Abstract: A fumes abatement system for an asphalt paving machine is disclosed for dispelling noxious fumes that are emitted from asphalt in the hopper of and from behind the paving machine during paving operations. The fumes abatement system utilizes existing plate walls of the feeder tunnel and superstructure to eliminate additional parts and for increased durability. A high capacity blower and a tall exhaust stack are used to disperse the fumes well above the operators of the machine.

Abstract: Track sub-assembly having a castering swing link for supporting a primary idler spindle, the swing link having an upper bore for accepting a first connecting pin and a lower bore for accepting a second connecting pin to define a pivot line, and an offset idler bore offset from the pivot line permitting castering of the primary idler in response to externally imposed force vectors, with self-alignment of the primary idler to its proper tracking position.

Abstract: Material flow management apparatus for a paving machine having a screed assembly, including at least one pivotally mounted flow control gate operably connected to a selectively controllable actuator for actuating the flow control gate to a flow preventing position and flow permitting positions, the flow control gate mounted immediately adjacent the outer edge of the main body of the screed assembly to variably control the volumetric flow of paving aggregate from the main material reservoir preceding the screed main body and ensure a suitable volumetric material supply to the secondary material reservoir preceding the variably extensible screed extension body.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an endless track split master link consisting of forming a split master link process blank, machining the bores for the link pins to engage the adjacent track links and for accepting a securing apparatus, securing the process blank in an Electrical Discharge Cutting Machine tool (EDM) by placing mandrels in the EDM through the link pin bores, calculating a cutting path to generate complimentary fit-up faces between the link pin bores, storing the calculated cutting path in a memory in the EDM, actuating a cutting element along the calculated cutting path, emplacing a securing apparatus, and removing the split master link from the mandrels.

Abstract: An improved valving configuration for dual compression/expansion engines having multiple, relatively small diameter intake transfer valve assemblies disposed about a fuel injection apparatus in the internal housing, a relatively large diameter exhaust transfer valve assembly including a valve, spring apparatus, valve seat and cage for assembly into the internal housing, and a method of assembling the transfer valves to the internal housing including assembling the intake transfer valves to the internal housing through the exhaust transfer valve assembly aperture in the internal housing prior to securing the exhaust transfer valve assembly to the internal housing.

Abstract: A manually operated ingredient blending apparatus for mixing and blending selected quantities of ingredients in a quantity suitable for use in a residential kitchen environment, especially for pastries and similar goods, where the selected quantity of ingredients permits the preparation of finished goods useful in a non-commercial quantity, the apparatus including preferably two containers with adjustable blending screens having a variable aspect with respect to each other to controllably adjust the blending and mixing of the ingredients placed in the apparatus.