De-icing system for traffic signals
US7211771B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 18, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21Y2115/10
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.