The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 07, 2000
Filed:
Jan. 20, 1999
Donald V Comiskey, Jr, West Chicago, IL (US);
Other;
Abstract
A traffic-control sign that automatically displays a primary message, such as 'STOP', when electrical power is absent, and an optional secondary message, such as 'We Arrest Drunk Drivers', when electrical power is present. The motorless sign is continually encompassed by an enclosure having a transparent facade. A plurality of pivotally-mounted louver panels arranged in a louvered fashion are viewable through the transparent facade. A linkage rod interconnecting the panels provides for unison rotation of the panels. The linkage rod communicates with a solenoid so that the panels assume two distinct positions dependent on the state of the solenoid. These distinct positions reveal primary and secondary viewing surfaces to which the respective messages are affixed. Panel travel approximating 180 degrees allows the messages to be displayed on the overall viewing surfaces formed by the combined individual panel surfaces. Panel travel approximating 90 degrees allows one message to be displayed on the panels and the other message to be displayed on a separate viewing surface located behind the panels. Thus, the solenoid being energized by an electrical power source causes the panel orientation to reveal the optional secondary message and conceal the primary message. Upon removal or loss of electrical power, such as during a power outage, the solenoid de-energizes and causes the panel orientation to reveal the primary message ('STOP') and conceal the secondary message. The sign is ideally suited to supplement a traffic signal and is mountable to a support pole thereof.