Patents Assigned to Ennis-Flint, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11924584
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for identifying a transportation infrastructure condition may comprise disposing a smart camera system on a vehicle and installing the smart camera system to the vehicle. The method may further comprise recording data from transportation infrastructure with the smart camera system, transmitting the data to a remote server with the transmitter, analyzing the data on the server, and accessing the data on the server with device. A system for identifying a transportation infrastructure condition may comprise a smart camera system disposed on a vehicle, wherein the smart camera system comprises a camera and transmitter, as well as a server capable to analyze data. A device may be configured to record and collect transportation infrastructure conditions. The camera system may comprise a camera, an electronic control module, a global positioning system, a single board computer, and a dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 11795636
    Abstract: Systems and methods to produce thermoplastic products in a process are described herein. In some cases, the systems and methods may eliminate contact between the product and a heat transfer fluid. The thermoplastic compositions can be useful for roadway markings. In some examples, a formed thermoplastic product is discharged by a product formation apparatus onto a temperature controlled transporter, cooled, and cut to a desired product dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventors: Vince Wilkins, Paul Seropian, Russell Huff, Maxwell Heavner, Nathan Hoover Cross
  • Publication number: 20230227687
    Abstract: A ketone-containing polymer can provide for a paint having increased scrub resistance and decreased changes in viscosity, while maintaining quick dry times. In particular, the polymers may be used in compositions for traffic markings and industrial coatings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventors: Haibo Li, Matthew Swenson
  • Patent number: 11702804
    Abstract: A pelletized road marking composition includes a binder mixture, a filler mixture and bentonite clay. The binder mixture includes at least one alkyd ester, at least one wax, at least one ethylene copolymer, and at least one plasticizer. The filler mixture includes at least one coloring additive, reflective elements, and at least one inert inorganic filler. The components of the road marking composition are mixed and melted and processed into pellets. The bentonite clay added to the composition prevents the pellets from clumping when stored at elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventors: Govindasamy Paramasivam Rajendran, Mark Terry, Jeffrey Lee Stricker
  • Patent number: 11613655
    Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions useful for roadway markings may be produced using a continuous systems and process methods that can reduce costs and improve product quality. Systems may comprise a feed system comprising a plurality of feeders and a mixing system comprising a mixer and a smoothing system. Each feeder may be configured to discharge a material at a feed rate according to a selected product formulation The mixing system may be configured to receive, heat, and combine the materials to produce a thermoplastic material, and discharge the thermoplastic material at a determined discharge rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Hoover Cross, Alex Cady, Bradley Hepler, Andy Parker, Vince Wilkins
  • Patent number: 11499049
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods including incorporation of additives into a bulk materials container by coating, impregnating, or otherwise applying the additives to at least a portion of the container and/or the material comprising the container. The container may be intended for containing bulk material used in a batch or continuous process, where the container can be consumed by the process along with the bulk material. The additives incorporated into the container can be substances that may be used by the process. The additives can modify the process. The additives can modify and/or condition the product being formed by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Davies, Mark Terry
  • Publication number: 20210409651
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for identifying a transportation infrastructure condition may comprise disposing a smart camera system on a vehicle and installing the smart camera system to the vehicle. The method may further comprise recording data from transportation infrastructure with the smart camera system, transmitting the data to a remote server with the transmitter, analyzing the data on the server, and accessing the data on the server with device. A system for identifying a transportation infrastructure condition may comprise a smart camera system disposed on a vehicle, wherein the smart camera system comprises a camera and transmitter, as well as a server capable to analyze data. A device may be configured to record and collect transportation infrastructure conditions. The camera system may comprise a camera, an electronic control module, a global positioning system, a single board computer, and a dashboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20210404125
    Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions useful for sealing longitudinal joints of substrates, for example, roadways and pavement, are provided herein. Formulations including the composition and methods of using the thermoplastic composition to seal longitudinal joints are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: Ennis-Flint, Inc
    Inventors: Vincent Wilkins, Maxwell Heavner, Paul Seropian, Scott Williams, Scott Seeley, Mark Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11118316
    Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions useful for sealing longitudinal joints of substrates, for example, roadways and pavement, are provided herein. Formulations including the composition and methods of using the thermoplastic composition to seal longitudinal joints are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ENNIS-FLINT, INC.
    Inventors: Vincent Wilkins, Maxwell Heavner, Paul Seropian, Scott Williams, Scott Seeley, Mark Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11006082
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for identifying a transportation infrastructure condition may comprise disposing a smart camera system on a vehicle and installing the smart camera system to the vehicle. The method may further comprise recording data from transportation infrastructure with the smart camera system, transmitting the data to a remote server with the transmitter, analyzing the data on the server, and accessing the data on the server with device. A system for identifying a transportation infrastructure condition may comprise a smart camera system disposed on a vehicle, wherein the smart camera system comprises a camera and transmitter, as well as a server capable to analyze data. A device may be configured to record and collect transportation infrastructure conditions. The camera system may comprise a camera, an electronic control module, a global positioning system, a single board computer, and a dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10907051
    Abstract: This invention provides a convenient method of forming and applying a thermoplastic material for roadway markings, comprising: obtaining individual components of a thermoplastic composite material suitable for roadway markings; mixing and heating the individual components to produce a fully compounded form of the thermoplastic composite material; solidifying and prilling the fully compounded form of the thermoplastic composite material to produce a plurality of thermoplastic prills; on a marking vehicle or mobile apparatus, introducing the thermoplastic prills to an on-board melter to produce a liquid phase of the thermoplastic prills; and applying the liquid phase of the thermoplastic prills to a roadway, thereby marking the roadway. Compositions and systems are also described. Surprisingly, prills melt in approximately half the time as the powder/granular form. Also, the melter can be operated at lower temperature, leading to less discoloration of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Alan Martyn, Scott Nelson Coke
  • Patent number: 10843881
    Abstract: A bulk loader system is disclosed that may include a conveyor unit in connection with a fuel-powered engine powering a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor may be used to operate the conveyor unit. The system may be configured to function while being mounted on a bed of a truck or be operated as a stand-alone unit. The unit may be sized such that an operator can stand on the deck of the truck along with the unit. The fuel-hydraulic powered motor can enable the conveyor unit to operate at variable speeds. The conveyor unit can be adjustable to facilitate controlling the direction of the material being transported via the conveyor. Some embodiments can include operating the hydraulics of the motor from the Power Take-Off (“PTO”) of the truck. Some embodiments can facilitate operation of the system in a hot or other harsh environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ennis-Flint, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Davies, Kevin Goforth, Douglas D. Dolinar, Bruce W. Gouldey