US4851832A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Traffic control device for street vehicles
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1987-10-05
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Granted: 1989-07-25
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Expires: 2007-10-05
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a control device for vehicular street traffic, including a signal disc which consumes very little energy. This signal disc is provided with signal webs separated by deep grooves and with a diffusely reflecting color coating. Pivotal slats are disposed in a frame in front of the signal disc. If the signal disc is displaced with respect to the frame, the slats are pivoted upwardly and push themselves completely into grooves. The signal disc is therefore visible at any observation angle. At dusk or at night, the signals may be given by suitably disposed, dot-shaped, colored light sources in the form of light emitting diodes.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert Graf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:25
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/09; G08G1/095
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A control device with a frame for vehicular street traffic, said control device having at least one signal disc serving as an optical signalling device and a plurality of pivotal slats with widths, and said slats being fastened to said frame for covering said optical signalling device, comprising: parallel signal webs mounted to said signal disc and each said web being separated by a groove; said pivotal slats being initially arranged perpendicular to each said groove with a pivot axis of said each slat lying in a longitudinal edge of said slat and in a plane being defined by said grooves; said width of each of said slats approximately coinciding with a width of each said signal web and substantially corresponding to a depth of each said groove; and said signal disc and said frame being moveable relative to one another by said width of said slats, with movement causing said slats to pivot into said planes of said grooves and be pushed into said grooves.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A control device with a frame for vehicular street traffic, said control device having at least one signal disc serving as an optical signalling device and a plurality of pivotal slats with widths, and said slats being fastened to said frame for covering said optical signalling device, comprising: parallel signal webs mounted to said signal disc and each said web being separated by a groove; said pivotal slats being initially arranged perpendicular to each said groove with a pivot axis of said each slat lying in a longitudinal edge of said slat and in a plane being defined by said grooves; said width of each of said slats approximately coinciding with a width of each said signal web and substantially corresponding to a depth of each said groove; and said signal disc and said frame being moveable relative to one another by said width of said slats, with movement causing said slats to pivot into said planes of said grooves and be pushed into said grooves.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said frame is stationary and encloses said control device with said signal disc being moveable inside said stationary frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1, comprising a displacement device for engaging said signal disc.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 3, wherein said displacement device is a switchable electric motor being equipped with a theaded spindle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said signal disc has a meander-shaped cross section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said signal webs are provided with colored coatings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 6, wherein said colored coatings of said signal webs have a persistent color.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said signal disc has a partially transparent material; and at least one light bulb being disposed behind said signal disc.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 8, wherein said light bulb being a fluorescent bulb.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said slats have cover faces which are provided with a light absorbing coating.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of light sources are disposed in said signal webs of said signal disc.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said light sources have axes being oriented so as to diverge.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said light sources are light emitting diodes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1, comprising a reset device for engaging said slats.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 14, wherein said reset device includes a tension element for engaging said slats.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 15, comprising a spring element for influencing said tension element.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said signal disc includes a heating device attached thereto.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said signal disc is stationary and said frame is moveable.
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) | 1992-07-24 | 1993-01-23 | 1993-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-24 | 1997-01-23 | 1997-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-24 | 2001-01-23 | 2001-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |