Abstract: A system for monitoring a wear of a screed plate of a paving machine is disclosed. The system includes a sensor located on the screed plate. The sensor generates signals indicative of the wear of the screed plate. The system further includes a controller coupled to the sensor. The controller receives signals from the sensor and determines the wear of the screed plate based on the received signals.

Abstract: A system for controlling a paving system includes a plurality of supply machines, a paving machine, and a plant. A first controller determines the position of each supply machine. A second controller determines the rate at which paving material is being applied to a work surface and transmits the rate at which the paving material is being applied. A temperature sensor is associated with one of the plurality of supply machines and the paving machine for determining a temperature of paving material at the paving machine. The plant is configured to produce a batch of paving material and a third controller determines a batch temperature, and generates instructions indicative of a desired route for each supply machine between the plant and the paving machine based upon the position of each supply machine, traffic information data, the batch temperature, and the temperature of paving material at the paving machine.

Abstract: A drum assembly for a vibratory compactor and method of retrofitting a vibratory compactor to measure the acceleration and/or vibratory movement of a drum rotatably mounted on the frame of the vibratory compactor. The drum assembly may comprise a drum including a shell, a mounting wall disposed inside the drum and a bulkhead disposed inside the drum and attached to the shell, a first bearing disposed between the frame and the mounting wall, a second bearing, a sensor, and a strap. The first bearing may include an inner race fixedly mounted to the frame. The second bearing may comprise a hub and a bearing shaft circumscribed by the hub and mounted to the bulkhead of the drum. The strap may be attached to the inner race and the hub.

Abstract: A drum assembly for a vibratory compactor and method of retrofitting a vibratory compactor to measure the acceleration and/or vibratory movement of a drum rotatably mounted on the frame of the vibratory compactor. The drum assembly may comprise a drum including a shell, a mounting wall disposed inside the drum and a bulkhead disposed inside the drum and attached to the shell, a first bearing disposed between the frame and the mounting wall, a second bearing, a sensor, and a strap. The first bearing may include an inner race fixedly mounted to the frame. The second bearing may comprise a hub and a bearing shaft circumscribed by the hub and mounted to the bulkhead of the drum. The strap may be attached to the inner race and the hub.

Abstract: A rotary cutter system for a machine is disclosed. The rotary cutter system includes a drum, a plurality of cutting tools, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with each of the plurality of cutting tools, an RFID reader, and a controller. The cutting tools are removably coupled to the drum through a plurality of tool holders. Each cutting tool is removably supported in a tool holder. The RFID reader is in wireless communication with each RFID tag of each cutting tool. The controller is in electrical communication with the RFID reader and generates a signal in response to at least one RFID tag being disconnected from the RFID reader corresponding to at least one cutting tool being separated from the tool holder.

Abstract: A lighting system for a work machine is provided. The lighting system includes a plurality of step lights disposed on a stairway of the work machine. The lighting system further includes a lighting power source configured to provide power to the plurality of step lights for lighting, independently of an operational state of the work machine. The lighting system also includes a radio frequency identification reader configured to read a radio frequency identification tag associated with an operator. The lighting system further includes a lighting control module configured to receive a signal based on the reading of the radio frequency identification tag. The lighting control module further detects if the operator is proximate to the work machine. The lighting control module further triggers an activation of the plurality of step lights based on the detection of the operator proximate to the work machine.

Abstract: An engine hot air deflector for a work machine having an articulated frame pivotally coupled to a main body by a hitch assembly having a hitch link includes a resilient hot air deflector panel mounted proximate to and overlaying an open end of the main body. The deflector panel includes upper and lower panel portions separated by a panel slot. The panel slot receives the hitch link so that the panel portions conform to the shape of the hitch link as it moves within the deflector opening during rotation of the articulated frame to substantially prevent hot air from the internal combustion engine from passing through the deflector opening. The deflector may also include a support bracket mounting the deflector panel to the main body.

Abstract: An engine hot air deflector for a work machine having an articulated frame pivotally coupled to a main body by a hitch assembly having a hitch link includes a resilient hot air deflector panel mounted proximate to and overlaying an open end of the main body. The deflector panel includes upper and lower panel portions separated by a panel slot. The panel slot receives the hitch link so that the panel portions conform to the shape of the hitch link as it moves within the deflector opening during rotation of the articulated frame to substantially prevent hot air from the internal combustion engine from passing through the deflector opening. The deflector may also include a support bracket mounting the deflector panel to the main body.

Abstract: A system and method for lubricating a key shaft in a compaction machine is disclosed. The compaction machine may include a spline oil cavity and a key shaft in fluid communication with the spline oil cavity. The key shaft may include an axial splined portion and a helical splined portion on an outer surface thereof, a longitudinal lubricating passage extending through a substantial length of the key shaft and a plurality of additional lubricating passages intersecting the longitudinal lubricating passage. The system and method may additionally include lubricating the axial splined portion and the helical splined portion of the key shaft with the lubricating oil drawn from the spline oil cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a linear load through a high-speed rotating member includes a linear actuator containing an axially translatable cylinder rod. A mounting adapter fixed against axial and rotary movement is rigidly affixed to an actuator cylinder containing the cylinder rod. An elongate guide sleeve, fixed to the mounting adapter, extends axially from the adapter to accommodate an axially translatable thrust bearing affixed to one end of the cylinder rod. The guide sleeve contains a linear slot for accommodating a guide pin affixed to the thrust bearing housing, and transversely movable within the linear slot to prevent rotation of both bearing housing and cylinder rod components.

Abstract: A vibratory compactor machine includes a machine frame and a roller drum rotatably coupled to the frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally traverse to the direction of travel of the machine. A vibration assembly is disposed inside the roller drum. The vibration assembly includes a first eccentric member and a second eccentric member rotatably disposed in the roller drum and rotatable about a respective first and second eccentric axes orientated perpendicularly to the drum axis. The roller drum rotates about the drum axis independently of the vibration assembly and the first and second eccentric members.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a linear load through a high-speed rotating member includes a linear actuator containing an axially translatable cylinder rod. A mounting adapter fixed against axial and rotary movement is rigidly affixed to an actuator cylinder containing the cylinder rod. An elongate guide sleeve, fixed to the mounting adapter, extends axially from the adapter to accommodate an axially translatable thrust bearing affixed to one end of the cylinder rod. The guide sleeve contains a linear slot for accommodating a guide pin affixed to the thrust bearing housing, and transversely movable within the linear slot to prevent rotation of both bearing housing and cylinder rod components.

Abstract: A compactor with a hose routing includes a drum connected to a frame with a support. The frame defines an interior space of the compactor and includes a plate through which an opening extends to the interior space. A hose assembly extends from an end of the drum through the opening to the interior space without the use of bulkheads.

Abstract: A system and method for lubricating a key shaft in a compaction machine is disclosed. The compaction machine may include a spline oil cavity and a key shaft in fluid communication with the spline oil cavity. The key shaft may include an axial splined portion and a helical splined portion on an outer surface thereof, a longitudinal lubricating passage extending through a substantial length of the key shaft and a plurality of additional lubricating passages intersecting the longitudinal lubricating passage. The system and method may additionally include lubricating the axial splined portion and the helical splined portion of the key shaft with the lubricating oil drawn from the spline oil cavity.

Abstract: A vibratory compactor machine includes a machine frame and a roller drum rotatably coupled to the frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally traverse to the direction of travel of the machine. A vibration assembly is disposed inside the roller drum. The vibration assembly includes a first eccentric member and a second eccentric member rotatably disposed in the roller drum and rotatable about a respective first and second eccentric axes orientated perpendicularly to the drum axis. The roller drum rotates about the drum axis independently of the vibration assembly and the first and second eccentric members.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a force assist arrangement for a slidable coupling, a slidable coupling including the force assist arrangement, and a machine including respectively slidable portions, such as, the slidable coupling, and the force assist arrangement. The force assist arrangement includes at least first and second links pivotably coupled together at one end and to the respectively slidable portions at the other ends, and a force assist device pivotably coupled to the links along their respective lengths.

Abstract: An extension plate for use in a compactor includes an elongate body extending between a first surface configured to be coupled to the compactor frame and a second surface configured to be coupled to a support of the compactor. The first surface includes a first opening aligning with an opening into an interior of the compactor. A second opening in at least one of the elongate body or the second surface communicates with the first opening to allow passage of a hose through the extension plate and through the opening in the frame into the interior space.

Abstract: A vibratory system for a compactor is provided. The vibratory system has a first eccentric, a second eccentric, and a drive shaft. The second eccentric is rotatably and coaxially positioned with respect to the first eccentric. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the second eccentric and rotatably coupled to the first eccentric through a helical spline.

Abstract: An extension plate for use in a compactor includes an elongate body extending between a first surface configured to be coupled to the compactor frame and a second surface configured to be coupled to a support of the compactor. The first surface includes a first opening aligning with an opening into an interior of the compactor. A second opening in at least one of the elongate body or the second surface communicates with the first opening to allow passage of a hose through the extension plate and through the opening in the frame into the interior space.

Abstract: An extension plate for use in a compactor includes an elongate body extending between a first surface configured to be coupled to the compactor frame and a second surface configured to be coupled to a support of the compactor. The first surface includes a first opening aligning with an opening into an interior of the compactor. A second opening in at least one of the elongate body or the second surface communicates with the first opening to allow passage of a hose through the extension plate and through the opening in the frame into the interior space.