Abstract: A flexible, floating beam, for use with a ground contour averaging apparatus on a paving machine includes a flexible main beam mounted on a paving machine, sliding skis supporting the main beam above the ground at two or more points, the main beam formed from a preselected material having a yield strength, the main beam having a preselected combination of section, moment of inertia, bending moment and deflection, whereby the main beam is characterized by a combination of maximum deflection and an internal stress below the yield strength of the beam material.

Abstract: A method of preventing galling between first and second metallic surfaces which are disposed in contacting, substantially stationary relation, one to each other, includes coating at least one of the first and second metallic surfaces with a layer of hard chromium plating.

Abstract: An improved journal bearing includes a first groove, in the direction of journal rotation, formed in the inner surface of the journal bearing. The first groove extends axially along the length of the bearing and has opposed, open groove ends. A second groove, in the direction of journal rotation, is formed in the inner surface of the journal bearing. The second groove extends axially along the length of the bearing and has opposed, closed ends. An orifice is provided for supplying a lubricant to the inner surface of the journal bearing. The lubricant supply orifice is disposed substantially centrally along the bearing length and intermediate the first and second grooves.

Abstract: An electrical control system for a paving machine uses a linear actuator to control the speed of an internal combustion engine between a low idle condition, a full speed condition and an economy speed condition. The control system includes electrical circuits responsive to the activated or deactivated condition of propulsion system on the machine, the activated or deactivated condition of work implement systems on the machine and an operator selected activation switch on the machine.

Abstract: A mobile milling machine for milling a road surface includes a floating mold board for directing milled material onto a loading device positioned behind the machine. The mold board has fixed thereto a holder for the loading device. The loading device is pivotable side-to-side about a vertical axis, with respect to the holder. The mold board, the holder and the loading device are vertically movable a limited distance between a top and bottom stop position, and pivotable about a horizontal axis at the top stop position, to expose the milling roller for repairs. When the machine is in operation, the mold board, the holder and the loading device are hydraulically supported to permit the mold board to float along the milled surface in a grazing contact.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus tests and diagnoses an electronic controller of a machine. The electronic apparatus includes an AC voltage detection means for sequentially detecting at least one high level AC voltage signal generated by at least one electronic controller output. A converter converts the at least one high level AC voltage signal to at least one low level DC voltage signal which simulates a low level contact closure input. A means is provided which sequentially inputs the at least one low level DC voltage signal to a low level DC voltage input of the electronic controller for detection by the electronic controller. A generator generates at least one analog voltage signal which simulates at least one known, fixed value operating parameter of the machine. A means is provided which inputs the at least one analog voltage signal to a predetermined electronic controller input for detection by the electronic controller.

Abstract: An improved journal bearing includes a first groove, in the direction of journal rotation, formed in the inner surface of the journal bearing. The first groove extends axially along the length of the bearing and has opposed, open groove ends. A second groove, in the direction of journal rotation, is formed in the inner surface of the journal bearing. The second groove extends axially along the length of the bearing and has opposed, closed ends. An orifice is provided for supplying a lubricant to the inner surface of the journal bearing. The lubricant supply orifice is disposed substantially centrally along the bearing length and intermediate the first and second grooves.

Abstract: A method of preventing galling between first and second metallic surfaces which are disposed in contacting, substantially stationary relation, one to each other, includes coating at least one of the first and second metallic surfaces with a layer of hard chromium plating.

Abstract: A blasthole drill is provided with sensors for sensing the pressure (AP) applied to and through a drill bit to convey cuttings from the drill hole, the rate of rotation (N) of the drill bit, the torque (RT) required to rotate the bit, the force (FB) applied axially to the bit and the instantaneous vertical position (Y) of the bit. Output signals from the sensors are applied to a microprocessor-based controller which computes the penetration of the drill bit per revolution of the bit (P/R) and the rock specific fracture energy (Es). Using the sensed values and the computed values, the controller produces output signals to increment/decrement the force (FB) applied axially to the drill. The applied axial force is controlled such that the penetration of the bit per revolution remains substantially constant for a given range of values of the rock specific fracture energy but varies for different ranges of the rock specific fracture energy. The rate of rotation of the drill bit is controlled to a reference value.

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 fluid distributor for a debris flushing system in a fluid-activated jackhammer includes a bore through a reciprocal piston, for fluid flow into an exhaust chamber, a fluid distributor removably mounted in the piston bore, the fluid distributor operating by forming passageways through the bore and blocking flow in other portions of the bore. The distributor can have a tapered body that can be severed along its length by the operator to provide a plurality of preselected, fixed flow rates.

Abstract: An apparatus for a percussive, down-hole drill, for positioning a split retaining ring against an internal surface of a drill casing including a chuck with a tapered top surface, a bit bearing with a tapered bottom surface, and a reversible split retaining ring sandwiched therebetween, the split ring having a tapered top and bottom surface, each tapered surface subtending an angle between 5.7 and 25 degrees, as measured from a perpendicular to a drill longitudinal axis, whereby a portion of any longitudinal load on the split ring is developed into a preselected maximum and minimum amount of radial load, to position the split ring in the casing, without damaging the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus on a drilling tower platform for gripping a vertically extending drill casing includes a drill bushing having a pair of casing gripping assemblies mounted thereon, one assembly of the pair including a first and second gripping jaw, with a common actuator therebetween, and the other assembly of the pair including a third and fourth gripping jaw, with a common actuator therebetween, the pair of gripping assemblies being positioned around the bushing so that the first and fourth gripping jaws grip the casing at approximately diametrically opposed locations and so that the second and third gripping jaws grip the casing at approximately diametrically opposed locations approximately 90 degrees from the first and fourth gripping jaws, as measured around the bushing.

Abstract: A conveyor belt tensioning mechanism includes a frame assembly, a conveyor belt movable around a head and end pulley on the frame assembly, one of the pulleys being longitudinally movable along the frame assembly, a first adjustment member on the frame assembly for moving one end of the movable pulley longitudinally, to apply tension force to the belt, a second adjustment member on the frame assembly for moving the other end of the movable pulley longitudinally, to apply tension force to the belt, each adjustment member having an indicating member thereon, for indicating when tension force on the belt is within a preselected tension force range.