Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An automated trowelling system for providing a smooth, even finish to one or both sides of a wall. The present system smooths wet surface materials such as concrete or plaster quickly and consistently with minimum manual intervention. Horizontal brackets on the wall support a horizontally translating column and an associated vertically reciprocating trowel. A first motor propels the column and trowel laterally along the wall, while a second motor effects vertical motion. A forward scoop removes excess wall finishing material ahead of the reciprocating trowel, and a nonreciprocating finish trowel follows the reciprocating trowel to provide an enhanced finish to the wall. A processing unit enhances the ability of the system to operate with minimum manual intervention. Sensors provide input to the processing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a traffic stripe having improved reflectivity includes a vehicle having an apparatus for applying the traffic stripe, an applying assembly for dispersing a reflective material over the traffic stripe, another applying apparatus for applying an anti-adhesion agent, and a deformation apparatus disposed rearward thereof for forming interval grooves in the traffic stripe. The application of the anti-adhesion agent directly onto the traffic stripe or onto the deformation apparatus prevents the freshly applied traffic stripe from lifting off the road surface and adhering to the deformation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mold for forming concrete walkways or surfaces. The mold incorporates a plurality of openings for receiving concrete therein. The mold forms a single concrete slab having a simulated brick or rock pattern on it's surface. Concrete walkways are formed by placing the mold of the invention on a surface and pouring concrete in the openings. Upon removal of the mold, the concrete retains the pattern. The procedure is repeated to form a walkway of a desired length, width and configuration.

Abstract: The use of a cam member having a plurality of camming groups to cause a raising and lowering motion to be transferred to a cutting head to install a series of SNAP depressions in the surface of an asphalt road. Two cutting methods are disclosed, the first allowing cutting through the cut, the second allowing a near plunge cut to be made. Cutting through the cut permits a smaller diameter cutting drum than would fit the resulting cut while providing for a smooth action to the cutting procedure. A near plunge cut permits adaptation of existing equipment utilizing current use cutting drum which diameter approximate the shape of the resulting cut. Proper spacing is ensured by having the cam member in direct communication with the surface under treatment with movement provided by the installing machine. The optional adaptation of a skip pattern within the series is taught.

Abstract: A machine and method of use to form Sonic Noise Alert Pattern (SNAP) type depressions in the surface of an asphalt road in a series to line the edge or center of a road. The machine installs a plurality of depressions in a group during a single cutting procedure. A repetition of these cutting procedures results in the desired series being formed. The machine has a single rotary type milling head with spaced sets of bits which will engage the surface of the road. Only where the spaced sets contact the surface will the cutting action be performed. From a stationary position an initial plunge cut brings the rotary cutting head in contact with the surface. Then a lateral movement of the rotary cutting head results in elongating and forming the desired sized depressions. Then the rotary cutting head is raised, the machine is advanced and the prior steps are repeated in repetition until the desired number of depressions have been formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a traffic stripe having improved reflectivity includes a vehicle having an apparatus for applying the traffic stripe, an applying assembly for dispersing a reflective material over the traffic stripe, another applying apparatus for applying a releasing agent, and a deformation apparatus disposed rearward thereof for forming interval grooves in the traffic stripe. The application of the releasing agent directly onto the traffic stripe or onto the deformation apparatus prevents the freshly applied traffic stripe from lifting off the road surface and adhering to the deformation apparatus.

Abstract: Marker devices, each comprising a base with an upright post thereon, are molded from an elastomeric material. A marker device is attached by adhesive on the base thereof to each paint striping on a worn down street and each maintenance cover mounted on the worn down street. Once the marker devices are in place on the worn down street, the posts thereof must withstand the punishment of not only being flattened by truck tires, and the tracts of a paving machine that is being used to lay down the new coating of hot asphalt on the worn down street, but also the hot asphalt, and still spring back to their upright position. Thus, when the stripings are to be repainted on the resurfaced street and when the maintenance covers are to be adjusted upwardly to the level of the new coating of asphalt on the resurfaced street their exact locations on the street are immediately indicated by the posts of the marker devices without having to make any measurements.

Abstract: A machine that cuts sonic noise alert pattern (SNAP) depressions into the upper surface of asphalt highways. This machine is designed to cut depressions having a rectangular shape, with opposing transitional edges, which are relatively perpendicular to the edge of the road surface, and each have a smooth, even transition from the road surface to the cut depression. Further having a predetermined, but variable, depth along the center of the depression cut, with this center of the cut located at a relatively midpoint between the transitional edges. Additionally having an uniform section of virgin, uncut, asphalt located between each set of adjacent depression cuts. The machine, which has at least one rotating cutting head, moves longitudinally, relative to the desired placement of the individual cuts, in a non-stop, uninterrupted manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying cementitious material onto a floor surface while screeding it and producing varying depths of ridged impressions in a longitudinal direction within the cementitious material, from deep ridges to flat surfaced material, all formed with a levelled surface, adapted to receive tile components and other flooring products. The apparatus includes a base adapted for displacement on the floor surface and provided with a container to receive the cementitious material. The container is adapted to discharge a required amount of cementitious material on the floor surface. The base defines an opening which screeds the material onto the floor surface and trails the discharged cementitious material from the container on the floor surface when the apparatus is operatively displaced. A gate is moveably mounted to be vertically displaced for selectively reducing the opening and for evenly spreading the cementitious material passing therethrough.

Abstract: A line striper accessory for combining with a conventional paint sprayer mounted on a wheeled cart utilizing the cart wheels and a castor assembly to support the combined cart and line striping accessory. The accessory includes handlebars having actuators to selectively actuate a locking mechanism and the spray gun mounted on the accessory for providing paint stripes on the surface over which the striper is rolled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting a predefined pattern in a freshly rolled asphalt surface to simulate the appearance of bricks, cobblestones, interlocking paving stones or the like. A pliable, grid-like template is progressively compressed into the asphalt surface using a drum roller or other surface compactor. The template is then manually lifted clear of the asphalt surface and the asphalt is allowed to harden. The patterned asphalt surface may be treated with a thin coating of colored concrete to enhance the brick and mortar effect.

Abstract: A tool arranged for imparting a pattern upon a malleable surface to include a plate formed with a forward edge and the forward edge including a plurality of equally spaced recesses directed into the plate through the forward edge. The tool structure is arranged to include a further plate member positioned below and in a spaced relationship relative to the firstly noted plate for mounting a guide block thereon, with the guide block defining a recess to receive the lower plate complementarily therewithin, with the guide block including a plurality of guide rods telescopingly mounted within the guide block arranged in a parallel relationship relative to the upper plate and lower plate in use. The guide block is arranged to position one of the guide rods within a groove of the malleable surface and a second guide rod positioned adjacent a corner to guide the tool structure relative to a side wall and forward wall of an associated surface to be fluted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for painting traffic marking lines over old paint markings on road pavement is disclosed. The apparatus, normally installed on a marking vehicle having a paint gun and a paint supply, includes a detector which illuminates the pavement and utilizes a spectroscope to analyze the return inspection for the presence of one or more known preselected constituents of the old paint marking to control actuation of the valve on the paint gun and also track the old pavement marking. The apparatus also provides a paint gun delay function to account for the lead distance between detector and paint gun and enables the application of new paint markings directly over the old markings at a relatively high rate of vehicle speed.

Abstract: An article and process for creating designs on the surface of concrete are provided wherein the flat, flexible article is placed onto and worked into the smooth, wet surface layer of concrete. The concrete is permitted to harden to a partially set condition and the article is lifted from the partially set surface layer of the concrete to leave an impression of the article in the surface layer which becomes a permanent impression when the concrete hardens to a fully set condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing grooves in plastic concrete bridge decks, airport runways and the like having a cutter bar supporting a plurality of parallel cutter blades adapted to be imbedded in the surface of a deck. The cutter bar is adapted to be moved transversely across the deck and is mounted for pivotal movement on an axis normal to its transverse movement. The extent of pivotal movement is such as to raise and maintain the leading ends of the cutter blades slightly above the surface of the deck during the transverse movement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for forming a decorative impression in a moldable material and a method of manufacturing the same. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to stamping tool for forming decorative patterns in concrete. The stamping tool includes a multi-layered flexible base including first, second and third layers. The first, second and third layers each include an upper and a lower surface. The second layer is positioned intermediate, the first and third layers. The lower surface of the third layer has a predetermined pattern formed therein for forming a corresponding impression in the moldable material. A pair of closed looped handles are secured to the base for permitting the tool to be readily transported from one location to another. The handles include a substantially concave segment disposed above the base and a substantially convex segment embedded therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying or re-applying retro-reflective glass beads to in-place thermoplastic pavement marking lines. A heated container warms the beads to a temperature below their melting point but above the melting point of the line. The heated beads are then uniformly dispersed onto the surface of the line. Heat from each bead is thereby transferred into the surrounding thermoplastic material, causing the material to melt and the bead to adhere. The beads are then embedded into the thermoplastic by suitable means such as a roller. By adjusting the temperature of the beads and/or the downward force of the rollers, the depth of the embedded beads can be controlled for optimum reflectivity and adhesion, and variations in ambient operating conditions can be accommodated. The line is usable by traffic essentially immediately after bead application. The same apparatus can be used to apply beads of varying sizes.

Abstract: An improved concrete stamping tool is rigid in construction made of a high impact plastic. It has a lower blade assembly molded to a substantially flat upper assembly haivng flat handles on an upper surface thereof. A handle mount is provided in the center of the tool and a array of holes allows ganging of a plurality of such tools in either the vertical or horizontal direction.

Abstract: A device for texturing the surface of freshly poured concrete utilizing a platform having first and second surfaces. A plurality of loops are spaced along and extend from the first surface of the platform. The plurality of loops are resiliently and detachably connected to the platform for movement with the platform.

Abstract: A manual marker dispenser for road markers which is supported from a wheel mounted adhesive applicator which deposits small amounts of adhesive at selected spaced positions along a roadway. The dispenser has an upright cage member in which the markers are placed which typically has measurements of four inches by four inches by about three feet. The cage is open at the top and bottom and at the bottom there are two release cams spaced on opposite sides of the dispenser. The cams are essentially cylindrical in shape with about a quarter of the cylinder removed in a V-shaped pattern. Handle and linkage are provided to rotate the cams from a first position where the markers rest on the cam to a second position where the cut-away portion lets the markers drop out of the cage.

Abstract: A manually operated paint striper including an elongated frame mounted on wheels, an elongated container of compressed nitrogen mounted on the frame, an elongated container for striping paint mounted on the frame in an upwardly inclined attitude, conduits effecting communication between the nitrogen container and the paint container for providing a zone of compressed nitrogen in the upper portion of the paint container, a spray gun mounted on the lower portion of the frame, a conduit for effecting communication between the lower portion of the paint container and the spray gun, mounting structure for permitting removal of the spray gun from the frame to effect spraying in an area remote from the striper, and suitable controls for selectively actuating the spray gun from a remote position on the frame.

Abstract: A ride-on road striper having a rear supporting frame carried by a pair of rear wheels, a front supporting frame carried by at least one front wheel, a propulsion device for driving at least one of the wheels, a pivotal joint for articulating the front frame relative to the rear frame, steering apparatus for pivoting the front frame with respect to the rear frame to cause steering of the striper, an operator's seat and steering controls carried by the front frame.

Abstract: During the laying of a marking line with the aid of at least one paint spray gun (2), profile particles (5) are introduced by means of a profile particle dispenser (4) into the marking composition (3) and thereby enveloped all round by the latter. The dimension of the profile particles (5), which are preferably reflective beads, is greater than the layer thickness of the bare painted line, so that profile elevations are formed. Subsequently, reflective beads (8) which also adhere to the profile elevations are scattered onto this profiled painted line (6), which beads thus ensure a good night visibility in wet conditions and when a water film is present, from which they project. The profile particles (5) can either be directly introduced into the jet of paints emerging from the paint spray gun (2) or, subsequent to the application of a painted line, be scattered thereon and then completely covered with marking composition by means of renewed spraying of a thin film of paint.

Abstract: Method of regenerating a worn road surface when using a road surface reconditioning machine.A method characterized in that in a first phase the characteristic features and content of regenerating binder which must be added to obtain a regenerated coating of which the characteristic features correspond to those of the initial surfacing material are determined and then, in a second phase, the worn surfacing material is cut away by means of particular cutting/milling apparatus in order to break up the cut material which is conveyed to the level of the mixing apparatus where regenerating binder is added, the characteristic features of which have been determined during the course of the first phase.

Abstract: A road marking composition is applied by applying (1) an aqueous dispersion of a film forming binder and (2) a water soluble salt. The process of the invention provides rapid drying, and the dried composition is not prone to smearing or adhesion of dirt.

Abstract: A device for manually, repetitively imprinting a surface pattern in fresh concrete, comprising: a plurality of blades secured together to form an imprinting unit, lower edges thereof to form the desired pattern when pressed into the levelled surface of fresh concrete; bar handle means to be secured transversely to upper portions of the blades and to extend laterally beyond the perimeter of the imprinting unit to facilitate manual operation of the device; and levelling means secured to and cooperating with the handle means for adjustably vertically positioning the blades of the device with respect to the surface to be imprinted. This device is practical for multiple, fast, repetitive impressions of patterns, in aligned, regular fashion, for example to form linearly and laterally aligned patterns in the surfaces of sidewalks or driveways.

Abstract: A device for cutting slots of varying lengths and shapes in pavement to receive a reflector, the cutting blades for cutting the slot always being at right angles to the tangent to that portion of the surface of the pavement where the slot is being cut and means permitting the cutting blades to be maintained at an optimal rotational speed regardless of the density of the type of pavement encountered.

Abstract: A truck having a road oil spreader is equipped with an apparatus for simultaneous application of oil and paving fabric to the road surface. The apparatus includes an assembly for engaging a roll of paving fabric comprising adjustable cone arms mounted on end plates that rotatably hold the core of the fabric roll. The fabric is drawn over a guide shaft and beneath a sectioned box beam having a series of longitudinally aligned brushes. The shaft and brushes are connected to the opposing end plates which are attached to a lateral support beam. The end plates and box beam include joint, drive and connection means that permit longitudinal, vertical and angular adjustment of the guide shaft and brushes. As oil is sprayed over the road surface, the fabric unrolls and becomes embedded in the oil by action of the brushes pushing the fabric into the oil-coated surface.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for stamping impressions in materials such as uncured concrete, includes a base member having an upper and a lower surface and an outer periphery, the outer periphery having a shape which provides a repetitive keyed pattern which may be fitted together with tools of similar shapes in a plurality of locations. An inner blade, having a predetermined cross-sectional geometry, is coupled to the lower surface of the base within the outer periphery. An outer blade surrounds the outer periphery of the base member at the lower surface, the outer blade having a cross-sectional geometry which is a bisection of the cross-sectional geometry of the inner blades, so that two adjacent tools abutted one against the other produce a composite blade at their border which has substantially the same cross-sectional geometry as that of the inner blade. The blades and base member are made of a flexible elastomeric material.

Abstract: Solid, transparent, non-vitreous, zirconia and zirconia-silica ceramic microspheres, useful as lens elements in retroreflective pavement markings. The microspheres are characterized by:(a) containing at least one additive metal oxide selected from alumina, magnesia, yttria and mixtures thereof;(b) an index of refraction greater than 1.6; and(c) being virtually free of cracks.These microspheres are formed by a sol-gel technique of extractive gelation (extracting carboxylic acid away from zirconyl carboxylate) of a sol in liquid medium such as hot peanut oil. The microspheres of this ceramic composition have been made with relatively large diameters, (e.g. 200-1000 micrometers) making them quite useful as lens elements in pavement marking sheet materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for concrete finishing to be used primarily in application involving large surface areas. A concrete finishing broom is adapted to wire, cable, rope or other means for pulling the broom across the concrete surface. The broom is fitted also with a second cable or similar pulling means, allowing the imposition of an opposing tensional force while it is drawn across the concrete surface for purposes of stability and uniformity in the finishing pattern, as well as to permit the broom to be drawn across the surface in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A device for texturing surface of freshly poured concrete utilizing a platform having first and second surfaces. A plurality of loops are spaced along and extend from the first surface of the platform. The plurality of loops are connected to the platform for movement with the platform.

Abstract: A truck having a road oil spreader is equipped with an apparatus for simultaneous application of oil and paving fabric to the road surface. The apparatus includes an assembly for engaging a roll of paving fabric comprising adjustable cone arms mounted on a collapsible boom that rotatably hold the core section of the fabric roll. The fabric is drawn over an idler shaft and beneath a series of longitudinally aligned brushes. The shaft and brushes are connected to each opposing end of the oil spreader by a removable outwardly extending side framework. The framework includes joint and connection means that permit longitudinal and angular adjustment of the idler shaft and brushes. As oil is sprayed over the road surface, the fabric unrolls and becomes embedded in the oil by action of the brushes pushing the fabric into the oil-coated surface.

Abstract: A marking system indicates the location of lanes which are to be defined on a running track that has a given width and selected degree of curvature. A pivot is established at a fixed distance from the lanes to be marked. A boom assembly disposed laterally across the track carries a plurality of lane-marking devices individually spaced therealong. That assembly is supported for movement along the track. One end of the boom is propelled by a propulsion unit, and an alignment unit is coupled to the other end of the boom for enabling alignment movement relative to the pivot. A cable leads from the outer end of the boom over the inner end thereof and to the pivot for enabling alignment. Numerous detailed features contribute to an attainment of accuracy measured in fractions of an inch.

Abstract: A preheater for melting a slab of thermoplastic marking material preparatory to applying a melt therefrom onto a paved surface has a heated slab receiver formed with a side wall oriented between 70.degree. and 82.degree. with respect to a reference ground plane upon which surface a slab may be flushly supported for heating and melt down.

Abstract: A method for forming a traffic regulating line or like sign on a roadway pavement even if the surface pavement is very wet and generally during very unfavorable weather, the method comprising maintaining the surface area on which the sign is to be formed and the means for forming it into a confined environment sheltered from the weather, and includes the sequential steps of washing said area, drying it and locally heating the pavement up to a temperature near to that at which a primer layer composition essentially melts where contacted to said surface, and then applying on said surface an at least predominantly thermoplastic primer layer and a sign forming tape material bonded thereabove. There is also described a machine designed to be driven along said road pavement and including means designed for performing the said sequential steps in said sheltered environment.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) carries an ejector means (17) which is mounted for reciprocating movement on the vehicle and is operable to eject discrete blobs of a viscous road marking material onto a road surface to be marked. The ejection means is arranged to move relative to the vehicle during ejection of the blobs so that its outlet moves at approximately the same speed as the vehicle and in the opposite direction, the arrangement being such that the speed of the blob relative to the roadway is approximately zero.

Abstract: Method for forming a retro reflective traffic regulating road surface marking and roadable areas produced therewith.

Abstract: A texturing broom apparatus for surface grooving freshly laid uncured concrete pavement comprising a traveling horizontal endless conveyor belt having a texturing broom, provided with a row of straight spring steel tines projecting from a base board in spaced apart side-by-side parallel relation, pivotally mounted on the conveyor belt for pivotal movement thereon in a vertical plane parallel to the direction of belt travel with the row of tines extending transversely across and outwardly from the belt and the tines disposed parallel to the longitudinal vertical plane of the belt. Spring means biases the pivoted broom forwardly of the direction of belt travel to a limiting idle position and the broom is supported on the belt in a position with its tines in a trailing working position disposed above and at a shallow working angle of less than about 20.degree.

Abstract: A compound machine for mechanically forming traffic dividing and regulating lines on a roadway pavement, comprising a motor driven vehicle adapted to travel along a desired direction on said pavement, the machine being implemented by a first apparatus supplied and adapted for forming spaced line segment by applying on said pavement spaced lengths of a multilayer road marking prefabricated tape material, and by a second apparatus supplied and adapted for forming painted marking line lengths aligned with and in the intervals between the spaced road marking tape segments, whereby a discontinuous marking line including alternatively arranged tape segments and painted segments is formed on the roadway pavement.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for forming a non-repeating design in fresh concrete. The tool has a plurality of blades forming a non-repeating stone pattern. The perimeter of all interior stone patterns are closed and/or defined, while all exterior patterns are open and only partially defined. The open blade ends of the open patterns are equally spaced about the perimeter of the tool, so that it will align with an adjacent open blade end of a second tool or an imprint and complete a stone pattern in any position and create a non-repeating design. The tool may also be used to create a random repeating pattern by successive non-rotational alignment of all open blade end of any particular side.

Abstract: Pavement-marking sheet material made from deformable, reduced-elasticity polymeric materials are made retroreflective by adhering to the sheet material a thin support film having retroreflective elements partially embedded in it.

Abstract: A float and guide assembly are disclosed for grooving wet mortar. The float assembly comprises a float, grooving rib, handle and two track brackets for guidably engaging a cable. The cable is part of the guide assembly which includes drum and ratchet assemblies which cooperate to hold the cable a predetermined height above the mortar and which impart tension to the cable so it can act as a guide.

Abstract: A method for forming non-repeating stone patterns in fresh concrete including preparing the surface of the fresh concrete by bullfloating and the addition of color, if desired, imprinting into the fresh concrete indentations representative of the corners only of the stones in the pattern, imprinting separately connecting grooves between the imprinted corners. The method may further include the use of a plastic overlay on the fresh concrete prior to imprinting so as to provide a well rounded edge to the formed stones. A number of tools for forming the non-repeating patterns are also disclosed.