De-icing system for traffic signals
November 18, 2025. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesPlanar heater for liquid crystal element Signal light unit having heat dissipating function Heat dissipating L.E.D. traffic light Thermally protected LED array LED lamp assembly with means to conduct heat away from the LEDS Optically clear housing and reduced cure time potting compound for use with object sensor Embedded led lighting system Probe and integrated ice detection and air data system Led vehicular light assembly with heater Patent #: 6601983 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 11281597 filed on 11/18/2005US Classes:219/502, Utilizing light-sensitive and/or responsive means219/213, Static structure (e.g., building pavement, etc.)219/497, Comprising voltage and/or current measuring and comparing or combining means219/501, Including semiconductor means (e.g., transistor)116/202, Visual light signal340/581, Thermal73/866.1, INSTRUMENT MECHANISM OR TRANSMISSION73/170.26, Icing condition (e.g., accretion)362/545, Including light emitting diode362/249With supportExaminersPrimary: Paschall, Mark H.Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassH05B 1/02AbstractA circuit is disclosed for detecting and eliminating the buildup of snow and/or ice on the viewable face of an LED traffic signal lens. The circuit measures the ambient temperature within the LED signal, and when the temperature falls to a level where snow and/or ice accumulation can occur, the circuit begins looking for snow and/or ice buildup on the lens of the LED signal. An infrared LED transmits a signal which is reflected when snow or ice is present on the lens of the traffic signal. When the reflected signal is received by an infrared receiver, it sends a signal to a microcontroller, which analyzes the signal to determine if it is a valid signal. If it is, a heater is turned on until the ice and snow are removed.Field of SearchStatic structure (e.g., building pavement, etc.)Comprising voltage and/or current measuring and comparing or combining means Including semiconductor means (e.g., transistor) Utilizing light-sensitive and/or responsive means With current connection and/or disconnection means (e.g., switch) Plural means intermittently or selectively operated With indicator means Visual light signal Thermal | |
