Process Patents (Class 404/72)
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Patent number: 12006642Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the milling depth of a road milling machine, the machine being operative to mill a ground surface with a milling roller lowered to a milling depth to create a milling track, the machine including at least one side plate located to at least one side of the milling roller to engage an untreated ground surface, and the machine including a stripping plate operative to be lowered onto the milling track generated by the milling roller. The method includes measuring the milling depth of the milling track, the measuring including detecting a measurement value of a ground engaging sensor engaging the milling track.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2023Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Wirtgen America, Inc.Inventors: Christian Berning, Dieter Simons
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Patent number: 11885079Abstract: A method of paving a road surface by a road paver and a compactor, comprising the following method steps: paving a road surface by means of a paving screed of the road paver, defining a target rolling field by means of an electronic data processing system, determining a relative position of the compactor in relation to the target rolling field, generating a vibration of a main driving switch of the compactor, depending on the relative position to the target rolling field.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AGInventor: Christian Pawlik
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Patent number: 11761155Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine for milling a ground surface is provided with a machine frame, a working drum, and a transport conveyor with a discharge end from which worked-off milling material is dischargeable onto a point of impingement on a loading surface of a transport vehicle, wherein the transport conveyor is laterally slewable to a slewing angle about at least a first slewing axis. A controller is configured, during an initialization process, to specify a command variable within a coordinate system, the coordinate system being stored during the initialization process with its origin at a starting point associated with the machine. The controller is further configured during a working process, wherein the coordinate system is stationary, to automatically control the slewing angle corresponding to detected changes in position and/or orientation of the machine and relative to the command variable.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Inventors: Christian Berning, Andreas Vogt, Cyrus Barimani
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Patent number: 11674271Abstract: A paving system includes a paving machine and a controller. The paving machine includes a drive assembly, a paving material delivery system, including a hopper, a conveyor assembly, an auger, and a screed assembly, and at least one material sensor configured to monitor a delivery of paving material from the hopper to the auger by the conveyor assembly. The controller is coupled to the at least one material sensor and the conveyor assembly to control the delivery of paving material from the hopper to a ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Kent A. Hoisington
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Patent number: 11655599Abstract: A method for measuring the milling depth of a road milling machine, the machine being operative to mill a ground surface with a milling roller lowered to a milling depth to create a milling track, the machine including at least one side plate located to at least one side of the milling roller to engage an untreated ground surface, and the machine including a stripping plate operative to be lowered onto the milling track generated by the milling roller. The method includes measuring the milling depth of the milling track, the measuring including detecting a measurement value of a ground engaging sensor engaging the milling track.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Wirtgen America, Inc.Inventors: Christian Berning, Dieter Simons
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Patent number: 11555278Abstract: A paving machine may include a frame, a screed, sensor devices, and a control unit. The screed may include a main section, a first extension, and a second extension. The sensor devices may output a first sensor signal corresponding to a position of the first extension and a second sensor signal corresponding to a position of the second extension. The control unit may receive the first and second sensor signals, determine a screed width based on the first and second sensor signals, receive location data corresponding to a location of the paving machine, determine locations of the first and second extensions based on the screed width and the location data, generate a boundary map based on the locations of the first and second extensions, and cause an action to be performed based on the boundary map.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Jacob Ellwein, Mark Tarvin
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Patent number: 11467035Abstract: A control unit of a temperature measurement system for a road construction machine; the control unit having access to a database, a plurality of specification data sets stored on the database, each of the plurality of specification data sets being assigned to a local region and including a temperature measurement specification and/or a temperature measurement report specification; including a data set selector and a data analyzer. The data set selector is configured to select a respective specification data set from the plurality based on position information for the road construction machine, the position information pointing to the respective local region. The data analyzer is connected to a temperature sensor and configured to analyze raw data received from the temperature sensor taking into account the selected temperature measurement specification and/or to output a local specific temperature report based on analyzed raw data taking into account the selected temperature measurement report specification.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: MOBA MOBILE AUTOMATION AGInventors: David Shelstad, Paul Angerhofer
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Patent number: 11275364Abstract: A process management tool for managing transport of a material between a first location and a second location is disclosed. The process management tool includes a communication device configured to receive data messages, a display device, an input device configured to receive user inputs, and a processor in communication with the communication device, the display device, and the input device. The processor is configured to generate a graphical user interface on the display device. The graphical user interface includes a map indicative of a position of each of one or more transport vehicles with respect to the first location and the second location. The graphical user interface further includes a first graphical object indicative of a spacing between a first transport vehicle and a second transport vehicle of the one or more transport vehicles and a second graphical object indicative of a process parameter associated with the material.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Carterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: John Lee Marsolek
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Patent number: 11256933Abstract: An image processing device includes: a delimiting line detection unit configured to detect a delimiting line candidate based on image data obtained by capturing a surrounding of a vehicle; an exclusion determination unit configured to determine whether there is a parking-unavailable area in which parking of the vehicle is not permitted; and a parking space detection unit configured to detect the parking space based on the delimiting line candidate. In a case where plural parallel lines that are adjacent to the delimiting line candidate and that have a predetermined angle to the delimiting line candidate is detected, the exclusion determination unit regards an area in which the plural parallel lines are provided as the parking-unavailable area, and prohibits the parking space detection unit from detecting the parking space across the delimiting line candidate adjacent to the parking-unavailable area.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: DENSO TEN LimitedInventors: Yasutaka Okada, Hiroaki Sano, Tetsuo Yamamoto, Atsushi Yoshihara, Jun Kanetake, Ryo Yoshimura, Tomoki Shidori
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Patent number: 11255058Abstract: An asphalt aggregate paver (1) for asphalting a surface (116) to be asphalted includes an asphalt aggregate receiving hopper (2), width-wise spreading means (4) for distributing the aggregate over the surface (116), and conveyor means (6) arranged between the receiving hopper (2) and the spreading means (4) for feeding said spreading means (4), by conveying said aggregate from the hopper to said spreading means (4) in a longitudinal direction (L). The paver further includes mixing means (8), which are a separate element of said conveyor means (6). The mixing means (8) are arranged between said receiving hopper (2) and said spreading means (4), and the mixing means (8) are movable with respect to the conveyor means (6) for stirring the aggregate when it is conveyed. The mixing means (8) are arranged outside and after the receiving hopper (2).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: AGUSTI Y MASOLIVER, S.A.Inventor: Marc Echave Congost
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Patent number: 11247827Abstract: A compostable packaging wrap comprising: a strip that is primarily formed of starch and that is flexible such that the strip can be rolled is disclosed. In addition, a compostable or recyclable packaging wrap that includes: a first film that is primarily formed of one or more compostable or recyclable materials; a second film that is primarily formed of one or more compostable or recyclable materials; a plurality of pads, each pad being are surrounded by the first film and the second film and being primarily formed of one or more compostable or recyclable materials is disclosed. The compostable or recyclable packaging wrap is flexible such that the packaging wrap can be rolled.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Vericool, Inc.Inventor: Darrell Jobe
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Patent number: 11232712Abstract: A method of establishing a desired flow of haul trucks with respect to a jobsite can include receiving, from a paver locating device, a paver location signal indicative of a location of a paver. A central computer can establish a desired location range of the first haul truck based on the paver location signal and a first haul truck location signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Jacob J. McAlpine, John L. Marsolek
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Patent number: 11208772Abstract: A pavement grinding apparatus moves along a direction of travel and includes a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly has a grinding carriage; the grinding carriage including a rotating arbor having cutting elements. A control wheel is in contact with the pavement and connected to the grinding carriage to impart a cyclical up and down movement to the grinding carriage. The control wheel includes equally spaced apart lobes on the periphery of the control wheel that move the arbor in a sinusoidal up and down pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Surface Preparation Technologies, LLCInventors: Andy McDeid, Al Adamek, Clint Peterson
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Patent number: 11193245Abstract: A machine train is composed of a road milling machine that travels in front and a road finisher that travels behind. The road milling machine has a profile data determining device configured so that a sequence of height profile data describing the height of the road surface in the longitudinal direction is determined while the road milling machine advances. For transmission of the height profile data, a data transmission device is provided on the road milling machine and a data receiving device is provided on the road finisher. To change the position of the screed, the road finisher has a levelling device that comprises at least one actuator and a control unit, which is configured so that the control unit generates a control signal for controlling the at least one actuator in accordance with a height profile data set.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Inventors: Christoph Menzenbach, René Müller, Cyrus Barimani
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Patent number: 11167941Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a conveyor and a conveyor weighing apparatus. The conveyor weighing apparatus has a load determination device for determining the load exerted the conveyor on a conveyor support. The conveyor weighing apparatus may have measurement devices for measuring the angle and speed of the conveyor. The load determination device determines the load exerted by the at least section of conveyor in both laden and unladen states, and the results are combined with the speed and angle measurements, and with known system constants, to calculate the weight of material being conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Terex GB LimitedInventors: Richard Byrne, Lee Johnston, Barry McMenamin, David Gibson
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Patent number: 11091886Abstract: A construction machine, which is a feeder vehicle or a road finisher, comprises an operating platform, a material hopper, a conveyor belt system and an electronic control system. The conveyor belt system comprises a conveyor belt and one or more weight sensors which are configured to measure weight force of paving material located on the conveyor belt. In addition, the conveyor belt system comprises one or more inclination sensors which are configured to measure an inclination angle and/or a roll angle of the conveyor belt system. The electronic control system is configured to receive and process data from the one or more weight sensors and the one or more inclination sensors to calculate a mass of the paving material.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AGInventors: Steffen Fickeisen, Arnold Rutz, Roman Munz, Martin Buschmann
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Patent number: 11028540Abstract: A heating element hold-down assembly having a heating element adapted to be removably mounted on the screed and a hold-down mechanism adapted to be removably mounted on the screed. The hold-down mechanism comprises a hold-down mechanism frame adapted to contact the heating element, a resilient device adapted to move between an expanded position and a contracted position, a tension shaft, a portion of which is adapted to contact the resilient device, a pin adapted to removably attach the tension shaft to the hold-down mechanism frame, and an adjustment means adapted to be adjustably connected to the screed frame so as to contact the tension shaft. The hold-down mechanism is adapted to maintain contact between the heating element and the screed plate when the screed moves, flexes, or is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Carlson Paving Products, Inc.Inventors: Cory Haven, Kevin Comer
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Patent number: 10963148Abstract: A control system for coordinating a plurality of machines for performing a paving operation is disclosed. The control system may include a communication device configured to exchange data messages with the plurality of machines and a material production plant and a controller. The controller may be configured to generate a first graphical user interface on a display device, the first graphical user interface having a plurality of first graphical objects, each being indicative of one of the plurality of machines or the material production plant, wherein each of the plurality of first graphical objects is selectable via an input device. The controller may also be configured to determine a status score of each of the plurality machines and the material production plant wherein each of the first graphical objects is further indicative of the status score of the indicated one of the machines or the material production plant.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: John Lee Marsolek
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Patent number: 10920378Abstract: A stamped steel detectable warning tile and method of forming such includes preforming structures in the tile and subsequently coining the structures to form tactile portions to provide satisfactory end results. Further, the tactile portions can be formed in a staggered fashion along a press to distribute tonnage and extend the lifespan of the press, as well as control a curvature of the tile due to the press operations.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: TUF-TITE, INC.Inventors: Theodore W. Meyers, Samuel J. Gerrits, John Fairbanks, Mike Boyden, Craig Stefan, Michael C. Ruediger, Phillip Legreid, Derek Macdonald
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Patent number: 10895045Abstract: A screeding machine for screeding an uncured concrete surface includes a screed head assembly movable over the concrete surface via the screeding machine. A pair of elevation sensors disposed at opposite ends of the screed head assembly sense an elevation of the respective end of the screed head assembly. An angle sensor disposed at the screed head assembly senses a pitch angle and/or a roll angle of the screed head assembly. A gyroscope sensor disposed at the screed head assembly senses rotational velocity of the screed head assembly about a lateral axis and/or a longitudinal axis of the screed head assembly. A control uses gyroscope sensor data and angle sensor data to determine pitch angle and/or roll angle of the screed head assembly. The control controls the screed head assembly based on the signals from one or both of the elevation sensors and the determined pitch and/or roll angles.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: SOMERO ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Matthew A. Kangas
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Patent number: 10753051Abstract: A road finisher having a primary drive unit, a material hopper and a paving screed with a screed heating system that can be operated by energy generated by the primary drive unit is controlled. The screed heating system is operated to heat the screed during paving operation of the road finisher by controlling a temperature of the screed to a predetermined screed operating temperature value or to a predetermined screed operating temperature range. The road finisher anticipates a future operating state of increased energy demand of the road finisher. When a future operating state of increased energy demand has been detected, the screed heating system is operated to heat the screed beyond the predetermined screed operating temperature value or the predetermined screed operating temperature range. When the operating state of increased energy demand is reached, the screed heating system is at least temporarily deactivated.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AGInventor: Tobias Noll
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Patent number: 10704209Abstract: A slipform paver comprises a machine frame carried by rolling assemblies, at least two of which being drivable and at least one being steerable, as well as comprising a support arranged on the machine frame for a slipform mould and a controller for controlling the rolling assemblies to adjust the velocities of the drivable rolling assemblies and the steering angles of the one or more steerable rolling assemblies. The controller is configured such that, when the steering angles of the one or more steerable rolling assemblies change, the velocities of the drivable rolling assemblies are adjusted so as to reduce the change in the velocity at which a reference point referring to the support for the slipform mould will move along a predefined trajectory, said change in velocity being caused by changing the steering angle. The quality of the concrete profile produced by the slipform paver is thereby improved.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Martin Dahm, Matthias Fritz, Cyrus Barimani
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Patent number: 10662592Abstract: A screed assembly for use with a paving machine. The screed assembly can comprise: a screed plate; a holder configured to be removably connected to the screed plate and configured to be positioned thereon, wherein when connected thereto the screed plate and the holder form a channel having an opening at one end thereof; and a heater assembly having a heating element configured to be received in the channel and to be aligned by the holder when so received relative to an axis of symmetry of the screed plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Reece A. Berns
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Patent number: 10482330Abstract: A system comprising a temperature measurement device for continuously detecting temperature values of a pavement laid by means of a paver. The system further comprises an image recording unit and an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to determine an area of the laid pavement as a deviation area, if, based on temperature values detected for the area, one or more deviation criteria are fulfilled, wherein the determination is carried out during laying and in temporal proximity to the detection of the temperature values for the area. The system is additionally configured to generate, making use of the image recording unit, an image assigned to the deviation area.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AGInventors: Martin Buschmann, Henning Delius, Arnold Rutz
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Patent number: 9989954Abstract: A facility for automated modelling of the cutting process for a particular material to be cut by a beam cutting tool, such as a waterjet cutting system, from empirical data to predict aspects of the waterjet's effect on the workpiece across a range of material thicknesses, across a range of cutting geometries, and across a range of cutting quality levels, all of which may be broader than, and independent of the actual requirements for a target workpiece, is described.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: OMAX CorporationInventors: Axel H. Henning, James M. O'Connor
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Patent number: 9897123Abstract: Connector to slip-fit into a cross-shaped gap between barriers. The barriers are engaged by a lock extending in the gap into slots through sidewalls terminating the barriers. The connector includes a saddle and fork. The saddle includes a base plate and peripheral plates. The base plate is to extend over the gap and partially atop the barriers. The peripheral plates are to be disposed over front and back walls of the barriers. The base plate and peripheral plates define open ends. The fork extends below the base plate and includes a base, flanges, and legs. The base is to he disposed atop the lock between the sidewalls. The flanges are disposed transversely to the base forming a cross-shaped structure to be disposed atop the lock with the flanges extended toward the open ends into the slots. The legs extend separately from the base to straddle the lock between the sidewalls.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: JCNY Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Esposito, Carlos A. Casal
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Patent number: 9864347Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optimizing an operating function of a ground milling machine by way of the adaptation of operating parameters and to a ground milling machine which is implemented, in particular, for carrying out this method. In an essential aspect an operating parameter of a milling machine is provided starting from a starting value of the operating parameter to optimize an operating function of the ground milling machine in milling operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: BOMAG GmbHInventors: Robert Laux, Marco Reuter
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Patent number: 9637868Abstract: A bitumen containing composition, comprising bitumen and a phosphate compound, which is obtainable by the esterification of a polyhydric alcohol having at least three hydroxyl groups, with a carboxylic acid having 8-24 carbon atoms, preferably 12-22 carbon atoms, or a derivative thereof, wherein at least one but not all of the hydroxyl groups are esterified, provided that when the polyhydric alcohol has 5 or more hydroxyl groups then at least two but not all of the hydroxyl groups are esterified, followed by reacting the ester obtained with a phosphatising reagent; wherein the said composition is not a bitumen-in-water emulsion.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: AKZO NOBEL CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL B.V.Inventors: Johan Nordberg, Daniel Hagberg, Natalija Gorochovceva
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Patent number: 9574311Abstract: A vibratory pod system for a vibratory compactor includes a central bulkhead defining a first mounting orifice and a plurality of second mounting orifices. The first mounting orifice is defined at a center of the central bulkhead and the second mounting orifices are defined at a location radially outward from the first mounting orifice. The vibratory pod system includes a transfer bearing hub supporting a transfer shaft for transferring rotary motion, and the transfer bearing hub is mounted within the first mounting orifice. The vibratory pod system includes a plurality of vibratory pods, each of the vibratory pods having a pod shell for rotatably supporting an eccentric mass. Each of the vibratory pods is partially inserted through one of the plurality of second mounting orifices and mounted to the central bulkhead.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: John Marsolek
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Patent number: 9534348Abstract: A paving machine for reducing transition marks in a mat. The paving machine may comprise a frame, a tow arm, a screed assembly, a sensor and a controller. The screed assembly includes a main screed plate and an extension plate. The main screed plate is configured to pave a first surface section of the mat. The extension plate includes an extension trailing edge having an inner end. The extension plate is configured to pave a second surface section of the mat. The sensor is configured to sense transition marks in the mat proximal to an intersection between the first and second surface sections and to transmit data indicative of such to the controller. The controller may be configured to determine from the data received from the sensor when the inner end is disposed above or below the first plane, and move the inner end to the first plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Federico Rio, Ricky Leon Mings
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Patent number: 9447549Abstract: A road finishing machine, comprising a screed for laying a paving layer on a subsoil and at least one temperature sensor. According to the disclosure, the temperature sensor is fixed to the road finishing machine and directed to the subsoil such that it may detect a temperature at least of a region of the subsoil which is located in front of the screed, seen in the direction of travel. In accordance with the disclosure, the temperature data of the subsoil region may be georeferenced and sent to a following compacting vehicle for determining a rolling pattern, said vehicle determining or adapting its rolling pattern based on said data.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AGInventors: Martin Buschmann, Tobias Gotterbarm, Arnold Rutz
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Patent number: 9441332Abstract: This invention is in the field of road construction as it relates to improving the quality and lifetime of asphalt roads and pavement surfaces. The invention relates to methods and compositions utilizing co-polymers in combination with soil to form improved subgrade soil binder compositions for supporting asphalt roads and pavement surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM 3369 TAMUInventors: Howard J. M. Hanley, Eyad A. Masad, Srinath R. Iyengar, Ana K. Rodriguez, Hassan S. Bazzi
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Patent number: 9394653Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a road finishing machine with a thermographic device releasably fixed to a portion of the machine for recording a georeferenced thermographic data record of at least one region of a pavement layer. The thermographic device includes a housing in which a detection unit for detecting a thermographic data record and a further detection unit for detecting a space-related data record for the thermographic data record are disposed.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AGInventors: Arnold Rutz, Henning Delius, Martin Buschmann, Tobias Gotterbarm, Christian Pawlik
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Patent number: 9359727Abstract: A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: GUNTERT & ZIMMERMAN CONST. DIV., INC.Inventors: Ronald M. Guntert, Jr., Gerald L. Dahlinger, Richard Wood Francis
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Patent number: 9341327Abstract: A concrete paver comprising a workbridge, which moves along a path to be paved. A carriage mounted on and reciprocating along a longitudinal axis of the workbridge, which is orthogonal to the path to be paved. A plurality of electrical lights disposed on and illuminating a surface which is fixed relative to the carriage, but variable or moving with respect to the workbridge. The electrical lights providing a substantially constant illumination to workers who work with the concrete surface as the carriage moves along the workbridge.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Terex USA, LLCInventor: John C Sweeney
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Patent number: 9309632Abstract: An automotive construction machine, in particular a slipform paver or a road milling machine, has at least one front running gear and one rear running gear in the working direction. As the construction machine advances, the lifting systems of the front running gear are extended or retracted such that the machine frame remains in a predetermined orientation to the surface of the ground in the longitudinal direction. Irregularities in the ground surface are detected as the construction machine advances, and the position of the front lifting systems, predetermined by the control or regulating unit, is monitored to keep the machine frame in a predetermined orientation to the ground surface. As the construction machine advances, the control of the rear lifting systems is engaged with a time delay subject to the control of the front lifting systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Matthias Fritz, Achim Busenbender, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
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Patent number: 9298991Abstract: An apparatus for locating, inspecting, or placing marks on a roadway. The apparatus includes a GPS-based machine vision locator for sampling discrete geographical location data of a pre-existing roadway mark evident on the roadway. A computer may determine a continuous smooth geographical location function fitted to the sampled geographical location data. And a marker is responsive to the GPS-based locator and geographical location function for replicating automatically the pre-existing roadway mark onto the roadway. The apparatus is typically part of a moving vehicle. A related method is disclosed for locating, inspecting, and placing marks on a resurfaced roadway. A similar apparatus can be used to guide a vehicle having a snow plow along a snow-covered roadway, or a paving machine along an unpaved roadway surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: LimnTech LLCInventors: Douglas D. Dolinar, William R. Haller
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Patent number: 9230177Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the geographical location of a roadway mark or portion thereof not meeting roadway mark standards data. The system includes a GPS antenna; a GPS receiver responsive to the GPS antenna for determining the geographical location of the GPS antenna; and a system responsive to the GPS receiver. The system (a) determines the GPS geographical location of the roadway mark or portion thereof, (b) determines characteristic data of the roadway mark or portion thereof, (c) inputs roadway mark standards data, (d) compares the roadway characteristic data with the roadway mark standards data, and (e) determines the geographical location of the roadway mark or portion thereof based upon the comparison of the roadway characteristic and standards data.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: LimnTech LLCInventors: Douglas D. Dolinar, William R. Haller
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Patent number: 9200415Abstract: A method for preparing a screed assembly for starting a new paving operation is provided. The screed assembly is reset to a pre-stored screed position in response to a user command. A user defined paving depth associated with the new paving operation is received. The screed assembly is positioned to rest on a paving surface and to a float mode in response to a user command. An angle of attack of the screed assembly associated with the new paving operation is set in response to a user command. Further, a height of the screed assembly is adjusted based on the user defined paving depth. A confirmation message indicative of the screed assembly prepared for the new paving operation is provided to a user.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Luke E. Graham, Toby A. Frelich, Jameson M. Smieja, Ricky L. Mings
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Patent number: 9181662Abstract: A screed assembly includes a screed assembly frame and a screed plate removably connected to the screed assembly frame to define a space between the screed assembly frame and the screed plate. A heating element and a hold down device for securing the heating element can be provided in the space between the screed assembly frame and the screed plate. The heating element is configured to be removed from the space by sliding the heating element out of the space and disengaging the heating element from the hold down device without removing the screed plate from the screed assembly frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Jason Kopacz, Timothy Wehrenberg, Joseph P. Spee, Tobin D. Rasmusson, Igor Ramos, LaTanya Turner, John Jorgensen
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Patent number: 9127414Abstract: A paving machine includes a screed. The screed further includes an endgate, a mount, a platform, and a pavement edge forming member. The pavement edge forming member has a longitudinal member and a shaping plate coupled to the longitudinal member and is inclined at an angle to a non-paved surface. The shaping plate is configured to form a ramped surface between a mat and the non-paved surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Anthony P. Steinhagen
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Patent number: 9057162Abstract: A portion of a street surface to be removed for access to a manhole cover is defined by placing a design mask on the street with a cutout overlying an electronic marker embedded in the street proximate the manhole. The design mask is oriented such that a larger cutout overlies the manhole cover, by aligning the design mask along an established direction. The design mask can be a template with a circular cutout, or a stencil with a ring cutout. When the marker is located proximate a curb line, the established direction may correspond to a normal from the curb line. A rectangular design mask can be oriented by keeping an edge of the design mask which is closest to a curb line parallel with the curb line. Alternatively, a compass heading may be used, and a pointer feature of the design mask can be aligned with the compass heading.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Inventor: Joe T. Minarovic
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Patent number: 9011038Abstract: A method and a system for applying a road surface using a mixing plant for producing laying material, a road finishing machine processing the laying material to a road surface, and a supply chain transporting the laying material from the mixing plant to the road finishing machine. Request commands are transmitted from the road finishing machine to the mixing plant and/or to the supply chain, and, depending on these request commands, the production rate of the laying material in the mixing plant, the temperature of the laying material produced in the mixing plant, and/or the mass flow of laying material supplied to the road finishing machine per time unit by means of the supply chain are adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Joseph Vogele AGInventors: Martin Buschmann, Ralf Weiser, Arnold Rutz, Achim Eul
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Publication number: 20150093193Abstract: A slipform paver includes a chassis 2 able to be adjusted in the heightwise direction and having a mounting unit 10 arranged on the chassis for fastening on an arrangement 8 for molding flowable material. The slipform paver is characterised in that the mounting unit 10 for fastening on the concrete mold 8 is mounted on the chassis 2 of the paver to be pivotable on an axis 14 extending in the direction of operation of the slipform paver. To produce parts of a structure whose orientation varies along their length, the concrete mold fastened 8 to the mounting unit is pivoted on the axis of pivot 14 by means of a pivoter unit 15 whereas the chassis of the paver maintains its orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Markus Zimmermann, Ralf Schug, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
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Publication number: 20150086268Abstract: A system for controlling a cutting machine for cutting continuous sinusoidal strips in a road surface includes a rotatable cutting head, a cylinder for driving the cutting head out of and into contact with the road surface, and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute an input/output function to control the cylinder to cut a subsurface sinusoidal strip wherein the cutting drum remains in the road surface once the cutting operation begins.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: H. Matthew JOHNSON, Jeffrey M. DOWS
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Patent number: 8985892Abstract: A method of constructing a pump island protector to alleviate continuous maintenance required for a deteriorating existing steel pump island base, and a pump island protector constructed by the method. Using an adjustable form system and the combination of stainless steel members and new concrete, the existing pump island is re-wrapped with the stainless steel member and the new concrete.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventor: Peter R Hunter
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Patent number: 8985894Abstract: A method of constructing a pump island protector to alleviate continuous maintenance required for a deteriorating existing steel pump island base, and a pump island protector constructed by the method. Using an adjustable form system and the combination of stainless steel members and new concrete, the existing pump island is re-wrapped with the stainless steel member and the new concrete.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventor: Peter R. Hunter
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Patent number: 8979422Abstract: The invention relates to a cast-iron cover fitted with at least one traffic-bearing surface which in turn comprises at least segment-wise a wear-resistant layer constituted by chilling the cast iron. Preferably the wear-resistant layer exhibits a Brinell hardness larger than 275 HBW but less than 350 HBW. A method of the invention furthermore relates to manufacturing a cast-iron cover, first manufacturing a shaped body. Then an activation layer is made within the shaped body. Cast iron is poured-in in a way to be at least partly chilled at a contact surface with the activation layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: MeierGuss Limburg GmbHInventors: Manfred Künze, Stefan Weis, Peter Merkl
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Patent number: 8979423Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling material feed for asphalt pavers. The material feed system includes a screed, feeder conveyor and a spreader auger. A sensor measures a material volume and transmits this information to an electronic control module (ECM). This information may be used as the target material volume, which the ECM may use to calculate a corresponding conveyor speed and auger speed. The sensor monitors the material volume as paving commences, and the ECM maintains the initial calibrated target size by adjusting the auger and conveyor rotational speeds.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Jameson Michael Smieja
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Patent number: 8967908Abstract: In a slipform paver with a tractor including a machine frame with longitudinal members and telescopable cross members, the machine frame comprises a central frame module in which the cross members are supported in a telescopable fashion. A mold adjustable to the working width comprises at least one permanent central mold element fixed relative to the central frame module and at least one permanent outer mold element movable relative to the central frame module. The permanent outer mold element is permanently attached to one of the cross members and/or one of the longitudinal members and the outer mold element is movable together with the cross member and/or the longitudinal member during the adjustment of the working width of the machine frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Holger Thieme, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn