Including Reflector Patents (Class 404/16)
  • Patent number: 12125386
    Abstract: A road stud includes a terminal storage unit, a light emission unit, a moving body detection unit, a radio communication unit, and a terminal control unit. The terminal storage unit stores preset unique fixed position information. The light emission unit emits a preset light to the surroundings. The moving body detection unit generates a detection signal indicating that a nearby moving body has been detected. The radio communication unit receives, based on fixed position information, an instruction signal for an operation of the light emission unit from a predetermined control system and transmits a detection signal to the control system. The terminal control unit controls a light emission unit based on the instruction signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Susumu Oikawa, Hiroyuki Nakatani, Kenichi Kitahama
  • Patent number: 11808847
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides radar-reflecting systems and apparatus that employ metasurfaces to produce enhanced radar cross sections that are greater than those produced by the geometry of the surfaces alone. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides heat-ducting systems and apparatus that include metasurfaces. A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides cards with metasurfaces. Exemplary embodiments utilize fractal plasmonic surfaces for a metasurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Cohen, Philip Salkind
  • Patent number: 11467279
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides radar-reflecting systems and apparatus that employ metasurfaces to produce enhanced radar cross sections that are greater than those produced by the geometry of the surfaces alone. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides heat-ducting systems and apparatus that include metasurfaces. A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides cards with metasurfaces. Exemplary embodiments utilize fractal plasmonic surfaces for a metasurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Cohen, Philip Salkind
  • Patent number: 11225763
    Abstract: This invention relates to a selective tire-impairment device attachable to a roadway surface. The device can include a lateral surface having a piercing element. The piercing element can be oriented downward to selectively impair a sidewall of a tire traveling laterally without affecting a tire traveling in a typical forward direction. The piercing element can severely damage a tire of a vehicle performing a stunt, commonly referred to as a doughnut, due to the lateral direction of travel of a tire during the stunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: CITY OF BENICIA
    Inventor: Erik M. Upson
  • Patent number: 10827863
    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: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: FUSE, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew S. Brown, Lucas C. Hayes
  • Patent number: 10697138
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a directional surface marking may provide directional messaging to users based on their direction of travel on a base surface, such as a roadway, walkway, or interior flooring, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, the directional messaging may comprise different colors, text, or symbols, wherein a user may view different directional messaging on a directional surface marking dependent on direction of travel. In some embodiments, directional surface markings may comprise a profile layer, wherein the profile layer may comprise a plurality of profiles, which may provide a topography that allows for directional messaging utilizing surface colors on the topography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Gregory W. Driskell, Michael D. Green
  • Patent number: 10544553
    Abstract: A surface marking assembly for providing guidance to vehicle operators includes first and second panels. The first panel is configured to couple to a surface, such as tarmac of a road. A plurality of solar cells is coupled to a top of the first panel. At least one battery is coupled to the first panel and is operationally coupled to the solar cells, which are configured to charge the battery. A plurality of bulbs is coupled to the first panel and is operationally coupled to the battery. The second panel, which is textured and substantially transparent, is coupled to the first panel to protect the solar cells and the bulbs. The battery is positioned to power the bulbs to provide visual direction to an operator of a vehicle proximate to the first panel. The second panel is configured to provide vibratory and auditory notifications to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Manuel Gamez
  • Patent number: 10364917
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a road tube to a roadway is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a locking component configured to engage a portion of the road tube. The apparatus may additionally comprise a base assembly configured to be secured to the roadway. The base assembly may include a planar base, a first side portion extending from the base, and a second side portion extending from the base. The first and second side portions may define a channel therebetween. The channel may be configured to receive the locking component. As the locking component is moved into the channel, at least one of the first and second side portions may be configured to move the locking component toward the base to secure the portion of the road tube therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: TMARK, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Gossack
  • Patent number: 9807850
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for controlling an operation of a road stud. The apparatus includes a light emitting unit of the road stud, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the light emitting unit, an illumination sensor unit configured to apply a voltage corresponding to a peripheral illumination of the road stud, a reference-voltage generating unit configured to apply a reference voltage corresponding to a reference illumination of the road stud, a light emitting control unit configured to interrupt supply of power to the light emitting unit when the peripheral illumination of the road stud is equal to or more than the reference illumination, and configured to allow the supply of the power to the light emitting unit only when the peripheral illumination of the road stud is less than the reference illumination, and a road stud type-identification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: PLATECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong Tai Park
  • Patent number: 9587357
    Abstract: A cap device to protect a restored asphalt core hole created from asphalt core test and methods to protect an asphalt core hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ahmad K. Alhalawani
  • Patent number: 8985893
    Abstract: A road marker and related light based warning device are described. The road marker or device includes a thermal sensor that triggers the illumination of at least one light-emitting diode at a predetermined temperature. The temperature may be associated with ice formation. The light-emitting diode(s) may flash to alert motorists to hazardous road conditions. The road marker or device utilize simple components to increase reliability, particularly when the device is subjected to high heat such as when the device is mounted into hot tar seal. The device further includes a switching element that prevents rapid on/off cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Solar Bright Limited
    Inventors: Patrick John Martin, Paul Senior
  • Patent number: 8840335
    Abstract: A road marker and related light based warning device are described. The road marker or device includes a thermal sensor that triggers the illumination of at least one light-emitting diode at a predetermined temperature. The temperature may be associated with ice formation. The light-emitting diode(s) may flash to alert motorists to hazardous road conditions. The road marker or device utilize simple components to increase reliability, particularly when the device is subjected to high heat such as when the device is mounted into hot tar seal. The device further includes a switching element that prevents rapid on/off cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Solar Bright Limited
    Inventors: Patrick John Martin, Paul Senior
  • Patent number: 8734048
    Abstract: A passive elongated flexible roadway marking device attaches and conforms to a curved roadway median. The device includes an integrally formed plastic extruded spline and a protrusion having a D-shaped profile. Notches with stress relief vertices are provided in a flange of the spline to facilitate bending. Attachment holes are provided in each flange of the spline, in an alternating arrangement. Spaced apart retro-reflective tape strips are applied to the curved outer surface of the protrusion. A pressure sensitive adhesive on the bottom of the spline facilitate installation. A coupling connects several units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory Wayne Driskell, Michael David Green
  • Patent number: 8517626
    Abstract: An embedded-type reflective road marker which includes a base and a reflector for reflecting light cast onto the marker. The reflector is detachably connected or secured, in use, to the base and received in a central depression. The detachable connection is achieved by a connector having a pair of resilient clips each with an outwardly extending projection arranged to releasably engage by a snap fit a recess or aperture in a respective facing side wall of the central depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Dudley, Daniel Rowntree, Robert Menear
  • Publication number: 20130202353
    Abstract: An improved casting for a road marker having a reflector and a method of installation for the road marker are disclosed. The method of installation includes forming a groove that has a rectangular geometry when view from above and is longitudinal oriented parallel to the direction of the road. The groove can also have a deeper section at the center with the same geometry of the groove but with a bigger radius to receive one or more legs from the road marker of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Tecknotraffic Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel De Jesús Chavarria Marroquín, Yadhira Cruz Farias, Sergio Damián Amaya González
  • Publication number: 20130195548
    Abstract: An embedded-type reflective road marker which includes a base and a reflector for reflecting light cast onto the marker. The reflector is detachably connected or secured, in use, to the base and received in a central depression. The detachable connection is achieved by a connector having a pair of resilient clips each with an outwardly extending projection arranged to releasably engage by a snap fit a recess or aperture in a respective facing side wall of the central depression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Dudley, Daniel Rowntree, Robert Menear
  • Publication number: 20130170906
    Abstract: A reflective roadstud and manufacture of the same including steps of forming an upper and lower cover from mixture of Acrylonitrile-Butadene-Styrene, ABS and basalt fiber with a mixing ratio of 1:0.05˜0.5 by injection molding. The upper cover and the reflective sheet are combined by ultrasonic welding, and the lower cover is arranged to the upper cover as a finish. The finish is further coated by a nanotech inorganic heat dissipating coating (Sio2, Cao).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Hung-Chen Lee
  • Patent number: 8425144
    Abstract: Disclosed are pavement markers and a mobile highway marking apparatus for advancing in a forward direction along a paved surface of a highway for applying a paint stripe to the paved surface and applying pavement markers at intervals on the paint stripe. The marking apparatus includes a dispenser that is configured for moving a sequence of the pavement markers from the bottom of an upwardly extending stack of the pavement markers first in the forward direction and then down a sloped chute in a rearward direction to the paint stripe without turning the pavement markers over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Fortson-Peek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 8328463
    Abstract: An embedded-type reflective road marker (1) which includes a base (2) and a reflector (3) for reflecting light cast onto the marker. The reflector (1) is detachably connected or secured, in use, to the base (2) by a connector (4) having release means (40) for facilitating removal of the reflector (3) from the base (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas Dudley Limited
    Inventors: Martin Dudley, Daniel Rowntree, Robert Menear
  • Patent number: 8288652
    Abstract: An exemplary ramp structure capable of being positioned over at least a portion of a cable protection system comprises first and second center portions, a first side ramp portion adjacent a side of each center portion, and a first tapered portion adjacent an end of the first side ramp portion. The first tapered portion may be tapered in at least two different directions that are substantially orthogonal to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Checkers Industrial Products, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. Lubanski
  • Patent number: 8281509
    Abstract: A nautical navigation aid comprising a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities used to enhance the safety of nautical travelers on waterways in conditions where visibility is limited. The navigation aid sign has a first rigid sheet member having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge, a second rigid sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface extending outward from the peripheral edge of the first rigid sheet member at a predetermined angle to a predetermined length, thereby defining an angled collar of the first rigid sheet member sized and configured to redirect light waves emanating from a light source, and a luminescent layer. It is envisioned that an embodiment of the present invention might also include a means for retrofitting existing nautical navigation aids with a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Edwin Perez
  • Patent number: 8246012
    Abstract: A construction site fence, or barrier foot plate base unit or foot cover attachment for separating the barrier from traffic and to guide traffic. The base unit attaches a traffic delineator thereon top of the base unit. Also, the base unit may include a pad that is tapered away from the construction site barrier panel foot, creating a gentle sloping ramp, including a combination of the sloping ramp and the delineator mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Tony L. Pasqualini
  • Patent number: 8240948
    Abstract: A pavement road marker is provided mounted to a road having a main shell or body having a top portion. The top portion of the body being generally planar and including a lens mounted thereon. The lens is mounted within the body so that the plane created by the lens is beneath the plane created by the planar surface of the body portion. The assembly further includes an inner cavity having a first surface and a first opening. The first opening is oppositely disposed from the top portion. The first surface of the inner cavity includes various structural elements such as protrusions, legs, or dimples. The protrusions, legs, and dimples increase surface area to improve adhesion of potting to the inner surface of the housing to fill the cavity of the housing. The legs having a lateral surface which extend on a plane normal to an outer surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Teknotraffic, Inc.
    Inventor: Damian Amaya
  • Patent number: 8182170
    Abstract: A fluid line indicator system includes a roadway that has a lateral edge. A curb is positioned adjacent to and extends along the lateral edge. The curb has an upper surface. A disc has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. A post is attached to and extending downwardly from a central area of the bottom side. The post is imbedded into the upper surface and the disc is imbedded into the curb. A panel is mounted on the disc and completely covers the top side, the panel comprising a reflector. The post is positioned in an area adjacent to a fluid access point to indicate placement of the fluid access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Arlis Blanton
  • Patent number: 8152325
    Abstract: A reflective surface electric road flare designed to be positioned on a roadway and to emit light to alert oncoming drivers to a hazard on the roadway. The flare comprises a housing supporting a circuit. The circuit comprises an led light source, a power controller and a power supply. The power controller energizes the led light source with the power supply such that the led light source emits light according to its design specification. The emitted light is concentrated about the horizontal by a lens into a horizontal light beam visible throughout the azimuth. Concentrating the emitted light into a horizontal light beam increases its intensity as perceived by oncoming drivers located within the projected horizontal light beam. A portion of the horizontal light beam intersects a top surface of the road flare where it is reflected towards oncoming vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin F McDermott
  • Publication number: 20120051838
    Abstract: A method for placing an audible feature on a road includes heating a composition and depositing the composition onto at least one of a surface of the road and an existing layer on the road. The composition seeps into porous areas of at least one of the surface of the road and the existing layer on the road and cools to form the audible feature. The audible feature adheres to at least one of the surface of the road and the existing layer on the road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Darren Carter, Kevin Carter
  • Patent number: 8123430
    Abstract: Disclosed are pavement markers (100) and a mobile highway marking apparatus (1000) for advancing in a forward direction along a paved surface of a highway for applying a paint stripe (906) to the paved surface and applying pavement markers at intervals on the paint stripe. The marking apparatus includes a dispenser (1016) that is configured for moving a sequence of the pavement markers form the bottom of an upwardly extending stack of the pavement markers first in the forward direction and then down a sloped chute in a rearward direction to the paint stripe without turning the pavement markers over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Fortson-Peek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 7993073
    Abstract: A road marker according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention has advantages that exterior impact transmitted from a tire may be absorbed by elastic force of a spring as a consequence of a transparent cover being completely inserted in an upper housing when a vehicle passes on a road marker. The road marker has further advantages in that a vehicle load may not be transmitted to a guide cover and thus breakage of the road marker may be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Ji Hyun Ryu
  • Publication number: 20110164922
    Abstract: A roadway marker is formed from a forged longitudinally extending unitary body having an upper surface and a bottom surface from which extent two rooting members in a direction away from the bottom surface, the upper surface of the elongated body respectively define inclined ramps each extending from a respective end of the longitudinally extending body to a centrally elevated bridging area, the ramps defining recesses in which is mounted reflective media. The rooting pins are secured in holes drilled at an acute angle in the pavement such that when the rooting pins are mounted into the holes drilled in the pavement after an adhesive has been placed in the holes, resilient clips mounted on the rooting pins create an interference fit with the wall of each of the two drilled holes to secure the roadway marker to the pavement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: David Michael Moxlow, Chester Ellsworth Dietrick, III, Michael Anthony Colechio, Robert John Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7942603
    Abstract: A traffic control device includes a shell body and at least one receptacle located in the shell body. The receptacle includes a dilatant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: William R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110081201
    Abstract: A plurality of reflector devices each having a reflective element, the reflector devices embeddable in the roadway of an off ramp, or in the curbing of an off ramp, and/or in the guardrails adjacent an off ramp or other one way street, the reflector warning system providing a visible alarm or alert to a driver in day or night conditions or low visibility that the driver has mistakenly or inadvertently turned his vehicle onto and is proceeding up an off ramp or other road way to another intersecting highway, and as such will encounter oncoming opposing traffic such that the driver can stop, reverse, and correct the mistake. The reflector devices embedded in the roadway depending upon their spacing will also provide a significantly tactile feedback to the driver that he is proceeding in the wrong direction by causing a vibration to the tires which is transmittable to the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Croce
  • Publication number: 20100310311
    Abstract: An embedded-type reflective road marker (1) which includes a base (2) and a reflector (3) for reflecting light cast onto the marker. The reflector (1) is detachably connected or secured, in use, to the base (2) by a connector (4) having release means (40) for facilitating removal of the reflector (3) from the base (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Dudley, Daniel Rowntree, Robert Menear
  • 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: 7819606
    Abstract: A side guard for a roadway marker comprising an elongated 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Obedzinski
  • Publication number: 20100226717
    Abstract: Disclosed are pavement markers (100) and a mobile highway marking apparatus (1000) for advancing in a forward direction along a paved surface of a highway for applying a paint stripe (906) to the paved surface and applying pavement markers at intervals on the paint stripe. The marking apparatus includes a dispenser (1016) that is configured for moving a sequence of the pavement markers form the bottom of an upwardly extending stack of the pavement markers first in the forward direction and then down a sloped chute in a rearward direction to the paint stripe without turning the pavement markers over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Publication number: 20100196095
    Abstract: Disclosed are pavement markers and a mobile highway marking apparatus for advancing in a forward direction along a paved surface of a highway for applying a paint stripe to the paved surface and applying pavement markers at intervals on the paint stripe. The marking apparatus includes a dispenser that is configured for moving a sequence of the pavement markers from the bottom of an upwardly extending stack of the pavement markers first in the forward direction and then down a sloped chute in a rearward direction to the paint stripe without turning the pavement markers over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Fortson-Peek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 7690861
    Abstract: Disclosed is a temporary pavement marker for pavement surface treatment of existing pavement. The temporary pavement marker may include a base configured to be placed against the existing pavement. An upright section may be connected to the base. The upright section may include a bridge connected between a first upright and a second upright to form a treatment passageway. The bridge, the first upright, the second upright, and the base may be positioned around the treatment passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090297264
    Abstract: A road marker according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention has advantages that exterior impact transmitted from a tire may be absorbed by elastic force of a spring as a consequence of a transparent cover being completely inserted in an upper housing when a vehicle passes on a road marker. The road marker has further advantages in that a vehicle load may not be transmitted to a guide cover and thus breakage of the road marker may be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Ji Hyun Ryu
  • Publication number: 20090238642
    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: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Obedzinski
  • Patent number: 7484907
    Abstract: A solar energy lane marking system for a road surface having at least a traffic lane includes a set of lane markers, and a solar energy collection arrangement. The lane markers are for spacedly providing on the road surface to define the traffic lane, wherein each of the lane markers includes an illuminator for lane illumination. The solar energy collection arrangement is for controlling the set of lane markers in centralized manner to ensure sufficient and consistent illumination of the illuminators, and includes a solar energy collector for collecting solar energy, an energy storage, and a central processing circuitry. The central processing circuitry, which is electrically connecting the energy storage with the illuminators of the lane markers, operatively controls the illuminators of the lane markers as an illuminable road divider for identifying the traffic lane in case of low visibility of the traffic lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Fufu Yang
  • Patent number: 7468680
    Abstract: A traffic light safety zone is a painted marked area, of parallel lines, approaching a traffic intersection to warn motorists whether they can safety proceed through the road intersection before a traffic sign light turns red, the zones are configured to indicate whether a motorist in the zone has clearance at a designated speed to proceed and cross with safety, the zone parallel colored thermal plastic painted lines form a visual indicator, and give an audio output due to the thickness of the thermal painted plastic; a distinctive traffic sign indicates to motorists of an approaching traffic light safety zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: John Heffernan
  • Publication number: 20080260458
    Abstract: A portable rumble strip that is adapted to conform to a roadway having a base portion, grips that adhere to the roadway, and a plurality of vibrators protruding away from the roadway. The vibrators are effective to cause a vibration in a tire when engaged by a moving vehicle and effectively alerting the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Fillie
  • Patent number: 7423552
    Abstract: A Warning Bump traffic safety device comprised of a base which is inserted over traffic cones or barrels and a strip and extensions, generally trapezoidal in cross section, attached to the base which extends into the roadway which causes both an audible and sensory warning to motorists driving over these strips. This traffic safety device is typically deployed in construction work zones in the buffer and work areas to provide additional warnings to both drivers as they approach a construction work area and additional warnings to both drivers and construction workers if a driver encroaches into lateral buffer area in the work zone. These traffic safety devices also tend to stabilize the cones and barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventors: Tim Sherman, Robert Kenneth Fulagar, Scott Allen Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 7413373
    Abstract: Improved reflective pavement marker is disclosed having a unitary hollow structural body molded in situ about at least one pre-formed retro-reflective lens plate. The unitary structural body has a base surface partially sealed with a compatible sheet includes exterior surface with multiple protruded grooves. An alternative structural body can have a sealed base surface including multiple protruded and recessed grooves with at least one inclined face having a recessed area for receiving a pre-formed lens plate attachment. The planar base surface of said unitary structural body includes an impact absorbing hollow cavities extending along the sides of the inclined reflective faces and incorporate multiple of protruded rectangular grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Adil H. Attar
  • Patent number: 7401997
    Abstract: A protruding road warning device includes a base plate, at least one mounting spike, a cushioned pad and at least one reflector. The base plate has a bottom surface, a top surface and a breakable segment. The bottom surface has multiple fastening recesses, at least one groove and at least one connecting surface. The at least one groove is defined in the bottom surface. The at least one connecting surface corresponds to and is formed respectively inside the at least one groove. The at least one break segment is formed respectively between the at least one groove and the top surface. The at least one mounting spike is connected respectively to the at least one connecting surface on the bottom surface. The cushioned pad is mounted on the top surface of the base plate. The at least one reflector is mounted on the cushioned pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Hsin-Min Chen
  • Publication number: 20080101859
    Abstract: A warning apparatus is provided, whose main body includes a monolithically formed transparent tempered material with a thickness. The top of the main body includes at least two injections units. The injection units are upward bumps. The injection units are less than 10 mm in height. The curvature on the surface of injection unit bumps changes at different height of the bumps. The bottom of the main body includes at least two reflection units. The reflection units are downward bumps. The bottom of the main body also includes a reflective layer attached to the outer surface of the reflection units so that the light entering the main body can be reflected by the reflective layer to provide warning. The durable, low-height injection unit bumps will minimize the impact on the driving safety when the tires run over, while providing effective visual warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ching Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 7347643
    Abstract: Provided herein is a road stud used to recognize the central line or lanes of a road. The road stud is configured in the form of a screw to be securely fixed to and buried in a road. The road stud includes a self generator to light up an illuminating element all the time irrespective of the existence and absence of sunshine or illumination, humidity and temperature sensors for sensing the condition of the road to emit different color lights in response to various conditions of the road, and a communication unit for transmitting/receiving information about the condition of the road to/from cars. The road stud has strong shock-resistance and smoothly emit light irrespective of existence or absence of external power supply or the quantity of sunshine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Bo-Young Jeong
  • Patent number: 7153056
    Abstract: An improved road marker with a one piece shell and recesses containing elongated members with an undercut relief is provided. The road marker contains a retroreflective lens and a bottom surface with a plurality of the recesses protruding into the shell. The cross section of the recesses can be in the shape of a circle, ellipse, triangle or any shaped polygon, and said cross section can vary as a function of the depth of the recess into the shell and the location of said recess on the bottom surface. The cross section of the elongated member in an axial direction can be in the shape of a circle, ellipse, triangle or any shaped polygon. The undercut relief can be in the form of threads, ridges or any type of indentation into the elongated member that provides a rough surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Pac-Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Forrer
  • Patent number: 7044679
    Abstract: A speed control method and device. A speed bump is optically simulated on a roadway as by painting the roadway to create the appearance of a real speed bump, or an actual speed bump is visually enhanced to appear larger than it actually is. Actual speed bumps can be randomly interspersed among simulated speed bumps along a roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Bradley K. Groff
  • Patent number: 7037033
    Abstract: A reflective pavement marker is used for delineating roadways, having at least one retro-reflective face, including a plurality of cube-corner reflective elements. The marker may comprise two similar portions agglutinated to each other along a vertical back wall of each marker and along an upper resilient segment, such as a handle bar, having beaded periphery edges, that facilitate agglutinating one marker to another, to form a bi-directional pavement marker. An abrasion-resistant, coating can be provided upon the reflective surfaces of said marker. The marker can be made from abrasion and ultra violet radiation resistant polymers, in either single or dual color segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Adil H. Attar