern of linear light-turning prisms over cube-corner retroreflective prisms. The light-turning prisms comprise at least two exposed surfaces: one approximately vertical facing the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, and another opposing the first and sloped by approximately 45 degrees. The approximately vertical surface accepts light from the headlights and transmits such light to the sloped surface which totally internally reflects such light downward onto an array of cube corner retroreflective prisms, which totally internally reflect such light in approximately the reverse direction. Such reflected light once more encounters the sloped face of the light turning prisms which totally internally reflects the light toward the approximately vertical surface, where such light exits and returns toward the headlights and toward the eyes of the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Mark Joseph O'Neill
  • Patent number: 9795233
    Abstract: A container sleeve apparatus includes an arcuate or cylindrical body that can be positioned on a cylindrical or conical container, such as a tumbler, cup, can or bottle. A transparent or translucent insert section that can be releasably attached to the sleeve body. The sleeve body can be made of a non-slip, elastic material, such as neoprene rubber. The insert section can be made of plastic, and can include a logo printed or engraved thereon. The apparatus can include a light emitting device that illuminates the transparent/translucent insert section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HABCO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Brown, Lucas C. Hayes
  • Patent number: 9562995
    Abstract: Methods of fly-cutting a workpiece are disclosed, and in methods in which the position of a fly-cutting head or its associated cutting element is known as a function of time. Also disclosed are methods of forming features, such as grooves or groove segments, in a workpiece such as a cylindrical roll. The features may be provided according to one or more disclosed patterns. Articles made using tools machined in the manner described are also provided, such as polymeric film or sheeting that exhibit certain beneficial properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: James P. Burke, Alan B. Campbell, Dale L. Ehnes, Daniel S. Wertz
  • Patent number: 8567965
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a reflective object, which comprises the structure with the following layers sequentially: an adhesive layer embedded with optical components; a color layer; and a reflective layer; wherein the reflective object is characterized that the color layer is not contacted with the optical components. The present invention is also disclosed a method of producing the reflective object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Hsin-An Shih
  • Patent number: 8342700
    Abstract: A laminate article preferably including two or more layers adapted to be applied to a surface of a roadway that can function as a reflective marker, such as a lane marker or road feature marker. The article includes one or more reflective compounds, preferably particles, aggregates, or clusters that are partially embedded in an exposed outer surface layer of the article. In order to increase the durability of the material, protective media compounds are also present in the outer layer and extend outward therefrom with the protective material protruding a greater distance than the reflective compounds. The articles of the present invention are weather resistant, durable and resistant to damage by vehicles and snowplows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Hemant A. Naik, Puneet Singh, Ratanjit Sondhe
  • Publication number: 20120092767
    Abstract: A laminate article preferably including two or more layers adapted to be applied to a surface of a roadway that can function as a reflective marker, such as a lane marker or road feature marker. The article includes one or more reflective compounds, preferably particles, aggregates, or clusters that are partially embedded in an exposed outer surface layer of the article. In order to increase the durability of the material, protective media compounds are also present in the outer layer and extend outward therefrom with the protective material protruding a greater distance than the reflective compounds. The articles of the present invention are weather resistant, durable and resistant to damage by vehicles and snowplows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Hemant A. Naik, Puneet Singh, Ratanjit Sondhe
  • Patent number: 7967525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a concrete element for road marking and outdoor paving having a solid three-dimensional form, with a bottom surface resting on the ground and an upper surface exposed, wherein at least one housing or basin is provided on the upper surface for containing a layer of refracting mixture that includes in turn a plurality of spheres or microspheres mixed with a hardening support resin or adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Valle Francesco S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fabio Valle
  • Patent number: 7820083
    Abstract: Reflective pellets (16) are formed by extrusion of reflective micro beads (26) in a thermoplastic (20), removal of the surface layer of the pellets so as to expose the reflective beads at the surface of the pellets and applying the reflective pellets to the base line (14) of the striping applied to a paved road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Fortson-Peek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 7547104
    Abstract: A reflector system for to allow a reflector to be positioned adjacent an edge of road while reducing the chance of being struck by a vehicle includes a spike being drivable into and extending upwardly from a support surface. The spike includes a tapered end for facilitating driving of the spike into the support surface. The spike has a slot therein extending through a pair of sides of the spike and positioned adjacent a top end of the spike. A reflector is couplable to the spike. The reflector is positioned in the slot of the spike when the reflector is coupled to the spike. The reflector reflects light from the headlights of the vehicle to alert a driver to an edge of a road adjacent the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard W. Nadonley
  • Patent number: 6966660
    Abstract: A exposed-lens retroreflective article exhibiting retroreflection under dry and wet conditions is provided. The inventive article comprises a first set of optical elements having a first reflective layer disposed on the embedded portion of the elements. The first set contributes mainly to dry retroreflection. The article further comprises a second set of optical elements having a second reflective layer behind a spacing layer. The second set contributes mainly to wet retroreflection. In one embodiment, the first and second sets of optical elements have substantially the same average diameters, refractive index, and density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gina M. Buccellato, Thomas P. Hedblom, John L. Vandenberg
  • Patent number: 6758567
    Abstract: A continuously formed, low profiled reflective pavement marker comprising a multiple, inclined, low profiled reflective portions, which are integrally connected by horizontally, positioned reflective sheeting. Each raised reflective portion integrally having multiple reflective cube corner elements within two defined inclined reflective faces. Each of the two opposite reflective faces are integrally supported by load carrying structural walls in a multi-directional manner, said load carrying structural walks define cell like areas within each inclined reflective face. A method of making said reflective marker is disclosed that includes the steps of sealing and coloring the lower portion of the reflective marking sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Adl Attar
  • Patent number: 6558011
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reflective marker such as is used to delineate the location of a road, driveway or parking area. A reflective marker according to the invention includes a support post and a head fastened to the support post. The head includes a top portion and a bottom portion that are spanned by a generally cylindrical shell portion, which is preferably multi-faceted. Means are disposed on the shell portion for reflecting incident light directed thereat over a 360° range. Preferably, the reflective means comprises reflective tape having a width of from about 1.5 to about 3.5 inches. In the presently most preferred embodiment of the invention, the head is constructed of a polymeric material, and the support post is constructed of fiberglass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Technology House, LTD
    Inventor: Raymond J. Fritz
  • Patent number: 6441943
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing and an LED lamp carried in the housing. A signal mirror, includes a mirror; and an LED lamp. The LED lamp includes a heat extraction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Roberts, Frederick T. Bauer, Joseph S. Stam, Timothy A. Bonardi, William L. Tonar, Robert R. Turnbull
  • Publication number: 20020063960
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reflective marker such as is used to delineate the location of a road, driveway or parking area. A reflective marker according to the invention includes a support post and a head fastened to the support post. The head includes a top portion and a bottom portion that are spanned by a generally cylindrical shell portion, which is preferably multi-faceted. Means are disposed on the shell portion for reflecting incident light directed thereat over a 360° range. Preferably, the reflective means comprises reflective tape having a width of from about 1.5 to about 3.5 inches. In the presently most preferred embodiment of the invention, the head is constructed of a polymeric material, and the support post is constructed of fiberglass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: The Technology House, LTD
    Inventor: Raymond J. Fritz
  • Patent number: 6305874
    Abstract: A first road marking unit with a first base plate is provided with a first light source, and a second road-marking unit with a second base plate is provided with a second light source. A view angle of 0.1≦&agr;≦8° is formed between an interconnecting line, which interconnects the first and the second light sources, and an intersecting line which intersects the interconnecting line. In a view section where the view angle is 0.1≦&agr;≦8°, light beams originating from the first and the second light sources demonstrate a uniform overlap in the view section at a distance a≧40 m from the first light source. Preferably, the distance d between the first light source and the second light source lies in the range from 10 ≦d≦25 cm. The first and the second base plate of the road-marking units are integrated so as to form a base module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Adrianus C. W. Custers, Pieter W. C. Provo Kluit, Jacob C. P. Den Dulk, Gabrielle J. B. M. Meekes, Wanda S. Kruijt, Lucas L. D. Van Der Poel, Franciscus G. P. Sools, Constance J. E. Saalberg-Seppen
  • Patent number: 6264334
    Abstract: A movable body detecting device and a road-curve mirror with a radio wave reflection plate for allowing a reception side movable body present at a position where the movable body is hidden from a transmission side movable body to accurately receive movable body detecting radio waves transmitted from the transmission side movable body by making use of a road-curve mirror. A radio wave reflection plate for reflecting radio waves, being transmitted from one movable body A and received by another movable body B so that the reception side movable body detects the presence of the transmission side movable body, is mounted in a road-curve mirror provided on such a road to assist an individual in navigating an intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazumitsu Kushida
  • Patent number: 6168276
    Abstract: A road safety reflector assembly has a pair of oppositely disposed finger cradles with a hollow, reinforceable housing, which has one or two reflectors mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Karl Weid
  • Patent number: 6084709
    Abstract: A delineator easily recognized by the driver even when attached at a moderate curve of a road includes colorless transparent reflectors attached inclined by a prescribed angle with respect to an aluminum base and amber transparent reflectors attached inclined in the opposite direction. Each reflector has a reflex reflecting element, an optical axis of which is inclined in the same direction as the corresponding reflector. Thus light beams entering in a direction parallel to the surface on which the delineator is attached can also be reflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Cateye Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nakade
  • Patent number: 5818640
    Abstract: This relates to a system for and method of illuminating a sign, so that drivers and observers may easily recognize and read the sign and billboard. The apparatus employs an external illumination source that is easy to inspect and maintain. The illumination source and the sign or billboard are separately installed from each other. Light emitted from the illumination source forms an incident angle (.theta.) in the range of 0.degree. to about 30.degree. at any point on the road sign. A road sign area of the sign is made of a retroreflective sheet having a wide observation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Yoshio Watanabe, Toshitaka Nakajima, Muneo Momozawa, Satoshi Kakishita
  • Patent number: 5774265
    Abstract: All-ceramic retroreflective elements which may be used in pavement markings comprising an opacified ceramic core and ceramic optical elements partially embedded into the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James P. Mathers, Chris J. Goodbrake, Kathleen A. Hachey, Thomas P. Hedblom, Kathleen M. Humpal, Roger W. Lange, David C. May, Kyung H. Moh, Thomas E. Forester
  • Patent number: 5731766
    Abstract: A route guide system for making guidance of the traveling direction in the sight field of the driver during traveling. The road guide plate is provided in front of a turning point. This road guide plate emits light differing in flash timing according to the branching direction. The liquid crystal shutter is provided on the front glass of the vehicle equipped with the navigation system. When making road guidance, ON/OFF operation of the liquid crystal shutter is controlled by an MPU so that only the light of the light-emitting pattern corresponding to the traveling direction according to the traveling direction information of the turning point obtained from route searching toward the targeted location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Motoyuki Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 5731895
    Abstract: A reflective element mountable to a post comprises a body member having an internal keyway formed therein for sliding over the post. A bore is provided, preferably transversely through the body member, and is dimensioned to receive either a pin or a bolt which locks the element to the post. The body member in preferred form is cylindrical in shape. A reflective material such as in sheet form is wrapped around the outer surface of the body member. Thereby, the element is capable of reflecting light incident on its surface from 360 degrees around the element. The body of the element may be readily manufactured from a non-corroding plastic material as to provide years of service. By the construction of the element, it is also easily attached to a typical post used as a highway marker, such as a studded T-post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: CHS Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Owczarzak, William J. Cienkus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5703719
    Abstract: A reflector road sign including a reflector body made of a tempered glass having Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 content below 0.3%, a casing made to receive the reflector body, a solar lighting system installed in the reflector body, the solar lighting system including a LED (light emitting diode) lamp, a solar cell assembly, a rechargeable battery connected to the solar cell assembly, a control circuit connected to the rechargeable battery and the LED lamp and controlling the LED lamp to operate when the intensity of ambient light drops below a predetermined level, and a reflecting device mounted around the LED lamp to reflect light in desired directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Judy Chen
  • Patent number: 5557461
    Abstract: A novel roadway or similar marker strip having preferably retro-reflective-beaded protuberances in a critical "herringbone"-like pattern that provides a surprising degree of azimuthal uniform omindirectionality of light reflected from the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: BriteLine Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Wyckoff
  • Patent number: 5517357
    Abstract: An optical device having an objective lens system including at least two lens groups (at least one of which is shiftable in the optical axis direction), a vibration detector for detecting a vibration of the objective lens system, and outputting a signal indicating the vibration of the objective lens system, a vibration compensation unit arranged at a position other than the position of the most-object side lens group of the objective lens system, and at least one shift amount detector for detecting the shift amount, in the optical axis direction, of the shiftable lens of the objective lens system, and outputting a signal indicating the shift amount. The drive amount of the vibration compensation unit is calculated based on the signal from the shift amount detector and the signal from the vibration detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Shibayama
  • Patent number: 5502593
    Abstract: A low profile pavement marker having a glass bead type reflector and an inclined top surface is disclosed. Flanges extend from a peripheral surface on the face and from the rear of the reflector for engagement with epoxy for mounting the pavement marker to the road surface. The front face is angled to permit wiping of the glass beads of the reflector. The shell of the pavement marker may be trimmed to be combined with other shells or other reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Pac-Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hedgewick
  • Patent number: 5450236
    Abstract: A reflecting material, especially for display signs and road signs, is in the form of a plate (20) which is made of a transparent material and has a front surface (21) and, substantially parallel thereto, a reflecting rear surface (22). The rear surface has juxtaposed reflectors (23) with a reflecting surface coating (24). The reflectors are concave, as seen from the front surface of the plate, and so designed that light rays having an angle of incidence of about 7.degree.-65.degree. are reflected at an angle of reflection of about 0.degree. to the normal of the front surface of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Storra Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Bjorn Odemark
  • Patent number: 5442870
    Abstract: A retro-reflective sign is provided having a front face member attached to a back member. The face member has a plurality of cube corners disposed along its back surface. The sign can be of any shape or color and provides superior light reflection at night as compared to conventional signs. Thus, the sign can be easily seen while driving at night. In an alternative embodiment, the cube corners are disposed along the inner surface of the back member. The front face member or the entire sign can be coated with a silicone material to provide added protection to the sign from scratching and vandalism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: George E. Kochanowski
  • Patent number: 5432642
    Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surfaces alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. The downward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or downward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the downward band-like surfaces of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. The upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or the upward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, are each a smooth, irregular or uneven reflecting surface. Obliquely downward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a smooth surface extending straight in the longitudinal section of the panel, and obliquely upward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a rough surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Masayuki Wakatake
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Wakatake
  • Patent number: 5422757
    Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surface portions alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. Obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. Obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each an irregular or uneven reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Masayuki Wakatake
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Wakatake
  • Patent number: 5299061
    Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has an optical color filter and a reflecting film formed all over the back thereof. The surface of the optical color filter is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surface portions alternately arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The back face of the optical color filter is has obliquely upward band-like back face portions each on the opposite side from one of the obliquely downward band-like surface portions and obliquely downward band-like back face portions each on the opposite side from one of obliquely upward band-like surface portions. The obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the optical color filter are each a smooth surface extending straight in the longitudinal section of the panel. The obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the optical color filter are each a rough surface. The obliquely upward band-like back face portions of the optical color filter are each a smooth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Masayuki Wakatake
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Wakatake
  • Patent number: 5130848
    Abstract: A passive railroad crossing warning device has two input optical windows that receive light from the headlight of an oncoming locomotive. The light is redirected to an output optical window where a combiner causes it to exit at a predetermined angle to make it visible to motorists approaching the railroad crossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Miller, Scott G. Theirl, Kenneth A. Aho