Coating processes – Coating pavement or the earth – Striping – marking – or increasing reflectivity
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-16
2001-03-20
Beck, Shrive (Department: 1762)
Coating processes
Coating pavement or the earth
Striping, marking, or increasing reflectivity
C427S136000, C427S154000, C427S155000, C510S406000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203846
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to apparatus and method for depositing a substantive, highly visible, yet temporary mark on a surface, the mark being formed of a superabsorbant polymer, water and dye mixture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
While the invention is described in the context of marking the location of mines, it is anticipated that the novel mark can be applied wherever a location needs to be identified.
In the process of identifying mines, it needs to be marked for subsequent neutralization, usually by digging it out of the ground. The existing line marking and other spray paint means are substantially without mass, are difficult to place on ground and are only visible if viewed substantially straight on. Further, paints and the like are usually associated with toxicity and are semi-permanent. There is opportunity and a need for a temporary, environmentally friendly and highly visible marking scheme.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is critical that the location of a possible mine be reliably marked for subsequent neutralization. Once an object has been confirmed as a mine, the object or the ground in which it lies is marked by placing a substantive, visible and temporary mark on the ground.
In a broad aspect, a process is provided comprising mixing a dry granular, free-flowing superabsorbent polymer powder with liquid, preferably water, and dye to form a semi-solid gel and depositing the gel onto the surface to be marked. The dye makes the gel very visible, the bulk of the gel makes it more easily visible, the nature of the gel makes it temporary; easily dispersed with time, sunlight or water.
The above process is effected using apparatus comprising a ram used to eject the gel from a mixing chamber without introducing excess mechanical agitation and thus without causing significant breakdown. Preferably the apparatus comprises a first cylinder with a ram moveably therein to alternately open to form a gel mixing chamber and then close to eject the gel contents. Further, a second cylinder and ram is provided, preferably directed through a manifold to supply the liquid. The manifold can also co-ordinate the introduction of liquid and dry polymer powder into the first cylinder.
The resultant mark is bulky and thus highly visible from the side. The mark's visibility continues for several hours and after its useful life, the mark degrades in an environmentally friendly manner, substantially disappearing completely in 48 hours under drying, sunlight or rain conditions.
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Ellingson Robert O.
Penzes Stephen G.
Poulsom Craig
Saruwatari Kevin
Saruwatari Mick
Beck Shrive
Calcagni Jennifer
Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by the
Larson & Taylor PLC
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