APPARATUS FOR APPLYING THERMOPLASTIC MARKING MATERIAL TO A PAVEMENT SURFACE

摘要

The present invention provides an apparatus (10) for applying thermoplastic marking material to a pavement surface. The apparatus (10) includes a hopper (20) 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 (20) to a continuous melt processor (30), and a conduit (40) from the continuous melt processor (30) to a dispenser that directs the molten thermoplastic marking material to the pavement surface. The apparatus (10) further includes means for heating (80) the continuous melt processor (30) and conduit (40) to a temperature that is higher than the melt temperature of the thermoplastic marking material. The present invention also provides the corresponding method of applying a thermoplastic marking material to a pavement surface using the above-mentioned apparatus (10).