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(11) | EP 1 717 371 A3 |
(12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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(54) | Retroreflective distributor |
(57) A distributor device 10 includes a container 44, which is arranged in use to contain
retroreflective articles. The articles are supplied to the container via a supply
line 34 and, in use, are arranged to exit the container through an outlet and down
a distributing chute 36 on to a target material. A restrictor 18, which is arranged
in the region of the outlet, is operable to determine the extent at which the outlet
is restricted and therefore the egress of the articles from the container. The distributor
device further comprises an agitator 78, which, in use, assists the articles from
moving past the restrictor and also from locking together in the container or supply
line. In use, relative movement of the distributor and target material, which includes
a pre-laid encapsulant surface, assists in the distribution of a retroreflective deposit
that has a different retroreflective character from light emanating from a common
source.
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