Abstract: A paving machine includes a machine frame, a drive assembly, including at least two tracks, each driven by a drive wheel and one or more idlers, and a paving material delivery assembly including a hopper, a conveyor assembly, an auger, and a screed. The paving machine also includes a tank of emulsion fluid, a spray bar positioned on an underside of the machine frame between the at least two tracks and fluidly coupled to the tank to deliver the emulsion fluid to a ground surface.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods of preparing and/or modifying a working area of interest that results in a level surface layer. In preferred embodiments, a three-dimensional (3-D) paver is utilized to deposit a compressible paving material, wherein, prior to being compacted mechanically, the pavement has a thickness that varies in accordance with the topography of the subgrade surface. Advantageously, paving methods comprising 3-D printing technology provided herein offer a more effective, economical, and versatile solution in preparing level road surface layers than existing paving machines.

Abstract: A removable guide for use in an applicator configured to be irremovably attached to an underside of a cartridge. The guide has a fin shaped bottom located rearward for guiding the applicator along creases in a garment. The guide preferably has an opening or notch at its forward most central portion to engage the tip to ensure alignment with the tip when dispensing resin from the cartridge. The top side wall portions of the guide dips down or has a lower side width than the sidewall portions nearer the tip for easier disengagement of the guide from the cartridge.

Abstract: A mobile thermoplastic applicator comprises a kettle, a main gas burner, a heat exchanger plenum, and a screed die box. The kettle has walls which define an interior space for melting thermoplastic. The main gas burner is situated beneath the kettle, and is configured to heat the kettle. The heat exchanger plenum is situated inside the thermoplastic kettle and is configured to subdivide the interior space and circulate heated air from the main gas burner. The screed die box is configured to receive molten thermoplastic from the kettle and deposit that molten thermoplastic on a surface.

Abstract: A patcher capable of performing patching operations even when operating in confined spaces and having a pressurized aggregate storage tank and driving devices for opening and air-tightly closing the tank lid and locking/unlocking the tank lid in proper sequence. Tandem linear accelerators control the flow of aggregate from the tank to a dispensing outlet. An articulated boom assembly is operated to position an aggregate dispenser over the repair location. The boom assembly is movable to a vertical position to prevent the assembly from extending beyond the right and left sides of the patcher to provide a safe condition when travelling during a non-patching operating mode. All of the electrically-operated devices on the patcher derive energy from a common battery pack which is charged by the patcher engine during a non-patching mode and alternatively during a patching mode when the stored energy in the battery pack drops below a given threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to an emulsion tack coat applicator and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to hand truck-type applicator for emulsion tack coat applications and methods of using the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, a tack coat applicator comprising a hand truck comprising a substantially frame having a handle section at a first end and a set of wheels separated by an axle at a second end, and a platform extending substantially perpendicular to the rigid proximate the wheels; and bucket having a voluminous storage portion for storing tack coat material, removeably positioned on the platform, the bucket comprising an output for dispensing the tack coat material.

Abstract: A product and method for repairing holes and cracks in roads, parking lots, sidewalks and other similar surfaces using a mixture of powder coating (i.e. dry paint) and a filler. The first step is to obtain the powder coating material. Any suitable powder coating material may be used, however, it is preferable to use the excess or waste powder coating material obtained from a powder coating operation. The next step is to mix the powder coating material with a filler, such as sand, pea gravel, or another suitable material. After the components are mixed together, it is applied to a surface needing repair such as a pothole in a road or a crack in a sidewalk. The mixture is cured by heating the mixture to the point where the powder coating melts and binds the powder coating with the filler and the surface needing repair. It may be cured before or after it is applied to the surface needing repair. After the mixture cures, the result is a high quality patched surface.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted patching system for patching potholes and the like and incorporating method and apparatus for feeding materials used in patching operations as well as removing and flushing asphalt emulsion from the feed lines of the patcher vehicle to completely recycle the cleaning agent used to flush the feed lines after a patching operation, as well as preventing any external discharge of potentially toxic materials. Dry particulate is used to coat a pothole patch to permit immediate use. Rubber particulate impregnated with a fibrous material is used to assure bonding with the emulsion. A hydraulically-driven feeder feeds particulate into a pressurized conduit through a one-way air lock. A hydraulic pump provides mechanical power to the feeder and an air blower which pressurizes the conduit carrying the particulate to a dispensing head. A spray assembly is provided to spray fibrous material entering the feeder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination sealant dispensing and spreading apparatus for selectively dispending and spreading sealant upon a paved surface, the apparatus comprising a moveable frame having a lower support, a sealant tank the lower support operably connected to a V-shaped spreading means for spreading sealant from the tank upon the paved surface.

Abstract: A new method of sealing the seam between two adjacent sections of asphalt pavement deploys an adhesive elastomeric gasket which completely envelopes the vertical faces of the adjacent lanes on three sides—i.e., above, below and along each face. Since the gasket extends partly underneath each section of paving, it is laid down before each lane is paved, thereby taking advantage of the heat of the fresh asphalt to effectively and rapidly cure the adhesive component of the gasket to insure a strong bond on both sides of the seam.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted patching system for patching potholes and the like and incorporating method and apparatus for removing and flushing asphalt emulsion from the feed lines of the patcher which completely recycles the cleaning agent used to flush the feed lines, as well as eliminating any external discharge of potentially toxic materials. A cleaning agent is used to flush the feed lines. The emulsion is collected in a recovery tank and combined with fresh emulsion delivered from a storage tank when the collected emulsion reaches a given concentration. Electrical controls for operating both motors from a single power source employ arrays of cam-operated switches and a diode array polarized to prevent feedback of power from the power source to assure precision positioning of the multi-position valves to perform a given operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods implemented in a pothole patching system for creating a vacuum that pulls heavy particulate, such as gravel, out of a hopper. For example, according to an embodiment, a vacuum body having a vacuum chamber formed therein is positioned proximate to an opening of the hopper. A moveable slide gate is provided between the vacuum chamber and the opening of the hopper. The slide gate moves between open and closed positions for permitting and blocking communication between the vacuum chamber and the hopper. A reduction nozzle is provided between an air source and the vacuum chamber. Forced air flows from the air source, through the reduction nozzle, and into the vacuum chamber. The reduction nozzle reduces the pressure of the forced air entering the vacuum chamber, and thereby creates a vacuum in the vacuum chamber. When the slide gate is in the open position, this vacuum pulls particulate from the hopper.

Abstract: A composition that may be used to seal and strengthen the joints in an asphalt road surface and subsurface to prolong the useful life of the road is disclosed herein. The composition utilizes a polymer modified cationic maltene emulsion containing polymer modified maltene oils and resins, and surfactants/and wetting agents. The emulsion is applied to the longitudinal joints and other joints in the asphalt pavement surface. The emulsion reduces voids in the asphalt pavement and chemically improves the asphalt binder properties, thereby altering the modulus of elasticity of the asphalt binders so that the resistance of the pavement to tension is increased, and the water absorption of the pavement is reduced.

Abstract: A pothole patching machine includes a container for storage of patch material, and a auger screw conveyor for conveying the patch material from the container to a ram. The ram is adapted to forcibly urge the patch material into a pothole. The ram is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position which completes one fill stroke. The ram also includes a foot plate dimensioned for positioning over the pothole and sensors for sensing when the pothole has been filled.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a flexible sled that conforms to the contour of the pavement for applying a liquid emulsion onto a pavement surface comprising a rigid frame with flexible squeegee assembly adapted to be towed along a pavement surface. Another embodiment of the invention includes a hopper assembly for distributing aggregate. Another embodiment of the invention includes a sled for repairing ruts in wheel lanes of a road. Another aspect of the invention is a polymer emulsion composition having a high coefficient of friction comprising a mixture of polymer resin blended with a mixture of cement and angular sand aggregate and titanium dioxide to provide a solar reflectance index number that ranges from 0.30 to 0.38 and a friction number in the range of 45 to 55.

Abstract: A machine or apparatus for installing resilient or elastomeric strip seals of indefinite length in expansion joints in, for example, highways and bridges. The machine includes an open, upper frame connected to a lower frame supported at its four corners by four freely rotating wheels. A pair of clamping pistons on the lower frame includes rollers which are adjusted to engage one face of the expansion joint. A toothed wheel or blade rotates about an inclined axis and is powered by a motor through a speed reducing gearbox. The toothed wheel engages the seal and forces it into a channel on the side of the expansion joint opposite to the side engaged by the rollers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a road crack repair system for mounting on a vehicle. The system includes a sealant applicator that is positionable in front of the vehicle, the sealant applicator having a sealant outlet for discharging a molten sealant product above a crack in a road surface, and a trowel that is adjacent the sealant outlet and is arranged to contact the road surface and spread sealant product into and over the crack; a vessel within which to store a molten sealant product, and a conduit for delivering sealant product from the vessel to the sealant outlet; a support that is arranged to support the applicator in front of the vehicle with the trowel in contact with the road surface; and a control system that is operable by an operator to displace the applicator along road surface to follow a crack with advancement of the vehicle in a forward direction.

Abstract: A method of sealing and strengthening the joints in an asphalt road surface and subsurface to prolong the useful life of the road utilizes a polymer modified cationic maltene emulsion containing polymer modified maltene oils and resins, and surfactants/and wetting agents. The emulsion is applied to the longitudinal joints and other joints in the asphalt pavement surface. The emulsion reduces voids in the asphalt pavement and chemically improves the asphalt binder properties, thereby altering the modulus of elasticity of the asphalt binders so that the resistance of the pavement to tension is increased, and the water absorption of the pavement is reduced.

Abstract: A pothole repair system for completely repairing potholes through the operation of a loader vehicle and connected implement. The implement generally includes a supporting structure adapted to mount to the loader, such as a skid steer loader or excavator, a hopper-style bucket connected to the supporting structure, the bucket having a lower opening closable by an actuated gate, a first impact device connected to the supporting structure to engage a road surface in a reciprocating manner, wherein first impact device has an interchangeable tamper end, a second impact device connected to the supporting structure to engage a road surface in a reciprocating manner, wherein the second impact device has an interchangeable chisel end. The impact devices may be raised and lowered via linkage assemblies or may be fixed to the supporting structure. Other tools, such as air nozzles may be used to assist in repairing the potholes.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted patching system for patching potholes and the like and incorporating method and apparatus for removing and flushing asphalt emulsion from the feed lines of the patcher which completely recycles the cleaning agent used to flush the feed lines, as well as eliminating any external discharge of potentially toxic materials. A cleaning agent is used to flush the feed lines. The emulsion is collected in a recovery tank and combined with fresh emulsion delivered from a storage tank when the collected emulsion reaches a given concentration. Electrical controls for operating both motors from a single power source employ arrays of cam-operated switches and a diode array polarized to prevent feedback of power from the power source to assure precision positioning of the multi-position valves to perform a given operation.

Abstract: A pothole patching machine includes a container for storage of patch material, and a auger screw conveyor for conveying the patch material from the container to a ram. The ram is adapted to forcibly urge the patch material into a pothole. The ram is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position which completes one fill stroke. The ram also includes a foot plate dimensioned for positioning over the pothole and sensors for sensing when the pothole has been filled.

Abstract: A mobile asphalt production machine mixes bituminous concrete at the job site through a mixing auger mechanism mounted in an insulated housing. Propane burners provide heat within the mixing auger mechanism and within the insulated housing to produce a hot-mix bituminous concrete in large or small batches. The components of the asphalt mixture are stored in separate bins that can be re-filled at the job site to provide a continuous supply of asphalt. Hot liquid bitumen is added to heated aggregate within the mixing auger mechanism. Recycled asphalt can be added through a port in the mixing auger for incorporation into the mixture. Controls permit the rate of flow of each individual component to be selectively varied in order to change the recipe for the mixture and to provide calibration of the component, while a master control will maintain the pre-established flow rates through a variable speed of operation.

Abstract: A towable, residential sealcoating apparatus and related methods for applying sealcoat to a residential, asphalt driveway. The towable, residential sealcoating apparatus can include a towable implement having a mounting frame, a sealcoat reservoir, a distribution manifold and an applicator member. The sealcoat reservoir can supply sealcoat to the distribution manifold and applicator member at the direction of a supply valve accessible to an operator on a tow vehicle. The applicator member can be vertically adjustable from an upward transport disposition to a downward application disposition. The distribution manifold is operably removable so as to allow for cleaning of the distribution manifold following completion of the sealcoating process.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a paved surface reconditioning system has a vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface. The vehicle having a press plate with a working surface having plurality of nozzles disposed therein. At least one of the nozzles has an inner diameter less than 1 mm. A fluid passage may connect the nozzle to a reservoir. The reservoir and fluid passage have a volume and a pressurizing mechanism in communication with the volume and being adapted to pressurize at least a portion of the volume.

Abstract: A patcher system for patching a paved surface includes a remotely controllable arm attachable to a vehicle and a patching material dispensing subsystem disposed on the remotely controllable arm. The patcher system may be part of a mobile patcher system which additionally includes a vehicle, a patching material distribution subsystem disposed on the vehicle, and a control subsystem. A software product may include instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform steps for controlling the patcher system.

Abstract: A scraper apparatus including a cart and a scraping arrangement located at a front of the cart. The scraping arrangement includes blades that are driven along a joint or crack by the cart to remove excess filling material deposited in the joint or crack of a working surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying heated sealants, such as molten polymeric material, to surfaces such as for filling cracks in pavement surfaces. Aspects of the invention include block cutting assembly, heated dispensing hose, and crack filling applicator head. By way of example, the block cutting assembly comprises a ram device for driving sealant blocks against a heated cutting member which severs the blocks to speed liquefaction within the heated sealant chamber. An associated enclosure incorporates a loading door preferably configured for operation in response to the position of the ram device. The heated dispensing hose may comprise a heating element running through the interior of the hose to heat sealants as they pass through the hose. The crack filling applicator head comprises a dispensing tube upon which a sealing chamber is coupled for retaining a quantity of liquid sealant proximal to the pavement surface being filled.

Abstract: A wheeled strike-off apparatus is movable over a surface of uncured concrete or subgrade materials and is operable to establish a desired grade of the uncured concrete surface or subgrade surface. The apparatus includes a wheeled support and a plow assembly. The wheeled support may have a front frame portion and a pair of front wheels rotatably mounted at the front frame portion, and may have a rear frame portion and a pair of rear wheels rotatably mounted at the rear frame portion. The plow assembly may be adjustably mounted to the front frame portion and may be vertically adjustable relative to the frame portion via an actuator. The plow assembly includes at least one plow member for engaging and establishing the desired grade.

Abstract: A scraper apparatus includes a cart and a scraping arrangement located at a front of the cart. The scraping arrangement includes blades that are driven along a joint or crack by the cart to remove excess filling material deposited in the joint or crack of a working surface.

Abstract: A roadway crack sealing apparatus (300, 314) which includes a crack sealing assembly having an emulsion container supported on a frame, wheels supporting the frame, a handle extending from the frame, a lever operable to control selectively open and close an emulsion outlet, and a video camera positioned to permit an operator to visually locate and follow a roadway crack during the sealing process. In preferred forms, the apparatus also includes a fill hopper and a fill outlet. Other preferred forms include a remote transmitter and a remote receiver, which permit the operation of the apparatus from a remote location.

Abstract: A crack sealing apparatus having a heated hose trough is presented which eliminates the need to purge or clean the hose and/or applicator wand that is used to apply sealant to cracks in a roadway. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the crack sealing apparatus includes a repository for storing and heating sealant, a hose attached to the repository, a pump for transporting sealant from the repository through the hose, a trough for retaining and heating the hose, and a tubular member located within the trough having a hot liquid or gas circulating therethrough for heating sealant contained within the hose.

Abstract: A method for capturing at least one image of an existing man-made structure and for detecting the presence of failure(s) in such existing man-made structure including: providing a detectable material on the surface or in an existing man-made structure so that portions of the detectable material will be present in the failure(s) of the existing man-made structure; providing an image sensor and which captures at least one image of the existing man-made structure and identifies failure(s) due to the existence of the detectable material in the failure(s) to provide at least one digital image; and processing the captured digital image(s) to provide a visual image of the existing man-made structure to determine the presence of failure(s) in the existing man-made structure.

Abstract: A portable tar kettle includes a steel containment body mounted on wheels and having a handle projecting therefrom with the handle including an integral gas line that interconnects to an external propane tank and internally registers with a gas burner located within the containment body. Disposed within the containment body is a tar cooking vessel that holds the tar, and other material, to be heated and melted. The tar cooking vessel includes a lid with an integral temperature gauge. When the tar is appropriately heated and melted, the tar cooking vessel can be removed and carried to the roof of the structure, and this process can be repeated as many times as necessary to effect roof repair and maintenance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying heated sealants, such as molten polymeric material, to surfaces such as for filling cracks in pavement surfaces. Aspects of the invention include block cutting assembly, heated dispensing hose, and crack filling applicator head. By way of example, the block cutting assembly comprises a ram device for driving sealant blocks against a heated cutting member which severs the blocks to speed liquefaction within the heated sealant chamber. An associated enclosure incorporates a loading door preferably configured for operation in response to the position of the ram device. The heated dispensing hose may comprise a heating element running through the interior of the hose to heat sealants as they pass through the hose. The crack filling applicator head comprises a dispensing tube upon which a sealing chamber is coupled for retaining a quantity of liquid sealant proximal to the pavement surface being filled.

Abstract: A crack sealing apparatus having a heated hose trough is presented which eliminates the need to purge or clean the hose and/or applicator wand that is used to apply sealant to cracks in a roadway. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the crack sealing apparatus includes a repository for storing and heating sealant, a hose attached to the repository, a pump for transporting sealant from the repository through the hose, a trough for retaining and heating the hose, and a tubular member located within the trough having a hot liquid or gas circulating therethrough for heating sealant contained within the hose.

Abstract: Improved roadway crack sealing apparatus (20) is provided which includes a mobile vehicle (26) with a forward crack sealing assembly (22) and a following finishing assembly (24). The assembly (22) includes laterally spaced apart fill and sealant hoppers (30, 36) each equipped with selectively openable outlets (32, 34, 38) and an elongated roadway crack sighting passageway (128) therebetween. The fill hopper preferably has a pair of outlets (32, 34), with the sealant hopper (38) between the latter so that a crack is sealed by sequential application of fill, sealant and additional fill. In use, an operator within the vehicle compartment (162) visually locates a crack (28) through the passageway (128), and steers the vehicle (26) accordingly; the operator also manipulates appropriate controls for selectively opening the outlets (32, 34, 38). The finishing assembly (24) includes a series of lateral brushes which sweep and finish the sealed crack and adjacent roadway.

Abstract: Roadway crack sealing apparatus (20) which includes a mobile vehicle (26) with a forward crack sealing assembly (22) and a following finishing assembly (24). The assembly (22) includes laterally spaced apart fill and sealant hoppers (30, 36) each equipped with selectively openable outlets (32, 34, 38) and an elongated roadway crack sighting passageway (128) therebetween. The fill hopper preferably has a pair of outlets (32, 34), with the sealant hopper (38) between the latter so that a crack is sealed by sequential application of fill, sealant and additional fill. In use, an operator within the vehicle compartment (162) visually locates a crack (28) through the passageway (128), and steers the vehicle (26) accordingly; the operator also manipulates appropriate controls for selectively opening the outlets (32, 34, 38). The finishing assembly (24) includes a series of lateral brushes which sweep and finish the sealed crack and adjacent roadway.

Abstract: Roadway crack sealing apparatus (20) which includes a mobile vehicle (26) with a forward crack sealing assembly (22) and a following finishing assembly (24). The assembly (22) includes laterally spaced apart fill and sealant hoppers (30, 36) each equipped with selectively openable outlets (32, 34, 38) and an elongated roadway crack sighting passageway (128) therebetween. The fill hopper preferably has a pair of outlets (32, 34), with the sealant hopper (38) between the latter so that a crack is sealed by sequential application of fill, sealant and additional fill. In use, an operator within the vehicle compartment (162) visually locates a crack (28) through the passageway(128), and steers the vehicle (26) accordingly; the operator also manipulates appropriate controls for selectively opening the outlets (32, 34, 38). The finishing assembly (24) includes a series of lateral brushes which sweep and finish the sealed crack and adjacent roadway.

Abstract: A device for continuous supply of grouting into joints between longitudinal concrete elements, which are disposed chiefly horizontally next to each other to form, e.g., floors in building constructions. The device comprises a rhombic hopper adapted for displacement along the joint, wherein at least two side walls form an accumulating plow for leading the grouting in towards a vertical plane through the joint. The side walls of the hopper are latitudinally displaceable with respect to each other, and are held with an adjustable force against the surface of the concrete elements. The hopper is arranged below a discharge end of a container, the discharge end having a damper, which is operated by an actuator coupled to a level sensor in the hopper.

Abstract: A portable cart for transporting and dispensing heated pavement repair materials that is capable of being moved and operated by one person, the cart applying a heated asphaltic/polymeric binder material. The cart comprises a heating chamber having an enclosed interior and providing dry radiant heat and a containment chamber located within the enclosed interior of the heating chamber, the containment chamber narrowing towards an opening. Fuel gas is used to provide dry, radiant heat to the road repair materials to create a fluid material to apply to the surface to repair. The cart further comprises a hand-operated gating means, wherein the material within the containment chamber is gravity-dispensed in a controlled manner. The cart is ideal for repairing cracks and filling expansion channels in concrete and/or asphalt roadways and driveways.

Abstract: Improved roadway crack sealing apparatus (20) is provided which includes a mobile vehicle (26) with a forward crack sealing assembly (22) and a following finishing assembly (24). The assembly (22) includes laterally spaced apart fill and sealant hoppers (30, 36) each equipped with selectively openable outlets (32, 34, 38) and an elongated roadway crack sighting passageway (128) therebetween. The fill hopper preferably has a pair of outlets (32, 34), with the sealant hopper (38) between the latter so that a crack is sealed by sequential application of fill, sealant and additional fill. In use, an operator within the vehicle compartment (162) visually locates a crack (28) through the passageway(128), and steers the vehicle (26) accordingly; the operator also manipulates appropriate controls for selectively opening the outlets (32, 34, 38). The finishing assembly (24) includes a series of lateral brushes which sweep and finish the sealed crack and adjacent roadway.

Abstract: A method of repairing potholes and cracks in a road surface is disclosed. The method provides a dry mix, non-bitumen based, polymer concrete, utilizing ethylene vinyl acetate pellets and/or rubber powder with at least on of a cement powder, aggregate, a second polymer material and a colorant. The method provides a repair material that can return the repaired roadway to use in a maximum of 2 hours.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing a sealing compound to an area of application and a method of sealing cracks in pavement is provided. The machine includes a frame structure, a disposable container removably mounted to the frame structure, a discharge tube member rupturing the opening in the bottom of the container, and a controllable valve in the discharge tube member to control the flow of the sealing compound from the disposable container to the area of the application. The frame structure may support a blower to clean the crack and supports a squeegee member mounted to a box member into which the sealing compound is received from the discharge tube member, to evenly spread the sealing compound within the crack and in the nearmost areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for filling a groove in a pavement with a groove filling grout. The present invention is used for forming pavement markings, such as lane striping.

Abstract: A melter and applicator (10) is shown for applying liquefied paving material to damaged pavement. The applicator (10) reduces the problems which occur due to the unintentional solidification of the paving material within the hose (74) of either the heated or unheated type. A cabinet (44) is provided which is selectively able to maintain the temperature of the unheated hose (74) during periods of non-use. In addition, a wand access port (100) is provided which allows either type of hose (74) to be run continuously, directing material back to a supply bin (26). In addition, a chimney (40) is provided which vents the by-products of combustion generated while melting the paving material. This chimney, (40) is fluidly coupled to the bin (26) which contains the paving material so that noxious fumes produced during the melting are drawn off.

Abstract: A method (30) is provided for the detection and analysis of anomalies (32) in a road surface (36). An image (34) of the road surface (36) is obtained (82) wherein traffic control markings (76) are masked (88). The image (34) is filtered (90) and a pixel map (92) is produced (98). The pixel map (92) is partitioned (112) into a multiplicity of subimages (108). For each subimage (108), anomaly parameters are identified (120) and a status characteristic is determined (124) and assigned (136). A subimage map (138) is produced (142) depicting the subimages (108) and their status characteristics. A determination (156) is made as to which subimages (108) contain anomalies (32). Anomaly-containing subimages (108) are grouped (158) into anomalous objects (152). For each anomalous object (152), an object type (162) is determined (160) and assigned (164). An object map (154) is then produced (166) depicting the anomalous objects (152).

Abstract: An improved ride-on, self propelled, pavement maintenance vehicle suitable for applying liquid sealing material, such as asphalt or coal tar emulsions and other pavement coatings, upon large, relatively flat, surfaces such as automobile parking lots, roadways, etc. is disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile pothole patching machine comprises a vehicle frame which carries a hopper for receiving a filler material for the pothole. Underneath the vehicle is mounted a belt conveyor which can be moved back and forth longitudinally of the vehicle and can be pivoted side to side about a vertical axis. At a front of the conveyor is mounted a laying apparatus including a roller and a rake. The rake can be raised relative to the roller and both can be raised relative to the ground by a lifting apparatus attached to the conveyor. A fabric wiper carries an anti-sticking agent draped over the top of the roller. A blow heater is mounted on the laying apparatus and has a pipe directing heated air into the potholes. In front of the rake is mounted an air jet and a bonding agent jet for cleaning and bonding the pothole. The hopper includes a pair of cover plates which can be pivoted out to the sides on two links.

Abstract: An adjustable, floor tile mortar and grout spreading device for applying bonding material at a predetermined thickness in an efficient manner, and for spreading grout between floor tiles. The device comprises a telescopically adjustable rectangular frame having a leading edge and a trailing edge and a pair of downwardly extending sides for containing bonding material. The rectangular frame is telescopically adjustable to various widths and can be fixed at a particular width depending upon the size tile for the given installation. In one embodiment, the trailing edge incorporates a downwardly extending trowel blade having a conventional trowel blade edge with either a saw-tooth or square-toothed shape. The trowel blade is adjustable such that the device may be used for spreading various thicknesses of bonding material.

Abstract: Apparatus for pretreating a pothole preparatory to filling thereof including determining the size and/or path of revolution of a treatment member responsive to determining the location and size of the pothole to be repaired; lowering the treatment member into the pothole; selectively revolving said treatment member and/or rotating said treatment member to abrade, compact and densify the portion of the pothole surrounding the surface thereof. Debris or other particulate in the pothole or developed by the abrading operation may be removed by a vacuum member. The pothole may be sprayed with a fluent material to either harden the surface or reduce the porosity of or render the sticky the surface of the pothole to provide a better bond between the pothole and the filler material. The force applied by the treatment member to the pothole surface is sensed and used as feedback information to control the abrading/compressing/densifying force.