Abstract: An apparatus for crushing fragments of asphalt removed from a roadway by a paved roadway planing apparatus includes a grid upon which the fragments are deposited and a crushing tool having a plurality of cutting bits mounted on a rotating drum for movement along circular paths intersecting the grid. The crushing apparatus can be towed behind the paved roadway planing apparatus to receive the asphalt removed from the roadway from the paved roadway planing apparatus and to redeposit the crushed fragments on the roadway.

Abstract: In a conveyor apparatus for conveying particulate material from an input end for discharge from an output end disposed vertically higher than the input end, the improvement comprising a burner assembly, including a flame burner connected to the conveyor apparatus, for directly heating the particulate material in the conveyor apparatus via the flame burner in one position thereof, and for indirectly heating the particulate material via the products of combustion only of the flame burner in one other position thereof. A further improvement consists of an improved exhaust control system wherein the velocity of the gases exiting from the conveyor apparatus is rapidly decreased to induce precipitation of substantially all particulate material entrained therein prior to exhaustion to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing hot mix asphalt wherein flights provided in a mixer drum for cascading aggregate and asphalt across the mixer drum are constructed to establish a plurality of cascade zones, having differing cascade densities, in different portions of the mixer drum. High density cascade zones are provided to maximize the transfer of heat to aggregate; to shield cooler portions of the drum from hotter portions thereof, and to capture fines which would otherwise pass through the drum.

Abstract: A construction machine is provided with a flywheel having a torque limiter which permits the flywheel to slip when a rotationally driven cutting tool of the machine is halted. The torque limiter is spring loaded to eliminate the need for adjustment which might otherwise be occasioned by wear.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing hot mix asphalt utilizing new aggregate and a previously manufactured and laid asphalt mix which has been reduced to form recyclable aggregate, wherein the new aggregate is fed into the input end of a rotating mixer drum and cascaded repeatedly through a flame extending from the input end of the mixer drum to a first medial portion thereof and the recyclable aggregate is fed radially into the mixer drum at a second medial portion thereof intermediate the first medial portion and the output end of the mixer drum, the new aggregate shielding the mixer drum from the flame and confining the flame to the portion of the mixer drum between the input end and the first medial portion thereof.

Abstract: A portable grade averaging apparatus comprising an averaging bar assembly that serves as an elevation control reference for a track supported road working machine, one end of the averaging bar assembly being pivotally supported by a forward walking beam and the other end of the averaging bar being pivotally supported by a rear track assembly that serves as a track walking beam. A grade sensor assembly supported on one side by the road working machine contactingly engages the averaging bar assembly for directing the elevation of one side of the road working machine to establish the elevation of a working tool supported by the road working machine. A lifting bracket supported by the road working machine serves to lift the grade averaging apparatus into a grade clearing position while the machine is being maneuvered into a cutting position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planing a paved roadway wherein a main frame is drivingly supported by track assemblies and a planer assembly is disposed in cutting engagement with a top portion of the paved roadway to produce a new roadway surface. An elevation positioning assembly is provided for raising and lowering the main frame in response to an external control reference such as a string line, and a cross slope positioning assembly is provided for raising and lowering one side of the main frame relative to the other side thereof for maintaining a selected cross slope. The planer assembly comprises a planing cutter that is partially surrounded by a hood that forms a material directing compartment, and spray nozzles produce a vapor mist within the compartment. A floating moldboard is yieldingly forced into contact with the roadway to the rear of the planer assembly and cooperates with a reclaimer assembly to receive and transport the removed pavement material to a selected depository.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously mixing and conveying particulate material, the apparatus comprising a housing having an input end and an output end disposed vertically higher than the input end, means for feeding the particulate material into the input end of the housing, a conveyor disposed within the housing and having a plurality of lifting surfaces provided with perforations therethrough so that a portion of the particulate material being lifted by each lifting surface descends through the perforations and is mixed with particulate material being lifted by lifting surfaces disposed therebelow, and means for discharging the mixed particulate material from the output end of the housing.

Abstract: An improved sidebank excavator for removing earth from the side of a hill or other embankment, the excavator having a fixed, bidirectional horizontal earth removal assembly; a rotating, bidirectional vertical earth removal assembly; a conveyor assembly for conveying particulate material deposited on a receiving portion thereof to a discharge portion thereof remote from the receiving portion; and a plurality of independently vertically adjustable track drive assemblies.

Abstract: An improved barrier forming apparatus and method whereby a barrier is formed continuously over a surface, the barrier having continuous reinforcing rods extending the length of the barrier and having cage reinforced standard supports at predetermined intervals along the length of the barrier. An improved barrier forming assembly is disclosed comprising a concrete forming member having a form cavity extending therethrough; a concrete passing member having a concrete delivery opening for passing concrete or the like to the form cavity; and a positioning assembly comprising a support shaft and a door member pivotally supported at a forward end of the concrete forming member, the barrier being extrudable continuously via the form cavity from a rearward end of the concrete forming member.

Abstract: A control valve for hydraulic systems including a sleeve and a spool supported for slidable motion therein, the sleeve and spool having control lands supported in slightly spaced relation to avoid chipping or abrasive contact and resultant imprecision in valve accuracy.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing hot mix asphalt utilizing new aggregate and a previously manufactured and layed asphalt mix which has been reduced to form recyclable aggregate, comprising a cylindrical mixer drum supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis, a burner assembly for producing a flame in the drum extending from a first end of the drum to a medial portion thereof, a conveyor assembly extending from a second end of the drum to a medial portion thereof for feeding the recyclable aggregate into a medial portion of the drum, means for feeding the new aggregate into the first end of the drum and for injecting asphaltic oil into the drum, the drum being provided with a plurality of mixing flights for mixing the asphaltic oil, new aggregate and recyclable aggregate for discharge as a hot mix asphalt from the second end of the drum.

Abstract: A concrete finishing machine embodying an elongated supporting frame for extending across a roadway, or the like, and having a conveyor screw projecting from one side of the frame for advancing and spreading concrete ahead of the machine and having screed mechanism below the supporting frame for striking-off, smoothing and vibrating such spread concrete.

Abstract: An improved material transfer mechanism comprising a selectively variable speed hydraulic power assembly having an output connected to and powering a material conveyor. A double acting hydraulic ram positions a swash plate control lever that determines the rotational speed of the output shaft, and a hydraulic porting valve assembly is disposed to actuate the hydraulic ram, the hydraulic porting valve assembly comprising a pivotally supported valve body having an internally disposed fluid control means, the fluid control means being variably displaced in the valve body by the actuation of a pressure controlling mechanism for the purpose of selectively determining and establishing fluid communication of a source of hydraulic pressure fluid to alternate ends of the hydraulic ram with the hydraulic porting valve assembly to selectively control the hydraulic ram.

Abstract: A slipform paving apparatus having a variable width frame assembly supported upon independently adjustable and steerable leg and track assemblies that are positionable in a paving profile or in a travelling profile. A detachable steering cable feedback and follower assembly interconnects a track assembly on one side to the respective track assembly on the other side, providing potential single side steering control. Road building implements include in sequence and in close proximity a traversing paddle assembly, a height adjustable vibrator assembly, a variable height strike-off assembly, a vibrated grout screed assembly, a profile pan assembly, and a float pan assembly cooperating with retractable slipforming means to form a finished concrete road lane upon a substrate. The implements are modularly designed so as to be capable of being parted and increased in road width building capability by the interdisposition of extension attachments between sections of each implement.

Abstract: An improved trimmer type road construction apparatus, particularly useful in applications requiring a high degree of maneuverability and control flexibility, which is steeringly controlled by turning a centrally disposed front track assembly in such a manner that the main frame can be raised and lowered relative to the front drive assembly without a loss of steering control; and which has an automatic steering, grade and slope control constructed to be automatically adapted to particular job specifications and locations. The trimmer also has a reclaimer assembly for removal of the excavated earth, the reclaimer assembly being automatically positionable to deposit the excavated earth in predetermined, controlled positions about the trimmer.