Abstract: A reversible casing for a fluid-actuated, percussive, down-the-hole drill is provided with a tubular body having an internal surface forming a bore extending along a longitudinal axis. The internal surface has a profile that is a mirror image about a centerline axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The profile is provided with alternating undercut portions and land portions, with a portion of the undercut portions being in an annular scalloped configuration comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending parallel grooves in the internal surface.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated, percussive, down-the-hole drill having a piston slidingly supported in a casing and passageways for transmitting flow of percussive fluid to actuate the piston is provided with self-lubricating bearings and self-lubricating seals within the drill to provide a drill requiring no oil lubrication.

Abstract: An igniter for a propane burner is made substantially impermeable to moisture by coating the porous ceramic igniter shell with at least one layer of an inorganic, nonmetallic coating, the coating being an alkali silicate formed from dehydrating liquid water-glass on the surface of the ceramic igniter shell.

Abstract: A flexible drill pipe includes a plurality of hollow tubular pipe segments, having a longitudinal centerline, the segments being flexibly connected together, each connecting joint a type of joint that permits a limited universal movement between a portion of one pipe segment within in a portion of a second pipe segment, whereby the drill pipe can bend and also can withstand torque loads from rotation during drilling and pullback loads during removal of the drill pipe from a drillhole. An elastomeric seal in each connecting joint provides fluid tight sealing in the joints. A mobile drilling platform includes a powered reel and drill tower for raising and lowering the flexible drill pipe into and out of a drill hole. Pressurized fluid is fed through the drill pipe to drive a down-the-hole drill.

Abstract: A self propelled paving machine includes a pair of independently operated conveyors and a pair of independently operated augers spaced on opposite sides of the machine centerline. The augers can be separately raised and lowered to different elevations. The drive boxes for the conveyors and augers are positioned at the sides of the machine, to provide space between the conveyors and augers that is unobstructed, permitting the free fall of paving material from the conveyors along the centerline of the machine.

Abstract: A support device for an operator to carry an instrument control box for a remotely controlled mobile vehicle includes a base member, a pair of side members and a rear member, together forming a support frame having a back end closed by the back member, and adapted to rest against an operator's body, an open front end and an open top end to permit ease of insertion of a control box into the support frame. An adjustable-length strap is connected to the support frame, for supporting the device around an operator's neck. The control box can be detachably connected to the support frame for easy disengagement therefrom.

Abstract: A throttle lever for a paving breaker having rear housing bore. A valve assembly housing plug is removably inserted into the bore. A backhead plate retains the valve assembly housing plug in the bore. An elongated throttle lever has a first end pivotally trapped between the backhead plate and the valve assembly housing plug. A second end of the throttle lever extends above the backhead plate, and forms an operator contact surface. An intermediate portion between the first end and second end of the throttle lever operably contacts a fluid inlet valve.

Abstract: A system for lubricating and reciprocating a piston in a fluid-activated, percussive paving breaker includes a unitary valve assembly positioned within a bore of a rear portion of a tool housing, the valve assembly having an oil reservoir for lubricating the piston. The valve assembly is retained in place by a combination of a throttle lever and a backhead plate bolted to the rear tool housing.

Abstract: A towing assembly for towing a portable machine across a surface includes a drawbar assembly pivotally connected to a frame member of the machine, to permit the drawbar assembly to be pivotable between a first towing position a second support position. An adjustable support assembly is removably connected to the machine for selectably supporting one end of the machine on the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibratory packing plank for a road finisher, having a vibration unit, which comprises a vibration element exhibiting a large-area base plate and coupled to a vibration drive, and a guide plate positioned obliquely towards the base plate, a vibration strip being disposed between the guide plate and the base plate of the vibration unit, which vibration strip is coupled to the vibration drive and provided with a run-in slope.

Abstract: A handheld paving breaker includes a reciprocal chuck in a front head and an elastic spring for biasing the chuck toward the fronthead. The chuck can move longitudinally, but is restrained from rotation in the fronthead. A moil mounted in the chuck is biased against the work surface by the chuck, to provide better control of the moil, during start-up and operation. Wear pads between the spring and members against which the spring is seated improve spring life.

Abstract: A roller drum construction for a compacting machine includes a cylindrical primary drum with an arcuate outer surface for contacting material to be compacted; a removable shell for changing the outer surface of the primary drum from a planar to a padfoot surface, the removable shell being flexibly deformed into frictional engagement with the outer surface of the primary drum.

Abstract: A power crown adjustment apparatus for an asphalt screed includes first and second screed subassemblies movable with respect to each other, power apparatus for moving the subassemblies with respect to each other to alter the crown and control apparatus for automatically preventing the first and second screed subassemblies from moving beyond the predetermined range of movement.

Abstract: A jet boring pre-assembly for excavating an underground area susceptible to disaggregation and for control from a working gallery below the area includes a cutting head for the top of the assembly, the cutting head having separate conduits for delivery of high pressure cutting fluid to high pressure nozzles, and a low pressure flushing fluid to flushing nozzles. A dual conduit drilling rod is located in a borehole beneath the cutting head, the rod having separate conduits for delivery of the high pressure and low pressure fluids to the cutting head. A preventor box below the cutting head seals the borehole and transmits slurry of excavated material to an outlet.

Abstract: A mobile, ground compacting vehicle includes a front row of compacting wheels and a rear row of compacting wheels. The rear row includes two spaced-apart, driven wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly carrying a pair of rims, with a and tire on each rim. A center wheel assembly carries a single rim and tire thereon and is positioned between the spaced-apart wheel assemblies. For replacement of an inner tire of the driven wheel assemblies, the center wheel assembly can be pivoted to the side to provide access to the adjacent wheel assembly lug nuts.

Abstract: A site system for remotely monitoring and controlling portable machines is provided which includes a single channel radio frequency network. At least one portable machine has a microcontroller for controlling operation of the portable machine, a plurality of sensors for supplying machine operational data to the microcontroller, and a radio frequency transceiver unit. The radio frequency transceiver unit communicates with the microcontroller, and with the single channel radio frequency network. At least one host computer has a radio frequency transceiver unit. The host computer communicates with a predetermined portable machine by data transmissions on the single channel radio frequency network. A radio frequency protocol controls radio frequency data transmissions on the single channel radio frequency network.