Applied To Existing Hard Surface Patents (Class 404/94)
  • Publication number: 20120203475
    Abstract: Presented herein are a system and method (i.e., utilities) for monitoring the flow of materials used to mark road surfaces and other surfaces. The utilities utilize one or more pressure sensors to monitor in-line pressure of road marking material to determine the amount of material being applied. Electronic equipment receives signals from the pressure sensors, temperature sensors and/or additional monitoring equipment to generate an output indicative of an amount of material flow. In a further arrangement, the equipment generates an output indicative of a thickness of the read marking material as applied to a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens, Timothy John Marthe, Kalvin Ambrose Hoff
  • Patent number: 8192108
    Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the layout of hashed lines, particularly for laying out lines in parking lots near parking islands and handicapped parking spots is herein disclosed, comprising a large push broom on wheels. Two (2) canisters of marking chalk project downward from a main horizontal member and are spaced so as to produce parallel chalk lines or chalk dots within no parking areas in a parking lot. A guide arm is located on a side of the apparatus such that it can trace the last set of dots and produce two (2) more in an offset, but equally-spaced manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Rick G. Causey
  • Publication number: 20120134747
    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 form 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 8177456
    Abstract: A pavement milling sled upholds a rotating pavement milling drum during travel over pavement preselected for milling. Coplanar lower faces of laterally-separated left and right runners configured for sliding travel on the surface of the pavement define a sled floor. A milling frame mounted between the runners circumscribes a milling region, wherein rotation of the milling drum dislodges pavement located in the path the sled below the sled floor, pulverizes dislodged pavement, and deposits pulverized pavement to the rear of the sled. Left and right milling region sidewalls extend upwardly from the sled floor on opposite sides of the milling region. A guard plate is secured between the milling region sidewalls forward of the milling region at a distance above the sled floor. A discharge baffle extends between the milling region sidewalls at the back of the milling region in close proximity to the sled floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Asphalt Zipper, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Tron Haroldsen
  • Patent number: 8157473
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing markers from pavement includes a prime mover and an implement adjustably coupled to the prime mover. The implement includes a body, a tool having a working tip, a leveling pointer pivotably coupled to the body such that the leveling pointer moves relative to the body under the force of gravity, and a target indicium disposed near the leveling pointer. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a camera focused on the working tip of the tool and a display visible to an operator of the prime mover. A method of removing a marker from pavement includes positioning the working tip of a tool at a predetermined distance from an edge of the marker embedded in the pavement; adjusting the implement to a predetermined angle relative to an upper surface of the pavement by rotating the implement until the leveling pointer is aligned with the target indicium; and advancing the implement to remove the marker from the pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: M.A.S. Markers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven C Johnson
  • Patent number: 8128313
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: EZ Liner
    Inventors: Patrick T. Rouse, Marvin Lee Van Bruggen, Matthew Joseph Brossard
  • Patent number: 8052070
    Abstract: Apparatus for depositing a flowable substance as marking on road surfaces, and the like, comprising a container for the flowable substance which is conducted through a valve with a series of computer controlled, close adjacently arranged valve elements which can be activated individually with a series of activating members with connecting elements to the individual valve elements. The apparatus comprises a way of varying as an assembly the geometry of the movement of activating members of the valve members. The connecting elements are linked to a longitudinally extending member with an eccentric mechanism to regulate the active length of the connection between the activating member and the valve member for each of a plurality of valve members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Trysil Maskin AS
    Inventor: Erik Bakken
  • Publication number: 20110229265
    Abstract: A pavement marking tape applicator device is adapted for applying pavement marking tape on a surface along a longitudinal dimension. The device comprises a pressure roller adapted for rolling over the tape applied. Further the device has an actuator for biasing the pressure roller toward the surface. The pressure roller is pivotally suspended at the device for pivoting about a skewing axis that is oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal dimension. The device may be movable at a relatively high directional stability and may help providing a good adhesion of the tape on an uneven surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Waldemar Schottka
  • Patent number: 8021077
    Abstract: A self-moved device (1) suitable for spraying a fluid substance on a surface (50), comprising a moving system (6) for motion on the surface (50), at least one tank (4) suitable for containing said fluid substance, a spraying system (5) for spraying the fluid substance, a management and control system (7) for managing and controlling said moving system (6) and said spraying system (5), wherein the management and control system (7) is suitable for guiding the motion of said self-moved device (1) on said surface (50) and for activating said spraying system (5) in a plurality of spots of said surface (50) according to a predetermined scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Barbara Annese, Marco Scianame'
  • Patent number: 8016515
    Abstract: An apparatus for repaving an asphalt surface is provided. The apparatus includes a base carried on a plurality of wheels, a heater to heat and soften a damaged asphalt surface, a series of blades and a center mill to scarify and break up the heated asphalt surface, and a mixer to receive and recondition the reclaimed asphalt. The center mill may include a plurality of teeth members to break up the asphalt and a plurality of lip members and paddles to lift the broken asphalt and deliver it to the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Angelo Benedetti Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Benedetti, John Stockwell
  • Patent number: 8011851
    Abstract: A device to secure, cut and sequentially remove a manhole from a street environment. The manhole removing device is supported and rotatably driven hydraulically by a mobile operation equipment. A circular disk assembly has adjustable pavement cutters adjustably positioned from there within an inter-related manhole centering and a locking alignment and engagement plate assembly define a one-step cutting and removal of an existing manhole from the street for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Crites
  • Publication number: 20110195179
    Abstract: The present invention provides a marking system adapted for coating a surface of a substrate in which a drying agent is used. According to a first aspect of the invention, a binder layer, such as paint, is applied to the surface. A drying agent is dispensed into the spray of a binder and becomes incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The incorporation of the drying agent into the binder prior to application on the surface provides improved mixing of the drying agent and binder and improved performance. According to a second aspect of the invention, a combination of optical elements and a drying agent are stored in a common hopper and are dispensed into the spray of the binder and become incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The mixture of optical elements and drying agent prevents coagulation of the drying agent and the resulting clogging of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Chris Davies, Kevin Goforth
  • Patent number: 7976238
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a system for removing aggregate from a paved surface. The system includes a motorized vehicle with a degradation drum that is connected to the underside of the vehicle. The degradation drum is enclosed by a milling chamber. The milling chamber is defined by having a plurality of plates, including a moldboard positioned rearward of the milling drum. The moldboard comprises an end that is disposed opposite the underside. The end comprises a section that is proximate the milling drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jeff Jepson, Thomas Morris, Joseph Nielson, Ronald B. Crockett, Gary Peterson, David Wahlquist
  • Patent number: 7976239
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a system for removing aggregate from a paved surface. The system includes a motorized vehicle with a degradation drum that is connected to the underside of the vehicle. The degradation drum is enclosed by a milling chamber. The milling chamber is defined by having a plurality of plates, including a moldboard positioned rearward of the milling drum. The moldboard comprises an end that is disposed opposite the underside. The end comprises a section that is proximate the milling drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jeff Jepson, Thomas Morris, Joseph Nielson, Ronald B. Crockett, Gary Peterson, David Wahlquist
  • Patent number: 7946788
    Abstract: In a road construction machine (1) for the treatment of road surfaces with a milling drum (3) height-adjustable with regard to the milling depth, with a leveling device (4) with at least one controller (6a, 6c) which receives set values for the milling depth and/or the slope of the milling drum (3), and with at least one exchangeable sensor (A, B, C) or with several switchable sensors for registering the current actual value of the milling depth and/or the slope of the milling drum (3) relative to a reference surface, where the controller (6a, 6c) effects a milling depth control and/or a slope control for the milling drum (3) conditional on pre-determined set values and the currently measured actual values of the at least one sensor (A, B, C) by returning an adjustment value for achieving or maintaining the set value during the milling operation, where the leveling device (4) is provided with an indication and setting device (2) for indicating and setting operating parameters for the at least one sensor (A, B
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Jaroslaw Jurasz, Günter Hähn, Günter Tewes
  • Patent number: 7942605
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a system for removing a layer of a paved surface comprising a vehicle is adapted to traverse a paved surface in a selected direction. The vehicle has a milling drum with an axle substantially parallel and connected to the vehicle within a milling chamber. The drum is adapted to rotate around the axle between the paved surface and the vehicle. A conveyor belt is attached to a forward end of the vehicle and comprises a portion proximate an opening of the milling chamber. The belt is adapted to carry loose aggregate from the milling drum away from the paved surface. At least one nozzle is disposed on an underside of the vehicle and is in communication with a reservoir through a pathway. The at least one nozzle is adapted to direct the loose aggregate towards the portion of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Neil Cannon, Thomas Morris
  • Patent number: 7905682
    Abstract: A road milling machine having a milling roller with a plurality of chisels. A signal receiving unit is assigned to a machine component which is directly or indirectly involved in the milling process or to another machine component. The signal receiving unit detects an operating condition of the machine component and is connected to a signal emitting unit. An optical detecting device may be assigned to the road milling machine, whereby operations are made easier and the milling pattern is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Holl, Kay Heemann, Günter Hähn, Axel Mahlberg
  • Publication number: 20110020064
    Abstract: The striper 10 has an aluminum die trough 12 and doctor gate 14 components having a black anodized Type 2 Class 2 coating. Other components 16 of the screed box 18 which are not intended to transfer hear are coated with a reflective E-nickel. These components 16 are more likely to be use to lift the screed box and will absorb less heat due to their reflective properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: James C. Schroeder, Steven H. Fredrickson, Roland M. Bedard, Thomas L. Triplett
  • Publication number: 20110020063
    Abstract: The invention relates to a road marking having multiple depressions introduced into the road surface, the depressions comprising two lateral longitudinal walls, extending in the longitudinal direction of the road, that transition, proceeding from the road surface, continuously into a bottom region; and the depression being delimited by two transverse walls extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the road. The road markings have improved utilization properties if provision is made that the longitudinal walls comprise a region convexly curved transversely to the longitudinal direction of the road. The invention further relates to a cutting unit for producing such road markings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: WIRTGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Abresch, Christian Berning, Michael Schulz, Cyrus Barimani, Guenter Haehn
  • Publication number: 20110013981
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an animal crossing warning zone wherein a motorist is alerted that he or she is entering, passing through, and then exiting a section of roadway where wild animals, such as whitetail deer, have a tendency to cross the road. A method of applying the animal crossing warning zone onto, into or out of an upper surface of a roadway is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Harold Ralph Hanson
  • Patent number: 7866917
    Abstract: A device and method for marking pavement surfaces are provided. A trailer comprising an enclosure is adapted to mount a first guide bar supporting an electric motor. Multiple holding brackets are attached to the electric motor for keeping the electric motor on track of the first guide bar though multiple rollers. A metal block housing is supported on a second guide bar attached parallel to the first guide bar. A printer is mounted on the metal block housing and adapted for marking pavement surfaces. The printer comprises a primary reservoir for storing paint, multiple printing heads positioned at multiple openings on the metal block housing for marking the pavement surfaces, and a secondary reservoir for delivering paint to the printing heads through hoses. Multiple gears comprising a rack and a pinion allow the electric motor to control movement of the metal block housing with respect to the second guide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Romeo Fernando Malit
  • Patent number: 7854566
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for removing a layer of a paved surface comprises a vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface in a selected direction. The vehicle also comprises a milling drum with an axle connected to the vehicle, the drum being adapted to rotate around the axle substantially normal the selected direction. A moldboard is positioned rearward of the milling drum and also connected to the vehicle. A plurality of nozzles is disposed proximate a bottom end of the moldboard and is in communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway and the plurality of nozzles is adapted to move independent of the moldboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Neil Cannon, Thomas Morris
  • Patent number: 7850101
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying paint and reflective glass beads to a surface that comprises an airless paint sprayer system, a bead dispensing system, a chassis, a power source, and a user-activated control switch. The airless paint sprayer system comprises a paint reservoir, one or more airless spray heads for spraying paint onto the surface, and a pump for pumping paint from the reservoir to the spray heads. The bead dispensing system comprises a bead reservoir, one or more bead dispensing nozzles for dispensing beads onto the paint sprayed onto the surface by the spray heads, an air reservoir for holding pressurized air, one or more pneumatic cylinders configured for opening and closing a corresponding dispensing nozzle, and one or more flow control regulators for controlling air into and out of a corresponding pneumatic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sightline, LC
    Inventor: Thomas Walmer
  • Patent number: 7806626
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for computer assisted driving of vehicles. The system disclosed herein provides an array of sensors positioned in the vehicles at strategic points for capturing vibrations and sound induced, when the vehicles move over pavement surfaces marked with predefined patterns of peaks and troughs. The sensors further measure frequencies of these vibrations. An onboard computer on the vehicle matches the captured frequencies and sound against pre-specified frequencies to obtain unique frequency signatures for the segment of the pavement traversed by the vehicle. Navigational data and geographical data associated with the unique frequency signature are used to provide assistance in driving of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Romeo Fernando Malit
  • Patent number: 7798745
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for reconditioning a paved surface, has a vehicle adapted to traverse the paved surface. The vehicle has a manifold with a plurality of high pressure nozzles adapted to indent the paved surface. At least one nozzle is formed in a nozzle body with a distal end having a hard material with a hardness of at least 2,000 HK. The at least one nozzle is also in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway. The apparatus has a pressurizing mechanism and a heating mechanism for pressurizing and heating fluid in the fluid pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20100226717
    Abstract: Disclosed are pavement markers (100) and a mobile highway marking apparatus (1000) for advancing in a forward direction along a paved surface of a highway for applying a paint stripe (906) to the paved surface and applying pavement markers at intervals on the paint stripe. The marking apparatus includes a dispenser (1016) that is configured for moving a sequence of the pavement markers form 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 7775741
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing cured concrete floors using a riding trowel to which large diameter pans are rotationally secured, the pans having abraders releasably secured to their undersides. The individual abraders are preferably individually removably secured to the pans by hook-and-loop fasteners, wherein the fasteners are selectively disposed on the flat bottom surfaces of the pans or within shallow depressions in the bottom surfaces of the pans. The riding trowel further comprises a vacuum system in fluid communication with a contained space formed by a shroud having a rigid upper portion and a flexible lower portion where it contacts the finished cured concrete floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Copoulos
  • Publication number: 20100196095
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Fortson-Peek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 7753620
    Abstract: An automotive road milling machine, in particular large milling machine, for milling a ground surface or traffic surface, with a chassis provided with a front axle and a rear axle, consisting of crawler track units or wheels, a machine frame carried by the chassis with lateral outer walls and a longitudinal center-line, a milling drum supported at the machine frame between the crawler track units or wheels of the front axle and the rear axle, where one front end of the milling drum reaches as far as an outer side of the machine frame called the zero side for the purpose of close-to-edge milling, and an operator station with a platform for the machine operator, it is provided that the part of the machine frame located on the zero side in front of the platform of the machine operator when seen in the direction of travel is set back inwards in such a manner that a recess running in vertical direction and open towards the outer side, as well as towards the bottom and towards the top is formed in the machine frame
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Kötting, Christian Berning, Martin Lenz, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 7753616
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and permanent pavement marker for coating or bonding or both coating and bonding a first underlying substrate, wherein a second layer comprises a polyurea epoxy curable composition of about 200 centipoise which is bonded to the first underlying substrate, wherein the curable composition second layer is further bonded to a third layer, wherein the third layer comprises an epoxy bonder paste in a range of 10,000 to 300,000 centipoise, and the third layer is further bonded to a fourth layer, wherein the fourth layer is a preformed thermoplastic marking tile that is applied over the third layer of epoxy bonder paste, thereby forming a the permanent pavement marking. The system and pavement marker may also include a thermoplastic adhesive applied between the epoxy bonder paste and the preformed thermoplastic marking tile such that the bonder paste acts as a water vapor barrier reducing the rate of water vapor transmission into the marking tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventors: Robert F. Greer, Alexander F. Cady
  • Patent number: 7748789
    Abstract: A pavement profiler having a grinding element within an enclosure for smoothing an existing road surface includes a transporter having a frame supported on a set of wheels with the enclosure situated between the forward and rearward wheels of the transporter. Positioning mechanisms coupled between the transporter frame and the grinding element enclosure positions the grinding element relative to the pavement surface. The positioning mechanisms includes a front support and a front lift mechanism, and a rear support and a rear lift mechanism. The rear support has vertically extending tracks fixed to the transport frame, and vertically extending rails movable relative to the tracks, the rails being coupled to the rear lift mechanism. Forwardly projecting flanges fixed to the rails have a pivot defining element. Rearwardly projecting flanges from the enclosure are coupled to the pivot defining element to permit the enclosure to pitch relative to the transport frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Charles W. Freeburn
  • Patent number: 7744306
    Abstract: Disclosed is an alkyd resin-based pre-manufactured thermoplastic airport runway signage that is applied in relatively large sections onto an airport runway. The pre-manufactured preformed thermoplastic formed as a continuous sheet and wound onto a take-up spool. The runway surface is prepared with a CCS epoxy primer and the preformed thermoplastic is unwound from the take-up spool and positioned onto the runway surface. When the pre-manufactured thermoplastic signage is in a desired location it is initially rolled conforming to the runway surface. Heat is applied to the rolled surface to a preferred temperature with an infra-red (IR) heater to melt and adhere the pre-manufactured thermoplastic signage into the runway surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventors: Robert F. Greer, Alexander F. Cady
  • Patent number: 7740415
    Abstract: A device to secure, cut and sequentially remove a manhole from a street environment. The manhole removing device is supported and rotatably driven hydraulically by a mobile operation equipment. A circular disk assembly has adjustable pavement cutters adjustably positioned from there within inter-related manhole centering and a locking alignment and engagement plate assembly define a one-step cutting and removal of an existing manhole from the street for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Crites
  • Patent number: 7740413
    Abstract: A detectable warning system, for tactilely signaling the presence of a terrain transition to a pedestrian, using a plurality of detectable warning domes that are arranged in a grid within a warning dome tiles. The warning dome tiles comprises heat resistant detectable warning domes and connecting surface. A base layer sheet of thermoplastic is applied and adhered to the pavement surface prior to the application of the detectable warning tiles. A top layer of thermoplastic is applied and adhered to, and conformed to the warning domes. The detectable warning domes protrude from the pavement surface in an evenly spaced pattern that is detectable by the pedestrian using a cane or other guidance instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Grayson
  • Patent number: 7740414
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for directional degradation of a surface comprises an attachment assembly connected to a motorized vehicle comprising at least one degradation tool. The at least one degradation tool comprises a substantially cylindrical rotary degradation element having a substantially cylindrical working surface formed about a rotational axis. A plurality of cutting inserts is embedded within the substantially cylindrical working surface and is adapted to degrade a surface in a direction substantially normal to the rotational axis. At least one of the plurality of cutting inserts comprises a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material comprises a substantially pointed geometry with an apex comprising a 0.050 to 0.160 inch radius and a 0.100 to 0.500 inch thickness from the apex to the non-planar interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett
  • Patent number: 7686536
    Abstract: A pavement degradation machine has a motorized vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface. At least one piston apparatus has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end adapted for attachment to an underside of the motorized vehicle and the distal end extending towards the paved surface and comprising a rotary bit. The piston apparatus has a shaft disposed within a sleeve. The sleeve is adapted for axial motion and the shaft is adapted for rotational motion independent of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Neil Cannon
  • Patent number: 7673815
    Abstract: A line striper (10) is provided with a relatively small engine (16) operating a reciprocating piston pump (20) and having a centrifugal clutch (18) which actuates when a predetermined engine speed has been reached. A pressure bypass device (22) which opens at either a fixed or adjustable pressure is provided to bleed off excess pressure and maintain a consistent spraying pressure. A double acting trigger (30) is provided for the operator to actuate the spray gun (40) and raise the engine speed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Schroeder, Eric J. Finstad, Neil A. Taylor, Robert J. Gundersen
  • Patent number: 7654771
    Abstract: A spray gun mounting tube (116) in a walk behind gas powered line striper (110) is clamped to only one side (112) of the striper frame. The mass of the spray gun (122) and gun mounting bracket (120) allows the gun (122) to hold a steady position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Schroeder, Robert J. Gundersen
  • Patent number: 7654770
    Abstract: A marking sphere dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluid-assisted marking spheres into pavement marking materials applied to a surface has a frame defining a marking sphere receptacle, a valve seat defining an opening between the marking sphere receptacle and an expulsion duct. A plunger is disposed coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing apparatus and defines an internal fluid passage for providing pressurized fluid. The plunger is moveable in a longitudinal direction within the marking sphere dispensing frame between a first position at which a plunger head of the plunger is seated against the valve seat to close the opening, and a second position at which the plunger head is axially offset from the valve seat to define a marking sphere inlet gap across the opening. A method for applying marking spheres uses the marking sphere dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Potters Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin E. Hall, Christopher Davies, Thomas Still, Keith Wolos, Kenneth Grimbilas
  • Patent number: 7641418
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a method includes the steps of providing a channel attached to a vehicle adapted to transverse an area, the channel being in communication with at least one supply of pavement rejuvenation material, and the area having a layer of pavement aggregate; positioning the channel so that at least a portion of the channel is disposed within the layer; and adding the pavement rejuvenation material into the layer from an opening in the channel positioned below the surface of the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Timothy C. Duke, Cordin Daranga, David Wahiquist
  • Patent number: 7597503
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of repairing a crack in a paved surface. This method involves applying a watertight tape over a crack in a paved surface to cover the crack and form a first layer. The tape is applied with an adhesive. The first layer is contacted with a first liquid acrylic adhesive. The first layer is covered with a polyester fabric to form a second layer that adheres to the first layer. The polyester fabric is impregnated with a second liquid acrylic adhesive. A fiberglass sheet is adhered to at least a portion of the second layer and to the paved surface beyond edges of the second layer to form a transition layer over the edges. Also disclosed is a system for repairing a crack in a paved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Rite Way Crack Repair LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hinding, Carvin Pallenberg
  • Patent number: 7591607
    Abstract: A method for recycling a paved surface includes the steps of providing a motorized vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface; providing the motorized vehicle with a plurality of degradation elements, a plurality of foaming elements and a plurality of compacting elements; each plurality being attached to a carriage slidably supported by a bearing surface of an underside of the motorized vehicle; degrading the paved surface with the plurality of degradation elements as the vehicle traverses the paved surface; foaming rejuvenation material by the plurality of foaming elements into the degraded surface as the surface is being degraded; and compacting the degraded surface and the rejuvenation material into a new surface with the plurality of compaction elements as the foaming elements continue to foam rejuvenation material into the degraded surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Timothy C. Duke, David Walhquist, Codrin Daranga, Tyson J Wilde
  • Patent number: 7584902
    Abstract: A device carried on a moving vehicle for creating marking lines, which are a plurality of elements and are made of a highly viscous marking material, on a surface that is to be marked. The device includes a housing formed by walls and a discharge slot formed in at least one of the walls of the housing and extending transversely to a direction of movement of the vehicle, the discharge slot being limited in extent by a front discharge slot edge and a rear discharge slot edge, seen in the direction of movement of the vehicle. A pressurized material supply line leads to an interior of the housing. A rotatable hollow cylinder formed of a jacket is located in the interior of the housing and is arranged to rotate with the movement of the vehicle carrying the device. The cylinder is provided with a plurality of passages through the jacket, which, depending on a rotary position of the cylinder, establish a connection between the pressurized material supply line and the discharge slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hofmann GmbH Maschinenfabrik und Vertrieb
    Inventors: Hartwig Sibbers, Klaus-Dieter Reidath
  • Publication number: 20090208287
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: EZ LINER
    Inventors: PATRICK T. ROUSE, MARVIN LEE VAN BRUGGEN, MATTHEW JOSEPH BROSSARD
  • Publication number: 20090202298
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Fortson-Peeek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Publication number: 20090185858
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for computer assisted driving of vehicles. The system disclosed herein provides an array of sensors positioned in the vehicles at strategic points for capturing vibrations and sound induced, when the vehicles move over pavement surfaces marked with predefined patterns of peaks and troughs. The sensors further measure frequencies of these vibrations. An onboard computer on the vehicle matches the captured frequencies and sound against pre-specified frequencies to obtain unique frequency signatures for the segment of the pavement traversed by the vehicle. Navigational data and geographical data associated with the unique frequency signature are used to provide assistance in driving of vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Romeo Fernando Malit
  • Patent number: 7549821
    Abstract: A pavement recycling machine is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a motorized vehicle to travel along a paved surface and having a direction of travel. A bank of substantially vertically oriented mill heads is connected to the motorized vehicle to break up the paved surface to create loose aggregate. These mill heads have axes of rotation that are substantially perpendicular to the paved surface. A controller is provided to control various operational parameters of the pavement recycling machine. These operational parameters may include, for example, the rotational speed and vertical height of the mill heads. A remote control device communicates with the controller to enable remote adjustment or monitoring of the operational parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist
  • Patent number: 7530762
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing cured concrete floors using a riding trowel to which large diameter pans are attached having a balanced distribution of abraders releasably secured to the undersides of the pans. The individual abraders are preferably individually spring biased so as to maintain full contact with the floor when traversing undulations of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventors: Johnny Reed, Paul Copoulos
  • Publication number: 20090087263
    Abstract: A reflective material dispenser comprising an indicator laying machine coupler, a hopper, and a dispenser shield. The hopper may comprise a lid, cover, front, at least one wall, and a dispenser assembly adapted to face an indicator material ejection device such as a paint sprayer. The dispenser shield may be adapted to substantially prohibit indicator material splashback onto the dispenser assembly. One dispenser shield may extend outwardly from the hopper and have a first end located proximal the indicator material ejection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Abe Martinez, Doug Collins, Ken House
  • Patent number: 7500803
    Abstract: A ground working device for liquid treated roads is formed from a mobile main frame, a sub-frame, plural discs mounted for rotation on the sub-frame about an axis that extends transversely under the sub-frame; and a set of tines mounted on each disc in ground contacting position. The tines efficiently lift the ground surface material while reducing the amount to which the liquid treated ground mixture clumps on the tines. Each tine in each set of tines has a perpendicular base that extends perpendicularly to the disc on which the respective tine is mounted. The sub-frame is retractably mounted on the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Road Badger Inc.
    Inventors: Ray W. Gillard, Garett T. Schmidt