This invention is a novel retroreflective traffic stripe comprising an exposed top surface containing a widely spaced repeating pattern of linear light-turning prisms and a second repeating pattern of linear prisms between the light-turning prisms, over a bottom surface containing cube corner retroreflective prisms. The two types of top surface prisms are operable under dry and wet weather conditions, respectively. Both types of top surface prisms are configured to use refraction and reflection to redirect light from distant headlights into a downward direction onto the bottom surface of the traffic stripe under dry and wet weather conditions, respectively. Cube corner retroreflective prisms on the bottom surface accept the light and return it in the opposite direction.

This invention is a novel retroreflective traffic stripe comprising an exposed top surface containing a widely spaced repeating pattern of linear light-turning prisms and a second repeating pattern of linear prisms between the light-turning prisms, over a bottom surface containing cube corner retroreflective prisms. The two types of top surface prisms are operable under dry and wet weather conditions, respectively. Both types of top surface prisms are configured to use refraction and reflection to redirect light from distant headlights into a downward direction onto the bottom surface of the traffic stripe under dry and wet weather conditions, respectively. Cube corner retroreflective prisms on the bottom surface accept the light and return it in the opposite direction.

The present invention is a roadway marking having a recessed longitudinal groove provided in the roadway parallel to the direction of traffic. The groove has an inclined bottom surface that gradually tapers upward in the direction of traffic on the roadway. At least one retroreflective element is provided in the groove. The retroreflective element can be a reflector, a preformed reflective member, or a layer of retroreflective beads provided on a water-based or thermoplastic binder.

The present invention is a roadway marking having a recessed longitudinal groove provided in the roadway parallel to the direction of traffic. The groove has an inclined bottom surface that gradually tapers upward in the direction of traffic on the roadway. At least one retroreflective element is provided in the groove. The retroreflective element can be a reflector, a preformed reflective member, or a layer of retroreflective beads provided on a water-based or thermoplastic binder.

A magnetic marker retaining method that includes placing a plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers on a surface of a band-shaped carrier sheet, the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers being so as to be spaced in a longitudinal direction of the band-shaped carrier sheet; and retaining the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers in a state of a roll body with the band-shaped carrier sheet rolled up in a roll shape, the band-shaped carrier sheet being rolled up such that each surface of the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers directly contacts the other side of the surface of the band-shaped carrier sheet, on which the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers are placed, and the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers being to be laid on a road.

A magnetic marker retaining method that includes placing a plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers on a surface of a band-shaped carrier sheet, the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers being so as to be spaced in a longitudinal direction of the band-shaped carrier sheet; and retaining the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers in a state of a roll body with the band-shaped carrier sheet rolled up in a roll shape, the band-shaped carrier sheet being rolled up such that each surface of the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers directly contacts the other side of the surface of the band-shaped carrier sheet, on which the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers are placed, and the plurality of sheet-shaped magnetic markers being to be laid on a road.

In a magnetic marker system for achieving assists for vehicle driving operation by a driver or vehicle control for automatic driving independent from driver's operation, magnetic markers are laid so that orientations of magnetic poles are alternately reversed along a road and arranged so that magnetic fields of magnetic markers adjacent to each other as being spaced with a gap along the road interfere with each other, thereby improving reliability of detecting a magnetic marker on a vehicle side while reducing magnetic force of the magnetic marker itself.

In a magnetic marker system for achieving assists for vehicle driving operation by a driver or vehicle control for automatic driving independent from driver's operation, magnetic markers are laid so that orientations of magnetic poles are alternately reversed along a road and arranged so that magnetic fields of magnetic markers adjacent to each other as being spaced with a gap along the road interfere with each other, thereby improving reliability of detecting a magnetic marker on a vehicle side while reducing magnetic force of the magnetic marker itself.

Systems and methods to produce thermoplastic products in a process are described herein. In some cases, the systems and methods may eliminate contact between the product and a heat transfer fluid. The thermoplastic compositions can be useful for roadway markings. In some examples, a formed thermoplastic product is discharged by a product formation apparatus onto a temperature controlled transporter, cooled, and cut to a desired product dimension.

Systems and methods to produce thermoplastic products in a process are described herein. In some cases, the systems and methods may eliminate contact between the product and a heat transfer fluid. The thermoplastic compositions can be useful for roadway markings. In some examples, a formed thermoplastic product is discharged by a product formation apparatus onto a temperature controlled transporter, cooled, and cut to a desired product dimension.