Abstract: A tension management system is provided for an endless track laying work machine. A fluid cylinder maintaining tension within the endless track. A first accumulator provides recoil for normal operating conditions. If tension on the endless track increases beyond a normal recoil situation, fluid is bled off through a pressure relief arrangement to a second accumulator. The system requires an initial fluid charge from a fluid power unit, and is then disconnected and operates as a stand alone system.

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: In one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the steering of a directionally steered machine having a hydrostatic system that drives a plurality of driven wheels is provided. The method includes the steps of producing a steering angle signal indicative of the angle of the steered wheels and a wheel speed signal indicative of the rotational speed of the driven wheels, and generating a programmable curve that represents the resulting driven wheel speeds as a function of the angle of the steered wheels. The generated curve is then stored in a software map to be later used to determine the driven wheel speeds based on the angle of the steered wheels.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly of a track-type work machine includes a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of track supporting rollers. The assembly also includes a track belt which contacts the drive wheel, the idler wheel, and each of the plurality of track supporting rollers. The plurality of track supporting rollers includes a first left roller group, a second left roller group, a middle roller group, a first right roller group, and a second right roller group. The plurality of track supporting rollers cooperate with the track belt in order to reduce the number of vibrations and shocks during operation of the track-type work machine.

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 track supporting roller apparatus supports the articulated track chain of an undercarriage assembly of a track-type work machine. Vibrations and shock loads are generated to a track-type work machine when load bearing track rollers contact the articulated joints of the track chain and the born load is not picked up by an adjacent track roller. The subject roller apparatus has track rollers spaced to support the track chain and prevent the introduction of vibrations and shock loads.

Abstract: A track supporting roller apparatus supports the articulated track chain of an undercarriage assembly of a track-type work machine. Vibrations and shock loads are generated to a track-type work machine when load bearing track rollers contact the articulated joints of the track chain and the born load is not picked up by an adjacent track roller. The subject roller apparatus has track rollers spaced to support the track chain and prevent the introduction of vibrations and shock loads.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting a four-track slip form paver into an improved three-track slip form paver for applying a continuous slab of concrete onto a road surface and against a vertical abutment adjacent the road surface.