Abstract: A printer is configured for printing with conductive ink for applying a conductive pattern to a surface including a wheeling structure for moving the printer over the surface and a transfer unit for applying a layer of electrically conductive ink to the surface. To provide accurate printing with the ability to obtain fine tolerances, the transfer unit has a printing drum rotatable about a printing drum axis and defining a printing drum periphery moving between a first zone and a second zone by rotation of the printing drum. The printing drum periphery, in the first zone, receives the conductive ink and in the second zone transfers the ink to the surface.

Abstract: A line marking device (1) comprising a cart (2) with at least one steerable wheel (3) and at least two moving elements (4, 5). The steerable wheel (3) is rotatable around its axle (13) and pivotable such that the cart (2) is steered in a desired direction. The line marking device (1) comprises a GNSS receiver (7) or a robotic total station mounted on the cart (2). The line marking device (1) also comprises at least one spray nozzle (8), for marking a line, which is mounted on the cart and directed towards the ground below the line marking device (1). The device (1) comprises an interface mounted on the cart for a comparator to compare a detected location by the GNSS receiver (7) to a predetermined pattern. The cart (2) may comprise a motor (14) which is adapted to pivot the steerable wheel (3) towards an intended movement.

Abstract: A method or applying a fast curing epoxy traffic marking composition is provided in which curing agents are coated on a carrier such as glass beads or porous silica. These carriers are dropped onto the epoxy coating and promote rapid curing of the top layer of the epoxy coating while the bottom layer is given additional time to adhere to the roadway surface.

Abstract: A pavement marking composition comprises an isocyanate-containing component and an amine-containing component. At least one of the components comprises plasticizer and at least one of the components comprises filler. The composition comprises about 5 wt. % or more plasticizer and is substantially free of polyaspartic ester amines.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel formulation for marking travel lanes, such as roads, which following the application can be reopened for traffic after a waiting period that is shortened as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and storing a trace of a surveyed area is provided. The system includes a marking device that is moved along the outer perimeter of an area to be surveyed. A tablet computer of the marking device communicates with a surveying station and stores defined points along the survey trace. Once the survey trace is completed, the tablet computer of the marking device generates a calculation of the surface area and a cost estimate for covering the surface area with various materials. The trace is stored within the tablet computer such that the marking device can be utilized to re-mark the surface trace at a later date. The marking device includes a spray unit that is automatically activated by the tablet computer to generate markings along the survey trace.

Abstract: A foaming composition for generating temporary indications, preferably to mark defensive wall lines and spots for free kick shootout in football, where the foam remains stable over a very short but sufficient period of time to take the shot, wherein the composition comprises a propellant, a foaming emulsifier, a cation chelating agent, a preservative and water.

Abstract: High resolution images are imprinted onto precise and consistent lawns and fields by use in combination of a global positioning system; a processor for generating a desired pattern which is translated into patterning instructions; and a patterning implement which is used for generating detailed patterns and for imprinting said patterns on any of natural or artificial lawns and fields, covered areas, and landscapes.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining characteristics of a roadway mark at a remote location. The system includes a vehicle having at least one imager for producing image data containing at least one actual roadway mark evident on a roadway surface. A GPS antenna is mounted on the vehicle. A GPS receiver is responsive to the GPS antenna for determining a GPS location of the GPS antenna. An apparatus responsive to the imager and the GPS receiver determines a GPS location of the roadway mark and filters and compresses the image data, the filtered and compressed image data containing the image data of the roadway mark. An apparatus communicates the filtered and compressed image data to the remote location for analyzing the roadway mark characteristics from the image data.

Abstract: A method of producing a trafficway marking, the method including applying a cold plastic to a trafficway surface, to obtain the trafficway marking, where, in less than 5 minutes after the applying, the trafficway marking can withstand the passage of traffic, and where the cold plastic includes from 15% to 45% by weight of a reactive resin; from 1% to 5% by weight of a mixture comprising an initiator; from 7% to 15% by weight of an inorganic pigment; and from 50% to 60% by weight of a mineral filler.

Abstract: A quantity of retroreflective granules includes glass members each having a refractive index of at least about 1.5. The quantity of retroreflective granules can be partially embedded into a binder material applied on the surface of a structure to provide a visual aid. A structure includes a retroreflective surface having an inclined face defined on at least a portion of the structure. The retroreflective surface also includes a binder material applied to at least a portion of the inclined face of the structure. The binder material has a thickness dimension of at least about 10 mil. The retroreflective surface further includes a plurality of retroreflective granules partially embedded in the binder material. The plurality of retroreflective granules have a density of at least about 0.06 pounds/square foot as embedded in the binder material. Each retroreflective granule includes a glass member having a refractive index of at least about 1.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to removable temporary paint having a release agent including a non-ionic surfactant and having a pH of 3 to 6. The paint includes: 10 wt % to 50 wt % of a natural alkyd resin in an aqueous emulsion, the alkyd resin having a molar mass Mp of 3,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol, a polydispersity index lp of 1 to 20, an oil length of 20% to 40%, and an acid index of 10 to 35; at least one inorganic filler and/or pigment; and a sufficient amount of water. The paint can be used as eco-friendly road paint for temporary markings.

Abstract: A method for forming and applying retroreflective pavement markings comprising the steps of a) spraying the area with a hot epoxy binder, b) depositing particles of a microcrystalline ceramic element having a high refractive index onto the fresh epoxy binder, c) depositing relatively large spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder, and d) depositing relatively small spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder. The small beads provide high reflectivity in daytime and at night on dry pavement. The large beads provide superior reflectivity at night on damp pavement. The ceramic element particles provide high reflectivity when wet and during heavy rain. Where the pavement is subject to snowplowing, the marking may be inlaid in a recessed area in the pavement, the recess being about 100 mils deep, and the wet epoxy layer being about 20 mils thick.

Abstract: The thermoplastic pavements markers and pavement marking compositions of the present application include a miscible blend of ethylene acrylic acid polymers and have a crystallization onset temperature observed upon cooling of greater than 65.6° C. (150° F.).

Abstract: Marking information relating to use of a marking device to perform a marking operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the marking information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the marking device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the marking device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g.

Abstract: A method for applying a fast curing epoxy traffic marking composition is provided in which curing agents are coated on a carrier such as glass beads or porous silica. These carriers are dropped onto the epoxy coating and promote rapid curing of the top layer of the epoxy coating while the bottom layer is given additional time to adhere to the roadway surface. This enables the application contractor to open a marked roadway in a quicker manner with less motorist disruption.

Abstract: A method and device for creating markings of highly viscous marking material on a surface, in particular a road surface. The marking material is discharged from a material supply and, before striking the surface is fed to a rotational body, which moves relative to the surface in a longitudinal direction of the marking, and is applied to the surface divided into unequal material portions by the rotational body. The rotational body axis of rotation runs at right angles to the marking longitudinal direction. The marking material is fed to the rotational body in a plurality of marking material flows, which, viewed in a longitudinal direction of the rotational body, are discharged next to one another from a plurality of discharge nozzles continuously, pulsatingly or intermittently in a pressurized manner. The individual marking material flows are turned on or off in accordance with the marking to be created.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for applying painted surface markings to roads, parking lots, fields and/or any other suitable surfaces is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of valves and associated spray nozzles mounted onto and/or within a manifold, with each valve being individually controllable in order to regulate the flow of paint being dispensed from the spray nozzles. For instance, a controller may be coupled to each valve in order to control the opening and closing of such valve, thereby controlling the flow of paint supplied to the corresponding spray nozzle. In addition, information regarding the surface marking to be applied (the design, dimensions, orientation, geographical location, etc) may be stored within and/or received by the controller. The controller may then control each valve such that paint is applied to the surface to be marked via the spray nozzles in a manner that creates the desired surface marking.

Abstract: A line marking apparatus, for use in a system that includes a source of a narrow beam of radiation which extends substantially horizontally along or parallel to a line to be marked, includes a wheeled chassis and a line marking head for dispensing line marking material. The marking head is supported on the chassis for lateral movement relative thereto, which movement is controlled by a controller that includes a detector which is movable with the marking head and is positioned and directed to detect such a beam of radiation, the marking head being movable together with the detector in response to a detected beam. Lateral movement of the marking head is thereby controlled such that the head and the detector substantially follow the line to be marked irrespective of whether the chassis deviates from the line direction.

Abstract: A marking system may hold a container from which markers are dispensed to mark the presence or absence of an underground facility in a dig area. The container may identify a marker characteristic regarding the markers in the container. The marking system may receive activation of a trigger, dispense a marker from the container when the trigger is activated, and store the marker characteristic and time data when the trigger is activated. In other embodiments, the marking system may dispense a marker, determine location data and/or time data, and substantially simultaneously trigger the dispensing of the marker and logging of the location data and/or the time data. The location data identifies a geographic location where the marker is dispensed and the time data identifies the time when the marker is dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a marking system adapted for coating a surface of a substrate in which a drying agent is used. According to a first aspect of the invention, a binder layer, such as paint, is applied to the surface. A drying agent is dispensed into the spray of a binder and becomes incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The incorporation of the drying agent into the binder prior to application on the surface provides improved mixing of the drying agent and binder and improved performance. According to a second aspect of the invention, a combination of optical elements and a drying agent are stored in a common hopper and are dispensed into the spray of the binder and become incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The mixture of optical elements and drying agent prevents coagulation of the drying agent and the resulting clogging of the dispenser.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for facilitating a marking operation to indicate a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility. Marking information, including one or both of environmental information representative of at least one environmental condition of an environment in which the marking operation is located, and operating information representative of at least one operating condition of a marking device used to perform the marking operation, is received and compared to a target value or a range of values to determine if an out-of-tolerance condition exists.

Abstract: Control of locating equipment used by a locate technician to perform a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at a work site is based at least in part on marking specifications (e.g., government-based regulations, industry-based recommended guidelines/best practices, standard operating procedures of locate companies and/or facility owners, and/or contractual obligations relating to marking operations). In various examples, control signals are generated to alert a locate technician when to start and stop dispensing of a marking material, or control signals are generated to automatically or semi-automatically control dispensing of the marking material by a marking device, so as to facilitate compliance with marking specifications.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel formulation for marking trafficways, for example roads, which when compared with the prior art have improved mechanical properties and improved heat resistance during curing. The invention also relates to improved reactive resins for other applications than roadmarkings. The present invention in particular relates to reactive resins which comprise core-shell particles.

Abstract: Marking methods for dispensing markers on the ground are provided. The marking methods use a marking dispenser having a machine-readable ID mechanism. The ID mechanism has data storage capability. In one embodiment, the marking dispenser may be provided with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. In another embodiment, the marking dispenser may be provided with a barcode. The type of information that may be encoded in the ID mechanism may include, but is not limited to, product-specific information, user-specific information, other predetermined information of interest, and any combination thereof. The ID information encoded in the ID mechanism may be collected and used for various purposes, such as, but not limited to, real-time product verification, tracking which user location received a batch of marking paint, tracking marking paint inventory, tracking marking paint problems, and tracking marking paint usage.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating, inspecting, or placing marks on a roadway. The apparatus includes a GPS-based machine vision locator for sampling discrete geographical location data of a pre-existing roadway mark evident on the roadway. A computer may determine a continuous smooth geographical location function fitted to the sampled geographical location data. And a marker is responsive to the GPS-based locator and geographical location function for replicating automatically the pre-existing roadway mark onto the roadway. The apparatus is typically part of a moving vehicle. A related method is disclosed for locating, inspecting, and placing marks on a resurfaced roadway. A similar apparatus can be used to guide a vehicle having a snow plow along a snow-covered roadway, or a paving machine along an unpaved roadway surface.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for performing a marking operation to mark a presence or absence of at least one underground facility using a marking device. Marking material is dispensed onto a target surface via actuation of an actuation system of the marking device. A location tracking system detects a location of the marking device. One or more input devices of the marking device detect(s) one or more operating conditions of the marking device, and marking information is logged into local memory of the marking device. In one aspect, at least some operating information relating to the one or more detected conditions of the marking device are included in the marking information logged into memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating electronic records of marking operations for underground facilities/utilities. Electronic records of marking information may be logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted in whole or in part to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, service-related information and/or ticket information is collected and logged into an electronic record of a marking operation. Such information may in some cases be logged together with actuation data based on one or more actuations of a marking device (e.g., a trigger-pull to dispense marking material).

Abstract: Marking information relating to use of a marking device to perform a marking operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the marking information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the marking device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the marking device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for producing ground markings (M), with a reference beam generator (4) for determining a reference plane, a reception of the reference beams by means of an optical detector (3), wherein the position of an application unit (2) for the marking substance can be derived relative to the reference plane by using the received reference beams, a derivation of the orientation relative to the reference plane, and a control of an application of the marking substance to produce ground markings (M) according to the orientation. According to the method, the intensity in the solid angle covered by the reference beam is varied in time during the production of the marking.

Abstract: A marking system may hold a container from which markers are dispensed to mark the presence or absence of an underground facility in a dig area. The container may identify a marker characteristic regarding the markers in the container. The marking system may receive activation of a trigger, dispense a marker from the container when the trigger is activated, and store the marker characteristic and time data when the trigger is activated. In other embodiments, the marking system may dispense a marker, determine location data and/or time data, and substantially simultaneously trigger the dispensing of the marker and logging of the location data and/or the time data. The location data identifies a geographic location where the marker is dispensed and the time data identifies the time when the marker is dispensed.

Abstract: A marking tool and a method for marking a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility is presented. The method includes dispensing a marker when a trigger of a marking tool is actuated. The method further includes identifying at least one characteristic associated with the marker or the dispensing of the marker. The method further includes storing the at least one characteristic associated with dispensing the marker when the actuation of the trigger is signaled.

Abstract: Marking information relating to the use of a marking system or a marking tool configured to dispense one or more markers to mark, on ground, pavement, or other surface, a location of an underground utility, is used to control a display device so as to visually display a dispensing of the one or more markers on an electronic representation of an area that is marked and includes the location of the underground utility.

Abstract: Methods for applying a treatment, such as colorant, to an installed landscaping material (such as wood chips or mulch), reducing the need to replace worn or weathered material. The methods include applying a pre-treatment to protect elements proximate the landscape material that are not to be treated, applying a treatment liquid to the landscaping material by spraying, and then rinsing any elements proximate the landscape material that may have be inadvertently and undesirably treated. Also described is a sprayer apparatus for applying treatment liquid to a landscaping material. The sprayer apparatus includes first and second spray outlets and an agitator therebetween. In use, the landscape material to be treated is first sprayed, the material is agitated (e.g., turned), and a second spray of treatment liquid is applied to the landscape material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing on a display device an electronic rendering of a marking operation to mark on ground, pavement, or other surface a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility. One or more electronic locate marks are displayed in a display field of the display device, based at least in part on one or more actuation data sets representing at least one physical locate mark created by an actuation of a marking device used for the marking operation. Exemplary actuation data sets comprise at least two pieces of geographic information for a corresponding physical locate mark. Electronic locate marks may be rendered statically or dynamically in the display field (e.g., as feedback during the marking operation, and/or in a timed sequence so as to recreate the marking operation), and may be overlaid on a digital image of work site/dig area in which the marking operation is performed.

Abstract: A retroreflective device securable to a highway by bonding thereto preferably with a viscous strip applied to the highway prior to solidifying cure of the strip includes a generally globular glass central member, a desirably pigmented adhesive layer over the central member and a plurality of peripheral globular glass members connected to the central member by the pigmented adhesive layer. A method for fabricating the retroreflective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming and applying retroreflective pavement markings comprising the steps of a) spraying the area with a hot epoxy binder, b) depositing particles of a microcrystalline ceramic element having a high refractive index onto the fresh epoxy binder, c) depositing relatively large spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder, and d) depositing relatively small spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder. The small beads provide high reflectivity in daytime and at night on dry pavement. The large beads provide superior reflectivity at night on damp pavement. The ceramic element particles provide high reflectivity when wet and during heavy rain. Where the pavement is subject to snowplowing, the marking may be inlaid in a recessed area in the pavement, the recess being about 100 mils deep, and the wet epoxy layer being about 20 mils thick.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel formulation for marking travel lanes, such as roads, which following the application can be reopened for traffic after a waiting period that is shortened as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed are photoluminescent formulations, comprising an effective amount of photoluminescent phosphorescent materials, which exhibit high luminous intensity and persistence. Also disclosed are photoluminescent objects formed by applying at least one photoluminescent layer, formed from photoluminescent formulations, to preformed articles. Further disclosed are methods for creating photoluminescent objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a marking system adapted for coating a surface of a substrate in which a drying agent is used. According to a first aspect of the invention, a binder layer, such as paint, is applied to the surface. A drying agent is dispensed into the spray of a binder and becomes incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The incorporation of the drying agent into the binder prior to application on the surface provides improved mixing of the drying agent and binder and improved performance. According to a second aspect of the invention, a combination of optical elements and a drying agent are stored in a common hopper and are dispensed into the spray of the binder and become incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The mixture of optical elements and drying agent prevents coagulation of the drying agent and the resulting clogging of the dispenser.

Abstract: Formulations are provided comprising, at least two parts, such as, a first part comprising at least one polyamine and at least one polyol, the first part being substantially free of polyetheramine; and a second part comprising at least one polyisocyanate, or a first part comprising at least one polyamine, at least one polyol and a catalyst; and a second part comprising at least one polyisocyanate. Also, provided are compositions, such as coating and paint compositions, and methods of preparing and using compositions, including coating and paint compositions and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides fast dry binder compositions comprising one or more anionically stabilized emulsion polymer having a weight average particle size of from 100 to 165 nm, one or more polyamine, one or more volatile base and one or more filler, extender and/or pigment in a composition having a % PVC of from 63 to 80. The invention provides surprisingly stable fast dry binder compositions for such a high extender or filler loading and the compositions dry far faster than binders made with waterborne polymers having a larger particle size. The invention provides high performance traffic paints at a reduced cost in use and coated substrates, such as traffic markings or exterior insulation finishes (EIFS).

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for determining the location of a marking device during performance of a marking operation using triangulation are described. The marking device may be of the type used to mark the presence or absence of underground facilities and may include a marking material dispenser to dispense marking material as an indicator. The marking device may include a transmitter which transmits a signal received by a receiving system including two or more receiving devices at separate locations. Triangulation algorithms may then be used to determine the location of the marking device relative to the receiving system.

Abstract: Methods and marking devices for indicating and/or detecting a color of marking material used in performance of a marking operation to mark the presence or absence of an underground facility are described. Information about the color of the marking material may optionally be logged or stored by a marking device and/or transmitted to an external device.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium for creating visual presentations on large surfaces such as sports fields or road surfaces both indoors and outdoors by means of a free-roaming marking device such as a mobile robot. The mobile robot is a remotely programmable, self-propelled robot, which autonomously and automatically performs the creation of at least one contour line of a visual presentation on large surfaces by treating the surfaces by travelling along a set of trajectories. The visual presentations are automatically generated by automatic calculation of trajectories to travel by the robot for generating the visual presentation. The visual presentations to be generated are scalable and deliver thus high quality visual presentations independently of the size of the presentation to be created. Fast production time of the visual presentations is ensured in combination with high quality and optimisation of the visual presentation for TV-broadcast.

Abstract: A marking paint applicator for a portable electronic locator that locates buried cables and pipes via electromagnetic emissions includes an elongated support structure and a manually moveable trigger mechanism mounted adjacent an upper end of the support structure. At least one bracket assembly is provided for removably connecting the support structure to an antenna mast of the portable locator so that the trigger mechanism will be adjacent a handle of the locator and the trigger mechanism can be squeezed by a finger of an operator's hand while grasping the handle. A receptacle is mounted to the support structure for carrying an inverted aerosol paint can and positioning a valve stem of the aerosol paint can for spraying paint onto the ground to mark the location of a buried cable or pipe. An actuating mechanism is capable of selectively deflecting the valve stem to cause the aerosol paint can to spray paint onto the ground to mark the location of a buried cable or pipe.

Abstract: A line striper 10 is equipped with additional features: including a speed/distance sensor 1 delivering high resolution and recognizing reverse movement. Also included is a built in programmable control 2 for setting parking stall or road line parameters including a measuring system. A device 3 applies paint marks (dots), or equivalent onto a surface. The striper 10 can hold a paint can 5 as a means of marking. An electrical thumb switch 4 is provided at the left handle bar. A speed compensating control provides intelligence to advance and retard the timing of actuation of the dot marking apparatus providing accuracy at any speed or direction.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for facilitating a marking operation to indicate a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility. Marking information relating to the marking operations, including one or both of environmental information representative of at least one environmental condition of an environment in which the marking operation is performed, and operating information representative of at least one operating condition of a marking device used to perform the marking operation, is electronically acquired. A marking material is dispensed to mark the presence or the absence of the at least one underground facility is dispensed, and the dispensing is controlled based at least in part on the acquired marking information.

Abstract: A solar heat cutoff asphalt pavement road is provided by applying a coating composition comprising (a) a resin as a binder and (b) at least one blackish pigment having a solar radiation reflectance defined by JIS A 5759 of not less than 15% and an L* value in CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space of not larger than 30, onto the substantially entire surface of said pavement to form a coated top surface layer on the pavement.

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a (e.g., polymeric) binder. Also described are (e.g., glass-ceramic) microspheres, methods of making microspheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).