Abstract: A pavement marker has an unpotted upper shell and a lower base plate that together define a housing. A number of ribs are disposed in the housing interior oriented substantially perpendicular to the inner wall of the base plate. The upper shell has inclined end faces, an upper face, and is made of a plastic material having moderate to high flexural modulus and a high impact strength. The lower base plate has a planar inner wall and an opposed planar, pavement-engaging outer wall, and is made of a material having a Young's modulus of at least approximately 300,000 PSI (20.7.times.10.sup.8 Pascal). The ribs are formed unitarily with the inner wall of either the upper shell or the base plate, and extend upwardly from the inner wall of the base plate to the inner wall of the shell. A retroreflective lens is positioned on at least one of the first and second opposed side faces of the marker. The pavement marker resists delamination from a roadway surface when secured to the road with a soft adhesive.

Abstract: A method of making a retroreflective marking material is provided, the method has the steps of: (a) providing an enclosed-lens retroreflective sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface and comprising a cover layer and a monolayer of retroreflective elements; (b) applying a conformance layer to the bottom surface of the retroreflective sheet; and (c) laminating a configuration member to the conformance layer thereby creating first portions and second portions in the sheet, the first portions being arranged in an upwardly contoured profile and the second portions being arranged in a lower, substantially planar position. A retroreflective article made by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A snowplowable retro-reflective pavement marker having a reflector mounted between a pair of flanged side ramps and a pair of center ramps. The side ramps have longitudinal flanges extending outwardly from each of the ramps to position the base properly with respect to the road surface. The flanges are tapered to provide a smooth contour for guiding snowplow blades when approaching from the side. The center ramps extend longitudinally on either side of the reflector to guide a snowplow blade when it engages the marker at a steep angle.

Abstract: A highway delineator device comprising an elongate tube having a bottom end, a top end, an inside surface, and an outside surface, and configured for use as a highway delineator. The bottom end of the tube comprises means for connecting the tube to a base support in such a manner that the tube is in a vertical configuration, and the top end of the tube having at least three different cross-sections comprising (i) a top cross-section flattened together with opposing inside surfaces sealed together to fully close the top end of the tube and having opposing outside surface in parallel relationship for receiving a top edge of reflective material without curvature, (ii) an intermediate cross-section having an elongate gap extending between the opposing inside surfaces, said outside surfaces along the gap being slightly arcuate to provide a flattened surface for receiving a lower section of reflective material with moderate curvature, and (iii) a lower cross-section having a circular configuration.

Abstract: A thermoplastic traffic marking composition that includes resin(s) and at least two polyethylenes, the polyethylenes having a plurality of molecular weights, can be applied as a profiled traffic stripe within a temperature range of about 330.degree. F. to about 380.degree. F., to a road surface, while substantially retaining the profile in which it was applied.

Abstract: A raised pavement marker includes a rigid reflector assembly that supports two retroreflectors. The reflector assembly is resiliently mounted over a base by a resilient membrane, which is secured to the base at its outer edge. When a vehicle contacts the reflector housing, downward forces supplied by the vehicle to the reflector housing deform the membrane, which allows the reflector housing to move downwardly to pavement level. After the vehicle has passed, the resilience of the membrane restores the reflector assembly to its raised position. Methods for installing and removing the pavement marker are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a lane marker comprising an elongate housing having a top portion length shorter than the base portion length, the ends of the housing tapering from the end of the base portion up to the end of the top portion such that a part of the ends of the base portion are open to the top. A vertical reflector is secured inside the reflector end of the housing, between the top portion and the base portion and a horizontal reflector is secured on the base portion of the reflector end of the housing. The tapered design reduces damage to the marker and to tires, and exposes mounting holes in the base portion which are easily accessible from the top.

Abstract: A lane marker of the present invention utilizes a housing and filler to support and protect a solar powered energy storage system. The circuitry draws power from solar cells and stores the energy in 5-20 storage capacitors. When the ambient light dims, the circuitry operates a timing device which causes one or more light emitting diodes located behind an angled clear window, to blink in a direction generally of the approaching traffic. The top of the housing protects a solar cell which is in operating position is mounted above the filler and below a clear upper window. The storage capacity may be varied by increasing or decreasing the capacitance used for energy storage. The duty cycle can be adjusted to levels consistent with sunlight and operating time. Geographic areas of high solar radiation can use the invention set safely have a higher duty cycle without depleting the stored energy, while areas of lower solar radiation can use the inventive circuit set for a lower duty cycle.

Abstract: A pavement marking tape having a scrim, wherein the scrim is extensible to enable the tape to conform to irregularities in a road surface, and thereby bond more securely to that surface.

Abstract: A snowplowable retro-reflective pavement marker having a reflector mounted between a pair of flanged side ramps and a pair of center ramps. The side ramps have longitudinal flanges extending outwardly from each of the ramps to position the base properly with respect to the road surface. The flanges are tapered to provide a smooth contour for guiding snowplow blades when approaching from the side. The center ramps extend longitudinally on either side of the reflector to guide a snowplow blade when it engages the marker at a steep angle.

Abstract: A reflective pavement marker includes a hollow, hermetically sealed base having a flexible top wall defining at least one downward recess. The base is installed in an opening in a roadway, with the top wall flush with the surface. In each recess there is provided a reflector unit which includes an upper portion projecting upwardly above the top of the base, and converging upwardly so that impact from a moving object will cause a camming action that urges the reflector unit downwardly. The reflector unit includes at least one light-reflective component supported and protected by the upper portion.

Abstract: A method of making a ceramic retroreflective element having enhanced strength and increased retained reflectivity. The method of the present invention comprises forming retroreflective elements by the following steps:a) providing glass flakes;b) coating said glass flakes with a first barrier layer yielding coated glass flakes;c) providing optical elements;d) optionally coating said optical elements with a second barrier layer;e) blending said optical elements and said coated glass flakes;f) heating said optical elements and said coated glass flakes to spheroidize said flakes while agitating said optical elements and said coated glass flakes;g) further heating said optical elements and said spheroidized glass flakes to partially embed said optical elements in said spheroidized flakes while agitating said optical elements and said spheriodized flakes; andh) cooling said spheroidized flakes having partially embedded optical elements.

Abstract: Retroreflective article (10), e.g., in the form of a pavement marking, having raised, nonintegral protuberances (16) that exhibit good dry retroreflectivity and recover retroreflectivity quickly after exposure to water. The protuberances may comprise a thermoplastic polymer body and have at least two different portions. Partially embedded in the protuberances are different sets of optical elements (14) which are in optical association with a light scattering agent. The protuberances are disposed on top of a conformable base sheet (12).

Abstract: The articles of the present invention comprise optical elements embedded in either a core having a binder layer which is embedded in a road-binder or optical elements which are directly embedded into a binder layer. The binder layer may be part of a preformed pavement marking tape or may be applied directly to a traffic-bearing surface. The binder layer is comprised of a black pigment. The pavement marking articles of the present invention comprise one or more first region(s) wherein the first region(s) has a daytime appearance of black and is retroreflective.In another embodiment of the present invention, the pavement marking articles further comprise one or more second region(s) having a color which contrasts with black during the daytime and which is typically also retroreflective. The second region(s) is adjacent to the first region(s).

Abstract: A housingless abrasion resistance reflective pavement marker is disclosed. The marker comprises a housingless, flat topped body and a reflective member embeded in the body.The body can be made of abrasion and impact resistant curable resinous filler material such as epoxy or polyester resin. The body and the reflective member can be coated with high abrasion resistance diamond like carbon film to enhance durability and retain reflectivity. The filler can be an inert additive material.The reflective member can have light reflecting cells on its inner surface. The reflective member can be protected by a variety of abrasion and impact reducing ridges and webs. Also disclosed is a method for making housingless reflective pavement marker in an open mold.

Abstract: Pavement marking material comprising a top layer, an optional base sheet, and a layer of adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises a rubber and a high loading of tackifier. Such adhesives have been found to exhibit exceptional impact shear resistance.

Abstract: A thermochromatic road marker reflector is provided including a highway marker. A thermochromatic material is mounted on the marker for changing colors in response to a change in temperature.

Abstract: A roadway safety warning system and method of making same utilizing various ones of marking assemblies applied to a roadway surface to provide a warning system. The marking assemblies means includes 1) chevron marking assembly; 2) diagonal marking assembly; 3) perpendicular marking assembly; and 4) chevron and perpendicular marking assembly. The various marking means can have various embodiments thereof with 1) the chevron marking assembly being of a V-shape; 2) the diagonal marking assembly extended at an angle to a direction of travel; 3) the perpendicular marking assembly extended perpendicular to the direction of travel; and 4) the chevron and perpendicular marking assembly being a portion of both of a combination of the chevron marking assembly and the perpendicular marking assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a premanufactured covering which mainly consists of a thermoplastic material and which covering is intended for roads, parking areas, etc. The covering has reflective material, friction material or the like on the intended upward surface. The covering according to the invention is characterized in that the material includes a visible temperature indicator when being applied.

Abstract: A roadway reflector is both durable and easily embedded into an opening in a roadway. The roadway reflector in one presently preferred embodiment is preferably circular or disk shaped so it can be inserted into a preformed circular hole in the roadway. A reflector includes two primary components, one of which is an upper member which can be easily coupled to the base member by a plurality of mating tabs and notches in the respective components. An expansion ring is inserted into the base member to expand the base member into a friction fit with the opening in the roadway. A resilient membrane or web is included in the base member and surrounds the upper reflective member so that as a snow plow blade, vehicle tire or the like passes over the reflector, the upper member is depressed downwardly into a cavity in the base member.

Abstract: A road marker (10) comprising a body (12) extruded from a non-resilient material is disclosed and claimed. The marker body comprises a sloping wide base (14), a neck (18) and a head (16) and is generally I-shaped in transverse cross section. The cross-sectional area of the neck (18) on line A is less than that of the head (16) and that of base (14) in parallel planes.

Abstract: A retroreflector construction comprises a first transparent layer of a relatively high refractive index having on its rear surface one or more cube corner retroreflector elements; a second thin transparent layer of relatively low refractive index in substantially uninterrupted contact with the rear surface of the first layer; and a third metallic reflective layer in substantially uninterrupted contact with the rear surface of the second layer. The ratio of the indices of refraction of the two transparent layers is sufficient to allow TIR at their interface for at least some of the cube faces. The third, metallic layer assures face reflection when TIR fails. The construction provides greater retroreflectance than would be achieved with a single metallized transparent layer, and provides retroreflectance over a broader range of entrance angles and orientation angles than would be achieved with a single non-metallized (air-backed) transparent layer.

Abstract: A conformable magnetic article for underlayment beneath a traffic-bearing surface which sends a magnetic signal to a sensor traveling over the traffic-bearing structure. The magnetic article comprises at least one conformable magnetic layer comprising a binder and a sufficient amount of magnetic particles dispersed within the binder to provide a magnetic signal through the traffic-bearing structure to a sensor.

Abstract: Traffic delineators with vertically disposed retroreflective markings that exhibit high retroreflective brightness at high incidence angles and low incidence angles. The delineators are well suited for use on guard rails, Jersey barriers, bridge abutments, walls, barrels, posts, etc., especially in locations near intersecting traffic lanes.

Abstract: A retroreflective element that exhibits exceptional wet retroreflectivity, and a method of manufacturing the same. The retroreflective element includes an assembly having a multi-sided retroreflector and a clear thermoplastic. In one embodiment, the clear thermoplastic is at least partially thermally deformed to create a convex retroreflective dome for capturing high incident angle light rays. The retroreflective elements may be used in a pavement marking system, such as attached to pavement marking tape or deposited in pavement marking paint.

Abstract: A road surface light reflector is provided for use in complementary recesses in roads, to indicate the position of centerlines or sidelines on roads in a nocturnal environment by reflecting the light emitted by the headlights of incoming vehicles. The reflector has a discoid main body which is destined to be embedded into a road hole, so as to form a flat exposed top surface therewith, thus not protruding above the road level. The reflector main body is made of rubber, and its top portion comprises small glass particles embedded therein and covering the reflector exposed top surface, for providing a reflective exposed top surface. An alternate embodiment provides glass particles mixed throughout the whole depth of the rubber main body. The rubber main body is fixedly anchored inside its hole through the instrumentality of glue. The reflector according to the invention thus has a low production cost and can be used on roads that are likely to be snow plowed, since it does not protrude above the road level.

Abstract: An improved, unitary signal assembly operable to replace removeable signal assemblies of sub-surface mounted roadway markers or alternatively capable of being mounted directly to pavement surfaces comprising a load carrying, rigid, compression resistant, metal center bar for transmitting vertical loads directly to a rigid base mounted in a sub-surface depression formed in a paved roadway or directly to the roadway surface when mounted independently of such a base; the center bar being integrated with a support base carrying at least one light emitting signal device formed separate or integrally with angularly disposed sides of the base; the center bar including a laterally extending canopy at its upper end operable for protectively overhanging the upper end of a signal device to insulate the same from impact loads.

Abstract: A method for protecting reflective delineator stripes includes the use of spacer beads disposed along the stripe to protect reflective beads disposed thereon. The spacer beads are of a greater diameter than the reflective beads so that snowplow blades and the like will contact the spacer beads but not the reflective beads. As the snowplow blades impact the spacer beads, the snowplow blades travel along the top of the spacer beads, thereby avoiding contact with the reflective beads.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles, for example in the form of pavement markers or retroreflective elements, exhibit both wet and dry retroreflectivity by using a plurality of Type A microspheres and a plurality of Type B microspheres partially embedded in a binder layer containing specular pigments. The Type A and Type B microspheres have different average indices of refraction.

Abstract: All-ceramic retroreflective elements which may be used in pavement markings comprising an opacified ceramic core and ceramic optical elements partially embedded into the core.

Abstract: An improved pavement marking sheet material, and a method for making such pavement marking sheet material. The pavement marking sheet material comprises a selected configuration of upright retroreflectors. The upright retroreflectors are arranged in a selected configuration so as to maximize reflectivity as measured at actual observation geometries by allowing light to be incident to effective portions of the retroreflective elements on the upright retroreflectors.

Abstract: A radar highway motor vehicle guidance apparatus for guiding a land vehicle along a roadway using a forward looking, lateral position sensing, monopulse tracking radar guidance apparatus which transmits radar pulses forward of the vehicle. The pulses are reflected back to the vehicle by a stripe distributed along the roadway. The stripe is a frequency selective surface which generates retro-reflective grating lobes at an operating frequency of the tracking radar. Operating the radar at two frequencies allows the radar to look at regions spaced at two different distances from the front of the vehicle. Highway related information may be encoded in the frequency selective surface by variations in the shape or dimensions of the frequency selective stripe morphology in order to modulate the reflected signal with highway information which is then also detected at the radar receiver. Target discrimination is enhanced by using pseudo random codes and matching antenna polarization with stripe polarization.

Abstract: A peelable roadway marking tape has a multi-layer structure which provides durability and ease of removal. The marking tape includes a top layer of pigmented vinyl paint with reflective glass beads incorporated therein applied to an intermediate backing layer of either aluminum or vinyl. The backing layer is then laminated to a polyester mesh reinforcement layer, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive hot melt is applied to the under side surface of the mesh for attachment to the roadway surface. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a layer of high density polyethylene is laminated between the mesh layer and an aluminum backing layer.

Abstract: A pavement marking and a method of making a pavement marking, where retroreflectivity and skid-resistance can be independently controlled while making efficient use of the optical elements and skid-resistant particles. One illustrative embodiment includes two topcoats on a base sheet having first and second major surfaces, the first major surface having a plurality of protuberances located thereon which are separated by valleys. A first topcoat is attached to the first major surface of the base sheet and a second topcoat is selectively located on the protuberances. A first mixture of optical elements and/or skid-resistant particles is attached to, e.g., partially embedded in, the first topcoat and a second mixture of optical elements and/or skid-resistant particles is attached to, e.g., partially embedded in, the second topcoat.

Abstract: High brightness durable retro-reflecting microspheres for retro-reflection and related uses (and a novel method of forming the same) is provided embodying a retro-reflective vitreous glass microsphere encapsulated in a hardened clear non-vitreous metal-oxide ceramic shell of substantially the same index of fraction as the microsphere.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced raised pavement marker made of a composite material comprising an isotropic mixture of a polymeric material, reinforcing fibers and a filler material. The results of finite element analysis and composite technology have been combined to produce a pavement marker having high flexural strength and impact resistance without the need for an impact-resistant shell. Durable, high strength composite pavement markers are made by casting a homogenous mixture of chopped glass fibers and a filler material in a polymeric matrix. Placement of a retroreflective lens within the mold followed by pouring and curing the composite material results in a finished product upon release from the mold.

Abstract: Retroreflective glass or plastic beads have fluorescent properties when irradiated with ultraviolet light and are emplaced in signs in patterns indicative of alphanumeric characters, or embedded in a hot melt comprising road stripes or embedded in the road asphalt or aggregate during construction of the road, to provide effectively bright and clear indications of signs or the extent and direction of the road. The glass beads comprise spherodized soda lime, borosilicate, phosphosilicate or aluminosilicate glasses with low levels of rare-earth dopants mixed therein, such as compounds containing one of the rare earths, or lanthanides. The plastic beads may have fluorescent materials mixed therein, typically organic pigments or dyes based on coumarin and rhodamine or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a traffic stripe having improved reflectivity includes a vehicle having an apparatus for applying the traffic stripe, an applying assembly for dispersing a reflective material over the traffic stripe, another applying apparatus for applying an anti-adhesion agent, and a deformation apparatus disposed rearward thereof for forming interval grooves in the traffic stripe. The application of the anti-adhesion agent directly onto the traffic stripe or onto the deformation apparatus prevents the freshly applied traffic stripe from lifting off the road surface and adhering to the deformation apparatus.

Abstract: A pavement marking 10 includes a base sheet 12, a barrier layer 30, a layer 32 of bonding material, a multitude of optical elements 34, and skid-resistant particles 36. The base sheet 12 contains rubber and fillers and has a number of protuberances 14 projecting from its front side 28. Valleys 16 are disposed between the protuberances 14. The barrier layer 30 is disposed on the front side 28 at least in valleys 16 and preferably over protuberances 14. The layer 32 of bonding material is disposed predominantly on protuberances 14 and in this position secures the optical elements 34 and skid-resistant particles 36 to the protuberances 14 but not to the valleys 16. The coverage of the front side 28 of base sheet 12 with barrier layer 30 and bonding material 32 prevents the fillers in the base sheet 12 from becoming present on the top surface of the pavement marking 10 and thereby preserves the intended color of the marking 10.

Abstract: High brightness durable retro-reflecting microspheres for retro-reflection and related uses (and a novel method of forming the same) is provided embodying a retro-reflective vitreous glass microsphere encapsulated in a hardened clear non-vitreous metal-oxide ceramic shell of substantially the same index of fraction as the microsphere.

Abstract: A low profile snowplowable road marker and method of installation is disclosed. The snowplowable road marker has a circular dome section having a pair of deflectors which wrap/encircle a signalling device along a circumferential edge of the marker. The deflectors are separated by a gap to permit drainage. The deflectors have wedge shaped ends to lift the snowplow over the signalling device. The circumferential edge is radiused and mounted in a bore as to be below the level of the road surface.

Abstract: A slotted drain includes a drain pipe having an elongated narrow slot extending lengthwise along its top surface. A lower grate is rigidly secured to the elongated slot and is formed by a pair of bearing plates connected to one another by a series of spacer plates and connected to the edges of the elongated slot. The lower grate is connected to an upper grate initially in an adjustable manner such that the height and angle of the upper grate may be adjusted with respect to the lower grate and the drain pipe. The height of the upper grate with respect to the drain pipe is dependent upon the intended depth at which the drain pipe will be situated and the angle of the upper grate may, for example, correspond to the drainage slope at which the drain pipe will be set. Once the upper grate has been adjusted to the desired height and angle, the upper grate is rigidly secured to the lower grate.

Abstract: A novel roadway or similar marker strip having preferably retro-reflective-beaded protuberances in a critical "herringbone"-like pattern that provides a surprising degree of azimuthal uniform omindirectionality of light reflected from the strip.

Abstract: Thermoplastic based pavement marking sheets are disclosed. The marking sheets employ a conformant composite material including: polyolefin and a nonreinforcing mineral particulate; and/or a thermoplastic upper surface. Preferably, the sheet's thermoplastic upper surface is embedded with reflective elements and/or skid-resistant particles. A solventless process of embedding particles in thermoplastic pavement marking sheets is disclosed. Processes for preparing marking sheets are also disclosed. Conformant pavement marking sheets which may be applied in cooler conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Retroreflective glass or plastic beads have fluorescent properties when irradiated with ultraviolet light and are emplaced in signs in patterns indicative of alphanumeric characters, or embedded in a hot melt comprising road stripes or embedded in the road asphalt or aggregate during construction of the road, to provide effectively bright and clear indications of signs or the extent and direction of the road. The glass beads comprise spherodized soda lime, borosilicate, phosphosilicate or aluminosilicate glasses with low levels of rare-earth dopants mixed therein, such as compounds containing one of the rare earths, or lanthanides. The plastic beads may have fluorescent materials mixed therein, typically organic pigments or dyes based on coumarin and rhodamine or the like.

Abstract: A retroreflective pavement marker having shell-like hollow housing (with or without downwardly projecting ribs), downwardly projecting stud formed integrally as a unit with the housing, and thermoplastic retroreflectors having retroreflective elements visible through apertures in the housing. An epoxy based filler holds the reflector plate (or reflective plates) in place in the housing by solidly binding to the housing, stud and reflector plate (or reflective plates), adding impact resistance to the marker. The stud has outwardly extending vanes running along its longitudinal axis, creating an X-shaped cross-section. The vanes have outwardly facing flat surfaces and rounded surfaces therebetween. The marker is made by forming the housing (with or without ribs) and stud, placing the reflector plate (or reflective plates) in the housing, dispensing liquid fill material in the housing, and hardening the fill material.

Abstract: Landings and/or manhole covers formed of a plurality of plate bodies each having a plurality of apertures. Utilizing the plate bodies, a reflecting body having high luminance can be simply and surely provided on the landings and/or manhole covers and it is strong and easily manufactured. The reflecting body comprises a reflecting piece formed by a ceiling having a plurality of concaves and convexes at the rear surfaces thereof and a plurality of legs having windows at the intermediate portions thereof, and a stopper member which is mounted on the aperture of the plate body and has projections, wherein the ceiling is integrated with said plurality of legs and said ceiling and legs respectively made of polycarbonate, polyacrylate or other transparent high polymer substance, and wherein said projections of said stopper member are inserted into said windows of said plurality of legs.

Abstract: A retroreflective structure and a method for forming the structure are disclosed. The structure has a window side and a facet side. The facet side has a plurality of steps with treads and risers intersecting at an angle. The risers include an array of retroreflective elements. Preferably, the elements are cube-corner prisms.

Abstract: A low profile pavement marker having a glass bead type reflector and an inclined top surface is disclosed. Flanges extend from a peripheral surface on the face and from the rear of the reflector for engagement with epoxy for mounting the pavement marker to the road surface. The front face is angled to permit wiping of the glass beads of the reflector. The shell of the pavement marker may be trimmed to be combined with other shells or other reflectors.

Abstract: A pavement marker structure and method for making same is provided wherein a pre-molded base block is clad with an in situ molded cap structure. Use of epoxy resins is avoided, and the pavement marker structure is durable and resists attack by moisture.