Wireless reflective marker with internal light source

Abstract

A marker for indicating boundaries or delineating traffic lanes in pavement such as roadways or airport runways is described. In an embodiment, the marker includes a high-strength plastic housing containing at least one retroreflective reflector, a light emitting diode (LED), at least one solar collector and a rechargeable battery. The retroreflective reflectors reflect light back to a light source, such as the headlights of a vehicle on a roadway or the light of an airplane on a runway. The LED can provide a light source that can be seen from greater viewing angles than the light reflected by the reflectors providing better visibility to operators of vehicles on curved roadways and allowing captains of airplanes to see the markers from the cockpit at closer range than if the markers used reflectors alone. In an embodiment, the marker also can include circuitry that controls the operation of the LED, the flow of current through the circuit and the charging of the battery.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to markers with reflectors and internal lights for use as boundary, obstruction, or hazard indicators in pavement, on fences, or otherwise placed to provide conspicuity to drivers, pilots and others. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is a common practice that roadways and airport runways use reflectors to provide improved conspicuity when compared to painted lines, particularly at night and in bad weather. These reflectors are often made of retroreflective elements which return light reflected back toward the light source as opposed to refracting the light as a mirror might. However, lights on aircraft in particular and automobiles to some extent may be fairly distant from the vehicle operator, reducing the visibility of the reflector. In addition, where a roadway turns, retroreflectors have diminished capabilities at distances due to the angle of the approaching light. [0003] Devices with reflectors and light...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a marker with a light source that can fit into standard castings in roadways and airport runways. It is a cost-effective replacement for current markers without the need to core the pavement. The marker includes a reflective surface and a light source that provides increased conspicuity. It can be easily installed and protected from snow plows and other vehicular traffic. The invention is sealed with no wires exiting, simplifying mounting and improving reliability. The invention includes components to optimize the light source's on-time and maximize its life. The components are enclosed in sturdy housings capable of mounting in standard castings."

Problems solved by technology

However, lights on aircraft in particular and automobiles to some extent may be fairly distant from the vehicle operator, reducing the visibility of the reflector.

In addition, where a roadway turns, retroreflectors have diminished capabilities at distances due to the angle of the approaching light.

However, these devices involve external wiring and cannot fit into existing castings in roadways and runways.

Devices with light sources that do not fit within the recess of a standard casting are not as useful as markers with light sources that can be placed in the standard casting's recess.

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