Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a machine for degrading a natural and/or man-made formation has picks connected to a drum of the machine and at least one accelerometer mounted to the machine adapted to measure forces acting on the machine. Electronic equipment is in communication with the at least one accelerometer and the electronic equipment has a processor adapted to determine a change in the formation based off of input from the at least one accelerometer. The electronic equipment also is in communication with a mechanism adapted to control, at least in part, a location of the drum.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a system for removing aggregate from a paved surface. The system includes a motorized vehicle with a degradation drum that is connected to the underside of the vehicle. The degradation drum is enclosed by a milling chamber. The milling chamber is defined by having a plurality of plates, including a moldboard positioned rearward of the milling drum. The moldboard comprises an end that is disposed opposite the underside. The end comprises a section that is proximate the milling drum.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a system for removing aggregate from a paved surface. The system includes a motorized vehicle with a degradation drum that is connected to the underside of the vehicle. The degradation drum is enclosed by a milling chamber. The milling chamber is defined by having a plurality of plates, including a moldboard positioned rearward of the milling drum. The moldboard comprises an end that is disposed opposite the underside. The end comprises a section that is proximate the milling drum.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an abrasion resistant nozzle has at least two sintered diamond bodies having flat, mating, exterior surfaces and a thickness, the surfaces being held against each other under compression. An enclosure is formed between the mating surfaces, at least one surface having a groove forming a portion of the enclosure and the other surface forming a remaining portion of the enclosure. The enclosure connects an entry and an exit formed in at least one side of at least one of the bodies.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for removing a layer of a paved surface comprises a vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface in a selected direction. The vehicle also comprises a milling drum with an axle connected to the vehicle, the drum being adapted to rotate around the axle substantially normal the selected direction. A moldboard is positioned rearward of the milling drum and also connected to the vehicle. A plurality of nozzles is disposed proximate a bottom end of the moldboard and is in communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway and the plurality of nozzles is adapted to move independent of the moldboard.

Abstract: A milling machine for milling a paved surface having milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine and at least one metal detector attached to a front end of the machine. The metal detector has at least one electrically conductive coil disposed within a magnetically conductive, electrically insulating trough. Electronic equipment is in communication with the metal detector, the equipment being adapted to interpret feedback from the detector.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for reconditioning a paved surface, has a vehicle adapted to traverse the paved surface. The vehicle has a manifold with a plurality of high pressure nozzles adapted to indent the paved surface. At least one nozzle is formed in a nozzle body with a distal end having a hard material with a hardness of at least 2,000 HK. The at least one nozzle is also in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway. The apparatus has a pressurizing mechanism and a heating mechanism for pressurizing and heating fluid in the fluid pathway.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an abrasion resistant nozzle has at least two sintered diamond bodies having flat, mating, exterior surfaces and a thickness, the surfaces being held against each other under compression. An enclosure is formed between the mating surfaces, at least one surface having a groove forming a portion of the enclosure and the other surface forming a remaining portion of the enclosure. The enclosure connects an entry and an exit formed in at least one side of at least one of the bodies.

Abstract: A milling machine for milling a paved surface has milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine. At least one ferrous metal detector is attached to a front end of the machine. Electronic equipment is disposed within the machine and is in communication with the metal detector, the equipment being adapted to interpret feedback from the detector.

Abstract: A pavement degradation machine has a motorized vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface. At least one piston apparatus has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end adapted for attachment to an underside of the motorized vehicle and the distal end extending towards the paved surface and comprising a rotary bit. The piston apparatus has a shaft disposed within a sleeve. The sleeve is adapted for axial motion and the shaft is adapted for rotational motion independent of the sleeve.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a machine for degrading a natural and/or man-made formation has picks connected to a drum of the machine and at least one accelerometer mounted to the machine adapted to measure forces acting on the machine. Electronic equipment is in communication with the at least one accelerometer and the electronic equipment has a processor adapted to determine a change in the formation based off of input from the at least one accelerometer. The electronic equipment also is in communication with a mechanism adapted to control, at least in part, a location of the drum.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a system for performing work having a hydraulic circuit comprising a length of hose a hydraulic fluid in the circuit in communication with the hose, a hydraulic actuator for doing the work, at least one compressible element disposed within the hose, and a mechanism for pressurizing the hydraulic circuit such that at least 50 foot pounds of energy is stored within the hose to perform the work.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a milling machine for milling a paved surface comprises milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine and also a depth probe comprising a base end opposite a distal end. The probe is connected to a front end of the machine through a probe base disposed proximate the base end. A monitor is adapted to detect a distance between the distal end of the probe and an outer surface of the base. The distal end of the probe is adapted to extend away from the outer surface of the base and penetrate into a paved surface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a machine for degrading a natural and/or manmade formation has picks connected to a drum of the machine and at least one accelerometer mounted to the machine adapted to measure forces acting on the machine. Electronic equipment is in communication with the at least one accelerometer and the electronic equipment has a processor adapted to determine a change in the formation based off of input from the at least one accelerometer. The electronic equipment also is in communication with a mechanism adapted to control, at least in part, a location of the drum.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill string has a drill bit with a body intermediate a shank and a working face. The working face has at least one cutting element and a jack element disposed partially within the drill bit body substantially protruding from the working face. The jack element is adapted to rotate with respect to the bit body by a turbine disposed within a bore of the drill string. A generator with a rotor incorporated into a torque transmitting mechanism links the turbine to the jack element. When the jack element rotates, at least one waveform is produced in the generator. The waveform is processed by an electronic processing device to determine the rotational position of the jack element.

Abstract: A system for performing work having a hydraulic circuit has a length of hose, a hydraulic fluid in the circuit in communication with the hose and with a hydraulic actuator for doing the work, and a mechanism for pressurizing the hydraulic circuit such that at least 50 foot pounds of energy is stored within the hose to perform the work.

Abstract: A pavement recycling machine is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a motorized vehicle to travel along a paved surface and having a direction of travel. A bank of substantially vertically oriented mill heads is connected to the motorized vehicle to break up the paved surface to create loose aggregate. These mill heads have axes of rotation that are substantially perpendicular to the paved surface. A controller is provided to control various operational parameters of the pavement recycling machine. These operational parameters may include, for example, the rotational speed and vertical height of the mill heads. A remote control device communicates with the controller to enable remote adjustment or monitoring of the operational parameters.

Abstract: A milling machine for milling a paved surface having milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine and at least one metal detector attached to a front end of the machine. The metal detector has at least one electrically conductive coil disposed within a magnetically conductive, electrically insulating trough. Electronic equipment is in communication with the metal detector, the equipment being adapted to interpret feedback from the detector.

Abstract: A milling machine for milling a paved surface has milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine. At least one ferrous metal detector is attached to a front end of the machine. Electronic equipment is disposed within the machine and is in communication with the metal detector, the equipment being adapted to interpret feedback from the detector.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a milling machine for milling a paved surface comprises milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine and also a depth probe comprising a base end opposite a distal end. The probe is connected to a front end of the machine through a probe base disposed proximate the base end. A monitor is adapted to detect a distance between the distal end of the probe and an outer surface of the base. The distal end of the probe is adapted to extend away from the outer surface of the base and penetrate into a paved surface.