With Surface Marking (or Grooving) Patents (Class 404/93)
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Patent number: 6953303Abstract: A substrate removal apparatus capable of cutting a plurality of aligned, precision slots in a variety of surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt pavement, and other composite substrates, utilizes high-pressure liquid cutting devices. Slots may be cut in pavement for such applications as dowel bar retrofitting for joint load transfer restoration. An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a support frame, a carriage carried by the support frame, and cutting devices coupled to the carriage. The apparatus is configured so that the carriage is movable along a generally horizontal path of travel and a generally vertical path of travel.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Waterwerks Inc.Inventors: Thomas Chase, William Lingenfelter
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Patent number: 6913417Abstract: Sensors (18, 20 and 22) and an interactive display (12) are added to an airless gas powered line striping machine (10) to provide the operator with a variety of information about the operating parameters. In addition to the pressure sensor/transducer (14) required to control the pressure through a clutch, the system includes a sensor (reed switch in the preferred embodiment) (18) to count pump strokes or drive revolutions, a sensor (22) to monitor when the gun trigger is activated and a sensor (26) to monitor wheel rotation (hall effect sensor detecting pulses from gear mounted on wheel in the preferred embodiment). A digital display (12) is included to read out measured and calculated values.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Lind, Christopher A. Lins, Jon M. Knutson, Michael J. Mansheim, Russel R. Paul
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Patent number: 6843535Abstract: A camming surface, having a plurality of camming groups, is moved along, or relative to, the surface of the roadway to regulate installation of depressions. Each camming group is capable of regulating elevation of a rotary cutting tool where the rotary cutting tool may move down and into contact with the surface of the roadway and move up and out of contact with the surface of the roadway. Use of a plurality of sections may be used to cooperate to form the camming surface. Inserts are disclosed for positioning relative to the camming surface to selectively eliminate installation of a depression at a position on the roadway associated with a respective camming group. Use of such inserts allow for installation of skip pattern installations. The ability to move the inserts to any of the camming groups allow for uniform wear of the camming surface following sustained use of the installation machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventors: Glen Edward Thomas, Amona Dianne Thomas
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Publication number: 20040247390Abstract: The invention comprises a machine and method for embossing construction surfaces where the machine has a patterned belt, such that the pattern does not repeat for a distance adequate to prevent the appearance of repetition, and further includes a facility for supplying release agent and a brush means for removing debris from the belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Aaron D. Smith
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Patent number: 6811351Abstract: A self-aligning mechanical pointer (10), includes a frame (12) attached to the front of a vehicle (14). A guide wheel (16) rides on a road surface and is rotatably carried by a wheel holder (18). The wheel holder (18) is connected to a swing arm (20), which pivots on frame (12) at point (22). An adjustable linkage member (24) connects swing arm (20) to a second swing arm (26). A guide rod (28) provides a sight means for an operator to align the pointer (10) with an intended target.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Graco Inc.Inventor: James C. Schroeder
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Publication number: 20040208700Abstract: A road paving equipment tire track remover having a pair of blade assemblies, each including a semi-flexible blade with a lower edge and an upper edge. The upper edge is affixed to and shaped by a V-shaped frame so as to create a concave front side of the blade. The blade assembly is attached to the surface of a road paving vehicle near and behind the rear wheels of the vehicle in such a manner that the lower edge of the blade is in contact with the road surface. The blade assembly also includes a parallel scissors assembly to allow for vertical movement of the blade while in use, and a weight box to selectively adjust the pressure exerted by the blade on the road surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: John G. Catenacci, Mark J. Tantarelli, Samuel Franco, Frank D. Peterka
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Patent number: 6796740Abstract: Dispensing apparatus (2) for dispensing reflective elements, such as glass beads (4), onto a surface, typically a road surface, the apparatus (2) being attached to a vehicle. The glass beads (4) are placed in an inlet means (6) and directed along a path around a drive means (10), which drive means (10) imparts a velocity to the glass beads for subsequent delivery onto the surface through an outlet means (20). The glass beads (4) exit the outlet means (20) at a velocity having substantially the same magnitude as the magnitude of velocity at which the vehicle travels and a direction substantially opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Potters Industries Inc.Inventors: Paul Joseph Chiron, Colin William Yob, Robert Alexander Carnaby
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Publication number: 20040159667Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) to roadway surfaces comprises a conveyor upon a wheeled vehicle wherein an upstream end portion of the conveyor is able to extend, for example, over the rear bed portion of a roadwork vehicle so as to permit an operator, stationed upon the bed portion of the roadwork vehicle, to deposit pavement markers upon the conveyor. A pair of wheel applicators are used for applying the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) onto the roadway surface. A hitch mechanism is also used to provide hinged movement between the tow bar of the towed wheeled vehicle and the mounting bar of the towing roadwork vehicle so as to permit independent elevational movement of the towed wheeled vehicle relative to the towing roadwork vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Jeffrey Rogers, Brad Anderson, Chad Orthaus, Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens
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Patent number: 6755482Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting depressions in a road surface. The cutting machine includes a rotatable cutting drum connected with a drive device for rotating the cutting drum and an engaging device for moving the cutting drum out of and into contact with the road surface. The drive device includes a gear box with a flywheel located on the input side of the gear box and the cutting drum comprises a plurality of cutting teeth, the teeth removably retained to the cutting drum to effectively cut the road surface and includes a means for anchoring a tooth shank to a tooth holder permanently affixed to said cutting drum. A power unit that moves the cutting drum along the road surface is provided with a detector for continuously detecting a distance that the cutting drum is moved by the power unit and for generating a signal indicative of the distance moved.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Surface Preparation Technologies, Inc.Inventor: H. Matthew Johnson
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Patent number: 6742758Abstract: Lightweight, reinforced, non-biodegradable, tubular plastic footing form members and assemblies which may contain stake-engaging bores and/or are nailable to each other and/or to supporting stakes. The form members are water-repellant to resist absorbing and bonding to wet concrete compositions so that they can be removed and cleaned for repeated reuse. Alternatively they can be left in place, since they are inexpensive and non-biodegradable, and can support a porous drain conduit adjacent the formed footing.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
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Patent number: 6719485Abstract: A concrete rubblizing apparatus includes a non-circular multi-lobed roller connected to an axle on a wheeled frame such that the roller rolls upon the ground and the frame is towed by a tractor. Each lobe of the roller includes a set of cleats extending across a width of the roller and projecting outwardly from the impact surface of each lobe along a line parallel to the axle. The method of rubblizing includes moving the roller over a predetermined area of concrete along four, sequential overlapping paths.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Scott R. Roth
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Patent number: 6712548Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) to roadway surfaces comprises a conveyor upon a wheeled vehicle wherein an upstream end portion of the conveyor is able to extend, for example, over the rear bed portion of a roadwork vehicle so as to permit an operator, stationed upon the bed portion of the roadwork vehicle, to deposit pavement markers upon the conveyor. A pair of wheel applicators are used for applying the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) onto the roadway surface. A hitch mechanism is also used to provide hinged movement between the tow bar of the towed wheeled vehicle and the mounting bar of the towing roadwork vehicle so as to permit independent elevational movement of the towed wheeled vehicle relative to the towing roadwork vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Rogers, Brad Anderson, Chad Orthaus, Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens
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Patent number: 6702516Abstract: A striping layout machine is adapted to apply reference marks to a roadway in a safe and expedient manner. The machine has an array of features to enhance the safety of operating personnel as well as passing motorists. Equally effective on surfaces of different types, the machine has the capability to pre-mark as much as twenty miles of roadway in an hour. A unique, telescoping boom produces layout lines which may range from zero to twenty feet. The machine employs a lime and water solution for marking instead of paint. The lime and water solution is not permanent and will wash away at the first rain after the roadway has been striped thereby leaving an unmarred, clean stripe.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Paul A. Harrison
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Patent number: 6612773Abstract: A rumble strip cutter machine having a nonoscillating main frame supported on round, ground-engaging operational support wheels with an oscillating moving frame generally coplanar within the main frame, moving slightly out of the common plane during oscillatory motion effected through crank action driven by an operational support wheel. A grinder brush is mounted central under the moving frame between the frame pivot pin and the crank connection. An engine is mounted over the brush also on the moving frame drives the brush and by its weight forces the brush into pavement below. For nonoperational transport at highway speeds the main frame is lifted off of its operational support wheels by a pair of hydraulically-actuated auxiliary wheels at the main frame rear end. The front operational wheels are lifting off of the ground by rotating and locking a trailer tongue on the main frame front end toward the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Apply A Line, Inc.Inventor: Carey Gray
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Patent number: 6588975Abstract: A system for molding a design onto a surface comprising providing an asphalt molding mesh comprising pattern molding elements formed of a flexible material having a generally V-shaped cross-section in a configuration corresponding to a pattern to be molded in the asphalt, wherein the molding mesh is in the form of an open mesh, defining open spaces between the molding elements; positioning the molding mesh onto the surface and depositing hot asphalt into the open spaces between the molding elements and levelling the asphalt, and then rolling over the mesh and asphalt to mold and compact the asphalt about the mesh and facilitate adherence to the underlying surface, and, after rolling, removing the molding mesh from the asphalt.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Guy Ross
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Patent number: 6547158Abstract: A three wheeled carriage supports an air compressor, a container for reflective glass beads and a primary hose enclosing secondary hoses delivering plural paint components to a spray gun. The three wheeled carriage has a handle bar operable by one person with three switches, one to control the flow of reflective glass beads to a bead spray gun, another to control the flow of paint components to form a stripe by external mix of the paint components and a third to control an angle of turn for a front wheel. A trailer follows the three wheeled carriage, the trailer containing an air compressor and receptacles for two paint components and input into the secondary hoses. Wheeled dollies support the primary hose between the trailer and the three wheeled carriage.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Ramp Engineering, Inc.Inventor: David C. Smith
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Patent number: 6547484Abstract: A cutting head is provided for milling rumble strip depressions in a road surface. The cutting head has a center rotational axis and a transverse diameter that varies along the length of the rotational axis so that an outer cutting surface of the cutting head defines a plane curve, such as an ellipsoid with truncated ends. The cutting head is mounted on a milling machine and rotated about the rotational axis as it is moved alternately up and down into the road surface. As the milling machine moves down the road, the movement of the cutting head creates spaced apart rumble strip depressions in the road. Because of the elliptical configuration of the cutting head cutting surface, the dimensions of the depressions can be varied along both the forward and lateral axes by simply varying the depth of cut. The curved profile of the cutting head along the rotational axis creates rumble strip depressions that avoid the sharp ninety degree corners and vertical side walls found in conventional rumble strips.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Dustrol, Inc.Inventor: Tim L. Murphy
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Patent number: 6478507Abstract: The bead dispenser is formed from rotational molded plastic such that a hole is cored through the center of the dispenser which allows the linkage to travel through the dispenser and locate the dispenser door on the opposite side of the dispenser from the spray gun. A number of panels across the slot opening may be adjusted upwardly and downwardly to vary the width as desired by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.Inventors: James C. Schroeder, Bradley K. Voigt
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Patent number: 6454490Abstract: An apparatus and method of using the apparatus for creating rumble strips in a surface such as asphalt or concrete, including a vehicle with an attachment coupled thereto. The attachment includes a cutter wheel having teeth thereon and a flywheel coupled with the cutter wheel. A hydraulic motor is coupled with the cutter wheel for rotating the cutter wheel and the flywheel. Eccentric cams are provided for moving the cutter wheel vertically with respect to the surface being cut, and a gear box is coupled with the eccentric cams for rotating the eccentric cams. The eccentric cams do not contact the surface being cut. The apparatus further includes a sliding assembly coupled with the cutter wheel. The sliding assembly is both horizontally and vertically movable with respect to the surface being cut.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Dustrol, Inc.Inventor: Tim L. Murphy
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Patent number: 6416310Abstract: Disclosed is a shaping apparatus for forming a pattern on the surface of a civil engineering structure using concrete, in order to provide a shaping beauty on the surface of the civil engineering structure using concrete or asphalt concrete, for example, on the surface of a sidewalk or a retaining wall constructed for pedestrians in general streets or parks or on the surface of a concrete structure for a finishing process of other kinds of civil engineering construction.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventor: Cheul Ju Son
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Patent number: 6409424Abstract: A raking device for breaking up a surface has a plurality of rakes mounted on a rake frame and arranged to produce an upwardly directed result in force in response to a horizontally directed force arising from encountering an obstruction in a path of travel of the raking device. A rake frame support mounts the rack frame to a rake frame carrier structure and allows controlled movement of the rakes in a vertical direction. A force applicator acting between the rake from carrier and the rake frame support is provided to apply at least a downward force to the rake. The force applicator is responsive to an increase in the upwardly directed result in force above a preset amount to allow the rakes to move upwardly in response to the increase in force.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Inventor: Francesco A. Crupi
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Patent number: 6382872Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for the application of a marking (1) on a road surface (2), said apparatus comprising a vehicle which moves the apparatus over the surface (2). The marking material (3) is led from a supply container (4) to a distribution chamber (6) which, via a shutter (11), under slight pressure presses a band (12) of the marking material (3) out through an opening (14). The band of material (12) is led out towards a rotating axle (7) with blades (9). The material (3) in the band of material (12) is hereby divided into equal part elements (13) without the blades (9) touching the chamber (6) or any other parts of the apparatus. The influence of wear on the apparatus is hereby considerably reduced, even when use is made of material (3) containing abrasive additives.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Rieber & Søn ASAInventor: Bo Winterskov
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Patent number: 6382871Abstract: A method for molding a pattern on the surface of heated asphalt. The method includes: providing an asphalt molding mesh comprising pattern molding elements formed of an elastic material having a V-shaped cross-section in a configuration corresponding to a pattern to be molded in the asphalt. The mesh is then heated to substantially equalize with that of the surface of the asphalt. The mesh is positioned and inserted at least partially into the asphalt. The mesh and asphalt are rolled over to mold the asphalt and compact the asphalt about the mesh. Water is applied to the surface of the asphalt while rolling to limit the heating and expansion and buckling of the mesh. Finally, molding mesh is removed from the asphalt.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Guy Ross
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Patent number: 6330503Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) controlled marking apparatus for staking and a method of using the apparatus to stake a surface. The apparatus uses a standard architectural or other surface site application program and a stakeout driver program in a standard computer and includes a GPS receiver, a stakeout tool, an autopilot, a vehicle, a geographical drawing converter, and a location comparator. The geographical drawing converter converts an image of a drawing pattern to geographical mark locations. The autopilot guides the vehicle to the geographical mark locations. The location comparator detects a location march between the geographical mark locations of the drawing pattern and a current geographical location determined by the GPS receiver. Information for the location match is used by the stakeout tool for driving a stake into the ground.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Kevin Andrew Ian Sharp, Charles David Hope Manning
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Patent number: 6299934Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) controlled paint spray system. The system includes a paint sprayer driver program and a GPS paint sprayer. The paint sprayer driver program enables a user of a standard drawing program using a standard personal computer to generate a print file for a drawing pattern. The GPS paint sprayer includes a GPS receiver, a geographical converter for enabling a user to convert the drawing pattern to geographical locations, a location comparator for detecting a location match between the geographical locations of the drawing pattern and a current GPS-based location, and a spray nozzle to spraying paint for matched locations.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Charles David Hope Manning
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Publication number: 20010024596Abstract: A road-marking device (1) is provided by means of which thick ribs (32) of water-based paint are applied to a road surface transversely to the road axis. Each rib is formed by a high-volume spray of paint from a nozzle (28) mounted on a horizontal carriage (8) mounted for reciprocal movement along a bar (6) supported by a vehicle carrying the device. Rotation of a road wheel (2) is caused to drive the carriage in both directions along the bar, while the spraying operation is controlled by the position of ‘on’ and ‘off’ switches (12) in the path of the carriage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Inventors: Angelo Sanfilippo, Gilbert Bernard
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Publication number: 20010002229Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for filling a groove in a pavement with a groove filling grout. The present invention is particularly useful for forming long-lasting pavement markings, such as lane striping.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: May 31, 2001Applicant: Interstate Highway Construction.Inventors: James Kenyon Schaeffer, Roger D. Randall, John L. Edwards, Brian D. Huffman, Jack L. Crosby, Paul Svaldi, Robert P. Hunsicker, Michael E. Urbas
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Patent number: 6220783Abstract: An apparatus and method for milling rumble strips into a pavement surface with a cutting wheel. The cutting wheel has rows of a cutting and non-cutting surface and is rotated to alternately present and withdraw a cutting surface and a non-cutting surface to the asphalt and cut a periodic rumble strip pattern as the apparatus moves forward. This alternating pattern is achieved without any up and down motion of the cutting wheel, and the apparatus can be operated a relatively rapid speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: James F. Maxwell
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Patent number: 6217254Abstract: Road markings disposed on a fixed road surface are disclosed including reflective material disposed on a first portion of the fixed road surface for improving light reflection and friction material disposed on a second portion of the fixed road surface for increasing the friction between the fixed road surface and the wheels of a vehicle, these two portions of the road surface being separate portions of the fixed road surface. Methods are also disclosed for disposing road markings on a fixed road surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Cleanosol ABInventors: Magnus Wallgren, Toni Ogemark
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Patent number: 6217253Abstract: A ribbon marking tool (10) for dispensing a length of warning tape (14) along the ground above a buried conveyance tool includes a housing (20) within which a roll of warning tape (36) is mounted for rotation. A mechanism (32) within the housing serves to feeds the tape out through the housing and to staple the tape to the ground and to sever the tape once a sufficient length of tape is dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: AT&T Corp.Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman
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Patent number: 6213680Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for filling a groove in a pavement with a groove filling grout. The present invention is used for forming pavement markings, such as lane striping.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Interstate Highway ConstructionInventors: James Kenyon Schaeffer, Roger D. Randall, John L. Edwards, Brian D. Huffman, Jack L. Crosby, Paul Svaldi
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Patent number: 6203112Abstract: A road cutting apparatus is detachable and connectable to a self-propelled front end loading machine. The cutting apparatus includes a rigid frame structure having a connecting section for attaching the frame structure to the front end loading machine and a planar mounting section. An engine including a power take off (PTO) is mounted to a top surface of the mounting section for driving the circular cutting apparatus, and a belt drive is attached to the PTO. The belt drive includes a driving pulley and a following pulley, and a belt disposed between the driving pulley and following pulley provides for transfer of torque therebetween. A driven shaft with a first end and a second end is mounted to the mounting section and attached to the following pulley at its first end, and a retainer blade is connected to the second end for coupling to a circular cutting blade. A cutting assembly is mounted on the mounting section which includes the circular cutting blade and a cooling system for cooling the cutting blade.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: American Standards Construction Corp.Inventors: Eugene Cook, William Isenberg
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Patent number: 6183161Abstract: A lightweight manually maneuverable, quick-drying paint striper for painting stripes on pavements, in which the hot exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine driving a paint pressurizing unit for the system is used to heat the paint by passing it through a heat exchanger to establish a temperature and viscosity appropriate for painting stripes with an air nozzle or airless nozzle. When an air nozzle is used, the air is heated by the exhaust gas in the same or another heat exchanger in a manner similar to that in which the paint is heated in the exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Inventor: Jeffrey W. Neeper
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Patent number: 6174104Abstract: A tape removal apparatus adapted to be towed behind a vehicle for removing marking tape from a road comprises a road frame hitched to the vehicle and having a pair of wheels to allow the road frame to be towed behind the vehicle and a pickup mast having a center section coupled to the road frame, a lower section extending from the center section toward the road and having a drive roller configured to engage the tape on the road to remove the tape from the road, an upper section extending from the center section toward the vehicle, and a pinch roller. The pinch roller is configured to receive the tape from the drive roller as the tape removal apparatus is towed behind the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Inventor: Douglas J. Fields
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Patent number: 6152648Abstract: A jump and return to grade function provides a means by activation of a switch to rapidly raise a milling machine to avoid an obstacle, then return the machine to the previous milling position. When the jump function is activated, the legs are extended at full speed, causing the machine to rise. In the return to grade function, the legs are retracted at controlled speeds until the previous milling depth is reached or the switch is released.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Gerry T. Gfroerer, Michael W. Netka, Mario J. Souraty
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Patent number: 6116814Abstract: Method for applying markings or signs to a surface (1), such as road surfaces and the like, comprising the laying down of a layer of a heated mass of a thermoplastic material (3). Before the laying down of thermoplastic material (3) there is applied a primer layer (2) on the surface (1), consisting of a curable plastic material which comprises two or more components.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Rieber & Son, Division Nor-SkiltInventor: Stein Dietrichson
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Patent number: 6112736Abstract: An apparatus for cutting grooves in a green concrete slab having at least one terminating side edge transverse to a broad top surface in a low cost manner is described and includes the following elements: a hand-held portable rotary saw, supported on a rollable platform disconnectably connected to and supporting the relative to the green concrete slab. The rollable platform includes a planar base in surface contact with a conventional guide plate of the saw, and flared side walls extending outwardly from the planar base an anchoring portion adapted to receive a human-generated force to provide rectilinear travel along a preselected direction over the green concrete slab. The planar base also includes a slot in alignment with an opening in the guide plate through which the saw blade extends whereby a working plane of reference is defined that intersects an axis of rotation of the saw blade whereby a maximum depth of cut is easily defined coincident with the working plane of reference.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Inventor: Martin A. Bearden
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Patent number: 6099080Abstract: In a dry cutting and grooving apparatus for pavement in which blades for cutting or grooving the pavement are covered by a housing which leaves the lower ends of the blades exposed, and in which chips and cutting powder generated at the time of cutting and grooving operation by the blades are collected by a suction means connected to the housing, air is forcibly supplied to the housing and the dust stored within the housing is quickly scavenged by the air flow toward the suction end. Further, by providing an air supply passage within the main shaft of the blades and discharging the air from the surface and the outer periphery of the blades, the dust within the housing is scavenged in the same manner while the tips of the blades can be cooled by the discharged air.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Nippon Fureki Industrial Co., LimitedInventors: Kenji Hirashita, Takao Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6074693Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) controlled paint spray system. The system includes a paint sprayer driver program and a GPS paint sprayer. The paint sprayer driver program enables a user of a standard drawing program using a standard personal computer to generate a print file for a drawing pattern. The GPS paint sprayer includes a GPS receiver, a geographical converter for enabling a user to convert the drawing pattern to geographical locations, a location comparator for detecting a location match between the geographical locations of the drawing pattern and a current GPS-based location, and a spray nozzle to spraying paint for matched locations.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Charles David Hope Manning
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Patent number: 6024511Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pattern on the surface of asphalt comprising an endless belt having a surface formed of an elastic material and having a pattern in a form corresponding to a pattern to be impressed into the asphalt. The apparatus includes a belt pressing device, which may be in the form of a weighted roller or plate, for pressing the belt into the asphalt; and a pair of rollers spaced from either side of the belt pressing device, and at a higher elevation with respect to the asphalt surface to provide controlled lifting of the belt from the pressed asphalt. The belt is formed of an elastic material which has little compressibility, so that when pressed down by the belt pressing device, it spreads laterally outward to form pattern elements that are wider than when pressure is released, to provide clean separation from the asphalt surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Inventor: Guy Ross
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Patent number: 5941227Abstract: An apparatus for cutting grooves in a green concrete slab having at least one terminating side edge transverse to a broad top surface in a low cost manner is described and includes the following elements: a hand-held portable rotary saw, supported on a rollable platform disconnectably connected to and supporting the relative to the green concrete slab. The rollable platform includes a planar base in surface contact with a conventional guide plate of the saw, and flared side walls extending outwardly from the planar base an anchoring portion adapted to receive a human-generated force to provide rectilinear travel along a preselected direction over the green concrete slab. The planar base also includes a slot in alignment with an opening in the guide plate through which the saw blade extends whereby a working plane of reference is defined that intersects an axis of rotation of the saw blade whereby a maximum depth of cut is easily defined coincident with the working plane of reference.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1991Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Inventor: Martin A. Bearden
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Patent number: 5860764Abstract: A rumble strip rolling device for attachment to a conventional asphalt roller. The rumble strip rolling device includes a support member for attachment to the asphalt roller, a pivot member having one end thereof pivotally secured to the support member for movement between a first position and a second position, a slide member slidably mounted on the pivot member for movement between a third position and a fourth position, a first hydraulic cylinder for adjusting the pivot member between the first position and the second position, a second hydraulic cylinder for adjusting the slide member between the third position and the fourth position, a roller drum assembly having a roller drum frame and a roller drum rotatably supported on a shaft that is supported by the roller drum frame, and a connector for pivotally connecting the roller drum frame to the slide member.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Inventor: Ronnie F. Roberts
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Patent number: 5733470Abstract: A mold for casting ground covering, such as a plurality of stepping stones, has a generally polygon concrete molding frame having top and bottom surfaces in parallel planes and divided into openings. The frame is generally square and may include nesting polygonal configurations. Each wall has a plan shape of contiguous line segments connected at obtuse angles. A first diagonal wall extends approximately from the first corner to the third corner, and a second diagonal wall extends approximately from the second corner to the fourth corner. The first perimeter wall is geometrically congruent with the third perimeter wall and the second perimeter wall is geometrically congruent with the fourth perimeter wall. The diagonal walls are geometrically congruent with the second and fourth perimeter walls.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Siroflex of America, Inc.Inventors: Dieter Roth, Mark Silka
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Patent number: 5681129Abstract: An advertising display method involves marking grass sports fields by bending the grass blades in definite zones and bending or leaving them straight in other zones in order to form an image or a word. The difference in the direction given to the grass blades is quite visible to the spectator. The grass blades are directed by means of an apparatus mounted on rollers which runs on the grass surface. The apparatus also has brushes and/or additional rollers which rotate to straighten the grass blades on definite sectors. The sectors form an image or the letters of a words. The engines which drive the apparatus and the brushes and/or rollers are electrical and are controlled by a computer. The image or word to represent on the grass, as well as the position of the apparatus on the surface to work, are entered in the memory of a computer.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Athar International Services SAInventors: Carlo Nicodemo, Ewald Mohring
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Patent number: 5676489Abstract: A hand-held screed for use in making a sidewalk includes a rectangular plate. The plate has a bottom edge suitable for subgrading and for levelling concrete, and a top edge opposite the bottom edge. At either end of the plate, a projection extends beyond the top edge. A handle is affixed to one of the major surfaces of the plate and is braced by a pair of struts. The plate has a width, as measured between the top and bottom edges, equal to the intended depth of the sidewalk. The plate further has a length equal to the intended width of the sidewalk. A form is erected and the area within the form is subgraded using the bottom edge of the plate. The plate is oriented with its length dimension running widthwise of the form. When the top edge of the plate is flush with the top edges of the form, the depth of the area within the form equals the intended depth of the sidewalk. Concrete is now poured into the form and the wet concrete is subsequently levelled using the bottom edge of the plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Inventor: Stanley Willhoite
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Patent number: 5639180Abstract: A mining drum assembly for use in the mining of a substrate that has a drum. A plurality of bars, each one of the bars has a plurality of laterally-spaced apart mining bit assemblies connected thereto, are affixed to the surface of the drum. The bars define first and second regions of discrete bars equi-spaced about the circumference of the drum. The bars of the first region being circumferentially and laterally spaced-apart from the bars of the second region.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1996Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignees: Kennametal Inc., Advanced Cutting Systems Corp.Inventors: William P. Sulosky, Wayne H. Beach
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Patent number: 5607255Abstract: The forming of sonic noise alert pattern, (SNAP), type depressions using a milling through procedure. A cutting head, having a smaller diameter than would fit the resultant depression, is used. Elevational control of the cutting head is regulated by passage across the surface under treatment. Repetitive cycling of this elevational control is used to install a series of depressions. The elevational control results in a gradual lowering and gradual raising of the cutting head. During cutting a significant longitudinal distance is traveled by the cutting head. Cam wheels are disclosed for providing the elevational control. Various transfer means are discussed to transfer the elevational control to the cutting head. These include direct transfer and reverse transfer. Proportional transfer is explained with examples given. Example machines are detailed capable of practicing the invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Inventors: Glen E. Thomas, Amona D. Thomas
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Patent number: 5599133Abstract: A method and apparatus for painting highway stripes and other patterns on a road surface includes the steps of heating the road surface to be painted or treated with a protective coating to a temperature typically in the range of 150.degree. F. to 165.degree. F. Paint is applied in spray form, the resin and hardener ingredients being mixed preparatory to spraying by a spray head. The paint mixture is sprayed onto the heated road surface as soon after the heat treatment as is practical. The paint spray may be heated as it passes through the nozzle. Granulated glass beads may be dropped onto the paint coating to enhance absorption of heat energy by the paint.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Argus InternationalInventors: Bernard J. Costello, Brendan F. Hogan
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Patent number: 5560734Abstract: A method of laying a bitumastic simulated paved surface includes spreading a layer of hot bitumastic material on a foundation layer, the bitumastic material including a thermoplastic rubber copolymer material, filler and reinforcing fibres, allowing the bitumastic material to cool and set, heating the surface of the bitumastic material to soften it for moulding purposes, and imprinting the softened surface with a pattern of grooves to provide simulated gaps between simulated slabs of paving. A layer of bitumastic material has a simulated paved surface, including bitumen, hydrocarbon resin, block copolymer rubber, fillers and reinforcing fibre material, and a groove pattern is impressed into the upper surface of the layer in a pattern to simulate the joints in a paved surface. A road speed control hump of material, includes a hump of material applied to the road, the material including a mixture having rubber chips bound together with a bituminous binder, and a layer applied to the surface of the hump.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: Roadtex LimitedInventors: James McIntosh, Graham J. Lucas
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Patent number: 5549413Abstract: An improved flatwork concrete finishing apparatus includes a side-by-side pair of parallel spaced elongate brush assemblies, each brush assembly having an elongate head with a pair of upper corners or stops, a downwardly directed throat with opposing inwardly directed grooves, and a plurality of replaceable elongate blocks, each having at least one row of color-coded bristles with a stiffness different than the bristles of at least one of the other blocks. Each of the blocks have outwardly directed ridges adapted to be slidably received by the grooves. A plurality of corresponding pairs of brackets attached to each of the pair of brush assemblies are interconnected by a plurality of spacers pivotally connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Inventor: Gary A. Bolden