HighwayWiki - User contributions [en]

Marbelite

2014-04-09T23:10:42Z

BigTbird1974: /* Summary */

== Summary ==

(The majority of data on this page directly from [http://home.att.net/~njsignals/marbid/index.htm NJSignals.com] - thanks to Sir Marbelot a.k.a. Francis Khoury)

According to their printed literature [http://updated.marbsignal.com/ the Marbelite Company] began making traffic control equipment in 1923. Marbelite was one of several traffic control manufacturing companies located in the greater New York City area during the first half of the 20th Century. As Marbelite grew, it absorbed the signal product lines (or the entirety) of such companies as Signal Service Corp. (originally [[AGA]] - American Gas Accumulator) in 1945([http://wiki.signaltraffic.com/index.php?title=Image:Marb_ad_1945.gif 1] - THE AMERICAN CITY, December 1945, p.24) and Horni Signal'''[need [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources citation]]'''. In the early years, Marbelite operated in conjunction with a sister company called Ruleta, which also made traffic signals. Ruleta may have been a separate company that was bought out by Marbelite. By the 1950's, Marbelite had become one of the biggest producers of traffic control equipment in the country. The core of their business was in the NY Tri-State area, and for several decades, New York City was pretty much exclusively Marbelite-equipped.

The company's president, Bill Lenz, passed away in 1977, which led to the discontinuation of the company's signal models. Even so, Marbelite continued to manufacture spare parts for its electro-mechanical signal controller models for various municipalities, not to mention New York City. Since the mid 2000s, the company has discontinued the production of spare parts for such signal controllers, and, at the same time period, re-entered the signal manufacturing business when it first designed the M-P6-L pedestrian signal (Marbelite's first polycarbonate signal) for the city of New York.

Originally established in Manhattan, Marbelite eventually moved to the borough of Brooklyn in New York City sometime in the 1940s, where the company was located for a long period of time. The company then relocated to the borough of Staten Island, and finally to Manasquan, New Jersey over ten years ago, where Marbelite is currently located.

Marbelite signals are still fairly common in New Jersey, but their numbers are rapidly dwindling as the new polycarbonate signals replace them en masse.

The signal head design used by Marbelite was ostensibly acquired by General Traffic Equipment Corp. in Newburgh, NY. GTE produces traffic signal heads that look identical to the model that Marbelite was producing in the 70's.

=== Note ===
Because of the folding of the AGA/SSC, Horni and Ruleta companies into Marbelite, there is considerable overlap between these company's signals and little chance of conclusively determining where/when one company ended and Marbelite began (--[[User:Ed T.|Ed T.]] 23:09, 2 July 2007 (EDT))

== Traffic Signals ==
'''(Copy and Pasted the text below from an MSN SFC thread post by Francis Khoury without permission --[[User:Ed T.|Ed T.]] 13:21, 13 February 2008 (EST))'''

"Anyways, I do have a long-winded commentary here - The first signals with the familiar flat-top modular body cast were made by Horni in the late 30's. According to someone from Marbelite whom I grilled over the phone several years ago, the cast ID belonging to the flat-top body (not talking about the door, mind you) was first made in 1938. On a Marbelite flat top, the cast ID sometimes begins with "HS" for Horni Signal.

The early Horni flat-top signal came with INSET doors (sort of like a 1058) but with the reflectors mounted on the door, not on the body, and deeper lens portals to accomodate the reflectors. These reflectors were like those on a Ruleta and can be seen a 4-way Horni here: [http://home.att.net/~njsignals/horni_restoration.htm]. Notice that the doors are inset like a 1058, but you can see the raised bosses extending to the hinges...they look more like a GE than anything else! I have only seen one example of a Horni adjustable flat-top of this ilk on eBay several years ago...I should've bought it! I think Jesse has seen Marbelites that have this style. I think a Marb 4-way with these doors sold on eBay not too long ago..?

SO...my guess is that the first Marbelites had INSET doors with door-mounted reflectors during the 1940's. The 1949 "City of Angels" Marbelite ad looks like this style to me. Next came the lipped doors (starting 1950-ish?), then came the 1058 which looked more like the original inset doors (late 50's?). I can't guess why the style would have changed back to look more like the originals."

=== Four Ways ===

==== SSC Legacy ====

[[Image:Marb UC4way.jpg]]

==== Horni Legacy ====

====Door-Mounted Reflectors====

[[File:Marb4waypyth.jpg|500px]]

[[File:Marbdoorreflectorpyth.jpg|640px]]

=== Adjustables ===

====Flat Top 1st Gen====

====Flat Top 2nd Gen====

====Flat Top 3rd Gen====

====Flat Top 4th Gen====

====TE-19408====

[[File:Te19408pyth.JPG|500px]]

=== Pedestrian ===

====TE-19408====

[[File:Te19408ped1pyth.jpg]]

[[File:Te19408ped2pyth.jpg]]

'''Type M-P6L'''

After on hiatus for nearly 30 years, Marbelite re-entered the signal manufacturing business in the mid 2000s and designed its first polycarbonate signal. Thus, the birth of the model M-P6L. This pedestrian signal is the company's only signal model in production as of present day, and it was designed solely for the city of New York.

[[File:M1.jpg]]

[[File:M2.png]]

== Lenses ==

== Controllers ==

== Hardware ==

== Miscellaneous Images ==
''some quality pictures (overruns) that didn't flow with the article preceding [delete]''

General Traffic Equipment

2014-01-12T01:13:03Z

BigTbird1974: /* Signal Controllers */

==Background==

General Traffic Equipment (also commonly known as G.T.E.) is an American, family-owned signal equipment company that was established in 1978. Since then, the company has provided its own line of signals, equipment, and signal controllers to various states in the country. The company's president is Raymond G. Staffon. Originally, General Traffic Equipment's headquarters was based in Yonkers, New York; however, several years ago, the company relocated to the city of Newburgh in New York, which is the current location. In general, all products of the company are manufactured on premises and are properly packaged and sent to the company's customers. One of the company's largest customers to date is the city of New York.

[[File:G.t.e.jpg|right|]]

==Vehicular Signals==

Along the lines of vehicular signals, General Traffic Equipment has several models to choose from. Both aluminum and polycarbonate, not to mention, in regards to size, 8 and 12 inch. Most of what was manufactured could be viewed in service throughout the city of New York today, and many of these heads have been in service for over ten years. These are typically 8" vehicular signals, and two variations of this size are known to exist on the streets. The first version uses an aluminum housing that is practically identical to that of the model TE-19408 housing from Marbelite, which was manufactured from the mid 1960s until the late 1970s. Incandescent signal indications were originally in use, and then L.E.D. signal indications appeared in later years. As of present day, General Traffic Equipment no longer manufactures this 8" model.[[File:SDC14151.JPG|200px|thumb|left|The back of an 8" first generation aluminum vehicular signal housing from G.T.E. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

It was not until in recent years that the second kind of 8" head was introduced by the company, and its housing is also aluminum. Furthermore, the housing resembles that of an 8" Eagle Mark IV housing, in which the back appears round. General Traffic Equipment does not offer incandescent signal indications for this version, and tunnel visors are typically used for the head, though cutaway and fully circular visors are considered as options as well. This traffic signal has spread throughout various locations in New York City within the past four years or so. Aside from aluminum, a polycarbonate version exists as well. One difference to point out is that, between both kinds, the polycarbonate version uses two latches for each door, while the aluminum version uses only one for each door. [[File:Untitled 1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|An example of a cluster of 8" 2nd generation aluminum vehicular signals from G.T.E. At the corner of Luten Av. and Eyelandt St. Staten Island in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

In continuation of several vehicular signal models offered by General Traffic Equipment, 12" heads are produced as well. A version made of aluminum and polycarbonate exist, and each kind is common to see in some states, like New Jersey and New York, for example. The back of the housing is round in appearance, and this appears similar to that of a 12" Eagle/Siemens vehicular signal.

[[File:12 inch GTE.png|200px|thumb|left|Two-section 12" traffic signal from G.T.E. From Staten Island in New York City. Courtesy of Google Map.]]

To meet various municipalities' needs, General Traffic Equipment offers several different colors for its vehicular signals aside from the rather ordinary factory yellow, such as dark olive green, black, and gray. The company could also take special requests.

==Pedestrian Signals==

General Traffic Equipment's first line of pedestrian signals appeared sometime in the 1990s. At the time, the first model was the P-6. Made from polycarbonate, this model was composed of a 16" housing, which encased a reflector assembly for illumination and a two-piece polycarbonate lens (available as "DONT WALK" and "WALK" and the hand and man). The door contained a louver, which protected the two-piece lens behind it from mainly vandalism. This piece was fire retardant and had a box-grid design. In regards to the housing itself, the model P-6 had a rather unique characteristic, with a small ventilation hole located on the top portion of the back of the housing. Its purpose was simply to remove unwanted heat created by the illumination of the light bulbs inside, and a cap covered the ventilation hole which prevented debris and insects from entering the inside of the housing.

Because of General Traffic Equipment's significant involvement with the city of New York, the model P-6 pedestrian signal spread rapidly throughout New York City from the 1990s until the early 2000s. During this time period, D.O.T. of New York City typically installed it at a newly constructed signalized intersection, while it sometimes replaced an older pedestrian signal. Other times, it was part of an upgrade at an existing signalized intersection. In addition to the usage in the city of New York, the P-6 was also in use elsewhere in New York state.

[[File:SDC14162.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A close-up of the back of a G.T.E. P-6 16" polycarbonate housing. Notice the use of the ventilation hole and cap. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE001.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The front view of a model P-6. Illuminated as "DONT WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:Untitled.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Same view of the model P-6. Illuminated as "WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:G.T.E. P-6 housing.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A view of the side and back of a model P-6. From Staten Island in New York City. Bay Street. Picture taken by Steven Gembara]]

The model P-6 was compatible with L.E.D. inserts, and this was ideal for the time period when alterations of pedestrian signals took place in New York City, from 2000 to 2005 or so. The conversion from "DONT WALK" and "WALK" to the hand and man was possible, and General Traffic Equipment once offered solely pedestrian signal housings for the installations, which led to General Traffic Equipment's discontinuation of the option for the signal to use incandescent illumination sometime in the mid 2000s. The company would also eventually discontinue production of the P-6 and introduce the second version of the model shortly afterward.

The second generation P-6 is practically identical to the first generation as far as design is concerned, but one difference to mention is that the second version has a modified ventilation hole on the back of the housing, and a large cap is not in use, since a smaller one is present. Because incandescent signal indications are outdated, General Traffic Equipment does not offer the option to have the second generation P-6 available as either an incandescent "DONT WALK" and "WALK" or hand and man. Additionally, a box-grid louver is not in use for this version.

[[File:Gte 2nd gen p6.png|200px|thumb|right|A side view of a pair of G.T.E. 2nd generation P-6 pedestrian signals. At Draper Pl. and Richmond Av. Staten Island in New York City. Notice the modified ventilation hole and cap on the back of the one to the left. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

General Traffic Equipment also manufactures the model P-7 pedestrian signal, in which the housing is made from aluminum. The entire design is similar to that of a 16" McCain and I.C.C. pedestrian signal, and it solely uses a L.E.D. hand and man insert. The company offers a louver and visor for the front of the housing. It is not in use in New York City; however, one could assume it is in use elsewhere.

Like its line of vehicular signal models, the company also offers several different colors to municipalities to choose from. The selection is the same, and, in addition to this, special requests could be taken into consideration.

==Signal Controllers==

Since 1984, General Traffic Equipment has been manufacturing and distributing its own line of electro-mechanical signal controllers. They were in use in several states in the country such as Louisiana and New York, and some remain in useful service today, such as in the city of New York. Because electro-mechanical signal controllers are outdated in today's world of traffic control, General Traffic Equipment manufactures them only upon special request. As of present day, General Traffic Equipmet is believed to be the only signal equipment company in America that still manufactures electro-mechanical signal controllers.

There are a handful of electro-mechanical signal controller models that were and are manufactured by the company. These signal controllers show similarities to some signal controllers from the M-30 series of the company Marbelite. Aside from the actual equipment, some of the cabinets themselves also share similarities to what was produced by Marbelite, both small and large. Because of the similarities amongst both kinds of electro-mechanical signal controllers, some parts of the actual signal controllers are interchangeable, so it could be observed in some signal controller cabinets that parts from each company are in use.

[[File:Img 20120725 164820.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Up-close view of an electro-mechanical signal controller from G.T.E. From the headquarters of N.Y.C.D.O.T.]]

General Traffic Equipment offers options for its electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as 1 to 3 dial timers on a signal controller tray, amount of signal circuits depending on the complexity of a signalized intersection, flasher type, and so on and so forth. A majority of those manufactured are pre-timed, so each one follows one time plan according to the configuration of the dial timer itself; however, these could be semi-actuated as well.

[[File:2124348228 f3611c9293 o.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The interior of a large G.T.E. B-3 type cabinet. The signal controller model is that of a special model that was designed for the city of New York in order to meet N.Y.C.D.O.T. specifications. An advantage of the large cabinet is that it provides ample space for the equipment in use inside, not to mention other related equipment (if necessary). Picture taken by user Mack Male of Flickr.]]

While these signal controllers were in use at various locations in the country, they are well known in the city of New York. It is believed that electro-mechanical signal controllers from General Traffic Equipment first appeared on the streets in the 1990s and spread throughout the boroughs in later years. At the time, such a signal controller was typically installed at a newly constructed signalized intersection, since N.Y.C.D.O.T. continued to use electro-mechanical signal controllers until the early 2000s. Other times, one replaced an older signal controller. The signal controller cabinets were painted dark green and frequently used heavy duty lock rings, which generally prevented vandalism. Most of the signal controllers controlled ordinary two-phase signalized intersections, while others controlled fairly more complex signalized intersections in New York City. Though a large percentage of such signal controllers are no longer in use today, some still remain in useful service in various locations.

Since some municipalities apparently continue to use electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment has its own inventory of used electro-mechanical signal controller parts, like cams and dial timers. Aside from its own parts, the company possesses spare parts from several signal equipment companies that once manufactured electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as General Electric, Marbelite, Eagle, and Econolite.

Aside from electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment recently entered the world of computerized signal controllers, and one is being designed. It is unclear when this signal controller will first enter the market.

[[File:NYC GTE 301 19NYC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Two pictures of a G.T.E. electro-mechanical signal controller which was designed for usage in the city of New York. Model 301 19NYC. Notice the use of the heavy duty lock ring on the outside of the cabinet. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE NYC LABEL.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Close-up of a decal on the signal controller tray. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE 301 19NYC TRAY.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A view of the typical G.T.E. signal controller which was commonly used at many signalized intersections throughout New York City. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

General Traffic Equipment

2014-01-12T01:11:39Z

BigTbird1974: /* Signal Controllers */

==Background==

General Traffic Equipment (also commonly known as G.T.E.) is an American, family-owned signal equipment company that was established in 1978. Since then, the company has provided its own line of signals, equipment, and signal controllers to various states in the country. The company's president is Raymond G. Staffon. Originally, General Traffic Equipment's headquarters was based in Yonkers, New York; however, several years ago, the company relocated to the city of Newburgh in New York, which is the current location. In general, all products of the company are manufactured on premises and are properly packaged and sent to the company's customers. One of the company's largest customers to date is the city of New York.

[[File:G.t.e.jpg|right|]]

==Vehicular Signals==

Along the lines of vehicular signals, General Traffic Equipment has several models to choose from. Both aluminum and polycarbonate, not to mention, in regards to size, 8 and 12 inch. Most of what was manufactured could be viewed in service throughout the city of New York today, and many of these heads have been in service for over ten years. These are typically 8" vehicular signals, and two variations of this size are known to exist on the streets. The first version uses an aluminum housing that is practically identical to that of the model TE-19408 housing from Marbelite, which was manufactured from the mid 1960s until the late 1970s. Incandescent signal indications were originally in use, and then L.E.D. signal indications appeared in later years. As of present day, General Traffic Equipment no longer manufactures this 8" model.[[File:SDC14151.JPG|200px|thumb|left|The back of an 8" first generation aluminum vehicular signal housing from G.T.E. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

It was not until in recent years that the second kind of 8" head was introduced by the company, and its housing is also aluminum. Furthermore, the housing resembles that of an 8" Eagle Mark IV housing, in which the back appears round. General Traffic Equipment does not offer incandescent signal indications for this version, and tunnel visors are typically used for the head, though cutaway and fully circular visors are considered as options as well. This traffic signal has spread throughout various locations in New York City within the past four years or so. Aside from aluminum, a polycarbonate version exists as well. One difference to point out is that, between both kinds, the polycarbonate version uses two latches for each door, while the aluminum version uses only one for each door. [[File:Untitled 1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|An example of a cluster of 8" 2nd generation aluminum vehicular signals from G.T.E. At the corner of Luten Av. and Eyelandt St. Staten Island in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

In continuation of several vehicular signal models offered by General Traffic Equipment, 12" heads are produced as well. A version made of aluminum and polycarbonate exist, and each kind is common to see in some states, like New Jersey and New York, for example. The back of the housing is round in appearance, and this appears similar to that of a 12" Eagle/Siemens vehicular signal.

[[File:12 inch GTE.png|200px|thumb|left|Two-section 12" traffic signal from G.T.E. From Staten Island in New York City. Courtesy of Google Map.]]

To meet various municipalities' needs, General Traffic Equipment offers several different colors for its vehicular signals aside from the rather ordinary factory yellow, such as dark olive green, black, and gray. The company could also take special requests.

==Pedestrian Signals==

General Traffic Equipment's first line of pedestrian signals appeared sometime in the 1990s. At the time, the first model was the P-6. Made from polycarbonate, this model was composed of a 16" housing, which encased a reflector assembly for illumination and a two-piece polycarbonate lens (available as "DONT WALK" and "WALK" and the hand and man). The door contained a louver, which protected the two-piece lens behind it from mainly vandalism. This piece was fire retardant and had a box-grid design. In regards to the housing itself, the model P-6 had a rather unique characteristic, with a small ventilation hole located on the top portion of the back of the housing. Its purpose was simply to remove unwanted heat created by the illumination of the light bulbs inside, and a cap covered the ventilation hole which prevented debris and insects from entering the inside of the housing.

Because of General Traffic Equipment's significant involvement with the city of New York, the model P-6 pedestrian signal spread rapidly throughout New York City from the 1990s until the early 2000s. During this time period, D.O.T. of New York City typically installed it at a newly constructed signalized intersection, while it sometimes replaced an older pedestrian signal. Other times, it was part of an upgrade at an existing signalized intersection. In addition to the usage in the city of New York, the P-6 was also in use elsewhere in New York state.

[[File:SDC14162.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A close-up of the back of a G.T.E. P-6 16" polycarbonate housing. Notice the use of the ventilation hole and cap. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE001.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The front view of a model P-6. Illuminated as "DONT WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:Untitled.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Same view of the model P-6. Illuminated as "WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:G.T.E. P-6 housing.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A view of the side and back of a model P-6. From Staten Island in New York City. Bay Street. Picture taken by Steven Gembara]]

The model P-6 was compatible with L.E.D. inserts, and this was ideal for the time period when alterations of pedestrian signals took place in New York City, from 2000 to 2005 or so. The conversion from "DONT WALK" and "WALK" to the hand and man was possible, and General Traffic Equipment once offered solely pedestrian signal housings for the installations, which led to General Traffic Equipment's discontinuation of the option for the signal to use incandescent illumination sometime in the mid 2000s. The company would also eventually discontinue production of the P-6 and introduce the second version of the model shortly afterward.

The second generation P-6 is practically identical to the first generation as far as design is concerned, but one difference to mention is that the second version has a modified ventilation hole on the back of the housing, and a large cap is not in use, since a smaller one is present. Because incandescent signal indications are outdated, General Traffic Equipment does not offer the option to have the second generation P-6 available as either an incandescent "DONT WALK" and "WALK" or hand and man. Additionally, a box-grid louver is not in use for this version.

[[File:Gte 2nd gen p6.png|200px|thumb|right|A side view of a pair of G.T.E. 2nd generation P-6 pedestrian signals. At Draper Pl. and Richmond Av. Staten Island in New York City. Notice the modified ventilation hole and cap on the back of the one to the left. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

General Traffic Equipment also manufactures the model P-7 pedestrian signal, in which the housing is made from aluminum. The entire design is similar to that of a 16" McCain and I.C.C. pedestrian signal, and it solely uses a L.E.D. hand and man insert. The company offers a louver and visor for the front of the housing. It is not in use in New York City; however, one could assume it is in use elsewhere.

Like its line of vehicular signal models, the company also offers several different colors to municipalities to choose from. The selection is the same, and, in addition to this, special requests could be taken into consideration.

==Signal Controllers==

Since 1984, General Traffic Equipment has been manufacturing and distributing its own line of electro-mechanical signal controllers. They were in use in several states in the country such as Louisiana and New York, and some remain in useful service today, such as in the city of New York. Because electro-mechanical signal controllers are outdated in today's world of traffic control, General Traffic Equipment manufactures them only upon special request. As of present day, General Traffic Equipmet is believed to be the only signal equipment company in America that still manufactures electro-mechanical signal controllers.

There are a handful of electro-mechanical signal controller models that were and are manufactured by the company. These signal controllers show similarities to some signal controllers from the M-30 series of the company Marbelite. Aside from the actual equipment, some of the cabinets themselves also share similarities to what was produced by Marbelite, both small and large. Because of the similarities amongst both kinds of electro-mechanical signal controllers, some parts of the actual signal controllers are interchangeable, so it could be observed in some signal controller cabinets that parts from each company are in use.

[[File:Img 20120725 164820.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Up-close view of an electro-mechanical signal controller from G.T.E. From the headquarters of N.Y.C.D.O.T.]]

General Traffic Equipment offers options for its electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as 1 to 3 dial timers on a signal controller tray, amount of signal circuits depending on the complexity of a signalized intersection, flasher type, and so on and so forth. A majority of those manufactured are pre-timed, so each one follows one time plan according to the configuration of the dial timer itself; however, these could be semi-actuated as well.

[[File:2124348228 f3611c9293 o.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The interior of a large G.T.E. B-3 type cabinet. The signal controller model is that of a special model that was designed for the city of New York in order to meet N.Y.C.D.O.T. specifications. An advantage of the large cabinet is that it provides ample space for the equipment in use inside, not to mention other related equipment (if necessary). Picture taken by user Mack Male of Flickr.]]

While these signal controllers were in use at various locations in the country, they are well known in the city of New York. It is believed that electro-mechanical signal controllers from General Traffic Equipment first appeared on the streets in the 1990s and spread throughout the boroughs in later years. At the time, such a signal controller was typically installed at a newly constructed signalized intersection, since N.Y.C.D.O.T. continued to use electro-mechanical signal controllers until the early 2000s. Other times, one replaced an older signal controller. The signal controller cabinets were painted dark green and frequently used heavy duty lock rings, which generally prevented vandalism. Most of the signal controllers controlled ordinary two-phase signalized intersections, while others controlled fairly more complex signalized intersections in New York City. Though a large percentage of such signal controllers are no longer in use today, some still remain in useful service in various locations.

Since some municipalities apparently continue to use electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment has its own inventory of used electro-mechanical signal controller parts, like cams and dial timers. Aside from its own parts, the company possesses spare parts from several signal equipment companies that once manufactured electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as General Electric, Marbelite, Eagle, and Econolite.

Aside from electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment recently entered the world of computerized signal controllers, and one is being designed. It is unclear of when this signal controller will first enter the market.

[[File:NYC GTE 301 19NYC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Two pictures of a G.T.E. electro-mechanical signal controller, in which was designed for usage in the city of New York. Model 301 19NYC. Notice the use of the heavy duty lock ring on the outside of the cabinet. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE NYC LABEL.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Close-up of a decal on the signal controller tray. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE 301 19NYC TRAY.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A view of the typical G.T.E. signal controller which was commonly used at many signalized intersections throughout New York City. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

General Traffic Equipment

2014-01-12T01:01:12Z

BigTbird1974: /* Pedestrian Signals */

==Background==

General Traffic Equipment (also commonly known as G.T.E.) is an American, family-owned signal equipment company that was established in 1978. Since then, the company has provided its own line of signals, equipment, and signal controllers to various states in the country. The company's president is Raymond G. Staffon. Originally, General Traffic Equipment's headquarters was based in Yonkers, New York; however, several years ago, the company relocated to the city of Newburgh in New York, which is the current location. In general, all products of the company are manufactured on premises and are properly packaged and sent to the company's customers. One of the company's largest customers to date is the city of New York.

[[File:G.t.e.jpg|right|]]

==Vehicular Signals==

Along the lines of vehicular signals, General Traffic Equipment has several models to choose from. Both aluminum and polycarbonate, not to mention, in regards to size, 8 and 12 inch. Most of what was manufactured could be viewed in service throughout the city of New York today, and many of these heads have been in service for over ten years. These are typically 8" vehicular signals, and two variations of this size are known to exist on the streets. The first version uses an aluminum housing that is practically identical to that of the model TE-19408 housing from Marbelite, which was manufactured from the mid 1960s until the late 1970s. Incandescent signal indications were originally in use, and then L.E.D. signal indications appeared in later years. As of present day, General Traffic Equipment no longer manufactures this 8" model.[[File:SDC14151.JPG|200px|thumb|left|The back of an 8" first generation aluminum vehicular signal housing from G.T.E. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

It was not until in recent years that the second kind of 8" head was introduced by the company, and its housing is also aluminum. Furthermore, the housing resembles that of an 8" Eagle Mark IV housing, in which the back appears round. General Traffic Equipment does not offer incandescent signal indications for this version, and tunnel visors are typically used for the head, though cutaway and fully circular visors are considered as options as well. This traffic signal has spread throughout various locations in New York City within the past four years or so. Aside from aluminum, a polycarbonate version exists as well. One difference to point out is that, between both kinds, the polycarbonate version uses two latches for each door, while the aluminum version uses only one for each door. [[File:Untitled 1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|An example of a cluster of 8" 2nd generation aluminum vehicular signals from G.T.E. At the corner of Luten Av. and Eyelandt St. Staten Island in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

In continuation of several vehicular signal models offered by General Traffic Equipment, 12" heads are produced as well. A version made of aluminum and polycarbonate exist, and each kind is common to see in some states, like New Jersey and New York, for example. The back of the housing is round in appearance, and this appears similar to that of a 12" Eagle/Siemens vehicular signal.

[[File:12 inch GTE.png|200px|thumb|left|Two-section 12" traffic signal from G.T.E. From Staten Island in New York City. Courtesy of Google Map.]]

To meet various municipalities' needs, General Traffic Equipment offers several different colors for its vehicular signals aside from the rather ordinary factory yellow, such as dark olive green, black, and gray. The company could also take special requests.

==Pedestrian Signals==

General Traffic Equipment's first line of pedestrian signals appeared sometime in the 1990s. At the time, the first model was the P-6. Made from polycarbonate, this model was composed of a 16" housing, which encased a reflector assembly for illumination and a two-piece polycarbonate lens (available as "DONT WALK" and "WALK" and the hand and man). The door contained a louver, which protected the two-piece lens behind it from mainly vandalism. This piece was fire retardant and had a box-grid design. In regards to the housing itself, the model P-6 had a rather unique characteristic, with a small ventilation hole located on the top portion of the back of the housing. Its purpose was simply to remove unwanted heat created by the illumination of the light bulbs inside, and a cap covered the ventilation hole which prevented debris and insects from entering the inside of the housing.

Because of General Traffic Equipment's significant involvement with the city of New York, the model P-6 pedestrian signal spread rapidly throughout New York City from the 1990s until the early 2000s. During this time period, D.O.T. of New York City typically installed it at a newly constructed signalized intersection, while it sometimes replaced an older pedestrian signal. Other times, it was part of an upgrade at an existing signalized intersection. In addition to the usage in the city of New York, the P-6 was also in use elsewhere in New York state.

[[File:SDC14162.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A close-up of the back of a G.T.E. P-6 16" polycarbonate housing. Notice the use of the ventilation hole and cap. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE001.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The front view of a model P-6. Illuminated as "DONT WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:Untitled.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Same view of the model P-6. Illuminated as "WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:G.T.E. P-6 housing.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A view of the side and back of a model P-6. From Staten Island in New York City. Bay Street. Picture taken by Steven Gembara]]

The model P-6 was compatible with L.E.D. inserts, and this was ideal for the time period when alterations of pedestrian signals took place in New York City, from 2000 to 2005 or so. The conversion from "DONT WALK" and "WALK" to the hand and man was possible, and General Traffic Equipment once offered solely pedestrian signal housings for the installations, which led to General Traffic Equipment's discontinuation of the option for the signal to use incandescent illumination sometime in the mid 2000s. The company would also eventually discontinue production of the P-6 and introduce the second version of the model shortly afterward.

The second generation P-6 is practically identical to the first generation as far as design is concerned, but one difference to mention is that the second version has a modified ventilation hole on the back of the housing, and a large cap is not in use, since a smaller one is present. Because incandescent signal indications are outdated, General Traffic Equipment does not offer the option to have the second generation P-6 available as either an incandescent "DONT WALK" and "WALK" or hand and man. Additionally, a box-grid louver is not in use for this version.

[[File:Gte 2nd gen p6.png|200px|thumb|right|A side view of a pair of G.T.E. 2nd generation P-6 pedestrian signals. At Draper Pl. and Richmond Av. Staten Island in New York City. Notice the modified ventilation hole and cap on the back of the one to the left. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

General Traffic Equipment also manufactures the model P-7 pedestrian signal, in which the housing is made from aluminum. The entire design is similar to that of a 16" McCain and I.C.C. pedestrian signal, and it solely uses a L.E.D. hand and man insert. The company offers a louver and visor for the front of the housing. It is not in use in New York City; however, one could assume it is in use elsewhere.

Like its line of vehicular signal models, the company also offers several different colors to municipalities to choose from. The selection is the same, and, in addition to this, special requests could be taken into consideration.

==Signal Controllers==

Since 1984, General Traffic Equipment has been manufacturing and distributing its own line of electro-mechanical signal controllers. They were in use in several states in the country, such as Louisiana and New York, and some remain in useful service today, such as in the city of New York. Because electro-mechanical signal controllers are outdated in today's world of traffic control, General Traffic Equipment seldom manufactures them. They are manufactured only upon special request. As of present day, General Traffic Equipmet is believed to be the only signal equipment company in America that still manufactures electro-mechanical signal controllers.

There are a handful of electro-mechanical signal controller models that were and are manufactured by the company. These signal controllers share similarities mainly to that of some signal controllers from the M-30 series of the company Marbelite. Aside from the actual equipment, some of the cabinets themselves also share similarities to what was produced by Marbelite. Both small and large. Because of the similarities amongst both kinds of electro-mechanical signal controllers, parts with regards to the actual signal controllers are interchangeable, so it could be observed in some signal controller cabinets that parts from each company are in use.

[[File:Img 20120725 164820.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Up-close view of an electro-mechanical signal controller from G.T.E. From the headquarters of N.Y.C.D.O.T.]]

General Traffic Equipment offers options for its electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as 1 to 3 dial timers on a signal controller tray, amount of signal circuits depending on the complexity of a signalized intersection, flasher type, and so on and so forth. A majority of what has manufactured are pre-timed, so each one follows one time plan according to the configuration of the dial timer itself; however, these could be semi-actuated as well.

[[File:2124348228 f3611c9293 o.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The interior of a large G.T.E. B-3 type cabinet. The signal controller model is that of a special model that was designed for the city of New York in order to meet N.Y.C.D.O.T. specifications. An advantage of the large cabinet is that it provides ample space for the equipment in use inside, not to mention other related equipment (if necessary). Picture taken by user Mack Male of Flickr.]]

While these signal controllers were in use at various locations in the country, they are well known in the city of New York. It is believed that electro-mechanical signal controllers from General Traffic Equipment first appeared on the streets in the 1990s and spread throughout the boroughs in later years. At the time, such a signal controller was typically installed at a newly constructed signalized intersection, since N.Y.C.D.O.T. continued to use electro-mechanical signal controllers until the early 2000s. Other times, one replaced an older signal controller. The signal controller cabinets were painted dark green and frequently used heavy duty lock rings, in which generally prevented vandalism. Most of the signal controllers controlled ordinary two-phase signalized intersections, while others controlled fairly more complex signalized intersections in New York City. Though a large percentage of such signal controllers are no longer in use today, some still remain in useful service in various locations.

Since some municipalities apparently continue to use electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment has its own inventory of used electro-mechanical signal controller parts, like cams and dial timers. Aside from its own parts, the company possesses spare parts from several signal equipment companies that once manufactured electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as General Electric, Marbelite, Eagle, and Econolite.

Aside from electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment recently entered the world of computerized signal controllers, and one is being designed. It is unclear of when this signal controller will first enter the market.

[[File:NYC GTE 301 19NYC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Two pictures of a G.T.E. electro-mechanical signal controller, in which was designed for usage in the city of New York. Model 301 19NYC. Notice the use of the heavy duty lock ring on the outside of the cabinet. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE NYC LABEL.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Close-up of a decal on the signal controller tray. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE 301 19NYC TRAY.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A view of the typical G.T.E. signal controller, in which was commonly used at many signalized intersections throughout New York City. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

General Traffic Equipment

2014-01-12T00:48:06Z

BigTbird1974: /* Vehicular Signals */

==Background==

General Traffic Equipment (also commonly known as G.T.E.) is an American, family-owned signal equipment company that was established in 1978. Since then, the company has provided its own line of signals, equipment, and signal controllers to various states in the country. The company's president is Raymond G. Staffon. Originally, General Traffic Equipment's headquarters was based in Yonkers, New York; however, several years ago, the company relocated to the city of Newburgh in New York, which is the current location. In general, all products of the company are manufactured on premises and are properly packaged and sent to the company's customers. One of the company's largest customers to date is the city of New York.

[[File:G.t.e.jpg|right|]]

==Vehicular Signals==

Along the lines of vehicular signals, General Traffic Equipment has several models to choose from. Both aluminum and polycarbonate, not to mention, in regards to size, 8 and 12 inch. Most of what was manufactured could be viewed in service throughout the city of New York today, and many of these heads have been in service for over ten years. These are typically 8" vehicular signals, and two variations of this size are known to exist on the streets. The first version uses an aluminum housing that is practically identical to that of the model TE-19408 housing from Marbelite, which was manufactured from the mid 1960s until the late 1970s. Incandescent signal indications were originally in use, and then L.E.D. signal indications appeared in later years. As of present day, General Traffic Equipment no longer manufactures this 8" model.[[File:SDC14151.JPG|200px|thumb|left|The back of an 8" first generation aluminum vehicular signal housing from G.T.E. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

It was not until in recent years that the second kind of 8" head was introduced by the company, and its housing is also aluminum. Furthermore, the housing resembles that of an 8" Eagle Mark IV housing, in which the back appears round. General Traffic Equipment does not offer incandescent signal indications for this version, and tunnel visors are typically used for the head, though cutaway and fully circular visors are considered as options as well. This traffic signal has spread throughout various locations in New York City within the past four years or so. Aside from aluminum, a polycarbonate version exists as well. One difference to point out is that, between both kinds, the polycarbonate version uses two latches for each door, while the aluminum version uses only one for each door. [[File:Untitled 1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|An example of a cluster of 8" 2nd generation aluminum vehicular signals from G.T.E. At the corner of Luten Av. and Eyelandt St. Staten Island in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

In continuation of several vehicular signal models offered by General Traffic Equipment, 12" heads are produced as well. A version made of aluminum and polycarbonate exist, and each kind is common to see in some states, like New Jersey and New York, for example. The back of the housing is round in appearance, and this appears similar to that of a 12" Eagle/Siemens vehicular signal.

[[File:12 inch GTE.png|200px|thumb|left|Two-section 12" traffic signal from G.T.E. From Staten Island in New York City. Courtesy of Google Map.]]

To meet various municipalities' needs, General Traffic Equipment offers several different colors for its vehicular signals aside from the rather ordinary factory yellow, such as dark olive green, black, and gray. The company could also take special requests.

==Pedestrian Signals==

General Traffic Equipment's first line of pedestrian signals appeared sometime in the 1990s. At the time, the first model was the P-6. Made from polycarbonate, this model was composed of a 16" housing, in which encased a reflector assembly for illumination and a two-piece polycarbonate lens (available as "DONT WALK" and "WALK" and the hand and man). The door contained a louver, in which protected the two-piece lens behind it from mainly vandalism. This piece was fire retardant and had a box-grid design. In regards to the housing itself, the model P-6 had a rather unique characteristic, in which a small ventilation hole was located on the top portion of the back of the housing. Its purpose was simply to remove unwanted heat created by the illumination of the light bulbs inside, and a cap covered the ventilation hole, in which prevented debris and insects from entering the inside of the housing.

Because of General Traffic Equipment's significant involvement with the city of New York, the model P-6 pedestrian signal spread rapidly throughout New York City from the 1990s until the early 2000s. During this time period, D.O.T. of New York City typically installed it at a newly constructed signalized intersection, while it sometimes replaced an older pedestrian signal. Other times, it was part of an upgrade at an existing signalized intersection. In spite of the usage in the city of New York, the P-6 was also in use elsewhere outside of the city in New York state.

[[File:SDC14162.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A close-up of the back of a G.T.E. P-6 16" polycarbonate housing. Notice the use of the ventilation hole and cap. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE001.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The front view of a model P-6. Illuminated as "DONT WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:Untitled.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Same view of the model P-6. Illuminated as "WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:G.T.E. P-6 housing.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A view of the side and back of a model P-6. From Staten Island in New York City. Bay Street. Picture taken by Steven Gembara]]

The model P-6 was compatible with L.E.D. inserts, and this was ideal for the time period of when alterations amongst pedestrian signals took place mainly in New York City, in which was from 2000 to 2005 or so. The conversion from "DONT WALK" and "WALK" to the hand and man was possible, and General Traffic Equipment once offered solely pedestrian signal housings for the installations, in which led to General Traffic Equipment's discontinuation of the option for the pedestrian signal to use incandescent signal indications sometime in the mid 2000s. The company would also eventually discontinue production of the P-6 and introduce the second version of the model shortly afterward.

The second generation P-6 is practically identical to the first generation as far as design is concerned, but one difference to mention is that the second version has a modified ventilation hole on the back of the housing, and a large cap is not in use, since a smaller one is present. Because incandescent signal indications are outdated, General Traffic Equipment does not offer the option to have the second generation P-6 available as either an incandescent "DONT WALK" and "WALK" or hand and man. Additionally, a box-grid louver is not in use for this version.

[[File:Gte 2nd gen p6.png|200px|thumb|right|A side view of a pair of G.T.E. 2nd generation P-6 pedestrian signals. At Draper Pl. and Richmond Av. Staten Island in New York City. Notice the modified ventilation hole and cap on the back of the one to the left. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

General Traffic Equipment also manufactures the model P-7 pedestrian signal, in which the housing is made from aluminum. The entire design is similar to that of a 16" McCain and I.C.C. pedestrian signal, and it solely uses a L.E.D. hand and man insert. The company offers a louver and visor for the front of the housing. It is not in use in New York City; however, one could assume it is in use elsewhere.

Like its line of vehicular signal models, the company also offers several different colors to municipalities to choose from. The selection is the same, and, in addition to this, special requests could be taken into consideration.

==Signal Controllers==

Since 1984, General Traffic Equipment has been manufacturing and distributing its own line of electro-mechanical signal controllers. They were in use in several states in the country, such as Louisiana and New York, and some remain in useful service today, such as in the city of New York. Because electro-mechanical signal controllers are outdated in today's world of traffic control, General Traffic Equipment seldom manufactures them. They are manufactured only upon special request. As of present day, General Traffic Equipmet is believed to be the only signal equipment company in America that still manufactures electro-mechanical signal controllers.

There are a handful of electro-mechanical signal controller models that were and are manufactured by the company. These signal controllers share similarities mainly to that of some signal controllers from the M-30 series of the company Marbelite. Aside from the actual equipment, some of the cabinets themselves also share similarities to what was produced by Marbelite. Both small and large. Because of the similarities amongst both kinds of electro-mechanical signal controllers, parts with regards to the actual signal controllers are interchangeable, so it could be observed in some signal controller cabinets that parts from each company are in use.

[[File:Img 20120725 164820.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Up-close view of an electro-mechanical signal controller from G.T.E. From the headquarters of N.Y.C.D.O.T.]]

General Traffic Equipment offers options for its electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as 1 to 3 dial timers on a signal controller tray, amount of signal circuits depending on the complexity of a signalized intersection, flasher type, and so on and so forth. A majority of what has manufactured are pre-timed, so each one follows one time plan according to the configuration of the dial timer itself; however, these could be semi-actuated as well.

[[File:2124348228 f3611c9293 o.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The interior of a large G.T.E. B-3 type cabinet. The signal controller model is that of a special model that was designed for the city of New York in order to meet N.Y.C.D.O.T. specifications. An advantage of the large cabinet is that it provides ample space for the equipment in use inside, not to mention other related equipment (if necessary). Picture taken by user Mack Male of Flickr.]]

While these signal controllers were in use at various locations in the country, they are well known in the city of New York. It is believed that electro-mechanical signal controllers from General Traffic Equipment first appeared on the streets in the 1990s and spread throughout the boroughs in later years. At the time, such a signal controller was typically installed at a newly constructed signalized intersection, since N.Y.C.D.O.T. continued to use electro-mechanical signal controllers until the early 2000s. Other times, one replaced an older signal controller. The signal controller cabinets were painted dark green and frequently used heavy duty lock rings, in which generally prevented vandalism. Most of the signal controllers controlled ordinary two-phase signalized intersections, while others controlled fairly more complex signalized intersections in New York City. Though a large percentage of such signal controllers are no longer in use today, some still remain in useful service in various locations.

Since some municipalities apparently continue to use electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment has its own inventory of used electro-mechanical signal controller parts, like cams and dial timers. Aside from its own parts, the company possesses spare parts from several signal equipment companies that once manufactured electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as General Electric, Marbelite, Eagle, and Econolite.

Aside from electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment recently entered the world of computerized signal controllers, and one is being designed. It is unclear of when this signal controller will first enter the market.

[[File:NYC GTE 301 19NYC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Two pictures of a G.T.E. electro-mechanical signal controller, in which was designed for usage in the city of New York. Model 301 19NYC. Notice the use of the heavy duty lock ring on the outside of the cabinet. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE NYC LABEL.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Close-up of a decal on the signal controller tray. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE 301 19NYC TRAY.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A view of the typical G.T.E. signal controller, in which was commonly used at many signalized intersections throughout New York City. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

General Traffic Equipment

2014-01-12T00:42:24Z

BigTbird1974: /* Background */

==Background==

General Traffic Equipment (also commonly known as G.T.E.) is an American, family-owned signal equipment company that was established in 1978. Since then, the company has provided its own line of signals, equipment, and signal controllers to various states in the country. The company's president is Raymond G. Staffon. Originally, General Traffic Equipment's headquarters was based in Yonkers, New York; however, several years ago, the company relocated to the city of Newburgh in New York, which is the current location. In general, all products of the company are manufactured on premises and are properly packaged and sent to the company's customers. One of the company's largest customers to date is the city of New York.

[[File:G.t.e.jpg|right|]]

==Vehicular Signals==

Along the lines of vehicular signals, General Traffic Equipment has several models to choose from. Both aluminum and polycarbonate, not to mention, in regards to size, 8 and 12 inch. Most of what was manufactured could be viewed in service throughout the city of New York today, and many of these heads have been in service for over ten years. These are typically 8" vehicular signals, and two variations of this size are known to exist on the streets. The first version uses an aluminum housing that is practically identical to that of the model TE-19408 housing from Marbelite, in which was manufactured from the mid 1960s until the late 1970s. Incandescent signal indications were originally in use, and then L.E.D. signal indications appeared in later years. As of present day, General Traffic Equipment no longer manufactures this 8" model.[[File:SDC14151.JPG|200px|thumb|left|The back of an 8" first generation aluminum vehicular signal housing from G.T.E. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

It was not until in recent years that the second kind of 8" head was introduced by the company, and its housing is also aluminum. Furthermore, the housing resembles that of an 8" Eagle Mark IV housing, in which the back appears round. General Traffic Equipment does not offer incandescent signal indications for this version, and tunnel visors are typically used for the head. Though cutaway and fully circular visors are considered as options as well. This traffic signal has spread throughout various locations in New York City within the past four years or so. Aside from aluminum, a polycarbonate version exists as well. One difference to point out is that, between both kinds, the polycarbonate version uses two latches for each door, while the aluminum version uses only one for each door. [[File:Untitled 1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|An example of a cluster of 8" 2nd generation aluminum vehicular signals from G.T.E. At the corner of Luten Av. and Eyelandt St. Staten Island in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

In continuation of several vehicular signal models offered by General Traffic Equipment, 12" heads are produced as well. A version made of aluminum and polycarbonate exist, and each kind is common to see in some states, like New Jersey and New York, for example. The back of the housing is round in appearance, and this appears similar to that of a 12" Eagle/Siemens vehicular signal.

[[File:12 inch GTE.png|200px|thumb|left|Two-section 12" traffic signal from G.T.E. From Staten Island in New York City. Courtesy of Google Map.]]

To meet various municipalities' needs, General Traffic Equipment offers several different colors for its vehicular signals aside from the rather ordinary factory yellow, such as dark olive green, black, and gray. The company could also take special requests.

==Pedestrian Signals==

General Traffic Equipment's first line of pedestrian signals appeared sometime in the 1990s. At the time, the first model was the P-6. Made from polycarbonate, this model was composed of a 16" housing, in which encased a reflector assembly for illumination and a two-piece polycarbonate lens (available as "DONT WALK" and "WALK" and the hand and man). The door contained a louver, in which protected the two-piece lens behind it from mainly vandalism. This piece was fire retardant and had a box-grid design. In regards to the housing itself, the model P-6 had a rather unique characteristic, in which a small ventilation hole was located on the top portion of the back of the housing. Its purpose was simply to remove unwanted heat created by the illumination of the light bulbs inside, and a cap covered the ventilation hole, in which prevented debris and insects from entering the inside of the housing.

Because of General Traffic Equipment's significant involvement with the city of New York, the model P-6 pedestrian signal spread rapidly throughout New York City from the 1990s until the early 2000s. During this time period, D.O.T. of New York City typically installed it at a newly constructed signalized intersection, while it sometimes replaced an older pedestrian signal. Other times, it was part of an upgrade at an existing signalized intersection. In spite of the usage in the city of New York, the P-6 was also in use elsewhere outside of the city in New York state.

[[File:SDC14162.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A close-up of the back of a G.T.E. P-6 16" polycarbonate housing. Notice the use of the ventilation hole and cap. From lower Manhattan in New York City. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE001.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The front view of a model P-6. Illuminated as "DONT WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:Untitled.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Same view of the model P-6. Illuminated as "WALK." From user "mcorivervsaf."]]

[[File:G.T.E. P-6 housing.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A view of the side and back of a model P-6. From Staten Island in New York City. Bay Street. Picture taken by Steven Gembara]]

The model P-6 was compatible with L.E.D. inserts, and this was ideal for the time period of when alterations amongst pedestrian signals took place mainly in New York City, in which was from 2000 to 2005 or so. The conversion from "DONT WALK" and "WALK" to the hand and man was possible, and General Traffic Equipment once offered solely pedestrian signal housings for the installations, in which led to General Traffic Equipment's discontinuation of the option for the pedestrian signal to use incandescent signal indications sometime in the mid 2000s. The company would also eventually discontinue production of the P-6 and introduce the second version of the model shortly afterward.

The second generation P-6 is practically identical to the first generation as far as design is concerned, but one difference to mention is that the second version has a modified ventilation hole on the back of the housing, and a large cap is not in use, since a smaller one is present. Because incandescent signal indications are outdated, General Traffic Equipment does not offer the option to have the second generation P-6 available as either an incandescent "DONT WALK" and "WALK" or hand and man. Additionally, a box-grid louver is not in use for this version.

[[File:Gte 2nd gen p6.png|200px|thumb|right|A side view of a pair of G.T.E. 2nd generation P-6 pedestrian signals. At Draper Pl. and Richmond Av. Staten Island in New York City. Notice the modified ventilation hole and cap on the back of the one to the left. Picture taken by Steven Gembara.]]

General Traffic Equipment also manufactures the model P-7 pedestrian signal, in which the housing is made from aluminum. The entire design is similar to that of a 16" McCain and I.C.C. pedestrian signal, and it solely uses a L.E.D. hand and man insert. The company offers a louver and visor for the front of the housing. It is not in use in New York City; however, one could assume it is in use elsewhere.

Like its line of vehicular signal models, the company also offers several different colors to municipalities to choose from. The selection is the same, and, in addition to this, special requests could be taken into consideration.

==Signal Controllers==

Since 1984, General Traffic Equipment has been manufacturing and distributing its own line of electro-mechanical signal controllers. They were in use in several states in the country, such as Louisiana and New York, and some remain in useful service today, such as in the city of New York. Because electro-mechanical signal controllers are outdated in today's world of traffic control, General Traffic Equipment seldom manufactures them. They are manufactured only upon special request. As of present day, General Traffic Equipmet is believed to be the only signal equipment company in America that still manufactures electro-mechanical signal controllers.

There are a handful of electro-mechanical signal controller models that were and are manufactured by the company. These signal controllers share similarities mainly to that of some signal controllers from the M-30 series of the company Marbelite. Aside from the actual equipment, some of the cabinets themselves also share similarities to what was produced by Marbelite. Both small and large. Because of the similarities amongst both kinds of electro-mechanical signal controllers, parts with regards to the actual signal controllers are interchangeable, so it could be observed in some signal controller cabinets that parts from each company are in use.

[[File:Img 20120725 164820.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Up-close view of an electro-mechanical signal controller from G.T.E. From the headquarters of N.Y.C.D.O.T.]]

General Traffic Equipment offers options for its electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as 1 to 3 dial timers on a signal controller tray, amount of signal circuits depending on the complexity of a signalized intersection, flasher type, and so on and so forth. A majority of what has manufactured are pre-timed, so each one follows one time plan according to the configuration of the dial timer itself; however, these could be semi-actuated as well.

[[File:2124348228 f3611c9293 o.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The interior of a large G.T.E. B-3 type cabinet. The signal controller model is that of a special model that was designed for the city of New York in order to meet N.Y.C.D.O.T. specifications. An advantage of the large cabinet is that it provides ample space for the equipment in use inside, not to mention other related equipment (if necessary). Picture taken by user Mack Male of Flickr.]]

While these signal controllers were in use at various locations in the country, they are well known in the city of New York. It is believed that electro-mechanical signal controllers from General Traffic Equipment first appeared on the streets in the 1990s and spread throughout the boroughs in later years. At the time, such a signal controller was typically installed at a newly constructed signalized intersection, since N.Y.C.D.O.T. continued to use electro-mechanical signal controllers until the early 2000s. Other times, one replaced an older signal controller. The signal controller cabinets were painted dark green and frequently used heavy duty lock rings, in which generally prevented vandalism. Most of the signal controllers controlled ordinary two-phase signalized intersections, while others controlled fairly more complex signalized intersections in New York City. Though a large percentage of such signal controllers are no longer in use today, some still remain in useful service in various locations.

Since some municipalities apparently continue to use electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment has its own inventory of used electro-mechanical signal controller parts, like cams and dial timers. Aside from its own parts, the company possesses spare parts from several signal equipment companies that once manufactured electro-mechanical signal controllers, such as General Electric, Marbelite, Eagle, and Econolite.

Aside from electro-mechanical signal controllers, General Traffic Equipment recently entered the world of computerized signal controllers, and one is being designed. It is unclear of when this signal controller will first enter the market.

[[File:NYC GTE 301 19NYC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Two pictures of a G.T.E. electro-mechanical signal controller, in which was designed for usage in the city of New York. Model 301 19NYC. Notice the use of the heavy duty lock ring on the outside of the cabinet. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE NYC LABEL.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Close-up of a decal on the signal controller tray. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]

[[File:GTE 301 19NYC TRAY.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A view of the typical G.T.E. signal controller, in which was commonly used at many signalized intersections throughout New York City. From the collection of Steven Gembara.]]