Automatic runway traffic direction control

• US 4,093,937 A
• Filed: 05/24/1976
• Issued: 06/06/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Max Habinger
• Original Assignee: Max Habinger
• Inventors: Habinger, Max
• Primary Examiner(s): Caldwell, Sr., John W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Groody, James J.
• Application Number:
  US05/689,483
• Time in Patent Office: 743 Days
• Field of Search: 340/25, 340/26, 244/114 R, 240/1.2, 116/1, 116/28 R, 33/227, 250/239, 250/215, 235/150.22, 235/150.23, 73/188
• US Class Current: 340/949
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/20 Arrangement of optical beacons
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0026 located on the ground
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/065 Navigation or guidance aids, e.g. for taxiing or rolling

Abstract

An automated bidirectional sequenced flashing light system is disclosed for the purpose of controlling traffic direction on airport runways and the like. It includes a mastercontrol containing integrated logic circuit and solid state switching circuits, an opto-electronic wind direction sensor and a set of ten or more light assemblies placed midrunways and along runways for a short distance and a pair of same assemblies placed on each runway end or threshold. Integrated circuit components decode signals from sensor and establish direction of flashes and integrated gating provide signals for flashing of the corresponding pair of endlights. A balanced resistor capacitor network is used for crosswind delay.

Claims

1. A bidirectional sequential flashing light system for use in an airport runway lighting system comprising:

an opto electronic wind direction sensing means generating an output signal indicative of the direction,

bidirectional counting means,

said counting means responsive to said sensor output signal to count in a forward or reverse direction,

flashing airport runway light means including a plurality of runway lights,

solid state switch activating means responsive to the direction of said bidirectional counting means count,

said light means connected to said switch means whereby the plurality of lights are activated in a sequential order thereby indicating the direction of the wind.

2. A flashing light system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opto electronic wind direction sensor means input is the wind and said sensor means comprises light means and light detector means.

3. A flashing light system as claimed in claim 1 further including time delay means to delay the change of the sequentially flashing lights for a predetermined time following a change in the wind direction sensed by said wind sensor means.