HighwayWiki - User contributions [en]

Econolite

2014-06-26T17:57:11Z

Pyth: /* 'McCain-style' (12", Aluminum) */

<font size="4">'''''This page is a work in progress!'''''</font> <br>
<br>
[[File:Econolite-Logo.png]]<br>
<br>

=Econolite Corporation=

=Products=

==Vehicle Signals==
----
===Econo-light Stop Sign Beacon===
[[File:Econolite Econo-Light Stop Sign Beacon.png|thumb|left|300px]]
[[File:Econolite Econo-Light Stop Sign Beacon 2.jpg|thumb|right|180px]]
<br clear=all>
----
==='Long-Groove' (8", Aluminum)===
[[File:Econolite Long-Groove Doghouse.png|thumb|left|300px|Extremely rare Econolite 12-8-8-8-8 doghouse with Long-Groove bottom sections and a Square-Door Bullseye red section]]
[[File:Econolite Long-Groove Doghouse Closeup.png|thumb|right|250px|Closeup of the long grooves]]
[[File:Econolite Long-Groove 5-section.png|thumb|right|Front|3 Econolite Long-Groove sections in the top of a 5-section signal]]
[[File:Econolite Long-Groove 5-section 2&3.png|thumb|left|300px|3 Econolite Long-Groove sections in the top of a 5-section signal]]
Modelled after GE's final 8" signal design, the Econolite Long-Groove is very similar, with a few changes. It features 3 grooves along the back, as opposed to GE's two, and it sports the Econolite logo where the all too famous GE logo once stood. It was discontinued in favor of the Short-Groove due to moisture problems.
<br clear=all>
----
==='Bullseye' Roundbody (12", Aluminum)===
[[File:Econolite Bullseye 2.png|thumb|left|260px|Econolite Bullseye 3-section signal]]
[[File:Econolite Bullseye Doghouse.png|thumb|right|300px|Econolite Bullseye Doghouse with a square-door red section]]
[[File:Square-door Econolite Bulls-eye traffic lights.jpeg|thumb|260px|left|Square-door Econolite Bulls-eye traffic lights in Huntsville, AL.]]
[[File:Econolite Bullseye Beacon.png|thumb|right|300px|Econolite Bullseye school beacon (right)]]
After Econolite bought GE's traffic signal line, Econolite began producing the traffic light known as the "Bullseye" traffic light. The earlier signals may have only been able to be ordered with round doors (could be incorrect) and by 1963, the signals could be ordered with round doors or square doors.
<br clear=all>
----
===8"-to-12" Enlarger===
<br clear=all>
----
==='Short-Groove' (8", Aluminum)===
[[File:Econosgbackpyth.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[File:Econolite Short Groove Ped Diagram.png|thumb|300px]]
[[File:Econosgfrontpyth.jpg|thumb|left]]
The Short-Groove is named after the grooves on the back of the signal that stop before reaching the housing ends. Pedestrian signals were also crafted using the same housings. The traffic signals shipped with custom lenses that have the Econolite logo on the fronts.
<br clear=all>
----
==='Buttonback' (8" & 12", Aluminum)===
[[File:Econolite Buttonback.png|thumb|left|300px]]
[[File:Econolite Buttonback 4-section.png|thumb|right| ]]
[[File:Econolite Buttonback 2.png|thumb|left|300px]]
[[File:Econolite Buttonback Signals.png|thumb|right|300px]]
<br clear=all>
----
==='Bubbleback' (8" & 12", Polycarbonate)===
[[File:Econolite Bubbleback Signal 2.png|thumb|left]]
[[File:Econolite Bubbleback Signal 1.png|thumb|right]]
[[File:Econolite Bubbleback Close-up.png|thumb|left]]
[[File:Econolite Bubbleback Close-up Front.png|thumb|right|200px]]
<br clear=all>
----
==='Kentron-style' (8" & 12", Polycarbonate)===
<br clear=all>
----
==='Poly Buttonback' (8" & 12", Polycarbonate===
[[File:Econobuttonbackspyth.jpg|thumb|300px]]
<br clear=all>
----
==='McCain-style' (12", Aluminum)===
[[File:econopyth3.jpg|thumb|left|200px|12" Front & Back]]
[[File:Abandoned McCain-Style Econolite Beacon.png|thumb|right|250px|Abandoned beacon]]
[[File:128Econospyth.JPG|thumb|left|200px|12" and the rare 8" fronts]]
[[File:Abandoned McCain-style Econolite Beacon Front.png|thumb|right|250px|Abandoned beacon]]
[[File:Econo8inbacksidepyth.jpg|thumb|left|200px|8" back and side.]]
The newest Econolite signals on the market, this style features streamline door latches, a simple backing similar to McCain's, doors that can be reversed to open either right or left, and the newest Econolite logo imprinted vertically on the back of each housing. Like most modern signals, these are available in all standard colors, visor types, and configurations.
<br clear=all>
----

==Pedestrian Signals==
----
===9 inch and 12 inch===
----
===='Long-Groove' (9" Square Lens)====
<br clear=all>
----
====<i>'Long-Groove' (8" Round Lens)</i>====
<br clear=all>
----
===='Short-Groove' (9" Square Lens)====
[[File:Econolite Short-Groove Pedestrian Signal Diagram.png|thumb|250px]]
[[File:Econosgpedbackpyth.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
[[File:Econosgpedfrontpyth.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
<br clear=all>
----
====<i>'Short-Groove' (8" Round Lens)</i>====
<br clear=all>
----
===='Bullseye'-era Square-body (12" Square Lens)====
[[File:12 inch Square Bullseye-era Pedestrian Signal.png|thumb|250px]]
[[File:12 inch Square Bullseye-era Pedestrian Signal Diagram.png|thumb|left|250px]]
<br clear=all>
----
====<i>'Bullseye' Roundbody (12" Round Lens)</i>====
<br clear=all>
----
===='Buttonback' (Square Lens – 9" & 12")====
[[File:Econolite Buttonback Pedestrian Signal.png|thumb|left|300px]]
[[File:Econolite Buttonback Pedestrian Signal 2.png|thumb|right|250px]]
[[File:Econolite Bubbleback Signal 3.png|thumb|left|300px]]
<br clear=all>
----
===='Bubbleback' (Square Lens – 9" & 12")====
<br clear=all>
----
===='Kentron-style' (Square Lens - 9" & 12")====
[[File:Econolite Kentron-Style Ped side.JPG|thumb|left|225px]]
[[File:Econolite Kentron-Style Ped.JPG|thumb|right|225px]]
<br clear=all>
----
===='Poly Buttonback' (Square Lens - 9" & 12")====
<br clear=all>
----
===='McCain-style' (Square Lens – 12")====
<br clear=all>
----
===16 inch===
----
====E8====
<br clear=all>
----
===='Buttonback'-era====
<br clear=all>
----
===='McCain-style'-era====
[[File:16 inch Econolite Pedestrian Signal Back.jpeg|thumb|16 inch Econolite pedestrian signal back.]]
[[File:16 inch Econolite Pedestrian Signal Front.jpeg|thumb|left|16 inch Econolite pedestrian signal front.]]
<br clear=all>
----
==Pedestrian Pushuttons==
----
===3" Pushbutton===
[[File:Econolite 3 inch Pushbutton.png|thumb|left|300px|Pushbutton with flat plate on bottom]]
[[File:Econolite 3 inch button.png|thumb|right|250px|Pushbutton Front cataog image.]]
[[File:Econolite 3inch Pushbutton With Top.png|thumb|left|300px|Pushbutton with flat plate on top]]
[[File:Econolite 3 inch button back.png|thumb|right|250px|Pushbutton Back catalog image.<br>There are two designs shown here. The 1st (top) has connections through the flat plate on the bottom. The 2nd (bottom 2) have connections through the back.]]
[[File:Econolite 3 inch button interior.png|thumb|right|250px|Pushbutton Interior catalog image.]]
<br clear=all>
----
===3" Pushbutton w/ 5x7¾" Sign Base===
[[File:Econolite 3 inch button with 5x7.25 inch sign base.png|thumb|left|400px|]]
[[File:Econolite 5x7.25 inch signs.png|thumb|5x7.25" signs that were available with these buttons.]]
[[File:Econolite 9x12 inch signs for 5x7.25 inch bases.png|thumb|9x12" signs that could attach in the place a 5x7.25" sign.]]
<br clear=all>
----
===Full Pushbutton w/ Indicator Lights & 5x7¾" Sign===
[[File:Econolite large button with lights and 5x7.25 inch sign.png|thumb|left]]
[[File:Econolite 5x7.25 inch signs.png|thumb|Signs that were available with these buttons]]
<br clear=all>
----
===Full Pushbutton w/ 9x12" Sign===
[[File:Econolite large button and 9x12 inch sign.png|thumb|left]]
[[File:Econolite 9x12 inch signs.png|thumb|Signs that were available with these buttons]]
<br clear=all>
----
===Full Pushbutton w/ Indicator Lights & 9x12" Sign===
[[File:Econolite large button with lights and 9x12 inch sign.png|thumb|left]]
[[File:Econolite 9x12 inch signs.png|thumb|Signs that were available with these buttons]]
<br clear=all>
----
===9x12" Bracket-mount Sign===
[[File:Econolite 9x12 inch bracket signs.png|thumb|left]]
<br clear=all>
----
==Signal Mounting==
----
===Plumbizers===
[[File:Econolite Plumbizer Arm.png|thumb|left|400px|Econolite Buttonback signal with elevator plumbizers]]
<br clear=all>
----
===Traffic Signal Brackets===
<br clear=all>
----
===Pedestrian Signal Brackets===
<br clear=all>
----
==Signal Lenses, Visors, & Backplates==
----
===Lenses===
<br clear=all>
----
===Visors===
<br clear=all>
----
===Backplates===
<br clear=all>
----
==Controllers==
----
===...===
----

File:Econo8inbacksidepyth.jpg

2014-06-26T17:52:55Z

Pyth:

Kopp

2014-06-26T10:16:43Z

Pyth:

=Company Information=
Founded in 1926, Kopp Glass was formed from the remains of the Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass and Glass Company. The previous company excelled in crafting glass lamps and tableware in a wide array of colors, which contributed greatly to Kopp's quality and success it's known for. Shortly after Kopp was formed, they developed "selenium red" glass, which became the new standard in railroad signals. ---I got this from their website, add whatever else - Pyth---

=Signal Lenses=
==Diamond Design==
===Kopp 27s===

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Full View'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27frontpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Logo'''
</div>
----
<b>No Logo</b>
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Pattern Detail'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27backpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Upper Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27upper1pyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Lower Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
<b>No Lower Inscriptions</b>
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td>
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Dimensioning Figure'''
</div>
----
[[File:Lens_Dims_Main_LC.jpg|200px]]
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

{|class="wikitable"
!colspan="7"|Lens Dimensions
|-
!width="50"|'''a'''<br>
!width="50"|'''b'''<br>
!width="50"|'''c'''<br>
!width="50"|'''d'''<br>
!width="50"|'''e'''<br>

|-
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"

|}

</table>

'''Production Years:''' 1921? - 1938?

'''Material:''' Glass

'''Available Colors:''' Blue-Green, Emerald Green, Amber, Deep Amber, Red, Deep Red, Clear.

'''Pattern or Mask of Lens:''' Diamonds with 4 lines going from the bottom, three quarters up the diamond.

'''Logo Displayed on Front:''' N/A

'''Rim Inscriptions, Front & Back:''' 8⅜ DIFFUSING RDL NO 27 KOPP GLASS INC. SWISSVALE PA.

'''Signals Used On:''' Harrington-Seaberg, Horni, Ruleta, early Eagles, early GEs, possibly 1st gen Marbelite

'''Patents:''' ???

===Kopp 4627s===
===Kopp 66s===
===Kopp 4666s===

==Bead Design==
===Kopp 4650s===
'''Available Colors:''' Emerald Green, Pale Yellow, Red.
===Kopp 88As===

==Sawtooth Design==
===Kopp 4677s===

===Kopp 4777s===

==Brick Design==
===Kopp 4655s===
===Kopp 4955s===
=External Links=
[http://www.koppglass.com/home/ Kopp's Website]

Kopp

2014-06-25T07:26:02Z

Pyth:

=Company Information=
Founded in 1926, Kopp Glass was formed from the remains of the Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass and Glass Company. The previous company excelled in crafting glass lamps and tableware in a wide array of colors, which contributed greatly to Kopp's quality and success it's known for. Shortly after Kopp was formed, they developed "selenium red" glass, which became the new standard in railroad signals. ---I got this from their website, add whatever else - Pyth---

=Signal Lenses=
==Diamond Design==
===Kopp 27s===

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Full View'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27frontpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Logo'''
</div>
----
<b>No Logo</b>
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Pattern Detail'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27backpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Upper Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27upper1pyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Lower Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
<b>No Lower Inscriptions</b>
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td>
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Dimensioning Figure'''
</div>
----
[[File:Lens_Dims_Main_LC.jpg|200px]]
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

{|class="wikitable"
!colspan="7"|Lens Dimensions
|-
!width="50"|'''a'''<br>
!width="50"|'''b'''<br>
!width="50"|'''c'''<br>
!width="50"|'''d'''<br>
!width="50"|'''e'''<br>

|-
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"

|}

</table>

'''Production Years:''' 1921? - 1938?

'''Material:''' Glass

'''Available Colors:''' Blue-Green, Emerald Green, Amber, Deep Amber, Red, Deep Red, Clear.

'''Pattern or Mask of Lens:''' Diamonds with 4 lines going from the bottom, three quarters up the diamond.

'''Logo Displayed on Front:''' N/A

'''Rim Inscriptions, Front & Back:''' 8⅜ DIFFUSING RDL NO 27 KOPP GLASS INC. SWISSVALE PA.

'''Signals Used On:''' Harrington-Seaberg, Horni, Ruleta, early Eagles, early GEs, possibly 1st gen Marbelite

'''Patents:''' ???

===Kopp 4627s===
===Kopp 66s===
===Kopp 4666s===

==Bead Design==
===Kopp 4650s===
===Kopp 88As===

==Sawtooth Design==
===Kopp 4677s===

===Kopp 4777s===

==Brick Design==
===Kopp 4655s===
===Kopp 4955s===
=External Links=
[http://www.koppglass.com/home/ Kopp's Website]

General Electric (Canada)

2014-06-21T13:24:22Z

Pyth:

[[File:Gecanadalogopyth.jpg]]
=Company Overview=
GENERAL INFORMATION
==Pre/Post-Brand ties, Distributers, Etc. (if applicable)==
List and give info on these here, if applicable

=Traffic Signals=
Give separate sections for each generation. If wanted, give separate sections for 8" and 12" of each generation, or keep them together.<br>
When describing production & parts, include part variations like blank doors.
==Model X - 8" &/or 12" single face (i.e.: 'Long-Groove (8")' )==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction & parts; Give any related info
==Model X - 8" &/or 12" single face (i.e.: 'Bullseye (12")' )==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction & parts; Give any related info
==Model X - 8" &/or 12" single face (i.e.: 'Buttonback (8" & 12")' )==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction & parts; Give any related info
==Model X - 4-way (i.e.: 'Type DT 4-way')==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction & parts; Give any related info

=Pedestrian Signals=
Give separate sections for each generation. If wanted, give separate sections for 9" and 12" of each generation, or keep them together.
==Model X - 8" &/or 12" Round (i.e.: 'Long-Groove round lens (8")' )==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction & parts; Give any related info
==Model X - 9" &/or 12" Square '(i.e.: 'Long Groove square lens (9")' )==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction & parts; Give any related info
==Model X - 9" &/or 12" Square '(i.e.: 'Buttonback square lens (9" & 12")' )==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction & parts; Give any related info
==Model X - 16" (i.e.: 'New Model (16")' )==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction & parts; Give any related info

=Signal Accessories=
Any <u>external</u> signal attachments/accessories.
==(i.e.: '8" to 12" Signal Enlarger')==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction; Give any related info
==(i.e.: '4-way Bell Top Attachment')==
Tell about it; Give production dates; Describe construction; Give any related info

=Lenses=
Optional separate sections for sizes. <br>
If the company made their own lenses or had lenses specially made for their signals, keep this section. If they didn't make their own lenses, delete this (list the lenses that were used in the Signal Models section).
<br>
==Model X - 8" & 12" Round==
List colors/versions/masks; Describe features; List signal models used with & production dates; Give any related info
==Model X - 9" & 12" Square==
List colors/versions/masks; Describe features; List signal models used with & production dates; Give any related info
==Model X - 16" Rectangle==
List colors/versions/masks; Describe features; List signal models used with & production dates; Give any related info

=Mounting & Hardware=
List everything like poles, bases, slipfitters, terminal boxes, pipes, junctions, endcaps, astro-brackets, hangers, disconnects, etc.

=Controllers=
Optional separate sections for boxes and controllers.
==Model X Mechanical Controller Boxes==
List all box sizes; Describe features
==Model X Mechanical Controllers==
List all types; Describe construction; Give any related info
==Model X Mechanical Controllers & Boxes==
List all box sizes; Describe features -- List all controller types; Describe construction; Give any related info
==Model X Electric Controllers/Systems==
List all types; Describe construction; Give any related info<br>
(Since the controllers are generally built into the boxes, you can't really list those separately.)

=Other Traffic Products=
Any related products that are made by this company.
==(i.e.: Video Detectors)==
==(i.e.: Arrow Board Signs)==

=Patents=
List all patents and their info here.

=References=

File:Gecanadalogopyth.jpg

2014-06-21T13:24:07Z

Pyth:

Dialight

2014-06-21T13:21:49Z

Pyth: /* LED PV Bulb Replacement */

== Introduction ==

== Standard Vehicle Signal Modules ==

=== LED Ball Insert ===

The most common insert, these replace simple ball indications with low-wattage LED dot matrices or defused LED displays.

=== LED Arrow Insert ===

An insert with an arrow design, indicating when it is safe to perform a protected turn or if turns are illegal.

=== Bimodal LED Arrow Insert ===

Similar to a standard LED arrow insert, the bimodal insert can display both green and yellow arrows from the same insert, saving money on new installations and making previously legal single green arrows legal once more without the need of an additional housing. The insert has 3 wires at the back to control which indication shows.

=== LED U-Turn Arrow Insert ===

An insert with a U-turn arrow design, indicating when it is safe to perform a protected U-turn and when it is not.

=== LED Bicycle Insert ===

An insert with a bicycle design, indicating when it is safe for cyclists to enter the intersection.

=== LED School Zone Insert ===

Very similar to a countdown pedestrian signal insert, this insert displays a number between 10 and 35, in increments of 5, based on the positioning of dip switches on the back of the insert. The insert fits into all standard 12" pedestrian signal housings.

=== LED PV Bulb Replacement ===

Essentially what it sounds like, this unit replaces the PAR46 at the back of PV signals with an array of colored LEDs to go into their respective sections. As a consequence of colored LEDs in the inserts, these are incompatible with [[3M#M-133_Dual-Indication_.28Green.2FYellow.29_Programmable_Visibility_Signal|3M's M-133 dual-indication sections]].

== Standard Pedestrian Signal Modules ==

== Streetlighting ==

== Integrated Signal Head ==

[[File:Dialight Stock Ad.png|thumb|Dialight's Advertisement Photo]]

'''Early Development'''

In late 2012, Dialight announced that they were going to unveil an innovative new LED traffic signal module. This new module was so designed as to be a one piece unit which did not require assembly of a LED fixture in a traffic signal enclosure, and was compatible with standard traffic signal mounting hardware. The signal was advertised having readily-accessible electronics inside so that individual components could be replaced, instead of the module. The electronics are designed to adapt to power fluctuations to increase their lifespan.

'''Configuration'''

The new module is advertised as available in all standard colors and configurations, 12 inch poly only. It is available in red, yellow, green, ball or arrow configuration, tinted or clear lens. Dialight offers a 15 year warranty on it; the longest warranty in
the industry.

'''Samples and Prototypes'''
[[File:IMG 2773.JPG|thumb|left|Dialight Integrated Head]]

[[File:IMG 2776.JPG|thumb|Red Section open; LED engine in center, power supply underneath, heat sink to left]]
The signal became known as the “Integrated Signal Head” because the LED electronics were built into the signal itself. From the end of 2012 through most of 2013, Dialight focused exclusively on design and manufacture of limited sales units to display at transportation exhibits such as the ITE Expo. The earliest units, according to design specs dated 4/2013, were identified internally only. Later models were molded with DIALIGHT on the back of each housing exterior.

[[File:IMG 1724.JPG|thumb|left|Back of Signal]]
At the time, arrow indications were not available and neither were visors. Visors supplied with the unit, in all known cases, were Siemens poly visors. There are two lenses, sandwiched together in the front of the signal: a clear Fresnel and then an outer colored lens. These lenses are the same used on Dialight’s standard LED traffic fixture products.

'''Design Flaws'''

Due to the design of the high powered LEDs in the polycarbonate housing, in the dark, the red and yellow housings tend to show significant glow-through. This flaw affects at least yellow molded housings, and is not known to have been redesigned to avoid it.

Another flaw is its difficulty in stocking replacement parts. Specific electronics and light engines must be ordered in fit into their specific housings in order to work properly. It isn’t as simple as popping an LED fixture in the door. Internal wiring needs to be routed as to not interfere with the light engine. If agencies begin ordering large quantities, its clearly evident that replacements would consist of fitting a fixture in the door.

'''Release and Future'''

As of 2013, the signal has been available in limited quantity for sample and test units through Dialight distributors. So far, demand for them is fairly low, and large-scale production is more than likely not yet been implemented.

In the summer of 2013, the power supplies were being engineered to increase their lifespan from 15 years to 20 years. This upgrade has not been released as an advertisement.

Checker

2014-06-21T13:16:53Z

Pyth:

==Company Background==
These signals are still a complete mystery to me, and no one I know in the signal business seems to know much about them. The only consensus I was able get from some of the signal contractors I know is that they are universally regarded as cheap junk.

They made a big splash around here in the late seventies, because they were way more economical to purchase at the time. (cheaper!!!). Early on, they were approved for use by IDOT, until it was discovered how poor the castings were. The paint began to fall off months after their installation. The latches broke very easily. The hinges would freeze up after one winters worth of salt, and the doors would then break off when one tried to open them. The list of complaints went on and on, and soon, their further use was discontinued. Amazingly, quite a few still remain in use throught both the Chicagoland area and parts of central Long Island, and mostly they are in very poor shape. The doors are held shut with either electrical tape, or plastic tie wraps, and often they are completely devoid of any paint, with the aluminum casting slowly oxidizing into a white powder.

It is amazing though, that no one seems to remember much about the manufacturer. The distributor in this area who sold them is long out of business, and I just haven't been able to turn up much info on them. I was told that they may have been some offshoot, or in some way tied to Singer, when they were in financial ruin in the late seventies. A friend of mine in the signal business seems to remember hearing a story that some Singer people who were about to lose their jobs decided to try marketing their own signals, and had them made cheaply somewhere out of the USA. This corroborates with a comment that Pete (RYGDWW) made that they were an "offshore" casting, and one of low quality at that. The castings are very thin.

I looked over one that I have that is in relativly good shape. I have had it for many years. It was removed shortly after it was originally installed. I cannot find any sort of identifying marks or numbers on it anywhere, other that the logo on the back. Even the rim of the lenses has no markings at all, and they are an extremely thin plastic. You could almost push your finger right through it. Even the sockets are a strange, and very flimsy design. The entire socket spins when you try to turn the bulb, and the backside must be held with the other hand to get the bulb out.

An interesting thing I discovered is that the 8" sections use the more conventional screw tab style visors, while the 12" sections use the slot style ala Singer, or D type Crouse-Hinds.

Worth noting, due to the extra aluminum used to hold the visor screws in place, many LED inserts don't quite fit in the 12" Checker.

== Traffic Signals ==
''broken down into general categories [delete]''

=== Four Ways ===
''describe models, variations [delete]''

=== Adjustables ===
''describe models, variations [delete]''
<gallery>
File:454w-347 1.jpg|Figure: 12" Checker Signal frontside view. [Photo by Jon L.]
File:24e-BSP 1.jpg|Figure: 12" Checker Signal backside view. [Photo by Jon L.]
File:Checker.jpg|Figure: 8-8-12 Checker Signal backside view. [Photo by Signalfan]
File:IMG 0741.jpg|Figure: 12" Signals Checker top section; Kentron middle and lower sections. [Photo by Jon L.]
File:Checker-signal-details 0075.JPG|Figure: 12-8-8 Vehicular Signal. [Photo by Electromatic 1022]
File:Checker-signal-details 0076.JPG|Figure: 12-8-8 Vehicular Signal. [Photo by Electromatic 1022]
File:Checker-signal-details 0077.JPG|Figure: 12" backsidce view. [Photo by Electromatic 1022]
File:Checker-signal-details 0078.JPG|Figure: 12" interior view. [Photo by Electromatic 1022]
File:Pythchecker1.jpg|Figure: 12" reflectors front. [Photo by Pyth]
File:Pythchecker2.jpg|Figure: 12" reflectors back. [Photo by Pyth]
</gallery>
== Pedestrian Signals ==
''describe models, variations [delete]''

=== Vehicle Heads (Round) ===

=== Vehicle Heads (Square Door Adapters) ===
<gallery>
File:Checker-signal-details 0072.JPG|Figure: 12" Pedestrian Signal. [Photo by Electromatic 1022]
File:Checker-signal-details 0074.JPG|Figure: 12" Pedestrian Signal back view. [Photo by Electromatic 1022]
File:Checker-signal-details 0073.JPG|Figure: 12" Pedestrian Signal inside view (Same as a vehicular 12"). [Photo by Electromatic 1022]
</gallery>
=== Pedestrian/Sign Heads (Rectangular) ===

== Informational Signals and Signs ==
''describe models, variations [delete]''
''includes "box signs," "case signs," and Ped Heads with special [non-ped] lenses.

== Lenses ==
''describe models, variations [delete]''

=== Vehicular ===

Checkers have been known to utilize Kopp 4955 glass lenses, and poly lenses.

=== Pedestrian ===

==== Worded ====

==== Symbols ====

=== Special ===

== Controllers ==
''Different type of controllers [delete]''

== Hardware ==
''this would include any kind of mounting hardware including brackets, slipfitters, hangers, bases, etc. [delete]''

== Restored Examples ==
''a couple of quality pics of a restored unit [delete]''

General Traffic Equipment

2014-06-21T13:09:32Z

Pyth:

==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, in the 2000s, the company relocated to the city of Newburgh in New York, in which is the current location. All products of the company are manufactured on premises and sent to its 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 has been manufactured could be viewed in service throughout the city of New York today, and many of these heads have been in service as far back as the late 1990s. These are typically 8" vehicular signals, and two variations of this size are known to exist on the streets. The first version is 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.]]

In the late 2000s, 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 it appears similar to that of a 12" Eagle/Siemens vehicular signal. The difference can be seen [http://highwaydivides.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:Gtesiemenscomparisonpyth.jpg here].

[[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, 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 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; however, a box-grid louver is optional.

[[File:IMG 3949.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A pair of G.T.E. 2nd generation P-6 pedestrian signals in use. From Brooklyn, New York.]]

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.]]

<br clear=all>

==Restored Examples==
<gallery>
File:Gte1stgenfrontpyth.jpg|1st Gen GTE front
File:Gte1stgeninsidepyth.jpg|1st Gen GTE inside
File:Gte1stgenlogopyth.jpg|GTE logo
File:Gte1stgenmarbpyth.jpg|[[Marbelite]]'s name still cast into the 1st gen doors.
</gallery>

User:Pyth

2014-06-18T20:12:27Z

Pyth:

[https://www.flickr.com/photos/98823378@N08/sets Flickr page]

Previously known as an excellent mapper in a previously excellent mapping community, I've left that life behind to spend my days messing around with signals and stuff. Also, work sort of takes up all of that free time I used to have.

3M

2014-06-18T20:03:11Z

Pyth: /* M-131R Bimodal (Ball/Arrow) Signal */

[[Category:Manufacturer]]
[[Category:Signals]]
[[Category:Control]]
[[Category:Lenses]]
<br>
<font size="3">'''''This page is a work in progress!'''''</font> <br>

=3M Brand=
From 1969 to 2007, 3M produced signals and adapters designed to enhance signal visibility to both drivers and pedestrians. Their most iconic and well-known product is the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131]].

=Products=

==Full Vehicle Signals (12")==

===M-123 Programmable Visibility Prototype Signal===
[[File:3mm123engine10.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-123 paired with an 8" [[Checker]]. <br>(Photos by [[User:Engine10|Engine10.]])]]

The M-123 was the first traffic signals ever made by 3M. They were most likely made a few years before 1969. It's original purpose was to have "high visibility"; more fully-lit and easier-to-see indications. It could also be used for "programmable visibility", which means the viewing area of the signal can be limited down to single lane.<br>
This signal was a prototype. It is known as an early version of the M-131. The M-131 signals are nearly identical to these; 3M sold them to cities that liked the idea and wanted to test them out. 3M tested them and made improvements as they saw fit. Finally, 3M released their final product as the all-new M-131 signal and began expanding their product line. <br>The main visible difference is that the rear lamp door/housing was cone-shaped, unlike the M-131's more faceted version The M-123's doors had the 2 hinges on top and the 2 wingnuts on the bottom instead of on either side. M-123s didn't have latches to secure the lenses, so they were prone to falling out if the door was opened. The tilt adjusters were on the front corners of the signal housing instead of on the connector. Finally, they were sand-casted, and somewhat heavier than M-131s.
<br clear=all>
'''Lenses''' <br>
These were available with the following lenses:
* Red Ball
* Yellow Ball
* Green Ball
* Green Arrow
<br clear=all>

===M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal===
[[File:3M.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]][[File:3Mback.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3Ms Charlottesville.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 signals <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]][[File:3Ms Charlottesville 2jpg.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 signals <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3M Charlottesville Angles.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 signals shown from both viewing angles <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]][[File:3MM131HVS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M 131 Marketing Photo]]
[[File:3MMasking.jpg‎|200px|thumb|right|3M 131 Masking Demonstration]][[File:3M Logos.png|200px|thumb|left|Newer logo (left) compared to older logo (right)]]

<u>'''~Overview~'''</u>
<br><br>
3M, the same company that makes well-known everyday products such as Scotch tape, entered the traffic control industry in 1969 with High-Visibility signals. These lights were unlike any other at the time in both design and operation. The most noticeable features are the square lenses and futuristic-looking housing. The also had special capabilities, such as High Visibility (giving a fuller, clearer indication) and, most notably, Programmable Visibility (being able to limit the viewing area to as little as a single lane). After modifying the [[#M-123 Programmable Visibility Prototype Signal|M-123 prototype signal]], 3M released this signal line in 1969 and produced them until 2007 with only a few changes.
<br><br>
<u>'''~Construction~'''</u>
<br><br>
On the back of a 3M signal, there is a door; while most signals only have a front door, these signals are so large it is much easier to have two. This door serves as the access point and housing of the bulb. The bulb is a PAR 46 lamp, which has the filament and reflector all in one sealed piece, similar to those used in older car headlights and flood lights. The bulb is plugged into a socket back of the door, and is held in place with a metal retainer ring with a hinge and latch. While even in it's final years no LED lamps were offered by 3M, 3rd parties such as [[Leotek]] and [[Electro-Tech's]] did offer specialized LED lamps for programmable visibility signals. Using them may require the photocell dimming unit to be turned off, as they can't be dimmed like the PAR 46 bulbs. The photocell dimming unit is a light sensor which controls the brightness of the bulb depending on the outside brightness (bright daylight = maximum brightness, nighttime = low brightness). The back plug of the photocell dimming unit can be seen on the outside back of the signal, in the bottom right corner.
<br>
One the bottom right inside the door, there is a plug for the bulb which connects to the main housing. It only connects when the door is closed so the light turns off when the door is opened, preventing a service technician or anyone opening it from being blinded if the signal is still on. In the top right corner of the main housing behind the door, you will find the ID tag. The ID tag includes the serial number, of which each individual section of every signal had one.
<br>
Behind the door on the back of the main housing, there is a lens hole. In front of it, held on by two thumb screws, is a diffusing lens. This lens is what is responsible for distributing the light evenly and giving the 3M signal its clearer, brighter, [[#~Uses/Advantages~|"High Visibility"]] indication. Around the diffusing lens is an aluminum collar that extends outward, giving a more direct path for the light from the bulb to the lens.
<br>
Behind the diffuser, inside the hole, the is another lens. This one, called the optical limiter, is a clear lens. This is where the special optical masking tape (that comes with signal) is applied to [[#~Uses/Advantages~|limit the visibility]].
<br>
Inside the signal's main housing from the front, there isn't too much to it. You can see the front of the optical limiter lens. Around the lens hole is where all of the wiring runs and connects to the terminal block. It is all covered by a removable wire shield, which is black like the inside of the housing. On the front of the signal is the door. This is a thin frame that has two hinges on the left side and two latches on the right. It holds the lens inside of it with four latches, one in each corner. On the front, it has four screw holes, one in each corner, where the visor is attached.
<br>
The top and bottom of each section have connectors where the wires run through. These also control the angle of tilt - due to the precise aiming required by 3M signals, each section must be tilted individually (and all sections should have the same degree of tilt). There are two bolts on each connector, one on each side, which are put into different holes to achieve specific degrees of tilt; there are 6 holes in a line on each side, starting at 0 and going to 10 in increments of two.
<br>
The signal housing, including the doors and visors, is made of aluminum. Signal color could be specified when ordering; options included yellow, green and black. There were some parts that were always the same color, though: the inside of the housing was always black; the door frame was always black; and the photocell dimmer plug was always yellow.
<br><br>
Some design issues were changed over the course of production. An incomplete list includes:
* '''Dimmer''' - The photocell dimmer and associated wiring was changed to support a larger-wattage resistor, housed in the back door. The dimmer was changed from PCD-111 to PCD-111A.
* '''Bulb Plug''' - The bulb plug connecting the back door to the main housing always had 3-prongs, but originally it only used 2 of them. When the larger-wattage resistor for the dimmer was added in the door, the 3rd prong was used for that connection.
* '''Housing Mold''' - The corners (around the hinges) and support ridges (on the top and bottom at the front) were modified at some point.
* '''Logo''' - 3M's logo, displayed on the back of the back door, was changed at some point.
* '''Diffuser Lens Collar''' - The aluminum collar around the diffuser lens was originally longer, but not too long after production began it was shortened.

<br><br>
[[File:3M Masking.png|200px|thumb|right|These images from the 3M masking video show the steps for masking a 3M signal for a single turn lane.]]
<u>'''~Masking Process~'''</u>
<br><br>
The masking process begins by looking straight through the optical limiter lens through the back of the signal. You can see the roadway that the signal is facing. Because it is a convex lens, the roadway will appear flipped 180°. With special optical masking tape that comes with the signal, you cover the areas of the road that you see through the lens for which you don't want the signal to be visible. Yes, it look all flipped around - but just like what you see through it is flipped, so will be the light that comes out, so it all works out in the end. The tape needs to be perfectly flat on the glass with no air bubbles to work properly. You can see videos explaining the masking process [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdRnD4Yy92k here (part 1)] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsDN5pnDEWU here (part 2)]
<br><br>
<u>'''~Uses/Advantages~'''</u>
<br><br>
'''''PROGRAMMABLE VISIBILITY'''''
* '''Viewing Area Limiting'''
With PV signals, you can limit the viewing area to anywhere from one approach at an intersection to a single lane at that approach. This is ideal for skewed intersections, where you could see the traffic signals of a different approach; turn signals, that cycle independently and might distract through traffic; divided intersections, where some lanes are signalized while others aren't; ramp metering, where each lane's signal cycles independently; and signals for bus/transit lanes, that might confuse vehicle traffic.
<br>
This is accomplished by applying optical masking tape to one or both sides of the optical limiter lenses. See more on the masking process above.
* '''Viewing Distance Limiting'''
Another feature of these signals is the ability to limit the distance of the visibility. This is ideal for multiple intersections that are very close to each other. Drivers might look ahead and see signals showing green at the wrong intersection, which can cause confusion and accidents.
<br>
Distance limiting is accomplished by applying optical masking tape to the bottom of the optical limiter lens. It is applied to the bottom, not the top, because the light flips 180° when it travels through the lens. See more about the masking process above.
<br><br>
[[File:3M Comparison.png|275px|thumb|right|These images from the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pdh6yk258A 3M promotional video] compare the 3M signal display quality to that of a normal traffic signal]]
'''''HIGH VISIBILITY'''''
* '''Fuller Indication'''
The 3M PV signal is also made to have fuller, clearer indications. Because of the special diffusing lens inside and the fresnel pattern on the external lens, the lens appears to be fully and evenly lit. There is no bulb "hot spot" on the lens. And since the whole lens is lit at its brightest, it can be seen much better, and from further away (within the programmed visibility limits!).
* '''No Sun Phantoming'''
Sun phantoming is a condition with traffic signals where the sun shines in through the lens, reflects of the reflectors and shines back out the lens, making all indications appear to be lit even when they aren't. This can be a serious problem at large intersections. Because it would have to go through 4 lenses (including the cover of the PAR 46 bulb), into the bulb's small reflector and back out, there is little opportunity for that to happen.
<br><br>
<u>'''~Disadvantages~'''</u>
<br><br>
* 3M signals were far more expensive than regular traffic signals. To achieve visibility limiting, many places opted to simply attach louvers on their existing signals. Though they couldn't limit the visibility as extensively, and they also block some of the light output even for the direction they face.
* 3M signals used PAR 46 bulbs, similar to those used in flood lights. They have shorter lives, higher temperatures, and are considerably more expensive than regular light bulbs.
* 3M signals were also heavy; a 3-section 3M weighs around 65 pounds, 15 heavier than a typical traffic light. This made installation difficult. 3M made it slightly better by having a terminal block in every section instead of just one, so they could wire it it out through any section depending on how they are installed.
* And, while 3M was the first to create such a signal, in more recent years (as early as 1997) they have had some competition. [[#McCain Programmable Visibility Signals|McCain Traffic]] and [[Intelight]] (previously [[OptiSoft]]) both make programmable visibility signals. <br>The [[McCain]] PV Signal was developed in early 2000s, and is nearly identical in design to 3M PV signals. Many parts are interchangeable with the M-131 as well, including the Light Shield, Diffusing Lens, Masking Lens, Bulbs (LED or Incandescent), and Wire Terminals. McCain's PV signals use round lenses (overcoming one of the drawbacks to 3M's square lenses) and they use standard 12" visors which makes them easier to replace.<br>Intelight signals are very different in design but utilize the latest LED technology, which makes far better in that regard.<br>This competition is part of the reason behind declining sales which led to 3M dropping out of the traffic signal industry in 2007.
<br><br>
<u>'''~Lenses~'''</u>
<br><br>
The lenses on a 3M are unique in that they are square. They glass has a frensel pattern, which 'enlarges' the view to the driver, effectively enlarging the point of the visible mask/diffuser lens to the driver. Lenses are made of 2 parts: the colored glass piece, and the black mask. This mask was printed on the inside, outside, or on both sides of the lens, and determined what shape was illuminated. Also unlike typical lenses, these could be rotated (in increments of 90°, of course) as needed. Older lenses were formed and have round corners, while newer lenses were made completely square and then had the corners trimmed off. All lenses had a number stamped onto the outer side, possibly a production run number, while they also had one on the inner side, possibly showing part number or revision of the fresnel design.

[[File:3mweighstationpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 with special weigh station lenses. Photo by Pyth.]]

Here is the list of known lenses for M-131 signals:
<br>
{| class="wikitable" margin="5px"
|-
|<u>'''Standard'''</u>
|<u>'''Special'''</u>
|-
|'''''Balls'''''
* Red
* Yellow
* Green
'''''Arrows (90°; Left, Right, or Upwards)'''''
* Red
* Yellow
* Green
'''''Diagonal Arrows (45°; Diagonal Leftward or Diagonal Rightward)'''''
* Red (long head)
* Yellow (long head)
* Green (long head)
* Red (short head)
* Yellow (short head)
* Green (short head)
|'''''Light Rail Symbols'''''
* Clear Straight Line
* Clear Diagonal Line
* Clear Arrow
* Clear T
* Red T
* Yellow T
* Green T
* Red BUS
* Yellow BUS
* Green BUS
'''''Canadian Shapes'''''
* Red Square
* Yellow Diamond
'''''Special Worded'''''
* <nowiki>[There are a few known signals with custom-ordered worded lenses, often at weigh stations.]</nowiki>
|}
<br><br>
<u>'''~Serial Numbers~'''</u>
<br><br>
All 3M signals were given a serial number. A small decal, about 1" x 2" in size, was placed on the back of the housing inside the back door. A serial number was stamped onto this decal. Many lights were given sequential numbers for each head - i.e. Red would be "100", Yellow then "101", and Green "102". There were at least four versions of the decal, with the two common being known as the 'Old Style' and 'New Style'.

[[3M_ID_Numbers|<u>A list of known serial numbers owned by collectors can be found here</u>]].
<br><br><br><br><br><br>
<br clear=all>

===M-131R Bimodal (Ball/Arrow) Signal===
[[File:M131R Stages.png|120px|thumb|left|Different views that a driver could see approaching an M-131R lens. <br>(Image by [[User:Coytll|coytll]])]]
[[File:131R.jpg|thumb|right|The M-131R signal <br>(Image by [[User:Coyttl|coyttl]])]]
[[File:131R Lens.jpg|thumb|right|The M-131R lens from the inside <br>(Image by [[User:Coyttl|coyttl]])]]
This is a unique signal; nothing quite like it has ever been made. It features what appears to be a ball indication from a distance, but as you get closer, it turns into an arrow.
<br><br>
Here's how it works:
<br>
The portion of the ball surrounding the arrow on the lens features the normal 3M fresnel pattern to it, which only allows light to be viewed coming straight out. The arrow part, however, has a prismatic texture, which reflects light out in every direction. Because of this, where the signal is masked off like normal and you can't see the ball, you can still see the arrow.
<br>
Unlike the PV signals, you don't want to limit the visibility; in fact, the purpose of this is to extend it (arrows can sometimes be difficult to see from far away, which is a problem this signal solves). Instead, the masking is done just to set the point of proximity at which the indication appears to change. This is done by applying masking tape to the top of the optical limiter lens, so that direct light does not shine out as you get close to the signal (since the light flips 180° as it passes through). Since only direct light can pass through in the ball area, that part appears dark. The arrow portion, with its prismatic texture, takes the light coming from the bottom of the lens and sends it out in all directions, so it can still be seen.
<br>
From far away, when the arrow and surrounding area are lit, it looks like a normal ball (though you may be able to see the faint outline of an arrow).
<br><br>
The housing of these signal sections are identical to the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signals|M-131 signals]], except that they have different connectors. To get the right viewing angle, these signals must be mounted with a tilt angle of 0°. These connectors are at 0° and can't be adjusted.
<br><br>
Because of the specific horizontal-lined texture in the arrow, the lens would not work correctly if rotated (except for in 180° increments. Different lenses had to be made for turn arrows and vertical arrows. Here is a list of the '''<u>known versions that were made</u>''':
* Green Upwards Arrow + Ball
* Red Turn Arrow + Ball
It is likely that left/right, upwards, left diagonal, and right diagonal versions in red or green could be custom-ordered, though none other than those listed are known to exist (most likely not in yellow for obvious reasons). 3M only advertised the green upwards arrow version, but the red turn arrow version exists (albeit rare) in California.

<br><br>
<br clear=all>

===M-133 Dual-Indication (Green/Yellow) Programmable Visibility Signal===
The 3M "dual indication" signal is what would generally be called a Bimodal arrow by most people in the traffic industry. In one section, it can switch between a green and yellow arrow. While this would be accomplished with fiber-optics in normal signals, that would not work for programmable visibility signals, so 3M's system was much more complicated.
<br>
The M-133 housing was identical to that of the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signals|M-131 signal]], with the exception of an extra attachment on the side that houses a motor. The signal is masked and the tilt is set in exactly the same way. The only difference is the way it functions.
<br>
The front arrow lens is clear. Insides the housing, where there would normally be empty space, is a round lens held in place by wheels that are attached to the motor. Half of it is green and half of it is yellow. There is a black cover behind the bottom half of the lens, so only one color is exposed at a time. When the protected turn phase starts, the light turns on with the green half of the lens showing. When the phase is over, the motor kicks in and quickly spins the lens so the yellow have is showing. The transition is fast and fairly smooth. After the yellow clearance phase is completed, the light goes out and the motor spins the lens (at a slower speed) back into the green position, awaiting the next arrow phase.

==="Doghouse Bimodal Signal"===
This signal had the same function as a doghouse, but in a 3-section signal. The top section was a red ball, the middle section was a 'maunual' bimodal yellow ball/arrow, and the bottom section was a 'manual' bimodal green ball/arrow. The 'manual' bimodal was different from the M-131R bimodal because it switched from arrow to ball manually, not based on proximity.
<br>
Nothing is known about have it worked. It likely never made it past the experimental phase, and was never sold on the market.

==Full Pedestrian Signals (12")==

===M-131 Programmable Visibility Pedestrian Signal===
[[File:3M-131-Ped3.JPG|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3M-131-Ped2.JPG|300px|thumb|right|3M M-131 Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3M-131-Ped1.JPG|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
This M-131 PV pedestrian signal is exactly the same as the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|<u>M-131 vehicle signal</u>]], except with different lenses.

'''Lenses'''<br>
The following lenses were available for these signals:
* Portland Orange HAND Symbol
* Lunar White MAN Symbol
* Portland Orange "DONT WALK"
* Lunar White "WALK"
* Red "DONT WALK"
* Green "WALK"

<br clear=left>

===M-132 Dynamic Programmable Visibility Pedestrian Signal===
[[File:M-132 1.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 2.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 3.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 5.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]

<big>---IN PROGRESS---</big>

<br clear=all>

==Vehicle Signal Adapters (8")==

===SA-130A Programmable Visibility Adapter===
[[File:3M SA-130.jpg|200px|thumb|left|An all-3M adaptor signal. (Image by [https://www.flickr.com/photos/busman_49/7489369482 busman_49])]]
[[File:3m8inpyth.JPG|200px|thumb|right|The adapter.]][[File:3m8inmaskedpyth.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A masked adapter.]]
3M never made full 8" traffic signals; however, they did make programmable visibility attachments that can be put on any normal 8" housing. They are mounted in the door, taking the place of the lens & visor, but it utilizes the existing reflector and bulb. A page showing how these attachments are installed can be found [http://highwaydivides.com/showthread.php?998-Installing-an-8-quot-3M-PV-Attachment here].<br>
The interior of these attachments is similar to that of 3M's 12" signals. It has a regular lens at the outside end, and a diffusing lens on the inside end. Unlike the 12" signals, though, there is no optical limiter lens (a clear lens where the optical masking tape is applied to limit the area of visibility), so the optical masking tape is put directly on the diffusing lens. It still works in the same way. Finally, on the end of these adapters, a small visor is attached. Without the visor, these adapters are about the same size as normal tunnel visors.<br>

'''Lenses'''
* Red Ball
* Yellow Ball
* Green Ball
* Green Arrow

(Though they may have been a special order option, no yellow or red arrows are known to have existed.)
<br clear="all">

==Vehicle Signal Internal Converters (12")==

===M-150 Lens/Reflector System===
The 3M M-150 Lens & Reflector System was created by 3M to give regular 12" traffic signals some of the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131 signal]]'s features.<br>
The M-150 is installed almost exactly like a modern LED module. The signal's original socket, reflectors & lens would be removed; the M-150 unit has all of those in it. The wires that went to the original socket are rewired to the back of the unit. It is then fitted into the door just like the lens was.<br>
The front extended part is a dual diffusing lens (dome-shaped on the inside, cylinder-shaped on the outside). These inserts offered the High Visibility feature of the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131 signal]] (having a fuller, brighter & clearer indication, compared to that of a typical incandescent signal). It did not have the Programmable Visibility feature, because the masking would have to be applied too close to the light source to have the proper effect. These were available in green, yellow, and red balls, and likely all color arrows as well.<br>

DISCONTINUATION:<br>
3M discontinued these early on, because they caused an effect called 'sun phantoming', which occurs when the sun shines through the lens and is reflected back out by the reflector, making it look like all indications are lit.<br>
[[File:3M M-150 Lens.jpg|The M-150 System.<br> Picture by "Rich192"]]<br>

<br>

===PC-310 Signal Intensity Control===

Nothing is known about this device. It was likely never sold on the market.
<br>
Because of the name, it may possibly have been a system for similar to the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131's]] photocell dimmer unit, which changes the brightness of the signal depending on the brightness outside.

==Signal Enlargers==

Signal enlarges are attachments mounted on a signal door that expand to fit a larger lens. Around the early 60s, larger signal indications were becoming more popular because visibility was becoming a greater concern. Installing enlargers on a signal was cheaper and easier than replacing it.<br>
3M made 3 lines of signal enlargers; for vehicle signals, round-lens pedestrian signals, and square-lens pedestrian signals. They were all reprimanded for not being built to 3M's strength & quality standards; they were made of thin, lightweight folded sheetmetal with many unsealsed slots on the corners and along the sides. They were mounted in the place of a signal's visor, using the exact same attachments.

===<u><center>Vehicle Signal to Vehicle Signal</center></u>===

[[File:3M-Vehicle-to-Vehicle-enlargers.png|top|250px|thumb|right|This image is from the 1975 3M catalog in the [http://signal-archive.d-domains.net/index.php?get_action=open_file&repository_id=848aab5691d621694ec96206dc2b69ca&file=%2F3M%2F3M%2012_'_'%20Signal%20Adapter%20%20SA%20Family%20%20Installation.pdf| document archive] shows the 812 (top) & 810 (bottom) enlargers.]]
[[File:3M-enlargers-diagram.png|top|275px|thumb|left|Diagram of SA-812 from the [http://signal-archive.d-domains.net/index.php?get_action=open_file&repository_id=848aab5691d621694ec96206dc2b69ca&file=%2F3M%2F3M%2012_'_'%20Signal%20Adapter%20%20SA%20Family%20%20Installation.pdf| document archive] ]]
[[File:Marb3Menlarger1.jpg|top|275px|thumb|left|This is an SA-812, picture from http://www.trafficsignalmuseum.com/]]

These were made to convert the display of typical 8" signals to that of a 12" signal.
====SA-812====
Patented on December 17 1973, this enlarger unit converts a typical 8" signal indication to a 12" indication. The enlarger mounts where the visor would go on the signal's door. It is essentially a box that expands around an 8-inch lens to fit a door with a 12-inch lens.<br>
The signal's original 8-inch lens is replaced with a glass diffusing lens. The enlarger is attached in the place of the visor using the visor's screws. It is octagon-shaped where it attaches to the door; as it extends outward, the slanted sides (which are triangle-shaped) become the corners of the square-shaped front. A square lens slides into the lens holder/front door of the unit, which has a 12" circular hole for the indication to shine through. The door then simply slides into place on the front of the enlarger. <br>
With this setup, the light shines through the 8" lens, into the enlarger and out the 12" lens, generating a larger and more visible indication with the same amount of light and without having to replace the signal.<br>
3M specifically noted that these enlargers would not fit [[Eagle]] Durasig signals or any [[Traffic Signals, Inc.|TSI]] signals. They offered special clips needed when mounting on Crouse-Hinds signals.<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''12''' inch"

====SA-810====
If enlargers need to be used on two consecutive sections of a signal (for example, the 2 green indications on a 4-section R–Y–G–GA signal), there would not be enough space. The [[#SA-812|SA-812]] 12" enlarger extends slightly over both sections around it in order to... well, enlarge... and you would not be able to fit a second one beneath it.<br>
That is what the SA-810 is for; it is designed specifically to fit under an [[#SA-812|SA-812]]. It is almost exactly the same as the [[#SA-812|SA-812]], except that it bends down at the top (instead of up) to fit beneath and match the curvature of the other one. Because of the height limitation, the lens is only 10"x12". And due to that irregular size, they were only available with green left or right arrows. Horizontal arrows are the only indications that would be able to fit while remaining the correct size.<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''10''' inch"

===<u><center>Vehicle Signal to Pedestrian Signal</center></u>===
Though the 3M catalog specifically says these "''are adapters to enlarge 8" vehicle signals to 12" pedestrian signals''", they were most likely designed for round-lens [[Glossary#WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal|WAIT-WALK]] pedestrian signals (which used the same housing as vehicle signals).

====SA-812DW====
This enlarger uses the same body as the [[#SA-812|SA-812]] with the lens & door of a [[#SA-912|SA-912]].<br>
<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''dapter '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''12''' inch pedestrian, '''D'''ONT '''W'''ALK"

====SA-810W====
This enlarger uses the same body as the [[#SA-810|SA-810]] with the lens & door of a [[#SA-910|SA-910]].<br>
<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''dapter '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''12''' inch pedestrian, '''W'''ALK"

<br>

===<u><center>Pedestrian Signal to Pedestrian Signal</center></u>===
[[File:3M-ped-enlargers-diagram.png|top|275px|thumb|left|Diagram of SA-912 from the [http://signal-archive.d-domains.net/index.php?get_action=open_file&repository_id=848aab5691d621694ec96206dc2b69ca&file=%2F3M%2F3M%2012_'_'%20Signal%20Adapter%20%20SA%20Family%20%20Installation.pdf| document archive's] 3M 1975 catalog.<br>If you notice, this image has 2 mistakes; the dotted signal behind it is a vehicle signal (instead of a pedestrian signal), and the back of the enlarger has an octagon shape (instead of square).]]
[[File:3m ped enlargers 2.jpg|top|300px|thumb|right|3M 910 & 912 Enlargers. They are mounted on an [[Eagle]] Flatback pedestrian signal.]]
[[File:3M-ped-to-ped-enlargers.jpg|top|200px|link=http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Committee-hears-testimony-on-tolls-cameras-4307583.php#photo-2547822|thumb|left|This image from http://www.stamfordadvocate.com shows a pedestrian signal with 3M 912 & 910 enlargers in Washington D.C.<br>The signal has since been removed.]]
[[File:3m ped enlargers 1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M 910 & 912 Enlargers]]
[[File:3m_007_SSS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The SA-910 diffusing lens (bottom) next to a normal 9" lens (top), which it would replace.]]

These were made to convert the display of typical 9" pedestrian signals to that of a 12" pedestrian signal.

====SA-912====
This enlarger is for the DONT WALK section of a pedestrian signal. The [[#SA-910|SA-910]] is for the WALK section.<br>
<br>
The enlarger mounts where the visor would go on the signal's door. It is essentially a box that expands around a 9-inch lens to fit a door with a 12-inch lens.<br>
The signal's original 9-inch lens is replaced with a clear or colored plastic diffusing lens. The enlarger is attached in the place of the visor using the visor's screws. It is square-shaped at both ends. A square DONT WALK plastic frensel lens with red 4½" lettering slides into the lens holder/front door of the unit, which acts as a frame for the lens. There is a lip around the inside edge of the door frame, to which the new visor attaches. The door then simply slides into place on the front of the enlarger. <br>
With this setup, the light shines through the diffusing lens, into the enlarger and out the 12" lens, generating a larger and more visible indication with the same amount of light and without having to replace the pedestrian signal.<br>
3M offered specific versions of these adaptors with slightly different attachments to fit Marbelite and Econolite pedestrian signals.<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''9''' inch to '''12''' inch"

====SA-910====
This enlarger is for the WALK section of a pedestrian signal. The [[#SA-912|SA-912]] is for the DONT WALK section.<br>
<br>
This enlarger section has a 10"x12" lens. It is smaller because it needs to fit beneath the [[#SA-912|SA-912]] adaptor on a pedestrian signal. The [[#SA-912|SA-912]] (DONT WALK), which is a full 12"x12", extends slightly over the WALK section. In order to match the curvature, the top of this adaptor bends downward, instead of upward like the [[#SA-912|SA-912]]. Other than that, they are exactly the same.<br>
The DONT WALK indication needs to be largest because it has two lines of text, and the WALK indication only has one. In a normal signal, the DONT WALK and WALK lenses are the same size, and the WALK has blank space on the top and bottom. That extra space could be cut off and the WALK indication would remain the correct size, which is essentially what was done with these.<br>
Like the [[#SA-912|SA-912]], this adaptor is attached where the visor would go on a signal, using the visors screws. The original lens is replaced with a clear or colored plastic diffusing lens. The outer lens, a plastic frensel lens that says WALK in 4½" white lettering, is displayed on the front of the adaptor. <br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''9''' inch to '''10''' inch"

<br clear=all>

==Signs==

===Reflective===
3M is a leader in the industry of reflective signage and sheeting, in addition to many other road products. You can see them here: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_roadway/safety/productcatalog/~/Roadway-Safety?N=3293989410+7566298+7584153+8695783+8694413&rt=r3

===Electronic===
3M made a bi-modal, time-programmable sign lighted sign for roadways. Little is known about them.

==Other Traffic Products==

===Opticom===

3M

2014-06-18T20:00:24Z

Pyth: /* M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal */

[[Category:Manufacturer]]
[[Category:Signals]]
[[Category:Control]]
[[Category:Lenses]]
<br>
<font size="3">'''''This page is a work in progress!'''''</font> <br>

=3M Brand=
From 1969 to 2007, 3M produced signals and adapters designed to enhance signal visibility to both drivers and pedestrians. Their most iconic and well-known product is the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131]].

=Products=

==Full Vehicle Signals (12")==

===M-123 Programmable Visibility Prototype Signal===
[[File:3mm123engine10.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-123 paired with an 8" [[Checker]]. <br>(Photos by [[User:Engine10|Engine10.]])]]

The M-123 was the first traffic signals ever made by 3M. They were most likely made a few years before 1969. It's original purpose was to have "high visibility"; more fully-lit and easier-to-see indications. It could also be used for "programmable visibility", which means the viewing area of the signal can be limited down to single lane.<br>
This signal was a prototype. It is known as an early version of the M-131. The M-131 signals are nearly identical to these; 3M sold them to cities that liked the idea and wanted to test them out. 3M tested them and made improvements as they saw fit. Finally, 3M released their final product as the all-new M-131 signal and began expanding their product line. <br>The main visible difference is that the rear lamp door/housing was cone-shaped, unlike the M-131's more faceted version The M-123's doors had the 2 hinges on top and the 2 wingnuts on the bottom instead of on either side. M-123s didn't have latches to secure the lenses, so they were prone to falling out if the door was opened. The tilt adjusters were on the front corners of the signal housing instead of on the connector. Finally, they were sand-casted, and somewhat heavier than M-131s.
<br clear=all>
'''Lenses''' <br>
These were available with the following lenses:
* Red Ball
* Yellow Ball
* Green Ball
* Green Arrow
<br clear=all>

===M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal===
[[File:3M.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]][[File:3Mback.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3Ms Charlottesville.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 signals <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]][[File:3Ms Charlottesville 2jpg.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 signals <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3M Charlottesville Angles.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 signals shown from both viewing angles <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]][[File:3MM131HVS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M 131 Marketing Photo]]
[[File:3MMasking.jpg‎|200px|thumb|right|3M 131 Masking Demonstration]][[File:3M Logos.png|200px|thumb|left|Newer logo (left) compared to older logo (right)]]

<u>'''~Overview~'''</u>
<br><br>
3M, the same company that makes well-known everyday products such as Scotch tape, entered the traffic control industry in 1969 with High-Visibility signals. These lights were unlike any other at the time in both design and operation. The most noticeable features are the square lenses and futuristic-looking housing. The also had special capabilities, such as High Visibility (giving a fuller, clearer indication) and, most notably, Programmable Visibility (being able to limit the viewing area to as little as a single lane). After modifying the [[#M-123 Programmable Visibility Prototype Signal|M-123 prototype signal]], 3M released this signal line in 1969 and produced them until 2007 with only a few changes.
<br><br>
<u>'''~Construction~'''</u>
<br><br>
On the back of a 3M signal, there is a door; while most signals only have a front door, these signals are so large it is much easier to have two. This door serves as the access point and housing of the bulb. The bulb is a PAR 46 lamp, which has the filament and reflector all in one sealed piece, similar to those used in older car headlights and flood lights. The bulb is plugged into a socket back of the door, and is held in place with a metal retainer ring with a hinge and latch. While even in it's final years no LED lamps were offered by 3M, 3rd parties such as [[Leotek]] and [[Electro-Tech's]] did offer specialized LED lamps for programmable visibility signals. Using them may require the photocell dimming unit to be turned off, as they can't be dimmed like the PAR 46 bulbs. The photocell dimming unit is a light sensor which controls the brightness of the bulb depending on the outside brightness (bright daylight = maximum brightness, nighttime = low brightness). The back plug of the photocell dimming unit can be seen on the outside back of the signal, in the bottom right corner.
<br>
One the bottom right inside the door, there is a plug for the bulb which connects to the main housing. It only connects when the door is closed so the light turns off when the door is opened, preventing a service technician or anyone opening it from being blinded if the signal is still on. In the top right corner of the main housing behind the door, you will find the ID tag. The ID tag includes the serial number, of which each individual section of every signal had one.
<br>
Behind the door on the back of the main housing, there is a lens hole. In front of it, held on by two thumb screws, is a diffusing lens. This lens is what is responsible for distributing the light evenly and giving the 3M signal its clearer, brighter, [[#~Uses/Advantages~|"High Visibility"]] indication. Around the diffusing lens is an aluminum collar that extends outward, giving a more direct path for the light from the bulb to the lens.
<br>
Behind the diffuser, inside the hole, the is another lens. This one, called the optical limiter, is a clear lens. This is where the special optical masking tape (that comes with signal) is applied to [[#~Uses/Advantages~|limit the visibility]].
<br>
Inside the signal's main housing from the front, there isn't too much to it. You can see the front of the optical limiter lens. Around the lens hole is where all of the wiring runs and connects to the terminal block. It is all covered by a removable wire shield, which is black like the inside of the housing. On the front of the signal is the door. This is a thin frame that has two hinges on the left side and two latches on the right. It holds the lens inside of it with four latches, one in each corner. On the front, it has four screw holes, one in each corner, where the visor is attached.
<br>
The top and bottom of each section have connectors where the wires run through. These also control the angle of tilt - due to the precise aiming required by 3M signals, each section must be tilted individually (and all sections should have the same degree of tilt). There are two bolts on each connector, one on each side, which are put into different holes to achieve specific degrees of tilt; there are 6 holes in a line on each side, starting at 0 and going to 10 in increments of two.
<br>
The signal housing, including the doors and visors, is made of aluminum. Signal color could be specified when ordering; options included yellow, green and black. There were some parts that were always the same color, though: the inside of the housing was always black; the door frame was always black; and the photocell dimmer plug was always yellow.
<br><br>
Some design issues were changed over the course of production. An incomplete list includes:
* '''Dimmer''' - The photocell dimmer and associated wiring was changed to support a larger-wattage resistor, housed in the back door. The dimmer was changed from PCD-111 to PCD-111A.
* '''Bulb Plug''' - The bulb plug connecting the back door to the main housing always had 3-prongs, but originally it only used 2 of them. When the larger-wattage resistor for the dimmer was added in the door, the 3rd prong was used for that connection.
* '''Housing Mold''' - The corners (around the hinges) and support ridges (on the top and bottom at the front) were modified at some point.
* '''Logo''' - 3M's logo, displayed on the back of the back door, was changed at some point.
* '''Diffuser Lens Collar''' - The aluminum collar around the diffuser lens was originally longer, but not too long after production began it was shortened.

<br><br>
[[File:3M Masking.png|200px|thumb|right|These images from the 3M masking video show the steps for masking a 3M signal for a single turn lane.]]
<u>'''~Masking Process~'''</u>
<br><br>
The masking process begins by looking straight through the optical limiter lens through the back of the signal. You can see the roadway that the signal is facing. Because it is a convex lens, the roadway will appear flipped 180°. With special optical masking tape that comes with the signal, you cover the areas of the road that you see through the lens for which you don't want the signal to be visible. Yes, it look all flipped around - but just like what you see through it is flipped, so will be the light that comes out, so it all works out in the end. The tape needs to be perfectly flat on the glass with no air bubbles to work properly. You can see videos explaining the masking process [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdRnD4Yy92k here (part 1)] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsDN5pnDEWU here (part 2)]
<br><br>
<u>'''~Uses/Advantages~'''</u>
<br><br>
'''''PROGRAMMABLE VISIBILITY'''''
* '''Viewing Area Limiting'''
With PV signals, you can limit the viewing area to anywhere from one approach at an intersection to a single lane at that approach. This is ideal for skewed intersections, where you could see the traffic signals of a different approach; turn signals, that cycle independently and might distract through traffic; divided intersections, where some lanes are signalized while others aren't; ramp metering, where each lane's signal cycles independently; and signals for bus/transit lanes, that might confuse vehicle traffic.
<br>
This is accomplished by applying optical masking tape to one or both sides of the optical limiter lenses. See more on the masking process above.
* '''Viewing Distance Limiting'''
Another feature of these signals is the ability to limit the distance of the visibility. This is ideal for multiple intersections that are very close to each other. Drivers might look ahead and see signals showing green at the wrong intersection, which can cause confusion and accidents.
<br>
Distance limiting is accomplished by applying optical masking tape to the bottom of the optical limiter lens. It is applied to the bottom, not the top, because the light flips 180° when it travels through the lens. See more about the masking process above.
<br><br>
[[File:3M Comparison.png|275px|thumb|right|These images from the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pdh6yk258A 3M promotional video] compare the 3M signal display quality to that of a normal traffic signal]]
'''''HIGH VISIBILITY'''''
* '''Fuller Indication'''
The 3M PV signal is also made to have fuller, clearer indications. Because of the special diffusing lens inside and the fresnel pattern on the external lens, the lens appears to be fully and evenly lit. There is no bulb "hot spot" on the lens. And since the whole lens is lit at its brightest, it can be seen much better, and from further away (within the programmed visibility limits!).
* '''No Sun Phantoming'''
Sun phantoming is a condition with traffic signals where the sun shines in through the lens, reflects of the reflectors and shines back out the lens, making all indications appear to be lit even when they aren't. This can be a serious problem at large intersections. Because it would have to go through 4 lenses (including the cover of the PAR 46 bulb), into the bulb's small reflector and back out, there is little opportunity for that to happen.
<br><br>
<u>'''~Disadvantages~'''</u>
<br><br>
* 3M signals were far more expensive than regular traffic signals. To achieve visibility limiting, many places opted to simply attach louvers on their existing signals. Though they couldn't limit the visibility as extensively, and they also block some of the light output even for the direction they face.
* 3M signals used PAR 46 bulbs, similar to those used in flood lights. They have shorter lives, higher temperatures, and are considerably more expensive than regular light bulbs.
* 3M signals were also heavy; a 3-section 3M weighs around 65 pounds, 15 heavier than a typical traffic light. This made installation difficult. 3M made it slightly better by having a terminal block in every section instead of just one, so they could wire it it out through any section depending on how they are installed.
* And, while 3M was the first to create such a signal, in more recent years (as early as 1997) they have had some competition. [[#McCain Programmable Visibility Signals|McCain Traffic]] and [[Intelight]] (previously [[OptiSoft]]) both make programmable visibility signals. <br>The [[McCain]] PV Signal was developed in early 2000s, and is nearly identical in design to 3M PV signals. Many parts are interchangeable with the M-131 as well, including the Light Shield, Diffusing Lens, Masking Lens, Bulbs (LED or Incandescent), and Wire Terminals. McCain's PV signals use round lenses (overcoming one of the drawbacks to 3M's square lenses) and they use standard 12" visors which makes them easier to replace.<br>Intelight signals are very different in design but utilize the latest LED technology, which makes far better in that regard.<br>This competition is part of the reason behind declining sales which led to 3M dropping out of the traffic signal industry in 2007.
<br><br>
<u>'''~Lenses~'''</u>
<br><br>
The lenses on a 3M are unique in that they are square. They glass has a frensel pattern, which 'enlarges' the view to the driver, effectively enlarging the point of the visible mask/diffuser lens to the driver. Lenses are made of 2 parts: the colored glass piece, and the black mask. This mask was printed on the inside, outside, or on both sides of the lens, and determined what shape was illuminated. Also unlike typical lenses, these could be rotated (in increments of 90°, of course) as needed. Older lenses were formed and have round corners, while newer lenses were made completely square and then had the corners trimmed off. All lenses had a number stamped onto the outer side, possibly a production run number, while they also had one on the inner side, possibly showing part number or revision of the fresnel design.

[[File:3mweighstationpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 with special weigh station lenses. Photo by Pyth.]]

Here is the list of known lenses for M-131 signals:
<br>
{| class="wikitable" margin="5px"
|-
|<u>'''Standard'''</u>
|<u>'''Special'''</u>
|-
|'''''Balls'''''
* Red
* Yellow
* Green
'''''Arrows (90°; Left, Right, or Upwards)'''''
* Red
* Yellow
* Green
'''''Diagonal Arrows (45°; Diagonal Leftward or Diagonal Rightward)'''''
* Red (long head)
* Yellow (long head)
* Green (long head)
* Red (short head)
* Yellow (short head)
* Green (short head)
|'''''Light Rail Symbols'''''
* Clear Straight Line
* Clear Diagonal Line
* Clear Arrow
* Clear T
* Red T
* Yellow T
* Green T
* Red BUS
* Yellow BUS
* Green BUS
'''''Canadian Shapes'''''
* Red Square
* Yellow Diamond
'''''Special Worded'''''
* <nowiki>[There are a few known signals with custom-ordered worded lenses, often at weigh stations.]</nowiki>
|}
<br><br>
<u>'''~Serial Numbers~'''</u>
<br><br>
All 3M signals were given a serial number. A small decal, about 1" x 2" in size, was placed on the back of the housing inside the back door. A serial number was stamped onto this decal. Many lights were given sequential numbers for each head - i.e. Red would be "100", Yellow then "101", and Green "102". There were at least four versions of the decal, with the two common being known as the 'Old Style' and 'New Style'.

[[3M_ID_Numbers|<u>A list of known serial numbers owned by collectors can be found here</u>]].
<br><br><br><br><br><br>
<br clear=all>

===M-131R Bimodal (Ball/Arrow) Signal===
[[File:M131R Stages.png|120px|thumb|left|Different views that a driver could see approaching an M-131R lens. <br>(Image by [[User:Coytll|coytll]])]]
[[File:131R.jpg|thumb|right|The M-131R signal <br>(Image by [[User:Coytll|coytll]])]]
[[File:131R Lens.jpg|thumb|right|The M-131R lens from the inside <br>(Image by [[User:Coytll|coytll]])]]
This is a unique signal; nothing quite like it has ever been made. It features what appears to be a ball indication from a distance, but as you get closer, it turns into an arrow.
<br><br>
Here's how it works:
<br>
The portion of the ball surrounding the arrow on the lens features the normal 3M fresnel pattern to it, which only allows light to be viewed coming straight out. The arrow part, however, has a prismatic texture, which reflects light out in every direction. Because of this, where the signal is masked off like normal and you can't see the ball, you can still see the arrow.
<br>
Unlike the PV signals, you don't want to limit the visibility; in fact, the purpose of this is to extend it (arrows can sometimes be difficult to see from far away, which is a problem this signal solves). Instead, the masking is done just to set the point of proximity at which the indication appears to change. This is done by applying masking tape to the top of the optical limiter lens, so that direct light does not shine out as you get close to the signal (since the light flips 180° as it passes through). Since only direct light can pass through in the ball area, that part appears dark. The arrow portion, with its prismatic texture, takes the light coming from the bottom of the lens and sends it out in all directions, so it can still be seen.
<br>
From far away, when the arrow and surrounding area are lit, it looks like a normal ball (though you may be able to see the faint outline of an arrow).
<br><br>
The housing of these signal sections are identical to the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signals|M-131 signals]], except that they have different connectors. To get the right viewing angle, these signals must be mounted with a tilt angle of 0°. These connectors are at 0° and can't be adjusted.
<br><br>
Because of the specific horizontal-lined texture in the arrow, the lens would not work correctly if rotated (except for in 180° increments. Different lenses had to be made for turn arrows and vertical arrows. Here is a list of the '''<u>known versions that were made</u>''':
* Green Upwards Arrow + Ball
* Red Turn Arrow + Ball
It is likely that left/right, upwards, left diagonal, and right diagonal versions in red or green could be custom-ordered, though none other than those listed are known to exist (most likely not in yellow for obvious reasons). 3M only advertised the green upwards arrow version, but the red turn arrow version exists (albeit rare) in California.

<br><br>
<br clear=all>

===M-133 Dual-Indication (Green/Yellow) Programmable Visibility Signal===
The 3M "dual indication" signal is what would generally be called a Bimodal arrow by most people in the traffic industry. In one section, it can switch between a green and yellow arrow. While this would be accomplished with fiber-optics in normal signals, that would not work for programmable visibility signals, so 3M's system was much more complicated.
<br>
The M-133 housing was identical to that of the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signals|M-131 signal]], with the exception of an extra attachment on the side that houses a motor. The signal is masked and the tilt is set in exactly the same way. The only difference is the way it functions.
<br>
The front arrow lens is clear. Insides the housing, where there would normally be empty space, is a round lens held in place by wheels that are attached to the motor. Half of it is green and half of it is yellow. There is a black cover behind the bottom half of the lens, so only one color is exposed at a time. When the protected turn phase starts, the light turns on with the green half of the lens showing. When the phase is over, the motor kicks in and quickly spins the lens so the yellow have is showing. The transition is fast and fairly smooth. After the yellow clearance phase is completed, the light goes out and the motor spins the lens (at a slower speed) back into the green position, awaiting the next arrow phase.

==="Doghouse Bimodal Signal"===
This signal had the same function as a doghouse, but in a 3-section signal. The top section was a red ball, the middle section was a 'maunual' bimodal yellow ball/arrow, and the bottom section was a 'manual' bimodal green ball/arrow. The 'manual' bimodal was different from the M-131R bimodal because it switched from arrow to ball manually, not based on proximity.
<br>
Nothing is known about have it worked. It likely never made it past the experimental phase, and was never sold on the market.

==Full Pedestrian Signals (12")==

===M-131 Programmable Visibility Pedestrian Signal===
[[File:3M-131-Ped3.JPG|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3M-131-Ped2.JPG|300px|thumb|right|3M M-131 Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3M-131-Ped1.JPG|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
This M-131 PV pedestrian signal is exactly the same as the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|<u>M-131 vehicle signal</u>]], except with different lenses.

'''Lenses'''<br>
The following lenses were available for these signals:
* Portland Orange HAND Symbol
* Lunar White MAN Symbol
* Portland Orange "DONT WALK"
* Lunar White "WALK"
* Red "DONT WALK"
* Green "WALK"

<br clear=left>

===M-132 Dynamic Programmable Visibility Pedestrian Signal===
[[File:M-132 1.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 2.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 3.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 5.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]

<big>---IN PROGRESS---</big>

<br clear=all>

==Vehicle Signal Adapters (8")==

===SA-130A Programmable Visibility Adapter===
[[File:3M SA-130.jpg|200px|thumb|left|An all-3M adaptor signal. (Image by [https://www.flickr.com/photos/busman_49/7489369482 busman_49])]]
[[File:3m8inpyth.JPG|200px|thumb|right|The adapter.]][[File:3m8inmaskedpyth.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A masked adapter.]]
3M never made full 8" traffic signals; however, they did make programmable visibility attachments that can be put on any normal 8" housing. They are mounted in the door, taking the place of the lens & visor, but it utilizes the existing reflector and bulb. A page showing how these attachments are installed can be found [http://highwaydivides.com/showthread.php?998-Installing-an-8-quot-3M-PV-Attachment here].<br>
The interior of these attachments is similar to that of 3M's 12" signals. It has a regular lens at the outside end, and a diffusing lens on the inside end. Unlike the 12" signals, though, there is no optical limiter lens (a clear lens where the optical masking tape is applied to limit the area of visibility), so the optical masking tape is put directly on the diffusing lens. It still works in the same way. Finally, on the end of these adapters, a small visor is attached. Without the visor, these adapters are about the same size as normal tunnel visors.<br>

'''Lenses'''
* Red Ball
* Yellow Ball
* Green Ball
* Green Arrow

(Though they may have been a special order option, no yellow or red arrows are known to have existed.)
<br clear="all">

==Vehicle Signal Internal Converters (12")==

===M-150 Lens/Reflector System===
The 3M M-150 Lens & Reflector System was created by 3M to give regular 12" traffic signals some of the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131 signal]]'s features.<br>
The M-150 is installed almost exactly like a modern LED module. The signal's original socket, reflectors & lens would be removed; the M-150 unit has all of those in it. The wires that went to the original socket are rewired to the back of the unit. It is then fitted into the door just like the lens was.<br>
The front extended part is a dual diffusing lens (dome-shaped on the inside, cylinder-shaped on the outside). These inserts offered the High Visibility feature of the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131 signal]] (having a fuller, brighter & clearer indication, compared to that of a typical incandescent signal). It did not have the Programmable Visibility feature, because the masking would have to be applied too close to the light source to have the proper effect. These were available in green, yellow, and red balls, and likely all color arrows as well.<br>

DISCONTINUATION:<br>
3M discontinued these early on, because they caused an effect called 'sun phantoming', which occurs when the sun shines through the lens and is reflected back out by the reflector, making it look like all indications are lit.<br>
[[File:3M M-150 Lens.jpg|The M-150 System.<br> Picture by "Rich192"]]<br>

<br>

===PC-310 Signal Intensity Control===

Nothing is known about this device. It was likely never sold on the market.
<br>
Because of the name, it may possibly have been a system for similar to the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131's]] photocell dimmer unit, which changes the brightness of the signal depending on the brightness outside.

==Signal Enlargers==

Signal enlarges are attachments mounted on a signal door that expand to fit a larger lens. Around the early 60s, larger signal indications were becoming more popular because visibility was becoming a greater concern. Installing enlargers on a signal was cheaper and easier than replacing it.<br>
3M made 3 lines of signal enlargers; for vehicle signals, round-lens pedestrian signals, and square-lens pedestrian signals. They were all reprimanded for not being built to 3M's strength & quality standards; they were made of thin, lightweight folded sheetmetal with many unsealsed slots on the corners and along the sides. They were mounted in the place of a signal's visor, using the exact same attachments.

===<u><center>Vehicle Signal to Vehicle Signal</center></u>===

[[File:3M-Vehicle-to-Vehicle-enlargers.png|top|250px|thumb|right|This image is from the 1975 3M catalog in the [http://signal-archive.d-domains.net/index.php?get_action=open_file&repository_id=848aab5691d621694ec96206dc2b69ca&file=%2F3M%2F3M%2012_'_'%20Signal%20Adapter%20%20SA%20Family%20%20Installation.pdf| document archive] shows the 812 (top) & 810 (bottom) enlargers.]]
[[File:3M-enlargers-diagram.png|top|275px|thumb|left|Diagram of SA-812 from the [http://signal-archive.d-domains.net/index.php?get_action=open_file&repository_id=848aab5691d621694ec96206dc2b69ca&file=%2F3M%2F3M%2012_'_'%20Signal%20Adapter%20%20SA%20Family%20%20Installation.pdf| document archive] ]]
[[File:Marb3Menlarger1.jpg|top|275px|thumb|left|This is an SA-812, picture from http://www.trafficsignalmuseum.com/]]

These were made to convert the display of typical 8" signals to that of a 12" signal.
====SA-812====
Patented on December 17 1973, this enlarger unit converts a typical 8" signal indication to a 12" indication. The enlarger mounts where the visor would go on the signal's door. It is essentially a box that expands around an 8-inch lens to fit a door with a 12-inch lens.<br>
The signal's original 8-inch lens is replaced with a glass diffusing lens. The enlarger is attached in the place of the visor using the visor's screws. It is octagon-shaped where it attaches to the door; as it extends outward, the slanted sides (which are triangle-shaped) become the corners of the square-shaped front. A square lens slides into the lens holder/front door of the unit, which has a 12" circular hole for the indication to shine through. The door then simply slides into place on the front of the enlarger. <br>
With this setup, the light shines through the 8" lens, into the enlarger and out the 12" lens, generating a larger and more visible indication with the same amount of light and without having to replace the signal.<br>
3M specifically noted that these enlargers would not fit [[Eagle]] Durasig signals or any [[Traffic Signals, Inc.|TSI]] signals. They offered special clips needed when mounting on Crouse-Hinds signals.<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''12''' inch"

====SA-810====
If enlargers need to be used on two consecutive sections of a signal (for example, the 2 green indications on a 4-section R–Y–G–GA signal), there would not be enough space. The [[#SA-812|SA-812]] 12" enlarger extends slightly over both sections around it in order to... well, enlarge... and you would not be able to fit a second one beneath it.<br>
That is what the SA-810 is for; it is designed specifically to fit under an [[#SA-812|SA-812]]. It is almost exactly the same as the [[#SA-812|SA-812]], except that it bends down at the top (instead of up) to fit beneath and match the curvature of the other one. Because of the height limitation, the lens is only 10"x12". And due to that irregular size, they were only available with green left or right arrows. Horizontal arrows are the only indications that would be able to fit while remaining the correct size.<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''10''' inch"

===<u><center>Vehicle Signal to Pedestrian Signal</center></u>===
Though the 3M catalog specifically says these "''are adapters to enlarge 8" vehicle signals to 12" pedestrian signals''", they were most likely designed for round-lens [[Glossary#WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal|WAIT-WALK]] pedestrian signals (which used the same housing as vehicle signals).

====SA-812DW====
This enlarger uses the same body as the [[#SA-812|SA-812]] with the lens & door of a [[#SA-912|SA-912]].<br>
<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''dapter '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''12''' inch pedestrian, '''D'''ONT '''W'''ALK"

====SA-810W====
This enlarger uses the same body as the [[#SA-810|SA-810]] with the lens & door of a [[#SA-910|SA-910]].<br>
<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''dapter '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''12''' inch pedestrian, '''W'''ALK"

<br>

===<u><center>Pedestrian Signal to Pedestrian Signal</center></u>===
[[File:3M-ped-enlargers-diagram.png|top|275px|thumb|left|Diagram of SA-912 from the [http://signal-archive.d-domains.net/index.php?get_action=open_file&repository_id=848aab5691d621694ec96206dc2b69ca&file=%2F3M%2F3M%2012_'_'%20Signal%20Adapter%20%20SA%20Family%20%20Installation.pdf| document archive's] 3M 1975 catalog.<br>If you notice, this image has 2 mistakes; the dotted signal behind it is a vehicle signal (instead of a pedestrian signal), and the back of the enlarger has an octagon shape (instead of square).]]
[[File:3m ped enlargers 2.jpg|top|300px|thumb|right|3M 910 & 912 Enlargers. They are mounted on an [[Eagle]] Flatback pedestrian signal.]]
[[File:3M-ped-to-ped-enlargers.jpg|top|200px|link=http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Committee-hears-testimony-on-tolls-cameras-4307583.php#photo-2547822|thumb|left|This image from http://www.stamfordadvocate.com shows a pedestrian signal with 3M 912 & 910 enlargers in Washington D.C.<br>The signal has since been removed.]]
[[File:3m ped enlargers 1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M 910 & 912 Enlargers]]
[[File:3m_007_SSS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The SA-910 diffusing lens (bottom) next to a normal 9" lens (top), which it would replace.]]

These were made to convert the display of typical 9" pedestrian signals to that of a 12" pedestrian signal.

====SA-912====
This enlarger is for the DONT WALK section of a pedestrian signal. The [[#SA-910|SA-910]] is for the WALK section.<br>
<br>
The enlarger mounts where the visor would go on the signal's door. It is essentially a box that expands around a 9-inch lens to fit a door with a 12-inch lens.<br>
The signal's original 9-inch lens is replaced with a clear or colored plastic diffusing lens. The enlarger is attached in the place of the visor using the visor's screws. It is square-shaped at both ends. A square DONT WALK plastic frensel lens with red 4½" lettering slides into the lens holder/front door of the unit, which acts as a frame for the lens. There is a lip around the inside edge of the door frame, to which the new visor attaches. The door then simply slides into place on the front of the enlarger. <br>
With this setup, the light shines through the diffusing lens, into the enlarger and out the 12" lens, generating a larger and more visible indication with the same amount of light and without having to replace the pedestrian signal.<br>
3M offered specific versions of these adaptors with slightly different attachments to fit Marbelite and Econolite pedestrian signals.<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''9''' inch to '''12''' inch"

====SA-910====
This enlarger is for the WALK section of a pedestrian signal. The [[#SA-912|SA-912]] is for the DONT WALK section.<br>
<br>
This enlarger section has a 10"x12" lens. It is smaller because it needs to fit beneath the [[#SA-912|SA-912]] adaptor on a pedestrian signal. The [[#SA-912|SA-912]] (DONT WALK), which is a full 12"x12", extends slightly over the WALK section. In order to match the curvature, the top of this adaptor bends downward, instead of upward like the [[#SA-912|SA-912]]. Other than that, they are exactly the same.<br>
The DONT WALK indication needs to be largest because it has two lines of text, and the WALK indication only has one. In a normal signal, the DONT WALK and WALK lenses are the same size, and the WALK has blank space on the top and bottom. That extra space could be cut off and the WALK indication would remain the correct size, which is essentially what was done with these.<br>
Like the [[#SA-912|SA-912]], this adaptor is attached where the visor would go on a signal, using the visors screws. The original lens is replaced with a clear or colored plastic diffusing lens. The outer lens, a plastic frensel lens that says WALK in 4½" white lettering, is displayed on the front of the adaptor. <br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''9''' inch to '''10''' inch"

<br clear=all>

==Signs==

===Reflective===
3M is a leader in the industry of reflective signage and sheeting, in addition to many other road products. You can see them here: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_roadway/safety/productcatalog/~/Roadway-Safety?N=3293989410+7566298+7584153+8695783+8694413&rt=r3

===Electronic===
3M made a bi-modal, time-programmable sign lighted sign for roadways. Little is known about them.

==Other Traffic Products==

===Opticom===

3M

2014-06-18T19:59:58Z

Pyth:

[[Category:Manufacturer]]
[[Category:Signals]]
[[Category:Control]]
[[Category:Lenses]]
<br>
<font size="3">'''''This page is a work in progress!'''''</font> <br>

=3M Brand=
From 1969 to 2007, 3M produced signals and adapters designed to enhance signal visibility to both drivers and pedestrians. Their most iconic and well-known product is the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131]].

=Products=

==Full Vehicle Signals (12")==

===M-123 Programmable Visibility Prototype Signal===
[[File:3mm123engine10.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-123 paired with an 8" [[Checker]]. <br>(Photos by [[User:Engine10|Engine10.]])]]

The M-123 was the first traffic signals ever made by 3M. They were most likely made a few years before 1969. It's original purpose was to have "high visibility"; more fully-lit and easier-to-see indications. It could also be used for "programmable visibility", which means the viewing area of the signal can be limited down to single lane.<br>
This signal was a prototype. It is known as an early version of the M-131. The M-131 signals are nearly identical to these; 3M sold them to cities that liked the idea and wanted to test them out. 3M tested them and made improvements as they saw fit. Finally, 3M released their final product as the all-new M-131 signal and began expanding their product line. <br>The main visible difference is that the rear lamp door/housing was cone-shaped, unlike the M-131's more faceted version The M-123's doors had the 2 hinges on top and the 2 wingnuts on the bottom instead of on either side. M-123s didn't have latches to secure the lenses, so they were prone to falling out if the door was opened. The tilt adjusters were on the front corners of the signal housing instead of on the connector. Finally, they were sand-casted, and somewhat heavier than M-131s.
<br clear=all>
'''Lenses''' <br>
These were available with the following lenses:
* Red Ball
* Yellow Ball
* Green Ball
* Green Arrow
<br clear=all>

===M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal===
[[File:3M.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]][[File:3Mback.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3Ms Charlottesville.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 signals <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]][[File:3Ms Charlottesville 2jpg.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 signals <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3M Charlottesville Angles.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 signals shown from both viewing angles <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]][[File:3MM131HVS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M 131 Marketing Photo]]
[[File:3MMasking.jpg‎|200px|thumb|right|3M 131 Masking Demonstration]][[File:3M Logos.png|200px|thumb|left|Newer logo (left) compared to older logo (right)]]

<u>'''~Overview~'''</u>
<br><br>
3M, the same company that makes well-known everyday products such as Scotch tape, entered the traffic control industry in 1969 with High-Visibility signals. These lights were unlike any other at the time in both design and operation. The most noticeable features are the square lenses and futuristic-looking housing. The also had special capabilities, such as High Visibility (giving a fuller, clearer indication) and, most notably, Programmable Visibility (being able to limit the viewing area to as little as a single lane). After modifying the [[#M-123 Programmable Visibility Prototype Signal|M-123 prototype signal]], 3M released this signal line in 1969 and produced them until 2007 with only a few changes.
<br><br>
<u>'''~Construction~'''</u>
<br><br>
On the back of a 3M signal, there is a door; while most signals only have a front door, these signals are so large it is much easier to have two. This door serves as the access point and housing of the bulb. The bulb is a PAR 46 lamp, which has the filament and reflector all in one sealed piece, similar to those used in older car headlights and flood lights. The bulb is plugged into a socket back of the door, and is held in place with a metal retainer ring with a hinge and latch. While even in it's final years no LED lamps were offered by 3M, 3rd parties such as [[Leotek]] and [[Electro-Tech's]] did offer specialized LED lamps for programmable visibility signals. Using them may require the photocell dimming unit to be turned off, as they can't be dimmed like the PAR 46 bulbs. The photocell dimming unit is a light sensor which controls the brightness of the bulb depending on the outside brightness (bright daylight = maximum brightness, nighttime = low brightness). The back plug of the photocell dimming unit can be seen on the outside back of the signal, in the bottom right corner.
<br>
One the bottom right inside the door, there is a plug for the bulb which connects to the main housing. It only connects when the door is closed so the light turns off when the door is opened, preventing a service technician or anyone opening it from being blinded if the signal is still on. In the top right corner of the main housing behind the door, you will find the ID tag. The ID tag includes the serial number, of which each individual section of every signal had one.
<br>
Behind the door on the back of the main housing, there is a lens hole. In front of it, held on by two thumb screws, is a diffusing lens. This lens is what is responsible for distributing the light evenly and giving the 3M signal its clearer, brighter, [[#~Uses/Advantages~|"High Visibility"]] indication. Around the diffusing lens is an aluminum collar that extends outward, giving a more direct path for the light from the bulb to the lens.
<br>
Behind the diffuser, inside the hole, the is another lens. This one, called the optical limiter, is a clear lens. This is where the special optical masking tape (that comes with signal) is applied to [[#~Uses/Advantages~|limit the visibility]].
<br>
Inside the signal's main housing from the front, there isn't too much to it. You can see the front of the optical limiter lens. Around the lens hole is where all of the wiring runs and connects to the terminal block. It is all covered by a removable wire shield, which is black like the inside of the housing. On the front of the signal is the door. This is a thin frame that has two hinges on the left side and two latches on the right. It holds the lens inside of it with four latches, one in each corner. On the front, it has four screw holes, one in each corner, where the visor is attached.
<br>
The top and bottom of each section have connectors where the wires run through. These also control the angle of tilt - due to the precise aiming required by 3M signals, each section must be tilted individually (and all sections should have the same degree of tilt). There are two bolts on each connector, one on each side, which are put into different holes to achieve specific degrees of tilt; there are 6 holes in a line on each side, starting at 0 and going to 10 in increments of two.
<br>
The signal housing, including the doors and visors, is made of aluminum. Signal color could be specified when ordering; options included yellow, green and black. There were some parts that were always the same color, though: the inside of the housing was always black; the door frame was always black; and the photocell dimmer plug was always yellow.
<br><br>
Some design issues were changed over the course of production. An incomplete list includes:
* '''Dimmer''' - The photocell dimmer and associated wiring was changed to support a larger-wattage resistor, housed in the back door. The dimmer was changed from PCD-111 to PCD-111A.
* '''Bulb Plug''' - The bulb plug connecting the back door to the main housing always had 3-prongs, but originally it only used 2 of them. When the larger-wattage resistor for the dimmer was added in the door, the 3rd prong was used for that connection.
* '''Housing Mold''' - The corners (around the hinges) and support ridges (on the top and bottom at the front) were modified at some point.
* '''Logo''' - 3M's logo, displayed on the back of the back door, was changed at some point.
* '''Diffuser Lens Collar''' - The aluminum collar around the diffuser lens was originally longer, but not too long after production began it was shortened.

<br><br>
[[File:3M Masking.png|200px|thumb|right|These images from the 3M masking video show the steps for masking a 3M signal for a single turn lane.]]
<u>'''~Masking Process~'''</u>
<br><br>
The masking process begins by looking straight through the optical limiter lens through the back of the signal. You can see the roadway that the signal is facing. Because it is a convex lens, the roadway will appear flipped 180°. With special optical masking tape that comes with the signal, you cover the areas of the road that you see through the lens for which you don't want the signal to be visible. Yes, it look all flipped around - but just like what you see through it is flipped, so will be the light that comes out, so it all works out in the end. The tape needs to be perfectly flat on the glass with no air bubbles to work properly. You can see videos explaining the masking process [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdRnD4Yy92k here (part 1)] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsDN5pnDEWU here (part 2)]
<br><br>
<u>'''~Uses/Advantages~'''</u>
<br><br>
'''''PROGRAMMABLE VISIBILITY'''''
* '''Viewing Area Limiting'''
With PV signals, you can limit the viewing area to anywhere from one approach at an intersection to a single lane at that approach. This is ideal for skewed intersections, where you could see the traffic signals of a different approach; turn signals, that cycle independently and might distract through traffic; divided intersections, where some lanes are signalized while others aren't; ramp metering, where each lane's signal cycles independently; and signals for bus/transit lanes, that might confuse vehicle traffic.
<br>
This is accomplished by applying optical masking tape to one or both sides of the optical limiter lenses. See more on the masking process above.
* '''Viewing Distance Limiting'''
Another feature of these signals is the ability to limit the distance of the visibility. This is ideal for multiple intersections that are very close to each other. Drivers might look ahead and see signals showing green at the wrong intersection, which can cause confusion and accidents.
<br>
Distance limiting is accomplished by applying optical masking tape to the bottom of the optical limiter lens. It is applied to the bottom, not the top, because the light flips 180° when it travels through the lens. See more about the masking process above.
<br><br>
[[File:3M Comparison.png|275px|thumb|right|These images from the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pdh6yk258A 3M promotional video] compare the 3M signal display quality to that of a normal traffic signal]]
'''''HIGH VISIBILITY'''''
* '''Fuller Indication'''
The 3M PV signal is also made to have fuller, clearer indications. Because of the special diffusing lens inside and the fresnel pattern on the external lens, the lens appears to be fully and evenly lit. There is no bulb "hot spot" on the lens. And since the whole lens is lit at its brightest, it can be seen much better, and from further away (within the programmed visibility limits!).
* '''No Sun Phantoming'''
Sun phantoming is a condition with traffic signals where the sun shines in through the lens, reflects of the reflectors and shines back out the lens, making all indications appear to be lit even when they aren't. This can be a serious problem at large intersections. Because it would have to go through 4 lenses (including the cover of the PAR 46 bulb), into the bulb's small reflector and back out, there is little opportunity for that to happen.
<br><br>
<u>'''~Disadvantages~'''</u>
<br><br>
* 3M signals were far more expensive than regular traffic signals. To achieve visibility limiting, many places opted to simply attach louvers on their existing signals. Though they couldn't limit the visibility as extensively, and they also block some of the light output even for the direction they face.
* 3M signals used PAR 46 bulbs, similar to those used in flood lights. They have shorter lives, higher temperatures, and are considerably more expensive than regular light bulbs.
* 3M signals were also heavy; a 3-section 3M weighs around 65 pounds, 15 heavier than a typical traffic light. This made installation difficult. 3M made it slightly better by having a terminal block in every section instead of just one, so they could wire it it out through any section depending on how they are installed.
* And, while 3M was the first to create such a signal, in more recent years (as early as 1997) they have had some competition. [[#McCain Programmable Visibility Signals|McCain Traffic]] and [[Intelight]] (previously [[OptiSoft]]) both make programmable visibility signals. <br>The [[McCain]] PV Signal was developed in early 2000s, and is nearly identical in design to 3M PV signals. Many parts are interchangeable with the M-131 as well, including the Light Shield, Diffusing Lens, Masking Lens, Bulbs (LED or Incandescent), and Wire Terminals. McCain's PV signals use round lenses (overcoming one of the drawbacks to 3M's square lenses) and they use standard 12" visors which makes them easier to replace.<br>Intelight signals are very different in design but utilize the latest LED technology, which makes far better in that regard.<br>This competition is part of the reason behind declining sales which led to 3M dropping out of the traffic signal industry in 2007.
<br><br>
<u>'''~Lenses~'''</u>
<br><br>
The lenses on a 3M are unique in that they are square. They glass has a frensel pattern, which 'enlarges' the view to the driver, effectively enlarging the point of the visible mask/diffuser lens to the driver. Lenses are made of 2 parts: the colored glass piece, and the black mask. This mask was printed on the inside, outside, or on both sides of the lens, and determined what shape was illuminated. Also unlike typical lenses, these could be rotated (in increments of 90°, of course) as needed. Older lenses were formed and have round corners, while newer lenses were made completely square and then had the corners trimmed off. All lenses had a number stamped onto the outer side, possibly a production run number, while they also had one on the inner side, possibly showing part number or revision of the fresnel design.

[[File:3mweighstationpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 with special weigh station lenses. Photo by Pyth.)]]

Here is the list of known lenses for M-131 signals:
<br>
{| class="wikitable" margin="5px"
|-
|<u>'''Standard'''</u>
|<u>'''Special'''</u>
|-
|'''''Balls'''''
* Red
* Yellow
* Green
'''''Arrows (90°; Left, Right, or Upwards)'''''
* Red
* Yellow
* Green
'''''Diagonal Arrows (45°; Diagonal Leftward or Diagonal Rightward)'''''
* Red (long head)
* Yellow (long head)
* Green (long head)
* Red (short head)
* Yellow (short head)
* Green (short head)
|'''''Light Rail Symbols'''''
* Clear Straight Line
* Clear Diagonal Line
* Clear Arrow
* Clear T
* Red T
* Yellow T
* Green T
* Red BUS
* Yellow BUS
* Green BUS
'''''Canadian Shapes'''''
* Red Square
* Yellow Diamond
'''''Special Worded'''''
* <nowiki>[There are a few known signals with custom-ordered worded lenses, often at weigh stations.]</nowiki>
|}
<br><br>
<u>'''~Serial Numbers~'''</u>
<br><br>
All 3M signals were given a serial number. A small decal, about 1" x 2" in size, was placed on the back of the housing inside the back door. A serial number was stamped onto this decal. Many lights were given sequential numbers for each head - i.e. Red would be "100", Yellow then "101", and Green "102". There were at least four versions of the decal, with the two common being known as the 'Old Style' and 'New Style'.

[[3M_ID_Numbers|<u>A list of known serial numbers owned by collectors can be found here</u>]].
<br><br><br><br><br><br>
<br clear=all>

===M-131R Bimodal (Ball/Arrow) Signal===
[[File:M131R Stages.png|120px|thumb|left|Different views that a driver could see approaching an M-131R lens. <br>(Image by [[User:Coytll|coytll]])]]
[[File:131R.jpg|thumb|right|The M-131R signal <br>(Image by [[User:Coytll|coytll]])]]
[[File:131R Lens.jpg|thumb|right|The M-131R lens from the inside <br>(Image by [[User:Coytll|coytll]])]]
This is a unique signal; nothing quite like it has ever been made. It features what appears to be a ball indication from a distance, but as you get closer, it turns into an arrow.
<br><br>
Here's how it works:
<br>
The portion of the ball surrounding the arrow on the lens features the normal 3M fresnel pattern to it, which only allows light to be viewed coming straight out. The arrow part, however, has a prismatic texture, which reflects light out in every direction. Because of this, where the signal is masked off like normal and you can't see the ball, you can still see the arrow.
<br>
Unlike the PV signals, you don't want to limit the visibility; in fact, the purpose of this is to extend it (arrows can sometimes be difficult to see from far away, which is a problem this signal solves). Instead, the masking is done just to set the point of proximity at which the indication appears to change. This is done by applying masking tape to the top of the optical limiter lens, so that direct light does not shine out as you get close to the signal (since the light flips 180° as it passes through). Since only direct light can pass through in the ball area, that part appears dark. The arrow portion, with its prismatic texture, takes the light coming from the bottom of the lens and sends it out in all directions, so it can still be seen.
<br>
From far away, when the arrow and surrounding area are lit, it looks like a normal ball (though you may be able to see the faint outline of an arrow).
<br><br>
The housing of these signal sections are identical to the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signals|M-131 signals]], except that they have different connectors. To get the right viewing angle, these signals must be mounted with a tilt angle of 0°. These connectors are at 0° and can't be adjusted.
<br><br>
Because of the specific horizontal-lined texture in the arrow, the lens would not work correctly if rotated (except for in 180° increments. Different lenses had to be made for turn arrows and vertical arrows. Here is a list of the '''<u>known versions that were made</u>''':
* Green Upwards Arrow + Ball
* Red Turn Arrow + Ball
It is likely that left/right, upwards, left diagonal, and right diagonal versions in red or green could be custom-ordered, though none other than those listed are known to exist (most likely not in yellow for obvious reasons). 3M only advertised the green upwards arrow version, but the red turn arrow version exists (albeit rare) in California.

<br><br>
<br clear=all>

===M-133 Dual-Indication (Green/Yellow) Programmable Visibility Signal===
The 3M "dual indication" signal is what would generally be called a Bimodal arrow by most people in the traffic industry. In one section, it can switch between a green and yellow arrow. While this would be accomplished with fiber-optics in normal signals, that would not work for programmable visibility signals, so 3M's system was much more complicated.
<br>
The M-133 housing was identical to that of the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signals|M-131 signal]], with the exception of an extra attachment on the side that houses a motor. The signal is masked and the tilt is set in exactly the same way. The only difference is the way it functions.
<br>
The front arrow lens is clear. Insides the housing, where there would normally be empty space, is a round lens held in place by wheels that are attached to the motor. Half of it is green and half of it is yellow. There is a black cover behind the bottom half of the lens, so only one color is exposed at a time. When the protected turn phase starts, the light turns on with the green half of the lens showing. When the phase is over, the motor kicks in and quickly spins the lens so the yellow have is showing. The transition is fast and fairly smooth. After the yellow clearance phase is completed, the light goes out and the motor spins the lens (at a slower speed) back into the green position, awaiting the next arrow phase.

==="Doghouse Bimodal Signal"===
This signal had the same function as a doghouse, but in a 3-section signal. The top section was a red ball, the middle section was a 'maunual' bimodal yellow ball/arrow, and the bottom section was a 'manual' bimodal green ball/arrow. The 'manual' bimodal was different from the M-131R bimodal because it switched from arrow to ball manually, not based on proximity.
<br>
Nothing is known about have it worked. It likely never made it past the experimental phase, and was never sold on the market.

==Full Pedestrian Signals (12")==

===M-131 Programmable Visibility Pedestrian Signal===
[[File:3M-131-Ped3.JPG|200px|thumb|left|3M M-131 Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3M-131-Ped2.JPG|300px|thumb|right|3M M-131 Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
[[File:3M-131-Ped1.JPG|200px|thumb|right|3M M-131 Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]])]]
This M-131 PV pedestrian signal is exactly the same as the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|<u>M-131 vehicle signal</u>]], except with different lenses.

'''Lenses'''<br>
The following lenses were available for these signals:
* Portland Orange HAND Symbol
* Lunar White MAN Symbol
* Portland Orange "DONT WALK"
* Lunar White "WALK"
* Red "DONT WALK"
* Green "WALK"

<br clear=left>

===M-132 Dynamic Programmable Visibility Pedestrian Signal===
[[File:M-132 1.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 2.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 3.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]
[[File:M-132 5.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M M-132 Dynamic Pedestrian Signal <br>(Image by [[User:RYGDWW|RYGDWW]])]]

<big>---IN PROGRESS---</big>

<br clear=all>

==Vehicle Signal Adapters (8")==

===SA-130A Programmable Visibility Adapter===
[[File:3M SA-130.jpg|200px|thumb|left|An all-3M adaptor signal. (Image by [https://www.flickr.com/photos/busman_49/7489369482 busman_49])]]
[[File:3m8inpyth.JPG|200px|thumb|right|The adapter.]][[File:3m8inmaskedpyth.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A masked adapter.]]
3M never made full 8" traffic signals; however, they did make programmable visibility attachments that can be put on any normal 8" housing. They are mounted in the door, taking the place of the lens & visor, but it utilizes the existing reflector and bulb. A page showing how these attachments are installed can be found [http://highwaydivides.com/showthread.php?998-Installing-an-8-quot-3M-PV-Attachment here].<br>
The interior of these attachments is similar to that of 3M's 12" signals. It has a regular lens at the outside end, and a diffusing lens on the inside end. Unlike the 12" signals, though, there is no optical limiter lens (a clear lens where the optical masking tape is applied to limit the area of visibility), so the optical masking tape is put directly on the diffusing lens. It still works in the same way. Finally, on the end of these adapters, a small visor is attached. Without the visor, these adapters are about the same size as normal tunnel visors.<br>

'''Lenses'''
* Red Ball
* Yellow Ball
* Green Ball
* Green Arrow

(Though they may have been a special order option, no yellow or red arrows are known to have existed.)
<br clear="all">

==Vehicle Signal Internal Converters (12")==

===M-150 Lens/Reflector System===
The 3M M-150 Lens & Reflector System was created by 3M to give regular 12" traffic signals some of the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131 signal]]'s features.<br>
The M-150 is installed almost exactly like a modern LED module. The signal's original socket, reflectors & lens would be removed; the M-150 unit has all of those in it. The wires that went to the original socket are rewired to the back of the unit. It is then fitted into the door just like the lens was.<br>
The front extended part is a dual diffusing lens (dome-shaped on the inside, cylinder-shaped on the outside). These inserts offered the High Visibility feature of the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131 signal]] (having a fuller, brighter & clearer indication, compared to that of a typical incandescent signal). It did not have the Programmable Visibility feature, because the masking would have to be applied too close to the light source to have the proper effect. These were available in green, yellow, and red balls, and likely all color arrows as well.<br>

DISCONTINUATION:<br>
3M discontinued these early on, because they caused an effect called 'sun phantoming', which occurs when the sun shines through the lens and is reflected back out by the reflector, making it look like all indications are lit.<br>
[[File:3M M-150 Lens.jpg|The M-150 System.<br> Picture by "Rich192"]]<br>

<br>

===PC-310 Signal Intensity Control===

Nothing is known about this device. It was likely never sold on the market.
<br>
Because of the name, it may possibly have been a system for similar to the [[#M-131 Programmable Visibility Signal|M-131's]] photocell dimmer unit, which changes the brightness of the signal depending on the brightness outside.

==Signal Enlargers==

Signal enlarges are attachments mounted on a signal door that expand to fit a larger lens. Around the early 60s, larger signal indications were becoming more popular because visibility was becoming a greater concern. Installing enlargers on a signal was cheaper and easier than replacing it.<br>
3M made 3 lines of signal enlargers; for vehicle signals, round-lens pedestrian signals, and square-lens pedestrian signals. They were all reprimanded for not being built to 3M's strength & quality standards; they were made of thin, lightweight folded sheetmetal with many unsealsed slots on the corners and along the sides. They were mounted in the place of a signal's visor, using the exact same attachments.

===<u><center>Vehicle Signal to Vehicle Signal</center></u>===

[[File:3M-Vehicle-to-Vehicle-enlargers.png|top|250px|thumb|right|This image is from the 1975 3M catalog in the [http://signal-archive.d-domains.net/index.php?get_action=open_file&repository_id=848aab5691d621694ec96206dc2b69ca&file=%2F3M%2F3M%2012_'_'%20Signal%20Adapter%20%20SA%20Family%20%20Installation.pdf| document archive] shows the 812 (top) & 810 (bottom) enlargers.]]
[[File:3M-enlargers-diagram.png|top|275px|thumb|left|Diagram of SA-812 from the [http://signal-archive.d-domains.net/index.php?get_action=open_file&repository_id=848aab5691d621694ec96206dc2b69ca&file=%2F3M%2F3M%2012_'_'%20Signal%20Adapter%20%20SA%20Family%20%20Installation.pdf| document archive] ]]
[[File:Marb3Menlarger1.jpg|top|275px|thumb|left|This is an SA-812, picture from http://www.trafficsignalmuseum.com/]]

These were made to convert the display of typical 8" signals to that of a 12" signal.
====SA-812====
Patented on December 17 1973, this enlarger unit converts a typical 8" signal indication to a 12" indication. The enlarger mounts where the visor would go on the signal's door. It is essentially a box that expands around an 8-inch lens to fit a door with a 12-inch lens.<br>
The signal's original 8-inch lens is replaced with a glass diffusing lens. The enlarger is attached in the place of the visor using the visor's screws. It is octagon-shaped where it attaches to the door; as it extends outward, the slanted sides (which are triangle-shaped) become the corners of the square-shaped front. A square lens slides into the lens holder/front door of the unit, which has a 12" circular hole for the indication to shine through. The door then simply slides into place on the front of the enlarger. <br>
With this setup, the light shines through the 8" lens, into the enlarger and out the 12" lens, generating a larger and more visible indication with the same amount of light and without having to replace the signal.<br>
3M specifically noted that these enlargers would not fit [[Eagle]] Durasig signals or any [[Traffic Signals, Inc.|TSI]] signals. They offered special clips needed when mounting on Crouse-Hinds signals.<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''12''' inch"

====SA-810====
If enlargers need to be used on two consecutive sections of a signal (for example, the 2 green indications on a 4-section R–Y–G–GA signal), there would not be enough space. The [[#SA-812|SA-812]] 12" enlarger extends slightly over both sections around it in order to... well, enlarge... and you would not be able to fit a second one beneath it.<br>
That is what the SA-810 is for; it is designed specifically to fit under an [[#SA-812|SA-812]]. It is almost exactly the same as the [[#SA-812|SA-812]], except that it bends down at the top (instead of up) to fit beneath and match the curvature of the other one. Because of the height limitation, the lens is only 10"x12". And due to that irregular size, they were only available with green left or right arrows. Horizontal arrows are the only indications that would be able to fit while remaining the correct size.<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''10''' inch"

===<u><center>Vehicle Signal to Pedestrian Signal</center></u>===
Though the 3M catalog specifically says these "''are adapters to enlarge 8" vehicle signals to 12" pedestrian signals''", they were most likely designed for round-lens [[Glossary#WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal|WAIT-WALK]] pedestrian signals (which used the same housing as vehicle signals).

====SA-812DW====
This enlarger uses the same body as the [[#SA-812|SA-812]] with the lens & door of a [[#SA-912|SA-912]].<br>
<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''dapter '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''12''' inch pedestrian, '''D'''ONT '''W'''ALK"

====SA-810W====
This enlarger uses the same body as the [[#SA-810|SA-810]] with the lens & door of a [[#SA-910|SA-910]].<br>
<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''dapter '''-''' '''8''' inch to '''12''' inch pedestrian, '''W'''ALK"

<br>

===<u><center>Pedestrian Signal to Pedestrian Signal</center></u>===
[[File:3M-ped-enlargers-diagram.png|top|275px|thumb|left|Diagram of SA-912 from the [http://signal-archive.d-domains.net/index.php?get_action=open_file&repository_id=848aab5691d621694ec96206dc2b69ca&file=%2F3M%2F3M%2012_'_'%20Signal%20Adapter%20%20SA%20Family%20%20Installation.pdf| document archive's] 3M 1975 catalog.<br>If you notice, this image has 2 mistakes; the dotted signal behind it is a vehicle signal (instead of a pedestrian signal), and the back of the enlarger has an octagon shape (instead of square).]]
[[File:3m ped enlargers 2.jpg|top|300px|thumb|right|3M 910 & 912 Enlargers. They are mounted on an [[Eagle]] Flatback pedestrian signal.]]
[[File:3M-ped-to-ped-enlargers.jpg|top|200px|link=http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Committee-hears-testimony-on-tolls-cameras-4307583.php#photo-2547822|thumb|left|This image from http://www.stamfordadvocate.com shows a pedestrian signal with 3M 912 & 910 enlargers in Washington D.C.<br>The signal has since been removed.]]
[[File:3m ped enlargers 1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|3M 910 & 912 Enlargers]]
[[File:3m_007_SSS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The SA-910 diffusing lens (bottom) next to a normal 9" lens (top), which it would replace.]]

These were made to convert the display of typical 9" pedestrian signals to that of a 12" pedestrian signal.

====SA-912====
This enlarger is for the DONT WALK section of a pedestrian signal. The [[#SA-910|SA-910]] is for the WALK section.<br>
<br>
The enlarger mounts where the visor would go on the signal's door. It is essentially a box that expands around a 9-inch lens to fit a door with a 12-inch lens.<br>
The signal's original 9-inch lens is replaced with a clear or colored plastic diffusing lens. The enlarger is attached in the place of the visor using the visor's screws. It is square-shaped at both ends. A square DONT WALK plastic frensel lens with red 4½" lettering slides into the lens holder/front door of the unit, which acts as a frame for the lens. There is a lip around the inside edge of the door frame, to which the new visor attaches. The door then simply slides into place on the front of the enlarger. <br>
With this setup, the light shines through the diffusing lens, into the enlarger and out the 12" lens, generating a larger and more visible indication with the same amount of light and without having to replace the pedestrian signal.<br>
3M offered specific versions of these adaptors with slightly different attachments to fit Marbelite and Econolite pedestrian signals.<br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''9''' inch to '''12''' inch"

====SA-910====
This enlarger is for the WALK section of a pedestrian signal. The [[#SA-912|SA-912]] is for the DONT WALK section.<br>
<br>
This enlarger section has a 10"x12" lens. It is smaller because it needs to fit beneath the [[#SA-912|SA-912]] adaptor on a pedestrian signal. The [[#SA-912|SA-912]] (DONT WALK), which is a full 12"x12", extends slightly over the WALK section. In order to match the curvature, the top of this adaptor bends downward, instead of upward like the [[#SA-912|SA-912]]. Other than that, they are exactly the same.<br>
The DONT WALK indication needs to be largest because it has two lines of text, and the WALK indication only has one. In a normal signal, the DONT WALK and WALK lenses are the same size, and the WALK has blank space on the top and bottom. That extra space could be cut off and the WALK indication would remain the correct size, which is essentially what was done with these.<br>
Like the [[#SA-912|SA-912]], this adaptor is attached where the visor would go on a signal, using the visors screws. The original lens is replaced with a clear or colored plastic diffusing lens. The outer lens, a plastic frensel lens that says WALK in 4½" white lettering, is displayed on the front of the adaptor. <br>
The name of this product means "'''S'''ignal '''A'''daptor '''-''' '''9''' inch to '''10''' inch"

<br clear=all>

==Signs==

===Reflective===
3M is a leader in the industry of reflective signage and sheeting, in addition to many other road products. You can see them here: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_roadway/safety/productcatalog/~/Roadway-Safety?N=3293989410+7566298+7584153+8695783+8694413&rt=r3

===Electronic===
3M made a bi-modal, time-programmable sign lighted sign for roadways. Little is known about them.

==Other Traffic Products==

===Opticom===

File:3mweighstationpyth.jpg

2014-06-18T19:58:01Z

Pyth:

HighwayWiki:Privacy policy

2014-06-17T03:41:02Z

Pyth: Created page with "Your account on here is automatically generated along with your Highway Divides forum account. Your password or other personal information will never be sold, given to, or tra..."

Your account on here is automatically generated along with your Highway Divides forum account. Your password or other personal information will never be sold, given to, or traded to anyone or any other website. You are not required to give your password or personal information to anyone who asks you for these if you do not feel safe doing so. Other members may not harass, threaten, or blackmail you into giving away your personal information or password.

General Electric (Canada)

2014-06-17T03:37:15Z

Pyth: Created page with "Storing these here for now, will clean up and arrange properly when I have more time http://puu.sh/9x1QL/2108e8608b.jpg http://puu.sh/9x1Rx/968bb33926.jpg http://puu.sh/9x1Sz..."

Storing these here for now, will clean up and arrange properly when I have more time

http://puu.sh/9x1QL/2108e8608b.jpg
http://puu.sh/9x1Rx/968bb33926.jpg
http://puu.sh/9x1Sz/dde4b39b07.jpg

Glossary

2014-06-13T09:39:17Z

Pyth: /* Command Lens */

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.
[[File:Dualaspectbeaconpyth.jpg|thumb|A dual-aspect bridge pillar beacon.]]
<br clear=all>

----

===Bar Lens (Adler Lens)===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green.

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

<br clear=all>
----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
[[ File:Waitlenspyth.jpg |thumb|left|A 'WAIT' lens, used in early pedestrian signals.]]
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.
<br clear=all>
----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]] [[File:Offsetdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|An offset doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]] [[File:Cheapdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|A cheap doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]] [[File:8indoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|8" doghouse.]]
<br clear=all>
<br>
----
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

<br clear=all>

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

Glossary

2014-06-13T09:39:04Z

Pyth: /* Command Lens */

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.
[[File:Dualaspectbeaconpyth.jpg|thumb|A dual-aspect bridge pillar beacon.]]
<br clear=all>

----

===Bar Lens (Adler Lens)===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green.

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

<br clear=all>
----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
[[ File:Waitlenspyth.jpg |thumb|left|A 'WAIT' lens, used in early pedestrian signals.]]
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]] [[File:Offsetdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|An offset doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]] [[File:Cheapdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|A cheap doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]] [[File:8indoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|8" doghouse.]]
<br clear=all>
<br>
----
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

<br clear=all>

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

File:Waitlenspyth.jpg

2014-06-13T09:37:44Z

Pyth:

Signal Mounting Styles

2014-05-30T20:35:10Z

Pyth:

Out in the field, signals are always mounted to some solid object to keep them high up, to increase visibility and decrease likelihood of theft or vandalism.
=Span Wires=
One of the most common forms of holding signals and signs above intersections. Poles are erected at corners of an intersection, a cable is drawn between two poles, and signals are secured onto the cable with clamps, gooseneck hangers, and often cluster pipes and junctions. Wire is then run inside the pole from the cabinet, out the top at a weatherhead. The wires are secured to the cable and enter the signal clusters at the gooseneck hangers. Older span wire poles were either wooden or metal, all new installations are metal.
==Diagonal Span==
[[File:Econospanpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|A diagonal span sporting [[Econolite]] signals.]]
Utilizing a single cable and 2 poles, the cable is drawn between poles at opposite corners of the intersection. Signals are then free to face 4 or more directions in clusters or alone.
<br clear=all>
==Box Span==
[[File:BoxSpan.JPG|thumb|left|A box span set-up in Huntsville, AL.]]
Using 4 poles and 4 cables, poles are installed at each corner of a 4-way intersection, and cables are drawn to each pole, drawing a box shape if viewed from above. Signals are then mounted and generally positioned to face the traffic across the intersection.
<br clear=all>

==Triangle Span==
[[File:Trianglespanfreebrick.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|A triangle span.]]
Combining diagonal spans and box spans, 2 box sides are connected with a diagonal stretch of cable. This setup is very uncommon.
<br clear=all>
=Mast Arms=

Mast Arms are used on most signal installations today. They often replace older span wire set-ups. There are also a few different styles of mast arm. Some people call them "cantilevers".

==Standard==
[[File:StandardCantilever.JPG |thumb|A standard mast arm.]]
This is the most common type of mast arm. Nothing too special about it.
<br clear=all>

==Alabama==
[[File:AlabamaCantilevers.JPG|thumb|A pair of Alabama mast arms.]]
This style of mast arm is generally found within the state of Alabama. It is a standard mast arm where the signals hang down from underneath it. The places where you'll find the most of them are Birmingham and Montgomery.
<br clear=all>

==Bridge==

This style of mast arm uses two masts to hold it up, one on each end. They are typically used like a diagonal span wire.

==Guy Wire (NYC)==
[[File:GuyWireMasts.JPG|thumb|A pair of Guy Wire mast arms in Athens, AL]]
This style of mast arm has two guy wires going from the top of the mast to part-way up the arm. These are the most common type of mast arm in New York City. They can also be found in places like Detroit, MI and Athens, AL.
<br clear=all>

==Huntsville==
[[File:HuntsvilleCantilever.JPG|thumb|A Huntsville mast arm set-up.]]
This style of mast arm is only found within Huntsville, AL on most older installs. They utilize a standard cantilever, but have places for where the signals are directly mounted onto the mast arm instead of using plumbizers or Astro-Brackets.
<br clear=all>

=Cluster Pipes & Junctions=
[[File:Safetrans1pyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Some [[Safetran]] clusters, held together with cluster hardware.]]
[[File:Offsetclusterpyth.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A [[Siemens_(Eagle)|Siemens]] cluster with offset signals to counterbalance the heavier doghouses.]]
More often than not, signals will be found in clusters, or groups of 2 or more seperate signals held together by conduit-style piping and junctions. Wire is run from the cabinet, through these pipes and junctions, into the signals directly. These hardware examples are more commonly found with spanwire setups, and uncommonly seen with pole-mounted signals. The general pipe size today is 1½" diameter, but in the past sizes varied from 1¼" to 2" diameters. Many signal companies have also produced cluster hardware, such as [[Crouse-Hinds]], [[Eagle]], and [[Marbelite]].
==End Caps==
===6-sided===
===8-sided===
===Circus Tent===
===Stubby Finials===
===Long Finials===
==Junctions==
===T-junctions===
===2-sided Junctions===
===3-sided Junctions===
===4-sided Junctions===
===6-sided Junctions===
<br clear=all>

=Gooseneck Hangers=
[[File:Winkobeaconpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|A [[Winko-Matic]] beacon held up by a gooseneck hanger and a spanwire clamp.]]
Usually seen with cluster hardware, gooseneck hangers are hollow aluminum(usually?) hangers with multiple holes along the top. The general idea of them is to allow a mounting point for signals and clusters that can sway slightly, hold a lot of weight, and provide a water-resistant entry point for wires to reach the signals. The multiple holes along the tops allow for pivotal adjustments to help counter-balance any weight offsets from clusters.
<br clear=all>
=Spanwire Sign Brackets=
[[File:Spansignspyth.JPG|200px|thumb|left|A few signs mounted to a spanwire with sign brackets.]]
These simple brackets firmly secure signs or sign clusters to span wires with minimal swaying and rocking. Backlit signs use gooseneck hangers.
<br clear=all>
=Mounting Arms=
[[File:Winkobracketspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|12-8-8 Winko-Matics mounted to a pole with mounting arms.]]
Utilizing the same pipes and junctions as above, this mounting style also features special junction pieces that generally fit smoothly against poles, and are then held on to the pole itself with metal bands. Wiring can then be run through the pole or along the outside, into the arms and then into the signal.
<br clear=all>
=Astro-Brackets=
[[ File:Econobuttonbackspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[Econolite]]s mounted to a mast arm via Astro-Brackets.]]
These sleek, modern brackets are usually found with mast arm setups. They generally hold one signal each, but can be found holding 2 signals, or a single doghouse configuration. Wiring is ran through the mast arm, out near the bracket's attachment point, through the bracket, and into the signal. These brackets come in varying heights, and can be adjusted on the job for different signal heights.
<br clear=all>
=Slipfitters=
[[File:Mixedclusterpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Multiple signals attached to the pole by cluster hardware and a slipfitter.]]
Slipfitters are heavy aluminum pole caps with at least one 1½" hole to allow signals to attach to it, either directly or via cluster hardware. Some slipfitters have offset connection points so signals with backplates don't need extra hardware to fit on properly.
<br clear=all>
=Flag-Mounts=
[[File:Eagle 13PwUJ15-1934-1935 LC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Eaglelux 13P signal with UJ15 horizontal side of pole mount hardware.]]
Mainly made by Eagle and Crouse-Hinds, these now-defunct signal attachments allowed signals to horizontally mount to poles, with a small compartment between the two that usually held a terminal strip. These were usually seen with Crouse-Hind's Art Deco signals, and Eagle's Flatback signals. Flag-mounts are very hard to come by these days.
<br clear=all>
=Compact Ped Housing Mounts=
[[File:Mccainclamshell.jpg|200px|thumb|right|McCain's Clamshell Mounting Hardware for pedestrian signals.]]
Called Clamshell Mounting Hardware by McCain, these compact attachment points allow pedestrian signals to mount almost directly to poles with no extra hardware required, creating a sleek, clean installation. The terminal strip housing is first clamped to the pole separately, the wiring connections are made, the pedestrian signal housing mounts onto the terminal strip housing, and then it is secured on with a bolt using a hex key or bit.
<br clear=all>

=Direct Mounting=
[[File:DirectsingerFBP.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A [[Singer]] directly mounted to a mast arm. Photo by [[User:Freebrickproductions|freebrickproductions]].]]
Seen in places such as Huntsville, Al., this mounting style utilizes mounting hardware to directly attach signal heads to mast arms, offering a utilitarian, water-proof mount. In these cases, the gooseneck hangers aren't used for mounting purposes.
<br clear=all>
=Plumbizers=
[[File:Econolite Plumbizer Arm.png|200px|thumb|right|Some Econolites mounted with plumbizers. Photo taken by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]].]]
Almost like a horizontal slipfitter, plumbizers create attachment points on the tops and bottoms of one end, and slip onto mounted mast arm openings at the other end. The result is a water-tight secure fit, although the signal's top section is raised above the bottom sections to allow room for the plumbizer to mount properly. Wiring runs though the plumbizer itself and into the signal sections attached.
<br clear=all>
=Structural Mounting=
[[ File:Structuresigspyth.jpg |200px|thumb|left|12" signals mounted to conduit, which in turn is directly mounted to the bridge truss.]]
Seeing as signals are technically overglorified electrical housings with lights, it isn't entirely uncommon to see some signals mounted directly to structures with conduit or pvc fittings. These housings are usually secured to the wire piping or with bolts through the signal itself to the structure behind it. Common places to find signals like these are under elevated train track supports and under bridges.

Marbelite

2014-05-29T06:42:43Z

Pyth: /* Traffic Signals */

== 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 ===

====Type L====

====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]''

Signal Mounting Styles

2014-05-29T04:49:51Z

Pyth:

Out in the field, signals are always mounted to some solid object to keep them high up, to increase visibility and decrease likelihood of theft or vandalism.
=Span Wires=
One of the most common forms of holding signals and signs above intersections. Poles are erected at corners of an intersection, a cable is drawn between two poles, and signals are secured onto the cable with clamps, gooseneck hangers, and often cluster pipes and junctions. Wire is then run inside the pole from the cabinet, out the top at a weatherhead. The wires are secured to the cable and enter the signal clusters at the gooseneck hangers. Older span wire poles were either wooden or metal, all new installations are metal.
==Diagonal Span==
[[File:Econospanpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|A diagonal span sporting [[Econolite]] signals.]]
Utilizing a single cable and 2 poles, the cable is drawn between poles at opposite corners of the intersection. Signals are then free to face 4 or more directions in clusters or alone.
<br clear=all>
==Box Span==
Using 4 poles and 4 cables, poles are installed at each corner of a 4-way intersection, and cables are drawn to each pole, drawing a box shape if viewed from above. Signals are then mounted and generally positioned to face the traffic across the intersection.
==Triangle Span==
[[File:Trianglespanfreebrick.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|A triangle span.]]
Combining diagonal spans and box spans, 2 box sides are connected with a diagonal stretch of cable. This setup is very uncommon.
<br clear=all>
=Mast Arms=
==Styles (NYC/Standard/etc)==
=Cluster Pipes & Junctions=
[[File:Safetrans1pyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Some [[Safetran]] clusters, held together with cluster hardware.]]
[[File:Offsetclusterpyth.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A [[Siemens_(Eagle)|Siemens]] cluster with offset signals to counterbalance the heavier doghouses.]]
More often than not, signals will be found in clusters, or groups of 2 or more seperate signals held together by conduit-style piping and junctions. Wire is run from the cabinet, through these pipes and junctions, into the signals directly. These hardware examples are more commonly found with spanwire setups, and uncommonly seen with pole-mounted signals. The general pipe size today is 1½" diameter, but in the past sizes varied from 1¼" to 2" diameters. Many signal companies have also produced cluster hardware, such as [[Crouse-Hinds]], [[Eagle]], and [[Marbelite]].
==End Caps==
===6-sided===
===8-sided===
===Circus Tent===
===Stubby Finials===
===Long Finials===
==Junctions==
===T-junctions===
===2-sided Junctions===
===3-sided Junctions===
===4-sided Junctions===
===6-sided Junctions===
<br clear=all>

=Gooseneck Hangers=
[[File:Winkobeaconpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|A [[Winko-Matic]] beacon held up by a gooseneck hanger and a spanwire clamp.]]
Usually seen with cluster hardware, gooseneck hangers are hollow aluminum(usually?) hangers with multiple holes along the top. The general idea of them is to allow a mounting point for signals and clusters that can sway slightly, hold a lot of weight, and provide a water-resistant entry point for wires to reach the signals. The multiple holes along the tops allow for pivotal adjustments to help counter-balance any weight offsets from clusters.
<br clear=all>
=Spanwire Sign Brackets=
[[File:Spansignspyth.JPG|200px|thumb|left|A few signs mounted to a spanwire with sign brackets.]]
These simple brackets firmly secure signs or sign clusters to span wires with minimal swaying and rocking. Backlit signs use gooseneck hangers.
<br clear=all>
=Mounting Arms=
[[File:Winkobracketspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|12-8-8 Winko-Matics mounted to a pole with mounting arms.]]
Utilizing the same pipes and junctions as above, this mounting style also features special junction pieces that generally fit smoothly against poles, and are then held on to the pole itself with metal bands. Wiring can then be run through the pole or along the outside, into the arms and then into the signal.
<br clear=all>
=Astro-Brackets=
[[ File:Econobuttonbackspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[Econolite]]s mounted to a mast arm via Astro-Brackets.]]
These sleek, modern brackets are usually found with mast arm setups. They generally hold one signal each, but can be found holding 2 signals, or a single doghouse configuration. Wiring is ran through the mast arm, out near the bracket's attachment point, through the bracket, and into the signal. These brackets come in varying heights, and can be adjusted on the job for different signal heights.
<br clear=all>
=Slipfitters=
[[File:Mixedclusterpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Multiple signals attached to the pole by cluster hardware and a slipfitter.]]
Slipfitters are heavy aluminum pole caps with at least one 1½" hole to allow signals to attach to it, either directly or via cluster hardware. Some slipfitters have offset connection points so signals with backplates don't need extra hardware to fit on properly.
<br clear=all>
=Flag-Mounts=
[[File:Eagle 13PwUJ15-1934-1935 LC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Eaglelux 13P signal with UJ15 horizontal side of pole mount hardware.]]
Mainly made by Eagle and Crouse-Hinds, these now-defunct signal attachments allowed signals to horizontally mount to poles, with a small compartment between the two that usually held a terminal strip. These were usually seen with Crouse-Hind's Art Deco signals, and Eagle's Flatback signals. Flag-mounts are very hard to come by these days.
<br clear=all>
=Compact Ped Housing Mounts=
[[File:Mccainclamshell.jpg|200px|thumb|right|McCain's Clamshell Mounting Hardware for pedestrian signals.]]
Called Clamshell Mounting Hardware by McCain, these compact attachment points allow pedestrian signals to mount almost directly to poles with no extra hardware required, creating a sleek, clean installation. The terminal strip housing is first clamped to the pole separately, the wiring connections are made, the pedestrian signal housing mounts onto the terminal strip housing, and then it is secured on with a bolt using a hex key or bit.
<br clear=all>

=Direct Mounting=
[[File:DirectsingerFBP.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A [[Singer]] directly mounted to a mast arm. Photo by [[User:Freebrickproductions|freebrickproductions]].]]
Seen in places such as Huntsville, Al., this mounting style utilizes mounting hardware to directly attach signal heads to mast arms, offering a utilitarian, water-proof mount. In these cases, the gooseneck hangers aren't used for mounting purposes.
<br clear=all>
=Plumbizers=
[[File:Econolite Plumbizer Arm.png|200px|thumb|right|Some Econolites mounted with plumbizers. Photo taken by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]].]]
Almost like a horizontal slipfitter, plumbizers create attachment points on the tops and bottoms of one end, and slip onto mounted mast arm openings at the other end. The result is a water-tight secure fit, although the signal's top section is raised above the bottom sections to allow room for the plumbizer to mount properly. Wiring runs though the plumbizer itself and into the signal sections attached.
<br clear=all>
=Structural Mounting=
[[ File:Structuresigspyth.jpg |200px|thumb|left|12" signals mounted to conduit, which in turn is directly mounted to the bridge truss.]]
Seeing as signals are technically overglorified electrical housings with lights, it isn't entirely uncommon to see some signals mounted directly to structures with conduit or pvc fittings. These housings are usually secured to the wire piping or with bolts through the signal itself to the structure behind it. Common places to find signals like these are under elevated train track supports and under bridges.

File:Trianglespanfreebrick.jpg

2014-05-29T04:46:43Z

Pyth:

File:Econospanpyth.jpg

2014-05-29T04:46:33Z

Pyth:

Signal Mounting Styles

2014-05-29T03:26:42Z

Pyth: /* Single Span */

Out in the field, signals are always mounted to some solid object to keep them high up, to increase visibility and decrease likelihood of theft or vandalism.
=Span Wires=
==Diagonal Span==

==Box Span==
==Triangle Span==
=Mast Arms=
==Styles (NYC/Standard/etc)==
=Cluster Pipes & Junctions=
[[File:Safetrans1pyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Some [[Safetran]] clusters, held together with cluster hardware.]]
[[File:Offsetclusterpyth.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A [[Siemens_(Eagle)|Siemens]] cluster with offset signals to counterbalance the heavier doghouses.]]
More often than not, signals will be found in clusters, or groups of 2 or more seperate signals held together by conduit-style piping and junctions. Wire is run from the cabinet, through these pipes and junctions, into the signals directly. These hardware examples are more commonly found with spanwire setups, and uncommonly seen with pole-mounted signals. The general pipe size today is 1½" diameter, but in the past sizes varied from 1¼" to 2" diameters. Many signal companies have also produced cluster hardware, such as [[Crouse-Hinds]], [[Eagle]], and [[Marbelite]].
==End Caps==
===6-sided===
===8-sided===
===Circus Tent===
===Stubby Finials===
===Long Finials===
==Junctions==
===T-junctions===
===2-sided Junctions===
===3-sided Junctions===
===4-sided Junctions===
===6-sided Junctions===
<br clear=all>

=Gooseneck Hangers=
[[File:Winkobeaconpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|A [[Winko-Matic]] beacon held up by a gooseneck hanger and a spanwire clamp.]]
Usually seen with cluster hardware, gooseneck hangers are hollow aluminum(usually?) hangers with multiple holes along the top. The general idea of them is to allow a mounting point for signals and clusters that can sway slightly, hold a lot of weight, and provide a water-resistant entry point for wires to reach the signals. The multiple holes along the tops allow for pivotal adjustments to help counter-balance any weight offsets from clusters.
<br clear=all>
=Spanwire Sign Brackets=
[[File:Spansignspyth.JPG|200px|thumb|left|A few signs mounted to a spanwire with sign brackets.]]
These simple brackets firmly secure signs or sign clusters to span wires with minimal swaying and rocking. Backlit signs use gooseneck hangers.
<br clear=all>
=Mounting Arms=
[[File:Winkobracketspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|12-8-8 Winko-Matics mounted to a pole with mounting arms.]]
Utilizing the same pipes and junctions as above, this mounting style also features special junction pieces that generally fit smoothly against poles, and are then held on to the pole itself with metal bands. Wiring can then be run through the pole or along the outside, into the arms and then into the signal.
<br clear=all>
=Astro-Brackets=
[[ File:Econobuttonbackspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[Econolite]]s mounted to a mast arm via Astro-Brackets.]]
These sleek, modern brackets are usually found with mast arm setups. They generally hold one signal each, but can be found holding 2 signals, or a single doghouse configuration. Wiring is ran through the mast arm, out near the bracket's attachment point, through the bracket, and into the signal. These brackets come in varying heights, and can be adjusted on the job for different signal heights.
<br clear=all>
=Slipfitters=
[[File:Mixedclusterpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Multiple signals attached to the pole by cluster hardware and a slipfitter.]]
Slipfitters are heavy aluminum pole caps with at least one 1½" hole to allow signals to attach to it, either directly or via cluster hardware. Some slipfitters have offset connection points so signals with backplates don't need extra hardware to fit on properly.
<br clear=all>
=Flag-Mounts=
[[File:Eagle 13PwUJ15-1934-1935 LC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Eaglelux 13P signal with UJ15 horizontal side of pole mount hardware.]]
Mainly made by Eagle and Crouse-Hinds, these now-defunct signal attachments allowed signals to horizontally mount to poles, with a small compartment between the two that usually held a terminal strip. These were usually seen with Crouse-Hind's Art Deco signals, and Eagle's Flatback signals. Flag-mounts are very hard to come by these days.
<br clear=all>
=Compact Ped Housing Mounts=
[[File:Mccainclamshell.jpg|200px|thumb|right|McCain's Clamshell Mounting Hardware for pedestrian signals.]]
Called Clamshell Mounting Hardware by McCain, these compact attachment points allow pedestrian signals to mount almost directly to poles with no extra hardware required, creating a sleek, clean installation. The terminal strip housing is first clamped to the pole separately, the wiring connections are made, the pedestrian signal housing mounts onto the terminal strip housing, and then it is secured on with a bolt using a hex key or bit.
<br clear=all>

=Direct Mounting=
[[File:DirectsingerFBP.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A [[Singer]] directly mounted to a mast arm. Photo by [[User:Freebrickproductions|freebrickproductions]].]]
Seen in places such as Huntsville, Al., this mounting style utilizes mounting hardware to directly attach signal heads to mast arms, offering a utilitarian, water-proof mount. In these cases, the gooseneck hangers aren't used for mounting purposes.
<br clear=all>
=Plumbizers=
[[File:Econolite Plumbizer Arm.png|200px|thumb|right|Some Econolites mounted with plumbizers. Photo taken by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]].]]
Almost like a horizontal slipfitter, plumbizers create attachment points on the tops and bottoms of one end, and slip onto mounted mast arm openings at the other end. The result is a water-tight secure fit, although the signal's top section is raised above the bottom sections to allow room for the plumbizer to mount properly. Wiring runs though the plumbizer itself and into the signal sections attached.
<br clear=all>
=Structural Mounting=
[[ File:Structuresigspyth.jpg |200px|thumb|left|12" signals mounted to conduit, which in turn is directly mounted to the bridge truss.]]
Seeing as signals are technically overglorified electrical housings with lights, it isn't entirely uncommon to see some signals mounted directly to structures with conduit or pvc fittings. These housings are usually secured to the wire piping or with bolts through the signal itself to the structure behind it. Common places to find signals like these are under elevated train track supports and under bridges.

Signal Mounting Styles

2014-05-29T03:26:17Z

Pyth:

Out in the field, signals are always mounted to some solid object to keep them high up, to increase visibility and decrease likelihood of theft or vandalism.
=Span Wires=
==Single Span==
==Box Span==
==Triangle Span==
=Mast Arms=
==Styles (NYC/Standard/etc)==
=Cluster Pipes & Junctions=
[[File:Safetrans1pyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Some [[Safetran]] clusters, held together with cluster hardware.]]
[[File:Offsetclusterpyth.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A [[Siemens_(Eagle)|Siemens]] cluster with offset signals to counterbalance the heavier doghouses.]]
More often than not, signals will be found in clusters, or groups of 2 or more seperate signals held together by conduit-style piping and junctions. Wire is run from the cabinet, through these pipes and junctions, into the signals directly. These hardware examples are more commonly found with spanwire setups, and uncommonly seen with pole-mounted signals. The general pipe size today is 1½" diameter, but in the past sizes varied from 1¼" to 2" diameters. Many signal companies have also produced cluster hardware, such as [[Crouse-Hinds]], [[Eagle]], and [[Marbelite]].
==End Caps==
===6-sided===
===8-sided===
===Circus Tent===
===Stubby Finials===
===Long Finials===
==Junctions==
===T-junctions===
===2-sided Junctions===
===3-sided Junctions===
===4-sided Junctions===
===6-sided Junctions===
<br clear=all>

=Gooseneck Hangers=
[[File:Winkobeaconpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|A [[Winko-Matic]] beacon held up by a gooseneck hanger and a spanwire clamp.]]
Usually seen with cluster hardware, gooseneck hangers are hollow aluminum(usually?) hangers with multiple holes along the top. The general idea of them is to allow a mounting point for signals and clusters that can sway slightly, hold a lot of weight, and provide a water-resistant entry point for wires to reach the signals. The multiple holes along the tops allow for pivotal adjustments to help counter-balance any weight offsets from clusters.
<br clear=all>
=Spanwire Sign Brackets=
[[File:Spansignspyth.JPG|200px|thumb|left|A few signs mounted to a spanwire with sign brackets.]]
These simple brackets firmly secure signs or sign clusters to span wires with minimal swaying and rocking. Backlit signs use gooseneck hangers.
<br clear=all>
=Mounting Arms=
[[File:Winkobracketspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|12-8-8 Winko-Matics mounted to a pole with mounting arms.]]
Utilizing the same pipes and junctions as above, this mounting style also features special junction pieces that generally fit smoothly against poles, and are then held on to the pole itself with metal bands. Wiring can then be run through the pole or along the outside, into the arms and then into the signal.
<br clear=all>
=Astro-Brackets=
[[ File:Econobuttonbackspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[Econolite]]s mounted to a mast arm via Astro-Brackets.]]
These sleek, modern brackets are usually found with mast arm setups. They generally hold one signal each, but can be found holding 2 signals, or a single doghouse configuration. Wiring is ran through the mast arm, out near the bracket's attachment point, through the bracket, and into the signal. These brackets come in varying heights, and can be adjusted on the job for different signal heights.
<br clear=all>
=Slipfitters=
[[File:Mixedclusterpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Multiple signals attached to the pole by cluster hardware and a slipfitter.]]
Slipfitters are heavy aluminum pole caps with at least one 1½" hole to allow signals to attach to it, either directly or via cluster hardware. Some slipfitters have offset connection points so signals with backplates don't need extra hardware to fit on properly.
<br clear=all>
=Flag-Mounts=
[[File:Eagle 13PwUJ15-1934-1935 LC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Eaglelux 13P signal with UJ15 horizontal side of pole mount hardware.]]
Mainly made by Eagle and Crouse-Hinds, these now-defunct signal attachments allowed signals to horizontally mount to poles, with a small compartment between the two that usually held a terminal strip. These were usually seen with Crouse-Hind's Art Deco signals, and Eagle's Flatback signals. Flag-mounts are very hard to come by these days.
<br clear=all>
=Compact Ped Housing Mounts=
[[File:Mccainclamshell.jpg|200px|thumb|right|McCain's Clamshell Mounting Hardware for pedestrian signals.]]
Called Clamshell Mounting Hardware by McCain, these compact attachment points allow pedestrian signals to mount almost directly to poles with no extra hardware required, creating a sleek, clean installation. The terminal strip housing is first clamped to the pole separately, the wiring connections are made, the pedestrian signal housing mounts onto the terminal strip housing, and then it is secured on with a bolt using a hex key or bit.
<br clear=all>

=Direct Mounting=
[[File:DirectsingerFBP.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A [[Singer]] directly mounted to a mast arm. Photo by [[User:Freebrickproductions|freebrickproductions]].]]
Seen in places such as Huntsville, Al., this mounting style utilizes mounting hardware to directly attach signal heads to mast arms, offering a utilitarian, water-proof mount. In these cases, the gooseneck hangers aren't used for mounting purposes.
<br clear=all>
=Plumbizers=
[[File:Econolite Plumbizer Arm.png|200px|thumb|right|Some Econolites mounted with plumbizers. Photo taken by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]].]]
Almost like a horizontal slipfitter, plumbizers create attachment points on the tops and bottoms of one end, and slip onto mounted mast arm openings at the other end. The result is a water-tight secure fit, although the signal's top section is raised above the bottom sections to allow room for the plumbizer to mount properly. Wiring runs though the plumbizer itself and into the signal sections attached.
<br clear=all>
=Structural Mounting=
[[ File:Structuresigspyth.jpg |200px|thumb|left|12" signals mounted to conduit, which in turn is directly mounted to the bridge truss.]]
Seeing as signals are technically overglorified electrical housings with lights, it isn't entirely uncommon to see some signals mounted directly to structures with conduit or pvc fittings. These housings are usually secured to the wire piping or with bolts through the signal itself to the structure behind it. Common places to find signals like these are under elevated train track supports and under bridges.

Midwest

2014-05-27T23:01:23Z

Pyth: /* Design Characteristics */

[[File:Midwestlogo.png]]

== Corporate History and Overview ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''company info, background, founding & major dates, etc.''

===Distributors and Contract Manufacturing ===
''Any notable distribution arrangements or private market signals''
</div>

== Traffic Signals ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''broken down into general categories''
</div>

=== Design Characteristics ===
Midwest adjustable signals are very similar in design to McCains, however with wider backs.

=== Four Ways ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Adjustables ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations ''
</div>

== Pedestrian Signals ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations ''
</div>

=== Vehicle Heads (Round) ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Vehicle Heads (Square Door Adapters) ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Pedestrian/Sign Heads (Rectangular) ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

== Informational Signals and Signs ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations [delete]''
''includes "box signs," "case signs," and Ped Heads with special [non-ped] lenses.
</div>

== Lenses ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Vehicular ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Pedestrian ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

==== Worded ====
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

==== Symbols ====
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Special ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

== Controllers ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Different type of controllers ''
</div>

== Hardware ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''This would include any kind of special options for traffic signals as well as mounting hardware including brackets, slipfitters, hangers, bases, etc. ''
</div>

== Miscellaneous Images ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Various reference images, restored examples, etc. that don't fit anywhere else. ''
</div>

== Relevant Patents ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Patent numbers relevant to this MFR or signals specifically. Not just every patent by company X.''
</div>

== References ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Insert any sources cited or used here ''
</div>

== Holding Pen for Unsorted Data, Notes, Etc. ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Insert any random discussions here ''
</div>

Midwest

2014-05-27T22:49:49Z

Pyth: Created page with " File:Midwestlogo.png == Corporate History and Overview == <div style="overflow: hidden"> ''company info, background, founding & major dates, etc.'' ===Distributors an..."

[[File:Midwestlogo.png]]

== Corporate History and Overview ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''company info, background, founding & major dates, etc.''

===Distributors and Contract Manufacturing ===
''Any notable distribution arrangements or private market signals''
</div>

== Traffic Signals ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''broken down into general categories''
</div>

=== Design Characteristics ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe major features and variations (Major variations can get their own subheading)''
</div>

=== Four Ways ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Adjustables ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations ''
</div>

== Pedestrian Signals ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations ''
</div>

=== Vehicle Heads (Round) ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Vehicle Heads (Square Door Adapters) ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Pedestrian/Sign Heads (Rectangular) ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

== Informational Signals and Signs ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations [delete]''
''includes "box signs," "case signs," and Ped Heads with special [non-ped] lenses.
</div>

== Lenses ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Vehicular ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Pedestrian ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

==== Worded ====
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

==== Symbols ====
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

=== Special ===
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''describe models, variations''
</div>

== Controllers ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Different type of controllers ''
</div>

== Hardware ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''This would include any kind of special options for traffic signals as well as mounting hardware including brackets, slipfitters, hangers, bases, etc. ''
</div>

== Miscellaneous Images ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Various reference images, restored examples, etc. that don't fit anywhere else. ''
</div>

== Relevant Patents ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Patent numbers relevant to this MFR or signals specifically. Not just every patent by company X.''
</div>

== References ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Insert any sources cited or used here ''
</div>

== Holding Pen for Unsorted Data, Notes, Etc. ==
<div style="overflow: hidden">
''Insert any random discussions here ''
</div>

File:Midwestlogo.png

2014-05-27T22:49:05Z

Pyth:

Kopp

2014-05-27T02:58:42Z

Pyth: /* 27 - 27s */

=Company Information=
Founded in 1926, Kopp Glass was formed from the remains of the Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass and Glass Company. The previous company excelled in crafting glass lamps and tableware in a wide array of colors, which contributed greatly to Kopp's quality and success it's known for. Shortly after Kopp was formed, they developed "selenium red" glass, which became the new standard in railroad signals. ---I got this from their website, add whatever else - Pyth---

=Signal Lenses=
==Diamond Design==
===Kopp 27s===

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Full View'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27frontpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Logo'''
</div>
----
<b>No Logo</b>
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Pattern Detail'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27backpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Upper Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27upper1pyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Lower Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
<b>No Lower Inscriptions</b>
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td>
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Dimensioning Figure'''
</div>
----
[[File:Lens_Dims_Main_LC.jpg|200px]]
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

{|class="wikitable"
!colspan="7"|Lens Dimensions
|-
!width="50"|'''a'''<br>
!width="50"|'''b'''<br>
!width="50"|'''c'''<br>
!width="50"|'''d'''<br>
!width="50"|'''e'''<br>

|-
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"

|}

</table>

'''Production Years:''' 1921? - 1938?

'''Material:''' Glass

'''Available Colors:''' Blue-Green, Emerald Green, Amber, Deep Amber, Red, Deep Red, Clear.

'''Pattern or Mask of Lens:''' Diamonds with 4 lines going from the bottom, three quarters up the diamond.

'''Logo Displayed on Front:''' N/A

'''Rim Inscriptions, Front & Back:''' 8⅜ DIFFUSING RDL NO 27 KOPP GLASS INC. SWISSVALE PA.

'''Signals Used On:''' Harrington-Seaberg, Horni, Ruleta, early Eagles, early GEs, possibly 1st gen Marbelite

'''Patents:''' ???

===Kopp 4627s===
===Kopp 66s===
===Kopp 4666s===

==Sawtooth Design==
===Kopp 4677s===

===Kopp 4777s===

==Brick Design==
===Kopp 4955s===
=External Links=
[http://www.koppglass.com/home/ Kopp's Website]

Kopp

2014-05-27T02:55:50Z

Pyth: /* 27 - 27s */

=Company Information=
Founded in 1926, Kopp Glass was formed from the remains of the Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass and Glass Company. The previous company excelled in crafting glass lamps and tableware in a wide array of colors, which contributed greatly to Kopp's quality and success it's known for. Shortly after Kopp was formed, they developed "selenium red" glass, which became the new standard in railroad signals. ---I got this from their website, add whatever else - Pyth---

=Signal Lenses=
==Diamond Design==
===Kopp 27s===

== 27 - 27s ==

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Full View'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27frontpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Logo'''
</div>
----
<b>No Logo</b>
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Pattern Detail'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27backpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Upper Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27upper1pyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Lower Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
<b>No Lower Inscriptions</b>
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td>
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Dimensioning Figure'''
</div>
----
[[File:Lens_Dims_Main_LC.jpg|200px]]
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

{|class="wikitable"
!colspan="7"|Lens Dimensions
|-
!width="50"|'''a'''<br>
!width="50"|'''b'''<br>
!width="50"|'''c'''<br>
!width="50"|'''d'''<br>
!width="50"|'''e'''<br>

|-
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"

|}

</table>

'''Production Years:''' 1921? - 1938?

'''Material:''' Glass

'''Available Colors:''' Blue-Green, Emerald Green, Amber, Deep Amber, Red, Deep Red, Clear.

'''Pattern or Mask of Lens:''' Diamonds with 4 lines going from the bottom, three quarters up the diamond.

'''Logo Displayed on Front:''' N/A

'''Rim Inscriptions, Front & Back:''' 8⅜ DIFFUSING RDL NO 27 KOPP GLASS INC. SWISSVALE PA.

'''Signals Used On:''' Harrington-Seaberg, Horni, Ruleta, early Eagles, early GEs, possibly 1st gen Marbelite

'''Patents:''' ???

===Kopp 4627s===
===Kopp 66s===
===Kopp 4666s===

==Sawtooth Design==
===Kopp 4677s===

===Kopp 4777s===

==Brick Design==
===Kopp 4955s===
=External Links=
[http://www.koppglass.com/home/ Kopp's Website]

Kopp

2014-05-27T02:41:15Z

Pyth: /* 27 - 27s */

=Company Information=
Founded in 1926, Kopp Glass was formed from the remains of the Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass and Glass Company. The previous company excelled in crafting glass lamps and tableware in a wide array of colors, which contributed greatly to Kopp's quality and success it's known for. Shortly after Kopp was formed, they developed "selenium red" glass, which became the new standard in railroad signals. ---I got this from their website, add whatever else - Pyth---

=Signal Lenses=
==Diamond Design==
===Kopp 27s===

== 27 - 27s ==

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Full View'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27frontpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Logo'''
</div>
----
<b>No Logo</b>
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Pattern Detail'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27backpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Upper Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27upper1pyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Lower Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
<b>No Lower Inscriptions</b>
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td>
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Dimensioning Figure'''
</div>
----
[[File:Lens_Dims_Main_LC.jpg|200px]]
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

{|class="wikitable"
!colspan="7"|Lens Dimensions
|-
!width="50"|'''a'''<br>
!width="50"|'''b'''<br>
!width="50"|'''c'''<br>
!width="50"|'''d'''<br>
!width="50"|'''e'''<br>

|-
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"

|}

</table>

'''Production Years:''' UNKNOWN

'''Material:''' Glass

'''Available Colors:''' Red Yellow Green Clear?

'''Pattern or Mask of Lens:''' PATTERN

'''Logo Displayed on Front:''' N/A

'''Rim Inscriptions, Front & Back:''' 8⅜ DIFFUSING RDL NO 27 KOPP GLASS INC. SWISSVALE PA.

'''Signals Used On:''' Many early signals

'''Patents:''' ???

===Kopp 66s===
===Kopp 4666s===

==Sawtooth Design==
===Kopp 4677s===

===Kopp 4777s===

==Brick Design==
===Kopp 4955s===
=External Links=
[http://www.koppglass.com/home/ Kopp's Website]

Kopp

2014-05-27T02:40:45Z

Pyth: /* Kopp 27s */

=Company Information=
Founded in 1926, Kopp Glass was formed from the remains of the Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass and Glass Company. The previous company excelled in crafting glass lamps and tableware in a wide array of colors, which contributed greatly to Kopp's quality and success it's known for. Shortly after Kopp was formed, they developed "selenium red" glass, which became the new standard in railroad signals. ---I got this from their website, add whatever else - Pyth---

=Signal Lenses=
==Diamond Design==
===Kopp 27s===

== 27 - 27s ==

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Full View'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27frontpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Obverse Logo'''
</div>
----
<b>No Logo</b>
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Pattern Detail'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27backpyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Upper Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
[[File:Kopp27upper1pyth.JPG|200px]]
</td>

<td width="20%">
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Reverse Lower Rim Inscriptions'''
</div>
----
<b>No Lower Inscriptions</b>
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

<td>
<div style="text-align:center">
'''Dimensioning Figure'''
</div>
----
[[File:Lens_Dims_Main_LC.jpg|200px]]
</td>

<div style="clear: both"></div>
<table class="wikitable">
<tr valign="top">

{|class="wikitable"
!colspan="7"|Lens Dimensions
|-
!width="50"|'''a'''<br>
!width="50"|'''b'''<br>
!width="50"|'''c'''<br>
!width="50"|'''d'''<br>
!width="50"|'''e'''<br>

|-
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"
|align="right"|0.0"

|}

</table>

'''Production Years:''' UNKNOWN

'''Material:''' Glass

'''Available Colors:''' Red Yellow Green Clear?

'''Pattern or Mask of Lens:''' PATTERN

'''Logo Displayed on Front:''' N/A

'''Rim Inscriptions, Front & Back:''' 8⅜ DIFFUSING RDL NO 27 KOPP GLASS INC. SWISSVALE PA.

'''Signals Used On:''' Many early signals

'''Patents:''' ???

'''General Discussion on this Lens:'''

TALK HERE

===Kopp 66s===
===Kopp 4666s===
==Sawtooth Design==
===Kopp 4677s===

===Kopp 4777s===

==Brick Design==
===Kopp 4955s===
=External Links=
[http://www.koppglass.com/home/ Kopp's Website]

File:Kopp27upper1pyth.JPG

2014-05-27T02:35:40Z

Pyth:

File:Kopp27backpyth.JPG

2014-05-27T02:35:20Z

Pyth:

File:Kopp27frontpyth.JPG

2014-05-27T02:34:59Z

Pyth:

Glossary

2014-05-26T21:31:15Z

Pyth:

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.
[[File:Dualaspectbeaconpyth.jpg|thumb|A dual-aspect bridge pillar beacon.]]
<br clear=all>

----

===Bar Lens (Adler Lens)===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green.

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

<br clear=all>
----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]] [[File:Offsetdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|An offset doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]] [[File:Cheapdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|A cheap doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]] [[File:8indoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|8" doghouse.]]
<br clear=all>
<br>
----
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

<br clear=all>

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

File:Dualaspectbeaconpyth.jpg

2014-05-26T21:30:03Z

Pyth:

Glossary

2014-05-26T03:54:59Z

Pyth: /* Bar Lens */

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.

----

===Bar Lens (Adler Lens)===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green.

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

<br clear=all>
----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]] [[File:Offsetdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|An offset doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]] [[File:Cheapdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|A cheap doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]] [[File:8indoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|8" doghouse.]]
<br clear=all>
<br>
----
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

<br clear=all>

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

Glossary

2014-05-26T03:43:53Z

Pyth:

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.

----

===Bar Lens===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green. (Adler reference?)

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

<br clear=all>
----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]] [[File:Offsetdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|An offset doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]] [[File:Cheapdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|A cheap doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]] [[File:8indoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|8" doghouse.]]
<br clear=all>
<br>
----
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

<br clear=all>

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

Glossary

2014-05-26T03:43:37Z

Pyth:

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Glossary of Terms}}
This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.

----

===Bar Lens===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green. (Adler reference?)

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

<br clear=all>
----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]] [[File:Offsetdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|An offset doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]] [[File:Cheapdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|A cheap doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]] [[File:8indoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|8" doghouse.]]
<br clear=all>
<br>
----
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

<br clear=all>

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

Glossary

2014-05-25T19:42:49Z

Pyth: /* Doghouse Signal */

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.

----

===Bar Lens===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green. (Adler reference?)

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

<br clear=all>
----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]] [[File:Offsetdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|An offset doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]] [[File:Cheapdoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|A cheap doghouse signal.]]
<br clear=all>
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]] [[File:8indoghousepyth.jpg|thumb|8" doghouse.]]
<br clear=all>
<br>
----
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

<br clear=all>

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

File:Offsetdoghousepyth.jpg

2014-05-25T19:37:36Z

Pyth:

File:Cheapdoghousepyth.jpg

2014-05-25T19:37:26Z

Pyth:

File:8indoghousepyth.jpg

2014-05-25T19:37:16Z

Pyth:

Glossary

2014-05-24T19:22:23Z

Pyth: /* Blank Door */

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.

----

===Bar Lens===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green. (Adler reference?)

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

<br clear=all>
----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]]
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]]
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]]
<br>
<br>
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

<br clear=all>

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

Glossary

2014-05-24T19:22:02Z

Pyth: /* Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal */

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.

----

===Bar Lens===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green. (Adler reference?)

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]]
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]]
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]]
<br>
<br>
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

<br clear=all>

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

Glossary

2014-05-24T19:21:48Z

Pyth: /* Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal */

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.

----

===Bar Lens===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green. (Adler reference?)

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]]
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]]
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]]
<br>
<br>
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br clear=all>

----

Glossary

2014-05-24T19:20:52Z

Pyth: /* Cast Visor */

This page is meant to define and clarify the meanings of traffic control terms and phrases.

=Words and Meanings=

==<u>Signal Phasing Terms</u>==

===Four Way Independent Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during change from green to red (as in modern lights) as well as in red to green. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

===Flashing Yellow Arrow===
[[File:McCain FYA traffic light.jpeg|thumb|Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic light in use in Huntsville, AL.]]
::Many intersections contain doghouse signals to allow protected left turns. With leading left arrows, there's no harm. However, with lagging left arrows, the yellow trap becomes apparent. Pretend for a moment, you're approaching an intersection. There's 2 single face through signals, and a left turn doghouse over the left turn lane. There's already a car across from you waiting for a chance to make a left. All signals turn yellow, what do you think? You think the cycle is ending, so to prevent being stuck for longer than you need to, you try to beat the red and you make the left. Here's the problem: That yellow your side received isn't what the other side received. Your side got that yellow because the doghouses at that intersection are lagging, not leading. The car across from you waiting to turn triggered your side's cycle to end early, while the other side's through traffic still has green, right as you're cutting across the road. Bam! To fix this, engineers designed the Flashing Yellow Arrow, a signal configuration designed to prevent and eliminate yellow traps. Instead of leading drivers to make their own left turn judgments, it provides a flashing yellow arrow to signify left turns might not be safe, and the driver should yield when making left turns. A very useful webpage further explaining FYAs can be viewed [http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/leadlag.htm here].

<br clear=all>

----

===Interval===
:: TBD

----

===Leading / Lagging Arrow===

:: When a dedicated turn arrow is offered at a signal-controlled intersection, its operation will often be defined as either 'Leading' or 'Lagging'. Leading arrows happen at the beginning of the through green cycle, and generally end with a yellow arrow before the through green is finished. Lagging arrows often happen towards the end of the through green cycle, and usually have their yellow arrows tied with the through yellow, or simply rely on the through yellow entirely.

:: Signals that work together at either end of a bridge or overpass often feature lagging arrows to help clear out the short span of road between the two intersections, to help prevent cars from getting stuck in line while trying to turn.
<br>
:: [[File:Leading-Lagging Arrow.gif]]
::<b>The forward-facing signals demonstrate a leading arrow, whereas the reverse-facing signals demonstrate a lagging arrow.</b>
<br>

----

===Phase===
A phase is a single direction of traffic that cannot be services with other phases in the same ring.
----

===Split/Overlapping Amber===
:: An early signal color pattern in which the amber lamp illuminates during the end of the green lamp cycle following which both lamps turn off and the red lamp illuminates. Popular in the 1920's and 30's.

----

==<u>Terms of Physical Signal Features</u>==

===#-Way Signal===
:: A single signal assembly that has lights on # sides. These may also be referred to as 4-way signals with (4-#) blank sides. Other common trade names for them are square and box signals.

----

===Adjustable===
:: Any signal, or correctly a signal cluster, in which the various faces can be set at differing angles from one another. Compare with nonadjustable.

----

===Aspect===
:: The number of aspects a signal has is basically saying how many indications it has. A single aspect beacon has one indication, for example.

----

===Bar Lens===
:: A signal lens with a smooth glass "bar" through the center. Akin to some railroad signals, the bar is horizontal for red, diagonal for yellow, and vertical for green. (Adler reference?)

----

===Blank Door===
[[File:TSIBlankDoor.JPG |thumb|A blank door in use on a 3-way signal.]]
:: A door that was designed without any mountings for a visor or lens. These were used on nonadjustable signals where one side didn't face a street or faced against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.

----

===Broad Arrow Lens===
[[File:Broadarrow-tim.jpg|thumb|An 8" Kopp TL-4709, from the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication, the broad arrow features a complete triangle arrow head. Offered in both 8" and 12" sizes, and somewhat rarer than chinese arrow lenses.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cast Visor===
[[File:CastVisor.JPG|thumb|A cast visor on a Crouse-hinds DT signal.]]
:: Term referring to a signal that has the visor assembled as a nonremovable component of the body, housing, or door. These visors are generally much thicker than removable visors. Much more popular in the early days and porthole signals such as Darley and Crouse-Hinds through the Deco era.

<br clear=all>
----

===Chinese Arrow Lens===
[[File:Chinesearrows-tim.jpg|left|thumb|All 3 8" chinese lenses offered. From the collection of BigTbird1974.]]
:: A non-standard arrow indication. The cutout is much thicker, and the stem is tapered along with the arrowhead. Chinese arrows are generally seen in the 8" variety. 12" chinese arrows were made, but are very rare.
<br clear=all>

----

===Cluster===
[[File:Lfeclusterpyth.jpg|thumb|A cluster of 8" LFE Automatics.]]
:: Often mistakenly called 4-ways, a cluster is a pole or spanwire group of signals that are mounted together with common hardware fittings. By definition, clusters are adjustable signals.
<br clear=all>

----

===Command Lens===
:: A signal lens with a message embossed on the glass; typically STOP for the red lens, CAUTION for the yellow, and GO for the green lens. One common example of a special-purpose command lens is THANK YOU on a green tollbooth signal.

----

===Doghouse Signal===
::When MUTCD started requiring green arrows to be terminated with yellow arrows (instead of just going dark) on shared-face signals, many jurisdictions didn't have the vertical clearance required for a signal with 5 sections (R-Y-G-YA-GA) to be hung in a stack over traffic. To overcome this issue, the doghouse configuration came to be. This consists of a red section centered above two 2-section stacks: one of yellow & green arrows for the turning traffic, the other of yellow & green balls for the thru traffic A Left Doghouse has the arrow stack on the left, a Right Doghouse has the arrow stack on the right. This creates a doghouse shape if one were to loosely trace the configuration.<br>
::[[File:Doghouse-l&r.png]]<br>
<br>
::Here are the most common terms for different size configurations of a typical doghouse signal:<br>
<br>
:: '''''"Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is centered
:: [[File:Doghouse.png]] [[File:WinkomaticDoghouse.JPG |thumb|A doghouse signal.]]
:: '''''"Crooked Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 12"; red is off center
:: [[File:Doghouse-Crooked.png]]
:: '''''"Pinhead Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 8", all other sections are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouses-Pinhead.png]]
:: '''''"Franken-Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red & Arrows are 12", the Green & Yellow are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Mixed.png]]
:: '''''"Cheap Doghouse"'''''
:: The R, Y, & G sections are 8", the Arrows are 12"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Cheap.png]]
:: '''''"Delaware Doghouse"'''''
:: The Red is 12", all other sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-Delaware.png]]
:: '''''"8-inch Doghouse"'''''
:: All sections are 8"
:: [[File:Doghouse-8".png]]
<br>
<br>
::Before the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]] came around, the flashing yellow arrow concept was introduced by doghouse signals [?]. These are much less common than the [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]]s. Below are two versions of it.<br>
<br>
:: '''''"FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a [[#Flashing Yellow Arrow|"Yellow Trap" signal]], but with an extra clearance yellow.
:: [[File:Doghouse-FYA.gif]]
:: '''''"Bimodal FYA Doghouse"'''''
:: Functions the same as a normal doghouse, with an extra yellow arrow that flashes with the green ball whenever the green arrow isn't lit.
:: [[File:Doghouse-BFYA.gif]]
<br>

----

===Door===
:: The part of a signal that holds the lens and visor. It's typically used to access the inside of the signal to change the bulb or LED module in the signal.

----

===Face===
:: The face of the signal is the side seen most often, featuring the indications and visors. While single-face signals have the housing on the other sides of the body, 4-way signals have 4 faces.

----

===Franken-Signal===

::When a traffic signal (whether in public or not) is composed of sections or parts from multiple manufacturers or models from the same manufacturer that aren't designed to normally go together, this signal is unofficially called a Franken-Signal, in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein Frankenstein's Monster]. Due to newer signal models being composed of individual indication sections, contractors sometimes do this in the field to help use up old sections laying around and to save money. The term Franken-Signal generally only applies to the housings; lenses are often more difficult to spot as incorrect from ground level and often don't make enough of a difference to be discernible.

----

===Louver===

[[File:Louvers Undershot.jpeg|thumb|Undershot of some louvers in use in Huntsville, AL.]]

::A louver is a round metal frame with vertical or horizontal slats that is placed in the signal's visor(s) to limit visibility of the respective indication. Often thought of as the poor man's PV signal, it basically does the same thing, although louvers are limited to either vertical or horizontal view limiting at a given time, whereas a PV signal can limit specific spots and zones. Louvers exist with different slat amounts, presumably to offer different intensities of view limitation. Louvers are usually, but not always, placed in tunnel or full circle visors. Louvers are popular places for birds to create nests.

<br clear=all>
----

===Nonadjustable===
:: Describes any signal, such as a 4-way, in which the body or signal assembly has fixed angles, typically 90deg, between the various viewing faces. Compare with adjustable.

----

===Porthole===
:: General descriptive term referring to several early styles of signals. These signals did not have a conventional rectangular/square door that opened to allow bulb and interior access; instead, the door was a minimial ring containing the lens and visor resembling the porthole window style on ships. In the case of Tokheim, Harrington-Seaberg, Autoflow and a few others these portholes were hinged to the body while signals such as Crouse-Hinds and W. S. Darley had hingeless doors that were removed from the signal for servicing.

----

===Programmed Visibility===
:: A signal that is designed to project an indication to a specific lane of traffic only. This is accomplished by using a special diffractive lens that filters the light waves in one direction. Most programmed visibility signals in the USA are made by the 3M Company. Such signals are employed in intersections with potentially ambiguous geometry, or for left-turn only signal faces that are likely to be misread by straight-thru traffic. They may also be used to prevent confusion when one signal quickly succeeds another.

:: See also: [[3M#Programmable_Visibility_Signals|3M]]

----

===Sectional===
:: Loosely termed as a way to describe a signal in which the various lense sections (IE Red, Yellow, Green) are physically seperate and not cast as a solid piece of metal. Both modern signals and the rodded style signals fall under this definition.

====Section====
:: Like Sectional, section refers to one housing, lens, visor, etc. assembly of a signal. A stoplight or caution flasher can be a signal of only one section.

----

===Symbolic Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses symbols instead of words on the lens(es).

====Hand-Man Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that uses a raised hand for the stop indication and a man walking for the walk indication. These are the most common pedestrian signals in the US & Canada. [[File:DurasigPeds.JPG |thumb|Hand/Man Durasig pedestrian signals. The man indication can be seen, despite it being off.]]

----

===Visor===
:: The hood, flange, or shield that is used to provide a tunnel effect around a lens. Common styles are the western Full Circle, exactly as its name suggests; the Tunnel (or Combination), a circle with no bottom, and the Cutaway or Cap, which is a tunnel with the sides also removed. These are typically from 7-10" long with various downward angles. Many special purpose variations exist. Angled visors are extended length full circle visors with an angled, instead of flush cut at the end to restrict the viewing angle and are produced in directional specific (right, left) variants. Tunnaways are a nickname given to older Marbelite signal visors due to their unique shape - while they were scalloped like a cutaway visor, the cut was made much closer to the front of the signal than a typical cutaway giving ti a tunnel visor appearance. A rarer version of the Tunnaway was made by Crouse-Hinds, where one side of the visor was a typical CH cap pattern, but the other side had a full tunnel shape to it.

----

===Worded Pedestrian Signal===
:: A pedestrian signal that uses words instead of symbols on the lens(es). The MUTCD outlawed these on new installations in 2003.

====WAIT-WALK Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has the words "Wait" and "Walk" on the two lenses. These are very hard to find in service today.

====Walk-Don't Walk Pedestrian Signal====
:: A pedestrian signal that has "Don't Walk" on one lens and "Walk" on the other. [[File:9inchAlusigPed.JPG |thumb|Alusig pedestrian signal showing both the Walk and Don't Walk indications at the same time.]]
<br>

----

Signal Mounting Styles

2014-05-03T21:14:32Z

Pyth: /* Compact Ped Housing Mounts */

Out in the field, signals are always mounted to some solid object to keep them high up, to increase visibility and decrease likelihood of theft or vandalism.
=Cluster Pipes & Junctions=
[[File:Safetrans1pyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Some [[Safetran]] clusters, held together with cluster hardware.]]
[[File:Offsetclusterpyth.JPG|200px|thumb|right|A [[Siemens_(Eagle)|Siemens]] cluster with offset signals to counterbalance the heavier doghouses.]]
More often than not, signals will be found in clusters, or groups of 2 or more seperate signals held together by conduit-style piping and junctions. Wire is run from the cabinet, through these pipes and junctions, into the signals directly. These hardware examples are more commonly found with spanwire setups, and uncommonly seen with pole-mounted signals. The general pipe size today is 1½" diameter, but in the past sizes varied from 1¼" to 2" diameters. Many signal companies have also produced cluster hardware, such as [[Crouse-Hinds]], [[Eagle]], and [[Marbelite]].
==End Caps==
===6-sided===
===8-sided===
===Circus Tent===
===Stubby Finials===
===Long Finials===
==Junctions==
===T-junctions===
===2-sided Junctions===
===3-sided Junctions===
===4-sided Junctions===
===6-sided Junctions===
<br clear=all>

=Gooseneck Hangers=
[[File:Winkobeaconpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|A [[Winko-Matic]] beacon held up by a gooseneck hanger and a spanwire clamp.]]
Usually seen with cluster hardware, gooseneck hangers are hollow aluminum(usually?) hangers with multiple holes along the top. The general idea of them is to allow a mounting point for signals and clusters that can sway slightly, hold a lot of weight, and provide a water-resistant entry point for wires to reach the signals. The multiple holes along the tops allow for pivotal adjustments to help counter-balance any weight offsets from clusters.
<br clear=all>
=Spanwire Sign Brackets=
[[File:Spansignspyth.JPG|200px|thumb|left|A few signs mounted to a spanwire with sign brackets.]]
These simple brackets firmly secure signs or sign clusters to span wires with minimal swaying and rocking. Backlit signs use gooseneck hangers.
<br clear=all>
=Mounting Arms=
[[File:Winkobracketspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|12-8-8 Winko-Matics mounted to a pole with mounting arms.]]
Utilizing the same pipes and junctions as above, this mounting style also features special junction pieces that generally fit smoothly against poles, and are then held on to the pole itself with metal bands. Wiring can then be run through the pole or along the outside, into the arms and then into the signal.
<br clear=all>
=Astro-Brackets=
[[ File:Econobuttonbackspyth.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[Econolite]]s mounted to a mast arm via Astro-Brackets.]]
These sleek, modern brackets are usually found with mast arm setups. They generally hold one signal each, but can be found holding 2 signals, or a single doghouse configuration. Wiring is ran through the mast arm, out near the bracket's attachment point, through the bracket, and into the signal. These brackets come in varying heights, and can be adjusted on the job for different signal heights.
<br clear=all>
=Slipfitters=
[[File:Mixedclusterpyth.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Multiple signals attached to the pole by cluster hardware and a slipfitter.]]
Slipfitters are heavy aluminum pole caps with at least one 1½" hole to allow signals to attach to it, either directly or via cluster hardware. Some slipfitters have offset connection points so signals with backplates don't need extra hardware to fit on properly.
<br clear=all>
=Flag-Mounts=
[[File:Eagle 13PwUJ15-1934-1935 LC.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Eaglelux 13P signal with UJ15 horizontal side of pole mount hardware.]]
Mainly made by Eagle and Crouse-Hinds, these now-defunct signal attachments allowed signals to horizontally mount to poles, with a small compartment between the two that usually held a terminal strip. These were usually seen with Crouse-Hind's Art Deco signals, and Eagle's Flatback signals. Flag-mounts are very hard to come by these days.
<br clear=all>
=Compact Ped Housing Mounts=
[[File:Mccainclamshell.jpg|200px|thumb|right|McCain's Clamshell Mounting Hardware for pedestrian signals.]]
Called Clamshell Mounting Hardware by McCain, these compact attachment points allow pedestrian signals to mount almost directly to poles with no extra hardware required, creating a sleek, clean installation. The terminal strip housing is first clamped to the pole separately, the wiring connections are made, the pedestrian signal housing mounts onto the terminal strip housing, and then it is secured on with a bolt using a hex key or bit.
<br clear=all>

=Direct Mounting=
[[File:DirectsingerFBP.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A [[Singer]] directly mounted to a mast arm. Photo by [[User:Freebrickproductions|freebrickproductions]].]]
Seen in places such as Huntsville, Al., this mounting style utilizes mounting hardware to directly attach signal heads to mast arms, offering a utilitarian, water-proof mount. In these cases, the gooseneck hangers aren't used for mounting purposes.
<br clear=all>
=Plumbizers=
[[File:Econolite Plumbizer Arm.png|200px|thumb|right|Some Econolites mounted with plumbizers. Photo taken by [[User:Signal-in-the-box|signal-in-the-box]].]]
Almost like a horizontal slipfitter, plumbizers create attachment points on the tops and bottoms of one end, and slip onto mounted mast arm openings at the other end. The result is a water-tight secure fit, although the signal's top section is raised above the bottom sections to allow room for the plumbizer to mount properly. Wiring runs though the plumbizer itself and into the signal sections attached.
<br clear=all>
=Structural Mounting=
[[ File:Structuresigspyth.jpg |200px|thumb|left|12" signals mounted to conduit, which in turn is directly mounted to the bridge truss.]]
Seeing as signals are technically overglorified electrical housings with lights, it isn't entirely uncommon to see some signals mounted directly to structures with conduit or pvc fittings. These housings are usually secured to the wire piping or with bolts through the signal itself to the structure behind it. Common places to find signals like these are under elevated train track supports and under bridges.