The History of Traffic Signals!
Before the four-way signal as we know it was invened, four-ways such as this one were used. These signals had an interesting sequence, because there was not amber section bothe lights would light just before the light would change to red. I believe this particular signal is manufactured by "Horni" The first three four-way signal was invented by William Potts. He used 4" railroad lens' and a wodden body covered with a metal shell. Jerry of Trafficsignalmuseum.com
Has made his own Potts Signal Replica! Click on the link to see it! It's quite an amazing signal!(Thanks Jerry for the Crouse-Hinds four way picture)
To the left is a 1950's four-way traffic signal manufactured by Crouse-Hinds. To the right is a modern day single directional signal (manufacturer unknown) with 12" lenses and a black target board. Many years ago, only one signal would serve at an intesection, that signal would of course be a four-way. Today however, many signals are used for each direction and they may consist of arrows (for right and left turn movements)and pedestrian signals to help guide pedestrians across the street safely. Now, most signals are being converted to L.E.D's to help conserve electricity and reduce signal maintance costs. It is said that L.E.D signals last up to 10 years! In the case of L.E.D pedestrian signals they also save production costs because they only require one 12" poly section instead of two! Example: an L.E.D pedestrian signal.(see bottom left image)Now below there are also picures of a poly Highway head made by Fortran Traffic, Those signals are the kind mainly used up in Toronto Ontairo Canada where I live, (many old signals are metal GE, LFE and old Fortran units, one of the oldest signals I've seen here in Canada were a few Econolite Bullseye signals from the 50's! I have also spottted a few Crouse-Hinds ped signals from that time). Click on the outlined pics to get a closer look! We do also use L.E.D signals here (most signals are now converted) but these pictures are from before L.E.D's were a common thing.
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