Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the movement of a material transfer vehicle with respect to the front end of a paving machine that is being operated by a driver/operator and is being supplied with asphalt paving material by the material transfer vehicle includes a controller that is mounted on the material transfer vehicle and is operatively connected to control mechanisms for controlling the speed and braking of the material transfer vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the material transfer vehicle and is operatively connected to the controller. The sensor is located and adapted to execute non-contact sensor scan passes across the front end of the paving machine to determine the distance from the sensor to the paving machine. The sensor is also adapted to communicate information to the controller about the distance from the sensor to the paving machine. The apparatus includes no components that are mounted on the paving machine.

Abstract: A paving apparatus is provided with a micropower impulse radar device connected to control a leveller. The leveller is a screed provided with actuators for adjusting screed elevation, slope, and extension. The radar senses a reference, such as a string line, and operates the actuators to adjust the screed.

Abstract: A profiler is used to collect data on a base surface. An asphalt paver is provided with a like profiler that measures smoothness of a fresh mat of asphalt laid by the paver. The profilers measure surface elevation as a function of forward travel position. The profiler and paver position are determined by a fixed referencing system, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). Surface elevation is plotted against position of the profiler and used to control a screed levelling a mat of paving material. A subsequent plot shows smoothness of the mat.