Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle-mounted line striping systems.

More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a monitoring system for bead dispensing.

Vehicle-mounted line striping systems are used for painting stripes on roadways, runways, parking lots, and other ground surfaces. Line striping systems typically comprise pushed and/or gas or electric-propelled platforms that dispense materials used to mark ground surfaces. The systems typically include a gas or electric motor for driving a pump. The pump is fed a flowable material, such as paint, from a container and pumps the fluid to spray nozzles mounted to discharge the fluid toward the ground surface. While paint is used herein as an exemplar, it is understood that paint is merely one example and that other solutions (e.g., water, oil, solvents, beads, flowable solids, pellets, etc.) can be applied in addition to or instead of paint. In some cases, ground markings can be thermally applied instead of sprayed as a paint.

Striping systems are typically mounted on a vehicle. For example, the striping systems can be mounted on the bed of a truck. Such a striping system has the advantage of being used in a common truck, such as a pickup truck, without the need of a specialized vehicle. The striping systems can be palletized such that they can be loaded, lifted, placed, and unloaded by a conventional pallet jack or forklift in the same manner as a conventional pallet. When mounted on a vehicle, one or more dispense outlets are mounted on an extension that extends away from the vehicle to dispense the striping material as the vehicle drives. In most cases, the extension is on the lateral side of the vehicle to apply one or more stripes to the side of the vehicle as the vehicle drives forward. Such a system can apply a large volume of striping material to the ground due to the carrying capacity of the vehicle, both in terms of material to be applied and the pumping, mixing, and dispensing equipment, and due to the distance that such a vehicle can efficiently cover, particularly along a long stretch of roadway.

Beads may be applied to line stripes to increase their reflectivity. Beads are three-dimensional and can be highly reflective along many orientations. Wet paint or other coating applied to the ground surface can have beads dropped or shot on the paint or other coating to embed or otherwise adhere the beads to the paint or other coating. The paint or other coating will rapidly dry and the beads can become permanently part the line stripe, increasing the visibility, and in particular the reflectivity, of the stripe.

<CIT> and <CIT> provide examples of solid particle flow sensors.

In one embodiment according to the invention, this disclosure presents a bead flow sensor module according to claim <NUM>.

In another illustrative example, this disclosure presents a system that includes a compressed air source, a bead hopper, a bead dispenser, a flow pathway between the bead hopper and the bead dispenser, and a bead flow sensor module. The compressed air source supplies a flow of compressed air to the bead hopper. A flow of beads carried within the flow of compressed air exits the bead hopper through the flow pathway to the bead dispenser. The bead flow sensor module according to claim <NUM> is positioned along the flow pathway.

<FIG> is an isometric view of striping system <NUM>. Striping system <NUM> includes vehicle surface <NUM>, pumping module <NUM>, user interface <NUM>, liquid reservoirs <NUM>, compressor <NUM>, bead hopper <NUM>, support frame <NUM>, hoses <NUM>, beam mount <NUM>, beam <NUM>, dispense arm <NUM>, carriage <NUM>, and seat <NUM>. Pumping module <NUM> includes pumps <NUM> and motor <NUM>. Beam mount <NUM> includes beam clamps <NUM>. Dispense arm <NUM> includes boom <NUM>, lateral arm <NUM>, wheels <NUM>, and dispensing modules <NUM>. Dispensing modules <NUM> include gun arms <NUM>, spray outlets <NUM>, and bead dispensers <NUM>. Carriage <NUM> includes carriage motor <NUM>.

Striping system <NUM> is a system for applying stripes of a marking material, such as paint, water, oil, solvents, beads, reflective glass beads, flowable solids, pellets, etc., to a ground surface, such as a roadway, runway, parking lot, or other desired surface. While the term "stripes" is used herein as an example, it will be understood that the scope of this disclosure includes dispensing fluid and/or material on any surface in any pattern, and is not limited to the marking of stri pes.

Vehicle surface <NUM> is a surface of a self-propelled vehicle that supports other components of striping system <NUM>. For example, vehicle surface <NUM> can be the bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck, a pallet or other structure mounted to a truck, or another vehicle surface. Liquid reservoirs <NUM> are disposed on vehicle surface <NUM> and are configured to store the marking material prior to application to the ground surface. The marking material can be any desired material suitable for creating the stripes, such as paint, flowable solids such as beads, plural component materials, or any other suitable material. In some examples, system <NUM> can include bead hopper <NUM> to store beads apart from a liquid component (e.g., paint) of the marking material contained in liquid reservoirs <NUM>. A compressor <NUM> pressurizes bead hopper <NUM> and generates an airflow to carry the beads out of bead hopper <NUM> via hoses <NUM> to bead dispensers <NUM>.

Support frame <NUM> is disposed on vehicle surface <NUM> and supports various components of striping system <NUM>. Support frame <NUM> is configured to mount to vehicle surface <NUM> and can either rest on vehicle surface <NUM> or be connected to vehicle surface <NUM>. In some examples, support frame <NUM> is removably connected to vehicle surface <NUM>, such as by fasteners, such as bolts, or straps. In other examples, support frame <NUM> is permanently connected to vehicle surface <NUM>, such as by welding.

Pumping module <NUM> is supported by support frame <NUM> and configured to drive the marking material from liquid reservoirs <NUM> to dispense arm <NUM>. Pumps <NUM> are supported by support frame <NUM> and are fluidly connected to liquid reservoirs <NUM> by one or more of a pipe, a conduit, and a hose. Motor <NUM> is also supported by support frame <NUM> and is configured to power pumps <NUM>. In some examples, motor <NUM> powers a variable displacement pump that drives pumps <NUM>. In other examples, motor <NUM> can also power an air compressor <NUM> to power pumps <NUM>, where pumps <NUM> are pneumatic, to draw a liquid component of the marking material from reservoir <NUM> and discharge the liquid component of the marker material through spray outlets <NUM>. In some examples, air compressor <NUM> also pressurizes bead hopper <NUM> to drive reflective glass beads to and out of glass bead dispensers <NUM>. It is understood, however, that pumps <NUM> can be driven in any desired manner, such as mechanically, electrically, or hydraulically, and motor <NUM> can be of any suitable configuration for powering pumps <NUM>. While pumping module <NUM> is shown as including two pumps <NUM>, it is understood that pumping module <NUM> can include fewer or greater number of pumps <NUM>. Moreover, pumping module <NUM> can include any desired configuration of pump <NUM> suitable for driving the marking material from liquid reservoirs <NUM> to dispense module <NUM>, such as piston pumps, diaphragm pumps, georotor pumps, lobe pumps, rotary vane pumps, peristaltic pumps, and plunger pumps, among other options.

Seat <NUM> is supported by support frame <NUM>. A user is typically seated in seat <NUM> during operation. The position of seat <NUM> allows the user to monitor the placement of the stripe by striping system <NUM> and adjust the location of dispense arm <NUM> as needed. User interface <NUM> extends from seat <NUM> and provides controls to the user to allow the user to actuate carriage <NUM> and adjust the position of dispense arm <NUM> along the Y-axis. User interface <NUM> is operatively connected to carriage motor <NUM> to control operation of carriage motor <NUM>.

Beam mount <NUM> extends from support frame <NUM>. Beam mount <NUM> is directly or indirectly connected to support frame <NUM>, such as by bolts or intermediate structural plates and/or tubes. Beam <NUM> is mounted on beam mount <NUM> and is secured to beam mount <NUM> by beam clamps <NUM>. Beam clamps <NUM> prevent movement of beam <NUM> relative to beam mount <NUM> and support frame <NUM>. Beam <NUM> is cantilevered from beam mount <NUM> with a free end of beam <NUM> spaced from vehicle surface <NUM>. Beam <NUM> extends laterally along the Y-axis from vehicle surface <NUM> so that the free end of beam <NUM> is positioned to the left side of vehicle surface <NUM> and the remainder of the vehicle.

Carriage <NUM> rides on beam <NUM>. Carriage <NUM> is movable along the entire length of beam <NUM>. Specifically, carriage <NUM> can move laterally along the Y-axis. Carriage motor <NUM> is configured to drive carriage <NUM> laterally along beam <NUM> on the Y-axis.

Dispense arm <NUM> is connected to beam <NUM> by carriage <NUM>. Boom <NUM> is attached to and extends from carriage <NUM>. Lateral arm <NUM> extends laterally from boom <NUM> along the Y-axis. Wheels <NUM> are disposed at the ends of boom <NUM> and are configured to support dispense arm <NUM> relative to the ground. Wheels <NUM> support the weight of dispense arm <NUM> on the ground surface. Wheels <NUM> typically bracket the ground surface being marked by striping system <NUM>. While dispense arm <NUM> is shown as including two wheels <NUM>, it is understood that dispense arm <NUM> can include any desired number of wheels <NUM> to support dispense arm <NUM> on the ground surface, such as one, three, four, or any other desired number of wheels <NUM>. Lateral translation of carriage <NUM> along beam <NUM> likewise causes lateral movement of dispense arm <NUM>.

Gun arms <NUM> extend from boom <NUM> and dispensing modules <NUM> are disposed on gun arms <NUM>. Dispensing modules <NUM> are fluidly connected to pumps <NUM> to receive marking material from pumps <NUM> and apply the marking material to the ground surface. Gun arms <NUM> are disposed generally orthogonal to lateral arm <NUM>. While dispense arm <NUM> is shown as including five gun arms <NUM>, it is understood that dispense arm <NUM> can include as many or as few gun arms <NUM> as desired, such as one, two, three, or any desired number. Spray outlets <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM> are typically positioned above the surface being marked, such as by one or more inches (i.e., by <NUM> or more centimeters). Spray outlets <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM> eject the marking material, in separate liquid and bead components, onto the ground surface. Specifically, for each stripe, the spray outlet <NUM> is positioned in front of each bead dispenser <NUM> such that the spray outlet <NUM> passes over a surface and sprays the surface with paint or other liquid coating and then the bead dispenser <NUM> passes over the freshly sprayed liquid coating and drops, blows, or otherwise dispenses the beads onto the liquid coating to adhere the beads to the stripe. Spray outlets <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM> are moved along the surface being marked by forward motion of the vehicle, which motion is translated to spray outlets <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM> by support frame <NUM>, beam mount <NUM>, beam <NUM>, carriage <NUM>, and dispense arm <NUM>. In some examples, spray outlets <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM> are positioned relative to one another so as to eliminate any gaps between the stripes generated by spray outlets <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM>. Two variations of dispense modules <NUM> are shown, spray nozzles <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM>, but it is understood that dispense arm <NUM> can include as few or as many varieties of spray outlets <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM> as desired. Moreover, dispense arm <NUM> can include additional variations of spray outlets <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM> in addition to the spray nozzles and bead dispensers shown.

During operation, the vehicle that vehicle surface <NUM> is a part of is driven across the ground surface in the longitudinal direction, along the X-axis. A user separate from the driver is seated in seat <NUM> and controls the position of dispense arm <NUM> along the Y-axis via user interface <NUM>. As such, the user can monitor the application of the stripes and the lateral position of dispense arm <NUM> independent from steering of the vehicle. Pumps <NUM> draw the marking material from liquid reservoirs <NUM> and drive the marking material to dispensing modules <NUM>. Hopper <NUM> is pressurized by compressor <NUM> to drive beads downstream from hopper <NUM> to bead dispensers <NUM>. Spray outlets <NUM> and bead dispensers <NUM> eject the marking material, in separate liquid and bead components, onto the ground surface.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of the bead dispensing system <NUM> of the striping system <NUM>. The bead dispensing system <NUM> includes a compressor <NUM> or other source of compressed air, such as a tank of compressed air. The compressor <NUM> generates a flow of compressed air. The flow of compressed air is routed, such as by hose, pipe, or conduit, to a bead hopper <NUM>. The bead hopper <NUM> includes an internal chamber into which beads can be placed. The quantity of beads can number in the hundreds of thousands or millions within a bead hopper <NUM>. The bead hopper <NUM> is sealed such that the inflow of compressed air circulates within the bead hopper to pressurize the area around the beads and flows out of the bead hopper <NUM> via hose <NUM>, carrying the beads. Multiple hoses <NUM> may flow out of the bead hopper <NUM> or a manifold may attach to multiple hoses <NUM>. One or more hoses <NUM> can connect with a lower portion of bead hopper <NUM>, or other region of bead hopper <NUM> where beads collect. The beads are small and light enough that they are entrained in the flow of compressed air to flow through the interior of the hose with the airflow. It is noted that the flow can be dry such that the only fluid is compressed air flowing and the beads themselves. Hose <NUM> connects with the bead dispenser <NUM> which can spread the beads out laterally to fall on the freshly sprayed line from the spray outlet <NUM>.

A position of sensor module <NUM> can be anywhere along the bead flow path between an outlet of bead hopper <NUM> and an outlet of bead dispenser <NUM>. In some embodiments, sensor module <NUM> can be located anywhere along hose <NUM> between an outlet of the bead hopper <NUM> and an inlet of bead dispenser <NUM>. In this embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> is located close to the bead dispenser <NUM> and relatively far away from the bead hopper <NUM>, however the sensor module <NUM> can be placed anywhere along the flow path of beads. For instance, sensor module <NUM> can be adjacent to bead dispenser <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In this example, sensor module <NUM> connects to bead dispenser by a short length of hose <NUM>, for example, by a length less than one meter. In other examples, the short length of hose <NUM> is less than half a meter, or less than one fourth of a meter. In still other examples, the short length of hose <NUM> between sensor module <NUM> and bead dispenser <NUM> can be omitted, connecting sensor module <NUM> directly to a fitting operatively associated with bead dispenser <NUM>, or integrated into bead dispenser <NUM>. In other examples, the sensor module <NUM> can be directly attached to an outlet of the bead hopper <NUM>. While in other examples, the sensor module <NUM> can be intermediate of the bead hopper <NUM> and the bead dispenser <NUM>. Bending, flexing, expansion, and/or contracting of hose <NUM> can introduce differences between the bead flow sensed by sensor module <NUM> and the bead flow discharged from bead dispenser <NUM>. Placing sensor module <NUM> closer to bead dispenser <NUM> and relatively far away from hopper <NUM> improves accuracy of bead flow volume measurements by reducing or minimizing a length of hose <NUM> between sensor module <NUM> and bead dispenser <NUM>.

A data line <NUM> extends from the sensor module <NUM> and is configured to provide a signal to control circuitry, the signal indicating a measure of bead flow volume. The data line <NUM> is shown as a wire in this embodiment, but the data line <NUM> could be a wireless signal communication between the sensor module <NUM> and the control circuitry. The user interface <NUM> can output a value representing the volume of the flow based on the signal communicated along the data line <NUM> from the sensor module <NUM>. In typical use, one sensor module <NUM> will be provided for each hose <NUM>. Each bead dispenser <NUM> is supplied by a respective hose <NUM>. Therefore, there may be one sensor module <NUM> for each bead dispenser <NUM>. For example, a plurality of sensor modules <NUM> can be provided for a plurality of bead dispensers <NUM>, respectively. It is understood, however, that each sensor module <NUM> can be associated with one or more bead dispensers <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor module <NUM>. <FIG> shows an axial end view of sensor module <NUM> along centerline axis <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> measures the volume of beads traveling with a flow of compressed air, and outputs a signal indicative of the volume of beads traveling with the flow of compressed air.

The sensor module <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes a flow channel <NUM>. The flow channel <NUM> can be axially aligned with the flow of compressed air and beads along centerline axis <NUM>. Flow channel <NUM> is pressurized by compressor <NUM> along with bead hopper <NUM>, hose <NUM>, and bead dispenser <NUM>. Flow channel <NUM> is not an open channel but is instead a closed, pressurized channel that conveys beads for dispensing by bead dispenser <NUM>. In some examples, flow channel <NUM> is a cylindrical passage with a constant cross-section that extends through housing <NUM> from inlet <NUM> to outlet <NUM>. In other examples, flow channel <NUM> can have a different cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular or polygonal, and may have include regions that have decreasing, increasing, or both decreasing and increasing cross-sectional area. Hoses or other components along the path the flow of beads can connect with an inlet <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The direction of bead flow through the flow channel <NUM> from inlet <NUM> to outlet <NUM> along centerline axis <NUM> is indicated in <FIG>.

Branching from the flow channel <NUM> is a side channel <NUM>. Side channel <NUM> can be orientated orthogonal to the flow channel <NUM>, however other orientations are possible. The flow channel <NUM> together with the side channel <NUM> can form a T shape. In other examples, side channel <NUM> intersects flow channel <NUM> at an oblique angle such that housing <NUM> forms a Y shape. Side channel <NUM> can be a dead end in which air and beads do not flow through. Dead-ended examples of side channel <NUM> may fill with beads during operation such that beads accumulate around and provide support to wire <NUM>, portions of beam <NUM> and, in some cases, portions of sensor <NUM>. The physical dimensions of side channel <NUM> (i.e., cross-sectional shape, area, and volume) are selected to permit beam <NUM> to deflect from impacting beads. Defining part of the side channel <NUM> is a ledge <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ledge <NUM> is the downstream side of the side channel <NUM> relative to bead flow through flow channel <NUM>, however the ledge <NUM> can be the upstream side of the side channel <NUM> or other surface. The ledge <NUM> can define the transition between side channel <NUM> and flow channel <NUM>. In some examples, the transition between flow channel <NUM> and side channel <NUM> can be an intersection between one or more surfaces of flow channel <NUM> and one or more surfaces of side channel <NUM>. In certain examples, ledge <NUM> can be formed by an intersection between a cylindrical surface of flow channel <NUM> and a flat surface of side channel <NUM>. The flat surface of side channel <NUM> abuts a corresponding flat surface of beam <NUM>. In other examples, ledge <NUM> can be formed by an intersection between cylindrical surfaces of flow channel <NUM> and side channel <NUM>, which may or may not abut similarly profiled surfaces of beam <NUM>.

Beam <NUM> can be located within side channel <NUM>. In this embodiment, beam <NUM> is disposed partially within side channel <NUM> and projects into flow channel <NUM> relative to centerline axis <NUM>. More specifically, a majority of the beam <NUM> is located within the side channel <NUM> but a portion of the beam <NUM> extends beyond the side channel <NUM> into the flow channel <NUM> towards centerline axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, a majority portion of beam <NUM> may extend into flow channel <NUM> towards or through centerline axis <NUM> from side channel <NUM>. The beam <NUM> is located on the ledge <NUM>. The beam <NUM> extends off of the ledge <NUM> into the flow channel <NUM>. The beam <NUM> is held to the ledge <NUM> by fasteners <NUM>. Beam <NUM> can be considered to be cantilevered from ledge <NUM> and into flow channel <NUM> in the example shown.

Sensor <NUM> can be mounted on the beam <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> can be a strain gauge, amongst other options. Sensor <NUM> can measure movement of the beam <NUM>. As shown, the sensor <NUM> is partially within the side channel <NUM> and partially within the flow channel <NUM>, though it is understood that not all examples are so limited. The sensor <NUM> is positioned over the ledge <NUM>. The wire <NUM> connects with the sensor <NUM> to carry one or more signals to and from the sensor <NUM>. While one wire <NUM> is shown, more wires may be present. The wire <NUM> may carry power to the sensor <NUM> and carry a signal generated by the sensor <NUM> that indicates the degree of movement of the sensor <NUM>, and thereby the movement of the beam <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> outputs a signal proportional to the degree of bending or other type of strain of the beam <NUM>.

The ledge <NUM> braces beam <NUM> when ledge <NUM> forms a downstream surface of side channel <NUM> relative to bead flow through flow channel <NUM>. The beam <NUM> extends out beyond the ledge <NUM> so that the beam <NUM> is cantilevered into the flow channel <NUM>. The beam <NUM> is cantilevered about the ledge <NUM> such that the beam <NUM> can pivot about the ledge <NUM> when a force acts on the portion of the beam <NUM> that is within the flow channel <NUM>. Beam <NUM> may abut ledge <NUM> in an undeflected position in some examples (i.e., with zero bead flow). In the example shown, beam extends towards centerline axis <NUM> but does not intersect with centerline axis <NUM>. As such, beam <NUM> projects less than halfway across flow channel <NUM>, in the example shown. It is understood, however, that other configurations are possible. In other instances, beam65 can be spaced from ledge <NUM> such that a gap is formed between beam <NUM> and ledge <NUM> and beam <NUM> does not abut ledge <NUM> in an undeflected position (i.e., with zero bead flow).

In the first instance, in which beam <NUM> abuts ledge <NUM>, ledge <NUM> braces beam <NUM> by resisting deflection of beam <NUM> in a direction of bead flow. In a second instance, such as when beam <NUM> is spaced from ledge <NUM>, ledge <NUM> limits deflection of beam <NUM> in a direction of bead flow. Bracing beam <NUM> throughout a bead flow range permits bead flows to impose higher loads on beam <NUM> without excessive deflection of beam <NUM>, protecting beam <NUM> as well as sensor <NUM> to a greater degree relative to an unbraced beam <NUM>. Beam <NUM> could also be designed in such a way, via materials and dimensions, and per the maximum expected bead flow rates, that it will not be damaged due to excessive deflection, eliminating the need for ledge <NUM> to limit beam <NUM> deflection. Generally, air flowing through the flow channel <NUM> does not have enough mass to bend the beam <NUM> by impacting the portion of the beam <NUM> within the flow channel <NUM>. However, the beads flowing within the flow channel <NUM> do have enough mass to bend the beam <NUM> about the ledge <NUM> when impacting the portion of the beam <NUM> within the flow channel <NUM>. The beam <NUM> is resilient and will spring back rapidly when bent by impact from one or more beads, such that a sustained degree of bending indicates a steady volume of impact of beads on the beam <NUM>.

In one manner of operation, the beads create drag on the portion of the beam <NUM> extending into the flow channel <NUM>, causing a slight deflection and strain, and that strain value can then be correlated to a mass flow rate of beads. Air, having a lower viscosity, will have less of an effect on the strain value such as to be negligible, and because of the viscous boundary layer in the air near the surface of each bead, the air velocity would be nearly the same as the bead velocity.

The signal output by the sensor <NUM> can be correlated to a known volume of bead flow to establish a relationship between the signal output by the sensors <NUM> and bead flow volumes. It is noted that a bead flow volume can relate to weight per unit time or another metric of bead flow. The sensor <NUM> may be a resistor whose resistance increases as the resistor is strained (e.g., by narrowing and/or lengthening a resistor wire within the sensor <NUM> when strained). The change in resistance can be measured by a change in current flow through the resistor, and different amounts of change in current flow can be correlated to different known flow rates of beads. After calibration, the current or other metric of the signal output by the sensors <NUM> can be compared to establish relationship to correlate the measured signal to the known flow rate of beads. The flow rate of beads can then be output on the interface <NUM>.

Around the side channel <NUM> is a mount <NUM>. The mount <NUM> mounts on the housing <NUM>. Attached to the mount <NUM> is a head <NUM>. The mount <NUM> together with the head <NUM> seals off the side channel <NUM> (to prevent airflow through the side channel <NUM>). The head <NUM> can include a port for routing the wire <NUM> out of the sensor module <NUM>. The mount <NUM> can thread on and off the housing <NUM>, or the mount <NUM> can be press fit, or fixed in another way. Removal of the mount <NUM> exposes side apertures <NUM> in the housing <NUM> which allow the fasteners <NUM> to be engaged/disengaged to secure/unsecure the beam <NUM> from the ledge <NUM>.

In the example shown by <FIG>, mount <NUM> includes major bore <NUM>, minor bore <NUM>, and intermediate bore <NUM> joining major bore <NUM> to minor bore <NUM> and forming a passage through mount <NUM> from side channel <NUM> to head <NUM>. Major bore <NUM> includes internal threads <NUM> which engage corresponding external threads <NUM> of housing <NUM> disposed about side channel <NUM>. Interior end face <NUM> forms a transition between major bore <NUM> and intermediate bore <NUM>. Groove <NUM> protrudes into mount <NUM> from interior end face <NUM> and extends circumferentially about side channel <NUM> and intermediate bore <NUM>. Groove <NUM> retains seal <NUM> which can be an o-ring, a gasket, or other sealing element. Exterior surface <NUM> of mount <NUM> can be adapted to receive a tool for securing mount <NUM> to housing <NUM>. For example, exterior surface <NUM> can include at least a pair of parallel flat surfaces. In other examples, exterior surface <NUM> may define a hexagonal cross-section of mount <NUM>. Securing mount <NUM> to housing <NUM> compresses seal <NUM> between mount <NUM> and housing <NUM> to seal compressed air within side channel <NUM>.

Continuing with the example shown by <FIG>, head <NUM> includes cavity <NUM> and port <NUM>. Cavity <NUM> extends into but not through head <NUM> to enclose bores <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of mount <NUM> and side channel <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Port <NUM> extends through a peripheral wall of head <NUM> to providing a route for wire <NUM>. A peripheral dimension of cavity <NUM> can overlap or circumscribe minor bore <NUM> of mount <NUM>. One or more head seals <NUM> are received between head <NUM> and mount <NUM> to prevent or reduce compressed air leakage between head <NUM> and mount <NUM>. Wire <NUM> can be routed from sensor <NUM> through side passage <NUM> of housing <NUM>; major bore <NUM>, intermediate bore <NUM>, and minor bore <NUM> of mount <NUM>; and cavity <NUM> and port <NUM> of head <NUM>. Head <NUM> can be secured to mount <NUM> via one or more fasteners <NUM>, which extend through an exterior end face of head <NUM> into mount <NUM>. The combination of mount <NUM> and head <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> permits mount <NUM> to thread onto housing <NUM> without twisting or coiling wire <NUM> within side passage <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an isometric isolated view of the beam <NUM>. <FIG> shows apertures <NUM> through the beam <NUM> through which the fasteners <NUM> can pass to mount the beam <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. In the depicted example, beam <NUM> has a rectangular cross-section. Major surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of beam <NUM> provide flat regions for mounting sensor <NUM> and for engaging ledge <NUM>. Wires <NUM> extend from sensor <NUM> along beam <NUM> and may be enclosed with protective cover <NUM>, which can provide environmental and electrical protection.

A control circuit (e.g., as part of interface <NUM>, such as a processor that executes a program stored in memory) may receive a plurality of outputs from a plurality of sensors <NUM> from a plurality of sensor modules <NUM> that monitor a plurality of bead flow lines supplying a plurality of bead dispensers <NUM>. The control circuit can correlate the plurality of signals to a plurality of bead flow values and display the values on a screen of interface <NUM> and/or save the values to memory. This can be used to ensure balance in bead dispense, and allow adjustment if one bead line is supplying more than another. The control circuit can aggregate the values to calculate a total flow rate, representing the total or average outflow of beads from the bead hopper <NUM> and/or dispensed on the ground surface.

The beam <NUM> may be formed from a resilient material. For example, the beam <NUM> may be formed from metal. The beam <NUM> may be formed from polymer. The sensor <NUM> may be adhered to the beam <NUM> with adhesive (e.g., epoxy) and/or laminated onto the beam <NUM> under a coating.

The bead hopper <NUM> may be the only source of beads for the bead dispensers <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM> may be the only source of the flow of compressed air.

A bead flow sensor module according to an embodiment of this invention, includes a housing having a flow channel, a side channel that branches from the flow channel, a ledge formed at the intersection of the side channel and the flow channel. A beam is partially located within the side channel, wherein the beam is supported by the housing and extends from the housing into the flow channel, and wherein the ledge abuts the beam between a distal end within the flow channel and a proximal end secured to the housing within the side channel. A sensor outputs a signal indicative of bead impact on the beam.

The bead flow sensor module of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components.

A further embodiment of the foregoing bead flow sensor module, wherein the sensor can be mounted on the beam.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the sensor can be located on the side of the beam that the beads impact.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the sensor can be located on an upstream side of the beam relative to a flow of beads through the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the sensor can be at least partially located within the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the sensor can be located partially within the flow channel and partially outside of the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the beam can be supported by a ledge.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the beam can extend off of the ledge into the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the sensor can overlap with the ledge.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules can include one or more fasteners that secure the beam to the housing.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the one or more fasteners can be threaded bolts.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the housing can form a T shape.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the side channel can intersect the flow channel at an oblique angle such that the housing forms a Y shape.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the beam can extend from the housing into the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the side channel can include a dead-end opposite the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the housing can include one or more side apertures aligned with each of the one or more fasteners.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules can include a mount engaging the housing.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the mount can include at least one bore extending through the mount.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the mount can engage the housing at the at least one bore.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules can include a head attached to the mount.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing bead flow sensor modules, wherein the mount and the head can enclose the side channel to form a dead-end.

A system according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, among other possible things includes a source of a flow of compressed air, a bead hopper, a bead dispenser, a flow pathway between the bead hopper and the bead dispenser, and a bead flow sensor module. The bead hopper is supplied with the flow of compressed air, a flow of beads being carried with the flow of compressed air out of the bead hopper into the flow pathway. The bead flow sensor module is positioned along the flow pathway.

The system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components.

A further embodiment of the foregoing system, wherein the bead flow sensor module can include a housing with a flow channel, a beam that extends into the flow channel, and a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of bead impact on the beam.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the sensor can be mounted on the beam.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the sensor can be located on the side of the beam that the beads impact.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the sensor can be located on an upstream side of the beam relative to a flow of beads through the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the sensor can be at least partially located within the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the sensor can be located partially within the flow channel and partially outside of the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can include a side channel that branches from the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the beam can be partially located within the side channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the beam can be supported by a ledge.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the beam can extend off of the ledge into the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the sensor can overlap with the ledge.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can include one or more fasteners that secure the beam to the housing.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the one or more fasteners can be threaded bolts.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the housing can form a T shape.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the side channel can intersect the flow channel at an oblique angle such that the housing forms a Y shape.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the beam can extend from the housing into the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the ledge can be formed at the intersection of the side channel and the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the ledge can abut the beam between a distal end within the flow channel and a proximal end secured to the housing within the side channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the side channel can include a dead-end opposite the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the housing can include one or more side apertures aligned with each of the one or more fasteners.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the bead flow sensor module can include a mount engaging the housing.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the mount can include at least one bore extending through the mount.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the mount can engage the housing at the at least one bore.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the bead flow sensor module can include a head attached to the mount.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the mount and the head can enclose the side channel to form a dead-end.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the bead flow sensor module can be closer to the bead dispenser than the bead hopper along the flow pathway.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein the bead flow sensor module can be adjacent to the bead dispenser.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can further include a plurality of bead dispensers.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can further include a plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein each flow pathway of the plurality of flow pathways can extend between the bead dispenser and one of the plurality of bead dispensers.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems can further include a plurality of bead flow sensor modules.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein each bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules is positioned along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein at least one bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules can be closer to the bead dispenser than the bead hopper along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein each bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules can be closer to the bead dispenser than the bead hopper along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein at least one bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules can be adjacent to the bead dispenser along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing systems, wherein each bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules can be adjacent to the bead dispenser along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

A ground stripe marking system according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, among other possible things includes a liquid reservoir, a spray outlet, a pump, a compressor, a bead hopper, a bead dispenser, and a bead flow sensor module. The pump is fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir to draw marking material from the liquid reservoir and discharge marking material through the spray outlet. The compressor provides a flow of compressed air. The bead hopper is supplied with the flow of compressed air, and the compressed air is configured to carry a flow of beads out of the bead hopper. The bead dispenser is connected to the bead hopper by a flow pathway between the bead hopper and the bead dispenser. The bead flow sensor module includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of bead flow through the bead flow sensor module.

The ground stripe marking system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components.

A further embodiment of the foregoing ground stripe marking system, wherein the bead flow sensor module can include a housing that includes a flow channel.

A further embodiment of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the bead flow sensor module can include a beam that extends into the flow channel.

A further embodiment of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the sensor can be configured to output a signal indicative of bead impact on the beam.

A further embodiment of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the sensor can be mounted on the beam.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the sensor can be located on the side of the beam that the beads impact.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the sensor can be located on an upstream side of the beam relative to a flow of beads through the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the sensor can be at least partially located within the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the sensor can be located partially within the flow channel and partially outside of the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems can include a side channel that branches from the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the beam can be partially located within the side channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the beam can be supported by a ledge.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the beam can extend off of the ledge into the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the sensor can overlap with the ledge.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems can include one or more fasteners that secure the beam to the housing.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the one or more fasteners can be threaded bolts.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the housing can form a T shape.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the side channel can intersect the flow channel at an oblique angle such that the housing forms a Y shape.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the beam can extend from the housing into the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the ledge can be formed at the intersection of the side channel and the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the ledge can abut the beam between a distal end within the flow channel and a proximal end secured to the housing within the side channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the side channel can include a dead-end opposite the flow channel.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the housing can include one or more side apertures aligned with each of the one or more fasteners.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems can include a mount engaging the housing.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the mount can include at least one bore extending through the mount.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the mount can engage the housing at the at least one bore.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems can include a head attached to the mount.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the mount and the head can enclose the side channel to form a dead-end.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the bead flow sensor module can be closer to the bead dispenser than the bead hopper along the flow pathway.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein the bead flow sensor module can be adjacent to the bead dispenser.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems can further include a plurality of bead dispensers.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems can further include a plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein each flow pathway of the plurality of flow pathways can extend between the bead dispenser and one of the plurality of bead dispensers.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems can further include a plurality of bead flow sensor modules.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein each bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules is positioned along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein at least one bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules can be closer to the bead dispenser than the bead hopper along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein each bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules can be closer to the bead dispenser than the bead hopper along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein at least one bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules can be adjacent to the bead dispenser along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

A further embodiment of any of the foregoing ground stripe marking systems, wherein each bead flow sensor module of the plurality of bead flow sensor modules can be adjacent to the bead dispenser along one of the plurality of flow pathways.

Claim 1:
A bead flow sensor module (<NUM>), comprising:
- a housing (<NUM>) having a flow channel (<NUM>);
- a side channel (<NUM>) that branches from the flow channel;
- a ledge (<NUM>) formed at the intersection of the side channel and the flow channel;
- a beam (<NUM>) that is partially located within the side channel, wherein the beam is supported by the housing and extends from the housing into the flow channel, and
- a sensor (<NUM>) that outputs a signal indicative of bead impact on the beam, characterized in that the ledge abuts the beam between a distal end within the flow channel and a proximal end secured to the housing within the side channel.