Fiber
Optic – Blank Out (One Sided, 1 or 2 Messages)
Specification
1.0
Blank Out Signs
(General)
1.1 Fiber optic blank out signs are
designed to display a single or multiple messages, clearly and legibly, under
any lighting conditions when energized. When
not energized the sign shall be completely blanked out with no ghost images
under any lighting conditions.
1.2 Most messages listed in Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices are available. Custom messages to fit various
traffic control situations are also available upon request.
1.3 Blank out sign messages are
formed by rows of fiber optic glass bundles.
The bundles, when energized shall be highly visible anywhere within a
60-degree cone centered about the optic axis.
2.0
One Sided
2.1 A one sided sign (one way) shall
have a hinged, extruded aluminum service door on one side only, containing a
fiber optic module with the message(s) on it as described in 1.2.
This arrangement allows the sign to display the message(s) in one
direction.
2.2 The door of a one sided sign,
when opened shall allow full access to all of the serviceable components in the
sign.
3.0 Mechanical Construction
3.1 The sign shall be constructed
using a weatherproof, aluminum housing consisting of an 8” deep, .125”
thick, extruded aluminum body, and a .063” aluminum back.
All corners are continuous TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welded to provide a
weatherproof seal around the entire housing.
3.2 The door shall be constructed of
.125” thick extruded aluminum. Two
corners are continuous TIG welded with the other two screwed together to make
one side of the door removable for installation of the fiber optic module (see
4.0). The door is fastened to the
housing on the left by a full length, .040” x 1 ¼” open stainless steel
hinge. The door shall be held
secure onto a 3/4” wide by 5/32” thick neoprene gasket by one or more
(depending on size) quarter-turn link locks.
3.3 A three-sided visor made of
.063” aluminum may be fitted to the door to act as a sunshade and improve the
visibility of the message.
3.4 Extremely large signs may be made
up of several sections of signs as described above.
This method of construction allows for access to specific areas of the
sign for maintenance to be performed without opening the entire sign face.
3.5 All surfaces of the sign shall be
etched and primed in accordance to industry standards before receiving
appropriate color coats of industrial enamel.
3.6 All fasteners and hardware shall
be corrosion resistant stainless steel. No
tools are required for routine maintenance such as a lamp change.
4.0 Fiber Optic Module
4.1 The fiber optic module shall
consist of a flat black, aluminum face-plate, .080” thick with the following
components attached directly to it. The
face-plate shall be inserted into the rear track of the extruded aluminum door.
4.2 The glass, fiber optic bundles
are glued into an end-tip at the termination end and the common assembly at the
other end, and then ground smooth, and optically polished to ensure maximum
light transmission through the bundle.
4.3 The end-tip of black nylon is
inserted into a punched hole in the face-plate and mechanically held in place by
four crush ribs along the outside diameter of the end-tip.
The end-tip, when installed on the face-plate shall not protrude more
than 5/16”.
4.4 The color filter provides the
message color and is made of tempered, optically correct glass and is in
conformance with I.T.E. specifications. It
is mounted with four screws between the common assembly and lamp.
Color filter can be changed in the field without removing the module from
the housing.
4.5 Each message is illuminated by at
least two light sources (depending on the message).
The glass bundles are arranged so that in the event of a failure of one
of the light sources the other shall continue to provide a legible message by
lighting every other point in the message (bifurcation of each point between the
two light sources is available). No
color shall appear in the output points when not energized, regardless of
ambient light conditions.
4.6 Protection for the assembly shall
be provided by a 1/8” thick matt/clear polycarbonate lens with anti-glare
characteristics. The lens shall be
inserted into the front track in the door.
5.0 Electrical
5.1 Type ENL lamps shall be used to
illuminate the messages. They shall
be 42 watt, 10.8 volt with a rated life of 8,000 hours.
Two lamps shall be used per message (see 4.5) to provide fail-safe
operation in the event of lamp failure.
5.2 Step-down transformers shall be
used to reduce the incoming 120 volts A.C. to 10.8 volts A.C.
The transformers shall be rated at 48.5 volt-amps and have a class
“A” insulation and weatherproofing. A
separate transformer shall be used with each lamp to provide further burnout
protection.
5.3 A barrier type terminal strip is
provided for electrical connection of field wires.
5.4 The power consumption per message
shall be less than 90 watts with both lamps illuminated.
The sign shall be capable of continuous operation over a range of
temperatures of –35 degrees to +165 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more information, contact
Thank
you for your interest!
