Traffic Director Patents (Class 404/9)
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Patent number: 5476338Abstract: A bollard type security barrier apparatus for use in controlling ingress and egress to controlled areas. The apparatus if of simple design, is easily installed and includes a remotely operated positive drive mechanism for raising and lowering the bollard which is telescopically mounted within a sealed casing adapted to be mounted beneath the ground. The drive mechanism and the bollard are readily removable from the subterranean casing for repair or replacement; and, for certain applications, the upper portion of the bollard can be illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1993Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Build-It Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Barry Alberts
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Patent number: 5470170Abstract: A pavement marker structure and method for making same is provided wherein a pre-molded base block is clad with an in situ molded cap structure. Use of epoxy resins is avoided, and the pavement marker structure is durable and resists attack by moisture.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: Elgin Molded Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Henry Lindner
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Patent number: 5467548Abstract: A barrier member adapted for easy mounting on and dismounting from a pair of conical pylon road members comprises an elongated barrier body, usually of thin sheet metal, providing a vertical barrier surface with a pylon-engaging member at each end. Each pylon-engaging member has an aperture of such diameter that it can be mounted on the pylon upper end with the end protruding through the aperture so that the barrier member is retained against transverse movement and is maintained at a predetermined distance above the road surface. Preferably the pylon-engaging member is formed from round cross section rod to provide wedging tangential retaining contact between itself and the softer plastics material of the pylon outer wall upon pressing the member downward on the pylon. The barrier body has a wider portion extending vertically and a narrower portion extending at an angle to the wider portion to increase the transverse rigidity, the pylon-engaging members being attached at their junction.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Inventor: Charles N. Ross
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Patent number: 5458434Abstract: A plastic barricade is formed from identical panels placed back to back and hinged together. Each panel includes a handle at the top, vertical legs with reinforcing ribs, and horizontal cross-members. The bottom most horizontal cross-member includes a stacking lug that may be inserted into the handle to prevent a stack of barricades from tipping over. The barricade may also be designed to be compatible with existing barricades.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Bent Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Bruce C. Bent, James A. Bent
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Patent number: 5456546Abstract: Reflective bodies (6, 7) made of a transparent material are provided at their surface with distributed color spots (8), so that light can enter and exit the reflective bodies with enough intensity to generate a retroreflection. These reflective bodies are to be applied on road or other traffic surfaces, on road markings or on traffic guiding surfaces in order to make them visible, in particular at night or in rain.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1993Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignees: Plastiroute S.A., Potters-Ballotini LtdInventor: Moses Bollag
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Patent number: 5435662Abstract: Marker devices, each comprising a base with an upright post thereon, are molded from an elastomeric material. A marker device is attached by adhesive on the base thereof to each paint striping on a worn down street and each maintenance cover mounted on the worn down street. Once the marker devices are in place on the worn down street, the posts thereof must withstand the punishment of not only being flattened by truck tires, and the tracts of a paving machine that is being used to lay down the new coating of hot asphalt on the worn down street, but also the hot asphalt, and still spring back to their upright position. Thus, when the stripings are to be repainted on the resurfaced street and when the maintenance covers are to be adjusted upwardly to the level of the new coating of asphalt on the resurfaced street their exact locations on the street are immediately indicated by the posts of the marker devices without having to make any measurements.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1993Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Inventors: Donald M. Brown, Michael P. Manion
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Patent number: 5425593Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a sign support member to an existing, elongate first member. The apparatus has a sleeve defining first and second connecting portions, with the first connecting portion having structure for directly engaging the first connecting portion with an existing, elongate first member at least partially one within the other in an operative position. The second connecting portion includes structure for directly engaging the second connecting portion with a sign support member, one at least partially within the other in an operative position.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Inventor: Richard J. Buehler
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Patent number: 5425595Abstract: A pop-up traffic control device (10) is raised above or withdrawn below the pavement surface through a bore in the cover (18). A lead screw (16), rotated by power source (30), raises a traffic marker tube (12) by a follower tube socket (14) attached to the lead screw (16). The follower tube socket (14) moves vertically on the lead screw (16) and is rotated to either raise or retract the traffic marker tube (12) above or below the roadway. The interior of the traffic control device is sealed from external foreign matter by a linear tube (48) in the cover bore surrounding the traffic marker tube (12). The traffic marker tube (12) is easily replaceable. Additional features include: a slope adjustment mechanism, a heating unit (74), a lead screw lubrication/cleaning arrangement (80, 82), lighting units (84) for the traffic marker tube (12), a watertight coupling (90, 92), a variable-speed arrangement for the lead screw rotation, and a marker tube status signal unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Inventor: David H. Roper
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Patent number: 5417514Abstract: The application describes an automatically deployable terrain marking dev used to identify off-road safe-travel lanes for vehicles. The marking device has a base comprising a heavy ground engagement dish and a canister set on the ground engagement dish. The canister holds reagents of a foam formation system that can be triggered to form a expanding fluid foam that later hardens. A flexible inelastic base wall forms part of the base and mates to the ground engagement dish to form a sealed compartment containing the canister. A flexible tube frame assembly is communicated with the canister such that the tube frame assembly extends and expands during foam formation. The frame assembly thus has both a compact condition in which at least a part of the assembly folds upon a portion of the base and has an expanded condition in which the assembly is filled with hardened foam.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1994Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: John G. Korpi
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Patent number: 5403115Abstract: A potted shell style pavement marker reinforced with fiberglass in the form of a mat of fiberglass strands located near the bottom of the marker or in the form of chopped fiberglass strands distributed throughout the fill material. The mat provides support against torsional or bending stresses near the bottom of the marker. The chopped strands in the fill material provide three-dimensional support throughout the height and depth of the fill in the interior of the housing. Both means of support are expected to reduce the number of cracks that develop in the fill, to prevent the expansion of any cracks which do develop, to prevent premature disintegration of the marker, and to increase average marker life. The supporting mat and the chopped fiberglass strands can be used together in a single marker.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Stimsonite CorporationInventor: Michael E. Flader
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Patent number: 5397617Abstract: A reflective road sign made of a transparent tempered glass consisted of a cylindrical base, and a dome connected above the cylindrical base, the cylindrical base having a peripheral outside wall coated with an inner layer of light-permeable color covering, an outer layer of corrosion resisting coating, and an intermediate layer of reflective metal coating between the inner layer of light permeable color covering and the outer layer of corrosion resisting coating.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Inventor: Judy Chen
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Patent number: 5374137Abstract: A safety pole useful as a ski gate is constructed of a core of flexible, self redressing material, covered by a flexible protective mesh sleeve and capped at both ends. The core is soft and flexible enough to prevent injury to skiers, yet self redresses to its original, normally vertical position quickly and reliably. The mesh sleeve is tough and flexible, to bend with the core while protecting it from damage from skis. The end caps protect the core from damage upon insertion in the snow. By making some or all of the elements of fluorescent, brightly colored or light reflective material, or by adding reflective tape or stickers to those elements, visibility of the pole is enhanced. The pole is suitable for retaining ropes or ribbons to demarcate lift line paths, boundaries and the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1992Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Inventor: Erik J. Steinberg
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Patent number: 5360286Abstract: A highway safety traffic barrier comprises a plurality of strips cut from the treads of discarded motor vehicle tires and straightened to define substantially elongated members which are then assembled upon each other linearly, transversely or a combination of both. The assembled strips are bonded together to define an elongated impact absorbing structure having a predetermined cross-sectional shape. A process is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1992Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Inventor: Thomas W. Russell
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Patent number: 5354143Abstract: A pavement marker structure and method for making same is provided wherein a pre-molded base block is clad with an in situ molded cap structure. One or two retro-reflective flattened reflectors are preferably mounted as insets between the base block and the cap structure. Use of epoxy resins is avoided, the pavement marker structure is durable and resists attack by moisture.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Elgin Molded Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Henry Lindner
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Patent number: 5342140Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a bracket, flasher light unit, and barricade. The bracket has a slot for attachment to the barricade and a round aperture for attachment to the flasher light unit. When attached to the barricade, the bracket and flasher may be rotated out of position to facilitate maintenance and rotated back into proper position for use. To prevent the accidental misaligning of the flasher during use, small protrusions on the barricade hold the bracket and flasher firmly in a proper vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1993Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Assignee: Plasticade Products CorporationInventor: Geoffrey M. Glass
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Patent number: 5338129Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying colored foam markers to road surfaces as a means of temporarily changing or outlining traffic patterns. In the preferred embodiment, dissoluble foam markers would be periodically deposited upon the road behind a work crew to alert motorists of a potential hazard ahead, in order to avoid any collisions between the motorist and the work crew. As the work crew would move up on the road, the foam markers would naturally dissipate and substantially disappear over a predetermined or a relatively short period of time so that the roadway automatically returned to its original traffic pattern when the work crew has left the area. Foam markers according to the present invention would enhance the safety of a work crew's operations and increase work output by freeing the work crew from the obligation of retrieving the markers after they are used.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1992Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Inventor: Alan D. Oden
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Patent number: 5328293Abstract: A tactile tile having a flat plate with a plurality of raised areas, said plate and raised areas comprised of polyurethane.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1991Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Assignee: Keefe-Dickson Corporation Inc.Inventor: Robert F. Keefe
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Patent number: 5328292Abstract: The traffic barrier was designed to give law-enforcement officers an effective traffic barrier which can be easily carried in the trunk of a car and quickly deployed across a roadway and just as quickly, removed from the roadway as the situation warrants. There is no need for assembly or mechanical procedure, the chain is simply stretched across the roadway at a right angle to the direction of traffic and pulled taut. The traffic barrier chain is designed so that no matter how the chain is placed on the road surface, half of the splines will be facing the direction of the traffic flow at an angle of 45 degrees. The other half will be facing the other direction. Deployment of the traffic barrier chain is a preferable option to using an expensive patrol car for a road block, or attempting to shoot out the tires or radiator of a vehicle. The traffic barrier chain would be a useful addition to the entries of security facilities where traditional gates are vulnerable to breech by ramming with a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1993Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Inventor: Francis R. Williams
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Patent number: 5320446Abstract: This invention describes the design and method of installation of wild animal highway warning reflectors. The reflector consists of a transparent plate having a flat light entrance surface and a backside reflection surface from which the reflected light is dispersed. The rear surface is comprised of many reflecting toric surfaces arranged vertically and horizontally side-by-side. The new design of the toric surfaces and the unique method of installing the reflectors provide complete reflected light coverage for all variations of roadside terrain to warn wild animals that wish to cross a highway at night. To an animal each reflector glitters with colored light. As a vehicle passes, animals see an unnatural, sequence of lights coming from a plurality of reflectors located along both sides of the highway. Installation of these warning reflectors adjacent to highways where wild animals frequently cross has led to a considerable reduction of the number of accidents.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1993Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Inventor: John R. Strieter
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Patent number: 5320790Abstract: A patterned tool and method for producing a durable tactile warning surface for sidewalks and other walkways including pouring a concrete base, applying pigmented or colored hardener to the upper surface of the concrete base, stamping the upper surface of the concrete base with the patterned tool including a substantially flat member having a plurality of symmetrically disposed recesses of a predetermined diameter and depth formed on the lower surface thereof and a plurality of corresponding vent channels formed through the substantially flat member in communication with each corresponding recess and curing the concrete base to form a durable tactile warning surface including a plurality of symmetrically disposed raised elements of a predetermined diameter, height and spacing corresponding to the plurality of recesses to produce an uneven surface visually contrasting with adjacent surface areas.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Inventor: Michael Lowe
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Patent number: 5288163Abstract: A surface movement guidance system for airport traffic of a continuous elongated row of one or more indicia extending lengthwise along a route on the airport surface to be traversed by the traffic, which indicia convey information about position on the airport surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1991Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Inventor: William D. Munson
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Patent number: 5277516Abstract: This invention describes the design and method of installation of wild animal highway warning reflectors. The reflector consists of a transparent plate having a flat light entrance surface and a backside reflection surface from which the reflected light is dispersed. The rear surface is comprised of many reflecting toric surfaces arranged vertically and horizontally side-by-side. The new design of the toric surfaces and the unique method of installing the reflectors provide complete reflected light coverage for all variations of roadside terrain to warn wild animals that wish to cross a highway at night. To an animal each reflector glitters with colored light. As a vehicle passes, animals see an unnatural, sequence of lights coming from a plurality of reflectors located along both sides of the highway. Installation of these warning reflectors adjacent to highways where wild animals frequently cross has led to a considerable reduction of the number of accidents.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Inventor: John R. Strieter
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Patent number: 5271690Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a concrete surface having visual and tactile warning means for pedestrian traffic as well as for the users of wheeled conveyances produced by pouring a prepared concrete mixture into a concrete receiving form, floating the surface of the poured concrete, partially setting the concrete until a plastic state is achieved, covering the surface of the concrete with a release agent of a color different from the color of the concrete. Next, a stamp member is provided having a generally planar stamp surface interrupted by a pattern of indentations formed in the generally planar stamp surface. Additional colored release agent is applied to the stamp member and the stamp member is then positioned onto the concrete surface so that the release agent on the generally planar stamp surface contacts the release agent on the concrete surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Assignee: Stampcrete International Ltd.Inventor: Paul M. Fennessy, Sr.
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Patent number: 5265556Abstract: The present invention provides an advance warning traffic safety device for warning pedestrians, members of a road work crew, and other persons adjacent a road that a vehicle has strayed from the proper traffic path on the road and may endanger such persons. The advance warning safety device provides an audible alarm which serves as an advance warning to such persons downroad of the traffic safety device. The traffic safety device includes a pressurized fluid container for supplying compressed air to a plurality of horns in response to a vehicle collision with the traffic safety device.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1992Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Inventor: J. Rodney Hall
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Patent number: 5257874Abstract: A pole device for a skiing contest comprises a cylindrical member to be embedded in a snow ground, a pole base member to be fitted into the cylindrical member and a pole portion fitted into the pole base member. The pole base member is formed with grooves extending in an axial direction thereof on an outer peripheral surface thereof and the cylindrical member is formed with projections at an inner peripheral surface thereof. Each of the projections has an outer shape to be fitted in the groove. The groove is composed of a first guide groove having an end portion through which the projection enters the groove, a second guide groove formed to be continuous to the first guide groove through a circumferintially shifted groove portion and a circumferential fitting groove formed at a portion near upper end of the pole base member to be continuous to the second guide groove.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1993Date of Patent: November 2, 1993Assignee: K & K Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Kato, Kiyoshi Shimura
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Patent number: 5253951Abstract: A mobile transfer and transport vehicle is adapted to move a barrier system, having a plurality of pivotally interconnected and closely spaced modules, on a roadway or the like. The vehicle includes a conveyor having series of guide and support rollers for engaging, supporting, lifting and transferring the barrier system from a first side of the vehicle to a second side thereof. A drive system is mounted on the conveyor for frictionally engaging the modules to either pull or retard movement of the modules through the conveyor. The drive system aids in maintaining proper spacing between the modules, particularly when they are moved on a curved roadway.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1991Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: Barrier Systems, Inc.Inventor: Steven L. Peek
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Patent number: 5245787Abstract: A cable gate is arranged to include a plurality of spaced housings, with the first housing including a lift arm, the lift arm providing guidance for a gate cable directed therethrough, with the gate cable including a second distal end mounted to the second housing, with the first distal end fixedly secured interiorly of the first housing, with a slide member mounted upon a track to effect displacement of the cable within the first housing effecting lifting of the lift arm and the gate cable from a first lower position within a storage channel to a second horizontal position adjacent an upper distal end of each housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1992Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Inventors: Kermit L. Swenson, Andrew F. Hennes
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Patent number: 5234280Abstract: Traffic channeling device includes a deformable plastic drum and a rubber collar insertable over the drum to act as ballast for the drum. The rubber collar comprises a bead portion and an integral side wall portion of a recycled truck tire. When the rubber collar is inserted over the drum, the rubber collar gives the drum a relatively low center of gravity and grips the ground over a relatively large surface area to resist tipping of the drum and eliminate walking of the drum on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Assignee: Plastic Safety Systems, Inc.Inventor: David A. Cowan
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Patent number: 5224791Abstract: A light and vision blocking device structured of a hollow, tubular member having an attached flange for securing the device to a highway median barrier is disclosed. The device is a semi-flexible plastic device suited for impact absorption.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Syro Steel CompanyInventors: Charles W. Syak, Bud C. Sekella, Nick A. DiMargio
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Patent number: 5213464Abstract: A highway marker manipulating apparatus comprising a pair of gripper wheels spaced apart to engage and apply pressure onto the side edges of the base flange of a highway marker. The wheels are spaced apart by a loading magazine between the wheels and directing the marker flanges into gripped engagement with the gripping faces of the opposing wheels; and a guide panel between the outer portions of the wheels to guide the flanges of the markers being retrieved off the pavement. A stripper guide is provided between the wheels for urging the flanges of the markers toward the outer periphery of the wheels as the flanges are also engaging the peripherally extending guide panels as to turn the markers and move the markers along the stripper bars which carry the markers to the upper periphery of the wheels. Stabilizing guides or runners are provided to be removably mounted at the lower portion of the gripper wheels to receive the flanges of dispensed markers therebeneath for stabilizing the markers on the pavement.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: ADDCO Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: John P. Nicholson, Timothy J. Nicholson, Eugene H. Luoma
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Patent number: 5199813Abstract: Weights for road markers and signs having a laminate structure of a plurality of side walls of discarded vehicle tires assembled and fastened in a stacked configuration and slidable over the road markers and sign frames. The weight of the laminate structure stabilizes the road marker or sign to prevent the marker or sign from being blown or knocked over on its side.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1992Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Inventor: Yaacov Nagler
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Patent number: 5190394Abstract: An adjustable glarefoil assembly is provided for mounting to a median barrier which divides opposing lanes of a highway and operates to reduce the glare of headlights from oncoming vehicles. The glarefoil assembly includes a plurality of glarefoil blades which are adjustably coupled for angular movement with respect to a base runner section in an appropriate light blocking orientation. The base runner section is rigidly mounted to the top of the median barrier at between three and five spaced points, thereby preserving some latitude for vibrational movement within the base runner section. The glarefoil blades are each adjustable about a vertical, longitudinal axis so as to optimally provide sight obstruction for a variety of different road curvatures, as well as maintaining the best possible angle to prevent wind build-up.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1991Date of Patent: March 2, 1993Assignee: Carsonite International Corp.Inventors: Richard D. Mallon, Michael M. Leigh
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Patent number: 5181695Abstract: A series of horizontally spaced vertical blades each has a uniform thickness and opposite vertical edge portions projecting in opposite directions, and a lower end portion of each blade is locked within a slot of a corresponding cylindrical base member by a pair of retractable cross pins. The base members are mounted on interlocking joints of a series of base rail sections which precisely space the blades and mount on the top surface of a concrete highway median barrier. Bolts extend downwardly through the base members into anchors expanded within the barriers and secure each base member and the underlying rail sections of the barrier. Each blade and corresponding base member are rotatably positionable on the underlying rail sections which have upward projections for locating the base member and blade at a selected predetermined angle. The upper end portions of the blades may be releasably connected by a horizontal cable for use in high wind areas.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1991Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Inventor: W. Eugene Arthur
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Patent number: 5158393Abstract: Disclosed are methods for applying durable markings to wearing surfaces, such as concrete factory floors, roadways, terrazzo or ceramic tile floors, or for imparting particular floor surface qualities, such as providing a non-skid surface. A diamond surface drill bit rotating at, for example, 2500 to 5000 rpm is employed to form dry recesses in the surface, which recess is immediately receptive to adhesive for attaching a pre-molded insert, or to an insert formed in situ, such as an insert of an acrylic polymer. The disclosed surface drill bit has a cutting end with two general types of diamond-impregnated cutting element segments attached. Attached around the periphery of the cutting end are peripheral gauge cutting element segments of arcuate configuration spaced from each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1991Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Inventor: Joseph Bossler
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Patent number: 5156486Abstract: A traffic control marker and marker base is described taking the form of a dome-shaped resilient body member whose ends lie in a flat plane and whose sides are outwardly flared. The marker can be formed by cutting a used pneumatic tire into arcuate segments, each of which can be forcefully inverted to automatically provide such body member. In many circumstances, the bodies alone, colored with eye-catching fluorescent or reflective coatings, can be effectively used for traffic control markers. And in other circumstances they can serve as a resilient light-weight base whereon various visual indicators such as a flag, sign, reflector, or light can be removably mounted in various ways to rise therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1991Date of Patent: October 20, 1992Inventor: Carl E. Davidson
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Patent number: 5154533Abstract: A method for routing traffic along a divided highway having a plurality of crossovers between respective sides originally intended for travel in first and second directions which includes providing a first plurality of signs for traffic going in the first direction prior to at least a first crossover; providing at least a first sign at least said first crossover for traffic proceeding in the first direction; providing a second plurality of signs for traffic proceeding in the first direction after the crossover; providing the same first plurality of signs for traffic going in the second direction prior to the crossover; providing the same first sign at said first crossover for traffic proceeding in the second direction; and providing the same first plurality of signs for traffic proceeding in the second direction after the crossover.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1991Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Inventor: Pavel Baldea
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Patent number: 5149224Abstract: A interlocking highway barrier structure and system are described in which rigid upright barrier sections are disposed end to end in interlocking relationship with one another. Each of the sections of the system can have a grooved end to accommodate and engage with a similar adjacent end of the section next to it. The ends of each section of the system are provided with interlock plates for connecting together the adjacent sections. Each interlock plate is attached to its respective section and has an extending vertical edge which is bent into a "U" shaped cross-section to engage a similar edge or lip on the interlock plate of the adjacent section such that lateral movement of the respective plates and sections is prevented. The respective sections of the system can, however, be easily implaced or removed by vertically displacing the sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1989Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Inventor: Rodney I. Smith
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Patent number: 5130848Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 1991Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Richard A. Miller, Scott G. Theirl, Kenneth A. Aho
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Patent number: 5128203Abstract: A marking kit whose constituents are capable of forming a marking material includes a polymeric matrix-forming material and coated glass beads for incorporation into the matrix. Surface coated glass beads suitable for incorporation into the matrix are also disclosed, as is a process for the surface coating of the glass beads, a reflective surface marking comprising a synthetic polymeric matrix incorporating the coated glass beads; and a process for the reflective marking of a surface. Glass beads are surface coated with a material effective to provide the coated glass beads with a surface tension greater than that of the matrix-forming material and ranging from 30 to 70 mN/m.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1989Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: GlaverbelInventor: Pierre Laroche
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Patent number: 5078538Abstract: A pavement marker base is provided having a generally planar bottom support surface with an array of downwardly facing open chambers molded therein. Deformations are formed on the bottom surfaces of at least some of the walls dividing the chambers, and also preferably in the peripheral support surface of the marker base to provide additional downwardly facing surface area to mate with an adhesive material used to adhere the marker base to a roadway surface. These deformations may be characterized by a variety of surface shapes, such as arcs, rectangular notches, and dovetails. In the preferred embodiment, chamber walls include outwardly directed lips to engage the adhesive material. In another embodiment of the invention, a wire mesh covers at least some of the bottom surface of the marker base, and is imbedded within the bottom surface of the chamber walls and peripheral support surface. The mesh engages with the adhesive to provide a strong means of anchorage.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1990Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: Stimsonite CorporationInventor: Anthony J. Montalbano
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Patent number: 5067849Abstract: A road-marking nail includes a body having a substantially hemispherical shape and a vertical axis. The body is formed to have holes, notches, or projections to facilitate magazine feeding, and grooves, holes, or undercuts to facilitate mechanical grasping. Cat's-eye reflectors can be disposed in recesses formed in the body.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1989Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Assignees: Hermann Silbernagel, Beiersdorf AGInventors: Hermann Silbernagel, Ulfried Wiegand
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Patent number: 5061114Abstract: A reflective pavement marker of the type having a shell-like housing of synthetic resin or other moldable material with a reflective end wall of light transmitting material with a filler of epoxy or other potting material. The reflective end wall is formed with retro-directive reflective elements of cube corner type. The end wall is dished so that light rays reflect from the array of cube corner reflective elements and converge to enhance the candle power of the reflective light. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for making the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1990Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Assignee: Pac-Tec, Inc.Inventor: Peter Hedgewick
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Patent number: 5059060Abstract: A traffic control apparatus for use in combination with a roadway having a paved surface, comprising an elongated housing structure disposed beneath said roadway; the major axis of said housing being perpendicular to the direction of traffic on said roadway; said housing having an upper wall disposed generally in the plane of said paved surface; said upper wall defining a generally rectangular opening; speed bump means disposed in said housing for selective movement relative thereto between predetermined inactive and active positions; said speed bump means being elongated, and substantially the length of said opening; said speed bump means having a flat surface portion adapted to close said opening and to bridge the width of said opening in the plane of the paved surface; said speed bump means having a generally cylindrical portion adapted to close said opening and to bridge the width of said opening with a projection above the plane of the paved surface; actuation means for selectively moving said speed bumpType: GrantFiled: June 28, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Inventor: Howard Steinhardt
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Patent number: 5054954Abstract: An elongated roadway barrier deformable under impact to redirect a vehicle striking the barrier. The barrier includes a plurality of panels arranged in parallel, spaced rows to define a filler cavity. A filler material is disposed in the cavity to support the barrier and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy. The filler material is stabilized by a bonding agent and has a shear strength of at least about 30 psi and a compressive strength less than about 1200 psi.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1990Date of Patent: October 8, 1991Assignee: International Barrier CorporationInventors: Lincoln C. Cobb, Teddy J. Hirsch
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Patent number: 5035531Abstract: A utility cut patch identification tag comprises a plate of durable material having at least two barbed legs extending from it slower surface, and a labeling indicia on its upper surface. The tag is preferably circular with a diameter of from about one to about two inches. The tag is pressed into the surface of fresh paving material which has been introduced into a previously cut out section of pavement.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1989Date of Patent: July 30, 1991Inventor: Richard E. Sanchez
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Patent number: 5033905Abstract: This invention relates to a road barrier, particularly to a road barrier for separating traffic lanes on a bridge. In the preferred embodiment, the barrier is made up of beams formed from steel three-beam guardrail sections. Steel tubes or flanges are welded to the top and bottom of the guardrail sections and a transverses stiffener is welded to one side. The barrier's sections are removable mounted by pins in anchors attached to the bridge deck.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1989Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: Eric J. SchmidtInventors: Eric J. Schmidt, Andrew Nagy
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Patent number: 5015119Abstract: A modular barrier for attachment to a barricade along a road side for substantially blocking vision toward construction zones or other areas of distracting activity. The barrier includes an elongated base plate with attached support posts which include mounting tracks for insertion of opaque panel members between adjacent posts. Panel edges are configured for tongue-in-groove insertion within channel tracks formed at the lateral sides of each support post. The modular construction of this unit enables quick and economical emplacement at construction areas and other sites where vehicle drivers are prone to distraction by off road activities.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1989Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Inventor: Donald W. Schmanski
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Patent number: 5013180Abstract: A raised pavement marking device for use in pavement roadways includes a conical body, a plurality of supporting legs, a cavity, a nozzle member, a plurality of apertures, and a reflector, whereby the device can effectively melt and dry snow ice and/or moisture on the pavement roadways.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1989Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Inventor: Myung D. Ko
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Patent number: 5011326Abstract: A narrow stationary impact attenuation system (10) for reducing the severity of vehicular collisions occasioned by an errant vehicle striking an immovable object at narrow hazard sites. The subject narrow stationary impact attenuation system (10) includes crash cushion means (12), lateral stability means (14), backup means (16), support means (18), lateral deflection means (20), vehicle anti-vaulting means (22), redirection means (24), and base means (26). The lateral stability means (14) extends the length of the crash cushion means (12) on either side thereof. The backup means (16) is positioned in juxtaposed relation to the crash cushion means (12) at the rear thereof. The support means (18) is positioned in juxtaposed relation to the crash cushion means (12) at the front thereof. The lateral deflection means (20), the vehicle anti-vaulting means (22) and the redirection means (24) are each mounted in supported relation at selected positions relative to the crash cushion means (12).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1990Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignee: State of ConnecticutInventor: John F. Carney, III
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Patent number: 5009542Abstract: A traffic barrier gate for controlling the flow of vehicles through a barrier, such as a concrete median wall between opposing traffic lanes of a controlled access highway. In one embodiment the gate comprises hinged sidewall panels connected to a support member which is moved vertically on command and which, when moved, causes the sidewall panels to collapse and spread out thereby forming a ramp for the passage of vehicles through the wall barrier. In a second embodiment, the gate revolves 180.degree., upon command, and then retracts into a well in the ground thereby forming the traffic ramp.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1990Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Inventors: Paul W. Hardin, Jr., Wayne Taylor