Abstract: A retroreflective device 1, for use in creating a retroreflective surface, comprises an agglomeration of glass beads 2, formed by binding together glass beads 2 of a specific size with an adhesive material 3. Selected properties, for example refractive index, of each glass bead 2 are chosen in accordance with the desired retroreflectivity of the device 1. The adhesive material 3 may be pigmented, thereby to colour light retroreflected from the device 1. Preferably, the agglomeration of glass beads 2 is approximately spherical or ovoid and the glass beads 2 are approximately spherical. A retroreflective road marking coating may comprise a road marking material applied to the surface of a road and a plurality of the retroreflective devices 1 embedded in the road marking material so as to protrude partially therefrom. The retroreflective devices 1 may also be used with a coating from which they protrude so as to provide a road surfacing material.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing an agglomeration of glass beads consisting of a plurality of glass beads bound together by means of a binder material. An apparatus is described which includes a dispensing device (3a; 3b; 3c) having a plurality of channels (5) along which, in use, binder material flows. Each of the channels terminates in an outlet (8) and is in fluid communications with a single binder inlet (6). Importantly, the channels are of substantially identical length and diameter.