Road System (e.g., Elevated, Interchange) Patents (Class 404/1)
  • Patent number: 7866910
    Abstract: A community intermodal transit system includes a city or town center and low speed mixed-mode corridors extending substantially radially outwardly from said city center. Further included are a corresponding number of circumferentially disposed parking structures located proximally to outer ends of the mixed-mode corridors and an outer transportation network including various modes of transportation, each mode including a transfer point to at least one of said parking structures. Service roads are provided to the city center, as are direct public links from the parking structures to airports or a seaport. Low speed, low profile vehicles may operate on small gauge tracks upon said mixed-mode corridors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas F. Gustafson, Ramon Trais
  • Patent number: 7857543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a traffic installation having at least two traffic routes arranged one above the other, which each comprise at least one traffic area, which traffic area is completely enclosed at least over a certain length, the enclosure having at least one transparent element allowing a view out of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Günther Tröster
  • Publication number: 20100303544
    Abstract: This method increases the number of lanes immediately preceding and immediately following a given intersection. When the traffic signal is red, vehicles must come to a stop. When the traffic signal turns green, vehicles traverse the intersection and enter the stretch of road immediately following the intersection (3). Of these, vehicles in the priority lanes (6) move on while those in the non-priority lanes must slow and/or stop. When the traffic light turns red and all vehicles from the priority lanes have safely left the area, vehicles in the non-priority lanes can safely merge back into the priority lanes and move on. This method results in a tremendous increase in the traffic flow rate in intersections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Yongnan Xuan
  • Publication number: 20100150649
    Abstract: A transportation system for rider propelled vehicles, zero-emission vehicles, and pedestrians is disclosed. The system includes pathways (517, 317, 717, 519, 119, 319, 719, 919, 523, 123, 323, 723, 923, 525, 325, 725) that are integrated into a building structure (101) or a series of building structures (100, 300, 500, 700, 900) connected by bridges (34, 35, 36, 37, 30, 31, 32, 33) which have an overall downward sloping grade. Elevators (515, 520, 522, 527, 115, 120, 122, 127, 315, 320, 322, 327, 715, 720, 722, 727, 915, 920, 922, 927) are utilized to transport riders, vehicles, and pedestrians to the integrated pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Colin O'Kroley
  • Patent number: 7731447
    Abstract: A racing facility with a racing surface and a pit road. The pit road includes an pit road entrance connected to the racing surface, a plurality of pit walls defining a plurality of elongate pit boxes/stops each connected at a first end thereof to the pit road entrance, wherein the pit boxes are arranged in a side by side configuration and are arranged at an angle with respect to the pit road entrance and wherein the pit walls are movable such that a given pit box can be defined on a left side or a right side of a respective pit wall. The pit road also includes a pit road exit connected to the pit boxes at opposite second ends thereof wherein at least a portion of the pit road exit is arranged substantially parallel to at least a portion of the pit road entrance. The pit road entrance and/or pit road exit can intersect the racing surfaces at acute angles. The pit boxes can intersect one or both of the entrance and pit road exits at acute angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Harold J. Dunwoody
  • Publication number: 20100121509
    Abstract: Provided are a vehicle having high degree of operation freedom due to electric power being able to be supplied to the vehicle during its travel and due to the vehicle being able to drive on normal roads, and a traffic system. A large number of overhead lines are arranged over a road. An extendable electric power collector is provided at the rear of the vehicle, and a battery and a drive mechanism are mounted on the vehicle. When the power collector is in contact with an overhead line, electric power supplied from the overhead line is supplied to the battery to charge it and electric power is supplied also to the drive mechanism. When the vehicle travel on a normal road having no such overhead lines, electric power is supplied from the battery to the drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Nagae Takeshima, Yoshihito Takeshima
  • Publication number: 20100111601
    Abstract: Systems for improved vehicular movement between first and second crossing roadways. The systems employ multiple turn roadways to permit a vehicle traveling on one of the crossing roadways to appropriately turn and continuously travel onto the other of the crossing roadway. The systems are adaptable to use in conjunction with either left side of the road vehicle movement or right side of the road vehicle movement. In addition, the systems can be adapted for use in conjunction a roadway crossing whereat at least one of the roads is for forwarded vehicle movement in only one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Narathip Sutchiewcharn, Zongzhi Li, Jeffry Budiman, Jay Shen
  • Publication number: 20100104360
    Abstract: The double-deck covered roadway (5) has an upper road (30) for light vehicle traffic and a lower road (25) for heavy, industrial vehicle traffic. The roadway is an intelligent system, having an access control computer (ACC) (55) limiting access of the roadways to the appropriate vehicles. Signal emitters, receivers and/or repeaters (40) for microwave, cell phones short-range radio, or the like may be provided. The roadway is covered, and has a slanted roof structure (7). Solar panels (10) are disposed atop the slanted roof structure (7). Spindles (8) may be provided that can pull off or pull on an optional protective cover for the solar panels (10). An indoor services module (50) houses the ACC (55) and other service systems. The underside of the upper roadway (30) can provide attached or embedded monitoring systems, road lighting, signal light boards (60) to communicate with drivers, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Sing
  • Publication number: 20090317184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a traffic installation having at least two traffic routes arranged one above the other, which each comprise at least one traffic area, which traffic area is completely enclosed at least over a certain length, the enclosure having at least one transparent element allowing a view out of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Günther TRÖSTER
  • Publication number: 20090214291
    Abstract: This invention discloses a set of components that have been designed and engineered and have functionalities, dimensions and structural properties specifically intended to enable selected combinations of the components to be assembled into modular sections of an enclosed and elevated roadway suitable for bicycles, other small vehicles and pedestrian walkways. Such modular sections can, in turn, be joined together and interconnected so as to form a network of roadways that include main thoroughfares and branches and other desired functions such as rest stops and parking facilities. Furthermore, the disclosed set of components enables a process to plan, design, engineer and configure networks of enclosed and elevated roadways to serve a specific municipality, campus, military base or any other geographical region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas P. Farr
  • Publication number: 20090185856
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the urban roadway system and accompanying underground railway system, which provide the efficient use of limited constructible areas of the congested cities, and also relates to the traffic flow control system capable of the effective control of vehicular movements through the roadways. In the whole or partial areas of a city, the roadway network is constructed and connected in the honeycomb-like net structure. Compared with a typical tetragonal city, the hexagonal city of the present invention can reduce 22% of road extent, 63% of road area and 30% of constructible area in total, and the traffic flow can be improved enormously. The present invention also proves that the hexagonal roadway system enables vehicles to move in average 75% less time without meeting stop-signals by the synchronized signal system for traffic flow controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Young Dae Kim
  • Publication number: 20090148233
    Abstract: A method for constructing a traffic intersection is disclosed. One version of the intersection includes a protected turn-around lane that allows traffic to turn around and proceed in the opposite direction. The protected turn-around lane provides for a protected turn without having a traffic indicator phase dedicated to protecting such a turn. Another version of the intersection includes an overpass and a protected path through the overpass allowing traffic to turn around and travel in substantially the opposite direction. Another version of the intersection includes an overpass and a protected turn-around lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Brian R. Remy
  • Publication number: 20090144031
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are systems for applying clothoid curve values to roadways in a geographic data information system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: TELE ATLAS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: James Alan Witmer
  • Publication number: 20090060647
    Abstract: A system for merging traffic including a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction, a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the through lane, and a lane change inhibitor disposed between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane prohibiting traffic from crossing laterally between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: John Denison
  • Publication number: 20090060648
    Abstract: A traffic intersection is disclosed. One version of the intersection includes a protected turn-around lane that allows traffic to turn around and proceed in the opposite direction. The protected turn-around lane provides for a protected turn without having a traffic indicator phase dedicated to protecting such a turn. Another version of the intersection includes an overpass and a protected path through the overpass allowing traffic to turn around and travel in substantially the opposite direction. Another version of the intersection includes an overpass and a protected turn-around lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Brian R. Remy
  • Publication number: 20090052983
    Abstract: There is disclosed a traffic control intersection having a first road and a second road running crosswise relative to the first road. Pathways are provided to enable vehicles travelling along either of the roads to turn into the corresponding lane (leftmost or rightmost lane) in the other road. Two of the pathways extend over lanes of the second road but are at a different elevation to those lanes so that vehicles on these pathways are not obstructed by vehicles travelling along the lanes. The invention also extends to other, more complex intersection configurations employing a similar principal. Also disclosed is a traffic roundabout that defines a utility space for various uses, a pedestrian walkway, and a method of managing a road accident site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jozef Goj
  • Patent number: 7491009
    Abstract: A traffic intersection is disclosed. One version of the intersection includes a protected turn-around lane that allows traffic to turn around and proceed in the opposite direction. The protected turn-around lane provides for a protected turn without having a traffic indicator phase dedicated to protecting such a turn. Another version of the intersection includes an overpass and a protected path through the overpass allowing traffic to turn around and travel in substantially the opposite direction. Another version of the intersection includes an overpass and a protected turn-around lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Intersection Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Brian R. Remy
  • Publication number: 20090038902
    Abstract: This invention describes a new method of supplying a moving automobile with electricity. Electrodes placed beneath the automobile pass over electrodes embedded in the roadway. The capacitance between the electrodes beneath the car and the electrodes embedded in the roadway closes the circuit and high voltage pulses or a high voltage sinusoidal signal is transferred from the electrodes in the roadway to the electrodes beneath the car. This power is used to charge the car batteries. Hence the charging occurs while the automobile is in motion so that the automobile can travel from city to city without ever stopping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Sitaramarao Srinivas Yechuri
  • Publication number: 20090035058
    Abstract: An interchange system for transition between crossing roadways, the interchange system comprising: two or more traffic circles, each of the traffic circles being disposed in a different level, at least one of the crossing roadways being connected to at least two of the traffic circles and allowing vehicles from the one roadway to enter to each of the two traffic circles. The inner space of the traffic circles may be used as a building, a gas station, parking years, for landscape, and so forth. The interchange may further comprise one or more transition roadways for interconnecting between some or all of the traffic circles. A transition roadway may be inner to the traffic circles it connects or outer to the traffic circles it connects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Reuben Berman, Anna Berman
  • Publication number: 20090010711
    Abstract: The weaving free two level cloverleaf type local interchange for a highway crossing under a street accommodates traffic from a plurality of traveled ways which include a first traveled way for traffic traveling in a first direction, a second traveled way for traffic traveling in a direction opposite to the first direction, a third traveled way for traffic traveling in a direction intersecting the first and second traveled ways, and a fourth traveled way for traffic traveling in a direction opposite to the traffic traveling on the third traveled way. The first and second traveled ways cross under the third and fourth traveled ways. Each of the first and second traveled ways has a design speed compatible to a highway or freeway design speed, or is designed according to highway or freeway design standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Rene Yin
  • Patent number: 7473050
    Abstract: This invention discloses a single layer interchange overpass. The overpass comprises a main road (1) and an intersected road (3), a U-shaped circle road (24) is disposed at a predetermined level above both ends of the main road (1), an inner circle road (4) and an outer circle road (5) are disposed at the exit of each U-shaped circle road (24), a common ramp (7) is located between the inner and the outer circle roads (4, 5), the common ramp (7) is joined with an on-ramp of the intersected road (3) via the outer circle road (5); and an off-ramp of the intersected road (3) is joined with an on-ramp of the main road (1) via the inner circle road (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventors: Yingtang Liu, Xingliang Liu
  • Publication number: 20080298891
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a computer implemented method and system for creating a road model. In one embodiment, an identification of an intersection of a first road and a second road is received. At least one designated elevation is received at which the first road and the second road should merge. Finally a united layer is automatically created for the intersection wherein a first plurality of strings defining the first road and a second plurality of strings defining the second road intersect at the at least one designated elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Amaud Boucherat, Matthew Lynn Jones
  • Publication number: 20080284616
    Abstract: A method for controlling traffic at an intersection which helps to avoid traffic jams at intersections by taking advantage of the free space ahead of the intersection and implementing an exclusive right return lane for the drivers wanting to make a left turn at the intersection in a very inexpensive way, thus minimizing traffic interruptions and raising the average velocity of the vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Azael Flores Rendon
  • Publication number: 20080267700
    Abstract: The weaving free two level cloverleaf type local interchange for a highway crossing over a street accommodates traffic from a plurality of traveled ways which include a first traveled way for traffic traveling in a first direction, a second traveled way for traffic traveling in a direction opposite to the first direction, a third traveled way for traffic traveling in a direction intersecting the first and second traveled ways, and a fourth traveled way for traffic traveling in a direction opposite to the traffic traveling on the third traveled way. The first and second traveled ways cross over the third and fourth traveled ways. Each of the first and second traveled ways has a design speed compatible to a highway or freeway design speed, or is designed according to highway or freeway design standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Rene Yin
  • Patent number: 7425104
    Abstract: The invention relates to the area of road construction and may be used in the design of new or reconstruction of existing road junction with heavy traffic. The known junctions of roads do not ensure sufficient safe traffic, are complex and confusing to drivers, and have limited permeability and applicability. In order to increase traffic safety, the permeability of a junction, make it understandable to drivers, reduce the construction coasts and expand its applicability to junctions of three-way roads, each road's roadway for driving through the junction makes a right of a wide radius before the viaduct and under it, and then makes a left turn of a wide radius up to the next viaduct and through it. In all junctions of roads, the center of the radius of the left turn of each of the junction's roadway is shifted forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Stanislovas Buteliauskas
  • Publication number: 20080152426
    Abstract: This invention discloses a single layer interchange overpass. The overpass comprises a main road (1) and an intersected road (3), a U-shaped circle road (24) is disposed at a predetermined level above both ends of the main road (1), an inner circle road (4) and an outer circle road (5) are disposed at the exit of each U-shaped circle road (24), a common ramp (7) is located between the inner and the outer circle roads (4, 5), the common ramp (7) is joined with an on-ramp of the intersected road (3) via the outer circle road (5); and an off-ramp of the intersected road (3) is joined with an on-ramp of the main road (1) via the inner circle road (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Yingtang Liu, Xingliang Liu
  • Publication number: 20080124170
    Abstract: A mobile temporary roadway (10) for use in the maintenance and repair of a section of road (11) comprises an elevated platform (14), and a pair of ramps (15), one disposed at either end (16) of the platform (14). The ramps (15) enable vehicular traffic (21) to access and exit the platform (14). Supports (17) are provided to maintain the elevation of the platform (14) over the road section (11) to be maintained, such that the vertical separation (a) between the platform (14) and the road section (11) is sufficient to enable maintenance work to be carried out underneath the platform (14). By avoiding closure of the road section (11), or a lane thereof, during maintenance or repair, the temporary roadway (10) can be used to minimise or eliminate the disruption caused to the flow of vehicular traffic (21) during roadworks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: James Frederick Seymour, Richard Hegerty
  • Patent number: 7371030
    Abstract: A construct from which a flexing road surface may be produced. A flexing road surface provided in accordance with the invention enables a vehicle to pass over the road surface relatively smoothly, while simultaneously imparting a reciprocating motion to the road surface. This reciprocating motion may be extracted at a takeoff point on the construct, and used as motive means for operating an electrical generator, air compressor, pump, or other useful mechanical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Burleigh D. Hickman
  • Patent number: 7347642
    Abstract: A walkable community subdivision is provided with a plurality of traffic circles. Each traffic circle can contain one or more playgrounds or parks. A plurality of development circles containing one or more buildings or playgrounds. The outer circles of the subdivision are graded toward a center of the community such that storm water run-off is directed to a center circle, which has a storm water storage capacity. Thus eliminating the use of storm water drainage pipes in the community.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Harrison Showen
  • Patent number: 7234891
    Abstract: A multi-level road intersection comprises a continuous-flow overpass for handling through traffic traveling on a first road, a continuous-flow underpass for handling through traffic traveling on a second road, and a rotary disposed on a ground level at the crossing area for handling right turn, left turn and U-turn traffics. Change-direction and merge lanes are disposed on the ground level to enable right turn, left turn and U-turn traffics to deviate from the first or second road to enter into the rotary, and to outgo therefrom toward a desired direction. Barrier-free pedestrian walkways are disposed at grade on the ground level adjacent the outer periphery of the rotary to enable pedestrian traffic to traverse the first and/or second roads with ease and with minimum exposure to vehicular traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Tsukinada Kensetsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Futoshi Niiya, Hiroshi Niiya, Tomizo Kuroishi
  • Patent number: 7175362
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for airport safety areas, runways and taxiways is provided. Various attachment systems for installing a synthetic covering are described. The use of artificial turf as well as various embodiments for a suitable synthetic matting for the installation are also described. Also, solar energy, heating and fire suppression systems are disclosed. A method of financing the turf system is also described using a synthetic covering with advertising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: AVTurf L.L.C.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Carr, Dale L. Collett, William L. Schomburg
  • Patent number: 7048465
    Abstract: This invention relates to routing or directing at least a portion of traffic from a tract of land, and particularly to land adjacent a body of water. The method of routing of diverting traffic comprises first identifying a tract of land where a road is needed and identifying an area spaced from the tract of land suitable for supporting the road. The road is then located through the area to span the tract of land. In a preferred embodiment, the road is located offshore from the tract of land, and linked to the road at either end of the tract of land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin S. Walters
  • Patent number: 7025525
    Abstract: A system for effecting merging of a first vehicle traveling in a first roadway with successive vehicles traveling in a second roadway, said system including: a sensor capable of detecting the movement of the successive vehicles in the second roadway; conversion means for determining from the detected movement when the distance between the successive vehicles permits merging; and a road-marking arrangement for producing a guidance light visible to at least the first vehicle and seemingly moving with the two successive vehicles, the light indicating when said merging is permitted. The dynamic road marking system enables higher traffic intensities on roadways and improved traffic safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Lucas Leo Desiree Van Der Poel
  • Patent number: 7010412
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calculating parameters in a road design of a S type, a complex type and an egg type clothoid, and in particular to a method for calculating a parameter value capable of determining the size of a clothoid that is inserted when designing a S-shaped and interchange, a connection road, etc. in an egg shape. In the present invention, it is possible to easily calculate the clothoid parameter A in a S shape, complex type and egg type road design, and a road design can be fast finished. In addition, in the present invention, it is possible to achieve an easier design of a S shape and egg type clothoid by determining a design specification without using CAD. The design can be achieved based on a simulation using a center coordinate of two circles for achieving an optimum design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Saman Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gyu-Seok Song
  • Publication number: 20040184879
    Abstract: A roadway interchange for a roadway system is described which includes at least one traffic lane approaching and passing through the interchange from each of four directions. The roadway interchange includes a curved portion for each traffic lane passing through the interchange and at least one exit lane for each direction of traffic lane. The exit lanes provide a substantial right turn for traffic wishing to change a direction of travel to a direction substantially similar to a right turn. The roadway interchange also includes a merging area for traffic wishing to change a direction of travel to a direction substantially similar to a left turn and at least one second exit lane for each direction of traffic lane. The second exit lanes pass either under or over the traffic lanes in which travel is desired and changing in elevation to merge with the merging area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Gary E. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6752563
    Abstract: An improved tunnel or covered highway structure with means for easy and quick access to the interior. The structure includes a wind tunnel built over a highway and a wind deflector slab provided near the exit end of the tunnel and having an opening for permitting vehicular traffic to pass therethrough. The wind deflector functions to deflect upwardly the air flow generated by the piston action of traffic moving in the tunnel so as to diffuse air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and traffic noise. The wind tunnel includes vent openings and/or side entrances which are normally closed to prevent ventilation of the tunnel therethrough but can selectively be opened to reduce wind pressures generated by piston action of the moving traffic so that the operation of maintenance personnel may not be hampered thereby during repairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Yasuo Ide
  • Publication number: 20040091313
    Abstract: A method of modifying current traffic roads to create more efficient transportation of both full-size vehicles and mini-size vehicles includes a step of applying a material along the center of a conventional traffic lane of an automobile roadway to form at least a line of marks in the middle of the traffic lane, such that the line of marks is parallel to a set of bordering lines of the traffic lane and the line of marks is dissimilar to the set of bordering lines of the traffic lane to create at least two mini-vehicle lanes within each of the traffic lanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jie Zhang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20040086333
    Abstract: An internally illuminated snowboard track for recreational areas or parks which are operated at night is made up of a continuous elongated transparent rail which is supported a predetermined distance above the ground by a base support member, and a light source extends longitudinally and internally of the rail to project light outwardly therefrom. A base stabilizer beneath the support member can either be planted in the snow or anchored to the ground surface in the track system may be inclined, curved, straight or provided with one or more bends. A snowboard ramp may be constructed in the same basic manner to serve as a jump for snowboarders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Craig Swartz
  • Patent number: 6685386
    Abstract: An intersection system which can do without, or drastically minimize, the frequency of having to wait for traffic signals in order to relieve traffic of congestion and minimize the land occupied by an intersection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Jang Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 6676330
    Abstract: A method of erecting a new elevated roadway (41) above an existing roadway (21) in order to increase traffic capacity of bridge roadway (23) with minimal disruption of existing traffic. Roadway (41), which comprises a plurality of interconnected ramp units and bridging units, is erected in multiple steps by initially erecting entrance/exit ramp unit (46) and moveable ramp unit (45) with their uppermost ends facing each other, then intermittently, during periods of off-peak traffic, creating a gap in a previously erected portion of roadway (41) by moving ramp unit (45) along roadway (21), erecting a bridging unit in the gap, and opening an extended portion of roadway (41) to traffic in time for the next period of peak traffic. This method can be used for reconstructing different types of bridges and highways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Anna Stamm, Eugenia Stamm, Rolan Stamm
  • Patent number: 6561727
    Abstract: An ergonomic hybrid transit access corridor, definable in terms of an x,y,z Cartesian coordinate system is characterized by x-axis integral, y-axis longitudinal segments each having an x-axis width in a range of about 3 to about 40 feet. The corridor includes a roadway, which may optionally include a roadway median. Symmetrically integrally outwardly about the roadway are respective parallel parking, bicycle lanes and greenscape segments, including a variety of selectable landscape and hardscape variables. Integrally symmetrically outwardly about the greenscape segments are respective greenway transit segments for selectable use by pedestrians and at pedestrian compatible speeds, said use including use by: (i) train-like vehicles, using small gauge rail tracks, having floors situated at a level not exceeding about 20 inches above the plane of the greenway transit segments, (ii) bicycles, and (iii) other pedestrian compatible vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas F. Gustafson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020076276
    Abstract: The proposed design of the Butzek-Troemel Roundabout, or spiralabout, provides a number of substantial improvements over traditional multilane roundabout design principles. By providing a generally outward spiraling lane design instead of a continuously circulating lane design, approach capacity, departure capacity, and circulating lane utilization are all enhanced. Vehicle conflict points are reduced compared to standard roundabout designs with as many approach lanes, thus improving safety. The design provides a viable alternative to traffic signals at significant multilane intersections, and an improvement on the roundabout, an emerging design concept in the United States.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: David Eric Troemel, Anthony Joel Butzek
  • Publication number: 20020064424
    Abstract: A method of erecting a new elevated roadway (41) above an existing roadway (21) in order to increase traffic capacity and restore structural integrity of bridge roadway (23) with minimal disruption of traffic. Roadway (41), which comprises a plurality of interconnected ramp units and bridging units, is erected in multiple steps by initially erecting entrance/exit ramp units (43) and (45) with their uppermost ends facing each other. Then intermittently, during periods of off-peak traffic, creating a gap in a previously erected portion of roadway (41) by moving ramp unit (45) along roadway (21), erecting a bridging unit in the gap, and opening an extended portion of roadway (41) to traffic during periods of peak traffic. Structural integrity of roadway (23) is then restored by repeatedly closing a number of existing travel lanes to traffic, while rerouting traffic onto the newly erected roadway (41), and restoring structural integrity of the closed travel lanes without interruption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Anna Stamm, Eugenia Stamm, Rolan Stamm
  • Patent number: 6338175
    Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignees: Orah Constuctive Technologies Incorporated, Alpha Painting & Construction Company
    Inventors: Valery Tsimmerman, Antonios E. Aikaterinidis
  • Publication number: 20020003986
    Abstract: This invention relates to routing or directing at least a portion of traffic from a tract of land, and particularly to land adjacent a body of water. The method of routing of diverting traffic comprises first identifying a tract of land where a road is needed and identifying an area spaced from the tract of land suitable for supporting the road. The road is then located through the area to span the tract of land. In a preferred embodiment, the road is located offshore from the tract of land, and linked to the road at either end of the tract of land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin S. Walters
  • Publication number: 20010046413
    Abstract: A roadway marking system includes a first set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway for displaying a first color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that they are proceeding along the roadway in the correct direction, and a second set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway to display a second color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that they are proceeding in the incorrect direction (i.e., against traffic) on the roadway. The system further includes a third set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway for displaying a third color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that lower speed or other cautionary measures are required, and a fourth set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway for displaying a fourth color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that they are approaching a change in roadway conditions, such as a merge, an exit, or an intersection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: J. Donald Moorhead
  • Patent number: 6312187
    Abstract: A street tunnel arrangement accessible to vehicles in densely populated areas. The above-ground and underground arrangement of streets extending in tunnels in densely populated areas does not meet the increasing growth of traffic in large cities. The purpose to develop a concept to solve the traffic problem in densely populated areas is attained in such a manner that at least one ring street arranged along the periphery of the densely populated area and a plurality of tunnels, which are arranged at regular intervals within said ring street and extend at a depth below the public utility systems of the densely populated area, and a plurality of underground parking garages, which are accessible through the tunnels and have access devices to the surface of the densely populated area, are provided. The tunnels are designed either as ring tunnels or as series of parallel tunnels arranged at an angle with respect to one another and at various depths underneath the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Ignaz Walter
  • Patent number: 6170106
    Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Alpha Painting & Construction Co., Inc., Orah Constructive Technologies
    Inventors: Valery Tsimmerman, Antonios E. Aikaterinidis
  • Patent number: 6155744
    Abstract: A parking lot management system including a plurality of parking space barriers each having a vertical member and an arm having an inboard end rotatably mounted to the vertical member. In use, the arm is adapted for pivoting about a vertical axis at least about 90 degrees. The parking space barriers each include a locking assembly for selectively fixing the arm with respect to the vertical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Namanny
  • Patent number: 6120208
    Abstract: An improved prefabricated elevated highway structure and a construction method thereof by which an elevated highway can be more easily and rapidly constructed without causing traffic congestion at a construction site, which highway includes an underground section for stably supporting the elevated highway and for effectively distributing the weight of the same to the ground; a plurality of support sections spaced from one another along a road on which the prefabricated elevated highway is constructed; a pavement section formed on the upper portion of the support sections; and a wall section formed at both sides of the road and along the pavement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Wan-Ki Hong