Systems and methods for automating the application of friction-modifying coatings

摘要

A system and method for the application of friction-modifying coatings to roadways, walkways, pathways and other areas subject to vehicular, human or animal traffic, the system and method comprising the controlled, simultaneous application of binder and filler to a surface of a substrate, using a mobile device which passes over the substrate as the binder and filler are being applied. Both the binder and the filler are precisely and accurately metered onto the substrate, ensuring uniform coating thickness and performance. The method of this invention also enables the use of different binding systems and precise control over mixing ratios for multi-component binders.

主权项

1. An apparatus for applying binder, the apparatus comprising:
at least one binder storage vessel; at least one binder metering device coupled to the at least one binder storage vessel for metering the flow of binder; at least one binder applicator coupled to the at least one binder metering device, wherein the binder applicator comprises:
a cylindrical tube capable of being attached to a moving platform, the tube being closed at each end;at least one cavity defined inside the tube;at least one upper opening defined in an upper portion of the tube, the at least one upper opening being capable of receiving binder into the cavity; andone or more lower substantially circular openings defined in a lower portion of the tube, wherein the one or more lower openings are arranged as at least a first row and at least a second row of circular openings which are parallel to each other and are arranged substantially across the length of the tube, and wherein each circular opening of the at least one first row partially overlaps at least one corresponding circular opening of the at least one second row, and are adapted for dispensing binder from the at least one cavity onto the surface of a substrate.