Interactive automated traffic control system

• US 6,441,749 B1
• Filed: 02/23/2001
• Issued: 08/27/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Leonard A. Edwards
• Original Assignee: Leonard A. Edwards
• Inventors: Edwards, Leonard A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US09/792,565
• Time in Patent Office: 550 Days
• Field of Search: 340/901, 340/902, 340/904, 340/906, 340/907
• US Class Current: 340/902
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/087 Override of traffic control, e.g. by signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle

Abstract

An electronic warning signal device that includes a receive/warning light unit attached to an existing traffic signal and a transmitter carried by an emergency vehicle that is tuned to and transmits an activating signal to activate the warning light to assist the emergency vehicle in passing safely through an intersection. The receiver further includes a reset circuit having a timer element that is triggered by a reset signal sent from the transmitter once the emergency unit has traveled through the intersection.

Claims

1. An interactive automated traffic control system comprising:

an electronic warning signal assembly including a digital receiver/warning light unit attached to an existing traffic light signal; and

a transmitter carried by an emergency vehicle that is tuned to and transmits an activating signal to activate the warning light unit so as to assist the emergency vehicle to pass safely through an intersection and that includes an integrated timer that resets the existing traffic light signal upon receipt of a reset signal transmitted from the transmitter.