Abstract: A system for monitoring physical and/or environmental conditions during application of roadway marking tape. The system includes a data logging system that is operative to monitor one or more environmental parameters and geographical location during application of roadway marking tape. The data logging system generates a record of the parameters indexed to location. The record may be used to ensure application compliance and/or allow a user to alter one or more application parameters to ensure application compliance.

Abstract: Systems and method for applying roadway marking materials into a groove(s) in a roadway surface and/or forming a recessed groove(s) in a roadway surface. The systems and methods incorporate a contour sensor that provides real-time information of the marking material and/or groove. Based on the contour information, a marking material applicator can be aligned with a recessed groove in a roadway surface to ensure the marking material is applied within the confines of the groove. Alternatively, such contour information may be acquired during groove formation to ensure depth, tilt and/or bottom surface smoothness of the groove is within predetermined limits.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for monitoring physical and/or environmental conditions during application of roadway marking tape. The system includes a data logging system that is operative to monitor one or more environmental parameters and geographical location during application of roadway marking tape. The data logging system generates a record of the parameters indexed to location. The record may be used to ensure application compliance and/or allow a user to alter one or more application parameters to ensure application compliance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an trailer coupling assembly for connection to a trailer tongue. The trailer coupling assembly includes an attachment bracket configured to attach to a trailer tongue. A trailer coupler, which is configured to attach to a tow ball, is pivotally connected to the attachment bracket. The pivotal connection allows movement between the trailer coupler and the tongue of the trailer. An absorber further connects to the attachment bracket and the pivotally connected trailer coupler. The absorber dampens movement between the trailer tongue (e.g., attachment bracket) and the trailer coupler.

Abstract: A system and method (i.e., utilities) for calculating, in substantially real-time, the thickness of marking materials applied to roadway surfaces. The utilities utilize a linear position sensor to monitor positions of a shaft of a positive displacement paint pump. By monitoring the shaft position multiple times per stroke of the pump, pump displacement volumes may be calculated for intra-stroke movements of the pump. The pump displacement volumes permit calculating applied thickness of the marking materials in finer temporal increments than was previously possible.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use with a thermoplastic road marking system (e.g., paint truck). The systems and methods control an insertion or replenishment rate of unmelted thermoplastic paint feed stock into a thermoplastic melter based, at least in part, on the rate that thermoplastic melt is being applied to a marking surface. By substantially matching the replenishment rate into the thermoplastic melter with the application rate, thermal variance within the thermoplastic melter is reduced, which improves the consistency of marking lines applied to surfaces.

Abstract: An automated tape applicator that applies pavement marking tape to a pavement surface. The automated tape applicator may include dual knives for cutting two or more patterns simultaneously, a hinged frame that permits an adhesion roller to be lifted off the ground when not in active use, an electronic clutch for selectively engaging a tape feed mechanism, a swiveling front tire, an automated controller for simultaneous application of multiple markings and accurate dimensioning, and/or replaceable knife inserts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an trailer coupling assembly for connection to a trailer tongue. The trailer coupling assembly includes an attachment bracket configured to attach to a trailer tongue. A trailer coupler, which is configured to attach to a tow ball, is pivotally connected to the attachment bracket. The pivotal connection allows movement between the trailer coupler and the tongue of the trailer. An absorber further connects to the attachment bracket and the pivotally connected trailer coupler. The absorber dampens movement between the trailer tongue (e.g., attachment bracket) and the trailer coupler.

Abstract: An improved automated tape applicator that applies pavement marking tape to a pavement surface. The automated tape applicator may include dual knives for cutting two or more patterns simultaneously, a hinged frame that permits an adhesion roller to be lifted off the ground when not in active use, an electronic clutch for selectively engaging a tape feed mechanism, a swiveling front tire, an automated controller for simultaneous application of multiple markings and accurate dimensioning, and/or replaceable knife inserts.

Abstract: An improved automated tape applicator that applies pavement marking tape to a pavement surface. The automated tape applicator may include dual knives for cutting two or more patterns simultaneously, a hinged frame that permits an adhesion roller to be lifted off the ground when not in active use, an electronic clutch for selectively engaging a tape feed mechanism, a swiveling front tire, an automated controller for simultaneous application of multiple markings and accurate dimensioning, and/or replaceable knife inserts.

Abstract: An improved automated tape applicator that applies pavement marking tape to a pavement surface. The automated tape applicator may include dual knives for cutting two or more patterns simultaneously, a hinged frame that permits an adhesion roller to be lifted off the ground when not in active use, an electronic clutch for selectively engaging a tape feed mechanism, a swiveling front tire, an automated controller for simultaneous application of multiple markings and accurate dimensioning, and/or replaceable knife inserts.

Abstract: A system for controlling the mixing ratio of a multi-component mixture including a first pump connectable to a source of a first component and a second pump connectable to a source of a second component. The first and second pump being associated with at least one linear sensor for generating an output indicative of actual pump speed or shaft displacement of the pump. The system further includes a control circuit operative to utilize the output of the linear sensor of one of the pumps to generate a control signal for controlling the output of the other pump.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use with a thermoplastic road marking system (e.g., paint truck). The systems and methods control an insertion or replenishment rate of unmelted thermoplastic paint feed stock into a thermoplastic melter based, at least in part, on the rate that thermoplastic melt is being applied to a marking surface. By substantially matching the replenishment rate into the thermoplastic melter with the application rate, thermal variance within the thermoplastic melter is reduced, which improves the consistency of marking lines applied to surfaces.

Abstract: Presented herein are a system and method (i.e., utilities) for monitoring the flow of materials used to mark road surfaces and other surfaces. The utilities utilize one or more flow meters to monitor individual flow rates of individual spray guns and may also utilize one or more pressure sensors to monitor and control individual flow rates.

Abstract: A system for controlling the mixing ratio of a multi-component mixture including a first pump connectable to a source of a first component and a second pump connectable to a source of a second component. The first and second pump being associated with at least one linear sensor for generating an output indicative of actual pump speed or shaft displacement of the pump. The system further includes a control circuit operative to utilize the output of the linear sensor of one of the pumps to generate a control signal for controlling the output of the other pump.

Abstract: A system for controlling the mixing ratio of a multi-component mixture including a first pump connectable to a source of a first component and a second pump connectable to a source of a second component. The first and second pump being associated with at least one linear sensor for generating an output indicative of actual pump speed or shaft displacement of the pump. The system further includes a control circuit operative to utilize the output of the linear sensor of one of the pumps to generate a control signal for controlling the output of the other pump.

Abstract: Presented herein are a system and method (i.e., utilities) for monitoring the flow of materials used to mark road surfaces and other surfaces. The utilities utilize one or more pressure sensors to monitor in-line pressure of road marking material to determine the amount of material being applied. Electronic equipment receives signals from the pressure sensors, temperature sensors and/or additional monitoring equipment to generate an output indicative of an amount of material flow. In a further arrangement, the equipment generates an output indicative of a thickness of the read marking material as applied to a surface.

Abstract: A system for controlling the mixing ratio of a multi-component mixture including a first pump connectable to a source of a first component and a second pump connectable to a source of a second component. The first and second pump being associated with at least one linear sensor for generating an output indicative of actual pump speed or shaft displacement of the pump. The system further includes a control circuit operative to utilize the output of the linear sensor of one of the pumps to generate a control signal for controlling the output of the other pump.

Abstract: Presented herein are a system and method (i.e., utilities) for monitoring the flow of materials used to mark road surfaces and other surfaces. The utilities utilize one or more pressure sensors to monitor in-line pressure of road marking material to determine the amount of material being applied. Electronic equipment receives signals from the pressure sensors, temperature sensors and/or additional monitoring equipment to generate an output indicative of an amount of material flow. In a further arrangement, the equipment generates an output indicative of a thickness of the read marking material as applied to a surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retrieving traffic cones from roadway surfaces comprises a framework which is adapted to be attached to a roadwork vehicle so as to be movable therewith along a roadway surface. A knock-down bar upon the framework knocks down a normally upstanding traffic cone, and a substantially horizontally oriented, substantially conically configured spearing mechanism mounted upon the framework is inserted into the hollow interior of the traffic cone. The spearing mechanism and traffic cone are pivoted to a vertical orientation, and subsequently elevated so as to place the traffic cones onto a platform in a nested stacked array.