Abstract: A road paver comprises a tractor vehicle with a material hopper for receiving paving material and a paving screed for compacting paving material. The paving screed comprises at least one electric heating device for heating the paving screed. The road paver comprises at least one electric switching assembly configured to switch an electric power supply of the electric heating device. The electric switching assembly comprises an electric parallel circuit of two switching devices, wherein the electric parallel circuit of the two switching devices forms a series electric circuit with the electric heating device.

Abstract: An automated system for creating a road from sand, gravel or aggregate in conjunction with expandable webbing is provided in which expandable webbing and sand, gravel or aggregate may be positioned and deployed by the system to form a road surface. A series of pins may restrain and transport the webbing. An automatic welder may connect sections of webbing. A hopper, conveyor and auger may receive and distribute the sand, gravel or aggregate. The sand, gravel and aggregate may be combined with the expandable webbing and then settled into place in the ground using a vibration plate.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer for providing additive material to an object in need thereof includes a non-transitory computer memory; a processor in data communication with the computer memory; a material reservoir; an output device in communication with the material reservoir; a scanning device for obtaining existing contour information about the object; and a contour database accessible by the processor which has contour information about the object. The scanning device is in data communication with the processor. Programming causes: (1) the scanning device to obtain the existing contour information; (2) the computer memory to store the obtained existing contour information; and (3) the processor to create a print file based on data from each of: (a) the obtained existing contour information, and (b) the contour database. Further programming selectively actuates the output device, utilizing the print file, to apply the material from the material reservoir to the object in need thereof.

Abstract: A machine includes a frame. The machine also includes a hopper assembly supported on the frame proximate to a front end of the machine. The machine further includes a conveyor system disposed proximate to the hopper assembly. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt assembly and a drive mechanism adapted to operate the conveyor belt assembly. The machine includes a bumper extending transversely across the front end of the machine. The bumper defines an opening that is adapted to communicate with a portion of the drive mechanism disposed proximate to the bumper.

Abstract: A machine includes a chassis and a hopper assembly. The hopper assembly includes a hopper frame, at least one hopper, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is adapted to move the at least one hopper between a raised position and a lowered position. The actuator assembly includes an actuator. The actuator includes a cylinder and a rod member. The actuator assembly also includes a first retention assembly adapted to couple the fixed end of the cylinder with the hopper frame and encapsulate the fixed end of the cylinder within a first space defined by the first retention assembly. The actuator assembly further includes a second retention assembly adapted to couple the movable end of the rod member with the at least one hopper and encapsulate the movable end of the rod member within a second space defined by the second retention assembly.

Abstract: An automated leveling system for maintaining a level of a surface, comprising a surface traveling device and a leveling module attached to the surface traveling device. The leveling module comprises a depression detector arm assembly, at least one computing device, and a level-sensing detector. The level-sensing detector senses a level of a surface as the surface traveling device operates across the surface. The level-sensing detector moves across the surface according to the operation of the surface traveling device, and transmits a depression reporting signal to the computing device. The depression reporting signal indicates the presence of a depression in the surface if the level-sensing detector contacts a depression in the surface over a depression threshold.

Abstract: A method and means to manage timing and delivery of paving material to refill a paver during a paving operation is provided. The invention employs a semi-automated dump routine to manage the level and condition of material in the dump hopper of the material transfer vehicle (MTV) thereby minimizing flaws in the roadbed otherwise expected. Further, the invention provides for monitoring and managing multiple operational data pertaining to delivery of material related to the paving process to determine and coordinate timing of travel and delivery of the paving material to increase optimal conditions of the paving material to minimize road and pavement defects.

Abstract: A road surface condition estimation apparatus (1) is provided with a collecting device (111) for collecting, from vehicle (2), behavior information relating to a behavior of the vehicle; a determining device (112) for determining on the basis of the behavior information whether or not an abnormality condition is satisfied, the abnormality condition being set on the basis of a specific behavior that is expected to be taken by the vehicle when the vehicle encounters a road surface abnormality; and an estimating device (112) for estimating a condition of the road surface on the basis of a determined result of the determining device.

Abstract: A road-making machine is provided in the form of a road-finishing machine for producing a paving layer from a laying material or a charger vehicle for supplying the road-finishing machine with a laying material. The road-making machine comprises a material bunker, and a pushing means fixed forward of the material bunker at a chassis, such that pushing rollers of the pushing means may dock to rear tires of a truck. The pushing rollers comprise a pair of first pushing rollers mountable in a first position in a seat of a traverse of the pushing means. Either the pushing means is expandable by at least one changeable attachment to which the first pushing rollers may be mounted in a second position further forward with respect to the first position, or the pushing means comprises a pair of second pushing rollers which may be selectively positioned forward of the first pushing rollers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an asphalt paving system comprising an asphalt paving machine, a plurality of dispensing shafts, and a roll of pavement reinforcing membrane. The asphalt paving machine comprising a hopper, a screed, and support tracks. The plurality of dispensing shafts are mounted on the asphalt paving machine. Each roll of pavement reinforcing membrane is supported by at least one of the plurality of dispensing shafts. The plurality of mounted membrane dispensing shafts dispense the pavement reinforcing membrane continuously beneath the asphalt paving machine as the asphalt paving moves forward.

Abstract: Method for automatically repairing road potholes includes: irradiating and receiving laser to and from potholes, taking image of potholes and storing image information, calculating distance to potholes, calculating surface area of potholes based on distance to potholes and image information, transmitting image information and surface area information to vehicle device, storing surface area information and image information, calculating the amount of asphalt concrete based on surface area information, heating work area of potholes, cutting work area of potholes, crushing asphalt, sucking in crushed asphalt and storing it in residue storage tank, removing scraps of potholes, supplying asphalt concrete from asphalt concrete storage tank to potholes, receiving weight information from digital gauge at the bottom of the asphalt concrete storage tank to calculate the amount of asphalt concrete, flattening asphalt concrete on the potholes, and displaying image after completion of laying of asphalt concrete on the pot

Abstract: A system and method for the application of friction-modifying coatings to roadways, walkways, pathways and other areas subject to vehicular, human or animal traffic, the system and method comprising the controlled, simultaneous application of binder and filler to a surface of a substrate, using a mobile device which passes over the substrate as the binder and filler are being applied. The system includes a frame coupled to a vehicle. A spray bar is mounted on the frame and includes an array of spray nozzles coupled to a resin container. An air knife is mounted on the frame and coupled to an air compressor for generating an air curtain. An aggregate dispenser bar including at least one aggregate dispenser is coupled to an aggregate bin and mounted on the frame for dispensing aggregate.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a paving machine having a screed may include an input device configured to receive a first input from an operator of the paving machine, the first input being indicative of a height of the screed above a work surface, and a controller electronically connected to the input device. The controller may be configured to determine an amount of a material deposited by the paving machine based on the first input, receive a signal indicative of an amount of a material delivered to the paving machine, and determine a correction factor based on the amount of the material deposited by the paving machine and the amount of the material delivered to the paving machine.

Abstract: An automotive building machine comprising a material bunker for accommodating therein pavement material to be laid is provided, the building machine being a road finisher or a charger. The material bunker comprises at least one lifting device, which is adapted to enter into releasable engagement with a movable tailgate of a truck supplying the material bunker with the pavement material and which is configured for displacing the movable tailgate of the truck between a first position and a second position. A method used for this purpose is also provided.

Abstract: An analytics platform may obtain anomaly information associated with a roadway anomaly. The anomaly information may be provided by a sensor system including a sensor array. The analytics platform may determine a set of filters associated with identifying the roadway anomaly as being of a particular type. The analytics platform may apply the set of filters to the anomaly information associated with the roadway anomaly. The analytics platform may identify, based on applying the set of filters to the anomaly information, the roadway anomaly as being of the particular type. The analytics platform may provide, based on identifying the roadway anomaly as being of the particular type, information associated with the roadway anomaly.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a productivity of a paving machine. The method includes receiving a signal, through a load monitoring device, indicative of a change in a load on a frame of the paving machine. The method also includes determining a sum value of the change in the load on the frame based on the signal received each time when a material is delivered to the paving machine, and when the signal indicates an increase in the load on the frame. The method further includes determining a weight of the material provided to the paving machine based on at least the sum value of the change in the load.

Abstract: A hopper insert is provided for an asphalt paving machine. The hopper insert provides for passive mixing of asphalt material, and also provides a dual capacity loading option. Two upper baffles extend across an open upper end of the hopper insert. A grate extends between the upper baffles. Asphalt material is received on top of the grate between the upper baffles.

Abstract: A buckled sidewalk repair system capable of equally lifting both sides of the defect in order to cut one or both slabs to an appropriate size then return them to a level position. A method of repairing a buckled sidewalk includes using a pneumatic bladder crafted of an airtight fabric composite able to contain sufficient pressure to lift the specified load. With this device and method a crew of two can repair the buckled sidewalk in two hours with a minimum of equipment, saving time, resources, machinery, personnel, and money.

Abstract: A paving machine includes a hopper assembly movable between a lowered position and a raised position and a conveyor frame. A first hopper is pivotally connected to the conveyor frame at a first hopper axis and a second hopper is pivotally connected to the conveyor frame at a second hopper axis. A first apron is connected to the first hopper about a first apron axis. A second apron is connected to the second hopper about a second apron axis. The first apron axis and the second apron axis are respectively perpendicular to the first and second hopper axis. A central apron is pivotally connected relative to the conveyor frame about a central axis that is inline to the first and second apron axis in the lowered position. The first and the second apron axis are planarly translated to the central axis from the lowered to the raised position.

Abstract: A composition for use in a pavement surface, comprises (a) asphalt in an amount of from 40 to 70 parts by weight; (b) an electrically neutral copolymer in an amount of from greater than 0 to 10 parts by weight; (c) an emulsifier in an amount of from 0.1 to 4 parts by weight; (d) an acid or a base in an amount of from 0.1 to 4 parts by weight; and (e) water in an amount of from 25 to 60 parts by weight. A method of making a composition, a method of applying a composition, and a paved surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine includes a plurality of swing legs, each swing leg being supported from a ground surface by an associated crawler track steerably connected to an outer end of its associated swing leg. Pivotal movement of a swing leg may be accomplished by steering the associated crawler track through a non-zero steering angle until the lateral movement of the crawler track achieves the desired pivoting movement of the associated swing leg.

Abstract: A control station for a road paver with a step device for providing a standing area for a person comprises a support part that is adapted to be firmly linked to a chassis or a paving screed of the road paver, and a step part with a step surface. The step part is attached to the support part such that the step part is tiltable about a main tilt axis between a transport position and an operating position, wherein the step surface is aligned generally horizontally in the operating position so that the standing area for the person is provided. The control station further includes a locking unit with an engagement element configured to engage the step part when the step part is in the operating position to secure the position of the step part, wherein the engagement element is pre-loaded for a movement into engagement with the step part.

Abstract: A machine and method for pre-filling an auger chamber is disclosed. The machine may comprise a frame, a screed assembly, a conveyor, an auger disposed in the auger chamber, and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the transporting of material on the conveyor to the auger chamber, stop the conveyor if a fill period has expired, cause the auger to move a portion of the material toward an end of the auger, and stop the auger if either the auger run period has expired or the material disposed at the end of the auger has reached an auger material height threshold.

Abstract: A slip-mold having a housing having (a) concrete hopper having (b) means for distribution of quick set concrete within said hopper, (c) a mold cavity, and (d) at least one tunnel, in communication with said mold cavity, and extending through said housing from the leading to the trailing end of said housing. The tunnel through the housing is of sufficient height and width, and positioned within said mold housing, to permit rebars, extending from an iron work array, to pass through said mold cavity without becoming embedded in concrete, concurrent with the formation of a slip formed concrete structure on a portion of said iron work array.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking manual operations during automatic control of a surface-engaging operation, such as laying a mat on a paving surface, include automatically operating a plurality of components to perform the surface-engaging operation without the actuation of corresponding operator controls. Actuation of the operator controls and actuation of the corresponding components to perform a manual operation can occur during the automatic operation. Information corresponding to the manual operation is recorded in response to detecting actuation of the operator controls and determining that the automatic operation of the machine is occurring.

Abstract: A mobile asphalt production machine which includes support for different asphalt concrete recipes including a plurality of aggregate storage bins which work on combination with a fines or sands storage bin. The individual bins have separated feeding chutes to the mixing trough. The machinery also includes a removable pan at the elevator transfer station to accommodate changeover from one grade aggregate material to another. Further, a controller is provided which delivers appropriate ingredients while also measuring process parameters to adjust various input requirements. Further, a dust and particulate recapturing system is provided which recycles particulate matter back into the ribbon of mixed material with a binding agent.

Abstract: A process for slip forming of concrete structures, specifically, concrete structural components, for road and bridge construction. This process has particular application for slip forming of monolithic structures having multiple component/functional parts, wherein the resultant slip formed monolithic, structure has exposed rebars bar the later integration with additional concrete structures arid/or mechanical structural elements, c,g. noise walls, barricades, guard rails and the like. This invention also includes a system adapted for the formation of these unique, monolithic slip formed structures with exposed rebars, including the tunnel mold assembly, which is utilized in this slip forming process; and, the resultant to slip molded monolithic structural component with exposed rebus.

Abstract: A gravel spreader/paver apparatus and method for transporting and spreading gravel and other base materials, onto a surface, such as a roadway, including a hopper portion for receiving base material from a separate machine, such as a dump truck; attachment brackets for attaching the apparatus to machinery for providing movement to the apparatus; a roll of geo-textile fabric secured onto the apparatus; base material, such as gravel, in the hopper portion for being delivered on the geo-textile fabric as the fabric is unrolled from the apparatus while the apparatus is moving forward; an adjustable moldboard mounted on the apparatus for spreading the base material to a pre-determined, precise depth; the moldboard adjustable to multiple positions, to control the amount, depth, and width of the material being spread; adjustable plates for allowing the base material to be spread onto the sub-base at predetermined widths, depths and slopes.

Abstract: A machine with a chassis and a push-roller assembly connected to the chassis. The push-roller assembly engages a vehicle, has a support frame with rollers, and support arms with a chassis end connected to the support frame and a linkage end connected to the chassis. The support frame moves relative to the chassis when the support arm pivots with respect to the chassis and the support frame. The machine includes an actuator controller associated with an actuator in the push-roller assembly. The actuator is connected to the support arm, causing the support arm to pivot with respect to the chassis and support frame, displacing the support frame relative to the chassis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging vehicle (1) for conveying road-surfacing mix to a road-finishing machine, wherein the charging vehicle (1) comprises a conveyor assembly (5) and a machine drive (6). The invention is characterized in that the machine drive (6) is arranged on the charging vehicle (1) laterally offset with respect to the conveyor assembly device (5).

Abstract: A paving mixture apparatus broadly comprising a conveyance zone, a vertical transition zone, a spray bar, a filler material feeder, and an agitation zone. The spray bar is configured to deliver a substantially continuous and laminar sheet of liquid mixture in the vertical transition zone. The substantially continuous and laminar sheet of liquid mixture urges aggregate from the conveyance zone and filler material from the filler material feeder downward in the vertical transition zone toward the agitation zone and reduces static electricity buildup in the filler material.

Abstract: A road construction machine, particularly a road finisher or a feeder for a road finisher, with a primary drive unit including at least one combustion engine driving a three-phase generator, and further including at least one connection means for at least one conventional alternating current standard consumer, at least one stabilized voltage supply unit is connected between the connection means and the three-phase generator, wherein the voltage supply unit provides standard mains voltage with a permanently stable frequency at the connection means independent of the speed of the combustion engine driving the three-phase generator.

Abstract: A thermic torpedo for preparing and delivering reinstatement materials has an internal chamber defining at least one compartment for containing graded aggregate and a second compartment for containing a stabilising agent, an external skin for insulating the contents of said internal chamber, a cap or lid for securely containing the contents of the torpedo in which is located at least one telescopic probe which can be driven through the compartments to heat and/or mix the contents thereof and at least one aperture through which the reinstatement materials may be expelled for delivery to a work site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to an emulsion tack coat applicator and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to hand truck-type applicator for emulsion tack coat applications and methods of using the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, a tack coat applicator comprising a hand truck comprising a substantially frame having a handle section at a first end and a set of wheels separated by an axle at a second end, and a platform extending substantially perpendicular to the rigid proximate the wheels; and bucket having a voluminous storage portion for storing tack coat material, removeably positioned on the platform, the bucket comprising an output for dispensing the tack coat material.

Abstract: A construction machine according to the disclosure comprises a material hopper for receiving bulk material. Moreover, the construction machine includes a material conveying system for conveying bulk material. The material conveying system comprises at least one conveying screw in the area of the hopper. A gap extends underneath the at least one conveying screw, and the gap has a cross section that varies in a conveying direction of the at least one conveying screw.

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a conveyor and a walking floor. The conveyor is configured to convey paving material from a hopper of a paving machine. The walking floor is immediately adjacent to the conveyor. The walking floor is configured to convey at least a portion of the paving material to the conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to machine for distributing and compacting paving mix on a paving surface. The machine includes a mix unloading section, an auger, a screed, a first drive arrangement, and a second drive arrangement. The auger distributes the mix on a paving surface. The screed compacts the mix on a paving surface. The first drive arrangement includes road wheels for self transport at highway speeds. The second drive arrangement includes a track assembly for jobsite transportation during a paving operation.

Abstract: A machine with a chassis and a push-roller assembly connected to the chassis. The push-roller assembly engages a vehicle, has a support frame with rollers, and support arms with a chassis end connected to the support frame and a linkage end connected to the chassis. The support frame moves relative to the chassis when the support arm pivots with respect to the chassis and the support frame. The machine includes an actuator controller associated with an actuator in the push-roller assembly. The actuator is connected to the support arm, causing the support arm to pivot with respect to the chassis and support frame, displacing the support frame relative to the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various aspects of system and a method for forming a pavement. In one of many aspects, a portable paving mix container containing a paving mix for forming pavement is provided. The portable paving mix container is loaded onto a paving machine. The paving mix from the portable paving mix container is unloaded into a mix unloading section of the paving machine, which distributes and compacts the paving mix on a paving surface. After the unloading of the paving mix, the portable paving mix container is off loaded from the paving machine.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted patching system for patching potholes and the like and incorporating method and apparatus for feeding materials used in patching operations as well as removing and flushing asphalt emulsion from the feed lines of the patcher vehicle to completely recycle the cleaning agent used to flush the feed lines after a patching operation, as well as preventing any external discharge of potentially toxic materials. Dry particulate is used to coat a pothole patch to permit immediate use. Rubber particulate impregnated with a fibrous material is used to assure bonding with the emulsion. A hydraulically-driven feeder feeds particulate into a pressurized conduit through a one-way air lock. A hydraulic pump provides mechanical power to the feeder and an air blower which pressurizes the conduit carrying the particulate to a dispensing head. A spray assembly is provided to spray fibrous material entering the feeder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled paving machine for floor coverings respectively cover layers, particularly for synthetic floor coverings respectively resilient base layers, for synthetic coverings for sports surfaces, such as jogging tracks, small playing fields, runways for long jump installations, playgrounds, screed, particularly synthetic resin screed or the like, wherein the material is distributed uniformly over a fill-in width on a prepared under-floor, and pulled off or flattened there by at least one flattening plank, wherein a storage container is provided which is connected with a fill-up area of the paving machine, and the paving machine presents a carriage, and wherein the fill-up area is provided between a rear closing-off of the carriage, viewed in the travel direction, and the flattening plank, wherein a direct delivery of the material from the storage container into the fill-up area is provided.

Abstract: A method and various apparatus are provided for assisting braking in a paving machine having hydraulically driven ground engaging elements driven by a hydraulic motor, and one or more screed electrical heating elements powered by a generator. In the event that the application of the machine deceleration system occurs at a machine speed exceeding a predetermined threshold value, the hydraulic motor of the drive train is configured to drive the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic system. The hydraulic pump is linked to the system generator to generate electrical power to drive the one or more screed electrical heating elements at a current greater than the current previously being provided to the one or more screed electrical heating elements.

Abstract: A pothole repair system for completely repairing potholes through the operation of a loader vehicle and connected implement. The implement generally includes a supporting structure adapted to mount to the loader, such as a skid steer loader or excavator, a hopper-style bucket connected to the supporting structure, the bucket having a lower opening closable by an actuated gate, a first impact device connected to the supporting structure to engage a road surface in a reciprocating manner, wherein first impact device has an interchangeable tamper end, a second impact device connected to the supporting structure to engage a road surface in a reciprocating manner, wherein the second impact device has an interchangeable chisel end. The impact devices may be raised and lowered via linkage assemblies or may be fixed to the supporting structure. Other tools, such as air nozzles may be used to assist in repairing the potholes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilizer or recycler which has a rotor housing 8, in which a milling/mixing rotor 9 is arranged, and a unit 13 for discharging binder for soil or base material stabilization. In the civil engineering machine according to the invention, at least part of the supply container 14 for the binder, and in particular the part thereof which is of larger volume, is arranged to the rear of the milling/mixing rotor 9 in the direction of working. The center of gravity A of the supply container 14 is preferably arranged to the rear of the axis of rotation 10 of the milling/mixing rotor 9 in the direction of working. This special way in which the supply container is arranged gives an optimum weight distribution. Whereas the supply container 14, which is relatively heavy when filled with binder, is situated mainly to the rear of the milling/mixing rotor 9, the drive unit 12 of the civil engineering machine can be arranged ahead of the milling/mixing rotor.

Abstract: A feeder floor protection system for a paving machine includes at least a first pair of wear plates covering a majority of a feeder floor. Each wear plate has at least two frame abutment features and at least two plate abutment features. Each plate abutment feature includes at least two non-contiguous lateral movement restriction surfaces offset from a centerline of the paving machine and at least one fore and aft movement restriction surface in a plane perpendicular to the centerline. The lateral movement restriction surfaces of a first plate of the pair of wear plates abut the lateral movement restriction surfaces of a second plate of the pair of wear plates. The fore and aft movement restriction surface of the first plate abuts the fore and aft movement restriction surface of the second plate.

Abstract: A feeder floor protection system for a paving machine includes at least a first pair of wear plates covering a majority of a feeder floor. Each wear plate has at least two frame abutment features and at least two plate abutment features. Each plate abutment feature includes at least two non-contiguous lateral movement restriction surfaces offset from a centerline of the paving machine and at least one fore and aft movement restriction surface in a plane perpendicular to the centerline. The lateral movement restriction surfaces of a first plate of the pair of wear plates abut the lateral movement restriction surfaces of a second plate of the pair of wear plates. The fore and aft movement restriction surface of the first plate abuts the fore and aft movement restriction surface of the second plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging vehicle (1) for conveying road-surfacing mix to a road-finishing machine, wherein the charging vehicle (1) comprises a conveyor assembly (5) and a machine drive (6). The invention is characterized in that the machine drive (6) is arranged on the charging vehicle (1) laterally offset with respect to the conveyor assembly device (5).

Abstract: A hopper for transportation of mineral or aggregates which prevents the material from falling off due to movements or slope, and which improves load performance and facilitates the download. In the joining areas between the front and the floor and between the sides and the floor there are folded or cylindered pieces giving curvature to such joining points, thus adding anti-adherent features to this hopper. The front is folded with a wide radius, also achieving an anti-adherent feature. There are also folds in the front and the shield to avoid beams in those areas of the hopper, thus decreasing the total weight of such hopper and reducing the appearance of cracks and lessening the amount of welding. Additionally, the area of release is wider than the front and shield portions to allow for a better sliding of the material during unloading.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer plate 12 mounts over the US standard screed box 10 thermoplastic opening 14 of 0.125? and creates a 0.090? opening.[This eliminates the need for the user to buy another costly screed box.] For screeding over stencils, the spacer 12 can be flipped to create a zero clearance opening. This allows the thermoplastic to come out only when an opening in the stencil pattern is present. Also, as the die 14 wears down, the spacer can be removed which lets the standard size opening be used as a substitute for the 0.090? opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeder (B) for conveying paving mixture to a road paver, whereby the feeder has a plurality of working assemblies (M, Q, 5, 10) and a control area (12). According to the invention an automatic mode can be set in the control area (12) for at least one of the working assemblies, and a conveyor main switch (15) is provided upon operation of which all assemblies set to automatic mode are activated with predetermined operating parameters.