Long life intelligent illuminated road markers
a technology of intelligent illumination and road markers, applied in road signs, roads, construction, etc., can solve the problems of reducing the amount of light that is effectively reflected from the marker back to the vehicle driver, and inconvenient installation and maintenance of the marker, so as to reduce the deterioration of the body and battery. , the effect of long operating li
Inactive Publication Date: 2006-11-16
JORDAN WESLEY B +1
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Benefits of technology
[0017] The present invention provides advantageous solar powered road markers constructed such that the markers have a long life without requiring any maintenance. In addition, certain embodiments are designed such that the marker can be “on” continuously, rather than having to be shut down during high illumination periods. Advantageously, the markers can be designed using a single piece cast body, constructed of a material that is resistant to abrasion, as well as to discoloration and other degradation due to UV light exposure, and utilizes a battery system that tolerates trickle charging while still providing a long operating life. As a result, by limiting deterioration of the body and the battery, typically the present markers have an operating life of at least 5 years. Alternatively, the marker can be constructed using a housing shell, with other components encapsulated within the housing shell.
Problems solved by technology
However, such reflective road markers do not function well under some adverse conditions, such as inclement weather, e.g., foggy conditions, or where an appreciable coating is present on the surface of the marker, as such conditions substantially reduce the amount of light that is effectively reflected from the marker back to the vehicle driver.
While markers utilizing wires to supply power for the light source can be constructed, such markers are expensive to install and maintain.
Method used
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[0085] The present road markers are particularly adapted for highway and remote applications, as they are designed to have long operating life while being mechanically and electronically simple. Nonetheless, the markers can be used or configured for use in many other applications. Such long life is especially advantageous for highway applications as it significantly reduces the costs associated with maintenance and / or replacement. The long operating life is achieved through the use of suitable materials, e.g., castable body materials, along with suitable combinations of solar cells, batteries, and control circuitry and / or control programming.
[0086] Typically the road markers include a cast body that contains the illumination components, including one or more low energy consumption light emitting elements (typically light emitting diodes (LED*s), energy storage components such as batteries (or, if desired, storage capacitors), one or more solar cells, and any needed circuitry and lo...
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Illuminated road markers are described that have cast bodies and long operating life. The road markers generally include an LED, a solar cell, a rechargeable battery, and control circuitry in a cast body.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Jordan, U.S. application Ser. NO. 10 / 835,362 filed Apt. 28, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,018,131, issued Mar. 28, 2006, and claims the benefit of Jordan & Ames, U.S. Provisional Appl. 60 / 733,129, filed Nov. 2, 2005, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, including drawings.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention concerns road markers, and particularly solar. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The following discussion is provided solely to assist the understanding of the reader, and does not constitute an admission that any of the information discussed or references cited constitute prior art to the present invention. [0004] In most applications, the current road markers are small, rectangular housings that include a reflective material arranged such that light from the headlights from an approaching motor vehicle will be reflected back to the driver, thereby enhancing ...
Claims
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Login to View More IPC IPC(8): E01F9/06
CPCE01F9/065E01F9/559
Inventor JORDAN, WESLEY B.AMES, WESLEY B.
Owner JORDAN WESLEY B