Traffic detection, classification and data collection via traffic loops and loop-related equipment help improve the flow of veh
Traffic detection, classification and data collection via traffic loops and loop-related equipment help improve the flow of vehicles while reducing congestion and pollution.
Transportation Management + Engineering offers this brief overview of a small sample of companies which manufacture traffic loops and loop-related products.
Diamond Traffic Products
New RF and EMP protection circuit boards for inductive loops, solar panels and telemetry systems have been designed by Diamond Traffic Products, Oakridge, Ore.
The company’s new solid-state devices make use of technology developed for protecting Internet services. Some old protection devices allowed up to 90 volts to pass through delicate electronics before they would trip and route surges to ground. The company’s new circuits route damaging voltage surges greater than 8 VDC to earth ground as quickly as 10 nanoseconds. The RF and EMP protective circuitry yields greatest reliability and may add to the life of microprocessor-based circuits.
www.diamondtraffic.com
Eberle Design Inc.
The ORACLE 2 Loop Monitor from Eberle Design Inc., Phoenix, features a unique back-lit, user-friendly LCD interface that utilizes word prompts for easy set-up, operation and diagnostics.
Features include loop frequency readout which displays actual frequency, as the detector is set up ensuring good separation between adjacent loops, eliminating crosstalk; loop inductance readout enabling users to verify that loops are installed to specifications; and loop fault readout wherein the loop faults (short, open or 25% inductance change) are clearly spelled out.
www.editraffic.com
Nu-Metrics
Nu-Metrics, a Quixote Transportation Systems Co., based in Uniontown, Pa., is one manufacturer that is providing an advanced technology alternative to many traditional loop applications.
The Groundhog Permanent Count Station is a complete computerized and modular vehicle count system for vehicle detection, data transfer, data display and file storage.
The PCS system is a combination of self-contained vehicle monitoring sensor instruments, or Groundhogs, and radio frequency modems (RFM-245) that collect, store and forward surveyed data via license-free spread spectrum RF communication links. PCS is designed for fast, easy installation and operation with minimal maintenance, interaction or support required. The Groundhog vehicle detectors can accurately detect the existence of a vehicle under any type of adverse weather conditions or environment.
www.nu-metrics.com
Orincon Corp.
The Traffic Reporting and Control System manufactured by Orincon Corp., San Diego, provides transportation authorities with continual real-time comprehensive data for accurate traffic planning and management. TRAC is a cost-effective solution for dramatically increasing traffic flow while reducing congestion.
Orincon’s technology uses inductive loops already embedded in roads and highways worldwide. TRAC’s main component, the Traffic Reporter, takes loops to their full potential by providing a full spectrum of comprehensive real-time data by merging digital signal processing and neural networks to classify vehicles. Traffic planners and managers, toll-road contractors, system integrators, weigh-in-motion and traveler information suppliers can customize TRAC’s comprehensive data.
www.orincon.com
Reno A&E
The use of a liquid crystal display is what distinguishes RENO A&E inductive loop vehicle detectors from others on the market. Based in Reno, Nev., Reno A&E developed the LCD to allow more information, never before available, to be displayed to the user during normal operation of the detector. The LCD also allows easy viewing and setting of all functions and programmable values in the detector while the detector continues to operate normally.
Diagnostic modes also are available to aid the technician in troubleshooting detection problems.
Diagnostic modes also are available to aid the technician in troubleshooting detection problems.
One of the features that the vehicle detectors offer is the LCD "Inductance Change Bar Graph." This graph displays the loop inductance change, which makes setting the sensitivity for each channel very simple and precise.
www.renoae.com
U.S. Traffic Corp.
Roadway loops have been considered the weakest link in the loop detection chain. U.S. Traffic Corp., Santa Fe Springs, Calif., addresses the issue by offering one of the largest selection of loop products in the industry. The 1700 Series High Temperature Preformed Loop and 700 Series PVC Loop have solved many loop installation problems.
For saw cut loops, the company provides the DSI-116S loop wire. In some U.S. locations this wire alone has reduced failures by over 75%. The company also manufactures loop test equipment that has been the standard by which many states test their loops. TME
www.ustraffic.net
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