Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for applying road marking material to a pavement surface. The apparatus includes a vehicle having a holographic sight and at least one road marking material applicator mounted thereon. In accordance with the method, an operator of the vehicle steers the vehicle to a desired position on the pavement surface based upon aiming information observable through the holographic sight.

Abstract: Loose material is transferred from a surface primarily laterally outward with respect to a forward direction of movement. A plurality of elongated strip brush members are oriented at a predetermined acute angle and moved in an oval rotational pattern about a rotational axis and simultaneously in longitudinal movement parallel to the rotational axis. The movement of the strip brush members induces substantially more pushing movement on the loose particles in a direction laterally outward parallel to the rotational axis than in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis. The strip brush members contact with and withdraw from the surface in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: An operator control console and motion/speed linkage assembly for a bidirectional vehicle is provided. The operator console includes a platform, an operator seat attached to the platform and integral control and steering units. The operator console is mounted for rotational movement around a bearing ring. An interface link in the linkage assembly includes a rotatable sleeve supporting a pin attached to a throttle cable which actuates the reversible valve of the hydrostatic drive of the vehicle. When the control lever is in the neutral position, the pin and supporting sleeve extend along the rotational or pivot axis of the console. The rotatable sleeve swings about an axis substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis, acting to operate the throttle cable which in turn actuates the hydrostatic drive of the vehicle. When the platform is rotated to switch the direction of vehicle movement, the rotatable sleeve freely pivots around the pin to provide proper operator orientation and throttle operation.

Abstract: A caster wheel assembly which uses a mechanical brake to apply force in order to prevent shimmying at high speeds. A controller arrangement provides that no braking force is supplied until the vehicle reaches a preset speed. Thereafter, a predetermined amount of force is applied to the brakes. The predetermined force is great enough to prevent shimmying but low enough to permit the caster wheel mounting member to continue to rotate about its axis so that the vehicle may continue to be maneuvered even at high speeds.