Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling striping equipment mounted on a vehicle includes a controller. The controller receives signals from a distance measuring device and various sensors. The controller also receives operator input via a console having operator controls. Based on the operator input, the controller determines striping commands which instruct the controller to cause the striping equipment to paint a painting pattern. The controller generates a striping program during a striping operation by saving the striping commands as a function of the measured distance. Using a previously saved striping program, the controller can cause the repainting of a previous striping operation. The controller also monitors striping operational data as a function of the distance travelled, and performs diagnostic functions to determine malfunction of the striping control system and the controller itself.

Abstract: A device and method for marking a horizontal surface, such as a roadway, and applying reflective particles to the marked surface. The device monitors the flow of the reflective particles and warns an operator when the flow is interrupted. This device prevents remarking of the surface caused by interruptions in the flow of particles.

Abstract: A tape applicator for selectively advancing one, two or more strips of tape from rolls mounted thereto and having a cutter assembly which can selectively cut one, two or more of the tape strips being applied. The tape advancement initiation device includes first and second rollers which are selectively brought into abutting engagement so as to grip a strip of tape depending therebetween and at least one of the rollers is selectively rotated to advance the tape gripped between the rollers. The rollers defining the tape advancement initiation device are preferably separated into at least first and second roller sections which are selectively independently rotatable to selectively independently advance select tape strips mounted to the apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a coupling for effecting pneumatic connection between a rack and a circuit board carrying both electrical and pneumatic control elements where concurrent connection is made of electric and pneumatic circuits as the circuit board is inserted in the rack. The coupling comprises a male unit with a wedge shaped insertion probe penetrated by a flow channel terminating in an interconnection port and a female unit with an opening for receiving the insertion probe of the male unit and an interconnection port mating across an interface surface with the male interconnection port. The female coupling unit further includes a shuttle with axial symmetry having an actuator shaft of a diameter to slide within the uniform bore portion of the tunnel at one end, a stop that cannot enter the uniform bore portion of the tunnel at the other end, two spaced apart seals of a diameter to make a sealing fit to the uniform bore portion of the tunnel positioned intermediately.

Abstract: A solenoid controlled proportional flow valve comprises an operating solenoid having an axially extending coil, and a valve body having an axially extending cavity with a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage and a valve seat surrounding one of the passages on one end wall of the cavity. A valve plunger is axially movable within the cavity for movement of one end wall thereof toward and away from the valve seat. Biasing means is interposed between the opposite ends of the cavity and plunger, the biasing means including a generally conical abutment having a rounded free end preloaded in contact with a resilient deformable elastomeric spring having a diameter at all times greater than the portion of said conical abutment member in contact therewith. The biasing means normally maintains the valve plunger in contact with the valve seat, and the solenoid moves the plunger away from the valve seat in proportion to the flow of current therethrough.