MXPA00010731A

MXPA00010731A - Apparatus and method for integrated pavement marking cross-reference to related applications

Info

Publication number: MXPA00010731A
Application number: MXPA/A/2000/010731A
Authority: MX
Inventors: James Kenyon Schaffer; Roger D Randall; John L Edwards; Brian D Huffman; Jack L Crosby; Paul Svaldi; Robert P Hunsicker; Michael E Urbas
Original assignee: Interstate Highway Construction
Priority date: 1998-05-01
Filing date: 2000-10-31
Publication date: 2002-05-09

Abstract

A self-propelled pavement groove filling apparatus (10) includes an engine, a groove clearing air spray device (116), a mist spray device (120), a product hopper (204), a product dispensing device (220, 224), a water storage device (228), an additive storage device, a grout mixer (208), a water inlet, an additive inlet, a surge hopper (212), a surge hopper grout agitator (232), a grout dispensing device, a grout hopper (104), a grout hopper grout agitator, a material gate (112), a side form (108), an extrusion pan (128), a smoothing plate, and a guiding device. A control panel (304) is mounted on a swing arm (308), wherein the swing arm allows placement of the control panel (304) on the right side or the left side of the self-propelled pavement filling apparatus. The apparatus is particularly useful for forming long-lasting pavement markings, such as lane striping.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED PAVEMENT MARK REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS This application refers to the benefit of the Provisional Application of the United States of America Number 60 / 083,786, filed on May 1, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to an apparatus and methods for marking pavement, and in particular, to an apparatus and methods for forming a durable pavement marking by filling a groove in the pavement with a grout.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, most concrete or asphalt pavements are painted or entangled to form pavement markings, such as lane strips, return arrows, and so on. Due to the poor wear resistance, these methods require a frequent renewal by reapplying the tape, or repainting the brand, with considerable cost and effort. Another method to mark pavements is to permanently join a reflective element to the pavement. Because »- •».) 2 Since these reflectors usually protrude significantly above the pavement surface, they can not be used in areas where snow removal is required. These protruding elements also alter the flat surface of the pavement. Still another method involves creating an indentation on a smooth concrete road surface, filling the indentation with white mortar, and finishing the surface to provide pavement strips or other brands Despite these methods, there remains a need for an apparatus and a method for providing a durable pavement marking. It would be convenient to provide a method and apparatus that are efficient, and that involve a minimum amount of manual labor. It would be convenient to provide a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings that are highly mechanized and automated. It would be convenient to provide a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings, which include a feedback control of the different operations.

It would be convenient to provide a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings, which are relatively fast, in which a high amount of marking can be formed in a limited amount of time. It would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings that are durable in relationship with paint and tape. It would be convenient to provide a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings on a formed surface, such as cured concrete or compacted asphalt. It would be convenient to provide a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings, which can be applied under different weather conditions. It would be convenient to provide a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings, which result in a relatively smooth pavement surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming durable pavement markings. In particular, the present invention provides a method of paving groove filler, and an apparatus that can be used to form durable marks on the pavement. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a slurry dosing apparatus is provided. The slurry dosing apparatus includes a slurry hopper for storing slurry, a material gate having open and closed positions operatively connected to the slurry hopper, for dosing the slurry from the slurry hopper into a groove of the pavement, when the gate of material is in. the open position, a lateral shape for confining the grout substantially within the lateral limits of the pavement groove, and a tray for instantaneously removing and leveling the grout in the groove of the pavement. In preferred embodiments, the slurry dosing apparatus may include one or more of the following: a slurry hopper vibrator, to vibrate the slurry hopper; a slurry agitator from the slurry hopper, to maintain the homogeneity of the slurry in the slurry hopper; a planer, to smooth the surface of the grout in the groove of the pavement; a planer vibrator operatively connected to the planer plate, to vibrate the planer plate; a visibility enhancing agent application device for spraying and / or embedding a visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the slurry in the pavement groove; an air spray device of the surface of the slurry to remove the visibility enhancing agent not imbibed from the surface of the slurry in the groove of the pavement; a curing agent application device for spraying a curing agent on the surface of the grout in the groove of the pavement; a gratory support system having a longitudinal and / or transverse suspension system; a lifting mechanism for raising the grout dispensing apparatus from a pavement surface, and returning the apparatus to the surface of the pavement; and / or a guide device for guiding the slurry dosing apparatus to an appropriate position in order to fill the groove of the pavement. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for the preparation of slurry is provided. The apparatus for the preparation of slurry includes a product hopper for storing a dry particulate material, a product dosing device for dosing at least a portion of the dry particulate material from the product hopper, a slurry mixer operatively connected to the product. Product dosing device, for mixing the dry particulate material with a liquid in order to produce the slurry, and a surge hopper operatively connected to the slurry mixer for storing the slurry. Preferably, the apparatus for preparing the slurry is operatively connected to a slurry dosing apparatus. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the grout preparation apparatus may include one or more of the following: a hopper vibrator or product to vibrate the product hopper; A product hopper air cushion located inside the product hopper, to provide an air flow into the product hopper, in order to reduce the amount of agglomeration formation by the dry particulate material; a product temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the dry particulate material; a product heater operatively connected to the product temperature sensor, for heating the dry particulate material; a product dosing device in the shape of a drill bit; a liquid storage device operatively connected to the slurry mixer for storing liquid; a liquid inlet operatively connected to the liquid storage device for supplying liquid to the slurry mixer; a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the liquid in the liquid storage device; a liquid heater operatively connected to the liquid temperature sensor to heat the liquid; a slurry agitator in the surge hopper, to maintain the homogeneity of the slurry in the surge hopper; a slurry level sensor of the surge hopper, wherein the slurry level sensor of the surge hopper is operatively connected to the slurry mixer to control the production of the slurry; and / or an ultrasonic level sensor of the surge hopper slurry. Preferably, the grout preparation apparatus further includes a slurry dosing device for dosing the slurry from the surge hopper to the slurry hopper of a slurry dosing apparatus. The slurry dosing device can be a peristaltic pump. The slurry hopper may include a slurry level sensor of the slurry hopper operatively connected to the slurry dosing device to control the slurry dosing device. The apparatus for the preparation of slurry and / or the slurry dosing apparatus may further include a spraying device for air cleaning the spline, to clean the pavement groove of the waste and / or a mist spray device to spray a mist of water into the groove of the pavement. In another embodiment of the present invention, a self-propelling device is provided. The self-propulsion device includes a motor for self-propulsion, a control board operatively connected to the motor, an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm allows to place the control board on the right side or the left side of the device of self-propulsion, and a slurry dosing apparatus and / or an apparatus for the preparation of slurry. Preferably, the self-propulsion device includes a speed control marker for controlling the speed of the self-propelling device, and / or a steering device for controlling the direction of travel of the self-propelling device. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for making a durable pavement marking is provided. The method includes the steps of removing a portion of the pavement to create a pavement groove, placing grout in the groove of the pavement, leveling the grout in the groove of the pavement to substantially the same level as the pavement, and embedding a visibility enhancing agent. in the grout. Preferably, the groove of the pavement is wiped clean before placing the grout in the groove. Air can be applied to the pavement groove to help remove the debris. Preferably, a slurry curing agent is applied to aid in the curing of the slurry once it is placed in the groove. The present invention provides one or more of the following advantages. a method and apparatus that are efficient, and that involve a minimum amount of manual labor; a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings that are highly mechanized and automated; a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings, including a feedback control for the different operations; a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings, which are relatively fast in which a high amount of marking can be formed in a limited amount of time; a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings that are durable in relation to paint and tape; a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings on a cured surface, such as cured concrete or compacted asphalt; a method and apparatus for forming pavement markings that can be applied under different weather conditions; and / or a method and apparatus that result in a pavement having a relatively smooth surface after the formation of pavement markings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-propelled pavement groove filler apparatus of the present invention, with a slurry dosing apparatus removably attached to a self-propelling device. Figure 2 is a top view of one embodiment of a self-propelled pavement groove filler apparatus of the present invention, with a slurry dosing apparatus removably attached to a self-propelling device. Figure 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a self-propelled pavement filler apparatus of the present invention, with a slurry dosing apparatus removably attached to a self-propelling device. Figure 4 is a front view of an apparatus for preparing slurry of the present invention, showing a dry product hopper and a slurry mixer. Figure 5 is a top view of an apparatus for the preparation of slurry of the present invention, showing a dry product hopper and a slurry mixer. Figure 6 is a side view of an apparatus for preparing slurry of the present invention, showing a dry product hopper and a slurry mixer. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a slurry dosing apparatus of the present invention. Figure 8 is a top view of a slurry dosing apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a bottom view of a slurry dosing apparatus of the present invention. Figure 10 is an end view of a slurry dosing apparatus of the present invention. Figure 11 is a side view of a slurry dosing apparatus of the present invention. Figure 12 is a part separated view of a slurry hopper of the present invention. Figure 13 is a part separated view of an extrusion tray of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless otherwise reported, the following terms will have the following meanings, as used in the present application. A "hopper" refers to any receptacle for the storage of material. Preferably, the hopper is funnel-shaped or conical. A "pavement" refers to any paved surface, preferably with. asphalt or concrete. Although the pavement does not need to be completely cured, it must be sufficiently cured or compacted to make it possible for the pavement treatment apparatus of the present invention to be placed on the pavement surface without causing unwanted indentations. Example pavements include, but are not limited to, roads; highways; parking lots; sidewalks airport runways, skirts, taxi routes, and access routes; and floors. A "groove" refers to any channel or depression in a pavement. Preferably, the groove has side walls that are relatively perpendicular to the pavement surface, and a lower surface that is relatively parallel to the pavement surface, but at a level lower than the pavement surface. Due to the preferred method of forming the groove, the lower surface of the groove is generally of a rough and irregular texture. Preferably, the depth of the groove is from about 0.1 centimeters to about 1.5 centimeters, more preferably from about 0.2 centimeters to about 1 centimeter, and most preferably from about 0.3 centimeters to about 0.7 centimeters. The groove can be of any width suitable for the desired application. For example, the width for a lane strip will be approximately 10 centimeters, while the width of a returned signal may be 1 meter or greater. A "durable pavement marking" refers to a pavement marking that lasts at least about 10 years under normal use, preferably at least about 20 years, more preferable: at least about 30 years, and very preferably for the duration of the useful life of the pavement. "Slurry" refers to any flowable material, and is preferably a mixture of a liquid, such as water, and a dry particulate material, such as cement. Preferably, the slurry is a flowable viscous paste that can be poured into a groove, and set to form a durable hard solid. "Homogeneity" of the slurry, refers to a mixture of dry particulate material, and a liquid, wherein the dry particulate material is mixed in a substantially uniform manner with the liquid, producing a substantially homogeneous mixture. A "leveled slurry" refers to a slurry that has been placed in a groove, where the height of the slurry is substantially equal to the level of the surface of the adjacent pavement. The present invention will be described with respect to the accompanying drawings, which help to illustrate different features of the invention. In this aspect, the present invention relates generally to a pavement filler filler apparatus, and to a method for forming a durable pavement marking. In FIG. 1, an embodiment of a pavement grooving filler apparatus is generally illustrated. The paving groove filler apparatus 10 includes a slurry dosing apparatus 100 and an apparatus for the preparation of the slurry 200. The slurry dosing apparatus 100 can be permanently attached to the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry 200, or It can be attached in a removable way. Preferably, the slurry dosing apparatus 100 is removably attached to the grout preparation apparatus 200. In this manner, the slurry dosing apparatus 100 can be placed either on the left side or on the right side of the grout. apparatus for the preparation of the slurry 200. The apparatus for the preparation of the slurry 200 includes a product hopper 204, a slurry mixer 208, and a surge hopper 212. In the operation, a dry particulate material is placed ( for example, a dry precursor of the filler material of the groove) in the product hopper 204 until necessary. Preferably, the product hopper 204 is large enough to contain a sufficient amount of the dry particulate material, in order to avoid frequent or relatively continuous addition of the dried material to the product hopper 204. Preferably, the product hopper dry 204 contains a viewing window or viewing tube to allow visual determination of the amount of dry particulate material present in the dry product hopper 204. The dried particulate material in the product hopper 204 is dosed in to the grout mixer 208, and mixed with a liquid, preferably water, to produce the slurry. The amount of water added to the slurry mixer 208 is controlled by the amount of dry particulate material added to the slurry mixer 208. It should be appreciated that, depending on a particular condition, one or more additives may also be added, Whose case, the grout mixer 208 can be operatively connected to an additive inlet (not shown). Preferably, the additive is added separately from water or dry particulate material. Exemplary aggregate additives include water reducers, slurry retarders, and / or slurry accelerators. The water reducers reduce the amount of water required to produce the slurry, thus maintaining the final setting strength of the slurry, without diminishing the possibility of working the slurry. The slurry retarders increase the amount of time required for the slurry to set, and the slurry accelerators reduce the amount of time required for the slurry to set. The dosing of the dry particulate material is carried out by a mechanical element, such as a pump or auger. Typically a dry product metering auger 216 is used to dose (or supply) a relatively accurate amount of the dry groove filler material to the grout mixer 208. Preferably, the dry product metering barrier 216 includes a product feed auger. dry 220, which is located on the bottom of the product hopper 204, and an introduction bit 224, which dosages the dry particulate material to the grout mixer 208. In the operation, it has been found that the bit introduction 224 is very accurate for introducing a constant and continuous amount of dry material into the grout mixer 208. The product hopper 204 can include a product hopper vibrator (not shown), to vibrate the product hopper 204. This vibration of the product hopper 204 ensures that substantially all of the dried material falls to the bottom of the product hopper 204, where it is transported to the a grout mixer 208 as necessary, without adhering too much to the side walls of the product hopper 204. In addition, the vibration of the product hopper 204 can also prevent the formation of agglomerates. Under some conditions, such as when a relatively high amount of moisture is present, the dry particulate material may form lumps, for example, it may become entangled or form agglomerates. This lumping of the dried particulate material is undesirable, because it can lead to a non-homogeneous slurry. To reduce the amount of packing, the product hopper 204 can include an air cushion (not shown) located inside the product hopper 204. The air cushion injects air into the product hopper 204. In particular, the Air cushion injects air into the dry particulate material. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the injection of air reduces the packing of the material, keeping the particulate material dry. Moreover, the air flow creates an alteration of the particulate material that can cause some of the agglomerates to break. As mentioned above, the vibrator of the product hopper can also provide a constant movement to the dry particulate material, thereby reducing the amount of agglomerate formation. The air cushion is made of a material having a porous structure to allow air flow into the product hopper 204. However, the pores of the air cushion are preferably smaller than the particle size of the air cushion. Dry particulate material, to prevent particles from entering the air cushion and restrict air flow. In some cases, the preparation of the grout is sensitive to temperature. Therefore, depending on the ambient temperature, it may be desirable to heat the dry particulate material in order to form an appropriate slurry within the residence time in the slurry mixer 208. Accordingly, the product hopper 204, the feed barrier dry product 220, and / or introduction auger 224, may also include a heating element, i.e., a product heater (not shown), to pre-heat the dry particulate material to a desired temperature scale. Alternatively, the feed auger 220 and / or the introduction auger 224 itself can be heated in order to heat the dry particulate material. Moreover, the product hopper 204 may further include a temperature sensor (not shown) for determining the temperature of the dry particulate material. Preferably, the temperature sensor is located near the transition point from the dry product dosing device 216 to the slurry mixer 208. Preferably, the heating element and the temperature sensor are operatively connected in such a way can heat the dry particulate material to a previously determined or previously established temperature scale in an automatic way. This automatic heating of the dry particulate material can be achieved by connecting both the heating element and the temperature sensor to a computer or similar control device. The dried particulate material, which is dosed from the product hopper 204 into the slurry mixer 208, is then mixed with water, and if desired, with one or more additives, to produce the slurry. The grout mixer 208 can be any device can mix a solid material with a liquid, to produce the slurry or other type of mixture, such as an auger, a rotating drum, a stirrer, or other similar mechanical device. Preferably, the slurry mixer is an auger can maintain a continuous flow of the slurry to the surge hopper 212. The slurry preparation apparatus 200 may also include a water tank 228 for storing water (or other liquid). ), which is mixed with the dry particulate material, in order to produce the grout. The grout preparation apparatus 200 may also include a water heater (not shown), to heat the water is supplied to the grout mixer 208. As with heating the dry particulate material when the room temperature is low, heating the water is added to the grout mixer 208 provides a slurry production having the desired characteristics. The water heater can be operatively connected to the dry product temperature sensor and / or a slurry temperature sensor (not shown), to pre-heat the water, depending on the temperature of the dry particulate material and / or the grout. Alternatively, the water tank 228 may also include a separate water temperature sensor (not shown), to determine the temperature of the water, and to control the water heater. In other words, the temperatures of the dry material, the water, and / or the resulting slurry can be monitored, and the temperatures of the dry material and the water can be controlled by suitable devices, to provide a desired temperature of the slurry. Water is introduced into the slurry mixer 208 through a liquid inlet (not shown) located dry from the point of introduction of the dry particulate material. When one or more additives are used in the preparation of the slurry, the additives can be added separately through an additive inlet (not shown). When the grout mixer is an auger, both the dry particulate material and the water are introduced near the initial or entry portion of the auger. Preferably, the grout mixer 208 is an auger that contains a reflux section to increase the residence time of the slurry, such as an auger model number LSA40 manufactured by Cernen Tech (Indianola, Iowa). A "reflux section" refers to a portion of the slurry mixer 208 where the forward movement of the slurry is substantially reduced to the surge hopper 212, and the mixture of the slurry is increased. The ratio of water to dry particulate material is important to make a slurry with good physical and chemical properties. The liquid inlet in the slurry mixer 208 may include a control valve (not shown), which can be adjusted manually or in an automatic way (for example, by means of a computer or other similar control device), for provide an appropriate amount of water to the slurry mixer 208. Preferably, the control valve provides water to the slurry mixer 208 through the liquid inlet to an accuracy within 5 percent, preferably up to an accuracy within about 2 percent, and more preferably up to a precision within about 0.5 percent. As the auger (ie, the grout mixer 208) mixes the dry particulate material, the water, and the eiditives (if desired or necessary) to produce the milk, the grout travels from one end of the mixer from grout 208 to the other. The auger can also provide a shearing action that facilitates the mixing of the dry particulate material and the water. The bit can also provide the necessary action to activate any additive (eg, polymers), which can be added separately, or which is present in the dry particulate material. The use of polymers in a milk preparation is discussed in detail below. Although only one product hopper 204 is shown in the figures, it will be appreciated that, if separate additives are used, an additive hopper (not shown) may also be present to dose these additives to the slurry mixer 208. Then the slurry is dosed. slurry from the slurry mixer 208, and placed inside the surge hopper 212. The slurry preparation apparatus 200 may also include a slurry temperature sensor (not shown), to determine the temperature of the slurry, and to control the addition of the additives to the grout mixer 208. Moreover, the grout temperature sensor can also be operatively connected with other devices, such as the dry product heater and / or the water heater. Typically, the temperature sensor of the slurry determines the temperature of the slurry in the surge hopper 212. During the start of the operation of the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry 200 it may be necessary to adjust the flow velocity of the water and / or of the dry particulate material, to produce slurry having appropriate physical characteristics, such as consistency, flowability, etc., and appropriate chemical characteristics, such as setting time, and the like. To prevent a slurry having undesired physical or chemical characteristics from being placed in the surge hopper 212, the preferred slurry mixer 208 is designed to be movable, such that it can be moved, eg, oscillate, away of the surge hopper 212. Thus, at the start of the operation, the slurry mixer 208 oscillates away from the surge hopper, and the flow velocity of the water, the flow velocity of the dry particulate material are adjusted. (and any additives), the temperature of the water and / or the temperature of the dry particulate material, until the slurry having the desired characteristics is produced, at which time, the slurry mixer 208 is placed in its position, so that the slurry of the slurry mixer 208 is dosed into the surge hopper 212. In order to prevent the slurry from settling in the surge hopper 212, the surge hopper 212 may include a slurry stirrer 212. surge hopper slurry 232. Grout agitator 232 agitates the slurry in surge hopper 212, to maintain the homogeneity of the slurry. Any device that agitates the slurry can be used as a slurry agitator of the surge hopper 232, including an auger, a stirrer, and a rotating drum, wherein the surge hopper itself rotates to agitate the slurry. Preferably, the slurry agitator of surge hopper 232 is a mechanical agitator. The speed of slurry production depends on the speed of use of slurry for a particular application.

For example, in a pavement marking lane operation, where a total of grooves of approximately 20 meters in length, approximately 10 centimeters in width, and approximately 0.6 centimeters in depth per minute are filled, the grout mixer 2t8 it is generally operated at a rate of about 5 liters (L) per minute (L / min) to about 20 liters per minute of slurry production, more preferably from about 10 liters per minute to about 17 liters per minute, and most preferably at approximately 15 liters per minute. Although it is possible that the grout use rate is higher than the slurry production rate for limited periods of time, the grout production rate is usually equal to, or higher than, the grout usage rate. When the production rate is higher than the use speed, the amount of slurry in the hopper 212 will be increased. One way to prevent overflow of slurry in the hopper 212, is to manually deactivate the slurry mixer 208. This requires constant monitoring of the level of slurry by the operator. Although manual activation and deactivation of the slurry mixer 208 can be used to prevent overflow of the slurry in the hopper 212, it is preferred that the slurry production be controlled in an automatic way, for example, based on the level of slurry in surge hopper 212. This automation of slurry production reduces the likelihood of having too much or too little slurry in surge hopper 212. One method for controlling slurry production speed is to include a slurry level sensor. slurry in the surge hopper (not shown). Exemplary sensors useful in determining the level of the slurry in the surge hopper 212 include optical sensors, acoustic sensors, electromagnetic wave sensors, mechanical sensors, and electrical sensors. Preferably, the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper is an ultrasonic sensor. An example of an ultrasonic sensor that is useful for detecting the level of the slurry is a sonic sensor Model Number S0N51K manufactured by Vega Grieshaber KG (SchiTach, Germany). The level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper is operatively connected to the slurry mixer 208, and controls the slurry mixer 208. Preferably, the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper is also operatively connected to , and controls, the dry product vibrator and the dry product dosing device 216. Accordingly, when the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper detects that the level of the slurry in the surge hopper 212 is below at a particular level, activates the vibrator of the product hopper, the dry product dosing device 216, the slurry mixer 208, the liquid inlet, and other devices that may be present and required (see below) to produce more slurry. When the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper detects that the level of the slurry in the hopper of surges 212 is above a certain level, it can deactivate the vibrator of the product hopper, the dry product dosing device 216, and the grout mixer 208. In addition, other devices that may be present and operating, such as the dry product vibrator, the air cushion, the water inlet, and / or the liquid additive inlet, may also be deactivated. by the control system, which is operatively connected to the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper. Preferably, there is a delay in deactivating the slurry mixer 208 relative to all other devices, such that substantially all slurry of the slurry mixer 208 is dosed from the slurry mixer 208. delay to deactivate the grout mixer 208 is at least as long as the residence time of the grout in the grout mixer 208, which is usually about 2 minutes. Preferably, the delay time is at least about 10 seconds longer than the average residence time of the slurry in the slurry mixer 208, more preferably at least about 20 seconds longer than the average residence time of the slurry in the slurry. the grout mixer 208, and most preferably at least about 30 seconds longer than the average residence time of the grout in the grout mixer 208. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a grout dosing apparatus 100, which can be use alone, or can be operatively connected with the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry 200 described above. When the slurry dosing apparatus 100 is used in conjunction with the slurry preparation apparatus 200, the slurry preparation apparatus may also include a slurry dosing device (not shown), which doses the slurry from the slurry hopper. waves 212. Exemplary slurry dosing devices include augers, slurry pumps, conveyors, and gravity sliding type devices. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the slurry dosing device is a peristaltic pump that doses the slurry from the surge hopper 212 through a hose. Preferably, the hose can be moved from one side of the apparatus for preparing the slurry 200 to the other side of the apparatus for preparing the slurry 200, to allow placement of the slurry dosing apparatus 100 on either side of the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry 200. In addition, the hose can be connected to a spraying device (not shown), for a spray application of the slurry. In this way, the grout can simply be sprayed onto a pavement surface. The sprayed mode is especially useful on asphalt. Although a sprayed mark does not last as long as the grout applied to a pavement groove, it can last about 3 years or more. This useful life is approximately three times more than that of the paint, and is approximately the same duration as the useful life of the asphalt.

The slurry dosing apparatus 100 includes a slurry hopper 104, a lateral shape 108, and a material damper 112. The slurry hopper 104 is operatively connected to a material damper 112 having open and closed positions. The opening and closing of the material gate 112 can be achieved manually or by a mechanical device, such as a hydraulic device, a gear device, a motor, a belt, or a chain driven device, and other suitable devices. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the opening and closing of the material gate 112 is achieved by a hydraulic device 114. In operation, the slurry is placed in a slurry hopper 104, and the slurry dosing apparatus 100 it is placed near a groove of the pavement, and the lateral form 108 is inserted in the groove of the pavement. For a pavement rail marking, the lateral shape 108 is typically from about 10 centimeters to about 35 centimeters in length, preferably from about 15 centimeters to about 30 centimeters in length, and more preferably from about 20 centimeters to about 25 centimeters in length. length. Preferably, the slurry dosing apparatus 100 has two side shapes, one for each lateral boundary (i.e., side walls) of the pavement groove. The side shapes 108 are designed to be inserted in the groove of the pavement, such that they are substantially close to the lateral boundaries of the pavement groove, and fit relatively comfortably against the sidewalls of the pavement groove. In this way, the grout is confined to the width of the pavement groove without spilling over the adjacent pavement surface. The side shapes 108 can be moved vertically, for example, by a spring loaded mechanism, to allow adjustment to different depths of the pavement groove. Although the side shape 108 may be of a variety of shapes, preferably the side shape 108 is rectangular or of a trapezoid type shape. The distance between the two side shapes 108 is generally substantially equal to, but slightly less than, the width of the pavement groove. Although a metering apparatus having a particular distance between the side shapes 108 for a given pavement groove width is generally used, the width of the grout metering apparatus 100 can be designed to be adjustable, so that it can be used in a variety of pavement groove widths. Preferably, the side shapes 108 are of the guillotine type, that is, the side flaps 108 move vertically using a spring-loaded mechanism, allowing the side shapes 108 to remain in constant contact with the bottom surface of the groove of the groove. pavement. Since the side shapes 108 contact the grout, the side shapes 108 are designed to prevent the grout from adhering, i.e., sticking, and settling on the side shapes 108. There are many ways to prevent the grout from stick and set on the. side shapes 108, including coating the side shapes 108 with non-stick materials, such as non-stick ceramic materials, using mechanical devices, such as scrapers, and using pressurized air spray devices. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a constant stream of pressurized air is used on both sides of each of the side shapes 108 to maintain free vertical movement of the side shapes 108. The pavement groove can be prepared by any method suitable, including the use of a plurality of saw blades. In the Patent of the United States of North America Number 5No. 857,453, entitled "Precision Slitting Cutting Machine for Concrete and Asphalt", issued to Caven et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses an apparatus for the generation of a pavement groove. Stated briefly, the cutting machine includes a plurality of saw blades. The number of saw blades in the cutting machine is determined by the desired width of the pavement groove to be generated. The saw blades are separated in a manner consistent with the desired texture of the bottom surface of the pavement groove. A wide separation of the saw blades generally creates a relatively rougher texture, and a narrow separation of the saw blades creates a relatively softer texture. Moreover, the separation of the saw blades creates a groove with a textured bottom surface of the corduroy type. A textured bottom surface of the corduroy type of a groove, provides a larger surface area that allows a stronger bond between the groove of the pavement and the grout. Before filling the groove with grout, it is important that the groove of the pavement is properly prepared, in such a way that a strong and appropriate bond is present between the groove of the pavement and the grout. For example, the groove of the pavement should be substantially free of all loose waste or particles that may prevent a direct bonding formation between the pavement groove and the grout. To ensure that the pavement groove is substantially free of all loose particles, the grout dispensing apparatus 100 may include a groove cleaning air sprinkler device 116. The air pressure of the sprinkler device ^^ ___ ^^^^? ^ of groove cleaning air should be high enough to remove substantially all loose particles. To substantially remove all relevant particles, an air flow of about 850 liters per minute to about 2,150 liters per minute, preferably an air flow of about 1,100 liters per minute to about 1,850 liters per minute, and more preferably can be used. an air flow of approximately 1,400 liters per minute is used at approximately 1,700 liters per minute. In general, the air flow in the air sprinkler device 116 is independent of the speed of the slurry dosing apparatus 100, provided that the air flow is sufficiently high to remove substantially all of the loose particles. A presence of moisture in the groove of the pavement provides a strong bond between the groove of the pavement and the grout. Accordingly, the slurry dosing apparatus 100 may also include an operatively connected mist spray device 120, for spraying water mist in the pavement groove. The formation of a strong and proper bond between the grout and the groove of the pavement requires a relatively narrow range of moisture content of the groove of the pavement. Too much or too little moisture in the groove of the pavement is detrimental to a strong bond between the groove of the pavement and the grout. Since the amount of water applied to the pavement groove depends on the speed of the water sprayed by the mist spray device 120 (for example, the spray nozzle), and the speed at which the mist spray device is moved to along the pavement groove, it is preferred that the water spray speed be connected with the forward stroke speed of the slurry dosing apparatus 100, as it moves along the groove of the pavement. In this way, a relatively constant amount of water fog is applied to each area of the pavement groove. After placing the slurry dosing apparatus 100 close to the groove of the pavement, and inserting the side shapes 108 into the pavement groove, the material gate 112 is opened to dose the slurry in the slurry hopper 104, into the the groove of the pavement. The slurry dosing apparatus 100 is then moved along the length of the pavement groove, until the groove of the pavement has been filled with the slurry. As the slurry dosing apparatus 100 moves along the pavement groove, the extruded slurry fills the groove in the pavement, is instantly removed by the instantaneous removal tray 124, and is leveled to the level of the surface of the pavement. adjacent pavement by extrusion tray 128. Slurry hopper 104 may include a slurry hopper vibrator (not shown) to vibrate the slurry hopper. The vibration of the slurry hopper allows for a smooth flow of the slurry from the slurry hopper into the groove of the pavement. In addition, the vibration of the grout hopper reduces the amount of grout adhering to the side of the grout hopper. The slurry hopper 104 may also include a slurry agitator from the slurry hopper 132. The agitator 132 agitates (or removes) the slurry in the slurry hopper 104, to maintain the homogeneity of the slurry, and to prevent it from settling the grout. The agitator 132 can be a single unit, or it can have a stirrer motor 136 that is removably connected to the stirring shaft 140 by a band, a chain, a gear, or other pulse device 144. Preferably, the agitator 132 contains a cleaning device for the side walls of the grout hopper (not shown), to ensure agitation of the entire slurry in the grout hopper 104. The grout hopper 104 may also include a grout level sensor in the grout hopper (not shown). The sensor determines the amount of slurry in the slurry hopper 104, and controls a device that doses the grout in the grout hopper. The level sensor of the slurry in the slurry hopper may be any of the slurry level sensors similar to those discussed above for the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper. It should be appreciated that, when the grout dispenser 100 is used alone, there is no need for the level sensor of the grout in the grout hopper. However, when the slurry dosing apparatus 100 is connected to an apparatus for the preparation of the slurry 200, such as that discussed above, the level sensor of the slurry in the slurry hopper can be operatively connected to the dosing device of the slurry. slurry (not shown), which is disclosed above. In this way, the amount of slurry in the slurry hopper 104 can be automatically adjusted, such that there is a sufficient amount of slurry in the slurry hopper 104 when needed. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the level sensor of the slurry in the slurry hopper is an optical sensor, specifically an analog photoelectric sensor Model Number E3SA manufactured by Omron Corporation (Tokyo, Japan). The material gate 112 is generally located on the bottom of the grout hopper 104, such that, when the material gate 112 is in an open position, the grout flows into the groove of the pavement. The opening and closing of the material gate 112 can be controlled by a hydraulic element or any other method to open and close this device. The material gate 112 can be controlled manually. Alternatively, the material gate 112 can be controlled in an automatic manner, by connecting it to a sensor in the pavement groove (not shown) that detects the presence of a pavement groove near the material gate 112. As shown in FIG. discussed above, the slurry dosing apparatus 100 preferably contains two side shapes 108, the distance between the side shapes 108 being substantially equal to the width of the pavement groove. The side shapes 108 fit within the groove of the pavement substantially over the lateral limits of the groove of the pavement. When the grout is filled in the groove of the pavement, the side shapes 108 confine the grout inside the groove of the pavement. Additionally, the side shapes 108 help to place the material gate 112 directly on the groove of the pavement. As the slurry dosing apparatus 100 travels along the length of the pavement groove, the instantaneous withdrawal 124 limits the amount of slurry flow into the pavement groove, to the level of the adjacent pavement surface. , and the extrusion tray 128 levels the grout that has been placed in the groove of the pave. The extrusion tray 128 may be a bar of any suitable shape, or a plate that levels the slurry to the level of the surface of the adjacent pavement. Preferably, the difference between the height of the adjacent pavement surface and the leveled slurry is less than 1.5 millimeters, more preferably less than about 0.8 millimeters, and most preferably less than about 0.4 millimeters. The grout dispensing apparatus 100 may also include a planer 148 for smoothing the surface of the grout that has been filled and leveled in the groove of the pavement. The planer plate 148 may be of any suitable form. The slurry dosing apparatus 100 of the present invention may also include a planer vibrator (not shown), to vibrate the planer plate. Normally, the planer vibrator is a bar vibrator or similar device. The amplitude of the vibration is less than about 1 millimeter, preferably less than about 0.5 millimeters, and more preferably less than about 0.1 millimeters. The frequency of the vibration can be adjusted as necessary to produce a smooth level grout in the groove of the pavement. The vibration of the planer 148 pulls the slurry and pushes the slurry against the side wall of the groove, thereby reducing or eliminating any channel that is formed due to the side shapes 108. In addition, the vibration of the planer plate 148 Seals the surface of the grout to provide the desired performance qualities. The slurry dosing apparatus 100 may also include a rotary support system 152, such as wheels, tracks, and / or skids, to move the slurry dosing device 100 easily along the pavement surface. Preferably, the rotary support system 152 includes a suspension system 156 to minimize variation in the level of the slurry due to irregularities present in the surface of the pavement. Preferably, the suspension system 156 is a longitudinal averaging system and a transverse averaging system, which averages irregularities in the surface of the adjacent pavement. The blow averaging system allows the level of the slurry placed in the pavement groove to be within approximately 1.5 millimeters relative to the surface of the adjacent pavement, more preferably within approximately 0.8 millimeters, and most preferably within approximately 0.4 millimeters. As mentioned below, a visibility enhancing agent (eg, a reflecting agent) can be an integral mixture of the slurry. Alternatively, the visibility enhancing agent can be embedded in the surface of the slurry in a separate step, before the slurry is completely cured. To allow a separate passage of embedment of the visibility enhancing agent to an uncured slurry, the slurry dosing apparatus 100 of the present invention may have an operatively connected visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160. Alternatively, the visibility enhancing agent can be placed on the surface of the uncured slurry separately. Preferably, the particle size of the visibility enhancing agent is at least about 600 microns, and more preferably at least about 850 microns. For such a small particle size, it is preferred that the visibility enhancing agent is imbibed onto the surface of the slurry by a visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160. When the visibility enhancing agent is applied to the surface of the slurry. , preferably about 25 percent to about 75 percent of the visibility enhancing agent is imbibed on the surface of the slurry, more preferably about 33 percent to about 66 percent of the visibility enhancing agent is imbibed. on the surface of the slurry, and most preferably at least about 50 percent of the visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the slurry is imbibed. The visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160 can be a spray nozzle, an extensor that always uses gravity, or an applicator, or any other device that can apply and imbibe the visibility enhancing agent, as described above. When the visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160 is operatively connected to the slurry dispensing apparatus 100, it is preferred that a warning device (not shown) such as an indicator (e.g., a light) or an alarm, to alert the operator if the visibility enhancing agent is not being properly applied or dosed by the visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160. The slurry dosing apparatus 100 of the present invention may also include a air sprinkler device of the surface of the groove 164 operatively connected, for additionally embedding and / or removing the visibility enhancing agent not imbibed from the surface of the grout in the groove of the pavement. Preferably, the air sprinkler device of the surface of the slurry 164 is an air spray nozzle that produces a sufficient air spray pressure to remove substantially all of the non-embedded visibility enhancing agents, and to further imbibe the air freshening agents. visibility without substantially affecting the surface of the grout. If the air sprinkler pressure is too high, it can alter or cause an indentation on the surface of the grout. Preferably, the air pressure in the air spray nozzle is adjustable, such that the operator can change the air pressure depending on the particular conditions. Freshly poured slurry is subject to a variety of environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, heat, and dust. To allow the slurry to cure properly, the freshly poured slurry can be coated with a protective coating. Accordingly, the slurry dosing apparatus 100 of the present invention may also include an operatively connected curing agent applicator (or sealing agent) 168 for applying a curing agent (or sealing agent) on the slurry. The curing agent applying device 168 can be any device for applying a curing agent on the surface of the slurry. Preferably, the curing agent applying device 168 sprays the curing agent on top of the slurry, and / or the visibility enhancing agent, using a spray nozzle. The sealing of the grout and / or the visibility enhancing agent protects it from the environment, and allows the grout to cure properly. When the operations of the slurry dosing apparatus 100 (i.e., the opening of the material gate 112), the visibility improving agent applicator device 160, the air spray device of the surface of the slurry 164, and / or the curing agent applicator device * - "- • 168, are controlled by a single device (eg, a switch), there must be a sufficient delay in the start of operation of the visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160, the air sprinkler device of the surface of the slurry 164, and / or the curing agent applicator device 168, in relation to the start time of the operation of the slurry dosing apparatus 100, to give the time required for the improving agent applicator device of visibility 160, the air spray device of the surface of the slurry 164, and / or the curing agent applicator device 168 are in position on the slurry in the groove of the pavement.In a similar manner, there must be a time of delay to deactivate the visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160, the air sprinkler device of the surface of the slurry 164, and / or the curing agent applicator device 168, in relation to with the operation of the slurry dosing apparatus 100, to enable the visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160, the air spray device of the surface of the slurry 164, and / or the curing agent applicator device 168, to cover the last few centimeters of the slurry that is dosed in the groove of the pavement. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a self-propelling device 300, which can be operatively connected with the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry 200 and / or the slurry dosing apparatus 100 discussed above. When the slurry dosing apparatus 100 is connected to the self-propelling device 300 (or the grout preparation apparatus 200), a lifting device of the slurry dosing apparatus (not shown) can also be included for raising the dosing apparatus of the grout 100 above the pavement surface, for example, when it is not being used. This lifting device can be a hydraulic device, a pneumatic device, an electrical device, and / or a mechanical device. Moreover, the vertical and axial movements of the dosing apparatus of the slurry 100 are independent of the self-propelling device 300. This independent movement allows the slurry dosing apparatus 100 to conform to the contours on or near the groove of the slurry. pavement, regardless of the contours experienced by the self-propelling device 300. The self-propelling device 300 (or the apparatus for preparing the slurry 200) may also include a guide device (not shown) to guide the apparatus slurry dispenser 100 to an appropriate position in order to fill the groove of the pavement. In operation, the operator lowers the slurry dosing device 100 onto the surface of the pavement, such that the pavement groove is within the lateral movement path of the slurry dosing apparatus 100 (discussed below), and place the slurry dosing apparatus 100 in an appropriate position to fill the groove of the pavement using the guiding device. The self-propelling device 300 includes a self-propulsion system, for self-propulsion (not shown), a control board 304, and an oscillating arm 308. The self-propelling system can be an electric motor. , such as a solar-powered motor and / or other battery operated motors; a combustion engine, which uses diesel, gasoline, natural gas, alcohol, or other fuel; or a combination thereof. Other types of engines can be used. These self-propulsion systems are generally known to one skilled in the art of engines. The travel speed of the self-propelling device 300 can be controlled by a variety of elements, including through the use of a pedal, a variable resistor, and other known methods. However, because constant and / or fine control of a pedal is relatively difficult, it is preferred that the speed control device (not shown) of the self-propelling device 300 is a variable resistor type control, such as a knob, a lever, or any other suitable control device, more preferably the speed control device is a resistor knob variable (that is, a marker). In this way, the speed can be controlled by rotating, setting, or placing the variable resistor in a particular position. This provides a constant and repeatable speed of travel. The control board 304 of the self-propelling device 300 is connected to the oscillating arm 308, which allows the control board 304 to be placed on the left side or on the right side of the self-propelling device 300. The control board control 304 includes a variety of controls (not shown), which control the operations of the self-propelling device 300, and any other apparatus that can be operatively connected to the self-propelling device 300. The control board 304 can also including a steering mechanism (not shown) for controlling the direction of travel of the self-propelling device 300. The self-propelling device 300 of the present invention preferably contains only one steering device, because the control board 304 is connected to the oscillating arm 308, which allows the steering device to be placed on the left side or on the right side. Accordingly, there is no need for a second steering mechanism on the self-propelling device 300. The self-propelling device 300 may also include other coupled devices, such as a fuel tank, hydraulics, air compressors, or other pressure generators, a pressurized cleaner to clean any of the devices described above, and other useful devices. The apparatus described above can be used alone or in any combination. Moreover, devices that are not manually controlled, such as the surge hopper slurry agitator and slurry grout agitator, have activated, deactivated, and automatic positions. These devices are normally set in the automatic position during the operation. The activated position of these individual devices are generally used during maintenance or cleaning operations. In addition, to prevent the slurry from adhering and settling on any of the devices that contact the slurry, these devices may be coated, for example, by spraying, with a non-stick material, such as non-stick ceramic materials. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the paving groove filler apparatus 10 is a self-propelling pavement groove filler apparatus, wherein the control board 304 includes a forward speed control device (e.g. , a switch). The forward speed control device (not shown) has at least three positions: pavement mode, jump, and stop. When the forward speed control device is in the pavement mode, the groove cleaner air sprinkler device 116 and the mist spray device 120 are activated, and the self-propelled pavement groove filler apparatus accelerates the paving speed that is established by the variable speed control device. When the forward speed control is in stop or skip mode, the air cleaner spout cleaner 116, the mist spray device 120, the visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160, the spraying device air from the surface of the groove 164, and the curing agent applicator device 168 are deactivated. In addition, the material gate 112 is closed to prevent the flow of slurry out of the grout hopper 104. However, in the stop mode, the self-propelled pavement groove filler arrests any forward movement, while the skip mode, self-propelled pavement groove filler apparatus accelerates up to the set speed set by the variable speed control device. The control board 304 may also include a temperature control switch (not shown). When the temperature control switch is in the "on" position, the temperatures of the dry particulate material, the water, and the slurry are determined by the corresponding temperature sensors. Then a computer or other similar control device controls the dry product heater and the water heater, to heat the dry particulate material and / or the water, if necessary. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, both heaters are operatively connected to the dry product and slurry temperature sensors. In addition, depending on the temperature of the slurry, an additive can also be added to the slurry mixer 208. A slurry useful with the present invention has good flexural strength, excellent bonding capacity, good workability characteristics, excellent resistance to abrasion, and / or excellent retro-reflectivity. There are many types of grouts, including grouts for use in cold temperatures, and grouts for use in hot temperatures. In the present invention, a slurry having an optimum use temperature of about 21 ° C is preferred. A useful slurry is disclosed in the United States of America Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60 / 083,960, entitled "Integrated Marking Materials" by Sandra Sprouts, filed May 1, 1998, and in the Application for Patent of the United States of North America Corresponding to Serial Number entitled "Integrated Marking Materials" by Sandra Sprouts, filed on, 1999, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The cementitious mixture (i.e., the slurry) can include a cementitious binder. In a dry formulation, the cementitious binder is a hydraulic cement, preferably a Portland cement, or a fast setting cementitious binder, such as magnesium phosphate, or magnesium potassium phosphate cement, or any other suitable hydraulic binder. The slurry may also include a variety of polymers to provide a range of desired physical properties. For example, a slurry may include a polymeric cement modifier, such as a polymeric resin. Exemplary polymeric resins include, but are not limited to, acrylic resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate, styrene-acrylic, styrene-butadiene-polyvinyl acetate, vinyl versatate, vinyl acetate, and blends, copolymers, or terpolymers of these resins. The amount of polymeric cement modifier used should be sufficient to make the cementitious material compatible with other material that may be present in the dry particulate material, such as retro-reflective and reflective fillers, but should not decrease in an unfavorable manner. the resistance of the resulting material.

The dry particulate material may also contain other customary components of the cement mixtures, such as gravel, including fine gravel or sand, and coarse gravel, such as silica, quartz, rounded crushed marble, glass spheres, granite, limestone, calcite, feldspar, alluvial sands, or other durable aggregates, mixtures of aggregates, and the like. The dried particulate material may also contain a variety of modifiers useful for controlling the setting time, improving the bonding of the slurry to the groove, controlling shrinkage, improving the strength of the slurry, or other desired modifiers. These modifiers include, but are not limited to, a dispersant, a plasticizer, a water reducer, and / or one or more other common mixtures as necessary for the particular application and environment, such as an accelerator; an air introducer; a defoamer; fibers; an inert filler, such as calcium carbonate, ceramic microspheres, mica, talcum, silica flour, diatomaceous earth, rice husk ash, and the like; a natural clay, a pozzolanic filler, such as fly ash, kaolin, silica vapor, blast furnace slag, and the like; a retardant; a rheology modifier, such as a water soluble polymer; a shrinkage compensating agent; a synthetic clay; a suspension agent; a thickening agent; and the like; and mixtures thereof. Suitable examples of these mixtures are known to those skilled in the art, and representative examples are mentioned in U.S. Patent No. 5,728,209, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The dried particulate material may also include a coloring agent, such as an inorganic pigment, an organic pigment, and / or an inorganic / organic hybrid pigment, including any suitable dye or colorant. These pigments include, but are not limited to, carbon black, white latex, yellow Hansa (2- [4-methoxy-2-nitrophenyl) azo] -N- (2-methoxyphenyl) -3-oxo-butanamide), oxide of iron, titanium dioxide, zinc sulfate, zinc sulphides, LumiNova ™, modified zinc sulphide (United Minerals Corp.), zinc sulphide / lithopone barium sulfate, zinc oxide, titanates, nickel and antimony titanates, ptalocyanines, spineles and oxides in mixed phase, and mixture thereof. The dry particulate material can be custom made in color and consistency to meet specific aesthetic and / or design needs. To improve visibility at night or in other low light conditions, the dry particulate material may also include a visibility enhancing agent, such as retroreflective and / or reflective agents. Exemplary visibility enhancing agents include, but are not limited to, glass beads, glass bubbles, glass spheres, ceramic spheres, plastic beads, and the like, and mixtures thereof. A visibility enhancing agent may be placed as an upper layer or a diffused layer for the initial surface reflection characteristics. As discussed in detail below, a visibility enhancing agent can also be integrally included in the slurry, so that its visibility enhancing property remains after the visibility enhancing agents on the pavement surface wear out. The size of the visibility enhancing agent is selected to achieve the best combination of retro-reflectivity and / or reflectivity and wear characteristics for a particular pavement marking. Preferably, the average top size of the visibility enhancing agent is at least about 600 microns (μm), and more preferably at least about 850 microns. It should be appreciated that the average superior size of the visibility enhancing agent is limited only by the availability and ease of incorporation into, and mixes with, the other components of the slurry, or its ability to imbibe on the upper surface of the slurry. A typical operation of the self-propelling pavement groove filler apparatus is illustrated as follows. An operator places the slurry dosing apparatus 100 and the control panel 304 on an appropriate side of the self-propelling device 300 for a given construction application. The dry particulate material is placed in the product hopper 204, and heated to the desired temperature, based on the temperature determined by the product temperature sensor and the slurry temperature sensor. The dry product dosing device 216, which is controlled by the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper, introduces the dry particulate material from the product hopper 204 to the slurry mixer 208. Water is injected into the mixer of grout 208 through a liquid inlet. The water injection is also controlled by the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper. However, the index of the amount of water added is controlled manually. The preheating of the water is based on the temperature of the dry particulate material and the temperature of the slurry, as determined by the temperature sensors of the dry product and the slurry. If necessary, additives are also added in the slurry mixer 208, based on the temperature of the slurry, as determined by the slurry temperature sensor. The rate of addition of additive (usually in milliliters / hour) to the slurry mixer 203 is normally controlled in a manual manner. Preferably, there is a warning device, similar to those discussed above for the visibility enhancing agent applicator device 160, which alerts the operator when the additive entry is open, but there is an insufficient amount of additives added to the slurry mixer. 208. The slurry mixer 208 mixes the materials to a homogeneous consistency, and transfers the resulting slurry to the hopper 212. The agitator of the slurry in the surge hopper, which is manually controlled, agitates the slurry in the hopper of the slurry. 212 waves, to maintain the homogeneity of the grout. The slurry dosing device, which is controlled by the level sensor of the slurry in the slurry hopper, doses the slurry from the hopper 212 to the slurry hopper 104, through a slurry transfer hose. The agitator of the slurry in the grout hopper 132 agitates the slurry in the grout hopper 104, to maintain the homogeneity of the slurry. The operator directs the self-propelling device 300 using the steering device to a range within approximately 30 centimeters of the groove of the pavement, using a viewing mechanism. The slurry dosing apparatus 100 has from about 10 centimeters to about 50 centimeters, preferably about 30 centimeters, of lateral movement path, independently of the self-propelling device 300, to allow the operator to place the slurry dosing apparatus 100 on the groove of the pavement, regardless of the position of the self-propelling device 300. Then the slurry dosing apparatus 100 is placed near the groove of the pavement, in such a way that the lateral forms 108 are inserted in the groove of the pavement. The material gate 112 opens to allow the flow of the slurry from the slurry hopper 104 into the groove of the pavement. The operator initiates forward movement by selecting the pavement mode from the control board 304, which automatically activates the groove cleaner air sprinkler device 116, and the mist spray device 120. The air sprinkler cleaning device of the groove 116 directs compressed air into the groove of the pavement, in front of the grouting dosing apparatus 100, to clean the pavement groove from debris. The compressed air is at a constant pressure, regardless of the forward travel speed of the self-propelling device 300. The mist spray device 120 applies a water mist to the pavement groove in front of the slurry dosing apparatus 100. The Water mist application pressure depends on the forward travel speed of the self-propelling device 300. Simultaneously, the self-propelling device 300 moves forward at the speed of travel, which is selected by the operator. The slurry is placed in the groove of the pavement, is confined in the groove of the pavement by the side shapes 108, is removed by the scraper 124, is leveled by the extrusion tray 128, and is smoothed by the planer 148. The device Visibility enhancing agent applicator 160 applies reflective beads onto the surface of the wet slurry. The application of the beads starts when the pavement mode is started with a delay of approximately 3 seconds, and the application of the beads stops approximately 3 seconds after the pavement mode is deactivated. The air sprinkler device on the surface of the groove 164 sprays compressed air on the surface of the grout, to flush any excess of pearls that have not been embedded, and to further embed the beads on the surface of the grout. The compressed air spray starts when the pavement mode starts with a delay of approximately 3 seconds, and stops approximately 3 seconds after the pavement mode is deactivated. Then the curing agent applying device 168 sprays a slurry curing agent onto the surface of the slurry. The curing agent spray pressure depends on the speed of the self-propelling device, to reduce or eliminate the build-up of the curing agent. The curing agent spray starts when the pavement mode is started with a delay of approximately 3 seconds, and stops approximately 3 seconds after the pavement mode is deactivated. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention, and that these changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all equivalent variations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Paver groove filler device. 100 grout dispensing device. 104 Slurry hopper. 108 Lateral forms. 112 Material gate. 114 Hydraulic device. 116 Air cleaning device for cleaning the groove. 120 Fog spraying device. 124 Instant withdrawal. 128 Extrusion tray. 132 Agitator of the grout in the grout hopper. 136 Stirrer motor. 140 Stirring arrow. 144 Band, chain, gear, or other impulse devices. 148 Smoothing plate. 152 Swivel support system. 156 Suspension system. 160 Visibility enhancing agent applicator device. 164 Air sprinkler device for grout surface. 168 Curing agent applicator device. 200 Apparatus for the preparation of the grout. 204 Product hopper. 208 Grout mixer. 212 Wave hopper. 216 Dry product dosing device. 220 Dry product feeding auger. 224 Introduction bit. 228 Water tank. 232 Agitator of the slurry in the surge hopper 300 Self-propelling device. 304 Control board. 308 Oscillatory arm.

Claims

1. A slurry dosing apparatus, which comprises: (a) a slurry hopper for storing the slurry; (b) a material gate having open and closed positions, operatively connected to the slurry hopper, for dosing the slurry from the slurry hopper into a groove of the pavement, when the material gate is in the open position; (c) a lateral shape for confining the grout substantially within the lateral limits of the pavement groove; and (d) an extrusion tray to level the grout in the groove of the pavement.

2. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slurry hopper further comprises a slurry hopper vibrator to vibrate the slurry hopper.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slurry hopper further comprises a slurry agitator of the slurry hopper, to maintain the homogeneity of the slurry in the slurry hopper.

4. The grout dispensing apparatus of claim 1, which further comprises a planer plate for smoothing the surface of the grout in the groove of the pavement.

5. The grout dosing apparatus of claim 4, which further comprises a planer vibrator operatively connected to the planer plate to vibrate the planer plate.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a visibility enhancing agent applicator device for applying and embedding a visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the slurry in the pavement groove.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 6, which further comprises a warning device operatively connected with the visibility enhancing agent applicator device, to alert the operator when the visibility enhancing agent is not being applied or dosing appropriately by means of the visibility enhancing agent applicator device.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 6, which further comprises an air spray device of the grout surface, for removing the non-embedded visibility enhancing agent from the surface of the slurry, and for further embedding the agent Visibility enhancer on the surface of the grout.

9. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 1, which further comprises a curing agent applicator device, for applying a curing agent to the surface of the slurry in the groove of the pavement.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 1, which further comprises a rotary support system.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the rotary support system comprises a longitudinal stroke averaging system, and a transverse averaging system.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spraying device for air cleaning the groove, for cleaning the pavement groove from particles.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 12, which further comprises a mist spray device for spraying water mist in the pavement groove.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 1, which further comprises an apparatus for the preparation of the slurry operatively connected to the slurry dosing apparatus, wherein the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry comprises: (a) a hopper of product to store a dry particulate material; (b) a product dosing device for dosing at least a portion of the dry particulate material from the product hopper; (c) a slurry mixer operatively connected to the product dosing device, to mix the dry particulate material with water to produce the slurry; (d) a surge hopper operatively connected to the slurry mixer for storing the slurry; and (e) a agitator of the slurry in the surge hopper, to agitate the slurry in this surge hopper; 15.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a slurry temperature sensor, for determining the slurry temperatures in the surge hopper.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 15, which further comprises a dry product temperature sensor for determining the temperatures of the dry particulate material, and a product heater operatively connected to the product temperature sensor and the sensor of the grout temperature, to heat the dry particulate material.

17. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus for preparing the slurry further comprises a water storage device operatively connected to the slurry mixer for storing water, and wherein the slurry mixer it comprises a water inlet operatively connected to the water storage device, for supplying water to the slurry mixer.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus for preparing the slurry further comprises a water temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the water in the water storage device, and a water heater operatively connected to the water temperature sensor and to the grout temperature sensor, to heat the water.

19. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the slurry mixer further comprises an additive inlet for adding an additive to the slurry mixer, and wherein the addition of the additive is operatively connected to the slurry sensor. grout temperature.

20. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the product hopper further comprises a product hopper vibrator for vibrating the product hopper, and an air cushion for injecting air into the product hopper.

21. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper, wherein the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper is operatively connected to the grout mixer and product dosing device, to control the production of grout.

22. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the slurry preparation apparatus further comprises a slurry dosing device, for dosing the slurry from the surge hopper to the slurry hopper.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 22, wherein the slurry hopper comprises a level sensor of the slurry in the slurry hopper operatively connected to the slurry dosing device, for controlling the slurry dosing device.

24. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a self-propelling device having a motor for self-propulsion, wherein the self-propelling device is operatively connected to the apparatus for the preparation of the grout and the grout dispensing apparatus.

25. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 24, wherein the self-propelling device further comprises: (a) a control board for controlling the operations of the self-propelling device, the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry, and the grout dosing apparatus, and (b) an oscillating arm, wherein the control board is operatively connected to the oscillating arm, and wherein the oscillating arm allows to place the control board on the right side or on the left side of the self-propulsion device.

26. The grout dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus is removably attached to the self-propelling device, and wherein the slurry dosing apparatus can be attached on the right or left side of the self-propelling device.

27. The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a lifting mechanism for raising the slurry dosing apparatus above a pavement surface.

The slurry dosing apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a guiding device for guiding the slurry dosing apparatus to a proper pavement filling position of the pavement.

29. An apparatus for the preparation of slurry, which comprises: (a) a product hopper for storing a dry particulate material; (b) a product de-sizing device for dosing at least a portion of the dry particulate material from the product hopper; (c) a slurry mixer operatively connected to the product dosing device, for mixing the dry particulate material with a liquid in order to produce the slurry; and (d) a surge hopper operatively connected to the slurry mixer for storing the slurry.

30. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 29, wherein the product hopper comprises a product hopper vibrator for vibrating the product hopper.

The apparatus for the preparation of the slurry of claim 29, wherein the product hopper comprises a product hopper air cushion inside the product hopper, to provide an air flow into the hopper of product, in order to re the amount of agglomerate formation of the dry particulate material.

32. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 29, which further comprises a temperature sensor of the slurry, for determining the temperature of the slurry in the surge hopper.

33. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 32, which further comprises a sensor for At the temperature of the product to determine the temperature of the dry particulate material.

34. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 33, which further comprises a product heater operatively connected to the product temperature sensor and the slurry temperature sensor, for heating the dry particulate material.

35. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 32, which further comprises a liquid storage device operatively connected to the slurry mixer, for storing liquid, and wherein the slurry mixer further comprises an inlet of liquid operatively connected to the liquid storage device, for supplying liquid to the slurry mixer.

36. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 35, which further comprises a liquid temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the liquid in the liquid storage device.

37. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 36, further comprising a liquid heater operably connected to the liquid temperature sensor and the slurry temperature sensor, to heat the liquid.

38. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 32, which further comprises an additive inlet for adding an additive to the slurry mixer, wherein the addition of the additive is operatively connected to the slurry temperature sensor. .

39. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 29, wherein the product dosing device comprises a dry product feeding auger and an introduction auger.

40. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 29, wherein the surge hopper comprises a slurry agitator in the surge hopper, to maintain the homogeneity of the slurry in the surge hopper.

41. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 29, wherein the surge hopper comprises a level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper, wherein the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper is operatively connects with the slurry mixer and the product dosing device, to control the production of slurry.

42. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 41, wherein the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper is an ultrasonic sensor.

43. The apparatus for the preparation of the slurry of claim 29, which further comprises a self-propelling device having a self-propelling means, operatively connected to the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry.

44. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 40, wherein the self-propelling device further comprises: (a) a control board for controlling the operations of the self-propelling device and the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry, and (b) an oscillating arm, wherein the control board is operatively connected to the oscillating arm, and wherein the oscillating arm allows the control board to be placed on the right or left side of the oscillating device. self-propulsion.

45. The apparatus for the preparation of the slurry of claim 44, which further comprises a slurry dosing apparatus operatively connected to the control board and apparatus for the preparation of the slurry, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus comprises: (a) a slurry hopper to store the slurry; (b) a slurry agitator from the slurry hopper, to agitate the slurry in the slurry hopper; (c) a material gate having open and closed positions, operatively connected to the slurry hopper, to dose the slurry from the slurry hopper to a pavement groove, when the material gate is in the open position; (d) a lateral shape for confining the grout substantially within the lateral limits of the groove of the pavement; and (e) an extrusion tray to level the grout in the groove of the pavement.

46. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 45, which further comprises a slurry hopper vibrator for vibrating the slurry hopper.

47. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 45, which further comprises a planer plate for smoothing the surface of the slurry in the groove of the pavement, and a vibrator of the planer plate operatively connected with the planer plate to make vibrate the planer plate.

48. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 45, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus further comprises a rotating support system, wherein the rotary support system comprises a longitudinal blow-averaging system and a blow-averaging system. transversal

49. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 45, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus further comprises a lifting mechanism for raising the slurry dosing apparatus above a pavement surface, and a guiding device for guiding the apparatus. grout dispenser to a proper pavement groove fill position.

50. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 45, further comprising: a visibility enhancing agent applicator device for applying and embedding a visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the slurry in the pavement groove; and an air spray device of the surface of the slurry, for removing the non-embossed visibility enhancing agent from the surface of the slurry in the pavement groove, and for further embedding the visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the slurry.

51. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 45, which further comprises a curing agent applicator device, for applying a curing agent on the surface of the slurry in the groove of the pavement.

52. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 45, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus is removably attached to the self-propelling device, and wherein the slurry dosing apparatus can be attached on the right side or left of the self-propelling device.

53. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 45, wherein the apparatus for preparing the slurry further comprises a slurry dosing device for dosing the slurry from the surge hopper to the slurry hopper.

54. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 53, wherein the slurry dosing device is operatively connected to a slurry spraying device, for spraying the slurry onto a pavement surface.

55. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 53, wherein the slurry dosing device is a peristaltic pump.

56. The slurry preparation apparatus of claim 53, wherein the slurry hopper comprises a level sensor of the slurry in the slurry hopper operatively connected to the slurry dosing device, to control the slurry dosing device.

57. The apparatus for the preparation of the slurry of claim 45, which further comprises a spraying device for air cleaning the groove, for cleaning the groove of the pavement from particles.

58. The apparatus for preparing the slurry of claim 57, which further comprises a mist spraying device for spraying water mist in the groove ______ of the pavement.

59. A self-propelling device, which comprises: (a) an engine for self-propulsion; (b) a control board operatively connected to the engine; (c) an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm allows the control board to be placed on the right side or on the left side of the self-propelling device; and (d) at least one of an apparatus for the preparation of the slurry and an apparatus for the dispersion of the slurry.

60. The self-propulsion device of claim 59, wherein the control board comprises a speed control marker for controlling the speed of the self-propelling device.

61. The self-propelling device of claim 59, wherein the control board comprises a steering device for controlling the direction of travel of the self-propelling device.

62. The self-propelling device of claim 59, further comprising an apparatus for preparing the slurry operatively connected to the control board, wherein the apparatus for preparing the slurry comprises: (a) a hopper of product to store a dry particulate material; (b) a product metering auger for metering at least a portion of the dry particulate material from the product hopper; (c) a slurry mixer operatively connected to the product dosing device, for mixing the dry particulate material with the water and producing the slurry; (d) a surge hopper operatively connected to the slurry mixer for storing the slurry; and (e) a slurry agitator of the surge hopper, to agitate the slurry in the surge hopper.

63. The self-propelling device of claim 62, further comprising a temperature sensor of the slurry to determine the temperatures of the slurry in the surge hopper.

64. The self-propelling device of claim 63, which further comprises a dry product temperature sensor for determining the temperatures of the dry particulate material, and a product heater operatively connected to the product temperature sensor. and the temperature sensor of the slurry, to heat the dry particulate material.

65. The self-propelling device of claim 63, wherein the apparatus for preparing the slurry further comprises a water storage device operatively connected to the slurry mixer for storing water, and wherein the slurry mixer comprises an inlet of water operatively connected to the water storage device, to supply water to the grout mixer.

66. The self-propelling device of Claim 65, wherein the water storage device comprises a water temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the water in the water storage device, and a water heater operatively connected to the water temperature sensor and to the grout temperature sensor, to heat the water.

67. The self-propelling device of claim 63, wherein the slurry mixer further comprises an additive inlet operatively connected to the slurry temperature sensor, for adding the additive to the slurry mixer.

68. The self-propelling device of claim 62, wherein the surge hopper comprises a level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper, wherein the level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper is operatively connected. with the grout mixer and the product dosing device, to control the production of grout.

69. The self-propelling device of claim 62, further comprising a slurry dosing apparatus operatively connected to the control board and to the slurry preparation apparatus, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus comprises: ( a) a grout hopper to store the grout; (b) a slurry agitator from the slurry hopper, to agitate the slurry in the slurry hopper; (c) a material gate having open and closed positions operatively connected to the slurry hopper for dosing the slurry from the slurry hopper into a groove of the pavement, when the material gate is in the open position; (d) a lateral shape for confining the grout substantially within the lateral limits of the groove of the pavement; and (e) an extrusion tray to level the grout in the groove of the pavement.

70. The self-propelling device of claim 69, wherein the apparatus for preparing the slurry further comprises a peristaltic pump for dosing the slurry from the surge hopper to the slurry hopper.

71. The self-propelling device of Claim 70, wherein the slurry hopper comprises a level sensor of the slurry in the slurry hopper operatively connected to the slurry dosing device, for controlling the peristaltic pump.

72. The self-propelling device of claim 69, wherein the slurry hopper further comprises a slurry hopper vibrator to vibrate the slurry hopper.

73. The self-propelling device of claim 69, which further comprises a planer plate for smoothing the surface of the grout in the groove of the pavement, and a planer vibrator operatively connected to the planer plate, to make vibrate the planer plate.

74. The self-propelling device of claim 69, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus further comprises a rotatable support system having a longitudinal suspension system and a transverse suspension system.

75. The self-propelling device of claim 69, further comprising a lifting mechanism for raising the slurry dosing apparatus from a pavement surface, and a guiding device for guiding the slurry dispensing apparatus to a stuffing position. of appropriate pavement groove.

76. The self-propelling device of claim 69, which further comprises a visibility enhancing agent applicator device, for applying and embedding a visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the grout in the groove of the pavement.

77. The self-propelling device of claim 76, further comprising an air spray device of the grout surface, for removing the non-imbibed visibility enhancing agent from the grout surface in the groove of the pavement, and to further embed the visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the slurry.

78. The self-propelling device of claim 69, further comprising a curing agent spraying device for spraying a curing agent onto the surface of the slurry in the pavement groove.

79. The self-propelling device of claim 69, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus is removably attached to the self-propelling device, and wherein the slurry dosing apparatus can be attached on the right or left side. of the self-propelling device.

80. The self-propelling device of claim 69, further comprising a spraying air-cleaning device for cleaning the pavement groove from particles.

81. The self-propelling device of claim 69, which further comprises a mist spray device for spraying a water mist over the pavement groove.

82. A floor groove filler apparatus, which comprises: (a) an apparatus for preparing the slurry, wherein the apparatus for preparing the slurry comprises: (i) a product hopper for storing a material in dry particles, (ii) a slurry mixer operatively connected to the product hopper, for mixing at least a portion of the dry particulate material with water in order to produce the slurry, (iii) a product dosing device, for dosing at least a portion of the dry particulate material from the product hopper to the slurry mixer, and (iv) a surge hopper operatively connected to the slurry mixer, for storing the slurry; and (b) a slurry dosing apparatus operatively connected to the slurry preparation apparatus, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus comprises: (i) a slurry hopper for storing the slurry, (ii) a sluice gate of material that has open and closed positions, operatively connected to the grout hopper, to dose the grout from the grout hopper into a pavement groove, when the material gate is in the open position, (iii) a lateral shape to confine the grout substantially within the lateral limits of the pavement groove, and (iv) an extrusion tray to level the grout in the groove of the pavement.

83. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 82, further comprising a self-propelling device having a motor for self-propulsion, and an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm comprises a control board for controlling the operations of the self-propelling device, of the apparatus for the preparation of the slurry, and of the slurry dosing apparatus; and wherein the oscillating arm allows the control board to be placed on the right side or on the left side of the self-propelling device.

84. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 83, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus is removably attached to the self-propelling device, and wherein the slurry dosing apparatus can be attached on the right side or on the left side of the self-propulsion device.

85. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 82, which further comprises a temperature sensor of the slurry to determine the temperature of the slurry in the surge hopper.

86. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 85, further comprising a product temperature sensor, for determining the temperature of the dry particulate material, and a product heater operatively connected to the temperature sensor of the product and with the temperature sensor of the grout, to heat the dry particulate material.

87. The paving groove filler apparatus of claim 85, further comprising a water storage device operatively connected to the slurry mixer, for storing water, and a water inlet operatively connected to the storage device. of water and the grout mixer, to supply water to the grout mixer.

88. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 87, further comprising a water temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the water in the water storage device, and a water heater operably connected to the water storage device. water temperature sensor and with the grout temperature sensor, to heat the water.

89. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 85, wherein the slurry mixer further comprises an additive inlet for adding the additive to the slurry mixer, wherein the additive inlet is operatively connected to the temperature sensor. of the grout.

90. The paving groove filler apparatus of claim 82, wherein the surge hopper comprises a level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper operatively connected to the slurry mixer, to control the production of slurry.

91. The paving grooving filler apparatus of claim 82, wherein the apparatus for preparing the slurry further comprises a slurry dosing device, for dosing the slurry from the surge hopper to the slurry hopper.

92. The paving groove filler apparatus of claim 91, wherein the grout dosing device is a peristaltic pump.

93. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 91, wherein the slurry hopper comprises a level sensor of the slurry in the slurry hopper operatively connected to the slurry dosing device, for controlling the slurry dosing device.

94. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 82, wherein the grout dosing apparatus further comprises a planer plate for smoothing the surface of the grout in the groove of the pavement, and wherein the planer plate is operatively connected to a planer. vibrating plate vibrator, which vibrates the planer plate.

95. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 82, wherein the slurry dosing apparatus further comprises a rotary support system, wherein the rotary support system comprises a longitudinal averaging system and a transverse averaging system. .

96. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 95, further comprising a lifting mechanism for raising the grout dispensing apparatus from a pavement surface, and a guiding device for guiding the grout dispensing apparatus to a gripping position. proper pavement groove filling.

97. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 82, further comprising a visibility enhancing agent applicator device for applying and embedding a visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the grout in the groove of the pavement.

98. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 97, which further comprises an air spray device of the surface of the slurry, for removing the non-embedded visibility enhancing agent from the surface of the slurry in the groove of the pavement, and for further embedding the visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the grout.

99. The paving grooving filler apparatus of claim 82, further comprising a curing agent applicator device, for applying a curing agent to the grout surface in the groove of the pavement.

100. The paver grooving filler apparatus of claim 82, further comprising a grooving air sprinkler device for cleaning the pavement groove from particles.

101. The pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 82, further comprising a mist spray device, for spraying a water mist over the groove of the pavement.

102. A self-propelled pavement grooving filler device, which comprises: (a) an engine for self-propulsion; (b) a spraying device for air cleaning the groove, to clean the pavement from particles; (c) a mist spray device for spraying water mist over the pavement groove; (d) a product hopper for storing a dry particulate material; (e) a product dosing device, which comprises a dry product feed auger, and an introduction auger for dosing at least a portion of the dry particulate material from the product hopper; (f) a water storage device; (g) an additive storage device; (h) a slurry mixer operatively connected to the product dosing device, for mixing the dry particulate material with the water in order to produce the slurry; (i) a water inlet operatively connected to the water storage device, to add water to the slurry mixer; (j) an additive inlet operatively connected to the additive storage device, for adding an additive to the slurry mixer; (k) a surge hopper operatively connected to the slurry mixer for storing the slurry; (1) a slurry agitator from the surge hopper, to agitate the slurry in the surge hopper; (m) a slurry dosing device operatively connected to the surge hopper, for dosing the slurry from the surge hopper; (n) a slurry hopper operatively connected to the slurry dosing device, for storing the slurry; (o) a slurry grout agitator, to maintain the homogeneity of the slurry in the slurry hopper. (p) a material gate having open and closed positions, operatively connected to the slurry hopper, for dosing the slurry from the slurry hopper into a groove in the pavement, when the material gate is in the open position, - (q) a lateral shape for confining the grout substantially within the lateral limits of the groove of the pavement; (r) an extrusion tray to level the grout in the groove of the pavement; (s) a planer to smooth the surface of the grout in the groove of the pavement; and (t) a guiding device for guiding the slurry hopper and the material gate to a proper pavement groove fill position.

103. The self-propelled pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 102, which further comprises a control board operatively connected to the engine.

104. The self-propelled paving groove filler apparatus of claim 103, further comprising an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm allows the control board to be placed on the right side or on the left side of the filler apparatus. of self-propelled pavement groove.

105. The self-propelled pavement groove filler apparatus of claim 102, wherein the product hopper comprises a product hopper vibrator, for vibrating the product hopper, and a product hopper air cushion on the product hopper. inside the product hopper, to provide an air flow into the product hopper, in order to reduce the amount of agglomerate formation of the dry particulate material.

106. The self-propelled pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 102, which further comprises a slurry temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the slurry in the surge hopper.

107. The self-propelled pavement groove filler apparatus of claim 106, which further comprises a product temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the dry particulate material, and a heater% * 89 of the product operatively connected to the sensor of product temperature and don the temperature sensor of the grout, to heat the dry particulate material.

108. The self-propelled paving groove filler apparatus of claim 106, which further comprises a water temperature sensor and a water heater operatively connected to the water temperature sensor and the water sensor. the temperature of the grout, to heat the water.

109. The self-propelled pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 102, wherein the surge hopper comprises a level sensor of the slurry in the surge hopper, wherein the level sensor of the slurry in the hopper of waves is operatively connected with the mixer 15 of slurry, the additive input, the water inlet, and the dosing device of the product, to control the production of slurry.

110. The self-propelled pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 102, wherein the hopper 20 of slurry comprises a slurry hopper vibrator, to vibrate the slurry hopper.

111. The self-propelled pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 102, which further comprises an operatively connected planer vibrator. 25 with the planer plate, to vibrate the planer plate.

112. The self-propelled pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 102, further comprising a visibility enhancing agent applicator device, for applying and embedding a visibilization enhancing agent on the surface of the grout in the pavement groove. .

113. The self-propelled pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 112, which further comprises an air sprinkler device of the grout surface, for removing the non-imbibed visibility enhancing agent from the surface of the grout in the pavement groove, and to further embed the visibility enhancing agent on the surface of the grout.

114. The self-propelled paving groove filler apparatus of claim 102, further comprising a curing agent spraying device for spraying a curing agent onto the surface of the slurry in the groove of the pavement.

115. The self-propelled paving grooving filler apparatus of claim 102, further comprising a rotary support system operatively connected to the grout hopper, the material gate, the lateral shape, the extrusion tray, and the smoothing plate.

116. The self-propelled paving groove filler apparatus of claim 115, wherein the rotary support system comprises a longitudinal averaging system and a transverse averaging system.

117. The self-propelled pavement grooving filler apparatus of claim 116, further comprising a lifting mechanism for raising the rotary support system from a pavement surface.

118. A method for making a durable pavement brand, which comprises the steps of: (a) removing a portion of the pavement to create a pavement groove; (b) placing grout in the groove of the pavement; (c) level the grout in the groove of the pavement, to substantially the same level as the pavement; and (d) embedding a visibility enhancing agent in the slurry.

119. The method of claim 118, which further comprises cleaning the pavement groove prior to step (b) from debris.

120. The method of claim 118, which further comprises applying water to the groove of the pavement before step (b).

121. The method of claim 118, wherein the slurry is placed in the groove of the pavement using the apparatus of claim 1.

92. The method of claim 121, which further comprises aligning the lateral shapes in the groove of the pavement.

123. The method of claim 118, wherein the visibility enhancing agent is selected from the group consisting of beads, glasses, ceramics, metals, and mixtures thereof.

124. The method of claim 118, which further comprises applying a slurry curing agent after step (d).