Patent Application
20250171967
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Roadway maintenance and safety often rely on raised pavement markers (RPMs) to provide enhanced lane visibility under various lighting and weather conditions. Traditionally, the installation of RPMs has required extensive manual labor or reliance on simple automated systems that accommodate only a single stack of markers. Such approaches can be time-consuming, prone to misalignment, and subject to frequent refills.
A previous iteration of the invention, as disclosed in the parent application, introduced an automatic RPM installer able to support multiple stacks, with the prospect of “switching” from one stack to another during installation. Although this design improved operational time relative to a single-stack setup, the inventors realized that further efficiency and reliability could be achieved by feeding markers in series rather than switching back and forth between active stacks. In other words, all the markers intended for installation are brought into a final or “last” stack from one or more previous stacks as needed, ensuring a more consistent workflow, simplified sensor feedback, and fewer interruptions during high-volume installations.
The present continuation-in-part application refines and extends this approach by incorporating a system with two or more stack holders arranged in series, such that each upstream stack holder can replenish a downstream or last stack holder whenever the downstream supply of markers is running low. As a result, operators benefit from reduced downtime, because the final or “last” stack is always the one directly used for marker placement, and any additional stacks feed into that last stack automatically. This design simplifies the handling of markers, helps avoid misfeeds, and can readily accommodate different roadway conditions and longer installation runs without frequent manual refilling.
To enhance marker placement quality, the system may also include improved sensor arrays to track RPM availability, a masher assembly configured to press each marker onto the roadway with optimal force, and an automatically controlled adhesive dispenser that provides consistent adhesive application at each marker location. By collecting data on marker usage, position, and operational status, the system can also inform operators of when to reload upstream stacks or pause installation for routine inspection. All these enhancements make the system suitable for large-scale highway striping or urban projects where time savings and marker placement accuracy are paramount.
No prior art is known to the Applicant.
An RPM installer 100 for selectively aligning an RPM dispensing assembly 106 and an adhesive dispenser assembly 110 over a marker location 210 on a roadway 206 and installing a RPM marker 116 at said marker location 210. “RPM” stands for Raised Pavement Marker. Said RPM installer 100 comprises a mounting assembly 104, said RPM dispensing assembly 106, and the adhesive dispenser assembly 110. Said mounting assembly 104 is configured to attach said RPM dispensing assembly 106 to a vehicle 202. Said adhesive dispenser assembly 110 is configured for dispensing an adhesive 702 at the marker location 210. Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 is configured for installing the RPM marker 116 at said marker location 210. Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 and said mounting assembly 104 are configured to selectively move relative to one another, between a forward configuration 500a and a rearward configuration 500b, for the precise application of said adhesive 702 and installation of said RPM marker 116. Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 comprises two or more RPM stack holders 108 comprising at least a first RPM stack holder 108a and a last RPM stack holder 108b, two or more pushers 906 comprising at least a first pusher 906a and a last pusher 906b, and a dropper assembly 914. Each among said two or more RPM stack holders 108 holds one among a two or more RPM marker stacks 920, and comprises one among said two or more pushers 906. Said first RPM stack holder 108a stores a first RPM stack 920a. Said last RPM stack holder 108b stores a last RPM stack 920b. Each among said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 comprise a stack of one or more of said RPM marker 116. Said first pusher 906a manages said first RPM stack 920a. Said last pusher 906b manages said last RPM stack 920b. Said RPM installer 100 is configured to manage said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 in series by storing each among said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 in one among said two or more RPM stack holders 108, transferring portions of said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 between one another using said two or more pushers 906, refilling a subsequent stack with rpms from a previous stack among said two or more RPM marker stacks 920, ensuring all said RPM marker 116 in said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 eventually load into said last RPM stack 920b for use by said dropper assembly 914, transferring a bottom most RPM 922 of said last RPM stack 920b into dropper assembly 914 using said last pusher 906b. Said adhesive dispenser assembly 110 comprises an adhesive reservoir 704 for holding said adhesive 702, an adhesive extension line 706 for transferring said adhesive 702 from said adhesive reservoir 704 to an adhesive dispenser 700, and said adhesive dispenser 700 configured to deposit the adhesive 702 at said marker location 210. Said RPM installer 100 is configured to transition between said forward configuration 500a and said rearward configuration 500b, wherein, with said RPM installer 100 in said rearward configuration 500b said adhesive dispenser 700 is arranged over said marker location 210. With said RPM installer 100 in said forward configuration 500a said dropper assembly 914 is arranged over said marker location 210.
A method of use 2900 for the RPM installer 100 having at least the first RPM stack holder 108a, the last RPM stack holder 108b, two or more pushers 906, and the dropper assembly 914, the method is disclosed. Comprising mounting said RPM installer 100 onto the vehicle 202 or a trailer 204, so that said vehicle 202 or said trailer 204 can travel along the roadway 206 in a forward movement direction. Determining the marker location 210 at which the RPM marker 116 is to be installed, based on at least one measurement from a marker sensor 924 or other one or more sensors 2014. Depositing a portion of the adhesive 702 at said marker location 210 using the adhesive dispenser 700 in fluid communication with the adhesive reservoir 704. Sliding the bottom most RPM 922 from said last RPM stack holder 108b into said dropper assembly 914 via the last pusher 906b, so that said bottom most RPM 922 is positioned above said adhesive 702. Opening two dropper gates of said dropper assembly 914 to allow said bottom most RPM 922 to drop onto said adhesive 702. Pressing said bottom most RPM 922 into said adhesive 702 on said roadway 206 with a masher assembly 910 to secure said RPM marker 116 in place.
The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system-and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
For purposes of discussion, this disclosure will refer to Raised Pavement Markers as “RPM's”, “RPM” or “RPMs”.
In one embodiment, said RPM installer 100 can comprise a mounting assembly 104, an RPM dispensing assembly 106, and an adhesive dispenser assembly 110 (illustrated below). Wherein, said mounting assembly 104 is configured for attaching said RPM installer 100 to a vehicle, said adhesive dispenser assembly 110 is configured for dispensing an adhesive 702 at a marker location 210, and said RPM dispensing assembly 106 is configured for aligning and installing a RPM marker 116 at said marker location 210. These parts will be illustrated in the figures and described below.
Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 can comprise two or more RPM stack holders 108 which can comprise at least a first RPM stack holder 108a and a last RPM stack holder 108b. This multi-stack design is configured to improve the system's efficiency by allowing longer installation times between refills as compared to the Parent Application. Said two or more RPM stack holders 108 are positioned side by side.
Rather than referring to said last RPM stack holder 108b as a “second” RPM stack holder, we use the first and last nomenclature as it is understood that said RPM installer 100 can be configured with more than two stacks.
In one approach, each among said two or more RPM stack holders 108 are configured to hold one among two or more RPM marker stacks 920 (illustrated below).
As discussed herein, said RPM dispensing assembly 106 and said mounting assembly 104 are configured to selectively move relative to one another for the precise application of said adhesive 702 and installation of said RPM marker 116.
Generally, a vehicle 202 is a motorized vehicle and trailer 204 is a nonmotorized vehicle. This application may refer to vehicles more generally and mean either vehicle 202 or trailer 204. Accordingly, RPM installer 100 can be mounted to either a marker spacing 200 or said vehicle 202 and remain operational.
The overall configuration of said RPM installer 100 aligns with a forward movement direction 208, corresponding to the operational direction of the trailer 204 during roadway marker installation.
In this embodiment, the RPM installer 100 is mounted on the trailer 204, which provides mobility and support for the system. The RPM installer 100 comprises the mounting assembly 104, which secures the system to the trailer 204 and provides structural stability.
In one embodiment, said RPM installer 100 can be configured to install the RPM marker 116 on roadway 206. As illustrated, said roadway 206 can comprise a plurality of the RPM marker 116, each separated by the marker spacing 200 and installed at the marker location 210, as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, said RPM installer 100 can mount to said trailer 204 and pulled by the vehicle 202.
In another embodiment, said RPM installer 100 can mount directly to said vehicle 202, such as a flatbed truck. Likewise, said RPM installer 100 can be mounted on any motorized vehicle. Placing said RPM installer 100 directly on said vehicle 202 can simplify mobility for roadway marking operations in dense urban areas or remote highway environments. In each approach, said mounting assembly 104 can be adapted to fit a wide variety of vehicle chassis.
In one embodiment, said mounting assembly 104 can comprise one or more rails 400. Said one or more rails 400 can comprise a first rail 400a and a second rail 400b; wherein, said one or more rails 400 can comprise rails or channels enabling said RPM dispensing assembly 106 to travel between different marker-loading and marker-dispensing positions.
In one embodiment, said mounting assembly 104 can comprise said one or more rails 400 and two or more rail attachment brackets 404. Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 can comprise one or more sliding rail blocks 402. Said two or more rail attachment brackets 404 can be configured to mount said one or more rails 400 to a portion of said mounting assembly 104. Said one or more sliding rail blocks 402 can be configured to slide over said one or more rails 400 and allow said RPM dispensing assembly 106 to move between a forward configuration 500a and a rearward configuration 500b
In one embodiment, each configuration can correspond to whether a given dispenser is aligned over marker location 210 or whether an adhesive dispenser is so aligned. Said forward configuration 500a and said rearward configuration 500b can be controlled by a sliding assembly actuator (not shown here but described below), allowing precise positioning of said RPM marker 116 during installation. For instance, in said forward configuration 500a, said first RPM stack holder 108a may be positioned over the marker location 210, while in said rearward configuration 500b, said RPM installer 100 can dispense adhesive as discussed below.
Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 can travel along said one or more rails 400, comprising linear guides, formed in said mounting assembly 104.
In one embodiment, the RPM installer 100 features an adhesive dispenser 700, positioned to deposit the adhesive 702 on said marker location 210. Said adhesive dispenser 700 can selectively receive said adhesive 702 from an adhesive reservoir 704.
Said adhesive reservoir 704 can provide a continuous supply of said adhesive 702, which flows or is pumped into said adhesive dispenser 700. A valve or manifold can be controlled by a central controller so that only the precise amount of adhesive required is placed at each spot.
Illustrated here, in part, said adhesive reservoir 704 can be attached to vehicle 202 and/or trailer 204 and can be in fluid connection with said adhesive dispenser 700 with an adhesive extension line 706.
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, said RPM installer 100 can comprise a dropper assembly 914, two or more pushers 906, a masher assembly 910, a sliding assembly actuator 912 and the dropper assembly 914.
Each among two or more RPM marker stacks 920 can comprise one among two or more pushers 906. Said two or more pushers 906 can comprise at least a first pusher 906a, and a last pusher 906b. Wherein, said first pusher 906a can manage first RPM stack 920a and last pusher 906b can manage last RPM stack 920b.
In one embodiment, two or more RPM stack holders 108 can each organize and manage said two or more RPM marker stacks 920. As illustrated two or more RPM stack holders 108 contains the first RPM stack 920a and the last RPM stack 920b. It is understood that as two or more RPM marker stacks 920 deplete, the last remaining RPM, a single unit, would still be understood as a “stack”
Wherein, RPM installer 100 can be configured for: dispensing a portion of last RPM stack 920b from last RPM stack holder 108b, and selectively refilling said last RPM stack holder 108b with first RPM stack 920a from first RPM stack holder 108a. Further wherein, dispensing a portion of last RPM stack 920b from last RPM stack holder 108b can comprise dispensing a bottom most RPM 922 among said last RPM stack 920b by: pressing, one at a time, each among last RPM stack 920b into dropper assembly 914 using last pusher 906b, installing said RPM marker 116, resting last pusher 906b, and allowing another among last RPM stack 920b to become two or more RPM marker stacks 920.
Additionally, selectively refilling said last RPM stack holder 108b with first RPM stack 920a from first RPM stack holder 108a can comprise: sensing with a marker sensor 924 that last RPM stack 920b needs refilling, pressing said bottom most RPM 922 of first RPM stack 920a into last RPM stack 920b to partially refill last RPM stack holder 108b. further, pressing said bottom most RPM 922 of first RPM stack 920a into last RPM stack 920b can comprise: pressing bottom most RPM 922 of first RPM stack 920a with first pusher 906a.
In one embodiment, sliding bottom most RPM 922 into dropper assembly 914 can comprise: pressing said bottom most RPM 922 into two dropper gates 1000. Said two dropper gates 1000 can comprise a first gate 1000a and a second gate 1000b.
In one embodiment, two dropper gates 1000 can be configured to selectively open and allow said bottom most RPM 922 to drop onto marker location 210.
In one embodiment, installing bottom most RPM 922 can further comprise: pressing said bottom most RPM 922 with masher assembly 910, as illustrated.
In one embodiment, said masher assembly 910 can be arranged over said two dropper gates 1000 and substantially aligned with said marker location 210. Wherein, said masher assembly 910 can comprise a mashing portion 1300 and a linear extension portion 1302. Said mashing portion 1300 can comprise a spring-based or cushioned tip on said masher assembly 910 can prevent damage to the marker or to the installer components.
During reloading, said last RPM stack holder 108b can receive an additional supply of said RPM marker 116 from said first RPM stack holder 108a. Alternatively, both dispenser assemblies may be reloaded manually from the top. In this approach, an operator may open a top cover and drop in multiple markers.
In one embodiment, RPM installer 100 can comprise a sensor bracket 1510 configured to receive and hold said marker sensor 924.
Generally, said upper portion 1502 can comprise two or more RPM stack holders 108 and lower portion 1500 can comprise first pusher 906a, last pusher 906b, masher assembly 910, sliding assembly actuator 912, and dropper assembly 914.
In one embodiment, said lower portion 1500 can house drive actuators and guiding rails that align each marker stack above an exit aperture. Structural frame elements may ensure that slight road vibrations do not cause misfeeds. The arrangement can also improve stability when installing markers at highway speeds or on uneven surfaces.
In one embodiment, said RPM installer 100 can comprise a controller 2002 having a memory 2004, one or more processors 2006, and a communication hardware 2008. Said memory 2004 can host a device application 2010 configured to control operation of said RPM installer 100 and monitor performance.
In one embodiment, said device application 2010 can be stored in said memory 2004 and executed in said one or more processors 2006. In one embodiment, said device application 2010 can be in communication with a remote computer using said communication hardware 2008 such as Wi-Fi, cellular, or similar.
In one embodiment, said communication hardware 2008 can comprise a remote 2012 comprising a simple input to activate and deactivate said RPM installer 100. For example, where a user is driving said vehicle 202, it may be advantageous to position a portion of said RPM installer 100 over said marker location 210, and activate said RPM installer 100 using said remote 2012 to engage said two or more RPM stack holders 108 and said adhesive dispenser 700.
In one embodiment, said controller 2002 can be stored on said vehicle 202, said trailer 204, or a flatbed truck 300. In another embodiment, said controller 2002 can be integrated into portions of said RPM installer 100 such as said mounting assembly 104 and said RPM dispensing assembly 106.
In one embodiment, said RPM installer 100 can further comprise one or more sensors 2014, a control manifold 2016, a compressor 2018, and the adhesive reservoir 704.
In one embodiment, said one or more sensors 2014 can monitor performance of said RPM installer 100 and ensure said RPM marker 116 is installed correctly and at a desired spot such as said marker location 210.
Examples of said one or more sensors 2014 can comprise digital cameras in communication with said device application 2010, GPS to measure said marker spacing 200, lidar to scan portions of the roadway 206, and similar.
Likewise, said one or more sensors 2014 can comprise the upper portion 1502 for verifying the status of said plurality of said RPM marker 116 in said two or more RPM stack holders 108. As discussed below.
In one embodiment, actuators used in said RPM installer 100 can comprise pneumatic actuators, linear actuators, or similar. In one embodiment, compressed air can be used to activate and deactivate such actuators.
In another embodiment, each of actuators can be electrical or driven by other means as would be obvious to one in the art; for example, said adhesive dispenser 700, the sliding assembly actuator 912, dropper assembly 914, first pusher 906a, last pusher 906b, masher assembly 910, sliding assembly actuator 912, and dropper assembly 914.
In one embodiment, said device application 2010 stored in said memory 2004 can process inputs from one or more one or more sensors 2014 and control the control manifold 2016. Said controller 2002 can activate actuators, open and close valves, and determine appropriate timing for releasing markers or adhesive. the remote 2012 can allow a user (such as a driver of said vehicle 202) to activate or pause operation.
In one embodiment, said communication hardware 2008 can transmit or receive signals to a base station or mobile device. Data such as how many markers remain in each dispenser or whether said roadway 206 is properly aligned for placement can be sent to an operator interface. In another embodiment, said controller 2002 can be physically located on said vehicle 202, said trailer 204, or integrated into part of said RPM installer 100. The compressor 2018 and said adhesive reservoir 704 can further be in communication with said control manifold 2016 to ensure that each deposit of said adhesive 702 is accurately pressurized and dispensed.
In one embodiment, said device application 2010 can track the location and application of said RPM marker 116 on roadway 206. Likewise, device application 2010 can direct a user of said RPM installer 100 as to when said RPM marker 116 should be applied to said roadway 206.
In one embodiment, said one or more one or more sensors 2014 can include cameras, GPS modules, or marker-level sensors (e.g., said upper portion 1502) that detect how many RPMs are left. A sensor may also confirm that each dropped RPM is in place and pressed down by said masher assembly 910. Automatic or user-triggered signals can direct said sliding assembly actuator 912 to move from dispensing at one location to preparing the next. In another embodiment, each actuator in said RPM installer 100 can be powered by compressed air, electricity, or hydraulics.
In one embodiment, said adhesive dispenser 700 can draw from said adhesive reservoir 704 and deposit measured amounts of said adhesive 702 onto said marker location 210. A valve at a dispensing nozzle can be regulated by said controller 2002 to open for only the required duration. As a result, said RPM marker 116 can be consistently attached with minimal waste of adhesive.
In another embodiment, actuators for said adhesive dispenser 700, said RPM dispensing assembly 106, the dropper assembly 914, the first pusher 906a, the last pusher 906b, and said masher assembly 910 can be replaced or supplemented with other suitable means (e.g., linear motors). By using multiple overlapping controls, the system can detect and respond to a jam condition or misalignment, thus enhancing reliability.
These images are provided from the Parent Application and serve the purpose of introducing the pusher assembly. As can be observed from the figures to this point, first pusher 906a and last pusher 906b can be dissimilar to those seen in
Each among first pusher 906a and said last pusher 906b can comprise a pusher body 2100 having a distal pushing face 2102. Further, each among said RPM marker 116 can comprise a first side 2104 and a second side 2106.
Wherein, said pusher body 2100 can be configured for: pressing against said first side 2104 of the bottom most RPM 922 among said plurality of said RPM marker 116 and sliding said bottom most RPM 922 out from under a portion of said plurality of said RPM marker 116. Wherein, said two or more RPM stack holders 108 can be configured to hold a remaining portion of said plurality of said RPM marker 116 in a stacked configuration.
In one embodiment, first pusher 906a and last pusher 906b can be configured to slide one among said plurality of said RPM marker 116 into said dropper assembly 914. Further wherein, said distal pushing face 2102 and said first side 2104 can be substantially aligned in a plane to form a similar angular shape relative to one another.
In one embodiment, once an RPM is dropped by said dropper assembly 914 into contact with said adhesive 702, said masher assembly 910 can apply downward pressure to ensure the RPM fully adheres to said roadway 206.
In one embodiment, said two dropper gates 1000 can each be connected to one or more gate motors 2200, which can comprise a first gate motor 2200a and a second gate motor 2200b.
Each among said two dropper gates 1000 and said one or more gate motors 2200 can be connected to one another through a linkage (illustrated below) configured to selectively open and close said two dropper gates 1000. The linkage can connect to a linkage aperture 2202, as illustrated.
Each among two or more RPM stack holders 108 can further comprise an alignment bracket 2600 configured to align bottom most RPM 922 of said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 with respect to two or more pushers 906.
In one embodiment, said adhesive dispenser 700 can comprise a pivoting bracket 2700, a dispensing head 2702, and a dispensing nozzle 2704. Said pivoting bracket 2700 can rotateably attach to a portion of RPM dispensing assembly 106 and rotate about an adhesive system pivot axis 2706. Said dispensing head 2702 can receive one end of said adhesive extension line 706 at an adhesive port 2708.
In one embodiment, said adhesive reservoir 704 can be in fluid connection with said adhesive dispenser 700, having the dispensing nozzle 2704.
Said controller 2002 can be employed to ensure that said adhesive 702 is placed on said marker location 210 accurately.
In one embodiment, said adhesive dispenser 700 with said compressor 2018 can open and close a valve associated with the dispensing nozzle 2704.
Said dropper assembly 914 and said two dropper gates 1000 can comprise an open configuration 2800a and a closed configuration 2800b. Wherein, said open configuration 2800a comprises said two dropper gates 1000 being horizontal and said closed configuration 2800b comprises said two dropper gates 1000 in a non-horizontal arrangement such that said RPM marker 116 can slide between two dropper gates 1000 and drop to marker location 210.
Said dropper assembly 914 can further comprise two gate linkages 2802. Said two gate linkages 2802 can comprise a first gate linkage 2802a between said first gate motor 2200a and said first gate 1000a, and a second gate linkage 2802b between said 2200b and said second gate 1000b. Wherein, said two gate linkages 2802 are configured to transition said two dropper gates 1000 between open configuration 2800a and closed configuration 2800b.
In one embodiment, the method can begin with Step 2902, mounting said RPM installer 100 onto the vehicle 202 or the trailer 204. This arrangement provides mobility for roadway marking operations, thereby allowing said vehicle 202 to travel along the roadway 206 at a controllable pace.
Following the mounting process, Step 2904 can involve sensing or determining the marker location 210 at which said RPM marker 116 should be installed. This determination can be accomplished by the marker sensor 924, GPS data, or other one or more sensors 2014 configured to measure distance or detect proper spacing. In some embodiments, said device application 2010 stored in the memory 2004 of the controller 2002 can process signals from said marker sensor 924 to calculate whether the marker location 210 is aligned beneath said RPM installer 100.
At Step 2906, the adhesive dispenser 700 deposits a portion of the adhesive 702 onto said marker location 210. In one embodiment, said adhesive 702 may be supplied from the adhesive reservoir 704 under regulation of the control manifold 2016 and the compressor 2018, ensuring that a measured volume of adhesive is placed at the designated spot.
Next, Step 2908 can comprise sliding the bottom most RPM 922 from the last RPM stack holder 108b into the dropper assembly 914. the last pusher 906b can move said bottom most RPM 922 horizontally or diagonally through a dispenser slot until said bottom most RPM 922 is positioned above said adhesive 702. For instance, said controller 2002 can activate the sliding assembly actuator 912 or other actuators to align the dispenser with the marker location 210.
Once said bottom most RPM 922 is inside said dropper assembly 914, Step 2910 can involve opening two dropper gates 1000—for example, rotating the first gate 1000a and the second gate 1000b—allowing said bottom most RPM 922 to drop onto said adhesive 702. In certain embodiments, the gates may be controlled through pneumatic or electric actuators driven by signals from said controller 2002.
Following the drop, Step 2912 can comprise pressing said bottom most RPM 922 into said adhesive 702 with the masher assembly 910. The masher assembly 910 can include a spring-loaded tip or cushioned head designed to firmly set said bottom most RPM 922 without causing damage to the RPM or to parts of said RPM installer 100. After pressing, said masher assembly 910 can retract to a ready position, clearing the dropper space for subsequent markers.
At Decision 2914, a sensor (for instance, said marker sensor 924 or another among said one or more sensors 2014) can check whether said last RPM stack holder 108b requires additional RPM markers. If no refills are needed, the method proceeds to Step 2918, repeating steps 2904-2712 for further installations. If the sensor indicates said last RPM stack 920b is below a threshold level, Step 2916 can automatically engage the two or more pushers 906 to transfer at least one bottom most RPM 922 from the first RPM stack 920a in the first RPM stack holder 108a into said last RPM stack holder 108b. This refilling step reduces downtime, permitting continuous installation.
Finally, at Step 2918, the system can continue traveling along the roadway 206, repeating the adhesive dispensing and marker placement steps at subsequent marker location 210. The process can end upon completion of the installation route, or it can be paused and resumed as required by the operator.
Throughout these steps, said controller 2002 can coordinate operations of actuators, pneumatic controls, and sensor feedback. In one embodiment, the operator can trigger any step manually or automatically via the remote 2012, while in another embodiment, said device application 2010 manages each step using data from GPS, lidar, or other one or more sensors 2014. The disclosed flow chart is illustrative only; variations can be introduced to suit different types of vehicles, road conditions, or dispensing rates.
As noted above, said two or more RPM stack holders 108 can comprise said first RPM stack 920a, and last RPM stack 920b. It is implicit that RPM installer 100 can comprise n stacks (noted as s=n on the diagram) where each of two or more RPM marker stacks 920 feed from one to the next, referred to as a previous stack 3002a and a subsequent stack 3002b.
The Applicant includes here the original claims to meet the best mode and enablement requirements.
In one embodiment, said RPM installer 100 for selectively aligning the RPM dispensing assembly 106 and the adhesive dispenser assembly 110 over the marker location 210 on the roadway 206 and installing the RPM marker 116 at said marker location 210. “RPM” stands for Raised Pavement Marker. Said RPM installer 100 comprises the mounting assembly 104, said RPM dispensing assembly 106, and the adhesive dispenser assembly 110. Said mounting assembly 104 can be configured to attach said RPM dispensing assembly 106 to the vehicle 202. Said adhesive dispenser assembly 110 can be configured for dispensing the adhesive 702 at the marker location 210. Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 can be configured for installing the RPM marker 116 at said marker location 210. Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 and said mounting assembly 104 can be configured to selectively move relative to one another, between the forward configuration 500a and the rearward configuration 500b, for the precise application of said adhesive 702 and installation of said RPM marker 116. Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 comprises two or more RPM stack holders 108 comprising at least the first RPM stack holder 108a and the last RPM stack holder 108b, two or more pushers 906 comprising at least the first pusher 906a and the last pusher 906b, and the dropper assembly 914. Each among said two or more RPM stack holders 108 holds one among the two or more RPM marker stacks 920, and comprises one among said two or more pushers 906. Said first RPM stack holder 108a stores the first RPM stack 920a. Said last RPM stack holder 108b stores the last RPM stack 920b. Each among said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 comprise a stack of one or more of said RPM marker 116. Said first pusher 906a manages said first RPM stack 920a. Said last pusher 906b manages said last RPM stack 920b. Said RPM installer 100 can be configured to manage said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 in series by storing each among said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 in one among said two or more RPM stack holders 108, transferring portions of said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 between one another using said two or more pushers 906, refilling a subsequent stack with rpms from a previous stack among said two or more RPM marker stacks 920, ensuring all said RPM marker 116 in said two or more RPM marker stacks 920 eventually load into said last RPM stack 920b for use by said dropper assembly 914, transferring the bottom most RPM 922 of said last RPM stack 920b into dropper assembly 914 using said last pusher 906b. Said adhesive dispenser assembly 110 comprises the adhesive reservoir 704 for holding said adhesive 702, the adhesive extension line 706 for transferring said adhesive 702 from said adhesive reservoir 704 to the adhesive dispenser 700, and said adhesive dispenser 700 configured to deposit the adhesive 702 at said marker location 210. Said RPM installer 100 can be configured to transition between said forward configuration 500a and said rearward configuration 500b, wherein, with said RPM installer 100 in said rearward configuration 500b said adhesive dispenser 700 can be arranged over said marker location 210. With said RPM installer 100 in said forward configuration 500a said dropper assembly 914 can be arranged over said marker location 210.
Said RPM installer 100 further comprises one or more rails 400 attached to a portion of said mounting assembly 104, one or more sliding rail blocks 402 attached to a portion of said RPM dispensing assembly 106, and the sliding assembly actuator 912 that selectively repositions said RPM dispensing assembly 106 to align either said adhesive dispenser 700 or said last RPM stack holder 108b over said marker location 210. Said one or more sliding rail blocks 402 can be configured to freely slide over said one or more rails 400. Said one or more sliding rail blocks 402 can be configured to slide over said one or more rails 400 and allow said RPM dispensing assembly 106 to move between the forward configuration 500a and the rearward configuration 500b.
Said two or more rail attachment brackets 404 can be configured to mount said one or more rails 400 to a portion of said mounting assembly 104.
Said RPM installer 100 comprises the controller 2002 having the memory 2004, and one or more processors 2006. Said memory 2004 comprises the device application 2010 configured to control operation of said RPM installer 100 and monitor performance. Said device application 2010 can be stored in said memory 2004 and executed in said one or more processors 2006. Said RPM installer 100 further comprises the marker sensor 924 and said controller 2002. Said marker sensor 924 can be configured for detecting when said last RPM stack holder 108b can be below a threshold number of RPM marker 116, and sending a signal to said controller 2002 concerning the status of said last RPM stack holder 108b. Said controller 2002 can be configured for triggering a portion of said two or more pushers 906 to refill last RPM stack holder 108b.
Said RPM installer 100 comprises the controller 2002 having the memory 2004, and one or more processors 2006. Said memory 2004 comprises the device application 2010 configured to control operation of said RPM installer 100 and monitor performance. Said device application 2010 can be stored in said memory 2004 and executed in said one or more processors 2006. Said adhesive reservoir 704 can be in fluid communication with said adhesive dispenser 700 to supply said adhesive 702 through the dispensing nozzle 2704. Said controller 2002 can be configured to regulate dispensing of said adhesive 702.
Said RPM installer 100 comprises the controller 2002 having the memory 2004, and one or more processors 2006. Said memory 2004 comprises the device application 2010 configured to control operation of said RPM installer 100 and monitor performance. Said device application 2010 can be stored in said memory 2004 and executed in said one or more processors 2006. Said controller 2002 receives input from at least one among one or more sensors 2014. Said controller 2002 with said one or more sensors 2014 can be configured for monitoring the performance of said RPM installer 100, and ensuring said RPM marker 116 can be installed correctly.
Said RPM installer 100 comprises the controller 2002 having The communication hardware 2008, the memory 2004, and one or more processors 2006. Said memory 2004 comprises the device application 2010 configured to control operation of said RPM installer 100 and monitor performance. Said device application 2010 can be stored in said memory 2004 and executed in said one or more processors 2006. Said communication hardware 2008 can be configured for transmitting signals concerning said RPM installer 100 to a user device.
Said RPM installer 100 comprises the controller 2002 having the memory 2004, and one or more processors 2006. Said memory 2004 comprises the device application 2010 configured to control operation of said RPM installer 100 and monitor performance. Said device application 2010 can be stored in said memory 2004 and executed in said one or more processors 2006. Said controller 2002 and said device application 2010 with a location hardware can be configured for tracking the location and application of said RPM marker 116 on roadway 206, and directing a user of said RPM installer 100 as to when said RPM marker 116 should be applied to said roadway 206.
Said dropper assembly 914 comprises two dropper gates 1000, one or more gate motors 2200, and two gate linkages 2802. Said two dropper gates 1000 comprises the first gate 1000a and the second gate 1000b. Said two dropper gates 1000 comprises the open configuration 2800a comprising said two dropper gates 1000 being horizontal, and the closed configuration 2800b comprising said two dropper gates 1000 in a non-horizontal arrangement such that said RPM marker 116 can slide between two dropper gates 1000 and drop to marker location 210. Said two gate linkages 2802 can be configured for transferring a force between said one or more gate motors 2200 and said two dropper gates 1000 for transitioning said two dropper gates 1000 between open configuration 2800a and closed configuration 2800b.
Said RPM installer 100 further comprises the control manifold 2016 and the compressor 2018, said control manifold can be configured to direct compressed air to actuators associated with at least one among said two or more pushers 906, said dropper assembly 914, and the masher assembly 910.
Said RPM dispensing assembly 106 further comprises the masher assembly 910. Said masher assembly 910 can be arranged over the two dropper gates 1000 and substantially aligned with said marker location 210. Said masher assembly 910 comprises the mashing portion 1300 and the linear extension portion 1302. The masher assembly 910 configured to press said bottom most RPM 922 into said adhesive 702 on the roadway 206.
Said mashing portion 1300 comprises a compressible tip to prevent damage to the RPM marker 116 or to the installer components.
Said adhesive dispenser 700 comprises the pivoting bracket 2700, the dispensing head 2702, and the dispensing nozzle 2704. Said pivoting bracket 2700 rotateably attaches to a portion of RPM dispensing assembly 106 and rotates about the adhesive system pivot axis 2706. Said dispensing head 2702 can receive one end of said adhesive extension line 706 at the adhesive port 2708. Said adhesive reservoir 704 can be in fluid connection with said adhesive dispenser 700, having the dispensing nozzle 2704.
Said vehicle 202 can be a motorized vehicle, and said RPM installer 100 can be configured to attach to a portion of said vehicle 202.
Said vehicle 202 can be the trailer 204, said trailer 204 can be configured to be pulled by a motorized vehicle, and said RPM installer 100 can be configured to attach to a portion of said trailer 204.
The overall configuration of said RPM installer 100 aligns with the forward movement direction 208, corresponding to the operational direction of the vehicle 202 during roadway marker installation.
The method of use 2900 for the RPM installer 100 having at least the first RPM stack holder 108a, the last RPM stack holder 108b, two or more pushers 906, and the dropper assembly 914, the method can comprise mounting said RPM installer 100 onto the vehicle 202 or the trailer 204, so that said vehicle 202 or said trailer 204 can travel along the roadway 206 in a forward movement direction. Determining the marker location 210 at which the RPM marker 116 can be to be installed, based on at least one measurement from the marker sensor 924 or other one or more sensors 2014. Depositing a portion of the adhesive 702 at said marker location 210 using the adhesive dispenser 700 in fluid communication with the adhesive reservoir 704. Sliding the bottom most RPM 922 from said last RPM stack holder 108b into said dropper assembly 914 via the last pusher 906b, so that said bottom most RPM 922 can be positioned above said adhesive 702. Opening two dropper gates of said dropper assembly 914 to allow said bottom most RPM 922 to drop onto said adhesive 702. Pressing said bottom most RPM 922 into said adhesive 702 on said roadway 206 with the masher assembly 910 to secure said RPM marker 116 in place.
Detecting with said marker sensor 924 that said last RPM stack holder 108b can be below a threshold number of said RPM marker 116. Transferring at least one bottom most RPM 922 from the first RPM stack holder 108a to said last RPM stack holder 108b using the first pusher 906a so that said last RPM stack holder 108b can be refilled for continued marker installation.
Actuating the sliding assembly actuator 912 to move said RPM installer 100 between the forward configuration 500a in which said dropper assembly 914 can be positioned over said marker location 210, and the rearward configuration 500b in which said adhesive dispenser 700 can be aligned with said marker location 210. Regulating said adhesive 702 flow via the controller 2002 such that a measured volume of adhesive can be deposited at each said marker location 210.
Extending a spring-loaded portion of said masher assembly 910 downward onto said bottom most RPM 922. Retracting said masher assembly 910 to allow repeated adhesive placement and RPM installation along said roadway 206.
Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”
The present application is a continuation-in-part of, claims the benefit of, and incorporates by reference in their entirety the following prior applications: U.S. application Ser. No. 18/500,813, filed on Nov. 2, 2023, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,905,668; and PCT Application No. PCT/US23/85126, filed on Nov. 29, 2023, which remains pending. These prior applications provide essential context and support for the claims and disclosures of the present application. This application will refer to '668 and '126 interchangeably as its Parent Application(s).
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US23/85126 | Dec 2023 | WO |
| Child | 19036165 | US |
