In Situ Treatment Of Earth Or Roadway Patents (Class 404/75)
  • Publication number: 20080219766
    Abstract: A concrete expansion joint and seal assembly includes opposed generally planar side frame members with spaced apart flanges forming channels which are operable to bond the side frame members to opposed sections of concrete when the expansion joint is placed in its working position. A flexible seal member includes a loop portion and opposed legs coextruded with and bonded to edges of the side frame members. The side frame members are temporarily held contiguous with each other at their respective distal ends by adhesive tape, an adhesive or a hook portion formed on one of the side frame members for engaging the distal end of the other side frame member. The seal member is preferably formed of an extrudable thermoplastic elastomer and the side frame members are preferably formed of extrudable polypropylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Vinylex Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Edgman
  • Patent number: 7422390
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive milling machine for machining ground surfaces, comprising an engine frame (2), a movable milling drum (8) which is mounted on the engine frame (2), at least one conveying device (14,18) which is arranged on the engine frame (2) and takes over the milled material (3) from the milling drum (8) at a transfer location (5), and a device (20) sucking off the air that is polluted with dust and fumes. The milled material (3) is enclosed by a duct (16,16a,16b) on the at least one conveying device (14,18), said duct (16) being separated into two sections (16a,16b). The suction device (20) is connected to the first section (16a) of the duct (16) downstream from the first transfer location (5) and sucks off the air that has been polluted during milling at the milling drum (8) as well as inside the first section (16a) of the duct (16) essentially in the direction in which the material is conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Gaertner, Christian Berning, Dieter Simons
  • Publication number: 20080193214
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method for reconditioning a paved surface includes the steps of providing a vehicle adapted to traverse the paved surface; providing a layer of loose aggregate on an underlayer by degrading the paved surface with a degradation element attached to the vehicle; adding a foaming agent to the layer of loose aggregate on the underlayer; and coating a total aggregate surface area by mixing hot asphalt into the loose aggregate and allowing the foaming agent to expand the asphalt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Codrin Daranga
  • Patent number: 7399139
    Abstract: A device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at two locations by height adjustment mechanisms that raise and lower the two locations of the contouring assembly independently of each other. The contouring assembly creates a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of at least one location of the contouring assembly is based on a comparison of the measured position of one portion of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. Control of the height of the other location is preferably based on the height above a physical reference measured with a proximity sensor. A pivot or tilting controller may control the tilting of the contouring assembly to follow the slope of the profile stored in computer memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignees: Somero Enterprises, Inc., Michigan Technological University
    Inventors: Carl B Kieranen, Charles A Hallstrom, Glen R Simula, Nils P Ruonavaara, James D Waineo
  • Patent number: 7396185
    Abstract: A process for repairing a crack in a recreational court or surface comprising cleaning the crack to remove loose material, filling the crack with a crack filling material, such as a flexible sealant material which adheres to the edges of the crack and securely seals the crack, applying a laminate to the recreational surface and to the exposed sealant material to completely cover the crack, wherein the laminate comprises a waterproof adhesive applied to a flexible material, and securing a polyester flexible fabric to at least the edges of the laminate using an adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Guardian Crack Repair, LLC
    Inventor: James Christopher Rossi
  • Publication number: 20080152427
    Abstract: A ground working device for liquid treated roads is formed from a mobile main frame, a sub-frame, plural discs mounted for rotation on the sub-frame about an axis that extends transversely under the sub-frame; and a set of tines mounted on each disc in ground contacting position. The tines efficiently lift the ground surface material while reducing the amount to which the liquid treated ground mixture clumps on the tines. Each tine in each set of tines has a perpendicular base that extends perpendicularly to the disc on which the respective tine is mounted. The sub-frame is retractably mounted on the main frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: ROAD BADGER INC.
    Inventors: Ray W. Gillard, Garett T. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20080124172
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for inducing planes of weakness in hydraulically bound materials, for example roller compacted concrete. A crack inducer vehicle for fabricating pre-cracked hydraulically bound materials, the vehicle comprises: a groove former to form a groove in fresh hydraulically bound material prior to curing, said groove former having a first, lowered position for forming a groove in said fresh hydraulically bound material, and a second, raised position; and a system to apply a de-bonding agent into said groove such that when said hydraulically bound material has cured it preferentially cracks along a said groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Aggregate Industries UK Limited
    Inventors: Warren Bentley, Richard Needham
  • Patent number: 7357594
    Abstract: A composition for rejuvenating asphalt pavement according to the present invention comprises an asphalt binder, water, a cationic surfactant, a recycling agent, and a cationic, co-agglomerated styrene butadiene rubber latex, which includes sulfur and a vulcanizing agent. The composition is also useful as a scrub seal, fog seal, sand seal as well as for crack filling and the prevention of reflective cracking. The inventive composition may be used in emulsions with different setup times. The invention also includes a method for treatment of aged and cracked asphalt by application of the disclosed compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Western Emulsions, Inc.
    Inventor: Koichi Takamura
  • Publication number: 20080085160
    Abstract: A soil substitute material is configured with ground construction and demolition (C&D) waste materials suitable for use in grading or construction projects in industrial, commercial, and after conducting specific preparation steps is useful in selective residential settings, road and highway grading, backfill and cap materials at environmental sites, alternative daily cover at landfills, rough grading for roadbeds and constructing athletic fields, and landfill construction and operation as a stabilized and compactable construction material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: JAMES W. TAYLOR
  • Publication number: 20080063473
    Abstract: A method of operating a compactor machine includes moving the compacting machine within a work area and determining a compaction response disconformity exists between at least two regions of the work area. The method includes generating a compactor navigation signal responsive to the compaction response disconformity. A method of compacting a work area may include determining a work material compaction response associated with at least one region of the work area is aberrant, and maneuvering the compactor machine within the work area responsive to a signal associated with the aberrant compaction response. A system for compacting a work area includes a compactor machine and an electronic controller configured via a compactor maneuvering control algorithm to detect an aberrant work material compaction response in a region of the work area and responsively generate a compactor navigation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas M. Congdon, Paul T. Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20080056820
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a paved surface reconditioning system has a vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface. The vehicle having a press plate with a working surface having plurality of nozzles disposed therein. At least one of the nozzles has an inner diameter less than 1 mm. A fluid passage may connect the nozzle to a reservoir. The reservoir and fluid passage have a volume and a pressurizing mechanism in communication with the volume and being adapted to pressurize at least a portion of the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahiquist, Timothy C. Duke, Codrin Daranga
  • Publication number: 20080038059
    Abstract: A method of paving includes sensing values indicative of a material feed demand of a surface to be paved, and depositing material onto the surface. An electronic controller is configured to generate a control signal corresponding with a feed forward term associated with an expected change in the material feed demand. The method also includes controlling depositing material onto the surface responsive to the control signal. A machine such as a paving machine includes a control system in control communication with a material feed system and having an electronic controller configured to determine an expected material feed demand and responsively output material feed rate control signals to the feed apparatus to control depositing material onto the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Toby Andrew Frelich
  • Patent number: 7322772
    Abstract: A method and a surface seeded exposed aggregate concrete product are provided that precisely simulate the appearance and qualities of various types of natural quarried stone, such as granite, marble, rhinestone, bluestone, and brownstone, to name a few. Implementations of the present invention are characterized by the use of fine sand and aggregate broadcast over the exposed surface of poured concrete, which surface has been prepared to receive the same. Subsequently, a surface retarder and finishing steps are performed to produce the concrete product which assimilates the characteristics and colors of natural quarried stone, such as speckles, inclusions, flecks, graining, fractures, joints, knots, crystallization patterns, streaks, weathering, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lithocrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Shaw, Lee A. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7320558
    Abstract: A screeding apparatus and method for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a vibrating member and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating member. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating member and/or the grade setting device. The grade setting device may be vertically adjustable to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The level of the screeding apparatus may be automatically adjustable to maintain a desired level and angle of attack of the vibrating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Somero Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J Quenzi, Russ E Stein, Mark A Pietila, Carl B Kieranen, Philip D Halonen, Howard E Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7275890
    Abstract: A method of reconstructing a road is provided. This method includes taking representative cores of the road, analyzing the cores, selecting a substantially solvent-free emulsion based on climate history, mixing the emulsion and reclaimed asphalt pavement particles to form an asphalt emulsion mix, testing the asphalt emulsion mix for performance using a raveling test, a thermal cracking prediction test by an indirect tensile testing, a moisture susceptibility test utilizing vacuum saturation, and a dry Marshall stability test. It also includes designing a CIR layer based on this test data. It further includes grinding off a layer of the existing asphalt road leaving at least about an inch, adding an emulsion to the reclaimed asphalt pavement particles, applying the designed cold in-place recycling layer to the road, and compacting it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: SemMaterials, L.P.
    Inventors: Todd Thomas, Arlis Kadrmas
  • Patent number: 7255513
    Abstract: A diamond trowel blade 20 comprises diamond particles that will attach to a power trowel for surface preparation of hardened concrete surfaces. The diamond trowel blade includes a diamond bearing surface 22, for preparing the concrete surface; a backing plate 24 for supporting the diamond bearing surface; and a mounting arm 26 for attaching the trowel blade 20 to the power trowel. A method for mechanically preparing a concrete surface with a diamond trowel blade 20 attached to a power trowel including the surface preparing steps of; selecting the diamond trowel blade 20 with the appropriate grit for the concrete surface, installing the diamond trowel blades 20 on the power trowel, and directing the rotating diamond trowel blade 20 over the surface until the smoothness is attained for the particular grit in use; and repeating the steps until the user achieves the smoothness desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Leonard A. Lampley, Tyron B. Draper
  • Patent number: 7252455
    Abstract: A multi axial asphalt heater for re-heating and recycling of old and new asphalt for permanent joint free repairs and restorations. It is possible to adjust the heating elements mechanically up and down off the asphalt surface with the lever arm mechanism. The provision of rotational movement of the heating elements permits the device to be retracted into a transport configuration. Forward and reverse motion of the heating elements permits a graduate heating process to be performed. The fold-up design with radially shaped adjustable hinges provide various angularity adjustments not only for compact convenience but also for establishing specific heat clearances, avoiding shut down delays and overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Larsen
  • Patent number: 7249913
    Abstract: A filled artificial turf includes a plurality of filled artificial turf sections which can be disconnected, rolled up and stored and then later unrolled and reconnected, thereby to enable a facility to accommodate a wide variety of sporting and non-sporting events, with no adverse effects on the playability of the turf. Each of the sections includes a backing, fibers secured to the backing, and a particulate fill with the fibers being of sufficient density and texture so as to substantially hold the particulate fill to the backing during rolling and unrolling. The sections also include hook and loop fasteners along the edges thereof, to facilitate simple and cost-effective connection and disconnection of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Coevin Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen L. Linville
  • Patent number: 7249914
    Abstract: A scraper apparatus including a cart and a scraping arrangement located at a front of the cart. The scraping arrangement includes blades that are driven along a joint or crack by the cart to remove excess filling material deposited in the joint or crack of a working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph E. Due
  • Patent number: 7244077
    Abstract: An auger/cut off assembly for a floating screed asphalt paver. The auger/cut off assembly consists of an auger mechanism with an axis of rotation and a cut off mechanism. The cut off mechanism has a concave cut off panel that rotates about the axis of the auger mechanism from an open strike off position to a closed cut off position. Because the concave cut off panel closely conforms to a portion of the circumference of the auger mechanism, the cut off mechanism provides for low ground clearance. The concave cut off panel serves the dual function of striking off the paving material when in the open strike off position and cutting off the deposit of paving material when in the closed cut off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: VT Leeboy, Inc.
    Inventors: William Michael Lee, Eric Craig Lee
  • Patent number: 7234893
    Abstract: A method of making a membrane assembly by forming at least a pair of bottom sheet membranes and at least one top sheet membrane, wherein the bottom sheet membranes are adapted to attach to and cover respective pavement sections of a roadway, and constructing each top sheet membrane with a track, wherein each track receives edges of a corresponding pair of the bottom sheet membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Canada, Ltd
    Inventor: Gregory M. Lyons
  • Patent number: 7223049
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for directionally degrading a paved surface. A substantially cylindrical rotary tool may include cutting inserts embedded within its cylindrical surface. The tool may be rotated about a rotational axis extending from a top end of the tool to its cutting head and may contact a paved surface such that the tool degrades the surface in a direction substantially normal thereto. The tool may be mounted to a motorized vehicle and adapted for independent movement to limit degradation to an isolated area, extend degradation beyond the width of the motorized vehicle, and/or avoid obstacles in the pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott R. Little, David Wahlquist, Joe R. Fox
  • Patent number: 7223047
    Abstract: Safety improvements of airport runways and taxiways are achieved by providing a flexible, water-impermeable surfacing material on a compacted soil base directly adjacent to an edge of airstrip shoulders. A synthetic grass surface is provided on the area beyond the surfacing material so that foreign objects such as loose particles of the airstrip shoulder materials will be driven by jet blasts and run-off across the relatively smooth texture of the surfacing material and will be trapped by the synthetic grass, thereby minimizing foreign object damage to aircraft engines, particularly to those overhanging engines which extend well beyond the existing runway and taxiway shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Fieldturf Tarkett Inc.
    Inventor: Jean Prévost
  • Patent number: 7207744
    Abstract: A method of repairing a paved surface utilizes a nonwoven or woven fibrous mat made from fibers including polymer fibers, the polymer fibers having a melting point greater than about 320° F. (160° C.). The mat has a load-elongation behavior such that when the mat is subject to tensile stress, the mat achieves at least 90% of its ultimate load at an elongation not greater than 5% of the specimen length in the direction of applied stress. Another mat comprises a nonwoven or woven fibrous mat made from fibers selected from the group consisting of mineral fibers, polymer fibers, natural fibers, and mixtures thereof, and a rubbery binder. Another mat comprises a nonwoven or woven fibrous mat made from a blend of high melt polymer fibers having a melting point of at least 350° F. (177° C.) and low melt polymer fibers having a melting point of less than 350° F. (177° C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Jones, IV., Gregory S. Helwig, David C. Trumbore
  • Patent number: 7198427
    Abstract: A method for installing an aesthetically pleasing artificial turf that retards birds and other animals and a sub-surface that supports the weight of an aircraft, enhances water drainage and enables the accessibility of airport vehicles to all parts of a runway or taxiway is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: AvTurf L.L.C.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Carr, Dale L. Collett, William L. Schomburg, Thomas M Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7186053
    Abstract: A disposable cover for a bumper block comprises a body member having a cavity and an opening for receiving the bumper block. The body member is formed from an elastic polyethylene resin so that the body member may be expanded to accommodate the bumper block when the cover is placed thereon. In order to make the disposable cover, a tubular sheet of the polyethylene resin is flattened to form opposing sidewalls. Perforations are added at spaced apart locations along a length of the sheet, and the opposing sidewalls are heat sealed together proximate to the spaced apart locations. The sheet is cut along its length and the perforations are torn to form individual covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Rob W. Detzel
  • Patent number: 7175363
    Abstract: A soft landing control system for a screeding device is operable to automatically lower a vibrating member of a screed head assembly into engagement with a concrete surface at a time and place where the vibrating member is not positioned over an overlap area of already screeded concrete. The vibrating member is automatically lowered onto newly placed concrete at or near the junction or cold-joint between the already screeded concrete and the area of newly placed concrete, so as to avoid depressions in the already placed concrete. Optionally, the soft landing control system may include a timing device and may lower the vibrating member after a period of time following an activating event. Optionally, the control system may detect when the vibrating device is positioned at or near the newly placed concrete and may lower the vibrating member in response to such detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Somero Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J Quenzi, Carl B Kieranen, Frank E Anderson, Jeffrey W Torvinen, Mark A Pietila
  • Patent number: 7175364
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive milling machine for machining ground surfaces, comprising an engine frame (2), a movable milling drum (8) which is mounted on the engine frame (2), at least one conveying device (14, 18) which is arranged on the engine frame (2) and takes over the milled material (3) from the milling drum (8) at a transfer location (5), and a device (20) sucking off the air that is polluted with dust and fumes. The milled material (3) is enclosed by a duct (16, 16a, 16b) on the at least one conveying device (14, 18), said duct (16) being separated into two sections (16a, 16b). The suction device (20) is connected to the first section (16a) of the duct (16) downstream from the first transfer location (5) and sucks off the air that has been polluted during milling at the milling drum (8) as well as inside the first section (16a) of the duct (16) essentially in the direction in which the material is conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Gaertner, Christian Berning, Dieter Simons
  • Patent number: 7172363
    Abstract: A paving machine may include a power source, a traction system, a hopper configured to contain paving material, and one or more conveyors configured to transfer the paving material from the hopper. The paving machine may also include a screed configured to lay a mat of the paving material. The paving machine may further include at least one front sensor mounted on a front portion of the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface to the front sensor and at least one rear sensor mounted on the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface of the mat to the rear sensor. The paving machine may also include a controller configured to determine a thickness of the mat by determining a difference between one or more front height measurements taken by the at least one front sensor and one or more rear height measurements taken by the at least one rear sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventors: Dale M. Olson, Mario J. Souraty
  • Patent number: 7168885
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a vibratory mechanism. The method includes sensing a vibratory amplitude of the vibratory mechanism and determining a decoupling point of the vibratory mechanism. An output signal is generated based on the determination of the decoupling point for controlling the vibratory amplitude of the vibratory mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventors: Federico Mauro John Rio, Dean Roger Potts, Kevin Lynn Mann
  • Patent number: 7168886
    Abstract: The present application relates to methods for laying a traffic calming surface, in which molten material is deposited on the surface of a road or path and is then moulded so as to form a continuous, substantially sinusoidal profile which extends along the intended direction of travel. The profile can be formed by employing at least one pair of longitudinal rails which are positioned on the surface of the road so as to be spaced apart from each other and such that they are aligned with the intended direction of travel. The upper surface of the rails exhibits the required profile so that molten material deposited between the rails can be spread between the rails to form the required surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Prismo Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Loader
  • Patent number: 7168887
    Abstract: A process for repairing a crack in a recreational court or surface comprising cleaning the crack to remove loose material, filling the crack with a crack filling material, such as a flexible sealant material which adheres to the edges of the crack and securely seals the crack, applying a laminate to the recreational surface and to the exposed sealant material to completely cover the crack, wherein the laminate comprises a waterproof adhesive applied to a flexible material, and securing a polyester flexible fabric to at least the edges of the laminate using an adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: James Christopher Rossi
  • Patent number: 7162929
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for evaluating an adhesive layer such as a tack coat. In one embodiment, a portable apparatus is provided to test a tack coat layer prior to applying an overlay. The portable apparatus includes a tripod configuration placed on a surface, a plate conformed to the surface by a load and a torque wrench-applying a pull-off force to test the strength of the surface. In other embodiments, a portable apparatus is provided to test a tack coat layer prior to applying an overlay, where the portable apparatus does not include support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Vivek Tandon
  • Patent number: 7150581
    Abstract: A lane marker mask includes a visible surface configured to match the road surface where the mask will be used. The visible surface may be created by photographing the road surface immediately adjacent the eventual location of the mask and printing the photograph onto the visible surface of the masking material. An adhesive is disposed on the bottom of the masking material and a protective top coating is disposed over the printed image to protect the image during use. In another embodiment of the invention, a series of road surface images are provided in a printed or electronic catalog. The user selects the image to be used on the visible surface of the mask by comparing the target road surface to the images presented in the catalog. Masks made in accordance with this invention are less distracting to motorists because they blend into the surrounding road surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Clifford A. Lowe
  • Patent number: 7114875
    Abstract: A method of laying hot blacktop paving material, the method comprising a spreading step during which the material is spread onto a surface for receiving it, and immediately prior to the spreading step, a step of adding water during which water plus wetting agent is mixed with the blacktop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: HTP EST
    Inventors: Alain Romier, Yves Martineau, Jacques David, Maurice Audeon
  • Patent number: 7112005
    Abstract: A scraper apparatus includes a cart and a scraping arrangement located at a front of the cart. The scraping arrangement includes blades that are driven along a joint or crack by the cart to remove excess filling material deposited in the joint or crack of a working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph E. Due
  • Patent number: 7108449
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for power finishing freshly placed concrete in which the acoustic impedance of the treating equipment is made substantially equal to the acoustic impedance of the concrete slab being treated. Preferably, a powered, twin rotor riding trowel is provided with a pair of circular finishing pans that are attached to the conventional rotor blades used later in the finishing process. The pans are characterized by an acoustic impedance approximating the acoustic impedance of green concrete, thereby optimizing the energy transferred to the concrete. Preferred pans comprise ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) plastic. During troweling, the pans are frictionally revolved over the green concrete for finishing the surface without prematurely sealing the uppermost slab surface. Through the disclosed troweling method, a highly stable concrete surface results, and delamination is minimized. Alternative troweling uses pans coated with layered impedance matching material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Allen Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: J. Dewayne Allen, Richard P. Bishop
  • Patent number: 7104723
    Abstract: A screed assembly apparatus for loose or plastic materials such as placed and/or poured, uncured concrete previously placed on the ground or another support surface, includes a screed frame, and mounted thereon, a striker for engaging and spreading the materials and a rotatable auger for moving the material longitudinally along the screed frame. The auger provides a pair of intertwined spiral flight coils. The striker is spaced to one side of the auger and in parallel thereto. An auger mounting means and a motive power means are engaged for rotating the auger to remove excess portions of the concrete from the pour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Ned W. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7097383
    Abstract: A substrate removal apparatus capable of cutting a plurality of aligned, precision slots in a variety of surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt pavement, and other composite substrates, utilizes high-pressure liquid cutting devices. Slots may be cut in pavement for such applications as dowel bar retrofitting for joint load transfer restoration. An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a support frame, a carriage carried by the support frame, and cutting devices coupled to the carriage. The apparatus is configured so that the carriage is movable along a generally horizontal path of travel and a generally vertical path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Waterwerks Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Chase, William Lingenfelter
  • Patent number: 7094001
    Abstract: The invention is a method and system for controlling emissions, such as malodorous emissions that form during asphalt paving. The method includes spraying an emission-causing substance (such as an asphalt substance) on a surface while moving over the surface, and releasing a liquid agent so that molecules of the liquid agent mix with molecules of the emission-causing substance. The liquid agent is pressurized to about 200–600 psia before being released, and therefore forms a mist. This mist mixes with the emission-causing substance either on the surface or in the air space above the surface. The system of the invention includes a first outlet for supplying an asphalt substance, wherein the outlet is attached to a vehicle, and a second outlet for releasing a liquid agent, wherein the second outlet is positioned to mix odor-controlling molecules with asphalt substance molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Granite Construction Company
    Inventor: Michael K. Wills
  • Patent number: 7086806
    Abstract: A method of compacting a mat of hot mix asphalt which has been laid by an advancing asphalt paver, the method comprising advancing an asphalt compactor over the laid asphalt such that a compaction surface of the compactor, formed by a lower run of at least one belt, is engaged with any one portion of the mat for a period of at least 1.5 seconds, the compaction surface applying a maximum average load stress to the mat of less than about 50 kPa (7.252 psi). Compaction may be achieved using a compactor (60) comprising two longitudinally spaced modular compaction units (62) connected relative to each other, and a power source for driving at least one of the modular compaction units (62), wherein at least one of the modular compaction units (62) is adjustable to permit steering of the compactor, and wherein each of said modular compaction units (62) comprises a compaction belt (74), support means (78, 80) for the belt to define a planar lower run of the belt (74) forming a compaction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Pioneer Road Services Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian James Rickards
  • Patent number: 7070358
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a traffic stripe to a surface comprising a comb gate for permitting compound to be released from a tractive box through a comb for a contoured or profiled traffic stripe and a base gate for compound to be released for a standard or flat traffic stripe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Ron Hicks
  • Patent number: 7066680
    Abstract: This application relates to a method of forming an inlaid pattern in an asphalt surface. The pattern may be selected for functional or decorative purposes. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of providing a first template having a predetermined pattern; impressing the first template into the asphalt surface when the asphalt surface is in a pliable state to form an impression therein; removing the first template from the asphalt surface to expose the impression; providing a second template having a predetermined pattern matching the pattern of the first template; inserting the second template into the impression; and fixing the second template in position within the impression to form the inlaid pattern. The second template may consist of a preformed thermoplastic grid having a color and/or texture contrasting with the asphalt surface. In another embodiment the second template may include a light source for illuminating the template after it has been fixed in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Integrated Paving Concepts Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Carl Wiley
  • Patent number: 7059800
    Abstract: In a method of reinforcing and waterproofing a paved surface, a layer of liquefied asphalt is applied on a paved surface. A reinforcement mat is then applied over the liquefied asphalt. The reinforcement mat includes a first layer comprising a nonwoven mat produced from fibers selected from the group consisting of mineral fibers, polymer fibers, and mixtures thereof. The reinforcement mat also includes a second layer of mineral fibers attached to the first layer. The liquefied asphalt penetrates and soaks the reinforcement mat to form a water barrier. A layer of paving material is then applied a over the reinforcement mat. The first layer and the second layer of the reinforcement mat are attached to each other by any one of sewing, knitting, needling, heat treating, and adhering with an adhesive, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Jones, Gregory S. Helwig
  • Patent number: 7052202
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a coherent refractory mass on the surface of a road wherein one or more non-combustible materials are mixed with one or more metallic combustible powders and an oxidizer, igniting the mixture so that the combustible metallic particles react in an exothermic manner with the oxidizer and release sufficient heat to form a coherent mass under the action of the heat of combustion and projecting this mass against the surface of the road so that the mass adheres durably to the surface of the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: George Jay Lichtblau
  • Patent number: 7044680
    Abstract: Knowledge of the profile of a road surface—most importantly its defects—is a must to construct an acceptable road surface in this day of high speed traffic. Measurement and calculation of the surface during the process of forming the road—when the road material is still plastic—provides the opportunity to repair unacceptable defects while the road surface material can still be worked. The benefits include a smoother, more durable surface at a lesser cost than methods used on hardened road surfaces. Shown herein is for a method and apparatus for calculating a surface's elevation profile using measurements taken by non-contact devices at a number of locations. Since non-contact sensors are used, elevation profiles of wet concrete can be measured and calculated. Such an apparatus can be mounted on a road paving machine to provide a real time feedback of the surface so corrections to the surface and to the paving machine's operation can be made as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Gomaco Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Godbersen, James W. Honea
  • Patent number: 7028790
    Abstract: A drill bit includes a body defining an axis and first and second cylindrical portions, a coupling adapted for connection with a rotary driver, and a depth stop adjustably secured to a first portion by a plurality of adjusting fasteners in a manner to limit penetration of the bit into a target surface. A method of drilling a hole into the surface includes locating a drilling machine fitted with a drill bit over a target location, compensating for wear on the bit by setting a depth stop to limit travel of the bit at the predetermined depth, drilling at the target location until the depth stop contacts a surface, where the primary cutting surface forms a portion of the hole defined by a first diameter and the secondary cutting surface forms a portion of the hole defined by a second diameter in a single step, and removing the drill bit from the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Jack Moore Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Moore
  • Patent number: 7029198
    Abstract: A grading rake having a handle and a rake head, and having stiff but bendable, flexible polymer tines in the rake head, with the tines angled back toward the handle, and with the end of the tines truncated and parallel to the plane of the handle and rake head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Micheal E. Cotto
  • Patent number: 7018133
    Abstract: A cement finishing screed is provided which comprises a frame member extending a length of the screed. The frame member includes a first lower beam member, a second lower beam member, an upper beam member, and a plurality of truss members securing the first and second lower beam members and the upper beam member together in a fixed relationship. Each truss member has two arcuate rod portions extending from the first lower beam member and the second lower beam member, respectively, to the upper beam member, and a strut portion extending from a lower end of one of the rod portions to a lower end of another of the rod portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Metal Forms Corp.
    Inventor: Erik C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7000361
    Abstract: A method of providing a paved area having a predetermined set of surface features. The method begins with the pouring of wet concrete into a predetermined area. Then a predetermined thickness of the wet concrete is removed in a predetermined portion of the predetermined area, thereby creating a lower, upwardly facing surface in the predetermined portion. At this point, a paving tile having the predetermined set of surface features is placed on the lower, upwardly facing surface. Finally, the wet concrete underneath and about the paving tile is permitted to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Masons Supply Company
    Inventors: Patrick J. Merriman, William Nicholas Merriman