Untitled record

Feb. 21, 1956 _B. J. oriel 2,736,002

CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVED TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHT-TIME LAPSE INDICATOR

Filed Sept. 2, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 1

<img file="US2736002A_D0001.tif" />

Feb. 21, 1956 b. j. oriel 2,736,002

CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVED TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHT-TIME LAPSE INDICATOR

Filed Sept. 2, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 2

<img file="US2736002A_D0002.tif" />

Feb. 21, 1956 _B j. oriel 2,736,002

CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVED TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHT-TIME LAPSE INDICATOR

Filed Sept. 2, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 3

<img file="US2736002A_D0003.tif" />

United States Patent Office „, ,. ²’⁷²⁶;“⁰²

Patented Feb. 21, 1956

2,736,002 CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVED TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHT-TIME LAPSE INDICATOR Benjamin J. Oriel, New York, N. Y. Application September 2,1952, Serial No. 307,508 1 Claim. (CI. 340—43) manner to clearly show when the next change of traffic light will occur displaying a signal light effect of a different color.

Most traffic control signal units in use at the present time are of a relatively standard type, embodying the signal lights themselves and an electric controller for energizing them at predetermined periods. The signal lights are installed either at the street corners, or in some instances, a single four-way light unit is suspended at the center of the intersection. Four wires usually are strung from a signal controller, which may be located at a remote point, to the signal units; three of these wires usually are individual to the three respective lights, red, amber, and green, and the fourth wire common to all. The systems usually are operated upon 110 volt potential.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved time-lapse indicator unit operable in conjunction with such a signal light system, deriving its current from wires leading to the signals from the control box and deriving its primary control from the primary signal controller. The specific means for maintaining synchronism between the operation of an auxiliary time indicating device and the signal light unit, either when the light unit be controlled automatically from the primary control, or manually, as by a traffic officer, are known to skilled in the art, and, therefore, form no part of my present invention and no further disclosure of these features need be made herein.

The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a casing which is arranged for mounting upon the framework of the signal light unit itself, or adjacent thereof; if there be four signal lights, i. e.: one for each opposite direction of traffic, an indicator unit is provided at each one, and if there be a single signal light at the center of the intersection, the indicator unit may be provided with four dials, each visible from a given direction. The casing of the invention, comprising the indicator unit is arranged also for mounting adjacent or upon the framework of pedestrian control” units which are provided with “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signs posted at curbs of an intersection on independent standards and operating in conjunction with the signal light system installed at an intersection.

In. its more detailed nature the invention resides in the provision of a “Go” signal light of green color, displayed in form of an illuminated arcuate band, and having a time interval representing the time allotted to pedestrians and vehicular traffic to effect the crossing of an intersection in a given direction, and a “Stop” signal light of red color, also displayed in form of an illuminated arcuate band, and having a time interval representing the period during which the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic should stop, and a “Caution” signal light of amber or yellow color, also displayed in form of an illuminated arcuate band, having a short time interval intermediate to the Stop ’ and “Go” signal lights, and announcing that it is unsafe to further attempt crossing on foot or in vehicles, because of approaching change of color of traffic signal, and mechanical means effective during each of said intervals to gradually block out the parallelly displayed light of corresponding color, which is also displayed in form of an illuminated arcuate band, having similar, degree-extent like the synchronously illuminated 65 parallelly displayed arcuate band of similar color representing the time interval of the signal which is “on” during a given period of operation of one of differently colored traffic lights; the continually increasing blocked out

The invention relates to an improved type of auxiliary time indicating device for traffic control signal lights which is particularly adapted for the more efficient regulation and control of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, for example at street intersections.

Standardized traffic control equipment presently in use does not afford drivers of vehicles and pedestrians an adequate, visual warning of an impending signal change. The uncertainty tends to cause a slowing down of traffic, accidents, scattering of pedestrians and undue strains on vehicle braking system and also on drivers. Even when 25 a “Stop” signal is displayed there is always uncertainty as to when the driver should prepare to move off and thereby assist in keeping traffic moving at constant rate.

The primary Object of the present invention has been to overcome and correct this condition. By the prihciple ³⁰disclosed a pedestrian, for example, can determine the time remaining within which he may safely traverse or cross an intersection, with the green or “Go” signal without the danger of being caught in the flowing stream of vehicular traffic released by an abrupt signal change This warning feature likewise is of importance to drivers of vehicles approaching an intersection, permitting motorists to modify their speed and thus avoid the necessity of making a quick stop upon a signal light change.

The primary object of my invention is to provide in a device of this order improved means for indicating automatically at all times the relative time period available within which a given signal should be obeyed to insure efficient traffic movement with safety.

It is an object of the invention to provide a traffic signalling device including my improved signal light timelapse indicating means which is adapted for independent traffic control operation and which also may easily be coordinated with the operation of standard traffic light systems.

A further object of the invention is to provide a traffic control signalling device which is of relatively simple, inexpensive construction, for announcing forthcoming signal changes, respectively, indicating the comparative amount of time during which the green traffic light may be expected to remain on display, so that a person on foot or driving a vehicle may enter an intersection with reasonable certainty of his ability to completely traverse the intersection before the next change of color of traffic signal.

A feature of my invention is the novel combination of a traffic signal in which means are provided for indicating the status of the signal display by constant illumination of an appropriate colored light means, during each signal flight control period, i. e.: “Go,” “Caution” and ' “Stop,” together with means for automatically indicating the time period remaining before the next change of color.

The distinctive feature of the present invention resides in r- ...

ent periods, illuminable sign , elements of different colors

2,730,002 ing to the construction the indicator unit is operable in conjunction with a traffic signal light system, deriving its current from the wires leading to the signals from the control box installed at an intersection and deriving its 5 primary control from the primary signal controller, thus are provided means for selectively illuminating the saiu in color and degree extent corresponding arcuate illuminable elements of each set for periods corresponding to their subtended angles. The speed of the drive shaft, 10 of aforesaid motor means, once being synchronized with the primary controller timing, so that the shutter is driven through one total cycle of movement during the completion of three consecutive intervals in which once the green, amber, and red traffic lights are energized, are the 15 electric drive means, for rotating the shutter of the indicator unit, being in circuit connection with the green, amber, and red signal light. Thus, the indicator unit is provided with means, for selectively illuminating the said corresponding elements of each set for periods corre20 sponding to their subtended angles, and for synchronously moving the shutter to selectively cover and uncover portions of the sign elements of the said second set during their operation periods.

In operation of my device, the primary signal, for 25 example, “Go,” “Caution,” or “Stop” is indicated by the illumination and the continued display, during a predetermined period, of the required color, viz: Green, “Amber,” or “Red.” Simultaneously, through one of the slots in the revolving shutter, the corresponding color 30 illumination is displayed as an arcuate band, which due to the timed rotation of the shutter, is gradually reduced in length thereby indicating “elapsed time” and accordingly showing the time remaining before a signal change. In operation then, it will be understood, that the elapsed 35 time for different periods may be ascertained by comparing the constant length arcs of the first set, with the uncovered lengths of the arcs of the second set of said selectively illuminated sign elements of the invented timelapse indicator for use with traffic lights. The dial, 40 according to the construction of my invention, being such that it will show at a glance the comparative amount of time period remaining in which “Green,” or “Amber” or “Red” light will be illuminated before a change of color of traffic signal will take place.

When one signal is longer than the others, appropriate ⁴⁰ ratio of degree extent of corresponding arcuate slot of revoluble shutter, and therewith corresponding the illuminable arcuate sign element is incorporated, whereby the ratio of degree extent of other two slots and therewith corresponding illuminable arcuate sign elements will ⁵⁰ be reduced relatively according to the percentage predetermined for splits of the total cycle of operation of differently colored traffic signal lights, corresponding to the time division between “Stop,” “Go,” and “Caution” _ periods; and when the total cycle is shorter the driving ⁰⁵ speed of the shaft of motor means applied, for revolving the shutter, is to be either accelerated or retarded through appropriate adjustable variable speed driving means thereof, the details of which form no part of this invention.

It will be understood that my device, While adapted to be used independently may also be coordinated with traffic signal means presently in use and so synchronized with the functions thereof as to afford the novel advantages of my operating principle.

The foregoing and other objects and the advantages ^!l° of my invention will be apparent from the detailed description herewith when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the preferred form of my device.

¹ Fig. 2 is a side transverse elevation of Fig. 1, partly in section.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of a traffic signal light unit upon which is mounted my device for operation in coop75 eration therewith.

or amber signal light, which is “on,” whereby, since the indicator in accordance with the invention operates in conjunction with the traffic lights, the said blocked out portion may designate the elapsed period of time since the last signal change, and the said unblocked portion thereof, when compared with parallelly illuminated constant length arc of corresponding color, may designate the comparative amount or interval of time remaining before the next signal change.

With these and other objects in view, which will more fully appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by following the description, the appendent claim, and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which is exemplified the construction of an indicator unit operable in conjunction with traffic lights, when, for example, the time division between “Stop,” “Go,” and “Caution” periods has been predetermined, so that there is provided 45 % for “Go” or green signal, 5% for “Caution” or amber signal, and 50% for “Stop” or red signal, during one total cycle of operation of all differently colored traffic lights.

In the preferred construction of my device, I provide a casing of suitable form within which are positioned, side by side, two series or sets of three concentrically arranged arcuate illuminable sign elements. The first of said sets comprised of three sign elements of different radii, differently colored to indicate, respectively, “Stop,” “Go,” and “Caution,” and subtending angles corresponding to the time division between “Stop,” “Go,” and “Caution” periods, are peripherally disposed, viz. first within the periphery of said casing. The other or second set, comprised of three concentrically arranged arcuate illuminable sign elements of different radii, and of colors corresponding respectively to the colors of the sign elements of the first said set, being offset radially from said sign elements of the first set and subtending respectively angles corresponding to the angles sub'stended by said first set of sign elements, the corresponding angles of the two sets of sign elements being superposed one upon the other, so that the alike colored members of said both sets of concentrically arranged arcuate illuminable sign elements, which are offset radially one from other, have similar degree-extent. The arrangement of all differently colored members of said both sets, within the periphery of the casing of an indicator unit, being such, that although they are positioned each at a different radius from the center of the casing, the left end of each said illuminable arcuate sign elements is coordinated, since according to the method applied for construction of my device, they are spaced one of other and extending from a different level of a coordination radius from the center of the casing. Within the casing and positioned centrally therewith is a suitable motor means, having a drive shaft, the said means may be a clock mechanism, synchronous motor or other means adapted to provide a uniform rotation of said drive shaft at a predetermined speed. An opaque circular or disk-like shaped shutter is carried by the drive shaft of the motor means and is adapted to be rotated thereby. The diameter of the revoluble shutter is such that the three inner, arcuate, illuminable sign elements, viz. members of said second set, interiorly disposed within the casing, are masked thereby. The circular shutter which is revolvable in front of these said three arcuate formed sign elements, is provided With three suitably positioned arcuate slots, cooperating with the said three sign elements of the second set, which during a revolution of the shutter are adapted to selectively expose the said illuminable sign elements and to cover and uncover them in sequential order, “during their period of illumination,” to extents determined by the position of the revolvable shutter rotated in “clockwise” direction. The three other arcuate formed sign elements belonging to the said first set preferably are positioned, side by side, just beyond the outside periphery or diameter of the said shutter and in plain view of an observer. Since, accord2,736,002

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, and also Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, are front views of my device in different traffic signalling positions as indicated by the rotary shutter.

Fig. 6 shows schematically a wiring diagram in which the operation of my device is synchronized with the functions of a standard type of traffic signal unit.

Figs. 7-9 are views similar to Figs. 3-5, respectively, but on a larger scale.

Referring to the drawings, 2 is a suitable casing in file center of which is a rotary drive shaft 4, upon which is mounted for rotation thereby a circular shutter 3, having formed therein arcuate slots 5, 6, and 7. Mounted within the casing is a plate 14, which carries a suitable motor means 15, which may be a clock mechanism, synchronous motor, or other, provided with variable speed adjustable driving means (not shown) suitable for driving the shaft 4, thereof, at the desired predetermintd speed, and which shaft projects forwardly through the plate 14. The shutter 3, carried by the shaft 4, is positioned forward of and spaced from the outer surface of the plate 14, and secured thereto in any suitable, well known manner is a series of six arcuate, concentrically arranged, illuminable sign elements in two groups of three each designated as 8, 9 and 10 and 11, 12 and 13, the complete series preferably being positioned, as shown, substantially in the form of a crescent. It will be noted’ that three of these elements, 8, 9 and 10, are adapted to be brought into registry with the arcuate slots 5, 6 and 7, carried by the rotary shutter 3, the other three arcuate sign elements being positioned beyond the periphery of the said shutter.

To clearly understand the operation of my invention reference is made to Fig. 1, which shows a front view of my device as it appears to an observer when the traffic signal ‘Go” is indicated by “Green” color of the ' illuminated arcuate elements 8 and 11. During this cycle and until the next traffic signal change, element 11, presents a continuous, illuminated arcuate band of green color. The sign element 8 which is simultaneously illuminated, is observable through the arcuate slot 5, in the rotating shutter 3, when the said slot is in registry therewith. As indicated in Fig. 1, due to the rotary progress of the shutter 3, in “clockwise” direction, as indicated by the arrow, only about a half of the illuminated arcuate element 8, remains visible thereby indicating the period of time which has elapsed since the start of the signal and the time remaining within which to obey the signal. When the rotation of the shutter has advanced sufficiently to completely mask the arcuate sign element 8, its illumination and that of sign element 11 aie extinguished. As indicated in Fig. 4, the arcuate sign element 9, now exposed through the shutter slot 6, and the arcuate sign element 12 simultaneously become illuminated to display, for example a “Caution” signal, by showing an “Amber” colored light. During the “Caution period and until the next signal change, the arcuate sign element 12, presents an unobstructed band of amber colored light. The duration of the remaining “Caution” period is indicated by noting that portion of the illuminated sign element 9, not yet masked by the rotating shutter 3. Immediately upon the complete masking of the sign element 9, at the end of the caution period, its illumination and that of the sign element 12, is extinguished. Immediately thereupon, sign element 13, and sign element 10, become illuminated, showing the color “Red” or “Stop” signal. Throughout this cycle, the arcuate sign element 13, presents an uninterrupted, illuminated band of red color. The red illumination of sign element 10, however, due to the rotation of the shutter 3, gradually becomes, apparently, shorter thereby indicating the time which has elapsed since the start of the signal and the time remaining before the next signal change.

In Fig. 3, is shown a standard type of traffic signal light unit 17, having illuminable sign elements 18, of red

45’ . 6 color; 19, of amber color and 20, of green color adapted to indicate the usual “Stop,” “Caution” and “Go” signals. The unit 17, is shown as mounted upon a suitable post or standard carrying a tubular bracket 22, upon which in turn is carried my device, the casing 2, of which is suitably mounted upon the said bracket 22. Electric current for operating the signals is conveyed thereto by the wires 23. It will be noted that the sign element 20, of device 17, is indicated as illuminated, i. e.: showing the Green or “Go” signal. Simultaneously, on my device, the complete arcuate length or length-arc of element 8, is visible through slot 5, in the rotary shutter 3, as it appears at the beginning of the green light cycle, just after an interrupted red light cycle. The illumination of sign element 11, remains fully visible during the “green” traffic signal period, as has been explained herein, the illumination of sign element 8 is gradually masked by the progressive, clockwise rotation of the shutter 3, the portion not yet masked by the moving shutter indicating the time remaining before the next signal change. In Fig. 4, my device is shown immediately following the completion of the “Green” or “Go” cycle, the green illumination of sign elements having been extinguished. At this instant sign elements 12 and 9 have become illuminated displaying the “Amber” color indicating “Caution.” The illumination of sign element 9, visible through the slot 6, in the shutter is progressively masked as the shutter rotates, showing as previously described, the time portion of the caution period which has elapsed and the time remaining before the next signal change. As will now be understood, when the moving shutter has completely masked the sign element 9, at the end of the caution period its illumination and that of sign element 12 is extinguished and, as shown in Fig. 5, the next traffic signal, i. e.: “Stop” is indicated by the illumination of the sign elements 10 and 13, and the color “Red.” The illuminated “Red” sign element 13, remains fully visible during the full stop cycle but the illumination of the sign element 10, visible through the arcuate slot 7, is progressively masked by the moving shutter 3, the extent to which the illumination has been masked indicating at all times that portion of the cycle remaining before the next traffic signal change.

In Fig. 6 is schematically shown a wiring diagram such as may be employed in the operation of my invention. The illuminable sign elements 25, 26 and 27 represent the signal means of the usual traffic control device. A primary controller 28 of well known type governs the operation of signal or sign elements to afford timed sequence the traffic control indications by the light means 25, 26 and 27, to which electric current is respectively conveyed by the wires 29, 30 and 31, leading from the control means 28. For simplification of illustration, each of these sign signals is shown as in series with two of arcuate sign elements of similar color and traffic signal designation of my device. For example, sign element 25, is connected by wires 32, 33 and 34 with the arcuate sign elements of similar color, 13 and 10 of my device. Sign element 26, is connected by wires 35, 36 and 37 with the arcuate sign elements 12 and 9, and the sign or signal element 27, is connected by wires 38, 39 and 40 with the arcuate sign elements 11 and 8 of my unit. To complete the circuit wire 41, is connected by the leads or conductors 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47, to the opposite terminal of each of the six arcuate sign elements, as shown, and to the power source terminal 48, the other power terminal 49 being connected with controller means 28, by wire 50. From this it will be seen that upon the illumination of one of the signal elements 25, 26 and 27, the two arcuate sign elements with which it is connected in series will also become illuminated. For example, when element 25 is illuminated, indicating Stop by the color “Red” the arcuate sign elements 10 and 13, will simultaneously be illuminated to display Red.” That is, the two sets of sign elements function together and in unison. As has been fully illustrated and described herein, in the operation of my invention each of the three arcuate sign elements 11, 12 and 13 are so positioned as to be clearly visible throughout their full arcuate length or length-arcs when illuminated and said visibility continues during the complete given traffiic control light cycle. As also fully illustrated and described herein, the three other arcuate sign elements 8, 9 and 10 of my device are positioned behind the circular, revoluble shutter 3 which is provided with three arcuate slots 5, 6 1 and 7 which, as the shutter 3 rotates are adapted to selectively cover and uncover or expose the illuminated colored arcuate band of each of the said arcuate, differently colored illuminable sign elements upon their being energized to indicate a traffic control signal simultaneously with a similarly colored traffic control light signal being displayed by one of the sign elements 11, 12 or 13. in Fig. 6, the circular revoluble shutter 3, has been removed from the drive shaft 4, of the motor, means 15, to more clearly show the sign elements 3, 9 and 10 positioned below same. Preferably 15 is a synchronous type motor and as shown, is connected to the source of electric energy by the wires 51 and 52 and hence adapted to operate when the traffic control light system is energized. As has been explained, an important function of my revoluble and rotating shutter 3, is to simultaneously display through one of the arcuate slots therein an illuminated sign element of color similar to signal that being displayed by one of the signal light elements 25, 26 or 27 and one of the sign elements 11, 12 or 13 of my device, and wherein the illuminated color signal being displayed through the arcuate slots in the shutter and thereby indicates the relative amount of time which has elapsed since the start of the cycle and also the relative amount or time remaining before the next traffic signal change.

From the above it will be seen that I provide a unique simple method of and the means for improving vehicular and pedestrian traffic control. The device is adapted to be operated automatically and may function as an independent traffic control means, or it may be coordinated to operate in synchrony with other types of traffic signal lights controlling units bringing to the traffic control at intersections the operational advantages of the improved principle herein disclosed.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention

2,736,002 in specific terms, it is to be understood changes in structural design and operative elements may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention, as claimed.