Applied To Existing Hard Surface Patents (Class 404/94)
  • Patent number: 11828610
    Abstract: A system for an autonomous vehicle by providing lane markers on the road for which a vehicle will read and navigate the road. The vehicle transmits a discovery signal and is returned from the marker to indicate the position on the road and how to proceed on the road. The system uses either an autonomous control system or 3D map navigation database to determine the direction of the vehicle in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Peter Yeung
  • Patent number: 11807997
    Abstract: A method includes performing, with a compacting machine, a first pass to compact a first portion of a work area to compact a first lane. A guidance system acquires position information representing the first compacted lane. A second pass is performed to compact a second portion of the work area adjacent the first portion. The guidance system acquires current position information of the machine representing current positioning of the machine during the second pass. Comparing the position information of the machine representing the first compacted lane with the current position information, determines whether the current positioning overlaps the first compacted lane a specified amount. When the second pass is determined to overlap the first compacted lane, in-compliance visual indicia is generated. When the second pass is determined to not overlap the first compacted lane with the specified amount, out of compliance visual indicia is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Nagel, David E. Gerding, Travis D. McClung
  • Patent number: 11738696
    Abstract: A device may be included for sensing the vehicle surroundings of a vehicle. When mounted, the device has an underside facing the carriageway and an upper side facing away from the carriageway. The device comprises a fixture and a swivel arm that is movable relative to the fixture and connected thereto. The fixture has a fastening portion for fastening the device to a body part of the vehicle. The swivel arm comprises a camera for a lane-keeping function and an antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kirchhoff, Alex Hessel
  • Patent number: 11555403
    Abstract: A longwall mining system including a longwall shearer having cutting drums. The cutting picks on the cutting drum are monitored for wear using imaging devices mounted to the longwall mining system. Methods for monitoring wear includes a controller receiving image data from an imaging device directed at a cutting drum of a shearer. The controller analyzes the image data to determine a wear level of a cutting pick on the cutting drum. The controller then determines the wear level exceeds a wear threshold and, in response, generates an alert indicating that the cutting pick is worn in response to determining that the wear level exceeds the wear threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Edward F. Niederriter, Jeffrey A. Ley
  • Patent number: 11401666
    Abstract: A raised pavement markers removal vehicle system and method for the removal of raised pavement markers from a roadway. As the vehicle is driven along a roadway, a grinder unit alongside the forward portion of the vehicle grinds away the raised pavement markers to be removed. A sensing unit senses the relative lateral positions of the grinder unit and the upcoming raised pavement markers to be removed. A controller receives position information from the sensing unit and sends appropriate commands to an alignment adjuster to match the lateral position of the grinder unit to the lateral position of the upcoming pavement markers to be removed. After removal by grinding, the debris from the removed raised pavement markers is swept from the roadway into a sweeper-hopper unit for transport to a suitable unloading place. A warning board mounted at the rear of the sweeper-hopper unit provides a visual warning to other users of the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Fred Russell
  • Patent number: 11242660
    Abstract: A preformed thermoplastic roadway line marking includes a preformed thermoplastic substrate layer capable of being attached to a roadway, and a preformed thermoplastic upper layer in contact with the substrate layer. Advantageously, such an upper layer includes a surface area having a plurality of spaced-apart slits. The slits penetrate through an entire cross-sectional thickness of the upper layer and are in fluid communication with the substrate layer. When heated to a liquid state, the substrate layer has a morphed shape and is at least partially displaced upwardly through the slits and disposed on the upper layer such that the upper layer is fixedly locked to the substrate layer and maintained at a substantially stable position relative to the substrate layer. Such a structural configuration provides an unexpected and unpredictable result of insuring the marking is locked into place relative to the roadway, thereby reducing labor costs and improving durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: PREFORM LLC
    Inventor: Steve Makosch
  • Patent number: 10358780
    Abstract: The self-propelled construction machine comprises a machine frame 2, supported by a chassis 1, which has wheels or tracks 1A, 1B. A milling drum 4 is arranged on the machine frame. The wheels or tracks and the milling drum are driven by a drive unit 8. A control unit 19 controls the drive unit 8 and a signal-receiving unit 18 detects at least one measurement variable M(t) which is characteristic of an operating state of the milling drum. The rotational speed of the milling drum is adapted, based on at least one measurement variable M(t), to the operating conditions of the construction machine in such a way that the milling drum is operated in a non-critical operating state. The adaptive open-loop control of the milling drum rotational speed allows the construction machine to be operated at an optimum operating point with respect to the milling drum rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 9968953
    Abstract: A ground marking system includes a position signal receiver configured to receive a position signal and generate current position information based on the position signal. A paint supply is configured to discharge paint onto ground beneath the paint supply. A first actuator is operatively connected to the paint supply for linearly moving the paint supply in both a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A second actuator is operatively connected to the paint supply for controlling the discharge of paint from the paint supply. A memory device stores predetermined positional data. A processor is in communication with the position signal receiver and the memory device, and is configured to control linear movements of the first actuator based on the current position information received from the position signal receiver and the predetermined positional data stored in the memory device, and adjust a position of the paint supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: James Allega
  • Patent number: 9121147
    Abstract: An example includes a concrete grinding apparatus with a jackshaft configuration to efficiently transmit torque from an engine to a grinding arbor. An example includes a method of grinding a road lane in two passes. An example includes a vacuum system to generate vacuum with a centrifugal pump to collect debris and cool a grinding arbor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Interstate Improvement, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Karsten, Patricia Knish, Steven Knish
  • Patent number: 9033612
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ADA compliant detectable warning or guidance tile for pedestrian platforms, walkways, and sidewalks and the like having a detectable warning surface containing raised truncated domes detectable by the visually impaired in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities and being provided with one or more additional means on the top surface of the tile to provide visual or tactile information to sighted and visually impaired pedestrians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Astra Capital Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth Szekely, William Crookes
  • Publication number: 20150132059
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for cutting grooves in a surface includes a housing having a rotatable cutting head mounted therein. An actuator drives the cutting head out of and into contact with the surface. Sensors disposed on the housing sense a depth of the groove cut by the cutting head. A controller is arranged to receive a signal from the sensors and compare the depth of the groove with a predetermined reference depth. The controller sends a signal to the actuator and adjusts the position of the cutting head via the actuator to maintain the depth of the groove at about the reference depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: H. Matthew Johnson
  • Patent number: 9010310
    Abstract: A saw apparatus for sawing paving slabs has a frame mounted on a ground contacting propulsion member such that the frame may move above a slab to be cut without touching the slab. A first saw support assembly disposes a blade of a saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a transverse cut. A second saw support assembly disposes a blade of another saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a longitudinal cut. The saws are mounted on the saw assemblies and the saw assemblies are mounted on the frame and the frame is mounted on the ground contact propulsion members such that no part of said frame need contact the slab during cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Roger Bockes, Robert Bockes
  • Patent number: 8977441
    Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of ground engaging elements and an operator control station supported on a frame. A work tool is pivotably attached to the frame using a lift arm assembly and a tilt linkage. At least one device measures a quantity associated with at least one of the lift arm assembly, the tilt linkage, and the work tool. An electronic controller, in communication with an operator display and the at least one device. The electronic controller is configured to store an operator selected orientation of the work tool, calculate a current orientation of the work tool based on the quantity, and calculate a deviation of the current orientation from the operator selected orientation. A visual representation of the deviation is displayed on the operator display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Joseph Edward Forcash, Christopher Lee Mays, Steven Conrad Budde
  • Patent number: 8905674
    Abstract: An integrated heating and comb unit and method of mechanized asphalt raking in which a mechanized asphalt comb comprised of a rake attachment and an arm is attached to an engineering vehicle via a terminating end of the arm. The engineering vehicle can control and manipulate the mechanized asphalt comb into a raised inactive position, a lowered active position, and a plurality of positions between the raised inactive position and the lowered active position. When in the lowered active position, the mechanized asphalt comb applies a fixed downward pressure and depth of penetration to the applied surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Rees
  • Patent number: 8899872
    Abstract: A screed die box includes a screed die bucket, a screed die box gate, a screed die box lever, a screed plate, and a positioning member. The screed die box gas is slidably connected at the bottom of the screed die bucket. The screed die box lever is rotatably connected to the screed die bucket and the screed die box gate for sliding the screed die box gate between an open position and a closed position. The screed plate is slidably connected along an aft side of the screed die bucket and includes a positioning aperture. The positioning member is located in the screed die bucket and engages the screed plate, the positioning member sliding the screed plate as the positioning member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Triplett, Steven H. Fredrickson, Charles W. Dawson, Christopher A. Lins, Barry W. Mattson
  • Patent number: 8903643
    Abstract: Marking apparatus and methods to mark ground, pavement or other surfaces to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of an underground utility in a dig area. An example marking tool has a hand-held housing, a marking dispenser coupled to the housing to dispense one or more markers in the dig area, and a triggering system to trigger the marking dispenser so as to dispense the marker(s). An example marking tool also may include a logging system to receive data associated with a marking event initiated by the triggering system, time tag the data, and store the time-tagged data in data storage in the marking tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Patent number: 8882386
    Abstract: A mechanized asphalt comb device and method of mechanized asphalt raking that can integrate infrared heating elements to seamlessly repair asphalt deterioration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Rees
  • Patent number: 8851792
    Abstract: A rotary mixer herein includes: a rotor chamber configured to receive a first surface and produce a reclaimed surface, the rotor chamber including: a front door, a rear door, and a rotor; a particle size detector configured to detect a particle size of the reclaimed surface; and an electronic control module (ECM) electronically coupled to the rotor chamber and the particle sensor, the ECM configured to: receive a particle size from the particle sensor, compare the detected particle size to a desired particle size, adjust the degree of pulverization of the reclaimed surface according to the difference between the detected particle size and the desired particle size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Schlenker, Brent P. Bachmeier, Jason W. Muir, Mario J. Souraty, Maria L. Biberdorf
  • Patent number: 8840956
    Abstract: A quantity of retroreflective granules includes glass members each having a refractive index of at least about 1.5. The quantity of retroreflective granules can be partially embedded into a binder material applied on the surface of a structure to provide a visual aid. A structure includes a retroreflective surface having an inclined face defined on at least a portion of the structure. The retroreflective surface also includes a binder material applied to at least a portion of the inclined face of the structure. The binder material has a thickness dimension of at least about 10 mil. The retroreflective surface further includes a plurality of retroreflective granules partially embedded in the binder material. The plurality of retroreflective granules have a density of at least about 0.06 pounds/square foot as embedded in the binder material. Each retroreflective granule includes a glass member having a refractive index of at least about 1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Potters Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Reuben Bell, Kevin Hall, Thomas Still
  • Patent number: 8807867
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the milling depth of a road milling machine, the machine being operative to mill a ground surface with a milling roller lowered to a milling depth to create a milling track, the machine including at least one side plate located to at least one side of the milling roller to engage an untreated ground surface, and the machine including a stripping plate operative to be lowered onto the milling track generated by the milling roller. The method includes measuring the milling depth of the milling track, the measuring including detecting a measurement value of a ground engaging sensor engaging the milling track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Dieter Simons
  • Patent number: 8775099
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system for determining a wear state of a chisel, a chisel holder, and/or a chisel holder replacement system equipped with a chisel and chisel holder. A sensor is arranged to inspect a milling tool of a milling machine. The sensor is configured to detect a signal corresponding to a position value of at least one point on the milling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Wagner, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 8775077
    Abstract: One or more markers are dispensed on ground, pavement or other surface in a dig area to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, so as to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of one or more underground utilities in the dig area. One or more signals are wirelessly transmitted in response to the dispensing of the one or more markers, wherein the signal(s) represent(s) first data relating to a location at which the marker(s) is/are dispensed, and/or one or more characteristics of the dispensed marker(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Patent number: 8740498
    Abstract: A method for forming and applying retroreflective pavement markings comprising the steps of a) spraying the area with a hot epoxy binder, b) depositing particles of a microcrystalline ceramic element having a high refractive index onto the fresh epoxy binder, c) depositing relatively large spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder, and d) depositing relatively small spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder. The small beads provide high reflectivity in daytime and at night on dry pavement. The large beads provide superior reflectivity at night on damp pavement. The ceramic element particles provide high reflectivity when wet and during heavy rain. Where the pavement is subject to snowplowing, the marking may be inlaid in a recessed area in the pavement, the recess being about 100 mils deep, and the wet epoxy layer being about 20 mils thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: New York State Thruway Authority
    Inventor: Steven Velicky
  • Publication number: 20140064849
    Abstract: A tape-applying striper, and related methods, by which commercially-available pavement marking tape is mechanically-applied and pressure-retained on highways, roadways and parking lots to mark lanes and parking stalls at designated locations, wherein the striper is dirigible either by the operator walking behind the striper and manually displacing the striper, or by motor driving the dirigible striper, as the operator rides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Ralph Arnold
  • Patent number: 8647013
    Abstract: The present invention provides a marking system adapted for coating a surface of a substrate in which a drying agent is used. According to a first aspect of the invention, a binder layer, such as paint, is applied to the surface. A drying agent is dispensed into the spray of a binder and becomes incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The incorporation of the drying agent into the binder prior to application on the surface provides improved mixing of the drying agent and binder and improved performance. According to a second aspect of the invention, a combination of optical elements and a drying agent are stored in a common hopper and are dispensed into the spray of the binder and become incorporated with the binder on the substrate surface. The mixture of optical elements and drying agent prevents coagulation of the drying agent and the resulting clogging of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Potters Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Davies, Kevin Goforth
  • Publication number: 20130302091
    Abstract: A mobile thermoplastic applicator comprises a kettle, a main gas burner, a heat exchanger plenum, and a screed die box. The kettle has walls which define an interior space for melting thermoplastic. The main gas burner is situated beneath the kettle, and is configured to heat the kettle. The heat exchanger plenum is situated inside the thermoplastic kettle and is configured to subdivide the interior space and circulate heated air from the main gas burner. The screed die box is configured to receive molten thermoplastic from the kettle and deposit that molten thermoplastic on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Steven H. Fredrickson, Barry W. Mattson, Christopher A. Lins, James C. Schroeder, Roland M. Bedard, Thomas L. Triplett
  • Publication number: 20130302090
    Abstract: A screed die box includes a screed die bucket, a screed die box gate, a screed die box lever, a screed plate, and a positioning member. The screed die box gas is slidably connected at the bottom of the screed die bucket. The screed die box lever is rotatably connected to the screed die bucket and the screed die box gate for sliding the screed die box gate between an open position and a closed position. The screed plate is slidably connected along an aft side of the screed die bucket and includes a positioning aperture. The positioning member is located in the screed die bucket and engages the screed plate, the positioning member sliding the screed plate as the positioning member is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Fredrickson, Barry W. Mattson, Christopher A. Lins, Thomas L. Triplett, Bradley K. Voigt, Charles W. Dawson
  • Publication number: 20130294832
    Abstract: A flame safety system for a thermoplastic applicator comprises a gas burner and a flame indicator. The gas burner expels a jet of pressurized combustible gas from an outlet nozzle, and includes an attachment groove near the nozzle. The flame indicator includes an attachment ring configured to fit into the groove, thereby securing the flame indicator to the gas burner, and a flame path portion extending from the attachment ring into the jet of pressurized combustible gas. The flame path portion is formed from a material which incandescently glows whenever the jet of combustible pressurized gas is lit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Dawson, Barry W. Mattson, Thomas L. Triplett, Steven H. Fredrickson, Christopher A. Lins
  • Publication number: 20130294831
    Abstract: A screed die box includes a screed die bucket, a screed die box gate, a screed die box lever, a screed plate, and a positioning member. The screed die box gas is slidably connected at the bottom of the screed die bucket. The screed die box lever is rotatably connected to the screed die bucket and the screed die box gate for sliding the screed die box gate between an open position and a closed position. The screed plate is slidably connected along an aft side of the screed die bucket and includes a positioning aperture. The positioning member is located in the screed die bucket and engages the screed plate, the positioning member sliding the screed plate as the positioning member is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Triplett, Steven H. Fredrickson, Charles W. Dawson, Christopher A. Lins, Barry W. Mattson
  • Patent number: 8573885
    Abstract: A road surface planner having a coupling mechanism coupled between a working tool attachment and a transporter to permit independent movement (i.e., rotation and/or pivoting) between the transporter and the attachment is provided. The attachment can have a rotary driven element such as a grinding element for modifying an irregular surface of existing pavement. The rotary element can be supported by a rear frame with a rear wheel assembly, a boom at the front of the grinding element, and a front wheel assembly coupled to the boom. The coupling mechanism can include a first member pivotably coupled to the transporter, and a second member fixed to the rear frame. The first member has a central opening defined by an inner edge for slidably contacting along a hub that extends from the second member for rotation there along.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Winchester E. Latham
  • Patent number: 8491220
    Abstract: A mechanized asphalt comb device and method of mechanized asphalt raking in which a mechanized asphalt comb comprised of a rake attachment and an arm is attached to an engineering vehicle via a terminating end of the arm. The engineering vehicle can control and manipulate the mechanized asphalt comb into a raised inactive position, a lowered active position, and a plurality of positions between the raised inactive position and the lowered active position. When in the lowered active position, the mechanized asphalt comb applies a fixed downward pressure and depth of penetration to the applied surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rees
  • Patent number: 8491219
    Abstract: A road marking has multiple depressions introduced into the road surface, the depressions comprising two lateral longitudinal walls, extending in the longitudinal direction of the road, that transition, proceeding from the road surface, continuously into a bottom region; and the depression being delimited by two transverse walls extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the road. The road markings have improved utilization properties if provision is made that the longitudinal walls comprise a region convexly curved transversely to the longitudinal direction of the road. The invention further relates to a cutting unit for producing such road markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Abresch, Christian Berning, Michael Schulz, Cyrus Barimani, Guenter Haehn
  • Patent number: 8491218
    Abstract: A pavement crack router includes a plurality of bits rotatably mounted to a frame in a direction. A ratchet gear is rotatable with a wheel mounted to the frame. A movable safety release is operably connected to a ratchet rod pivotable between an engaging position engaged with the ratchet gear preventing rotation of the wheel in a reverse direction and a releasing position disengaged from the ratchet gear allowing free rotation of the wheel. An elastomeric inner tube is mounted around a lower end of each of two handle bars and is slideably received in an outer tube fixed to the frame. Two elastomeric washers are mounted around the lower end of each handle bar and sandwich the inner tube within the outer tube. A switch is operable to lower the frame and bits for opening and cleaning a crack in pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Cimline, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stuart Halvorson, Stephen R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8485756
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle comprises a vehicle frame with a forward and rearward end. A rotary degradation drum is connected to an underside of the frame. A moldboard is disposed rearward to the rotary degradation drum and forms part of a milling chamber. The moldboard comprises an end disposed opposite the underside. A plurality of nozzles are disposed proximate the end of the moldboard and are configured to direct a fluid into the milling chamber. A heating mechanism is configured to heat the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist
  • Patent number: 8485755
    Abstract: In a ground working machine (1) for milling soils (2) or traffic areas, it is provided that a controller (18) for terminating the milling process controls the milling depth of a milling device (8) along a specified trajectory (24) in conjunction with simultaneous forward and reverse travel (5,7), thus enabling the milling device (8) to be raised into the upper position (9) disengaged from the ground without a depression (22) resulting from raising the milling device (8) remaining in the worked ground surface (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Menzenbach, Harald Kroell, Cyrus Barlmani, Guenter Haehn
  • Patent number: 8465224
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a multi-application apparatus may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The multi-application apparatus may include a sprayer configured to apply a profileable material to an area of a driving surface during a pass of the vehicle by the area to create a first marking. The multi-application apparatus may also include an applicator configured to apply the profileable material to at least a portion of the area of the driving surface during the same pass of the vehicle by the area to create a second marking. The second marking may have a more varied profile than the first marking. In various embodiments, the multi-application apparatus may include controls that enable independent control of various parameters during operation. In various embodiments, profileable material forming the second marking is at least partially fused with the profileable material forming the first marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Pavement Marking, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Price, Spencer L. Cantwell, Robert Busse
  • Patent number: 8465223
    Abstract: Disclosed are pavement markers and a mobile highway marking apparatus for advancing in a forward direction along a paved surface of a highway for applying a paint stripe to the paved surface and applying pavement markers at intervals on the paint stripe. The marking apparatus includes a dispenser that is configured for moving a sequence of the pavement markers form the bottom of an upwardly extending stack of the pavement markers first in the forward direction and then down a sloped chute in a rearward direction to the paint stripe without turning the pavement markers over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Fortson-Peek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 8414218
    Abstract: A traveled path marker on a riding vehicle marks a path that the vehicle has traveled with dry particles or liquid from a holder on the vehicle. The marking material flows from a nozzle located near a bottom of the vehicle, or is delivered to a tire which transfers the marking material to the pavement. The path marking alerts following vehicles to an ahead slower moving vehicle or to the paths regularly traveled by slower moving vehicles and encourages similar vehicles to follow those paths. The marked paths also alert pedestrians to shared paths or when crossing bicycle paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: Pepin Gelardi, Teresa Herrmann, Paul Gelardi
  • Patent number: 8408838
    Abstract: A milling machine includes a main frame, a rotatable cutter drum coupled with the frame, and an engine mounted to the frame and operatively connected with the drum, and crawler assemblies connected with the frame and including a hydraulic motor. A pump is disposed on the frame for driving the crawler motor and is adjustable to vary a speed of the motor. A regulator adjusts cutter drum speed, a speed selector generates an input corresponding to a desired drum speed, and a sensor senses a drum speed. A control receives input from the selector and the sensor and operates the regulator such that drum speed corresponds to the desired speed. Further, the control also compares sensed drum speed with desired drum speed and adjusts the pump to reduce crawler motor speed when the sensed drum speed has a value lesser than a predetermined portion of the desired drum speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Paul E. Willis, Justin Zupanc
  • Patent number: 8403595
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a system is disclosed for removing loose aggregate from a paved surface. The system comprises a motorized vehicle that has a degradation drum connected to the underside of the vehicle. The degradation drum is enclosed by a milling chamber. The milling chamber is comprised of a plurality of plates, including a moldboard that is positioned rearward of the degradation drum. The moldboard has an end that is disposed opposite the underside. The end has a plurality of liquid jet nozzles and a blower mechanism that are directed into the milling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Thomas Morris
  • Patent number: 8393824
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Schroeder, Steven H. Fredrickson, Roland M. Bedard, Thomas L. Triplett
  • Patent number: 8386196
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining a wear state of a chisel, a chisel holder, and/or a chisel holder replacement system equipped with a chisel and chisel holder. For this method to give the user qualitative and quantitative information about the wear, according to one embodiment of this invention, a position of at least one point of the chisel and/or the chisel holder is determined by a contactless measurement method and a corresponding measurement result is compared in a switching unit to a reference value stored in a memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Wagner, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 8376653
    Abstract: In an automotive road construction machine (1), with a working drum (6) for working a ground surface or traffic surface (3) mounted at a machine frame (4), a combustion engine (10) for driving the working drum (6), and a drive train (8) between the combustion engine (10) and the working drum (6), it is provided that at least one vibration damper (5) and/or vibration absorber is arranged at the working drum (6) or in the drive train (8) downstream of the combustion engine (10), with the said vibration damper (5) and/or vibration absorber eliminating or reducing rotary vibrations generated by the combustion engine (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Mahlberg, Lothar Schwalbach, Günter Hähn
  • Publication number: 20130011193
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a multi-application apparatus may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The multi-application apparatus may include a sprayer configured to apply a profileable material to an area of a driving surface during a pass of the vehicle by the area to create a first marking. The multi-application apparatus may also include an applicator configured to apply the profileable material to at least a portion of the area of the driving surface during the same pass of the vehicle by the area to create a second marking. The second marking may have a more varied profile than the first marking In various embodiments, the multi-application apparatus may include controls that enable independent control of various parameters during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Specialized Pavement Marking, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Price, Spencer L. Cantwell, Robert Busse
  • Patent number: 8308395
    Abstract: In a road construction machine (1) for the treatment of road surfaces with a milling drum (3) height-adjustable with regard to the milling depth, with a leveling device (4) with at least one controller (6a, 6c) which receives set values for the milling depth and/or the slope of the milling drum (3), and with at least one exchangeable sensor (A, B, C) or with several switchable sensors for registering the current actual value of the milling depth and/or the slope of the milling drum (3) relative to a reference surface, where the controller (6a, 6c) effects a milling depth control and/or a slope control for the milling drum (3) conditional on pre-determined set values and the currently measured actual values of the at least one sensor (A, B, C) by returning an adjustment value for achieving or maintaining the set value during the milling operation, where the leveling device (4) is provided with an indication and setting device (2) for indicating and setting operating parameters for the at least one sensor (A, B
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Jaroslaw Jurasz, Günter Hähn, Günter Tewes
  • Patent number: 8297877
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor box for a ground and/or road milling machine such as, in particular, for a road miller or a trench cutter which surrounds at least one milling rotor for removing ground material (B). It is provided that the wall of this rotor box is configured at least in one section with an enlarged distance from the milling rotor in order to allow a specific guiding of the milled material away from the milling rotor in this region of the rotor box and that at least one separating device is disposed between this section of the wall and the milling rotor, which prevents contact of the guided-away milled material with the milling rotor in this region. The present invention further relates to a ground and/or road milling machine such as in particular a road miller or trench cutter having at least one such rotor box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Erdmann, Karl-Hermann Moetz, Robert Laux, Steffen Wachsmann
  • Patent number: 8297876
    Abstract: A road building machine for road surface paving is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Bomag GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Wagner
  • Publication number: 20120269576
    Abstract: A vehicle-mountable guideline painting apparatus and method. The apparatus has an arm with a first end mountable to a vehicle. A holder is operably supported at a second end of the arm at a desired elevation above a roadway. The holder is configured to receive an aerosol paint canister in a position with its nozzle oriented in a direction to spray paint onto the roadway. An actuator is disposed to actuate the nozzle upon receiving an electrical signal from a power source causing paint to be sprayed onto the roadway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Earl D. Koch
  • Patent number: 8246270
    Abstract: In a self-propelling road milling machine (1), particularly a (recycler or) cold-milling machine, comprising a machine frame (4) carried by a track assemblies (2,3) via lifting columns (12,13), a milling roll (6) supported on the machine frame (4) for treatment of a ground or traffic surface (8), height-adjustable side plates (10) for edge protection, arranged to rest on the ground or traffic surface (8) to be treated, a height-adjustable stripping means (14) arranged in the moving direction behind the milling roll (6) and adapted to be lowered, during operation, into the milling track (17) generated by the milling roll (6), and a control means (23) for controlling the milling depth of the milling roller (6), it is provided that at least one measuring means (16) is operative to detect the lifting, caused by the current milling depth, of a first sensor means resting on the ground or traffic surface (8), and/or the lowering of the stripping means (14) or a second sensor means onto the surface of the milling tra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Dieter Simons
  • Patent number: RE44184
    Abstract: Disclosed is an alkyd resin-based pre-manufactured thermoplastic airport runway signage that is applied in relatively large sections onto an airport runway. The pre-manufactured preformed thermoplastic formed as a continuous sheet and wound onto a take-up spool. The runway surface is prepared with a CCS an epoxy primer and the preformed thermoplastic is unwound from the take-up spool and positioned onto the runway surface. When the pre-manufactured thermoplastic signage is in a desired location it is initially rolled conforming to the runway surface. Heat is applied to the rolled surface to a preferred temperature with an infra-red (IR) heater to melt and adhere the pre-manufactured thermoplastic signage into the runway surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Robert W. Greer, Alexander F. Cady