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:
Jul. 30, 2002
Filed:
Aug. 17, 2000
Michael C. Hutchison, Plano, TX (US);
Power Signal Technologies, Inc., Plano, TX (US);
Abstract
A modular solid state light apparatus ideally suited for use in traffic control signals. Current state of the art solid state signals are sealed units which fit into existing signal cases once the primary lens and incandescent bulb, and sometimes even the incandescent reflector, are removed. The modular system replaces the entire case with a custom case designed to accommodate current and future features at approximately {fraction (1/10)} the present cost of a stand alone system. These upgrade features include but are not limited to vehicle preemption, electronically steerable beam, predictive failure analysis, various power supplies, LED arrays in various colors, optical alignment tools used for installation, video camera, in car Telematics, video loop detection, red light running, various communications links, infrared sensors to sense people and vehicles under fog, rain smoke, and other adverse visual conditions, chemical 'sniffers', automobile emission monitoring, and adaptive control. The modular traffic functions are adapted to be selectively added and upgraded over the life of the signal, and permitting easy service thereof.