Abstract: Methods for preparing porous inorganic coatings on porous supports using certain pore fillers, and porous supports coated with porous inorganic coatings. The porous inorganic coatings may serve as membranes useful in, for example, liquid-liquid, liquid-particulate, gas-gas, or gas-particulate separation applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for producing ground markings (M), with a reference beam generator (4) for determining a reference plane, a reception of the reference beams by means of an optical detector (3), wherein the position of an application unit (2) for the marking substance can be derived relative to the reference plane by using the received reference beams, a derivation of the orientation relative to the reference plane, and a control of an application of the marking substance to produce ground markings (M) according to the orientation. According to the method, the intensity in the solid angle covered by the reference beam is varied in time during the production of the marking.

Abstract: Marking devices for dispensing markers on the ground and marking methods are provided. The marking devices and marking methods use a marking dispenser having a machine-readable ID mechanism. The ID mechanism has data storage capability. In one embodiment, the marking dispenser may be provided with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. In another embodiment, the marking dispenser may be provided with a barcode. The type of information that may be encoded in the ID mechanism may include, but is not limited to, product-specific information, user-specific information, other predetermined information of interest, and any combination thereof. The ID information encoded in the ID mechanism may be collected and used for various purposes, such as, but not limited to, real-time product verification, tracking which user location received a batch of marking paint, tracking marking paint inventory, tracking marking paint problems, and tracking marking paint usage.

Abstract: A bead applicator for embedding particulates in wet paint, includes a blower directing air into an attached series of connected pipes; a particulate hopper, and a tubular particulate supply line connecting an outlet opening from the hopper to a venturi inlet opening at a low pressure point of a venturi tube. The series of connected pipes includes, in order, the venturi tube, a rigid tubular wand, and a dispensing nozzle. The wand, an inlet of the nozzle, and an outlet of the nozzle all have approximately the same, or greater, inside cross-sectional area relative to that of an outlet of the venturi tube; and the nozzle fans out to a long and narrow shaped outlet. Preferably a flexible hose is included in the series of connected pipes; the hose having approximately the same, or greater, inside cross-sectional area relative to that of the venturi tube outlet, and the nozzle outlet is bent over.

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.

Abstract: A method of marking a pavement surface is described comprising applying a pavement marking on the pavement surface. The pavement marking comprises transparent microspheres partially embedded in a binder wherein the micropheres comprise a lanthanide series oxide or yttrium oxide and aluminum oxide, in cobination with zirconia, titania, or mixtures thereof. Retroreflective articles including pavement marking tapes and reflective elements are also described.

Abstract: A storage stable, fast drying multi-component aqueous coating composition which includes an anionically stabilized binder polymer, a vinylamine polymer and a volatile base is disclosed. A method for using the aqueous coating composition to produce a coating on the surface of a substrate is further disclosed, along with the coating produced.

Abstract: A device 10 for spraying dry flakes 12 including: an enclosure 22 including a lower portion 26 for holding a supply 12A of dry flakes 12 and an upper portion 27; a gas flow conduit 50 including: a receiving portion 52 adapted for connection to a pressurized gas source, and a nozzle 60; a flake conduit 40 connecting enclosure 22 with nozzle 60; and air holes 36 in enclosure 22. Flake conduit 40 includes a valve 44. A flow valve 76, operable by the user, regulates the flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source through gas flow conduit 50. Receiving portion 52 includes pressure regulating valve 77 for regulating the pressure of gas from the pressurized gas source at a given gas flow rate and a pressure indicator 78 for indicating pressure of gas flowing through receiving portion 50.

Abstract: A method for applying a surface finish to a substrate comprises forming a matrix from a combination of at least a cementitious material, water and glass beads of either the same size or a blend of at least two different sizes and an adhesive. The adhesive includes a concrete fortifier and a silicone.

Abstract: A storage stable, fast drying multi-component aqueous coating composition which includes an anionically stabilized binder polymer, a vinylamine polymer and a volatile base is disclosed. A method for using the aqueous coating composition to produce a coating on the surface of a substrate is further disclosed, along with the coating produced.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel silicon-containing compound having an oxidation potential of 0.3 to 1.5 V on the basis of a standard hydrogen electrode, wherein at least one alkoxy group is bonded to a silicon atom and at least one aromatic amine group is also bonded to the silicon atom. An organic electroluminescence device having excellent mechanical and electric contact between an electrode and an organic layer is also provided by treating the surface of an anode with using a surface-treating agent comprising the above silicon-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved thermoplastic pavement marking composition system that comprises a pavement surface that is light in color (white or off-white). A first marking stripe is applied and adheres to the top of the pavement surface. This first marking stripe has a thickness of at least about 40 mils to about 110 mils, and comprises a solidified thermoplastic resin composition. The solidified resin composition comprising a black pigment. A second marking stripe is applied and adheres to the surface of the first marking stripe, the second marking stripe having a thickness of at least 40 mils to about 750 mils or more. It is narrower than said first marking stripe and also comprises a solidified thermoplastic resin composition. The thermoplastic resin composition of the second marking stripe is comprised of a pigment that visibly contrasts with the first marking stripe.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of improving the drying time of a thick, exterior, waterborne coating containing a quick-setting binder by applying the coating as at least two separate layers and as “wet-on-wet” layers.

Abstract: A method for applying a traffic marker to road beds consisting of using a traffic paint which contains a polymer having a low molecular weight and a Tg of from −25° C. to 25° C., wherein the polymer is polymerized from a monomer mixture in which from 10% to 99.9%, by weight of the total polymer solids, consists of at least one hydrophobic monomer having a Hansch &pgr; value of at least 3.5. The traffic paint of the present invention readily adheres to oily road surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to articles such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements. The surface treatment comprises at least one fluoropolymer selected from a) fluoropolymers comprising a fluorinated hydrocarbon backbone and side chains comprising at least one of fluoroalkyl, fluoroether alkyl, fluoroalkoxy and mixtures thereof; and b) fluoropolymers comprising a hydrocarbon backbone and side chains comprising at least one of fluoroether alkyl, fluoroalkoxy and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for forming and applying a roadside display system is disclosed. Character-shaped are formed in a thermoplastic polymer resin material with a highly reflective face. A readily available sheet cutting die press allows the characters, numerals or letters, to be cut on site with a minimum of effort. Typically, a matching set of character-shaped inserts are cut from a second sheet of thermoplastic polymer resin material with a different color, contrast and reflectance. The inserts are placed in the corresponding character-shaped apertures cut in the first sheet and then a reactant, in the form of contact cement, is used to adhere the sign to a roadside curb. An exothermic reaction occurs between the reactant and thermoplastic polymer resin material which adheres the thermoplastic polymer resin material to the curbside.

Abstract: A pavement marking composition comprises (a) a polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated polymer selected from the group consisting of polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated polyurethanes, polyureas, polythiocarbamates, polythiocarbamateurethanes, polythiocarbamateureas, and polyurethaneureas comprising at least one chain extender-derived segment and at least one polycarbonate, polyether, or polyester segment; and (b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The composition can be easily applied, cures in a reasonable amount of time at any of a wide range of commonly-encountered temperatures, and provides pavement markings that exhibit both improved cold impact resistance and improved wear resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fast drying two or multi-component waterborne coating on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises applying a first component comprising a binder and a second component, being separate from the first component prior to application, comprising an absorber, and compositions and/or formulations prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A method for producing a fast-drying two or multi-component waterborne coating on a surface of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes applying a first component containing a binder composition, and a second component, being separate from the first component prior to application, including an absorber.

Abstract: Retroreflecting road marking system comprising applying a coating layer which is composed of a binder, glass beads, one or more pigments, and fillers, on which immediately after its application and prior to its complete cooling, drying and/or curing glass beads have been introduced, the coating layer comprising a composition composed of: 30-70 wt. % of glass beads having a particle size distribution in the range of 0.8 to 3.5 mm, 3-30 wt. % of TiO2, 5-40 wt. % of fillers and/or aggregate, as well as 10-40 wt. % of binder, and the particle size distribution of the glass beads introduced immediately after application being in the range of 100 to 600 &mgr;m, preferably in the range of 100 to 300 &mgr;m. Through the effect of traffic the retroreflecting road marking system according to the invention attains good retroreflecting properties soon after application and also in the wet state and loses these properties far less quickly, even after busy traffic.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-luminescent signage and indicia, particularly suited to architectural applications. This invention uses stencils, or other guiding devices, an applicator and an alkali earth oxide aluminate luminescent paint to create indicia that absorb ambient light and emit it in the darkness. This eliminates the need for separately powered emergency signage or other luminescent or illuminated indicia.

Abstract: A pavement marking composition comprises (a) a polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated polymer selected from the group consisting of polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated polyurethanes, polyureas, polythiocarbamates, polythiocarbamateurethanes, polythiocarbamateureas, and polyurethaneureas comprising at least one chain extender-derived segment and at least one polycarbonate, polyether, or polyester segment; and (b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The composition can be easily applied, cures in a reasonable amount of time at any of a wide range of commonly-encountered temperatures, and provides pavement markings that exhibit both improved cold impact resistance and improved wear resistance.

Abstract: A composite on the surface of a substrate, and a method for producing the composite are disclosed. The composite includes a first coating, reflective beads, and a clear coating. The method for preparing the composite includes the stepwise application of coating compositions and reflective beads. The composite, which is wear-resistant and retroreflective, is useful as a traffic marking.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) controlled paint spray system. The system includes a paint sprayer driver program and a GPS paint sprayer. The paint sprayer driver program enables a user of a standard drawing program using a standard personal computer to generate a print file for a drawing pattern. The GPS paint sprayer includes a GPS receiver, a geographical converter for enabling a user to convert the drawing pattern to geographical locations, a location comparator for detecting a location match between the geographical locations of the drawing pattern and a current GPS-based location, and a spray nozzle to spraying paint for matched locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fast hardening aqueous coating composition comprising from about 95 to about 99 weight percent of an anionically stabilized aqueous emulsion of a copolymer having a Tg of from about 0° C. to about 40° C., the copolymer containing two or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, wherein from 0 to about 4 weight percent of the monomers are &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acid monomers; from about 0.2 to about 5 weight percent of a polyimine having a molecular weight of from about 250 to about 20,000; and from about 0.2 to about 5 weight percent of a volatile base, wherein the composition has a pH from about 8 to about 11, and wherein a cast film of the composition has a hardening rate measurement rating of at least 5 within 20 minutes after casting under ambient conditions of temperature up to 30° C. and relative humidity no less than 50 percent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing traffic producing wear resistant traffic markings on road surfaces and to the traffic paint used therein. When a traffic paint containing a highly hydrophobic polymer, which is free from styrene is utilized, a wear resistant traffic marking is produced.

Abstract: A two-component aqueous composition for thick horizontal markings on roads or other traffic areas is disclosed. One component includes a drying-accelerated binder, pigments, pulverulent fillers and additives, while the other component includes coarse fillers. The composition is very high solids and fast drying without the cracking, smearing, and dirt adhesion typical of thick film traffic markings.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for marking a surface with a highly visible and substantive mark comprising mixing a dry granular, free-flowing superabsorbent polymer powder with liquid, preferably water, and dye to form a semi-solid gel and depositing the gel onto the surface to be marked. The marking apparatus comprises a chamber for mixing the gel and a ram used to eject the gel from the chamber without excess mechanical agitation and without causing significant breakdown of the gel. The dye makes the gel very visible, the bulk of the gel makes it more easily visible, the nature of the gel makes it temporary; easily dispersed with time, sunlight or water.

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 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: An elastic water-permeable polymeric concrete composition, a formulation method therefor, an elastic water-permeable polymeric concrete structure using the composition, and a method for constructing the structure. The polymeric concrete composition is formulated by integrating a rubber powder ground from waste tires or waste rubber and an aggregate using a polymeric binder, and if required, by adding a pigment and aromatic capsules capable of providing remedial and psychological effects. The polymeric concrete structure manufactured using such polymeric concrete composition has appropriate elasticity, water permeability, strength and a pleasant aroma. Thus, the polymeric concrete composition is useful for paving a footpath, a roadway, a bikeway, a railway crossing, a parking lot, a stadium, a racing track, a landing strip, etc., and as a material for civil engineering and constructions such as blocks, tile sound-absorbing plates, soundproofing plates, soundproofing walls and retaining walls.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) controlled paint spray system. The system includes a paint sprayer driver program and a GPS paint sprayer. The paint sprayer driver program enables a user of a standard drawing program using a standard personal computer to generate a print file for a drawing pattern. The GPS paint sprayer includes a GPS receiver, a geographical converter for enabling a user to convert the drawing pattern to geographical locations, a location comparator for detecting a location match between the geographical locations of the drawing pattern and a current GPS-based location, and a spray nozzle to spraying paint for matched locations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of coating a substrate under ambient conditions by conventional single step application means, such as single spray heads with a single pack fast dry paint, containing a coating composition of the present invention, which contains a latex binder, an associative thickener and a water soluble organic volatile solvent. The amounts the associative thickener and the solvent are such that the paint has an in-can viscosity under ambient conditions in the range of from 1,000 cps to 6,000 cps and a set-to-touch dry time rating under ASTM D-1640 of less than 10 minutes. The method of the present invention and coating composition used therein can be used to produce a quick drying coating useful as, a pavement or road marking traffic paint for concrete, asphalt or bituminous roads, walkways, or parking lots.

Abstract: The disclosed striping composition provides a fast cure on road or highway surfaces. The striping composition is a two-part (part A and part B) polyurethane forming system having good adhesion characteristics to a road or highway surface, and weathering and yellowing resistance over time. Part A contains an aliphatic polyol and part B contains an aliphatic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: New secondary amines are described which are prepared from inexpensive, commercially available raw materials, are stable at room temperature, and are reactive toward electrophiles. The secondary amines are prepared by the addition of one or more primary amines with one or more male (amide/ester) and fumar (amide/ester) Michael receptors. The above amines can be used as coreactants with aliphatic polyisocyanates for polyurea coatings. The novel secondary amines are also described as particularly useful as part of a two-part liquid pavement marking composition for pavement markings.

Abstract: A line marking apparatus adapted in use to be advanced relative to a ground surface in a line marking direction includes a discharge opening region formed between first and second side members for discharge of line marking material therebetween onto the ground surface. The side members extend substantially parallel to the line marking direction and adjusting means is provided for moving the first and second side members towards and away from each other so as to adjust the width of a line to be marked by the apparatus. The adjusting means comprises interconnected pivotable arms, at least one of the side members being supported on the pivotable arms such that relative pivoting of the arms causes the at least one of the side members to move towards and away from the other thereof.

Abstract: A substantially permanent pavement marking system using a polymer modified cement material to provide a raised marking that extends above the surface of the pavement. The lines are formed by taping off the desired outline shape of the marking. The pavement marking material is of such a consistency that it will set up to form a thick layer and not flow over the tape and will harden forming a raised marking.

Abstract: A method for producing a pelletized pavement marking mixture includes selecting an appropriate thermoplastic binder that is a solid at ambient temperatures and heating the appropriate thermoplastic binder in a reaction vessel to a temperature sufficient to form a liquid thermoplastic binder; forming a heated pavement marking mixture by adding a plasticizer and a filler to the liquid thermoplastic binder in the reaction vessel; forming a substantially homogeneous pavement marking mixture by blending the heated pavement marking mixture for period sufficient to substantially evenly distribute the plasticizer and the filler within the liquid thermoplastic resin while maintaining the heated pavement mixture at an elevated temperature; extruding the substantially homogeneous pavement marking mixture from the reaction vessel to form an extruded substantially homogeneous pavement marking mixture; and pelletizing the extruded substantially homogeneous pavement marking mixture.

Abstract: A method for marking roadway surface includes selecting an appropriate thermoplastic binder that is a solid at ambient temperatures and mixing the appropriate thermoplastic binder in a mixing vessel with a plasticizer and a filler to form a substantially evenly blended homogeneous pavement marking mixture by blending the pavement marking mixture for period sufficient to substantially evenly distribute the plasticizer and the filler with the thermoplastic resin; transferring the substantially evenly blended pavement marking mixture from the mixing vessel to a compression pelletizer; and pelletizing the substantially evenly blended pavement marking mixture by compression. A pavement marking mixture consists of pellets, each of which consists of a substantially evenly blended blend of a thermoplastic binder, a plasticizer, and a filler. The pavement marking mixture is heated to melting and applied to the roadway surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluorescing covering for roads, parking places, etc. which fluoresces when being illuminated with ultraviolet light. In addition to the fluorescing agent, the covering comprises a colouring pigment or a soluble colorant which filtrates the fluorescing light and dissipates only light having a desired wavelength. This colouring pigment or colorant also reflects light having a desired wavelength and absorbs light having a non-desired wavelength also from daylight or some other conventional light source.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous coating compositions containing a latex having pendant amine-functional groups, wherein such latex has a Tg greater than about 0 .degree. C. and is capable of film formation at application temperatures, and an amount of base sufficient to raise the pH of the composition to a point where essentially all of the amine functional groups are in a non-ionic state. Also disclosed are methods for producing fast drying coatings on suitable substrates by application of such coatings, where such coatings develop early water-resistance.

Abstract: The invention concerns paint compositions for providing road markings, in particular on wet roadways. The paint compositions essentially comprise: at least one unsaturated polyester; at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; at least one polymerization accelerator selected from toluidine derivatives; at least one colored pigment; at least one compound which can exude at the surface of the paint and prevent oxygen in the air from inhibiting polymerization; glass beads and dibenzoyl peroxide.

Abstract: A paint stripe and a process of applying the paint stripe upon a substantially horizontal surface is provided. Reflective particles are applied in at least two streams upon the substantially fluidic upper surface of the paint stripe. The first stream of particles of greatest size is applied to the paint stripe before subsequent streams, each particle of each of the streams becoming embedded into the fluidic upper surface approximately fifty percent of the maximum dimension of the particles. Capillation of the paint carries the reflective particles of the subsequent streams in an upward manner along the outer surface of the reflective particles of the first stream. The reflective particles of the subsequent streams are then embedded in the fluidic upper surface of the paint stripe at an angle approaching the perpendicular to the horizontal surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to traffic paint compositions, which dry faster than conventional waterborne traffic paints and to a method of producing traffic paint road markings made therefrom. The traffic paint composition of the present invention includes a blend of an anionically stabilized polymer binder, a polyfunctional amine polymer having an amine and an acid functionality therein and an amount of volatile base sufficient to raise the pH of the composition to a point where essentially all of the polyfunctional amine polymer is in a non-ionic state. The traffic paint composition of the present invention further provides improved storage stability.

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: The invention relates to an effect paint for objects to be painted, as well as to a process for making the effect paint, wherein the effect paint comprises pigments. The pigments, produced by fragmenting a wiped and cross-linked film, are added to a starting paint of a paint coat of the object and result in color effect which depends on the viewing angle, and are also provided with a marking used to recognize and characterize the object.

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: A pavement marking composition comprises a sulfopoly(ester-urethane) polymer which comprises in its backbone at least one non-terminal arylene or alkylene group comprising a pendant sulfonic acid group or salt thereof, the polymer of said pavement marking composition being terminated by at least one hydrolyzable silyl group. A method of making the composition is disclosed. The pavement marking composition can further comprise at least one of pigments, optical elements, fillers, or other adjuvants. Particularly desirable adjuvants include optical elements, particularly retroreflective elements, skid-resistant particles, and pigments.

Abstract: Cold curing epoxy resin compositions contain an epoxy functional component having an average epoxide functionality greater than 1; a hydroxy functional component; a pigment, a filler or a mixture thereof; and an SbF.sub.5 -alcohol complex curing agent in an amount effective to cure the epoxide composition. The cure rate of the compositions can be controlled by manipulating the pH and concentration of the filler and/or the pigment, making the use of amine rate controlling agents unnecessary. The compositions may be used, for example, as pavement marking compositions.

Abstract: The disclosed striping composition provides a fast cure on road or highway surfaces. The striping composition is a two-part (part A and part B) polyurethane forming system having good adhesion characteristics to a road or highway surface, and weathering and yellowing resistance over time. Part A contains an aliphatic polyol and part B contains an aliphatic polyisocyanate.