Abstract: The guidance system of the invention includes at least two spaced, permanently magnetized regions that each produce a magnetic field. The two permanently magnetized regions can be provided at either side of another region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity than the permanently magnetized regions, and in one embodiment, the former region produces no magnetic field. The system may also include portable means for detecting the magnetic fields produced by the permanently magnetized regions, and that sensor may be mounted to a cane for use by a person. In another embodiment, the permanently magnetized regions contrast with either each other or the region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity, or have different surface characteristics, or both.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for machine reading of license plate numbers on license plates uses separate illumination sources to (1) identify and locate the license plate image within a field of view, and (2) to read the license plate number from the license plate image. The use of separate sources allows the use of preferred equipment and reduces power consumption of the system.

Abstract: A process for preparing a sign that includes the steps of providing a sheet of material; defining on a surface of the sheet a series of image-bearig areas and non-image-bearing areas; treating the surface of the sheet with an essentially solvent-free composition comprising a colorant and a polymeric binder to selectively deposit the composition on the non-image-bearing areas of the surface of the sheet; and fusing the composition to create a continuous polymer film on the non-image-bearing areas.

Abstract: A security label with a sheet material having a first major surface. An adhesive layer containing an identifier medium is coated on the first major surface. A barrier medium is selectively applied on an exposed surface of the adhesive layer for at least partially blocking diffusion of the identifier medium from the adhesive layer into a substrate. A release liner may be provided that extends substantially over the exposed surface of the adhesive layer. A method of preparing the security label includes applying a barrier medium in the form of an identifier pattern to a low energy surface material. The low energy surface material is laminated to a security label having an adhesive layer containing an identifier medium. When the low energy surface material is removed from the adhesive layer, the barrier medium substantially transfers to the adhesive layer to block diffusion of the identifier medium into a substrate.

Abstract: A tape applying apparatus for applying adhesive tape product to a primarily vertical surface includes a taping head which can be adjusted to apply the tape product at a specific predetermined location along such a primarily vertical surface, wherein the taping head is mounted to follow surface fluctuations. Moreover, the taping head is preferably vertically adjustable, horizontally movable, and angularly repositionable. Thus, adhesive tape product can be applied consistently and for an indefinite length based on preset positions, and the taping head is movable to follow surface changes or undulations.

Abstract: An article is disclosed having both holographic and retroreflective features. The article includes a holographic layer that is perceptible under normal lighting conditions and substantially imperceptible to the unaided eye under retroreflective lighting conditions, a retroreflective layer perceptible under retroreflective lighting conditions, and means for bonding the two layers together.

Abstract: A conformable magnetic article for underlayment beneath a traffic-bearing surface which sends a magnetic signal to a sensor traveling over the traffic-bearing structure. The magnetic article comprises at least one conformable magnetic layer comprising a binder and a sufficient amount of magnetic particles dispersed within the binder to provide a magnetic signal through the traffic-bearing structure to a sensor.

Abstract: An underground vehicle sensing system extends below a vehicle travel surface to detect the presence of a vehicle. A conduit extends substantially horizontally underground from an access hole placed at the side of the vehicle travel surface. A plurality of sensors are spaced apart in the conduit to detect localized changes in the magnetic field. A plurality of sections house the probes and wiring to orient and position the probes. Sections detachably clip together to form a lightweight support structure and may be added one by one through the access hole. Lightweight extension members are utilized in some configurations between the support sections for positioning and supporting the probes.

Abstract: An EAS marker assembly is a packaging and delivery method for large numbers of individual ferromagnetic EAS markers. The assembly is especially suited for use with an automated or semiautomated EAS marker insertion system. The EAS markers have an adhesive layer on each side to allow the markers to be attached between pages of a book. The assembly includes a plurality of markers carried by a differential release liner. The finished assembly can be in either a roll or stack form. When the roll assembly is rolled up, or when a plurality of sheets of markers are assembled in a stack, the easy release side of the differential release liner contacts one of the adhesive layers, and the tight release side of the liner contacts the adhesive layer on the other side of the marker.

Abstract: A book marker insertion apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, a separator assembly, a gripper assembly, an elevator assembly and a page spreader assembly. The cartridge assembly holds a roll of marker materials including a plurality of markers on a backing sheet and advances the material to the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes jaws and a peel bar for removing the endmost marker from the backing sheet. The gripper assembly includes rotatable arms which grip the separated end marker and position the separated end marker for insertion into the book. The elevator raises and lowers the gripper assembly from the position for gripping the separated end marker to the position for inserting into the book. The page spreader assembly includes a V-arm with a slot formed therein for receiving the gripper arms and the separated end marker.

Abstract: A retroreflective element that exhibits exceptional wet retroreflectivity, and a method of manufacturing the same. The retroreflective element includes an assembly having a multi-sided retroreflector and a clear thermoplastic. In one embodiment, the clear thermoplastic is at least partially thermally deformed to create a convex retroreflective dome for capturing high incident angle light rays. The retroreflective elements may be used in a pavement marking system, such as attached to pavement marking tape or deposited in pavement marking paint.

Abstract: A marker insertion apparatus automatically removes a marker from a roll of marker material and applies the marker to an applicator. The markers mount to a backing sheet and are peeled from the sheet by passing over a peel bar. Jaws are positioned near the peel bar and configured for gripping an end marker. An applicator member inserts intermediate the jaws and has the end marker pressed onto the applicator and torn from the roll. In a first embodiment, the applicator is a paddle applicator for inserting markers between opposing pages, and in a second embodiment the applicator is a bayonet: applicator for inserting markers into the spine of a book.

Abstract: An Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) marker is adapted for direct application to optically recorded media such as compact disks, CD-ROM's, laser disks, digital video disks, and the like. The marker includes a support sheet and one or more marker elements which are positioned such that the mass distribution of the marker is symmetrically disposed about the center of the marker. This ensures that when the marker is properly positioned on the optically recorded media, the marker does not adversely affect the mechanical balance of the media.

Abstract: This relates to a system for and method of illuminating a sign, so that drivers and observers may easily recognize and read the sign and billboard. The apparatus employs an external illumination source that is easy to inspect and maintain. The illumination source and the sign or billboard are separately installed from each other. Light emitted from the illumination source forms an incident angle (.theta.) in the range of 0.degree. to about 30.degree. at any point on the road sign. A road sign area of the sign is made of a retroreflective sheet having a wide observation angle.

Abstract: A flexible, durable, cube-cornered retroreflective article capable of accommodating the expansion and contraction of the underlying polymeric substrate where such article has a pillowed or curved microstructured member bonded in a regular pattern to a sealing member. The retroreflective article has normal and stressed states. In the normal state, the microstructured member is substantially parallel with the sealing member. In the stressed state, the microstructured member is either compressed or elongated and the sealing member is substantially flat. The retroreflective article may be attached to traffic control devices, such as polymeric barrels, cones, or tubes to direct and guide motorists through road construction areas.

Abstract: A chariot for use with a self-propelled pavement marking tape applicator. The chariot allows a single operator to apply pavement marking tape with the applicator and to depress the tape against a road surface by means of one or more rollers supporting the chariot and the operator.

Abstract: An article inventory tracking and control system tracks and controls removal of articles from a secured facility. Exemplary facilities in which the system may be useful include libraries, rental stores and retail stores. Each article is marked with an EAS marker to prevent unauthorized removal. In the system, each user of a facility and each article in the facility is uniquely identifiable. Upon receiving the user and article information, the system queries a central database to ensure that the user is a valid user and that the desired transaction is authorized. A receiving compartment is specifically designed to receive a particular type of article, such as a video or audio cassette. Sensors in the receiving compartment ensure that the article is properly placed within the receiving compartment. Proper placement of the article within the receiving compartment ensures that the marker is properly re/desensitized, and also ensures that only one transaction on one article can be performed at a time.

Abstract: A retroreflective article comprising a monolayer of microspheres partially embedded in and protruding from a binder layer and specular reflector underlying the microspheres, wherein the monolayer of microspheres comprises a mixture of a first class of microspheres having a first refractive index and a second class of microspheres having a second refractive index wherein the second refractive index is higher than the first refractive index. As a result, the sheeting exhibits superior observation angle angularity.

Abstract: A processing control system in a processing apparatus, for repetitive processing of a plurality of marked sections of uniform length forming a continuous elongate material, the processing controller outputting a corrected material feed length signal for maintaining registration between marks on the sections and processing positions on the sections within a tolerance.