Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

3m Innovative Properties Company

John L Marty

William Vogel Dower

Gregory L Zwadlo

David C May

Sithya S Khieu

Mark D Zender

James P McAuley

Dennis J Kluy

Philip S Plumbo

When mounted to a vehicle, a dispenser ejects optical elements so that they have a component of movement that is parallel with the surface of the pavement to which the optical elements are to be applied. Preferably, the component of movement in that direction is more significant than a component of movement directly toward the pavement surface. A fluid assist causes the optical elements to be ejected from the dispenser nozzle at a velocity to at least partially counteract, and preferably match, the forward velocity of movement of the vehicle to which the dispenser is attached. Thus, in accordance with one specific aspect of the present invention, optical elements can be laid down upon marking material that has been applied to a pavement surface at a substantially reduced relative velocity to the road surface. By more closely matching the optical element velocity in a direction opposite the vehicle movement to the velocity of the vehicle, the optical elements can be laid down without substantial roll along the pavement marking material. This can be accomplished regardless of the size or mass of the optical elements. The result is that the retroreflectivity of the pavement marking is thus not compromised or negatively affected in either direction (i.e. in the direction of vehicle travel or in the opposite direction).

Particle dispenser with fluid assist to control particle velocity for use on a moving vehicle

A tape applying apparatus for applying adhesive tape product to a primarily vertical surface includes a taping head which can be adjusted to apply the tape product at a specific predetermined location along such a primarily vertical surface, wherein the taping head is mounted to follow surface fluctuations. Moreover, the taping head is preferably vertically adjustable, horizontally movable, and angularly repositionable. Thus, adhesive tape product can be applied consistently and for an indefinite length based on preset positions, and the taping head is movable to follow surface changes or undulations.

Apparatus for applying adhesive product to road barriers

A chariot for use with a self-propelled pavement marking tape applicator. The chariot allows a single operator to apply pavement marking tape with the applicator and to depress the tape against a road surface by means of one or more rollers supporting the chariot and the operator.

Chariot for depressing pavement marking tape

A self-propelled pavement marking tape applicator. A slip-clutch assembly allows the operator to accurately control power transferred from the engine to the drive wheel(s) of the marking tape applicator. One-way clutch bearings provide differential action to the drive wheels when negotiating turns by allowing the wheel on the outside of the turning radius to rotate at a faster rate than the wheel on the inside of the turn. The differential action provided by the one-way clutch bearings also prevents the wheels from dragging on the pavement surface and permit the operator to manually push the marking tape applicator faster than it is being driven by the engine.

Self-propelled pavement marking tape applicator

The invention relates to an automated apparatus for automatic placement of a retroreflective sheeting material on markers used for the channelization of traffic. The apparatus includes a spool member to dispense the retroreflective sheeting and receive the liner material removed from the retroreflective sheeting during dispensing. The apparatus also includes a roller mechanism for advancing and positioning the retroreflective sheeting. A drive mechanism for regulating the advancement and position of the retroreflective sheeting to provide a precise length of the retroreflective sheeting according to the size of the marker is also included in the apparatus. The apparatus also comprises a positioning mechanism for automatically configuring a length of the retroreflective sheeting against the marker so that the retroreflective sheeting is precisely affixed the marker.

Machine for wrapping tubular markers with a reflective material

An automated lamination system for transferring an image to a print medium includes a photoconductive drum bearing a toned image on an electrostatic outer surface thereof. A dual purpose, heated lamination roller is moved to a first lamination position adjacent the drum to define a first nip between the drum and roller. The first nip in part defines a path for an image transfer web, and forces a thermally activated adhesive layer on the web against the drum. The image on the drum surface is embedded in the heated and softened adhesive layer as the web is advanced under pressure through the first nip. The dual purpose roller is later moved to a second lamination position adjacent a second lamination roller, to define a second nip therebetween. The second nip is configured to receive an image transfer substrate in registry with the latent image embedded in the adhesive of the web. The substrate and web are advanced through the second nip under heat and pressure, which forces the substrate against the adhesive layer and causes the substrate to adhere to the adhesive. A separation roller assembly spaced from the second nip along the path separates the web from the substrate so that the image embedded in the adhesive layer is borne by the image transfer substrate. The substrate is further processed through an optional inline deglossing station, while the web is rewound to align the remaining adhesive thereon with the drum for the transfer of another image.

Method and apparatus for adhesive transfer

Mixing concentrates requires the precise dispensing of predetermined amounts of concentrate into predetermined amounts of liquid and such mixes can be obtained by the use of a system having two positive displacement pumps, one for pumping larger volumes with each operation than the second pump and a pressure regulator to maintain a predetermined pressure on the solvent carrier fluid for the mixture.

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White Bear Lake, MN, United States of America

John L Marty