Abstract: A metal detector and distance sensor for a motor vehicle. A departure of the motor vehicle from a correct path indicated by one or two metal lines covered with paint in the road is signaled. The metals lines are formed by projecting a jet of metal in the gaseous state at high speed onto the road surface. A covering of paint is then formed over the metal line on the road surface. A turbine supplied by an air compressor projects the jet of metal in the gaseous state from a vehicle or a trailer having a metal supply device and a painting device thereon. A display indicates the direction of departure from the correct path and the distance separating the motor vehicle from a preceding vehicle. Alarm signals can be emitted upon the departure.

Abstract: An improved pavement marking sheet material, and a method for making such pavement marking sheet material. The pavement marking sheet material comprises a selected configuration of upright retroreflectors. The upright retroreflectors are arranged in a selected configuration so as to maximize reflectivity as measured at actual observation geometries by allowing light to be incident to effective portions of the retroreflective elements on the upright retroreflectors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing wear resistant traffic paint composition. In accordance with the method, a traffic marking of a traffic paint composition having low GPC number average molecular weight latex binder when applied to the road surface exhibits improved wear resistance over those traffic paint compositions having high GPC number average molecular weight latex binders. The wear resistance is further enhanced by modifying the latex polymer used in the composition with acetoacetyl functional pendant moiety and amino silane.

Abstract: A paint formulation is disclosed which will paint snow without harming either animal or plant life. The paint may be pre-formulated in a powdered form as is prepared for use by merely adding water. A process of allowing one to paint or draw on snow whereby a coloring agent, such as food coloring, is mixed with a gelling agent, such as household gelatin, and applied with a spray or squirt gun. When the gel solution contacts the cold snow, the gel solution quickly sets up and is prevented from dissipating as snow undergoes partial melting. When snow melts, the gel liquefies and disappears with runoff water.

Abstract: In the method for applying horizontal markings to road surfaces, a water-thinnable emulsion paint which is acid-coagulable is used and is brought into contact with an acid. This acid is scattered or sprayed onto or into the sprayed paint, the acid being in the form of an aqueous solution, a powder or particles wetted with acid. The method brings about drying within one or a few minutes. Using road-marking vehicles, horizontal markings can thus be put down with virtually no closing-off of the mobile operations site.

Abstract: The disclosed striping composition provides a fast cure on road or highway surfaces. The striping composition is a two-part (part A and part B) polyurethane forming system having good adhesion characteristics to a road or highway surface, and weathering and yellowing resistance over time. Part A contains an aliphatic polyol and part B contains an aliphatic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A water based luminescent highway or roadway paint composition that contains a fine powdered luminescent substance which does not require an organic solvent, a colored paint dispersion, and a polyurethane resin which is water compatible and which imparts an extended surface life under normal traffic conditions. The luminescent substance may be either a phosphorescent material or a combination of a phosphorescent and a fluorescent material. When the fluorescent material is present in the luminescent substance a daytime luminescence or reflectivity or coloration is produced in addition to the phosphorescence produced at night when light (head lights of an automobile) shine on the paint composition marking the median highway stripe or the highway edges.

Abstract: A method for adhesively joining two members includes the steps of mixing non-compressible beads with an adhesive, applying the resulting mixture to one of the members and hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. Apparatus for performing this method includes a container for containing a mixture of an adhesive and a plurality of non-compressible beads, an applicator for applying the mixture to one of the members, and hemming means for hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. A metering device for dispensing adhesive fluid is constructed with a dispensing rod having a cooling means for facilitating operation of the metering device. The present invention finds particular utility in bonding together the inner and outer panels of an automotive door assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized as methods for fixedly depositing solidified protrusions on to a surface, and products thereof so as to create a detectible warning whereby the tactile and visual characteristics of the detectible warnings contrast with the tactile and visual characteristics of surrounding surfaces. To create such a detectible warning, a mask in the form of a resilient mat perforated with a plurality of apertures so as to form a repeating pattern. Each aperture acts as a mold of a protrusion having predetermined dimensions. To enhance the functionality of the protrusions, each protrusion has a generally inclined peripheral surface and rounded peripheral surface to substrate and peripheral surface to upper surface interfaces. The mat is placed in contact with the substrate on which a detectible warning is desired. A blend is created from a curable viscous substance and one or more of the following: reinforcing elements, reflective elements, pigments, or abrasives.

Abstract: A method for providing a traffic surface such as a path, roadway, passageway, deck, or airfield runway or taxiway with both anti-slip and retro-reflective characteristics. A first coating of paint is applied to the surface, solid particles are distributed onto the first coating such that the particles sink partially into the first coating, and a second coating of paint is applied over the particles and the first coating to lock the particles into the first coating with the particles projecting from the second coating. Before the second coating is set, retro-reflective beads are distributed over the second coating to sink partially into the second coating between the projecting particles. The beads are bonded into the second coating and project from the second coating. The beads are smaller than the particles and the particles project from the second coating by more than the beads to overshadow the beads.

Abstract: An economical roadway marking sheeting matrix that includes hydrated alumina as its main inorganic filler is disclosed. Use of hydrated alumina in the roadway marking sheeting matrix results in reduced mixing and production time, reduction of aging time, lower transportation cost due to lower weight, and lower material cost. In a preferred embodiment, hydrated alumina having a particle size of less that one micron and a GE brightness of 94 or more is incorporated as the main filler system in a roadway marking sheeting matrix. The resulting sheeting matrix may then be fabricated into a road marker by bonding to an upper layer which may include glass beads, and to an adhesive layer for attachment to a road surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymeric matrix containing inorganic filler material including the steps of fixing catalyst to the surface of filler material to provide catalyst-bearing filler material; bringing together the catalyst bearing filler material and polymerizable material; and causing polymerization of the polymerizable material, under conditions effective therefor, to form the polymeric matrix.

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: A polymeric base sheet has a plurality of protuberances and valleys located on a first side of the base sheet. A layer of bonding material is located on a top surface of the protuberances and is substantially absent from the valleys located between the protuberances. A plurality of skid-preventative particles are secured to the layer of bonding material so as to be substantially absent from the valleys. A sheet of this construction allows the skid-preventative particles to be used in a more efficient manner than heretofore known. By placing the skid-preventative particles exclusively on the protuberances of the base sheet, less particles need to be employed to obtain the skid-preventative surface.

Abstract: Conventionally, paints which are formulated for use as markings on roads have also been used as markings on airport runways but have been found unsatisfactory since airport runway markings have special requirements. The present invention provides a super-high opacity thin coat concept airport runway markinng paint comprising 25-75% by weight of titanium dioxide in the paint, extenders such as Barium Sulphate, Laminar Talc, Calcite or Dolomite used alone or as blends thereof, binders such as Plasticized Chlorinated Rubber, Acrylated rubber, Epoxy, Polyurethane or emulsified resins and an anti-skid aggregate comprising crushed glass particles or calcined Aluminum oxide or the like. Airport runway markings need frequent maintenance re-application of paint in order to obliterate the black markings left after contact with aircraft tires.

Abstract: A marking kit whose constituents are capable of forming a marking material includes a polymeric matrix-forming material and coated glass beads for incorporation into the matrix. Surface coated glass beads suitable for incorporation into the matrix are also disclosed, as is a process for the surface coating of the glass beads, a reflective surface marking comprising a synthetic polymeric matrix incorporating the coated glass beads; and a process for the reflective marking of a surface. Glass beads are surface coated with a material effective to provide the coated glass beads with a surface tension greater than that of the matrix-forming material and ranging from 30 to 70 mN/m.

Abstract: A skid-resistant, surface marking material is disclosed. The skid-resistant, surface marking material comprises a polymer matrix phase and a plurality of opaque ceramic spheroids partially embedded in and protruding from the top surface of the matrix layer. The ceramic spheroids have rounded surfaces and no substantial points.

Abstract: A skid-resistant pavement marking sheet including a top surface and a plurality of skid-resistant ceramic spheroids embedded in and protruding from the surface. The ceramic spheroids are fired from a raw material mixture including 10-97 wt. % mineral particulates, 3-90 wt. % alumina, and at least 1 wt. % binder, at a temperature of about 1300.degree. C., have an outer surface rich in alumina concentration relative to the center of the spheroid, and are resistant to crushing and fracturing.

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: A retroreflector sheet comprising a base sheet and integral protrusions having a top and a side surface. Selected side surfaces are covered with a bead bond layer including partially embedded retroreflector beads. A process for preparing the retroreflector sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A striping machine for painting parking surfaces including long-term parking surfaces comprises a frame and platform on wheels and a handle movable over a parking surface and including an upright support post adjustably supporting an upright spray head having a depending outlet. A pressurized paint pot or paint pump is mounted upon a frame and has an outlet conduit connected to the spray head. A tank of pressurized carbon dioxide is mounted upon the platform and has an outlet connected to a manifold. A first conduit connects the manifold to the spray head, a second conduit connects the manifold to the paint pot, and a third conduit connects the manifold to a three-way valve on the handle, the valve having an outlet connected to the spray head for controlling the opening of its outlet.

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: 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 mobile paint application and microwave drying apparatus has a downwardly open hollow frame forming a microwave cavity movable over a surface on rollers. The interior cavity of the frame is coated with microwave absorbent material, as are the rollers. The frame in the front and rear conforms to the rollers with a certain gap and ends above the surface at a certain distance. Treads extend between the front and rear rollers on each side and have a thickness which is greater than the gap and distance so as to create a circuitous path from the cavity which blocks microwave radiation. A paint spray nozzle is located in the cavity and applies paint to the surface. This paint is rapidly dried by a microwave generator which is positioned in the cavity and directs radiation onto the wet paint.

Abstract: Pavement marking comprising ceramic microspheres held by a binder, said microspheres being solid, transparent, non-vitreous, ceramic particles which serve as lens elements in the retroreflective pavement markings. The ceramic microspheres formed by various sol gel techniques are characterized by having:A. at least one metal oxide phase; andB. an average minimum dimension of up to 125 micrometers.The inventive pavement markings retain reflectivity for a surprisingly long time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming a paint marking on a roadway surface using a paint composition comprising (a) a paint vehicle comprising the reaction product of nitrocellulose, a polymeric hydroxyalkyl acrylate modifier, and an isocyanate resin as the binder, and a solvent, and (b) pigment in an amount sufficient to color the paint composition.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting utilizing a particular polymer as the bead bond layer is disclosed. The polymeric bead bond comprises urethane and urea linkages, and has a stage prior to thermosetting in which it may be softened by the application of heat and in which it has a relatively nontacky character. The retroreflective sheeting disclosed possesses the unique combination of high reflectance and superior exterior durability.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting utilizing a particular polymer as the bead bond layer is disclosed. The polymeric bead bond comprises urethane and urea linkages, and has a stage prior to thermosetting in which it may be softened by the application of heat and in which it has a relatively nontacky character. The retroreflective sheeting disclosed possesses the unique combination of high reflectance and superior exterior durability.

Abstract: This invention relates to coating glass beads with a mixture of substances which mixture comprises a first substance which if used alone would tend to make the beads hydrophobic while leaving them oleophilic and as second substance which if used alone would tend to make the beads both hydrophobic and oleophobic. Said coated beads maybe used in a synthetic polymeric matrix, as a coating over paint and as a coating on a road surface.

Abstract: A method is described whereby asymmetric retroreflecting elements are positioned with their hemispherical sides pointing upwards, made to agglomerate in rows and then deposited onto the road surface or onto a road-marking strip.

Abstract: This invention regards a method for assuring high retro-reflecting capability and long service life for horizontally-installed roadway-marking strips. The same method also provides for making marking strips that are already installed visible in rainy weather. This invention also concerns the relative equipment for applying the method.

Abstract: A pavement line striper is provided which has a pair of spaced apart front wheels and a pivotable rear steering wheel. Paint spray guns may be mounted closely adjacent to one or both of the front wheels. One of the front wheels is laterally movable to allow for the painting of parallel stripes of selectively variable spacing. Two guns may be mounted on one side for vertical and horizontal spraying of a curb in one pass or for closely spaced parallel lines. The guns remain closely adjacent the wheels to minimize uneven thickness of the lines when spraying on uneven terrain. The rear wheel is lockable against pivoting movement and indicia markings are provided to permit selection of a radius for curved lines.

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: This invention regards a method for assuring high retro-reflecting capability and long service life for horizontally-installed roadway-marking strips. The same method also provides for making marking strips that are already installed visible in rainy weather. This invention also concerns the relative equipment for applying the method.

Abstract: A luminescent compound, comprising a phosphor group or groups and an alkylalkoxysilane, and a luminescent composition comprising such luminescent compound and a radioactive substance to provide a source of exciting radiation for the luminescent compound in the composition. The present invention further comprises a method for rendering siliceous surfaces luminescent comprising applying the compound or composition to the surface and reacting the compound or composition with water after the compound or composition has migrated into the surface to hydrolyze the compound or composition. The present invention further comprises a luminescent structure having a siliceous surface incorporating the products of the reaction between the surface, water and the compound or composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The apparatus for applying to a road, (1), run-way or equivalent a point-formed or dotted paint or marking (M"), especially a traffic indication line comprisesa reservoir (R) containing a supply of highly viscous material (M) to be applied to the road (1) anda nozzle section (10,10') in itself comprisingconduits (11) ending in orifice zones (11',11") for forming preliminary stages (M') of highly viscous drops andmeans (20,20',20") for flinging the drops down into engagement with the road (1).In a mechanical embodiment the orifice zones (11') of the conduits (11) are placed on a cylinder surface (12) and are mutually separated by means of partition walls (13) and the means (20) for flinging the material down into engagement with the road comprise a rotatory shaft (21) and a number of shovel blades (22).

Abstract: A new method for producing retro-reflecting assemblies of the type comprising a transparent globule having an essentially part-spherical upper portion uncoated for light impingement, and a lower portion associated to a monolayer of focusing and reflective microspheres, the method comprising forming said globule by subjecting a sheet thermoplastic material to heat and pressure in the bite of counter-rotating forming rollers to provide an essentially planar intermediate product having oppositely located bulges at either faces thereof, the globules being obtained by subdividing said product in parts each comprising a pair of opposite bulges. The invention comprises improved assemblies comprising each an asymmetrical globule having the monolayer of microspheres associated to its essentially bottom face and to its peripheral toroidal side face of a radius of curvature smaller than that of its upper bulging portion exposed for light impingement.

Abstract: Process for painting a substrate, wherein the coating of a paint containing a polymerizable binder to which a peroxide is added at the time of application is applied to the substrate and wherein the thus applied coating of paint then undergoes irradiation by means of ultraviolet rays. A particular application of the invention is to the marking of road surfaces.

Abstract: In a method for making marking strips and marking interruptions like broken traffic lines on roads etc., the application of the marker strips and the running past the marker interruptions are carried out at different speeds, whereby the speed during application of the marking strip on the ground is reduced with respect to the speed during the subsequent marking interruptions. Devices for carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying hot thermoplastic stripe material to a solid surface. The apparatus comprises a pipe circuit including various means for storing and circulating stripe material, an applying device for said material, as well as an electronic control unit controlling the applying device. The applying device comprises a plurality of adjoining controllable gates. Each gate opening is of a width, i.e. the dimension perpendicular to the paper of FIG. 1, corresponding to a width module in the multi-stripe complex to be applied, whereas the height of the gate opening corresponds to the thickness of the applied material. The total width of the gates corresponds at least to the total width of the multi-stripe complex to be applied. Fluid-operated actuating means are present on the applying device, which serve to open and close the gates quickly. In this manner a possibility of a simultaneous applying of several marking stripes in a multi-stripe complex is obtained.

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: The vitreous material, e.g. silica, is deposited on the inner surface of the tube from a hot, intense, inductive plasma, which plasma is formed by utilization of wavelengths substantially longer than the diameter of the plasma. The process may be employed in the production of preform tubes or step or graded index optical fiber manufacture by gradually varying the contents of the vapor introduced into the plasma.

Abstract: There is provided a binder for coating compositions based on a mixture of an unsaturated .beta.-hydroxy ester with copolymerizable monomers. The binder consists essentially of, on a total weight basis,(A) 25 to 60 weight percent of an unsaturated .beta.-hydroxy ester which is produced by reacting an epoxy resin based on bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin with a molecular weight between 800 and 3000 and an epoxide equivalent weight between 400 and 2500 with a mixture of(a) 74 to 64 mole percent of methacrylic acid and/or acrylic acid and(b) 26 to 36 mole percent of at least one saturated monocarboxylic acid having 8 to 20 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one saturated monocarboxylic acid having 8 to 20 carbon atoms with up to 20 mole percent of an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and(B) 75 to 40 weight percent of a mixture based on the weight of component (B) of(a) 70 to 95 weight percent methyl methacrylate,(b) 30 to 5 weight percent of at least one monomer of the formula CH.sub.

Abstract: A method of coating which involves applying to a surface a dispersion containing a main bonding agent and a temporary bonding agent. The main bonding agent is not film forming at room temperature. Next the continuous phase of the dispersion is permitted to evaporate or is driven off, followed by precipitation of the main bonding agent and the temporary bonding agent to form a porous powder layer on the surface. The temporary bonding agent bonds the main bonding agent to the surface. The porous layer is then exposed to a solvent which causes the particles of the bonding agents to flow together, and any excess solvent is removed.

Abstract: A pressure regulating marking on a roadway area is formed by applying onto a surface area a traffic-wear resistant layer having a small thickness and constituted by a pigmented resin material, providing a plurality of retroreflective globules having a minimum dimension which is many times greater than the thickness of the traffic-wear resistant layer, wetting the globules by a wetting resin material which is compatible with the pigmented resin material of the traffic-wear resistant material, and applying the globules which are wetted by the wetting resin material, onto the traffic-wear resistant layer, so that the wetting resin material forms, in the region of each of the globules a collar which firmly connects each globule to the traffic-wear resistant layer.

Abstract: Longer-lived pavement markings are provided by adhering to the pavement a sheet material about one-fourth millimeter or more thick that comprises a carboxyl-modified acrylonitrile-butadiene polymer and particulate fillers dispersed in the polymer.

Abstract: The disclosed coating system comprises a curable liquid epoxide and an amine hardener or co-curative. The amine co-curative comprises a blend of an aliphatic amine (e.g. trimethyl hexamethylene diamine) and a bismethylamino aromatic compound (e.g. a xylylene diamine). This coating system, when suitably combined with a reflectorizing material, has the ability to satisfy some or all of the very troublesome requirements of a highway marking or striping composition and is therefore useful in methods for marking or striping paved surfaces.

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: Rapid-drying, one-package, epoxy traffic paint composition comprises (1) an adduct of an epoxy resin and a polymerized fatty acid, (2) a thermoplastic resin and (3) one or more pigments.

Abstract: A paint composition is disclosed which comprises:(a) a highly flexible polymer such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer;(b) a compound having a plurality of aliphatic double bonds such as a polyterpene;(c) a plasticizer-tackifier such as a phthalate wherein (a), (b) and (c) comprises the binder; and(d) a liquid carrier such as an organic solvent for the binder; and(e) a pigment such as titanium dioxide, dispersible in the carrier.This composition when applied to asphalt or concrete surfaces dries under ambient conditions to set without the application of heat, and the dried paint composition exhibits a high degree of wear resistance under outdoor abrasive and erosive exposure.