Abstract: This invention relates to inorganic microspheres having a relatively narrow particle size distribution, which may be prepared by spheridization of zeolite crystals. The microspheres are particularly useful for whitening polymer compositions and in other filler applications.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate surface to improve the visibility of the surface includes the steps of a) applying a first layer of binder to a substrate; b) applying a first layer of optical elements onto the first layer of binder to partially embed the first layer of optical elements into the first layer of binder; c) applying a second layer of binder to cover the first layer of optical elements, wherein the first layer of optical elements defines a plurality of undulations in the second layer of binder; and d) applying a second layer of optical elements onto the second layer of binder to partially embed the second layer of optical elements in the second layer of binder such that the second layer of optical elements has an exposed-lens surface portion and an embedded-lens surface portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to inorganic microspheres having a relatively narrow particle size distribution, which may be prepared by spheridization of zeolite crystals. The microspheres are particularly useful for whitening polymer compositions and in other filler applications.

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: A marking sphere dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluid-assisted marking spheres into pavement marking materials applied to a surface has a frame defining a marking sphere receptacle, a valve seat defining an opening between the marking sphere receptacle and an expulsion duct. A plunger is disposed coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing apparatus and defines an internal fluid passage for providing pressurized fluid. The plunger is moveable in a longitudinal direction within the marking sphere dispensing frame between a first position at which a plunger head of the plunger is seated against the valve seat to close the opening, and a second position at which the plunger head is axially offset from the valve seat to define a marking sphere inlet gap across the opening. A method for applying marking spheres uses the marking sphere dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A marking sphere dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluid-assisted marking spheres into pavement marking materials applied to a surface has a frame defining a marking sphere receptacle, a valve seat defining an opening between the marking sphere receptacle and an expulsion duct. A plunger is disposed coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing apparatus and defines an internal fluid passage for providing pressurized fluid. The plunger is moveable in a longitudinal direction within the marking sphere dispensing frame between a first position at which a plunger head of the plunger is seated against the valve seat to close the opening, and a second position at which the plunger head is axially offset from the valve seat to define a marking sphere inlet gap across the opening. A method for applying marking spheres uses the marking sphere dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Glass microspheres containing a substantial percentage of spheres having two or more optically visible gas bubbles per sphere provide a high level of whitening to composite materials containing them. The volume of gas bubbles is between 8 and 35 percent of the volume of the spheres on average, and the spheres exhibit good resistance to breakage upon exposure to high pressures such as may be encountered in polymer extrusion processes. The spheres have a median particle diameter of between 5 and 100 ?m, and at least 10% by number of the spheres incorporate at least two gas bubbles.

Abstract: A marking sphere dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluid-assisted marking spheres into pavement marking materials applied to a surface has a frame defining a marking sphere receptacle, a valve seat defining an opening between the marking sphere receptacle and an expulsion duct. A plunger is disposed coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing apparatus and defines an internal fluid passage for providing pressurized fluid. The plunger is moveable in a longitudinal direction within the marking sphere dispensing frame between a first position at which a plunger head of the plunger is seated against the valve seat to close the opening, and a second position at which the plunger head is axially offset from the valve seat to define a marking sphere inlet gap across the opening. A method for applying marking spheres uses the marking sphere dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus (2) for dispensing reflective elements, such as glass beads (4), onto a surface, typically a road surface, the apparatus (2) being attached to a vehicle. The glass beads (4) are placed in an inlet means (6) and directed along a path around a drive means (10), which drive means (10) imparts a velocity to the glass beads for subsequent delivery onto the surface through an outlet means (20). The glass beads (4) exit the outlet means (20) at a velocity having substantially the same magnitude as the magnitude of velocity at which the vehicle travels and a direction substantially opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electroconductive composition comprising a polysiloxane matrix, electroconductive particles dispersed therein and an amount of a nucleophilic chemical species capable of impeding an increase in the resistivity of the composition, the nucleophilic chemical species being substantially unreactive with the particles and the matrix, and not causing any substantial impairment of the tear strength and tensile strength properties of said matrix; electroconductive composite comprising the electroconductive composition; and methods for making the electroconductive composition.

Abstract: As an article of manufacture, particulate composites containing, in combination: particles of inorganic material, a component for conferring on the composites the capability of floating in a medium including one or more substance capable of forming a binder matrix, a component for conferring on the composites the capability of adherence to the binder matrix, and a component for conferring on the composites the capability of adherence of the flotation conferring to the inorganic material; their production; and their use in a binder matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electroconductive composition comprising a polysiloxane matrix, electroconductive particles dispersed therein and an amount of a nucleophilic chemical species capable of impeding an increase in the resistivity of the composition, the nucleophilic chemical species being substantially unreactive with the particles and the matrix, and not causing any substantial impairment of the tear strength and tensile strength properties of said matrix; electroconductive composite comprising the electroconductive composition; and methods for making the electroconductive composition.

Abstract: Composite particles suitable as conductive filler for electrically conductive compositions which can be used as gaskets, caulking and plastics, for example. The compositions are, useful as EMI shielding and electrostatic charge dissipation materials. Methods of making and using the foregoing are also covered.

Abstract: As an article of manufacture, a durable composite, which comprises in combination a glass bead, and a multifunctional polymeric substance which has a functionality capable of interacting with a species of interest, and a further functionality interacted with a functionality of said glass bead to adhere the substance to the glass, such that there is a decreased tendency of the agent toward removal from the composite by an aqueous medium; and a method of making same.

Abstract: As an article of manufacture, a composite, which comprises in combination an inorganic material substrate, a polymeric agent which is at least partially water-soluble, and a substance binding the polymeric agent to the inorganic material substrate, such that there is a decreased tendency of the agent toward removal from the composite by an aqueous medium; and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: Composite particles suitable as conductive filler for electrically conductive compositions which can be used as gaskets, caulking and plastics, for example. The compositions are useful as EMI shielding and electrostatic charge dissipation materials. Methods of making and using the foregoing are also covered.

Abstract: As an article of manufacture, stable particles containing, in combination, inorganic filler material, benzoyl peroxide and a non-hygroscopic stabilizer for benzoyl peroxide; their production; and the formation of a polymeric matrix with such particulate matter.

Abstract: Composite particles designed as a filler for gaskets, caulking compounds and plastics in general. The unique properties are obtained by using a soft metal core galvanically similar to the metal the sealant will be in contact with. The oxide surface of the core metal is typically breached by a multitude of small hard semiconductive or conductive particles, thus making low particle-to-particle contact resistance through the body.

Abstract: Hollow glass spheres having average densities of approximately 0.10 grams/cc to approximately 2.0 grams/cc are prepared by heating solid glass particles. The glass spheres consist essentially of the following ingredients in the following amounts stated as weight percentages: SiO.sub.2 (50 to 57%); R.sub.2 0(2 to 15%); B.sub.2 O.sub.3 (0 to 20%); S(0.05 to 1.5%); RO(2 to 25%); RO.sub.2 (other than SiO.sub.2) (0 to 5%); R.sub.2 O.sub.3 (other than B.sub.2 O.sub.3) (0 to 10%); R.sub.2 O.sub.5 (0 to 5%); and F(0 to 5%). R represents a metal or an element like phosphorous which combines with oxygen in glass. The sizes of the hollow glass spheres are selected to produce a maximum average strength for a desired average density.

Abstract: Composite particles designed as a filler for gaskets, caulking compounds and plastics in general. The unique properties are obtained by using a soft metal core galvanically similar to the metal the sealant will be in contact with. The oxide surface of the core metal is typically breached by a multitude of small hard semiconductive or conductive particles, thus making low particle-to-particle contact resistance through the body.