Abstract: A haptic generator for panels of vehicles and an interior panel for vehicles using the same are proposed. The haptic generator includes a first coupling member with a first end integrally coupled to at a rear surface of a panel, a casing coupled to a second end of the first coupling member, a haptic actuator stored in the casing and configured to generate haptic vibration, a second coupling member with a first end integrally coupled to the rear surface of the panel, a support member coupled to a second end of the second coupling member, a touch sensor coupled to the rear surface of the panel with a predetermined distance from the support member, a PCB panel supported by the support member, and a display provided on a portion of a surface of the panel and configured to supply information about a switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkyd or hydrocarbon resin-based pre-manufactured thermoplastic airport runway signage that is applied in relatively large sections onto an airport runway where the alkyd or hydrocarbon resin-based composite includes a functionalized wax incorporated in the resin-based composite within the range of 0.2 to 3 percent by weight, thereby allowing the resin-based composite to exist in a molten state within a viscosity range of between 35,000 and 85,000 centipoise and wherein the top surface provides an area for surface indicia materials existing on the top surface together with retroreflective glass beads with an index of refraction of 1.9 such that when the beads are suspended in and applied on the surface of the resin-based composite in a molten state the beads do not sink into the resin-based composite provide for allowing and maintaining an overall retroreflectivity of about 1000 millicandellas/m2/lux (mcd).

Abstract: Markers and a system for use for autonomous vehicles which can help autonomous vehicles to be aware of their surroundings and/or their spatial location. Such markers can include metallic signage having one or more openings and which can include a front that is spaced a distance from a backing plate. The markers can also include patterns that are stamped, cut or otherwise formed in or on a roadway. When a vehicle traverses over the patterns, a sensor, which can include a sound sensor, can detect the sound or vibration produced by the pattern. Once the pattern is detected, the autonomous vehicle can access a database or other repository of patterns (including but not limited to internal memory) and thus obtain information about the location that the vehicle is traversing.

Abstract: A reflective pavement marker for a roadway includes a body having a bottom adapted to be secured to the roadway and at least one a reflector on the body. The reflector includes an outer face for receiving light and an inner face comprising a plurality of light reflecting elements for receiving and reflecting the light back through the outer face. The reflector comprises a light transmitting and thermochromatic polymer adapted to transition at a predetermined transition temperature so as to change the color of the light reflected by the reflector depending on the temperature of the polymer. The predetermined transition temperature can be selected so that the color change of the light reflected by the reflector indicates freezing or near freezing road conditions.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides radar-reflecting systems and apparatus that employ metasurfaces to produce enhanced radar cross sections that are greater than those produced by the geometry of the surfaces alone. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides heat-ducting systems and apparatus that include metasurfaces. A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides cards with metasurfaces. Exemplary embodiments utilize fractal plasmonic surfaces for a metasurface.

Abstract: A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes a radar sensor disposed at the vehicle so as to have a field of sensing exterior of the vehicle. The radar sensor includes a plurality of transmitters that transmit radio signals and a plurality of receivers that receive radio signals. The received radio signals are transmitted radio signals that are reflected from an object. A control has a processor for processing outputs of the receivers. The transmitted radio signals reflect off a radar reflective object, which includes one of radar reflective road markings or radar reflective signs. The control, via processing of outputs of the receivers by the processor, determines information pertaining to the radar reflective object based on the reflected radio signals.

Abstract: Road markings made of special materials with reflective additives (micro-glass beads) that increase the retroreflection factor of the road marking independent of the color (whiteness, brightness) of the road marking material (thermoplastic, cold plastic, paint). Light sources, such as car headlights, emit radiation, including in the form of visible light. A major portion of the light beams directly incident onto a pavement (6) is absorbed. According to the first embodiment, a portion of all incident light beams is partially reflected directly from a road marking layer (4) and returned in the opposite direction. In both embodiments, a portion of the light beams is incident upon an extending portion (1). Since no additional layer (8) is present on the surface of the extending portion (1), the light beam is partially reflected and, upon refraction, passes inside a micro-glass bead (2).

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides radar-reflecting systems and apparatus that employ metasurfaces to produce enhanced radar cross sections that are greater than those produced by the geometry of the surfaces alone. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides heat-ducting systems and apparatus that include metasurfaces. A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to and provides cards with metasurfaces. Exemplary embodiments utilize fractal plasmonic surfaces for a metasurface.

Abstract: A sinusoidal traffic line that has scalloped edges to form a sine wave that increases visibility under conditions of reduced visibility is formed of a pre-cut ribbon or applied traffic line material (e.g., sprayed thermoplastic material). The traffic lines have a wavy left edge and a wavy right edge. The edges are formed in a regular pattern, having a regular amplitude and wavelength relative to a directional vector along the axis of the traffic line. The patterns of the outer edges are arranged in an opposite arrangement such that they converge and diverge. The upper surface of the traffic line can be embossed by an embossed device so as to create a regular pattern and increase reflectivity.

Abstract: The inventors of the present disclosure discovered that use of a urea-modified polyurethane coating as the topcoat in a pavement marking tape has numerous advantages. The urea-modified polyurethane topcoat is the reaction product of an aspartic ester polyamine, a polyisocynate, and a polyol. The urea-modified topcoat is adjacent to a base layer. The base layer and topcoat form a pavement marking tape.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a preformed or in some cases a hot applied thermoplastic marking composition comprising a planar top surface portion and a planar bottom surface portion that are coplanar to each other, wherein said bottom surface portion is directly applied to a substrate via application of heat or pressure or both heat and pressure and wherein said top surface portion comprises an intermix that exits throughout said thermoplastic composition and includes large grit size aggregate in the range of about 8 to about 20 mesh or grit size, thereby reducing or eliminating tire tracking while also improving long-term skid resistance.

Abstract: A paving advertisement has an elongated flexible tape body with a base substrate layer. The base substrate layer has front and rear faces, the front face having at least one text message that conveys information. The base substrate layer includes a cold crack additive, such as polyvinyl chloride, thereby increasing its strength and flexibility.

Abstract: A lighting device may include a housing configured to be attached to a thoroughfare surface. The housing may include a top surface, a proximal face, a distal face, and first and second sidewalls extending between the proximal face and the distal face. Circuitry may be carried by the housing. A first primary optic may be carried by the housing adjacent the first sidewall to define a first optical chamber, and a first light source may be positioned within the first optical chamber and carried by the housing adjacent the first sidewall. The first sidewall may have a first slanted section, and an axis of the first slanted section may skew to a longitudinal axis of the lighting device.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a housing attached to a thoroughfare surface. The housing may have a top surface, a proximal face, a distal face, and first and second opposing sidewalls extending between the proximal face and the distal face and extending downwardly from the top surface. The lighting device may further include a first primary optic that may be carried by the housing adjacent the first sidewall that may define a first optical chamber. The lighting device may also further include a first light source that may be positioned within the first optical chamber and may be carried by the housing adjacent the first sidewall. The first sidewall may taper in a direction of the distal face. The first primary optic may be configured to direct light outward and in a direction of the taper in the first sidewall.

Abstract: A highway marking paint is provided formed from a waterborne latex paint and porous silica. The silica enables the paint to achieve sufficient viscosity to permit the application of a highway marking of at least 40 mil and preferably at least 120 mil. The highway marking paint can also include retroreflective glass beads. Optionally, the highway marking paint further includes an acrylic polymer emulsion.

Abstract: A method for forming and applying retroreflective pavement markings comprising the steps of a) spraying the area with a hot epoxy binder, b) depositing particles of a microcrystalline ceramic element having a high refractive index onto the fresh epoxy binder, c) depositing relatively large spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder, and d) depositing relatively small spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder. The small beads provide high reflectivity in daytime and at night on dry pavement. The large beads provide superior reflectivity at night on damp pavement. The ceramic element particles provide high reflectivity when wet and during heavy rain. Where the pavement is subject to snowplowing, the marking may be inlaid in a recessed area in the pavement, the recess being about 100 mils deep, and the wet epoxy layer being about 20 mils thick.

Abstract: A method for forming and applying retroreflective pavement markings comprising the steps of a) spraying the area with a hot epoxy binder, b) depositing particles of a microcrystalline ceramic element having a high refractive index onto the fresh epoxy binder, c) depositing relatively large spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder, and d) depositing relatively small spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder. The small beads provide high reflectivity in daytime and at night on dry pavement. The large beads provide superior reflectivity at night on damp pavement. The ceramic element particles provide high reflectivity when wet and during heavy rain. Where the pavement is subject to snowplowing, the marking may be inlaid in a recessed area in the pavement, the recess being about 100 mils deep, and the wet epoxy layer being about 20 mils thick.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a multi-application apparatus may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The multi-application apparatus may include a sprayer configured to apply a profileable material to an area of a driving surface during a pass of the vehicle by the area to create a first marking. The multi-application apparatus may also include an applicator configured to apply the profileable material to at least a portion of the area of the driving surface during the same pass of the vehicle by the area to create a second marking. The second marking may have a more varied profile than the first marking. In various embodiments, the multi-application apparatus may include controls that enable independent control of various parameters during operation. In various embodiments, profileable material forming the second marking is at least partially fused with the profileable material forming the first marking.

Abstract: Disclosed are pavement markers and a mobile highway marking apparatus for advancing in a forward direction along a paved surface of a highway for applying a paint stripe to the paved surface and applying pavement markers at intervals on the paint stripe. The marking apparatus includes a dispenser that is configured for moving a sequence of the pavement markers from the bottom of an upwardly extending stack of the pavement markers first in the forward direction and then down a sloped chute in a rearward direction to the paint stripe without turning the pavement markers over.

Abstract: A traffic delineator comprises a core/shell construction which can help to protect reflective sheeting in the delineator from tampering and vandalism. The delineator may include an outer shell, and an inner core that fits inside the outer shell. Further, a reflective sheet may be applied to an outer surface of the core, the sheet having one or more edges. Aperture(s) may be formed in the outer shell to provide a window region, the window region adapted to expose at least some of the reflective sheet when the inner core is positioned inside the shell. The window region may be configured to avoid exposing at least some of, and in some cases any of, the one or more edges of the sheet. In such cases, the outer shell proximate the window region may cover some, or all, of the sheet edge(s) so that such sheet edge(s) are less accessible to vandals.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a multi-application apparatus may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The multi-application apparatus may include a sprayer configured to apply a profileable material to an area of a driving surface during a pass of the vehicle by the area to create a first marking. The multi-application apparatus may also include an applicator configured to apply the profileable material to at least a portion of the area of the driving surface during the same pass of the vehicle by the area to create a second marking. The second marking may have a more varied profile than the first marking In various embodiments, the multi-application apparatus may include controls that enable independent control of various parameters during operation.

Abstract: A laminate article preferably including two or more layers adapted to be applied to a surface of a roadway that can function as a reflective marker, such as a lane marker or road feature marker. The article includes one or more reflective compounds, preferably particles, aggregates, or clusters that are partially embedded in an exposed outer surface layer of the article. In order to increase the durability of the material, protective media compounds are also present in the outer layer and extend outward therefrom with the protective material protruding a greater distance than the reflective compounds. The articles of the present invention are weather resistant, durable and resistant to damage by vehicles and snowplows.

Abstract: A retroreflective device securable to a highway by bonding thereto preferably with a viscous strip applied to the highway prior to solidifying cure of the strip includes a generally globular glass central member, a desirably pigmented adhesive layer over the central member and a plurality of peripheral globular glass members connected to the central member by the pigmented adhesive layer. A method for fabricating the retroreflective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An embedded-type reflective road marker (1) which includes a base (2) and a reflector (3) for reflecting light cast onto the marker. The reflector (1) is detachably connected or secured, in use, to the base (2) by a connector (4) having release means (40) for facilitating removal of the reflector (3) from the base (2).

Abstract: Various self-cleaning delineator embodiments incorporate a delineator design that includes a shell portion, a core disposed inside the shell portion, and a reflective sheet coupled to an outer surface of the core. A wind turbine mounted on or in the delineator energizes a mechanical energy storage device, such as a spring, in response to wind or other air movement. A drive mechanism couples to the storage device and is adapted to use energy from the storage device to provide relative rotational motion between the shell portion and the core. A cleaning material disposed on an inner surface of the shell contacts the reflective sheet such that the relative rotational motion between the shell portion and the first core causes the cleaning material to slide across the reflective sheet to remove debris therefrom. The drive mechanism may include an escapement mechanism to limit the rotational motion to a maximum speed.

Abstract: A retroreflective device securable to a highway by bonding thereto preferably with a viscous strip applied to the highway prior to solidifying cure of the strip includes a generally globular glass central member, a desirably pigmented adhesive layer over the central member and a plurality of peripheral globular glass members connected to the central member by the pigmented adhesive layer. A method for fabricating the retroreflective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nautical navigation aid comprising a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities used to enhance the safety of nautical travelers on waterways in conditions where visibility is limited. The navigation aid sign has a first rigid sheet member having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge, a second rigid sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface extending outward from the peripheral edge of the first rigid sheet member at a predetermined angle to a predetermined length, thereby defining an angled collar of the first rigid sheet member sized and configured to redirect light waves emanating from a light source, and a luminescent layer. It is envisioned that an embodiment of the present invention might also include a means for retrofitting existing nautical navigation aids with a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities.

Abstract: A reflective surface electric road flare designed to be positioned on a roadway and to emit light to alert oncoming drivers to a hazard on the roadway. The flare comprises a housing supporting a circuit. The circuit comprises an led light source, a power controller and a power supply. The power controller energizes the led light source with the power supply such that the led light source emits light according to its design specification. The emitted light is concentrated about the horizontal by a lens into a horizontal light beam visible throughout the azimuth. Concentrating the emitted light into a horizontal light beam increases its intensity as perceived by oncoming drivers located within the projected horizontal light beam. A portion of the horizontal light beam intersects a top surface of the road flare where it is reflected towards oncoming vehicles.

Abstract: A zero velocity bead dispenser is provided for a paint striping vehicle. The dispenser includes an electric motor which rotates a pair of rollers. A bead gun directs reflective particles into the nip point between the rollers, which discharge the particles or beads with a rearward velocity substantially matching the forward velocity of the vehicle. Therefore, the beads are discharged into the wet paint on the road with a net zero velocity so as to minimize or eliminate rolling of the beads in the paint, thereby maximizing the reflective properties of the beads. A speed sensor continuously monitors the vehicle speed and automatically adjusts the motor speed, and thus the roller speed, so as to maintain the relative zero velocity of the discharged beads.

Abstract: A road marker configured to withstand the force of a tire of a vehicle travelling over the road marker is provided. The road marker includes at least one lens, and a body having a trapezoidal cross section. The body includes a flat top, a bottom wall, a pair of angled sides with pockets for the lenses, and a pair of rounded ends. A pocket is disposed on each of the angled sides. The pocket is formed to receive the lens. Each pocket extends from the top to the bottom wall and from one of the pair of rounded ends to the other of the pair of rounded ends. A plurality of vertical exterior ribs which extend beyond the exposed surface of the lens to provide a gap between the lens surface and the tire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concrete element for road marking and outdoor paving having a solid three-dimensional form, with a bottom surface resting on the ground and an upper surface exposed, wherein at least one housing or basin is provided on the upper surface for containing a layer of refracting mixture that includes in turn a plurality of spheres or microspheres mixed with a hardening support resin or adhesive.

Abstract: Reflective pellets (16) are formed by extrusion of reflective micro beads (26) in a thermoplastic (20), removal of the surface layer of the pellets so as to expose the reflective beads at the surface of the pellets and applying the reflective pellets to the base line (14) of the striping applied to a paved road.

Abstract: A road lane marker detection apparatus includes an imaging portion that captures an image of the road surface such that a first road lane marker and a second road lane marker are captured in the image; a feature point obtaining portion that obtains feature points of the road lane markers; a storing portion that stores the feature points obtained; and a lane marker detecting portion that detects the road lane markers. The storing portion includes a first storage area in which the feature points of the first road lane marker are stored and a second storage area in which the feature points of the second road lane marker are stored. The number of feature points able to be stored in the first storage area and the number of feature points able to be stored in the second storage area are set independently of one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to reflective markers for traffic-control devices and applications thereof. In one embodiment, a reflective marker comprises a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive adjacent an adhesive-backed sheet. The layer of pressure sensitive adhesive may comply with national, state or local government ordinances related to traffic control buttons, pedestrian crossing features, site accessibility and exterior routes of travel. In one embodiment, the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive may include a first border extending along an upper edge of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive, a second border extending along a lower edge of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive, and a center portion located between the inner edges of the first and second borders.

Abstract: A profiled traffic stripe, method of manufacture and apparatus for applying a traffic stripe to a surface comprising a comb gate for permitting marking compound to be released through a comb for a contoured or profiled traffic stripe.

Abstract: Embodiments of a solar powered road marker light disclosed that is self-powered and self-illuminating, producing high intensity illumination with relatively low energy consumption and which generates its own energy requirements in an environmentally friendly manner. The indicator is also quickly and easily installed on virtually any conventional road divider, marker, sign, traffic barrier, traffic control device, etc., and has low maintenance demands.

Abstract: A retro-reflective system for increasing the safety of a railroad crossing includes at least one railroad crossing panel. A sealer is applied to a prepared surface of the railroad crossing panel. An adhesive applied over the sealer after the sealer is partially cured adheres a retro-reflective material thereto. The retro-reflective material increases visibility of the railroad crossing. Anti-skid elements may also be applied over the adhesive, to provide enhanced traction for vehicles or pedestrians traversing the railroad crossing.

Abstract: A module manufactured in colors which are not altered by use as they are inherent to the constitutive material thereof, in order to conform—with a succession thereof—traces delineating lanes, restricted areas, indicative arrows and other graphisms applicable to traffic signaling on roads, streets, gas stations, parking lots, etc.

Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture that is capable of being mounted flush with a mounting surface is provided. In one embodiment, the outdoor lighting fixture contains a housing having an upper and lower portion. A light source is in operable communication with the housing and can provide light in a direction that is substantially parallel to the mounting surface. It has been discovered that the outdoor lighting fixture of the present invention can be mounted substantially flush with a mounting surface so that it remains relatively hidden from view during use. Furthermore, the outdoor lighting fixture can also provide light in a linear direction, thereby enabling it to illuminate paths, sidewalks, driveways and the like, without having to provide light in all directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protector for a retro-reflective road marker mounted on a road that includes a top surface that has a generally flat region and a bottom surface oppositely disposed from the top surface. The generally flat region has an opening where the retro-reflective road marker can be at least partially mounted to the protector by deforming studs located along the perimeter of the opening such that the retro-reflective road marker is moveable independent from the protector. The protector is made from a moldable polymer and the top surface is operable to protect the road reflector from motor vehicle tires passing thereover.

Abstract: The invention is a new concrete element (Z) for road marking and outdoor paving having a solid three-dimensional form, with bottom surface (F) resting on surface (S) at least one housing or basin (V) is obtained for containing a layer of refracting mixture (M) comprising in turn a plurality of spheres or microspheres (R) mixed with a hardening support resin or glue (C).

Abstract: A recessed snowplowable reflective pavement marker is mounted in a shallow elongated groove in a highway surface to expose the marker to headlights of oncoming motor vehicles. The marker has a plastic housing with a pocket for holding the reflector and two sidewalls that support positioning tabs to overlie the uncut pavement. These tabs maintain markers at a fixed depth below the pavement. Two other upstanding sidewalls extend laterally in the groove and terminate at the lower edge of the reflective area of the reflector. These sidewalls prevent adhesive from entering the reflector pocket. The function of the positioning tabs and lateral sidewalls plus the requirement that headlights need only illuminate this reflective area and not the reflector's non reflective base serve to reduce groove depth by 50% less than prior art. This lightweight plastic housing and shallower groove reduce installation costs and enhance marker safety and performance.

Abstract: A solar energy lane marking system for a road surface having at least a traffic lane includes a set of lane markers, and a solar energy collection arrangement. The lane markers are for spacedly providing on the road surface to define the traffic lane, wherein each of the lane markers includes an illuminator for lane illumination. The solar energy collection arrangement is for controlling the set of lane markers in centralized manner to ensure sufficient and consistent illumination of the illuminators, and includes a solar energy collector for collecting solar energy, an energy storage, and a central processing circuitry. The central processing circuitry, which is electrically connecting the energy storage with the illuminators of the lane markers, operatively controls the illuminators of the lane markers as an illuminable road divider for identifying the traffic lane in case of low visibility of the traffic lane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and composition for a thermochromatic, color indicative sheet or device that is bonded to an article such as a concrete or asphalt surface, a traffic sign, a plate of a guidepost and on which is indicated a surface temperature near or below the freezing point of water. The invention can also utilize an adhesive system including a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and/or thermal sensitive adhesive sheet for adhering sheets of preformed thermoplastic with the thermochromatic color indicative sheet to concrete, asphalt, wood or composite material surfaces. The invention includes methods of applying the product allowing for immediate use in a traffic area upon completion of the application to any appropriate outdoor surface.

Abstract: A retroreflective device securable to a highway by bonding thereto preferably with a viscous strip applied to the highway prior to solidifying cure of the strip includes a generally globular glass central member, a desirably pigmented adhesive layer over the central member and a plurality of peripheral globular glass members connected to the central member by the pigmented adhesive layer. A method for fabricating the retroreflective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A kit containing thermoplastic pavement markers for convenience in transportation and application at a jobsite. The pavement markers have light colored projections on the upper surface to deflect water and reflect light for ease in viewing during rain, darkness and other adverse conditions. The method describes the application of the pavement markers on a road or other substrate for strong adhesion to asphalt and concrete.

Abstract: Improved reflective pavement marker is disclosed having a unitary hollow structural body molded in situ about at least one pre-formed retro-reflective lens plate. The unitary structural body has a base surface partially sealed with a compatible sheet includes exterior surface with multiple protruded grooves. An alternative structural body can have a sealed base surface including multiple protruded and recessed grooves with at least one inclined face having a recessed area for receiving a pre-formed lens plate attachment. The planar base surface of said unitary structural body includes an impact absorbing hollow cavities extending along the sides of the inclined reflective faces and incorporate multiple of protruded rectangular grooves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retroreflective elements and retroreflective articles such as pavement markings comprising retroreflective elements, methods of making retroreflective elements, and laminates.

Abstract: A warning apparatus is provided, whose main body includes a monolithically formed transparent tempered material with a thickness. The top of the main body includes at least two injections units. The injection units are upward bumps. The injection units are less than 10 mm in height. The curvature on the surface of injection unit bumps changes at different height of the bumps. The bottom of the main body includes at least two reflection units. The reflection units are downward bumps. The bottom of the main body also includes a reflective layer attached to the outer surface of the reflection units so that the light entering the main body can be reflected by the reflective layer to provide warning. The durable, low-height injection unit bumps will minimize the impact on the driving safety when the tires run over, while providing effective visual warning.

Abstract: A landmark used to effectively determine the location of an autonomous vehicle, and a self-localization apparatus and method using the landmark are provided. In the self-localization method, first, first and second outer line information and shape information are extracted from a landmark image received from a camera. Next, a projective invariant is calculated from the shape information and stored in a hash table. Thereafter, the calculated projective invariant is compared with reference projective invariants for a plurality of landmarks stored in a predetermined data storage area in the form of a hash table, thereby determining which landmark corresponds to the landmark image. Then, information on the distance and orientation of the determined landmark with respect to the autonomous vehicle is analyzed in response to the first and second outer line information.