Abstract: A padding machine for moving along a side of a ditch, scooping up excavated material from the side of the ditch, and sifting the excavated material into padding material for falling in the ditch comprises a frame comprising side frame members and frame rails spaced apart from the side frame members. A screening belt is driven around pulleys supported by the frame. The screening belt comprises a screen for collecting and conveying the excavated material upwardly. The screen comprises apertures for sifting the excavated material into padding material by permitting the padding material to fall through the apertures of the screen. The screen runs over the frame rails which support the screen. A discharge conveyor is mounted to the frame beneath an upper run of the screening belt. The discharge conveyor receives the padding material passing through the screen and discharges the padding material into the ditch.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a payload including a surface, the system comprising a sensor and a processor. The sensor is configured to generate a signal constituting data representing an unobstructed portion of the surface and an obstacle obscuring a portion of the surface. The processor is communicatively coupled to the sensor and is configured to identify data points in the data corresponding to the unobstructed portion of the surface, identify data points in the data corresponding to the obstacle, interpolate between some of the data points corresponding to the unobstructed surface adjacent the data points corresponding to the obstacle, generate interpolation data points corresponding to the portion of the surface obscured by the obstacle, and determine a volume of the payload based on the data points corresponding to the unobstructed portion of the surface and the interpolation data points.

Abstract: A padding machine for moving along a side of a ditch, scooping up excavated material from the side of the ditch, and sifting the excavated material into padding material for falling in the ditch comprises a frame comprising side frame members and frame rails spaced apart from the side frame members. A screening belt is driven around pulleys supported by the frame. The screening belt comprises a screen for collecting and conveying the excavated material upwardly. The screen comprises apertures for sifting the excavated material into padding material by permitting the padding material to fall through the apertures of the screen. The screen runs over the frame rails which support the screen. A discharge conveyor is mounted to the frame beneath an upper run of the screening belt. The discharge conveyor receives the padding material passing through the screen and discharges the padding material into the ditch.

Abstract: A form for separating a concrete block and a method for separating a concrete block from the form. The formed concrete block remains stationary while the doors of the form are pulled away from the concrete block in order to more conveniently, efficiently, and safely obtain access to the formed concrete block for its removal.

Abstract: A form for separating a concrete block and a method for separating a concrete block from the form. The formed concrete block remains stationary while the doors of the form are pulled away from the concrete block in order to more conveniently, efficiently, and safely obtain access to the formed concrete block for its removal.