Abstract: An apparatus having a horizontal compacting roller and a side edge confinement roller or shoe for compacting an asphalt concrete lane. A sensor is on the carrier vehicle for sensing the position of a defined edge of the lane, and a control is provided for steering the carrier vehicle so that the horizontal roller and the edge confinement force roller or shoe follow the defined edge of the lane to provide uniform density.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling the steering of a carrier vehicle having a horizontal compacting roller and a side edge confinement roller or shoe for compacting an asphalt concrete lane. In one embodiment, a sensor is on the carrier vehicle for sensing the position of a defined edge of the lane, and a control is provided for steering the carrier vehicle so that the horizontal roller and the edge confinement force roller or shoe follow the defined edge of the lane to provide uniform density. A method is also provided for controlling the compacting force of a horizontal compacting roller carried by a carrier vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for obtaining uniform compaction of asphalt concrete to reduce or prevent cracking of the asphalt concrete surface. A mobile confinement edge force is maintained in contact with the edge surface of an asphalt concrete mat while the mat is being compacted. This is performed in a manner such that the density of the mat across the full width of the mat becomes uniform. By obtaining uniform density of each lane of the mat as it is laid significantly reduces the incidence of joint cracking and deterioration of the asphalt concrete, in the longitudinal joint area, over time.

Abstract: This invention relates to asphalt concrete paving systems and how they are structured. For more than the last sixty years, such systems have been one integrated structure consisting of (1) one or more "lower supporting courses" and (2) one or more "surface wearing courses". Such systems are integrated structures and, therefore, cracking starting from either the top or bottom will proceed through the entire structure. This invention provides a third type of course, a "separation course" between the "lower supporting courses" and the "surface wearing courses". The "separation course" prevents bonding of the "lower supporting courses" to the "surface wearing courses". This "separation course" is a barrier to stop the cracking at this point. It is also waterproof and will stop water from getting into the "lower support courses" and causing them to fail. The concept of a "separation course" is applicable to both roadways and running tracks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for the integration of global positioning system (GPS) or LORAN positioning information into the transmission of an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) radio beacon signal. Signals from NAVSTAR satellites or LORAN system are received by a receiver. The calculated position, and then subsequent updates, are processed and alternately stored in two locations on a static random access memory chip. Upon activation of the ELT transmitter, the updated position information, or the latest stored information, is combined with aircraft information stored on an EPROM chip. The aircraft information and position information is preferably converted from a digital-to-speech signal, by a voice synthesizer. All this information is then integrated into the radio beacon signal and broadcast by the ELT. This new ELT-GPS storing and processing package is self-contained, independently powered, and crash resistant. This system avoids loss of time in establishing the location of the beacon signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for obtaining uniform compaction of asphalt concrete to reduce or prevent cracking of the asphalt concrete surface. A mobile confinement edge force is maintained in contact with the edge surface of an asphalt concrete mat while the mat is being compacted. This is performed in a manner such that the density of the mat across the full width of the mat becomes uniform. By obtaining uniform density of each lane of the mat as it is laid significantly reduces the incidence of joint cracking and deterioration of the asphalt concrete, in the longitudinal joint area, over time.

Abstract: A marking system indicates the location of lanes which are to be defined on a running track that has a given width and selected degree of curvature. A pivot is established at a fixed distance from the lanes to be marked. A boom assembly disposed laterally across the track carries a plurality of lane-marking devices individually spaced therealong. That assembly is supported for movement along the track. One end of the boom is propelled by a propulsion unit, and an alignment unit is coupled to the other end of the boom for enabling alignment movement relative to the pivot. A cable leads from the outer end of the boom over the inner end thereof and to the pivot for enabling alignment. Numerous detailed features contribute to an attainment of accuracy measured in fractions of an inch.

Abstract: To lay a running track, a resilient particulate material is spread over a substrate of a given width. Pressure is applied individually downwardly on the material over a plurality of respective segments of the width, as the material is smeared over and amongst the segments to form a bonded layer of said material which exhibits a continuous and even upper surface across said width. This is accomplished by means of a machine that includes an elongated frame of a length sufficient to span a plurality of lanes of a running track. A plurality of successively-hinged individually-articulatable platens depend from and are distributed along the frame. Each platen has a length corresponding generally to the width of respective ones of the lanes. Means included with respect to each of the platens enables the application of pressure on the material toward the underlying substrate of the track.