Edward Eric Marcus

Author:

Edward Marcus

ISBN #:

0405097816

Author:

Edward Marcus

ISBN #:

0673051404

Author:

Edward Marcus

ISBN #:

0840318928

US Patent:

47348623, Mar 29, 1988

Filed:

May 14, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/733842

Inventors:

Edward Marcus - Baltimore MD
Franklyn M. Rybak - Glen Arm MD

International Classification:

B60Q 900
G06F 1548

US Classification:

364436

Abstract:

An apparatus and method are disclosed which find particular utility as a component of a traffic control system known as a conflict monitor. The apparatus includes a number of solid state switches which are activated to scan inputs from traffic control signals. The inputs are sequentially applied to a A-D converter which samples the voltage and applies it to a microprocessor which is programmed to determine the voltage and analyze the signals for conflicts, or other errors. The input lines are also connected to terminals of a program board whereby the microprocessor can instruct a switch to ground the common pin on the program board to allow program board inputs to be applied to the microprocessor for indicating permissible conflicts. A method includes a technique for determining the voltage of an input analog signal by scanning a plurality of input signals and sampling them in accordance with a relationship which provides minimum error. A display may be operated in one of two modes.

US Patent:

43684084, Jan 11, 1983

Filed:

Jul 17, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/284507

Inventors:

Edward Marcus - Baltimore MD

International Classification:

H05B 3702

US Classification:

315360

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for dimming traffic lights during hours of darkness to conserve energy. Electronic circuitry provides storage for weekly tables of twilight times for particular geographic locations covering an extended time period, such as one year. Counting apparatus counts weeks for addressing the stored tables, and an AM/PM indicator further differentiates between stored sunrise and sunset times. The stored time is compared in a comparator with the present time, and logic circuitry, responsive to the AM/PM indicator, reacts to the results of the comparison by activating and deactivating a dimmer for the traffic lights.