Patent US4073453A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4073453A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Railroad warning signal device
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1977-05-12
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Granted: 1978-02-14
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Expires: 1997-05-12
Abstract
Abstract A warning device visually enhances the signalling of a dangerous situation such as an approaching train at a railroad crossing. The warning device includes oppositely rotating rims to which light reflecting discs are attached in surrounding relation to hubs fixed to the arms of a frame extending laterally from a vertical support post. Fixed light emitting surfaces are mounted on the hub facing opposite directions.
Inventors
- 👤 Marion V. Thomas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:23
CPC Classifications
B; B61; B61L; B61L29/00; B61L29/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A visual warning device adapted to be mounted on a vertically elongated post, comprising a frame extending transversely of the post, and having an opening formed therein in laterally spaced relation to the post, a hub having light emitting surfaces facing opposite directions, means fixedly mounting the hub on the frame for exposure of one of said light emitting surfaces through said opening in the frame, a mounting rim rotatably mounted on said hub, movable alerting means connected to said mounting rim for rotation about said light emitting surfaces of the hub, and powered drive means mounted on the frame and connected to the rim for imparting said rotation to the movable alerting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A visual warning device adapted to be mounted on a vertically elongated post, comprising a frame extending transversely of the post, and having an opening formed therein in laterally spaced relation to the post, a hub having light emitting surfaces facing opposite directions, means fixedly mounting the hub on the frame for exposure of one of said light emitting surfaces through said opening in the frame, a mounting rim rotatably mounted on said hub, movable alerting means connected to said mounting rim for rotation about said light emitting surfaces of the hub, and powered drive means mounted on the frame and connected to the rim for imparting said rotation to the movable alerting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said frame includes a bracket portion secured to the post and a substantially planar arm portion within which said opening is formed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said hub is mounted in close spaced relation to the planar arm portion of the frame and in alignment with said opening to establish a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the planar arm portion about which the mounting rim is rotatable, said mounting rim projecting radially beyond the planar arm portion of the frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said alerting means includes at least one planar disc having reflective surfaces substantially parallel to the light emitting surfaces of the hub.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination of claim 4 wherein said drive means includes a drive motor mounted on the bracket portion of the frame, and gear means drivingly connecting the drive motor to the mounting rim.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said alerting means includes at least one planar disc having reflective surfaces substantially parallel to the light emitting surfaces of the hub.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 6 wherein said frame includes a bracket portion secured to the post and a substantially planar arm portion within which said opening is formed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said drive means includes a drive motor mounted on the bracket portion of the frame, and gear means drivingly connecting the drive motor to the mounting rim.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein at least one of the light emitting surfaces is light reflective.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
94 words
A visual warning device adapted to be mounted on a vertically elongated post, comprising a frame extending transversely of the post and having an opening formed therein in laterally spaced relation to the post, a hub having a light emitting surface, means connected to the frame in peripheral relation to said opening for fixedly mounting the hub to establish a rotational axis extending through the opening and intersecting said light emitting surface, and movable alerting means mounted on the hub for rotation about said rotational axis in surrounding relation to the light emitting surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
94 words
A visual warning device adapted to be mounted on a vertically elongated post, comprising a frame extending transversely of the post and having an opening formed therein in laterally spaced relation to the post, a hub having a light emitting surface, means connected to the frame in peripheral relation to said opening for fixedly mounting the hub to establish a rotational axis extending through the opening and intersecting said light emitting surface, and movable alerting means mounted on the hub for rotation about said rotational axis in surrounding relation to the light emitting surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
The combination of claim 10 wherein said movable alerting means includes at least one planar disc having a light reflective surface and rim means rotatably mounted on the hub to which the planar disc is secured in radially spaced relation to the opening in the frame through which one of the light emitting surfaces is exposed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-02-13 | 1981-08-15 | 1982-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-02-13 | 1985-08-15 | 1986-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-02-13 | 1989-08-15 | 1990-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |