LATERALLY DISPOSED THERMOPLASTIC MELTING KETTLE AND SURFACE APPLICATOR
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.