Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Traffic analysis or control of surface vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2008-07-02
2010-06-15
Black, Thomas G (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Traffic analysis or control of surface vehicle
C340S907000, C404S012000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07739030
ABSTRACT:
A method of reducing congestion on a roadway is disclosed comprising dividing selected lengths of selected normal lanes of a roadway into two commuter lanes, providing distinctive lane markings to identify the commuter lanes, and dynamically designating selected lengths of selected lanes as either normal lanes or pairs of commuter lanes. In order to dynamically change lane configurations, a set of indicators can be provided as lane markers together with a control system to alter particular lane configurations between normal lanes and commuting lanes both cyclically according to a preprogrammed schedule and dynamically in response to sensed vehicle traffic volume, unusual events such as accidents, weather, and so on. Commuter lanes are designated cyclically and dynamically in response to traffic conditions to increase the capacity of the affected road. Normal lanes are designated at other times. To facilitate entry and exit from designated commuter lanes, transition zones can be provided where entering and exiting commuter lane traffic has right of way.A commuter vehicle is disclosed for use on commuter lanes. A typical commuter vehicle weighs less than 650 lbs., has at least three wheels, an enclosed seating compartment, and a low center of gravity with at least one occupant. In one embodiment, occupants sit in a near-kneeling position to lower their center of gravity. In, an alternate embodiment also providing a low center of gravity, occupants sit in a recumbent position. A mechanism can be provided to raise and lower the seats to facilitate occupant entry and exit. Occupants can be position in-line, one behind the other. Embodiments with two, three, or more seats can be provided.
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Desai Shitalkumar V.
Desai Vipinchandra M.
Black Thomas G
Chen Shelley
Dreyfuss David
Moore Patents
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