Remote control portable traffic control device and system

• US 5,986,576 A
• Filed: 01/21/1998
• Issued: 11/16/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sheldyn Kyle Armstrong
• Original Assignee: Sheldyn Kyle Armstrong
• Inventors: Armstrong, Sheldyn Kyle
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffrey A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MANNAVA, ASHOK K
• Application Number:
  US09/010,298
• Time in Patent Office: 664 Days
• Field of Search: 340/908, 340/907, 340/902, 340/904, 340/539, 116/63 R, 116/63 P
• US Class Current: 340/908
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/06 Bases for movable standing lamps; Fixing standards to the bases F21V21/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0955 transportable

Abstract

A remote control portable traffic signaling device (10) and system (94) for controlling a flow of traffic. The remote control portable traffic signaling system (94) includes the portable signaling device (10) and a plurality of warning flashers (76). The portable signaling device (10) includes a remote control unit (42) and a signal head (11) having an LED display device (50) and a microprocessor (46). The remote control unit (42) transmits a control signal to be received by the microprocessor (46) for use in controlling a message communicated by the LED display device (50). A base unit (30) including a storage compartment for housing the power source (36) is connected to the signal head (11) for supplying power to the microprocessor (46) and LED display device (50) via a connection wire (38) extending through a pole (24) positioned therebetween. A device for adjustably connecting the pole (26, 27, 28, 29, 35, 64 and 65) between the signal head (11) and base unit (30) allows for height adjustment of the portable signaling device (10). A plurality of warning flashers (76) including a pair of high luminous LEDs (82) are positioned at a predetermined distance from the portable signaling device (10) to warn passersby of the presence of the portable signaling device (10).

Claims

1. A remote control portable traffic signaling system including a device connected to a power source for controlling a flow of traffic comprising:

a) remote control means for transmitting a control signal;

b) a signal head including a display means for communicating a message to passersby and a controller for receiving said control signal transmitted by said remote control means and connected to control said message communicated by said display means based upon said received control signal, said display means comprising red LED'"'"'s facing in multiple directions, yellow LED'"'"'s facing in multiple directions, and green LED'"'"'s facing in multiple directions, said red, yellow and green LED'"'"'s being each illuminated for a length of time indicated by a control signal received from said remote control unit;

c) a base unit including a storage compartment for housing the power source, the power source being connected to supply power to said display means, tools, optical and other replacement parts for use by said portable signal device;

d) a pole positioned between said signal head and base unit;

e) means for adjustably connecting said pole between the signal head and base unit;

f) conflict monitor means in said signal head connected between said controller and said display means for monitoring illumination of said red, yellow and green lights to determine it said illumination is in error and causes said lights to cease operation or initiates a safety situation it the operation of said lights is in error, said controller generating a default error signal upon receipt of an error signal from said conflict monitor;

g) the underside of said signal head having a plurality of downwardly facing LED'"'"'s illuminating said base unit and light sensors to turn on said downwardly facing LED'"'"'s when a light deficient situation exists and generate a signal for transmission to said microprocessor to control the brightness of said red, yellow, and green LED'"'"'s;

h) a plurality of warning flashers positioned about an operating area at a predetermined distance from said portable signaling device for indicating the presence of said portable signaling device controlling a flow or traffic, each of said warning flashers comprising a stand and an LED flashing assembly connected to said stand;

i) said signal head further includes a communication port connected to said controller for attachment of a peripheral device for communicating a second message to passerby, a memory connected to said controller for storing said received control signal for use by said controller in controlling said display device;

j. said display device being controlled by said controller to produce at least one of an audio signal, a radio frequency, and any other communication signal; and

k. beacon means for transmitting a theft signal when said signal head is removed from said device by an unauthorized party.