Apparatus for applying thermoplastic marking material to a pavement surface

摘要

The present invention provides an apparatus for applying thermoplastic marking material to a pavement surface. The apparatus includes a hopper for holding a supply of particulate thermoplastic marking material in a non-molten state, a means for conveying the thermoplastic marking material from the hopper to a continuous melt processor, and a conduit from the continuous melt processor to a dispenser that directs molten thermoplastic marking material to the pavement surface. The apparatus further includes means for heating the continuous melt processor and conduit to a temperature that is higher than the melt temperature of the thermoplastic marking material. The present invention also provides a method of applying a thermoplastic marking material to a pavement surface. The method includes conveying a stream of particulate thermoplastic marking material stored in a non-molten state in a hopper to a heated continuous melt processor in communication with the hopper, wherein the stream of thermoplastic marking material exits the continuous melt processor in a molten state, and pumping the stream of molten thermoplastic marking material through a heated conduit from the continuous melt processor to a dispenser that directs the molten thermoplastic marking material to the pavement surface.