Abstract: A method for quality testing asphalt includes: directing light from a light source to at least one surface of asphalt; detecting light reflected or refracted from the at least one surface of the asphalt using a light detector; and assigning a number indicating the quality of the asphalt in response to detecting light reflected or refracted from the at least one surface of the asphalt.

Abstract: A load and motion measurement system for use with a Hamburg Wheel Tracker device includes: a housing; at least one load cell held in or by the housing; a load platform held in or by the housing and resting on the at least one load cell; and a controller operatively associated with the at least one load cell. The load and motion measurement system is configured to be received in a sample tray that is held in the Hamburg Wheel Tracker device. The controller is configured to determine operational parameters associated with a wheel of the Hamburg Wheel Tracking device that rolls along the load platform. Vertical displacement measurement calibration and verification systems for use with a Hamburg Wheel Tracker device are also described, as are associated kits and methods.

Abstract: A method for quality testing asphalt includes: directing light from a light source to at least one surface of asphalt; detecting light reflected or refracted from the at least one surface of the asphalt using a light detector; and assigning a number indicating the quality of the asphalt in response to detecting light reflected or refracted from the at least one surface of the asphalt.

Abstract: A system for evaluating properties of an asphalt sample includes a load frame and a test fixture. The load frame includes a platform and a loading rod. The test fixture includes: a base configured to rest on the platform of the load frame; first and second spaced apart vertical guide bars extending upwardly from the base; a horizontal cross bar above the base and extending between the first and second guide bars, wherein the asphalt sample is configured to be held between the base and the cross bar; a load plate above the cross bar, the load plate configured to receive the loading rod of the load frame to apply a load to the asphalt sample; a load cell above the base and configured to measure the applied load and to generate corresponding load electrical signals; and a controller configured to receive the load electrical signals.

Abstract: A load and motion measurement system for use with a Hamburg Wheel Tracker device includes: a housing; at least one load cell held in or by the housing; a load platform held in or by the housing and resting on the at least one load cell; and a controller operatively associated with the at least one load cell. The load and motion measurement system is configured to be received in a sample tray that is held in the Hamburg Wheel Tracker device. The controller is configured to determine operational parameters associated with a wheel of the Hamburg Wheel Tracking device that rolls along the load platform. Vertical displacement measurement calibration and verification systems for use with a Hamburg Wheel Tracker device are also described, as are associated kits and methods.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: A method for drying at least one sample of material includes: placing the at least one sample of material into an interior of a sealable chamber; sealing the chamber; applying a vacuum to the interior of the chamber; heating the at least one sample using electromagnetic energy while applying the vacuum to the interior of the chamber; electronically monitoring at least one condition in the interior of the chamber; and determining that the at least one sample is dry based on the at least one monitored condition.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided for interacting with a sample within a generally cylindrical mold having a flange. Such an apparatus comprises a frame defining an axis and an offsetable member engaged with the frame for engaging one end of the mold. The offsetable member is displaceable from the axis and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram is movable along the axis and a mold-engaging device is engaged with the frame for receiving the mold such that the mold and frame axes are coaxial. The pressure ram is axially movable within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample, and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point along the frame axis. The mold-engaging device axially moves the mold into engagement with the offsetable member.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided for interacting with a sample within a generally cylindrical mold having a flange. Such an apparatus comprises a frame defining an axis and an offsetable member engaged with the frame for engaging one end of the mold. The offsetable member is displaceable from the axis and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram is movable along the axis and a mold-engaging device is engaged with the frame for receiving the mold such that the mold and frame axes are coaxial. The pressure ram is axially movable within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample, and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point along the frame axis. The mold-engaging device axially moves the mold into engagement with the offsetable member.