US3336574A

US3336574A - Auxiliary controllers for warning of malfunction for electrical traffic light systems

Info

Publication number: US3336574A
Application number: US432514A
Authority: US
Inventors: John V Selzer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1965-02-15
Filing date: 1965-02-15
Publication date: 1967-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 1984-08-15

Description

Aug. 15, M67 J v. SELZER 3,336,574

AUXILIARY CONTROLLE 'RS FOR WARNING OF MALF'UNCTION FOR ELECTRICAL TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEMS Filed Feb. 15, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet l r 3. l E 14 TERM/M415 0/V /I )7 F/XED T/ME co/vr/Qozzg/e 7 I I Hi 70 msww Raw s M l I /4 /7 I i M 3 THERM AL RELAY l8 /8 f "r M /Z /2 F/wM CENTRAL 3m r/o/v REM. FMS/, X M T/ME 04004 M fiM/A/ 5f l ram; CKTLE Zf/VG n/ INVENTOR.

Aug. 15, 1967 AUXILIARY CONTROLLERS FOR WARNING OF MALFUNCTION FOR ELECTRICAL TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEMS Filbd Feb. 15, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 CONTROLLER l NVENTOR. Jay/v M 55125 J. v. SELZER 3,336,574

United States l atent ()fiice 3,336,574 Patented Aug. 15, 1967 3,336,574 AUXILIARY CONTROLLERS FOR WARNING F MALFUNCTIION FOR ELECTRICAL TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEMS John V. Selzer, 410 Linden Blvd, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11203 Filed Feb. 15, 1965, Ser. No. 432,514 16 Claims. (Cl. 340-41) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An auxiliary control device for electric systems is pro- -vided which is capable of taking over the control of the operation of an electrical system from aprimary controller when the primary controller malfunctions for reasons other than a power failure. The auxiliary controllers of the present invention are preferred for use in trafiic control in conjunction with a primary trafiic signal light controller having a plurality of different light sources to flash a warning light upon failure of the signal light controller to follow a preset change pattern. The auxiliary traific controller comprises means responsive to the duration of time that any one of a number of light sources is actuated for automatically giving a visual indication when that duration of time exceeds a predetermined value.

One of the fields in which my device will be especially useful is that of signal systems for traflic control. In present day traffic control systems there are no devices capable of taking over the manipulation of the lights when the signal control device goes awry. Thus at present, when the control device breaks down, for other than power failure, the lights attain a status quo, with one permanently green, or amber and the other permanently red, causing an obviously abnormal and dangerous condition at the intersection. To anticipate this situation, I have created a device which will step in and take over the control of the lights and which will cause one light, phase A, to flash amber (caution) and another, phase B, to flash red (stop, then go). In this way traflic automatically would be orderly controlled Without the use of the controller.

More specifically, I have created a device whose leads can be attached to the trafiic light terminals on the controller panel and which will be triggered at the beginning of the lighting cycle and cancelled at the end of the lighting cycle and which automatically will take control of the lights if the controller fails for other than a power failure.

It is obvious from the foregoing that in addition to its trafiic application, the device can be used beneficially to control industrial machines and processes. This is especially true where an industrial machine controller 'details steps which are harmful if improperly timed and main controller malfunctions.

A further object is to form a device which provides an auxiliary control for a traflic intersection.

I accomplish the above and many other objectives by forming my intersection protective device for trafiic control and my process protection device of circuitry, a number of current switching means and a timer and a switch operated by the timer, some of said circuitry and switching means connecting several terminals on the lamp control panel to the timer and one of the circuits connecting a power terminal to a flasher terminal on the panel through the timer operated switch.

For further comprehension of the invention and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description, the accompanying drawings and to the appended claims in which novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a wiring diagram of the invention suitable for use with a fixed time controller.

FIG. 2 is a detail showing the light functioning relationship between the colored lamps at a main and side street intersection.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary portion of the wiring diagram in FIG. 1 slightly altered to make the invention suitable for use with a semi-actuated normally stopped controller.

In the drawing and in the specification in which like numerals indicate similar elements, my secondary control device 10 is shown adapted for traffic control, and the terminals are all so designated. However, it should be noted that the same device could be connected to the control panel on an industrial machine and the terminals be other elements of the machine.

The control device 10 (FIG. 1) is comprised in general of circuits 11, a plurality of relays 12, switches or means which can be electrically, thermally or manually controlled to open and close circuits 11 and a timer 13.

The circuitry of my control device 10 is secured to the terminals FL (flasher), C (common line), P (power line), G (green light on Phase 1, Main St.), A A or A (amber lights on Phases 2, 3, 4, secondary or side streets) of a fixed time traflic intersection controller and to a line leading to a time clock or remote flasher at the control station. The fixed time controller is one which runs continuously and automatically.

It should be noted that the normal traflic system in use at present (FIG. 2) conforms to the diagram shown in FIG. 2. That is Phase 1, Main Street, shows a green light (G followed by an amber light (A while Phase 2, side street, shows a red light (R throughout. Then when Phase 1, Main Street, shows a red light (R Phase 2, side street, shows a green light (G followed by an amber light (A thus terminating a complete cycle.

The relays, switches or means which are electrically, thermally, or mechanically controlled to open and close circuits are as follows: electrically controlled relays R and R (normally open) and relays R and R (normally closed), thermal relay R (normally open), a push button switch B (normally closed), an on-off switch S (normally closed) and a switch S normally extending across contacts BE but capable of being operated by the timer 13' to extend across contacts B-D. If the timer 13 is mechanical, switch S would be mechanical, but if the timer is electronic, the switch would be a relay or an electronic switch.

The diagram (FIG. 1) shows the device in an inoperative condition but capable of transmitting current from the central stations remote flasher or time clock X through lines 14 and coil of relay R to the common terminal C, and also through lines 14 and switch S (when it extends across BE) to the terminal FL, and flashing relays (not shown) connected to the terminal FL are energized establishing a second light system. Also when current passes through the coils of relay R its normally closed switch is opened and the timer is deenergized and stops.

In addition, when the intersection shows a green light on the Main Street, terminal G is energized and current travels along the line 15 through the relay coil of R to the common terminal C, energizing it thereby and closing its switch.

When the relay switch R is closed, a current passes from terminal P (Power) through lines 16, relay switch R relay coil R (closing its switch) and to the common terminal. The closing of relay switch R permits power to travel across it from the normally closed switch of relay R through the normally closed push button switch B through the normally closed switch of relay R through the normally closed switch S and through timer 13 (starting its cycle) and back to the common terminal C.

When the green light on the Main Street goes off, power ceases in terminal G and line 16 and relay switch R opens, cutting off any current therethrough. However, as the current passes from terminal P through line 17, the normally closed switch of relay R to contact D of switch S and also through the switch of relay R push button switch B (normally closed), switch of relay R (normally closed), switch S (normally closed) to and through timer and back to common terminal C. It should be noted that the de-energization of terminal G does not open the switch of relay R as the current from terminal P through line 17 and the switch of relay R also goes through its relay coil (holding its switch closed) and line 16 to the common terminal C. Thus relay switch R becomes locked in a closed position from the moment terminal G is energized until relay switch R opens the circuit of line 17. Thus the timer continues to function even after the green light on the Main Street is de-energized. However, when the relay coil of R is de-energized and its switch is open and the relay of R is energized, opening its switch, all current from terminal P to the timer is stopped and the timer resets.

When the amber light on the side street A is energized, current travels from terminal A along line 18 through the coil of relay R energizing it, and opening its switch, cutting off the current from terminal P to the timer. Thus current is fed to and operates the timer through the use of circuits 15, 16 and 17 from the instant terminal G is energized (green light on Main Street, Phase 1) until amber light A (Phase 2) is energized on the side street. However, if A is not energized due to a malfunction in the controller then current continues to the timer and if the timer 13 operates overlong it throws its switch S to close contacts B-D. The closing of contacts B-D energizes a circuit from terminal P to the flasher FL terminal.

The line 18, as well as extending across the coil of relay R extends across the coil of the thermal relay R If the amber light and its terminal A are energized overlong, the relay coil of the thermal relay R heat and close its switch, permitting current from terminal P (power) to pass through lines 17 (heretofore defined), into and through line 19 and through line 16 (heretofore defined), to the timer. Thus, if the amber light on the side street A stays on too long due to a malfunction in the controller, then the timer operates beyond its set cycle length and throws its switch S from position B-E to position B-D.

When switch S closes contacts B-D, a circuit is established from terminal P (power) through line 17 across switch 3-D and through line 14 to flasher terminal FL, causing a flashing relay (not shown) to be energized and so establishes a secondary light control over the intersection.

The on-off switch is used solely to disconnect the timer from all circuits for its repair or resetting or while the controller is being manually operated.

The push button is used for momentary stoppage of the timer and for its resetting.

It should be clearly understood that while I have described and shown my device with electronic and thermally operated relay switches, a push button and an on-oif switch, other means capable of performing the same functions could be used, and a single switch could service the purpose of the on-off and push button switches.

The device 5t) (FIG. 3) is a slight modification of the device 10 making it suitable for use with a semi-actuated normally stopped controller. The semi-actuated normally stopped controller usually is used on an intersection where traflic is very heavy on the Main Street and very :light on the side street. This pattern of traffic requires almost a continuous green light on the Main Street and an irregular intermittent green light on the side street. Thus there is provided at the intersection a detector device which, when alerted, energizes the controller to commence its cyclical operation. After one pro-determined cycle the controller automatically stops and the permanent green light goes on (on the Main Street) and continues until the detector again starts the controller cycle. The controller here used is additionally provided with terminals D.P. (Detector Power) and D (Detector Device); the DP. terminal usually being provided with considerably less voltage than the terminal P, and D terminal being connected to a detector device. The detector device is also connected to the controller in order to alert it to commence its cycle.

The device 50 is similar to the device 10 except for the additional relay R whose relay coil is connected to terminals DP. and D. of the controller forming circuit 51, and for the introduction into the circuit 15 (extending from terminal G through relay switch coil of relay R to the common terminal C) of the switch of relay R Thus the energization of circuit 51 closes relay switch R and permits relay switch R to close when current is supplied to terminal G from the controller and the cycle is commenced. But when the detector no longer registers a presence, terminal D is deactivated, current ceases in circuit 51 and relay switch R opens thus causing the device 50 to stop at the end of the light cycle. When the controller stops the green light goes on for the Main Street.

It should be understood that while I have illustrated and described my device and a modification thereof in connection with a traffic intersection controller and for use as a secondary trafiic control When the operating controller ceases to function for other than power failure, my device could also be used in connection with any industrial machine controller having electric power terminals to which the circuits defined and illustrated herein could be secured, to act as a secondary means of control. Therefore, I do not limit myself to the precise construction and use herein disclosed and I reserve the right to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in any of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by United States patent is:

1. A circuit arrangement for actuating a safety device upon malfunction of an outside power source, said arrangement comprising a first, second, and third switch, a timer, a timer switch, a constant power source, means for electrical connection to a constant power source, and a plurality of intermittent power source means for electrical connection to a plurality of power sources,

said first switch being connected in series with said second switch and comprising means for actuating said second switch upon actuation of said first switch through a first of said plurality of intermittent power source means,

said first switch being interconnected with said timer for actuating said timer to time the duration of interconnection of said first intermittent power source means with said circuit arrangement,

said timer switch comprising a means for actuating a signal if said duration exceeds a pre-determined value,

said second switch being connected to said constant power source means through said first switch and through said third switch,

said second switch also being connected with said timer independently of said first switch,

said third switch being connected with a second intermittent power source means which upon actuation causes de-actuation of said timer and said second switch.

2. A circuit arrangement for actuating a safety device upon malfunction of an outside power source, said arrangement comprising a first, second and third switch, a timer, a time switch, a time delay means, a constant power source, means for electrical connection to a constant power source, and a plurality of intermittent power source means for electrical connection to a plurality of power sources,

said timer switch comprising a means for actuating a signal if said duration exceeds a predetermined value,

said third switch being connected with a second intermittent power source means which upon actuation causes d e-actuation of said timer and said second switch,

said time delay means being connected in series with said third switch for sensing a predetermined duration of interconnection of said second intermittent power source means to cause actuation of a signal.

3. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 2 wherein said time delay means comprises a thermal relay connected in series wit-h said timer.

4. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first, second and third switches are relays.

5. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 2 wherein said timer switch is connected in series with a light source,

and means for interconnecting said light source with a signal from a central station.

6. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 5 wherein said means for interconnecting said light source includes a relay means for isolating said timer from said constant power source means and said plurality of intermittent power source means.

7. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 5 wherein said means for interconnecting said light source includes a portion of said timer switch.

8. A circuit arrangement in accordance with claim 2 wherein a relay is positioned between said first intermittent power source means and said first switch,

said relay having means for interconnection with an outside power source.

9. In an auxiliary trafiic control apparatus for use in conjunction with a trafiic signal light controller having a plurality of different light souces, to flash a warning light upon failure of said signal light controller to follow a preset change pattern, the improvement comprising,

means responsive to the duration of time that any one of said light sources is actuated for automatically giving a visual indication when said duration of time exceeds a predetermined value.

10. The improvement in accordance with claim 9 wherein said means comprises an independent power source, a timer and a flashing light source,

means for selectively connecting said independent power source with said flashing light source through said timer upon actuation of said timer by any one of said light sources exceeding said predetermined value.

11. The improvement in accordance with claim 10 wherein said means for selectively connecting comprises at least two relays connected together in series.

12. The improvement in accordance with claim 11 wherein said means for selectively connecting further comprises a third relay in series with a time delay means for deactuating said two relays and actuating said timer when said third relay is actuated beyond a predetermined duration of time.

13. The improvement in accordance with claim '12 wherein said time delay means comprises a thermal relay.

14. An auxiliary control device for use as a replacement for a control device provided with a constant elec tric power source, a plurality of intermittent power sources, a common source and an alarm terminal, said auxiliary control device comprised of a plurality of circuits having a plurality of switches and switch motivating means, a timer, a switch operated by said timer and a plurality of connecting means,

a first of said circuits being connected by a portion of said connecting means to an intermittent power source and to a common source and having the first of said switch motivating means in said first circuit,

a second of said circuits being connected by said connecting means to the constant electric power source and to the common source and having in its circuit, in series, the first switch and a second switch motivating means, and in parallel with said second switch motivating means a second switch operated by said second switch motivating means and a third switch, and a portion of said second circuit extending from a contact on said second switch to and through the timer to the common terminal,

a third of said circuits being connected by a portion of said connecting means to a second intermittent power source and to said common terminal and in said third circuit a third switch motivating means capable of activating said third switch,

a fourth circuit extending from the constant power source to a contact of the timer switch and from a second contact of the timer switch to the said alarm terminal,

whereby when the first and third switch motivating means are de-activated opening said first, second and third switches, current to the timer ceases.

15. A device as defined in claim 14 and its third circuit having in addition an electrically motivating timing means positioned in parallel with said third switch motivating means and a fourth switch actuated by said electrical timing means,

and a fifth circuit connecting said fourth switch to the constant power source and to and through the timer to the common terminal whereby the power from the second intermittent power source through the electrical timing means controls the duration of time the fifth circuit and the timer are energized.

16. An arrangement of circuits in accordance with claim 14 and in addition an electrically motivated timing means positioned in parallel with said third switch motivating means and a fourth switch actuated by said electrical timing means,

and a fifth circuit connecting said fourth switch to the constant power source and to the alarm terminal.

No references cited.

NEIL C. READ, Primary Examiner. THOMAS B. HABECKER, Examiner.

Claims

1. A CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR ACTUATING A SAFETY DEVICE UPON MALFUNCTION OF AN OUTSIDE POWER SOURCE, SAID ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD SWITCH, A TIMER, A TIMER SWITCH, A CONSTANT POWER SOURCE, MEANS FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO A CONSTANT POWER SOURCE, AND A PLURALITY OF INTERMITTENT POWER SOURCE MEANS FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO A PLURALITY OF POWER SOURCES, SAID FIRST SWITCH BEING CONNECTED IN SERIES WITH SAID SECOND SWITCH AND COMPRISING MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID SECOND SWITCH UPON ACTUATION OF SAID FIRST SWITCH THROUGH A FIRST OF SAID PLURALITY OF INTERMITTENT POWER SOURCE MEANS, SAID FIRST SWITCH BEING INTERCONNECTED WITH SAID TIMER FOR ACTUATING SAID TIMER TO TIME THE DURATION OF INTERCONNECTION OF SAID FIRST INTERMITTENT POWER SOURCE MEANS WITH SAID CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT, SAID TIMER SWITCH COMPRISING A MEANS FOR ACTUATING A SIGNAL IF SAID DURATION EXCEEDS A PRE-DETERMINED VALUE, SAID SECOND SWITCH BEING CONNECTED TO SAID CONSTANT POWER SOURCE MEANS THROUGH SAID FIRST SWITCH AND THROUGH SAID THIRD SWITCH, SAID SECOND SWITCH ALSO BEING CONNECTED WITH SAID TIMER INDEPENDENTLY OF SAID FIRST SWITCH, SAID THIRD SWITCH BEING CONNECTED WITH A SECOND INTERMITTENT POWER SOURCE MEANS WHICH UPON ACTUATION CAUSES DE-ACTUATION OF SAID TIMER AND SAID SECOND SWITCH.