GB395385A - Improvements in or relating to signals for controlling traffic - Google Patents

Abstract

395,385. Traffic-signalling devices. inserted in road surface. CROXFORD, G. R., 36, Nightingale Road, Hampton-on. Thames. Dec. 10, 1931, No. 34208. [Class 118 (ii).] Road signals for controlling traffic are inserted in the road, pavement, or other surface at ground level and incorporate means whereby the signals are shielded from direct overhead sunlight so as to be clearly visible in daylight or darkness. In the construction shown in Fig. 1, the signal lamps L in the container C are coloured or shine through movable coloured transparent material and may illuminate transparent or semi-transparent surfaces B and shine through a grill G<1> which forms an extension of the cover G and supports traffic passing over the top. The construction of the cover G is such that direct sunlight is prevented from reaching the illuminating means visible through the grill to oncoming traffic. Without the grill G<1> and with sunlight shining on the surfaces B the coloured signals are not clearly distinguishable. The lamps L may be further protected by a transparent or semi-transparent screen T. The grill may have its bars arranged parallel or radiating and may be in the form of one or more tubes or holes, suitably directed as shown in Fig. 3. A drain D is provided to remove water or dirt entering between the bars of the grill G<1>. The box-container C, the grill G<1> and other parts may be round, square, oblong or crescent-shaped, &c. The container C, for example, at cross-roads, may be provided with several grill openings arranged around the illuminating means. The illuminating means L, screen T, or reflector R, Fig. 3, can be cleaned by means of a jet of water through the grill G<1> or from within the container. The illuminating means L may comprise various coloured lamps illuminating a stationary reflector or may comprise white lamps illuminating a reflector coloured on its faces R, R<1>, R<2> and rotated by the motor M as shown in Fig. 3. Heating means may be provided for removing snow or ice from the device and for maintaining a clear line of vision. A plurality of signal devices can be provided at cross-roads controlled manually or automatically from a distance, or automatic timing apparatus may be combined with the signal devices. A secondary signal can be, provided to warn pedestrains when they may or may not cross the road. In modifications gas discharge tubes or luminous paint can be used for illuminating the signal device. The signal device may be associated with a bell and also may be associated with traffic guide lines as disclosed in Specifications 346,335, 346,371, 346,372, 360,000, 360,048, and 360,049, [all in Group XVIII]. According to the Provisional Specification the grill may be covered by or associated with transparent or semi-transparent surfaces to prevent water or dirt affecting the device.