Impregnated With Reflective Material Patents (Class 404/14)
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Patent number: 5468795Abstract: Priming composition containing a homogeneous liquid solution containing a polymeric material and at least one water-miscible solvent in an amount sufficient to provide adhesion between wet or dry road surface materials and adhesive coated articles. The priming composition allows the marking of roadways with pressure sensitive adhesive articles even on wet or damp roadway surfaces. Also a method for priming roadway surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1993Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Harald Guder
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Patent number: 5456546Abstract: Reflective bodies (6, 7) made of a transparent material are provided at their surface with distributed color spots (8), so that light can enter and exit the reflective bodies with enough intensity to generate a retroreflection. These reflective bodies are to be applied on road or other traffic surfaces, on road markings or on traffic guiding surfaces in order to make them visible, in particular at night or in rain.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1993Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignees: Plastiroute S.A., Potters-Ballotini LtdInventor: Moses Bollag
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Patent number: 5454664Abstract: A low profile, bi-directionally snow-plowable road marker having a cast metal base or body of generally square plan configuration formed on its underside with laterally spaced oppositely curved arcuate rib members flanked by transversely extending webs and protrusions located centrally of the body and acting with the rib members to self-center the cast body in a shallow arcuate depression of single radius formed in a roadway pavement; the webs and protrusions being configured to evenly distribute adhesive over the bottom, sides, ends and over portions of the upper side of the cast body to encapsulate and lock the same securely in the pavement depression.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Hallen Products Ltd.Inventor: Allen D. Siblik
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Patent number: 5453320Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1993Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: James H. C. Harper, Gary R. Miron, Timothy D. Bredhal
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Patent number: 5450236Abstract: A reflecting material, especially for display signs and road signs, is in the form of a plate (20) which is made of a transparent material and has a front surface (21) and, substantially parallel thereto, a reflecting rear surface (22). The rear surface has juxtaposed reflectors (23) with a reflecting surface coating (24). The reflectors are concave, as seen from the front surface of the plate, and so designed that light rays having an angle of incidence of about 7.degree.-65.degree. are reflected at an angle of reflection of about 0.degree. to the normal of the front surface of the plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Storra AktiebolagInventor: Bjorn Odemark
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Patent number: 5449244Abstract: A reflective pavement marker having a generally circular dome-shaped configuration and method of manufacturing same. The marker comprises a first generally circular reflective member being received upon a second generally circular back plate member. A casing is molded about the circular members such that the casing rigidly sandwiches the circular members in unvarying position. Preferably, an injection mold is utilized to form the casing about the circular members.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1994Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Inventor: Hector Sandino
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Patent number: 5439312Abstract: 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 a releasing agent, and a deformation apparatus disposed rearward thereof for forming interval grooves in the traffic stripe. The application of the releasing 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: The Rainline CorporationInventor: Forrest C. Marcato
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Patent number: 5437907Abstract: Roadway traffic control marking tape and reflective sheeting are known in the art for providing temporary delineation and demarcation of traffic lanes in order to guide the flow of traffic through detours, construction areas and the like. Traffic channelizers and barricades are also well known in the art as barriers to discourage crossing the lanes onto the other side thereof. When work on highway lanes is completed, and traffic is redirected to newly opened lanes, the tape is generally removed. When it breaks during removal the job is particularly demanding. Damage to traffic channelizing devices which are hit by fast moving vehicles leads to their frequent replacement. Hence it has become desirable to recycle them. The recycling process requires that the reflective sheet first be removed. But the recycling process too has been hampered by the difficulty of sheet breaking during its removal.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1992Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: Flex-O-Lite, Inc.Inventors: Fred G. Peil, Herbert J. Kramer
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Patent number: 5435663Abstract: A marking for the creation of a luminant surface on a substrate (10) which surface is intended to be used as direction-, wearing- and/or side markings on roads, streets, quays or parking places and which surface is subjected to water and tire wearing from passing vehicles. The marking comprises a binder (11) which fluoresces by irradiation with UV-A-light. The surface of the marking have light permeable glass pearls (12) having a size of between 0.4 and 1.0 millimeter which are embedded to about 50 and 75% of their size in the binder (11).Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1994Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Assignee: Cleanosol International ABInventor: Jorn Suhr
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Patent number: 5425596Abstract: A low-profile housing and lens assembly system for use in a pavement marker. The housing is generally shell like and has a recess for accommodating a retroreflective lens element. The housing is provided with means defining a flat base for providing improved adhesion of the marker to the pavement.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1994Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Stimsonite CorporationInventors: Richard M. Steere, Sidney A. Heenan
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Patent number: 5422162Abstract: A conformable marking tape having improved mechanical properties comprises a support base and a top-coat layer, the support base comprising a highly saturated acrylonitrile elastomer grafted with a zinc salt of methacrylic acid. The top-coat layer preferably comprises a polyurethane resin having about 50 to about 65% by weight of rigid segments and about 35 to about 50% by weight of flexible segments. The rigid segments are derived from diisocyanates and aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic chain extenders, and the flexible segments are derived from polymeric compounds having at least two active hydrogen atoms and having weight average molecular weights ranging from about 400 to about 4000.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1994Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Sergio Passarino, Luigi Cazzaniga
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Patent number: 5419651Abstract: A pavement road marker for engagement with an underlying roadway surface for providing a marking being visible from an oncoming vehicle on the roadway surface is described.A high strength, impact resistant plastic body with a front, a back and two sides is utilized having at least one aperture from the exterior to the interior of the body where a solid curved glass member is positioned. The glass member which has reflective material attached hereon provides a retroreflective lens that is permanently secured and hermetically sealed in the plastic body by a potting compound. The road marker is then aligned and attached to the roadway surface with an epoxy cement.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1994Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Inventor: Richard C. Fei
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Patent number: 5411351Abstract: Conformable marking sheet comprising a microporous thermoplastic polymer base sheet having a network of interconnected pores. The marking sheet has a low yield stress, making it conformable to rough surfaces. The pores of the base sheet can be filled with a diluent (wax) or they may have the diluent removed, for example by extraction. The construction may further comprise an adhesive on the bottom and a top marking indicium layer comprising a polymeric binder in which is partially embedded a multiplicity of retroflective lens elements, e.g., transparent microspheres.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1992Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: James E. Lasch, James M. Kaczmarczik, James A. Klein, James M. Jonza
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Patent number: 5403115Abstract: A potted shell style pavement marker reinforced with fiberglass in the form of a mat of fiberglass strands located near the bottom of the marker or in the form of chopped fiberglass strands distributed throughout the fill material. The mat provides support against torsional or bending stresses near the bottom of the marker. The chopped strands in the fill material provide three-dimensional support throughout the height and depth of the fill in the interior of the housing. Both means of support are expected to reduce the number of cracks that develop in the fill, to prevent the expansion of any cracks which do develop, to prevent premature disintegration of the marker, and to increase average marker life. The supporting mat and the chopped fiberglass strands can be used together in a single marker.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Stimsonite CorporationInventor: Michael E. Flader
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Patent number: 5395673Abstract: A non-slip composition for application to a ground surface where lighting conditions may be poor including a polymer epoxy having two parts of diglycidyl ether resin and one part aliphatic amine adduct modified with 30% AEP as a stabilizer. A phosphorescent pigment including zinc, sulfide, and copper may be mixed with the epoxy to provide luminescent characteristics thereto. During application, a clear aluminum oxide aggregate is spread across a layer of the applied epoxy prior to curing, thereby enhancing the light emitting properties of the phosphorescent pigment as well as providing non-slip characteristics to the exposed surface of the applied layer of epoxy.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1992Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Inventor: Gary B. Hunt
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Patent number: 5393166Abstract: A reflective marker apparatus comprises a resilient, elastic body portion having an attachment surface, a top surface adjacent the attachment surface and first and second oppositely disposed face sides angularly disposed relative to the attachment surface to be convergent toward the top surface. A reflecting device is secured to at least one of the first and second face sides for reflecting light generally directed at the face sides. The body is preferably formed from a portion of a rubber tire to form a solid, unitary body. There is also disclosed a method of marking a point in a vehicular traffic area, the method including the steps of attaching to the point a body formed entirely from at least a portion of a rubber tire and having a reflecting surface thereon and using the reflecting surface to reflect light received from the lights of a nearby vehicle, such that reflected light is directed back at the vehicle. In addition, there is described a reflector for general application on vehicle area markers.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1993Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Target Recycling Inc.Inventors: Anthony P. Stock, Daniel B. O'Brien, James A. Sloan
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Patent number: 5391015Abstract: A pavement marker includes an object, such as a sheet or a raised pavement marker body, having an upper surface useful as a pavement marking indicium and a lower surface, and a bottom layer of polyorganosiloxane pressure-sensitive adhesive in intimate contact with the lower surface. A pressure-sensitive adhesive laminate system for attaching a pavement marker to a roadway surface includes a first layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive material,such as a polyorganosiloxane adhesive, a second layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive material, and a layer of deformable material interposed between the first and second pressure-sensitive adhesive layers, wherein the deformable material of the interposed layer is characterized by high cohesive (shear) strength. A method of marking a pavement having a temperature below 15.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1993Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: James M. Kaczmarczik, James E. Lasch, Gregory F. Jacobs, David C. May, Daniel J. Willie
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Patent number: 5380549Abstract: A method for providing a traffic surface such as a path, roadway, passageway, deck, or airfield runway or taxiway with both anti-slip and retro-reflective characteristics. A first coating of paint is applied to the surface, solid particles are distributed onto the first coating such that the particles sink partially into the first coating, and a second coating of paint is applied over the particles and the first coating to lock the particles into the first coating with the particles projecting from the second coating. Before the second coating is set, retro-reflective beads are distributed over the second coating to sink partially into the second coating between the projecting particles. The beads are bonded into the second coating and project from the second coating. The beads are smaller than the particles and the particles project from the second coating by more than the beads to overshadow the beads.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1992Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Inventor: Eric J. Harvison
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Patent number: 5380121Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1993Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Assignee: Contech Construction Products, Inc.Inventor: James C. Schluter
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Patent number: 5354143Abstract: 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. One or two retro-reflective flattened reflectors are preferably mounted as insets between the base block and the cap structure. Use of epoxy resins is avoided, the pavement marker structure is durable and resists attack by moisture.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Elgin Molded Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Henry Lindner
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Patent number: 5340231Abstract: A low-profile housing and lens assembly system for use in a pavement marker. The housing is generally shell like and has a recess for accommodating a retroreflective lens element. The housing is provided with means defining a flat base for providing improved adhesion of the marker to the pavement.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1991Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Stimsonite CorporationInventors: Richard M. Steere, Sidney A. Heenan
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Patent number: 5320446Abstract: This invention describes the design and method of installation of wild animal highway warning reflectors. The reflector consists of a transparent plate having a flat light entrance surface and a backside reflection surface from which the reflected light is dispersed. The rear surface is comprised of many reflecting toric surfaces arranged vertically and horizontally side-by-side. The new design of the toric surfaces and the unique method of installing the reflectors provide complete reflected light coverage for all variations of roadside terrain to warn wild animals that wish to cross a highway at night. To an animal each reflector glitters with colored light. As a vehicle passes, animals see an unnatural, sequence of lights coming from a plurality of reflectors located along both sides of the highway. Installation of these warning reflectors adjacent to highways where wild animals frequently cross has led to a considerable reduction of the number of accidents.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1993Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Inventor: John R. Strieter
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Patent number: 5316406Abstract: An improved roadway marker rubber-like strip in which the upper layer is deformed into protruberances such as wedges or ridges, preferably provided with a coating of exposed retro-reflective beads, that have been cross-link-vulcanized to provide the same with memory that permits shape restoration following depression by vehicle traffic, and a cold-flow un-vulcanized bottom layer adhered to the roadway and conforming without memory to the same under vehicle traffic.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1992Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Briteline Industries, Inc.Inventor: Charles W. Wyckoff
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Patent number: 5310279Abstract: Pavement markers are provided that are equipped with installation tabs which permit marker storage vertically and which permit hand holding of the individual markers during installation. After a marker is installed, each tab is breakable adjacent to the marker upper surface in response to an applied small bending force. The tabs overcome the problem of installing pavement markers upon hot tar.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1992Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Elgin Molded Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Henry Lindner
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Patent number: 5310278Abstract: A pavement marker includes an object, such as a sheet or a raised pavement marker body, having an upper surface useful as a pavement marking indicium and a lower surface, and a bottom layer of polyorganosiloxane pressure-sensitive adhesive in intimate contact with the lower surface. A pressure-sensitive adhesive laminate system for attaching a pavement marker to a roadway surface includes a first layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive material, such as a polyorganosiloxane adhesive, a second layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive material, and a layer of deformable material interposed between the first and second pressure-sensitive adhesive layers, wherein the deformable material of the interposed layer is characterized by high cohesive (shear) strength. A method of marking a pavement having a temperature below 15.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1992Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: James M. Kaczmarczik, James E. Lasch, Gregory F. Jacobs, David C. May, Daniel J. Willie
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Patent number: 5308186Abstract: A low profile snowplowable road marker and method of installation is disclosed. The snowplowable road marker has a circular top section with opposed dished surfaces extending from a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge is mounted in an outer bore below the level of the road surface. A bridge portion extends between a pair of channels. The bridge portion has at least one inclined wall having a recess for accepting a signalling device. A brow extends outwardly from the inclined wall over the recess to reduce contact between the tire of a vehicle passing over the road marker and the signalling device.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1992Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Pac-Tec, Inc.Inventor: Peter Hedgewick
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Patent number: 5277516Abstract: This invention describes the design and method of installation of wild animal highway warning reflectors. The reflector consists of a transparent plate having a flat light entrance surface and a backside reflection surface from which the reflected light is dispersed. The rear surface is comprised of many reflecting toric surfaces arranged vertically and horizontally side-by-side. The new design of the toric surfaces and the unique method of installing the reflectors provide complete reflected light coverage for all variations of roadside terrain to warn wild animals that wish to cross a highway at night. To an animal each reflector glitters with colored light. As a vehicle passes, animals see an unnatural, sequence of lights coming from a plurality of reflectors located along both sides of the highway. Installation of these warning reflectors adjacent to highways where wild animals frequently cross has led to a considerable reduction of the number of accidents.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Inventor: John R. Strieter
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Patent number: 5267809Abstract: A shell 50 for a roadmarker device 10 has a body member 12 of a glass material. The body member 12 defines a chamber 14 in which a reflective element 28 is receivable. The body member 12 has a circular cylindrical base portion 16 and a raised portion 18 on top of the base portion 16. The raised portion 18, when viewed from one side of the base portion 16 is parabola-like and extends between opposed peripheries 16.1, 16.2 of the base portion 16. The raised portion 18 defines two substantially planar surfaces 20 extending in opposite directions, downwardly from a central ridge 22.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1993Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Assignee: Glass (SA) Holdings (Proprietary) LimitedInventor: Robert G. Allan
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Patent number: 5257875Abstract: A one-way snowplowable pavement marker having an auxiliary ramp at the front of a body portion connecting the spaced first and second primary ramps for supporting a snowplow blade tip when the tip is at angle up to 60.degree. from a line perpendicular to the direction of travel to protect a reflector in the marker. A cast-in-place shelf is formed behind the reflector for supporting the blade tip before and after it leaves the auxiliary ramp to prevent the reflector from being contacted by the snowplow blade.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1992Date of Patent: November 2, 1993Assignee: Stimsonite CorporationInventor: Robert M. Flanagan
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Patent number: 5255995Abstract: A highway marker comprising an essentially horizontally positionable base having a lower face securable to the ground and an upper face thereabove and a generally rectangular periphery therebetween, the base also having tapering exterior walls with spaced parallel ribs extending downwardly from the lower face, the ribs being formed with thinner upper ends integral with the lower face and with thicker lower free ends; an essentially vertically extending body having a generally planar front face and a generally planar rear face defining a generally rectangular periphery with a free upper edge and a lower edge integrally formed with the upper face of the base, the body being thicker at its lower edge than its upper edge; a circular projection formed integrally with, and extending outwardly from, each face of the body to define a recess, the edge of each projection remote from its associated face extending radially inwardly to define a locking lip; a plurality of ribs formed integrally with, and extending outwardType: GrantFiled: May 29, 1992Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Inventor: Lester W. Branning
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Patent number: 5240344Abstract: A lane marker which is attached to the surface of a road to define the boundary between two lanes, and which is adapted to receive light from the headlights of a rear one of two vehicles traveling in the same direction on the road and direct a portion of that light forwardly from the marker for viewing from the forward vehicle, to indicate to the driver of the forward vehicle the position of the rear vehicle with respect to the marker. The device includes a prism or other light directing unit or assembly acting by refraction and/or reflection to aim the light forwardly within a preferably limited angle assuring sufficient intensity of the light for effective viewing by the driver of the forward vehicle. The device may also reflect some of the light back to the trailing vehicle for viewing by its driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1990Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Inventor: William P. Green
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Patent number: 5236281Abstract: A device for damming and diverting liquid on a spill surface has an elongated, pliable dike having a first end, a second end and an exposed surface. The exposed surface is inherently tacky so that it is adherable to the spill surface to prevent flow of liquid past the dike. The dike is preferably triangular and made from a substance, such as polyurethane, so that all exposed surfaces on the dike are inherently tacky, including those created when a portion of the dike is severed to tailor the dike for specific damming needs. The device also includes a joint housing which may be engaged on abutting ends of adjacent dikes to seal the joint. A method for creating a liquid control zone on a spill surface utilizing the dike of the present invention is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1992Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: New Pig CorporationInventor: Dennis G. Middleton
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Patent number: 5226745Abstract: A pavement marker including a body (1), at least one hermetic chamber (14) in the body, a reflector panel (6,7) positioned in the side of the body (1) for each chamber and sufficiently transparent to allow the passage of light therethrough and form a window in the body (1) into the hermetic chamber (14), a substantially smooth external face on the reflector panel (6,7) which lies at an acute angle to a base surface of the body (1) and reflective prismatic projections (8) on an inner face of said reflector panel (6,7) with the projections spaced from a back face (11) of said chamber (14).Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1991Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Inventor: John Gartlacher
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Patent number: 5227221Abstract: A polymeric base sheet has a plurality of protuberances and valleys located on a first side of the base sheet. A layer of bonding material is located on a top surface of the protuberances and is substantially absent from the valleys located between the protuberances. A plurality of skid-preventative particles are secured to the layer of bonding material so as to be substantially absent from the valleys. A sheet of this construction allows the skid-preventative particles to be used in a more efficient manner than heretofore known. By placing the skid-preventative particles exclusively on the protuberances of the base sheet, less particles need to be employed to obtain the skid-preventative surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1991Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Thomas P. Hedblom
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Patent number: 5223977Abstract: The marker has a pair of upwardly converging reflectant planar panels facing approximately in opposite directions. In its correct attitude on a support surface the panels slope at 2.degree.-6.degree. to the vertical if the marker is intended for assisting the landing of fixed wing aircraft and at 8.degree.-10.degree. to the vertical if the marker is intended for assisting the landing of helicopters. The reflectant panels are preferably retroreflectant.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1991Date of Patent: June 29, 1993Inventor: Reginald S. Bennett
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Patent number: 5213440Abstract: A method of making a yellow, transparent tempered glass and the product so made that comprises adding a certain quantity of CeO2 and TiO2 to the glass composition prior to a rapid cooling of the composition. Each additive is in the amount of about 1% to 6% and together they produce a yellow color. Also, at the same time, from 1% to 5% of BaO or PbO is added as an additive for enhancing the transparency and refractive index of the glass. The resulting yellow transparent tempered glass is especially suited for use in a reflecting roadstud and used for separating the traffic lanes on roads.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Inventors: Jien-Wei Yeh, Jenn-Jye Chu
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Patent number: 5213439Abstract: A process for marking a pavement comprising melting a dry blended thermoplastic pavement marking composition which contains an elastomer and a substantially non-aromatic hydrocarbon resin and applying the molten composition thus obtained to the pavement, wherein the elastomer is a block copolymer containing at least one poly(conjugated diene) block which may or may not have been hydrogenated and at least two poly(vinylaromatic) blocks, which block copolymer is present in the dry-blended composition in the form of a powder.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1992Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Noel R. M. De Keyzer
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Patent number: 5194113Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1992Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: James E. Lasch, Gregory F. Jacobs, Terry R. Bailey, Louis C. Belisle, Roger R. Kult, Robert A. Haenggi, Michael P. Daniels
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Patent number: 5173099Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a road warning device for a divided driveway, expecially a process for manufacturing a warning device in different colors, in order to match the traffic signs, in such a way that one first presses a melting pulp of potash-glass to form a main body, then high pressure spray a tinfoil metal powder on the spherical surface of the warning device, trim the circumferences of the uncooled reflecting spheroid, remove the excess metal alloy powder, and finally spray a metal-oxide or metal-halide (e.g. silver oxide, plumbous oxide or gold sodium chloride etc.) either on the entire spherical or semispherical surface of the reflecting spheroid, in order to show different colors on the reflecting spheroid.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1991Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Inventor: Hung-Chun Chen
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Patent number: 5120154Abstract: Conformable marking sheet comprising a microporous thermoplastic polymer base sheet having a network of interconnected pores. The marking sheet has a low yield stress, making it conformable to rough surfaces. The pores of the base sheet can be filled with a diluent (wax) or they may have the diluent removed, for example by extraction. The construction may further comprise an adhesive on the bottom and a top marking indicium layer comprising a polymeric binder in which is partially embedded a multiplicity of retroflective lens elements, e.g., transparent microspheres.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1991Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: James E. Lasch, James M. Kaczmarczik, James A. Klein, James M. Jonza
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Patent number: 5108218Abstract: A flexible longitudinally extending roadway marker strip of flexible plastic rubber-like sheet material (produced by a preferred method of fabrication) comprises a cross-linked or vulcanized upper layer having longitudinally extending therealong successive sets of successively spaced protuberances, ridges or ridge segments deformed therein and extending transversely of the strip. Projecting retroreflective bead coatings are adhered to at least the forward and rearward surfaces of the protuberances, ridges or ridge segments, and flat unbeaded daylight-bright or colored-appearance segments are disposed intermediate the successive sets and have a dimension in the longitudinal direction of the strip greater than that of the individual projections, ridges or ridge segments and the spaces therebetween in each set.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1990Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Assignee: Brite-Line IndustriesInventor: Charles W. Wyckoff
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Patent number: 5104256Abstract: A low profile pavement marker (30) for bonding to a pavement with an adhesive for marking traffic lanes and areas is described. The marker has a smooth upper reflective surface (36) which scatters overhead light in all horizontal directions for daytime visibility and a vertical retroreflective strip (42) for reflecting incident light to its source for nightime visibility. The marker (30) has a lip bonded to its base (34) to keep the pavement adhesive away from the retroreflective strip (42) which allows the strip to be located adjacent to the pavement. This, in turn, allows for the low profile and the optimal vertical placement of the retroreflective strip (42). A visor (46) extends smoothly outward from the upper surface (36) and protects the retroreflective strip (42) from tire abrasion. A clear coating (44) protects the retroreflective strip (42) from moisture and ultraviolet radiation. Other embodiments are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1990Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: Highway Ceramics, Inc.Inventor: Canan D'Avela
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Patent number: 5098217Abstract: A pavement marker for a roadway surface includes a lower base portion and a retro-reflective lens mounted on the base portion at an angle to it. A photopolymerizable clear acrylic protective hard coat is deposited over and integrally formed with the front face of the lens for resisting abrasion of the lens and reducing the loss of optical efficiency resulting from such abrasion. The pavement marker also includes a frame of generally arcuate cross-section formed about an edge of the hard coat potentially susceptible to peeling from impact of vehicle tires against the hard coat. The frame is preferably formed as a bead raised from the face of the marker, and the bead includes a sharp interior edge lying generally perpendicular to the lens, adjacent the edge of the hard coat.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1990Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Pac-Tec, Inc.Inventors: Peter Hedgewick, Douglas S. Forrer
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Patent number: 5087148Abstract: An improved roadway marker rubber-like strip in which the upper layer is deformed into protruberances such as wedges or ridges, preferably provided with a coating of exposed retro-reflective beads, that have been cross-link-vulcanized to provide the same with memory that permits shape restoration following depression by vehicle traffic, and a cold-flow un-vulcanized bottom layer adhered to the roadway and conforming without memory to the same under vehicle traffic.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1990Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: Brite Line CorporationInventor: Charles W. Wyckoff
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Patent number: 5078538Abstract: A pavement marker base is provided having a generally planar bottom support surface with an array of downwardly facing open chambers molded therein. Deformations are formed on the bottom surfaces of at least some of the walls dividing the chambers, and also preferably in the peripheral support surface of the marker base to provide additional downwardly facing surface area to mate with an adhesive material used to adhere the marker base to a roadway surface. These deformations may be characterized by a variety of surface shapes, such as arcs, rectangular notches, and dovetails. In the preferred embodiment, chamber walls include outwardly directed lips to engage the adhesive material. In another embodiment of the invention, a wire mesh covers at least some of the bottom surface of the marker base, and is imbedded within the bottom surface of the chamber walls and peripheral support surface. The mesh engages with the adhesive to provide a strong means of anchorage.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1990Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: Stimsonite CorporationInventor: Anthony J. Montalbano
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Patent number: 5077117Abstract: A pavement marking material comprises a flexible base sheet that is conformable to an irregular pavement surface. A durable, wear-resistant, polymeric top layer is adhered to one surface of the base sheet. The top layer is capable of undergoing brittle fracture at a temperature from 0.degree. C. to 45.degree. C. such that when the base sheet conforms an irregular surface, the top layer readily forms ruptures to relieve stress build-up in the top layer as the regions of the top layer defined by the ruptures remain adhered to, and follow the conformance of, the base sheet. A plurality of particles are embedded in and protrude from the top layer. The particles comprise retroreflective beads and skid-resistant granules. In a preferred embodiment, the top layer is characterized by a Young's modulus of from about 50,000 psi to about 300,000 psi, and a percent elongation at break of from about 4% to about 35%.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1990Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: James H. C. Harper, Raymond E. Grunzinger, Jr.
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Patent number: 5061114Abstract: A reflective pavement marker of the type having a shell-like housing of synthetic resin or other moldable material with a reflective end wall of light transmitting material with a filler of epoxy or other potting material. The reflective end wall is formed with retro-directive reflective elements of cube corner type. The end wall is dished so that light rays reflect from the array of cube corner reflective elements and converge to enhance the candle power of the reflective light. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for making the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1990Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Assignee: Pac-Tec, Inc.Inventor: Peter Hedgewick
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Patent number: 5049001Abstract: A safety roadway delineator includes one or more elongate recessed marker surfaces which are coated with a reflective material, preferably a retroreflective material such as reflective glass beads. The recessed marker surfaces are vertical or at least inclined to the horizontal to insure water run-off and are formed either directly in cast-in-place concrete roadway members or in pre-cast polymer concrete facing panels which are attached to the cast-in-place concrete roadway members. The roadway delineator is substantially continuously protected from normal wear and reliably exhibits reflectivity both under dry and rainy weather conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1988Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Transpro Industries, Inc.Inventor: Arthur M. Dinitz
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Patent number: 5030029Abstract: An improved road barrier for channelizing traffic is provided and consists of a hollow pyramidal structure having a frustrum top. A base is formed on the bottom for stabilizing the pyramidal structure on a flat surface. A plurality of spaced apart bands are formed on the pyramidal structure for dividing it into a plurality of tiers with each tier having a plurality of panel faces so as to add strength to the pyramidal structure. At least one rib is formed on the frustrum top for mounting a warning light thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1990Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Inventor: Thore Johnsen
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Patent number: 5013181Abstract: A night-visible traffic lane marking device for aircraft landing and takeoff strips, roadways and the like. The markers are installed embedded into the lane with their upper surfaces flush with the traffic surface. Reflective, fluorescent or phosphorescent elements are provided encased within a transparent uppermost layer. Each element extends vertically to provide a substantial profile for long distance visibility. The transparent covering extends a substantial distance from the reflective element in the direction of oncoming traffic, to increase long distance visibility. Night visibility of the element may be further enhanced by a self-contained, solar powered, illumination unit installed within the transparent layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1989Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Inventor: George M. Harrison