Laterally disposed thermoplastic melting kettle and surface applicator

Abstract

A surface marking devices for heating and applying thermoplastic material. The surface marking device is comprised of laterally disposed oil-jacketed melting kettles having a rotatable auger extending from a first end to a second end; the first end having an open inlet for receipt of particulate thermoplastic marking material in a non-molten state. The second end coupled to a thermo pump for transfer of the thermoplastic marking material in a molten state to a sprayer, extrusion die, or an auxiliary vehicle for subsequent application. Retro-reflective glass beads can be added to the molten state during the spraying step.

1 . A surface marking device for applying thermoplastic marking materials to a surface comprising:
 at least one laterally disposed oil-jacketed melting kettle having a rotatable auger extending from a first end to a second end, said first end having an open inlet for receipt of non-molten particulate thermoplastic marking material, said second end fluidly connected to a discharge;   a heating mechanism for heating said laterally disposed oil-jacketed melting kettle, said heating mechanism constructed and arranged to melting said thermoplastic marking material placed therein to a temperature suitable for transfer as molten thermoplastic from said discharge.   
     
     
         2 . The surface marking device for applying thermoplastic marking materials to a surface of  claim 1  including a thermo pump for driving the molten thermoplastic from said discharge for pavement marking. 
     
     
         3 . The surface marking device for applying thermoplastic marking materials to a surface of  claim 1  wherein said laterally disposed kettle placed on a vehicle and capped with a substantially flat support surface wherein said support surface is constructed and arranged to receive thermoplastic materials for ease of placement into said first end open inlet. 
     
     
         4 . The surface marking device for applying thermoplastic marking materials to a surface of  claim 1  wherein said auger is rotated by a hydraulically driven sprocket set. 
     
     
         5 . The surface marking device for applying thermoplastic marking materials to a surface of  claim 1  including a shroud for guiding thermoplastic material in a non-molten state into said inlet of said kettle. 
     
     
         6 . The surface marking device for applying thermoplastic marking materials to a surface of  claim 1  including at least one holding tank for retro-reflective glass beads constructed and arranged to place glass beads into molten thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         7 . The surface marking device for applying thermoplastic marking materials to a surface of  claim 1  including an electrically controlled knife gate on said discharge. 
     
     
         8 . The surface marking device for applying thermoplastic marking materials to a surface comprising:
 a self propelled vehicle having a chassis;   a plurality of laterally disposed oil-jacketed melting kettles secured to said chassis, each said kettle having a rotatable auger extending from a first end to a second end;   a platform positioned over said melting kettles;   an open inlet along a first end of said kettle accessible through said platform for receipt of non-molten particulate thermoplastic marking material, said second end of each said kettle fluidly connected to a discharge;   a heating mechanism attached to said vehicle for heating said laterally disposed oil-jacketed melting kettles, said heating mechanism constructed and arranged to melt said thermoplastic marking material placed therein to a temperature suitable for transfer as molten thermoplastic from said discharge.   
     
     
         9 . The surface marking device according to  claim 8  wherein said platform is constructed and arranged to receive and store pallets of thermoplastic materials.