Abstract: A method for operating a ratchet assembly. The method includes, when a ratchet lock mechanism is in a first locked position, causing a drive mechanism to rotate by operating a steer cylinder in a selected direction until a first predetermined value, which may be associated with an amount of rotation of the drive mechanism, is reached. The method includes unlocking the ratchet lock mechanism, and resetting the steer cylinder by operating the steer cylinder in an opposite direction until a second predetermined value is reached. The method includes locking the ratchet lock mechanism in a second locked position, and, upon locking the ratchet lock mechanism in the second locked position, causing the drive mechanism to further rotate by operating the steer cylinder in the selected direction until a third predetermined value is reached, wherein the third predetermined value is associated with a selected amount of rotation of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A rotary pivot arm positioning assembly for a paving, texturing, or curing machine allows the machine to automatically transition from an operational orientation to a transport orientation without manual repositioning or disconnection of its components. The assembly includes a pivot arm coupled to both the front and aft ends of an end frame by a helical actuator, slew gear drive or other rotary actuator. The rotary actuator articulates each pivot arm, as well as the adjustable leg and steerable crawler connected to the pivot arm, through at least a 90-degree range. The end frame may be fixed to the left or right end of the machine. The assembly may additionally include a second helical actuator, slew gear drive or rotary actuator connecting each steerable crawler to the adjustable leg and configured to rotate the steerable crawler through a full 360 degrees.

Abstract: A hydraulic pivot arm positioning assembly includes a forward and aft pivoting arm on both the left and right ends of a paving machine configured to operate in a paving direction. Hydraulic cylinders or other linear actuators enable the forward and aft pivoting arms to rotate automatically through at least a 90-degree range including at least an operating configuration, wherein the pivoting arms extend parallel to the paving direction, and a transport configuration, wherein the pivoting arms extend parallel to the transverse framework of the paving machine, narrowing its overall width. The use of linear actuators enables the pivoting arms to change position with minimal downtime to the paving machine, and without the need for manual repositioning, disconnection, or reconnection of components or accessories of the pivot arm positioning assembly.

Abstract: A method for operating a ratchet assembly. The method includes, when a ratchet lock mechanism is in a first locked position, causing a drive mechanism to rotate by operating a steer cylinder in a selected direction until a first predetermined value, which may be associated with an amount of rotation of the drive mechanism, is reached. The method includes unlocking the ratchet lock mechanism, and resetting the steer cylinder by operating the steer cylinder in an opposite direction until a second predetermined value is reached. The method includes locking the ratchet lock mechanism in a second locked position, and, upon locking the ratchet lock mechanism in the second locked position, causing the drive mechanism to further rotate by operating the steer cylinder in the selected direction until a third predetermined value is reached, wherein the third predetermined value is associated with a selected amount of rotation of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly may include a steer ring, a steer ring side structure, a steer cylinder bracket arm, a steer cylinder, a ratchet lock gear, a steering collar, a ratchet cylinder, a ratchet lock bar, and at least one sensor. When in a particular locked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring, the ratchet lock gear, and the steering collar. When in an unlocked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring around the ratchet lock gear.

Abstract: A rotary pivot arm positioning assembly for a paving, texturing, or curing machine allows the machine to automatically transition from an operational orientation to a transport orientation without manual repositioning or disconnection of its components. The assembly includes a pivot arm coupled to both the front and aft ends of an end frame by a helical actuator, slew gear drive or other rotary actuator. The rotary actuator articulates each pivot arm, as well as the adjustable leg and steerable crawler connected to the pivot arm, through at least a 90-degree range. The end frame may be fixed to the left or right end of the machine. The assembly may additionally include a second helical actuator, slew gear drive or rotary actuator connecting each steerable crawler to the adjustable leg and configured to rotate the steerable crawler through a full 360 degrees.

Abstract: A modularly configurable paving operations system includes a modular framework extendible or reducible by the addition or removal of frame inserts. A control system can rotate one or more steerable crawlers via a steering assembly to drive, steer, or reconfigure the system. The control system may also include a tining control system, a grade control system, a spray control system, sensors and sensor arrays, and a user interface. The system may accommodate one or more accessories through an undercarriage mounted to the modular framework, which may further include position and elevation sensors and proximity switches. A height adjuster may be configured to raise or lower accessories to maintain a consistent depth or elevation for transverse or longitudinally oriented texturing.

Abstract: A smart steering assembly for a modularly configurable paving operations system includes an end structure at either end of a modular framework. Each end structure has a front and rear adjustable leg with a steerable crawler connected to each leg. A control system can rotate one or more steerable crawlers via the smart steering assembly to drive, steer, or reconfigure the system in response to user input or data received from one or more sensors. Steerable crawlers may be articulated independently or in unison via smart steering cylinders or actuators incorporating onboard sensors connected to the control system. Adjustable legs may alternatively be mounted to the end structure via leg pivots.

Abstract: A modularly configurable paving operations system includes a modular framework of frame inserts, the width of the system extendible or reducible by the addition or removal of additional frame inserts. An end structure at either end of the modular framework has a front leg and a rear leg with a steerable crawler connected to each leg. Individual frame inserts may include a rail system along which end structures, accessories, or components may laterally slide. A control system can rotate one or more steerable crawlers via a steering assembly to drive, steer, or reconfigure the system. The control system may also include a tining control system, a grade control system, a spray control system, sensors and sensor arrays, and a user interface. The system may accommodate one or more accessories through an undercarriage mounted to the modular framework, which may further include a hydraulic height adjuster.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly may include a steer ring, a steer ring side structure, a steer cylinder bracket arm, a steer cylinder, a ratchet lock gear, a steering collar, a ratchet cylinder, a ratchet lock bar, and at least one sensor. When in a particular locked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring, the ratchet lock gear, and the steering collar. When in an unlocked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring around the ratchet lock gear.