Road structure – process – or apparatus – Traffic director – Attenuated lane marker type
Patent
1998-03-13
1999-11-16
Melius, Terry Lee
Road structure, process, or apparatus
Traffic director
Attenuated lane marker type
40565, 3621531, 404 16, G08B 1100
Patent
active
059845708
ABSTRACT:
A lane marker of the present invention utilizes a housing and filler to support and protect a solar powered energy storage system. The circuitry draws power from solar cells and stores the energy in 5-20 storage capacitors. When the ambient light dims, the circuitry operates a timing device which causes one or more light emitting diodes located behind an angled clear window, to blink in a direction generally of the approaching traffic. The top of the housing protects a solar cell which is in operating position is mounted above the filler and below a clear upper window. The storage capacity may be varied by increasing or decreasing the capacitance used for energy storage. The duty cycle can be adjusted to levels consistent with sunlight and operating time. Geographic areas of high solar radiation can use the invention set safely have a higher duty cycle without depleting the stored energy, while areas of lower solar radiation can use the inventive circuit set for a lower duty cycle. The marker improves visibility in low light conditions such as curved, banked or mountain roads, is simple, durable and reliable, and eliminates the need for optical guides, lenses and batteries.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4050834 (1977-09-01), Lee
patent: 4314198 (1982-02-01), Rogers
patent: 4668120 (1987-05-01), Roberts
patent: 4753548 (1988-06-01), Forrer
patent: 4993868 (1991-02-01), Eigenmann
patent: 5002424 (1991-03-01), Hedgewick
patent: 5403115 (1995-04-01), Flader
patent: 5703719 (1997-12-01), Chen
patent: 5816737 (1998-10-01), Siblik
patent: 5839816 (1998-11-01), Varga et al.
Harrington Curt
Kenyon Howard A.
Melius Terry Lee
Morales Rodrigo J.
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