American Crucible

Corporate History and Overview

The American Crucible Products Company was formed in 1919. In 1926 it moved to Lorain, Ohio, and in 1928 began manufacturing traffic signals and flashing beacons. At some point prior to WWII they stopped manufacturing traffic lights but are still operating today as part of BecoTek Mfg. U.S.A. Inc. They had a strong sales presence throughout Ohio including special installations in Bellevue, Dover, Hamilton, Salem, and Xenia. They had a smaller showing throughout the midwest but still had signals in Scranton, PA. and Muncie, In. Less notable installations were made in Ashland, Bedford, Bluffton, and Gallion, Ohio. They are also believed to have installations in Southern Michigan.

Traffic Signals

Design Characteristics

The traffic signals they produced were robust and had several notable design characteristics.

• Were said to have a sun phantom proof design.
• Early lights featured an angled bulb mount while later ones had the industry standard straight bulb configuration.
• Metal reflectors heavily chromium plated. Signals taken out of service 80 years later still have bright reflectors.
• Orange peel type lenses (the same styles used in Darley except a blue instead of green "green" lens.)
• Sealed, "dustproof" construction with lens and door gaskets.
• Early models featured cast cap visors, later signals were available with cast tunnel/circle visors and removable rolled aluminum visors.
• Marketed as "light weight" and weatherproof.
• Option for base-mount integrated controller in traffic lights.

Four Ways

Model S-3-29

American Crucible 4-Way, Three Light Version

Model S-2-29

This is the presumed model number for this variant.

American Crucible 4-Way, Two Light Version

Adjustables

They also produced adjustable traffic lights. Examples of rigid body construction are known, it is not believed that they produced sectional adjustable lights.

Pedestrian Signals

describe models, variations

Vehicle Heads (Round)

describe models, variations

Vehicle Heads (Square Door Adapters)

describe models, variations

Pedestrian/Sign Heads (Rectangular)

describe models, variations

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

Vehicular

describe models, variations

Pedestrian

describe models, variations

Worded

describe models, variations

Symbols

describe models, variations

Special

describe models, variations

Controllers

Different type of controllers

Hardware

This would include any kind of mounting hardware including brackets, slipfitters, hangers, bases, etc.

Miscellaneous Images

Various reference images, restored examples, etc. that don't fit anywhere else.

Relevant Patents

Patent numbers relevant to this MFR or signals specifically. Not just every patent by company X.

References

Insert any sources cited or used here