Emergency traffic signal system and apparatus
First Claim
1. An attachment for a conventional traffic signal, being powered by a municipal source and having at least one signal lens shrouded by a visor, said attachment in occasional communication with an authoritative vehicle emitting a preemptive signal, comprising:
- a housing configured to receive said traffic signal proximate said signal lens and provide an unobstructed view of said signal lens;
the housing further having a display for visually communicating a warning message;
a sensor for receiving said preemptive signal from said authoritative vehicle;
a controller in communication with said sensor to direct said display to show said warning message corresponding to said signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides an attachment installed unobstructively on a visor about a lens of a traffic signal and configured to receive a preemptive signal from an emergency or other authoritative source and transmit a correlating message visually or audibly to a surrounding citizenry via a display and optionally a speaker. The attachment can include one of a variety of display means to animatedly or statically communicate a directive to the citizenry. An optional series of LEDs can be included to draw attention to the directive as displayed. The directive can communicate an action to be taken by the citizenry, the type of vehicle approaching, or a route to be followed. Optionally, the frame or display may be shaped at least in part similarly to a standard street sign. The attachment provides a way to quickly and clearly direct people in a manner that clears a path for authorities.
31 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An attachment for a conventional traffic signal, being powered by a municipal source and having at least one signal lens shrouded by a visor, said attachment in occasional communication with an authoritative vehicle emitting a preemptive signal, comprising:
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a housing configured to receive said traffic signal proximate said signal lens and provide an unobstructed view of said signal lens; the housing further having a display for visually communicating a warning message; a sensor for receiving said preemptive signal from said authoritative vehicle; a controller in communication with said sensor to direct said display to show said warning message corresponding to said signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for communicating a warning message to citizenry near roadway intersections using a device having a sensor, controller and display, comprising the steps of:
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providing an attachment for the device adaptable to conventional traffic signals having a plurality of lens; installing said device unobstructively about one of said lens; receiving a preemptive signal from an emergency vehicle via said sensor; processing said signal in said controller to determine a warning message; and
,showing said warning message for viewing by said citizenry. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification