Abstract: A cleaner module adapted for use on a compacting machine having (i) a compaction wheel and (ii) a pair of compaction tips secured to a peripheral surface of the compaction wheel such that the pair of compaction tips are spaced apart from each other so as to define a wheel space interposed therebetween is disclosed. The cleaner module includes a cleaner rod having a cleaning end. The cleaner module also includes a first bearing member which supports the cleaner rod.

Abstract: A self-propelled vibratory greensroller for smoothing a green, improving ball roll distance and striping. The greensroller has a vibratory roller and a power roller mounted in a frame with the vibratory roller in front of and parallel to the power roller. A prime mover mounted on the frame has a gear box with two power-take offs for connection to a first and second power train. The power roller is divided into right and left sections connected with a differential such that the roller sections do not scuff the green. The first power train includes, a centrifugal clutch which starts the vibratory roller into vibration at some preselected engine speed. The second power train includes a variable speed pulley providing infinite ground speed control for the power roller.

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: In the operation of a landfill compactor, it is a common problem for the wheels to pick up debris, especially wire and cable, and carry it around with the wheels as they rotate. When the debris falls from the wheels in the direction toward the frame and the axles, it becomes packed between the frame and the axle hampering machine operation and requiring hours of corrective maintenance. The apparatus of the subject invention for inhibiting the wrapping of debris about the axle assembly provides a hook member to ensnare debris. As the wheel rotates, the debris picked up by the hook member is dragged across a serrated blade portion mounted on the axle assembly to pull apart the debris and thus prevent the debris from wrapping around the axle assembly.

Abstract: A site preparation/concrete finishing apparatus for operation in an area having a base surface above which concrete reinforcing elements have been positioned prior to pouring of concrete within the area and for use in finishing concrete poured within the area. The site preparation/concrete finishing apparatus comprises a movable vehicle having at least one lift arm, a plurality of specially-tailored wheels for supporting the movable vehicle entirely within the area in continuous contact with the surface and for enabling continuous movement of the movable vehicle relative to the surface absent damage to the concrete reinforcing elements beneath the movable vehicle, and a concrete finishing device connected to the lift arm for fine grading and leveling of the area and for screeding and floating concrete poured within the area. Each wheel of the plurality of wheels includes a hub and a plurality of members extending radially therefrom.

Abstract: An arrangement for cooling a bearing assembly. The arrangement includes a drum assembly having (i) a drum member having an interior sidewall, (ii) a first bulkhead secured to the interior sidewall, (iii) a second bulkhead secured to the interior sidewall, (iv) an interior cavity defined by the interior sidewall, the first bulkhead, and the second bulkhead, (v) a drive plate secured to the drum member, (vi) a planetary gear box secured to the drive plate, and (vii) a drive motor mechanically coupled to the planetary gear box such that actuation of the drive motor causes the drum member to rotate around a central axis thereof. The arrangement also includes a first bearing assembly positioned within the interior cavity. The arrangement further includes a first dipping member having a first dipping cavity defined therein.

Abstract: A ballast system is provided for a compacting machine, which operate on their own weight (static weight) and is propelled on rollers or wheels. A plurality of identical, modular, ballast boxes are mounted to the median extension of the machine which is located between the front and rear wheel axel assemblies. In order to facilitate adjustment of a static compacting load to ideal operating conditions; each ballast box can receive a variable amount of a flowable material.

Abstract: A vibration roller has at least one roll tire having a double shaft vibration generator arranged therein. The vibration generator has a first and a second driven unbalance shafts arranged in the roll tire. The roll tire has an inner support at which the first and second driven unbalance shafts are rotatably supported. The first and second driven unbalance shafts are coaxially arranged relative to one another on a common rotational axis such that the second driven unbalance shaft is rotatable about the first driven unbalance shaft. The common rotational axis of the first and second driven unbalance shafts coincide with the drive axis of the roll tire.

Abstract: A powered concrete screed apparatus comprising a roller rotatably attached to a chassis. The chassis includes an elongated member that extends in spaced, parallel relation to the roller, and is of substantially the same length as the roller. The elongated member is attached to the roller at one end by a motor removably mounted thereto and which includes gears extending therefrom which are operatively attached to the roller, and at its opposite end by a plate which extends between the tubing and roller. A pair of handles are mounted to and extend upwardly from the tubular member, and are independently, slidably adjustable along the length of the tubular member. The handles are also telescopically adjustable, thereby permitting their lengths to be selectively controlled. A throttle is removably attached to one of the handles and electrically connected to the motor, thereby permitting selective control of the power output from the motor.

Abstract: Dynamic soil packing can be achieved by a procedure and device whereby the vibratory motion of the roller or one of the parts attached to it is determined, and whereby the vertical component of the vibratory force is diminished in the event of a disturbance (e.g., bouncing) of the basic roller vibration. The packing device is one having at least two exciter shafts synchronously rotating in opposite directions and arranged parallel to or in alignment with the roller axis for generating a vibrating motion, the exciter shafts being adjustable in their position and/or phase relationship so that the resulting centrifugal force electively exerts horizontal shearing forces and/or vertical compressive forces in the soil. A motion sensor determines the vibratory motion, such as amplitude, acceleration or periodicity thereof, and in connection with a control loop and adjustable pivot bearing adjusts the horizontal and vertical components of the motion to eliminate the disturbance.

Abstract: A vibratory pneumatic tire roller of the present invention comprises a frame, tire attaching means supported on each side by said frame with vibration proof members and bearings, a tire attached to said tire attaching means, and a vibration generating device having a vibration generating shaft provided within the outer diameter of said tire between said bearings placed at the ends of said tire attaching means, said vibration generating device transmitting vibration to said tire by rotating said vibration generating shaft with a drive source for generating vibration. Accordingly, the vibration generated by the vibration generating device is transmitted to the tire efficiently. The present invention achieves a self-propelled ride-on type vibratory pneumatic tire roller which is suitable for the road compaction.

Abstract: A novel heater roller system capable of reaching temperatures in excess of 400 degrees Centigrade is used in situ to prepare highly weather resistant polymeric covering materials by compressing and fusing a layer of fibers and fiber particles by heating the layer through an overlayer of an air-impermeable, heat tolerant material such as aluminum. The fiber layer may contain reinforcing fibers, heat conductive metal flakes, and/or other additives. Such a layer is particularly useful as a roof covering material made in situ.

Abstract: A compacting machine having a vibrating drum for compaction of ground material includes a controller. The drum is moved over a segment of the ground while a shear modulus and a plastic parameter of the segment of the ground are measured. From the measurements, in particular the value of the shear modulus, values for the frequency and/or the amplitude of the vibration and/or the rolling velocity of the drum are determined. These values are used for adjusting the compacting machine. In the measurement of the shear modulus, two accelerometers are used for determining, during the passing of the segment of the ground, the acceleration of the drum in at least an essentially vertical direction. The amplitude and the phase position of the eccentric system in relation to the acceleration are determined by using, among other things, a pulse sensor. Therefrom, and from fixed data concerning the compacting machine, the shear modulus of the ground is determined by integration of state equations.

Abstract: A dual-stage mounting system having an auxiliary support. A first set of elastomeric mounts connects the vibratory compactor drum to the auxiliary support and a second set of elastomeric mounts interconnect the auxiliary support to the vehicular frame. The dual-stage mounting system reduces by more than 70% the vibration transmitted from the drum to the primary support by a single-stage isolation mounting system thereby extending the life of the vehicle and improving operator comfort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a road roller primarily for compacting road surfacing materials such as asphalt. The road roller provides an ergonomic workplace for the operator in the cabin of the road roller and offers an unobstructed view of the rollers (4 and 12) and especially of the lateral edges (4a and 12a), respectively, thereof. This is of major importance when positioning the road roller on the surface to be compacted. This is achieved with an asymmetrical arrangement of the cabin; that is, one side of the cabin extends beyond the lateral edges (4a and 12a), and the operator's seat 6, with the steering wheel 7 and controls 8, is pivotally and laterally displaceable within the cabin.

Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulically driven road roller, primarily for compacting bitumen, with which repeated passes are made over a bitumen coating and in which the roller's speed, acceleration, deceleration and direction of travel (forward or reverse) are selected with an operating lever 1 which, via a control panel 8, electrically acts on hydraulic valves (10, 11, 13) controlling a servo 14 which acts on a hydraulic pump 15 driving the propulsion motors of the road roller. The operating lever is moveable from a neutral position to full lever deflection and equipped with a forward/reverse switch 2 for selecting the roller driving direction. The speed of the road roller decreases at a programmed deceleration, when this switch is actuated, until the roller stops, followed by acceleration at a programmed rate to a programmed driving speed in the opposite direction. The roller is brought to standstill at the maximum permissible deceleration when the lever is pulled back.

Abstract: A vibrating mechanism for vibrating a vibration compacting roller with a variable amplitude includes a vibration generating shaft, a movable eccentric weight turnably disposed in the vibration generating shaft, and an eccentric weight driving unit for rotating the eccentric weight about a pivotal shaft transversely extending relative to the vibration generating shaft. To generate vibrations for the vibration compacting roller, a vibration generating apparatus including a vibrating mechanism of the foregoing type is substantially composed of an eccentricity signal generating unit, a vibration mode setting unit, an eccentric weight eccentricity quantity detecting unit, and an eccentric weight eccentricity quantity controlling unit. Alternatively, the vibration generating apparatus may substantially be composed of a forward/rearward movement lever neutral position detecting unit and an eccentric weight eccentricity quantity controlling unit.

Abstract: A triple roller tube concrete finisher that uses rotating tubes to strike-off, screed and finish concrete. The machine rides upon concrete forms and comprises a box-like, generally parallelepiped, frame supported by a plurality of rotary rollers. The frame houses an engine, cleaning system and a hydraulic system. The engine powers the hydraulic system that rotates the rollers. Two of the rollers provide locomotion to the machine while simultaneously screeding and finishing concrete the machine moves over. Preferably, these drive rollers are bidirectional to facilitate forward and rearward movement of the finishing machine. One of the rollers functions like a strike-off to prevent ride up. This roller rotates counter to the drive rollers to grade and displace excess unlevel concrete away from the leading edge of the machine. Preferably, the vertical height of the strike-off roller and its axis of rotation may be adjusted to vary the resulting depth of the concrete passing thereunder.

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: A vibratory compacting machine has a supplemental member resiliently mounted on the frame of the compacting machine. The supplemental member has a resonant frequency that is substantially equal to the operating frequency of the vibratory compactor and effectively reduces the frame vibration. As a result of reduced frame vibration, the present invention provides increased operator comfort and extended service life of electronic, electrical and mechanical components mounted on the compacting machine.

Abstract: In general, apparatuses or machines for compacting the shoulders of roads include a plurality of wheels in side by side relationship, which are merely rolled over the gravel shoulder of a road. Such machines rely on the weight of the wheels to effect compacting.

Abstract: A weed remover for removing weeds and preventing the growth of new weeds on the bed of a body of water. The weed remover comprises a housing a motor, a drive chain, and a roller having a plurality of fins attached thereto. The motor drives the drive chain which in turn rotates the roller. When the roller is rotated, the fins dig into the bed of the body of water, causing the roller to roll along the bed. The housing is attached to a dock such that it can rotate about a generally vertical axis, permitting the roller to roll in an arc. The direction of rotation of the roller can be reversed such that the roller reciprocates over substantially the same path.

Abstract: An asphalt finishing screed is disclosed which is adapted to achieve essentially complete compaction of the asphalt mix over a range of finished mat thicknesses. The screed comprises a vertically adjustable strike off bar, a rotary compactor positioned immediately behind the bar, and a screed plate positioned immediately behind the rotary compactor. In one preferred embodiment, the rotary compactor comprises a rotor which includes a plurality of freely rotating rollers about the peripheral surface thereof. In operation, the adjustable strike off bar is set at an elevation so as to meter the material to the rotary compactor and to achieve the desired compaction for the particular thickness of the finished mat being laid. The rotary compactor then impacts the mat in an essentially vertical direction and so as to achieve complete compaction of the mix.

Abstract: A spreading device for applying paving material behind a towing vehicle, has a fixed or extendable frame spreader box, an adjustable screed for screeding or spreading the paving material to a desired depth of spread, an adjustable compression roller for compacting the paving material, sides on the spreader box, adjusters on the screed and the compression roller to adjust the depth of spread of the paving material, and a pressure cylinder attached between the towing vehicle and the spreader box for applying pressure downwardly on the compaction roller while lifting upwardly on the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A paving surface roller having indentation rumble strips comprising main pipe segments is mounted for support and operation on a frame structure of a paving machine or other vehicle and the drum is movable from operable to inoperable position above the surface by means of hydraulic rams attached to swinging arms on the frame. In one version the drum is supported and moved. In other versions for use with fixed drums, ground engaging wheels are selectively moved into place to elevate or lower the drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration insulation system for a self-propelled vibrating compactor providing a chassis supporting a roller and a chassis supporting both a cabin and elements for self-propulsion of the compactor. The chassis supporting the roller is connected to the chassis supporting both the cabin and the elements for self-propulsion by a series of shock absorbers connected to a cross bar, whereby vibrations of the roller are prevented from being transmitted to the chassis supporting the cabin and self-propulsion elements.

Abstract: A mill roll having a pair of ceramic, hollow rollers with the chambers defined in each filled with a plurality of particles with spaces defined therebetween including means to enter fuel therein to be burned to heat the rollers to incandescent temperatures.

Abstract: A device for compacting surfaces includes a frame and wheels rotatably mounted to the frame. At least one compacting cylinder structure is rotatably mounted to the frame and has an operative position between at least two wheels and the surface to compacted. Structure for driving at least two wheels is provided. The frame is provided in the form of a vehicle whereby the weight of the vehicle and the weight of the driver contribute to compacting the surface. The compacting cylinder comprises disk structures mounted about a central shaft. The disks are secured to an inside surface of a cylindrical sleeve of the compacting cylinder which serves to reduce the inside diameter to a size compatible with a small axle diameter and to provide a cavity to support a bearing assembly. A means for engaging and disengaging the driven wheels and the compacting cylinder is provided.

Abstract: A spreader box for spreading cold mixed asphaltic concrete paving mixtures including a supporting frame or "bridge" attached to a left and right side plate. Within the spreader box and at the front portion of the box is situated a left and right side hydraulic motor or other power means, which is used to power a left and right side auger for lateral distribution of the paving mixture. Adjustment means on each end and in the middle to allow for vertical adjustment of the distribution auger. A left and right side "ROLLING SCREED" roll which has an adjustment means on each end and in the middle to allow for vertical adjustment of depth of spread.A left and right side compression roll which has adjustment means at each end and in the center for vertical adjustment of down pressure. Screed roll and compression roll connected by chain and sprocket or other power transfer means. One or more wheels or caterpillar tracks are mounted on each side plate.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a vibratory drum mounted for rotation about its axis with a vibratory device mounted upon a framework overlying the drum, with a fluid dispensing cylinder mounted overlying the vibratory drum to minimize adhering of the cement in a non-hardened form upon the drum. The drum includes a pattern series of blades for imparting a predetermined pattern upon the cement surface, wherein the invention further includes the drum formed with a series of through-extending apertures extending through the drum to define a matrix of apertures therethrough for reception of fastener bosses mounted to bottom surfaces of randomly shaped blades to enable positioning of blades in any predetermined pattern upon the drum surface.

Abstract: A land grader for grading an unprepared or partially prepared soil surface, as a step in the preparation of a roadbed. The land grader has a frame fixed at a forward end to the tractor and is supported at a rearward end to a plurality of tamping wheels. On the frame are mounted a plurality of rotary cutters which are offset laterally and axially from one another along an angle to the direction of travel. The rotary cutters have scraper blades mounted between them.

Abstract: A soil compactor having three compacting rollers supported from a frame with each of the rollers being independently powered by a hydraulic motor with the controls for the hydraulic motors being located at the rear of the compactor so that an operator walking behind the compactor will be able to control movement of the compactor. A vibration device is supported from a frame in generally a central position between the single front roller and the pair of rear rollers. The vibration device is an eccentric weight on a shaft driven at high speeds by a hydraulic motor with the central location of the vibration device producing a vibrating effect to aid in compaction and also aiding in maneuverability by providing a "floating" effect.

Abstract: A compaction apparatus including a pair of frames. A compaction drum is mounted for rotation on a first of the frames and resilient isolation mounts interconnect the two frames. A vibratory unit is mounted on the first frme and includes pair of eccentric weights arranged so that vertical vibratory forces generated by the weights are added, while fore-and-aft vibratory forces are cancelled. The isolation mounts are at different distances on opposite sides of a vertical plane passing through the axis of the drum, so that the vertical vibratory forces acting through the two isolation mounts produce unequal moments tending to rotate the drum and subject the soil to a shear-type action.

Abstract: An earth compacting apparatus for mounting at one end of an earth working vehicle comprises a plurality of separate compaction units and a pivotal linkage for pivotally mounting the compaction units side by side on a vehicle. An actuator assembly operates on the linkage for independently raising and lowering each compaction unit between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered position in contact with the ground. The actuator assembly also provides downward pressure on each compaction unit in the lowered position.

Abstract: A safety device for the control lever of a construction machine having hydrostatic transmission which comprises a casing provided on the machine and a control rod rotatably connected at one end thereof with the control lever associated with the hydrostatic transmission, said control rod being formed with a slender portion at the other end portion which is slidably accommodated by the casing, said slender portion having a coil spring interposed within the casing, and said coil spring being stressed sufficiently to automatically return the control lever to the neutral position when the operator takes his hands off the control lever.

Abstract: A sod laying machine having front rear sections articulated together. A boom on the front section has arms extending forwardly, with gripper arms extending downwardly from the boom to grip a roll of sod. A control roller connected to the boom arms drives the sod roll to control its speed of unwinding. The sod roll has its grass side facing outwardly and its top unwinds rearwardly so an operator in a seat at the front of the machine, between the boom arms, has an unobstructed view of the critical area of sod extending in the air from the roll to the ground, to reduce the likelihood of buckles and tears therein. The machine passes over the sod after it is laid, to roll the sod.

Abstract: A roller carriage assembly for a road surface finishing machine of the type having an elongated main frame is disclosed. The assembly features a vibrating drum or roller wherein rotating eccentric weights used to generate vibrations can be rotated at speeds which are independent of the speed of roller rotation to thus permit the finishing of extremely low slump concrete. The assembly employs a scissors extender system which permits rapid and precise changes in the level of the roller relative to the main frame without affecting the attitude of the former relative to the latter. The scissors extender system is locked in place by a rotating locking mechanism and is rigidified by the use of four chains disposed at the corners of the system and strung between upper and lower plates between which the scissors mechanism operates.

Abstract: A road roller includes a pair of rotatable roller drums each having axially opposite end portions and an axis of rotation, the roller drums pivot between a first position at which the roller drums are generally in line with the direction of travel with the axes thereof generally parallel and a second position at which the roller drums are generally laterally offset relative to each other in the direction of travel, the pivoting is effected by a generally vertical pivot axis lying in the plane of the axis of rotation of one of the roller drums and adjacent one of its axial end portions, a pair of frames positioned one relative to each of the roller drums and having opposite first and second end portions, a carrier position in the direction of travel and generally transversely to the axes of rotation of the roller drums in the first and second positions, the carrier having opposite end portions, one of the carrier end portions being connected at the vertical pivot axis to the first end portion of one of the rol

Abstract: A pneumatic suspension device, suitable for transmitting torque, is composed of a single toroid-shaped vibration-damping pneumatic ring. The inner surface of the ring rests on a rim connected to the part of the machine which must be free from vibration (for example, a hydraulic engine). The machine is directly flanged on a reduction unit, and both the machine and device are made integral with a bracket and frame. The outer surface of the pneumatic ring is gripped by a series of S-shaped jaw elements, bolted onto a support ring welded to the inner cylindrical wall of a vibrating drum. The S-shaped jaw elements have a profile such that each pair of jaws, once fixed in position on the outer band of the toroidal pneumatic ring, forms therewith a single body damping the vibration of the drum.

Abstract: An improved vibration proof suspension type vibrating roller is disclosed which includes a rolling roller rotatably supported in a frame structure, a hydraulic motor for rotating the rolling roller and a hydraulic motor for rotating a vibration generating shaft with an eccentric mass fixedly mounted thereon. A plurality of vibration proof members made of elastic material such as rubber or the like are fixedly secured to both the sides of the frame structure on the inner surface thereof. A hydraulic motor unit including a hydraulic motor for rotating the rolling roller, a plate axle and associated components is fixedly secured to one half member of vibration proof members, while a hydraulic motor unit including a hydraulic motor for rotating the vibration generating shaft, a support plate and associated components is fixedly secured to the other half number of vibration proof members.

Abstract: A roadway surface patching vehicle is described wherein virtually all roadway patching procedures may be performed by a single operator within a control station of the vehicle unit. The vehicle includes a number roadway repair tools mounted to a moveable carriage on the vehicle frame. This carriage is situated intermediate the control station and the front vehicle wheels. Among the operative tools are a cutter head and a vacuum head adjacent to the cutter head for receiving and directing loose particulate roadway surface material to a storage hopper for subsequent reblending and reuse. The vacuum head may also be used to clean the area adjacent the repair following placement and finished tamping and rolling of the new repair materials. A tamping head is also mounted to the carriage for movement therewith and a roller is mounted to the frame for finishing the repair to grade.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing optimal compaction of various materials by controlling the vibration amplitude of an adjustable amplitude vibratory roller. The vibration amplitude is automatically reduced when excessively high jolting forces are sensed by transducers carried by the roller or its frame. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a continuously adjustable eccentric element in the vibratory roller, at least two signal transducers mounted on the roller drum or frame and axially separated, to generate signals representing the vibrational movement of the roller. A regulating system responsive to the signals from the signal transducers reset the adjustable eccentric element to vary the vibration amplitude and provide optimal compaction.

Abstract: A paving arrangement for coating a base with a self-setting synthetic molding material comprises a rigid frame in the form of a shallow box having an open bottom. The frame is supported by a pair of sleigh members mounted on the lower portion of the frame in spaced relationship from each other so that the frame can be slid over the base. One of the sleigh members is shorter than the other and has its rear end terminating forwardly of the rear end of the longer sleigh member. A hopper is mounted on the frame for storing therein the molding material. A transversely elongate outlet opening is formed at the bottom of the hopper at a position rearwardly of the rear end of the shorter sleigh member and extending in the transverse direction between the inner edge of the longer sleigh member and an imaginary extension of the outer edge of the shorter sleigh member.

Abstract: An ergonomically advantageous operator's seat and controls arrangement for tandem road rollers comprises on the transverse center line of an operator's platform operator's seats arranged side by side and rotatable about vertical axes. A control stick pivotable in two mutually orthogonal directions is located on the longitudinal center line of the operator's platform in the middle between the operator's seats. Two steering devices are mounted with their steering columns rotatable about a longitudinal, central axis on two opposite transverse sides of the platform. Thus by rotation of the seats through 180.degree., four possible seat positions for the operator are achieved. By pivoting the control stick towards the respective occupied seat and by corresponding rotation of one steering device to in front of this seat, all controls are always within easy reach of the operator.

Abstract: Each wheel of a road roller is provided with a drive which has a hydraulic motor with a radial output shaft coupled to the drive shaft of the wheel by bevel gearing. At one side of the housing containing the bevel gearing and the hydraulic motor, a brake is provided for the drive shaft whose opposite end is connected by a toothed coupling to the sun gear shaft of a planetary gearing transmission in a second housing disposed at least in part within the wheel. A flange of this transmission is connected to the planet carriers and to the wheel to rotate the latter.

Abstract: A drive mechanism (10) has a frame (16), a driven member (14) and a first element (20) rotatable relative to the frame (18). A driving element (24) is mounted on and rotatable with the first element (20). Apparatus (34), such as a hydraulic motor (40) and pinion gear (38), engages and rotates the driving element (24). Apparatus (36), such as a brake (42) and pinion gear (44) engages and controllably blocks the driving element (24) from rotation. Final drive apparatus (66) transfers rotational motion from the first element (20) to the driven member (14), which can be, for example, a drum (14) of a compactor inside of which the drive mechanism (10) is located. The orientation of the elements of the drive mechanism (10) reduces its width which frees more area inside the space limited drum (14) and eliminates the need to mount components exteriorly to the drum (14) where they can be damaged.

Abstract: In a speed reducer, a reaction sun is fixed to a frame and an output sun is coaxial with the reaction sun. An idler carrier assembly, rotatable about the common axis of the two suns, carries a planet shaft supporting a reaction planet and an output planet for conjoint rotation and in radial alignment, respectively, with the reaction sun and the output sun. Rotation of the idler carrier assembly effects orbiting of the planet shaft and its planets about the common axis of the suns. Endless loop force-transmitting elements connect corresponding suns and planets. Rotary input power is applied to the planet shaft effecting conjoint rotation of the planets and orbiting of the planets about the suns' axis. The epicyclic motion of the output planet effects rotation of the output sun.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for mounting adjacent the front pressure roller of a vehicle which applys plastic tape to pavement particularly to form highway marking patterns, with a horizontal plate having a slot through which plastic tape is advanced, a plurality of rollers driven by the pressure roller and engaging end advancing tape through the slot when a piston is actuated to move idler rollers to cause engagement of tape and rollers, a piston operated cutter beneath the plate and adjacent the slot and a guide chute for guiding the tape beneath the front roller.

Abstract: A very maneuverable soil compacting roller for use in a confined area comprises a frame, a compacting drum freely rotatable about a horizontal axis near one end of the frame, and a pair of coaxial wheels near the other end of the frame, for propulsion and steering. The wheels are maintained in coaxial spaced apart relation by axle means with which they are drivingly connected, and the axle means is confined to rotation relative to an axle housing between the wheels. A drive motor is secured to the axle housing. The unit comprising axle housing and drive motor has a connection with a steering bracket which rotates relative to the frame about a vertical steering axis, and said connection provides for swinging of said unit about an axis which is mutually perpendicular to the wheel axis and the steering axis so that the wheels can move up and down to accommodate terrain irregularities.

Abstract: A garden implement utilizing the shell of a drum motor as an essential constituent part of the garden implement. Non-rotating shafts of the drum motor are carried by prongs of a frame. The shell of the drum motor constitutes a roller forming a garden implement, or carries working tools for working soil.