Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recycling concrete pavement in a coordinated procession include a breaker which turns the concrete into rubble first backhoe which rips up and cuts the concrete to rubble chunks, then another backhoe loads the chunks into a self-propelled crusher. If the concrete is reinforced with metallic structures, the first backhoe cuts those along with the concrete. The crusher separates the concrete from any steel and fines in the rubble. The crusher discharges the steels in collection bins mounted thereon. Various bins and ways of dumping them are disclosed. The crushed concrete is discharged to the roadway as multi-gradated aggregate. The crusher can also be made self-leveling by a slope control, slope sensors, and hydraulic cylinders arranged thereon in a closed loop feedback circuit.

Abstract: Mineral lubricant base oils (e.g., neutral oils) can be added to asphalt composition to improve low temperature properties at low addition rates (e.g., oil 1-5%). Rerefined oils (boiling above about 177.degree. C. (350.degree. F.)) have the same properties as virgin mineral lubricant base oils, but most rerefmed oils are too dark in color to be used as lube oil base stocks. Their use in asphalt would be ideal as color is not a problem and they are much cheaper in cost than virgin base oils. This can permit disposing of rerefined motor oil. The resulting asphalt compositions exhibit important improvements in low temperature properties, resistance to thermal cracking and expanded useful temperature range.

Abstract: A method for blending and windrowing hot plant mix asphalt which has been deposited onto a roadway in preparation for paving the roadway utilizes a V-shaped plow formed by a first plowing member extending in a first direction, and a second plowing member extending in a second direction, with rearward ends of each of the first and second plowing member being connected at a vertex and the opposite forward ends being spaced apart to form the open side of the V-shaped plow. The V-shaped plow further comprises an opening in the vertex and a movable gate for adjusting the size of the opening in the vertex. The V-shaped plow is further provided with an attachment device for attaching the V-shaped plow to an earth moving implement, such as a front end loader. Movement of the V-shaped plow along the roadway causes the hot asphalt to be thoroughly blended and deposited from the opening into a perfect windrow having the desired amount of asphalt for paving the roadway at issue.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus installation for de-icing roadways (1) automatically, to which is applied a melting-agent solution in water to lower the freezing point. The run-off from the roadways may be mixed with precipitation water and melted snow and ice as melt water.

Abstract: A method and article for sealing a manhole riser, a catch basin, and a pipe juncture. The method is an economical process whereby elastomeric bands are placed around and inside a manhole riser, a catch basin, or a pipe juncture and effectively seals the manhole riser, catch basin, or pipe juncture from loss of water or infiltration of water and other contaminants such as gases and salt.

Abstract: An airport inset light adjustable alignment container set provides a light fixture and support having a non-threaded vertical wall container base for airport runway, taxiway, or other aircraft ground traffic areas and means for providing variable length extension for rotatably adjusting height by plus or minus 1/64 of an inch or more and azimuth alignment by about plus or minus one degree or more. For previously installed, old airport inset lights, a variable length extension assembly of the present invention can be connected to a fixed connecting flange for rotatably adjusting the height and azimuth alignment of a conventional prior art airport inset light, e.g., one which has been previously installed without the benefit of the present invention. In one aspect, an overlay protection plate protects against paving material entering the light fixture support during airport paving operations and locates the light fixture support after the airport paving operations have covered it.

Abstract: A method for rejuvenating asphalt pavement includes milling and collecting a select thickness of asphalt pavement of a portion of an existing roadbed. A shale oil modified asphalt comprising between 5-25% shale oil modifier and 75-95% asphalt cement is provided. An aggregate comprising about 60-70% virgin aggregate and about 30-40% of the milled and collected asphalt is combined with the shale oil modified asphalt and then applied to a roadbed.

Abstract: A roller machine for compacting is provided with control devices for varying the oscillation movement of the body. The movement of the body may be affected by a weight attached thereto. The oscillation of the vibration body is measured. From this measurement, the portion of the oscillation is determined having a frequency corresponding to half the excitation frequency and the portion for other oscillation, in particular the excitation frequency, are also determined. The excitation of the vibrating body is controlled so that the harmonic component having half the excitation frequency will be in a predetermined proportion of the component of the oscillation component. Such control avoids undesired oscillation movement.

Abstract: An advertising display method involves marking grass sports fields by bending the grass blades in definite zones and bending or leaving them straight in other zones in order to form an image or a word. The difference in the direction given to the grass blades is quite visible to the spectator. The grass blades are directed by means of an apparatus mounted on rollers which runs on the grass surface. The apparatus also has brushes and/or additional rollers which rotate to straighten the grass blades on definite sectors. The sectors form an image or the letters of a words. The engines which drive the apparatus and the brushes and/or rollers are electrical and are controlled by a computer. The image or word to represent on the grass, as well as the position of the apparatus on the surface to work, are entered in the memory of a computer.

Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulically driven road roller, primarily for compacting bitumen, with which repeated passes are made over a bitumen coating and in which the roller's speed, acceleration, deceleration and direction of travel (forward or reverse) are selected with an operating lever 1 which, via a control panel 8, electrically acts on hydraulic valves (10, 11, 13) controlling a servo 14 which acts on a hydraulic pump 15 driving the propulsion motors of the road roller. The operating lever is moveable from a neutral position to full lever deflection and equipped with a forward/reverse switch 2 for selecting the roller driving direction. The speed of the road roller decreases at a programmed deceleration, when this switch is actuated, until the roller stops, followed by acceleration at a programmed rate to a programmed driving speed in the opposite direction. The roller is brought to standstill at the maximum permissible deceleration when the lever is pulled back.

Abstract: A method for repairing cracks in an asphalt or concrete parking lot includes brushing out the cracks to remove loose soil, filling the crack with an adhesive mixture formed of roofing materials, and placing a relatively flat molded cap of a mat saturated with a rubber and a high quality asphalt after the adhesive mixture has cured for a few minutes.

Abstract: A conventional telescoping frame on a paving tractor is provided with fixed male extension members for insertion to and attachment with a telescoping frame member. The conventional telescoping frame includes paired forward and paired rear side-by-side female tube members. Each forward and rear tube member conventionally acts for the telescoping support of male extension members which attach directly to the cylinder and crawler via a side bolster. Within the limits of expansion, the male extension members co-acting with clamps acting through the female tube members provide for both movement of the point of crawler support and expansion of the paving width of the tractor frame. Into this combination, extenders are added for attachment to the supported end of the male extension members interior of the female telescoping members.

Abstract: The forming of sonic noise alert pattern, (SNAP), type depressions using a milling through procedure. A cutting head, having a smaller diameter than would fit the resultant depression, is used. Elevational control of the cutting head is regulated by passage across the surface under treatment. Repetitive cycling of this elevational control is used to install a series of depressions. The elevational control results in a gradual lowering and gradual raising of the cutting head. During cutting a significant longitudinal distance is traveled by the cutting head. Cam wheels are disclosed for providing the elevational control. Various transfer means are discussed to transfer the elevational control to the cutting head. These include direct transfer and reverse transfer. Proportional transfer is explained with examples given. Example machines are detailed capable of practicing the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for painting highway stripes and other patterns on a road surface includes the steps of heating the road surface to be painted or treated with a protective coating to a temperature typically in the range of 150.degree. F. to 165.degree. F. Paint is applied in spray form, the resin and hardener ingredients being mixed preparatory to spraying by a spray head. The paint mixture is sprayed onto the heated road surface as soon after the heat treatment as is practical. The paint spray may be heated as it passes through the nozzle. Granulated glass beads may be dropped onto the paint coating to enhance absorption of heat energy by the paint.

Abstract: A mobile paving system (10) is provided that produces paving material while the mobile system (10) proceeds over a surface. The mobile paving system (10) includes an aggregate hopper (12) operable to hold aggregate for use in producing paving material and a mixer (24) operable to mix aggregate with remaining ingredients to produce paving material. A moisture sensor (47) is associated with the aggregate. The moisture sensor (47) is operable to measure moisture in the aggregate and to provide an output representing an amount of moisture measured. A processor (34) is operable to receive an input representing the amount of moisture measured. The processor (34) is further operable to determine a dry weight of aggregate by converting from to dry weight volume used to produce paving material using bulking effect data for the aggregate corresponding to the amount of moisture measured.

Abstract: A paving machine having a sensor-controlled concrete metering screed. The machine includes hydraulic cylinders which move the metering screed to various elevations to control the depth of concrete being metered out by the screed. At least one ultrasonic sensor is slide-mounted to the machine above and behind the metering screed to provide measurements of the distance between the sensor and the surface of the concrete just behind the screed. A control system compares the sensor measurements with a tolerance range of distances corresponding to the desired depth of concrete. When the sensor measurements are out of tolerance, the control system moves the metering screed up or down to bring the distance, and the metered depth of concrete, back within tolerance.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising asphalt, having improved durability, are disclosed, the compositions comprising or containing (a) from about 0.1 percent to about 5.0 percent of a metal hydrocarbyldithiophosphate, or mixture thereof, and (b) from about 0.1 percent to about 5.0 percent of an antioxidant butylated phenol, or mixture thereof, the ratio of (a) to (b) being from about 0.75:1 to about 4.0:1. A process of making such improved compositions is also described, as well as methods of utilizing such compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a material feed system of a paver is disclosed. The material feed system includes a feeder conveyor and a spreader auger. The apparatus includes a sensor that monitors the amount of material at the edge of the screed and responsively produces an actual material height signal. A rotary switch produces a desired material height signal indicative of a desired amount of material at the edge of the screed. A controller receives the actual and desired material height signals, determines a desired rotational speed of the auger in response to the difference between the signal magnitudes, and produces a command signal to rotate the auger at the desired speed. An electrohydraulic system receives the command signal and rotates the auger at the desired rotational speed.

Abstract: A method is shown for recycling asphalt pavement. A high solids lime slurry is prepared by either slaking quicklime or by slurrying dry, hydrated lime. The high solids lime slurry is mixed with crushed aggregate which has been collected by scraping the top surface of an old roadway. The treated aggregate is deposited onto the old roadway and compacted to form a new roadway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stress absorbing composite for road repair that comprises a low stiffness geotextile, a viscoelastic material disposed over the low stiffness geotextile, and a high stiffness geotextile disposed over the viscoelastic material. Also provided is a method for retarding reflective cracking in an overlay using a stress absorbing composite and a repaired road containing a stress absorbing composite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a traffic stripe having improved reflectivity includes a vehicle having an apparatus for applying the traffic stripe, an applying assembly for dispersing a reflective material over the traffic stripe, another applying apparatus for applying an anti-adhesion agent, and a deformation apparatus disposed rearward thereof for forming interval grooves in the traffic stripe. The application of the anti-adhesion agent directly onto the traffic stripe or onto the deformation apparatus prevents the freshly applied traffic stripe from lifting off the road surface and adhering to the deformation apparatus.

Abstract: In order to provide a good traction surface for vehicles and a good non-slip surface for pedestrians, a temporary vehicle-bearing surface is formed by laying directly on a grassed soil surface a heavy duty plastics geonet with a gritted upper face, and securing the geonet to the soil beneath with hooked pegs. Grass can than grow through meshes in the geonet and can be mown and fertilised.

Abstract: The use of impact force to cause an impression to be transferred to an asphalt road surface in a repetitive manner to form a series of depressions. The use of hydraulic, pneumatic and gravity drop as power sources are discussed. Imprint plates having single impression or a plurality of impressions are disclosed. Various shapes for the resulting depressions are explained including a shape that matches current milled depressions. Several methods of installing the series are discussed including stationary stamping, where the machine is paused during stamping, continuous stamping and continuous machine movement with imprint plate pause relative to the surface under treatment. The latter discloses a methodology wherein the imprint plate is transferred rearward on the transport vehicle at a pace equal to the advance of the transport vehicle. Various gauging means are explained to ensure that the resulting depressions are within predetermined parameters which prevent overstamping and understamping.

Abstract: A grid for producing a pattern on a surface. The grid includes elongated members connected together at intersections and extending about a plurality of open areas to form a mesh-like structure. Connecting members are connected to the elongated members at the intersections. The connecting members extend outwardly from at least one said elongated member. The connecting members have a thickness less than the thickness of the elongated members. The bottoms of the connecting members and bottoms of the elongated members are flush. The grid is placed on a surface and a liquid coating is spread over the surface in the open areas between the elongated members. The liquid coating is allowed to set. Preferably there is a removable coating on the grid which is removed after the liquid coating is set.

Abstract: The use of a cam member having a plurality of camming groups to cause a raising and lowering motion to be transferred to a cutting head to install a series of SNAP depressions in the surface of an asphalt road. Two cutting methods are disclosed, the first allowing cutting through the cut, the second allowing a near plunge cut to be made. Cutting through the cut permits a smaller diameter cutting drum than would fit the resulting cut while providing for a smooth action to the cutting procedure. A near plunge cut permits adaptation of existing equipment utilizing current use cutting drum which diameter approximate the shape of the resulting cut. Proper spacing is ensured by having the cam member in direct communication with the surface under treatment with movement provided by the installing machine. The optional adaptation of a skip pattern within the series is taught.

Abstract: A method for the preparation, placement, and compacting of fibrous concrete material components laid onto an object which consists of forming on a conveyor a sandwich consisting of sequential layers of a mortar component, long fibers, coarse aggregate, directing the sandwich onto the surface of large-diameter rotor (113), converting the components of the sandwich into a controllable flow (F), directing a part of the components onto the object (O) and a part onto a second small-diameter rotor (115) having blades (115a) longer in the radial direction than blades (113a) of the rotor (113), and controlling the direction, speed, density distributions, and distribution of the flow components by adjusting the amount of short fibers added to the flow and by introducing into the flow a third rotor (116). The apparatus for the realization of the method contains a three-rotor-type dispenser with the third rotor (116) pivotal with around the center of rotation of the second rotor (115).

Abstract: A process for de-icing roadways to which is applied a melting agent to lower the freezing point. In order to save melting agent (salt), the melt water running off the roadway is collected and re-used for de-icing purposes provided that its melting agent content is adequate. To implement the process, use is made of a device for de-icing roadways including, along the length of the roadway, components such as spray nozzles (34) to apply the melting agent and run-off channels (16) to divert the water into a drainage channel (18) connected to a collector channel in its cycle. According to the invention, the run-off channels (16) lead into at least one collector tank (20) which returns the adequately concentrated melt water to the spray nozzles (34) via a supply line (26).

Abstract: The invention relates to extended, organic pigments, their method of manufacture and their use in paint formulations, particularly those suitable for road or traffic markings. The subject pigments typically comprise a particulate lithopone core coated with a layer of an organic pigment. According to preferred embodiments, the pigment comprises an azo compound, the pigments are rosinated, and/or the core also contains a colorant or doping material, typically a metal oxide or metal salt. An exemplary method involves mixing particulate lithopone with a coupler such as acetoacet-o-anisidide. A coupler precipitator, typically an acidifier, is then added in an amount sufficient to precipitate the coupler onto the lithopone. The lithopone-bound coupler is then reacted with a diazonium ion in an azo-coupling reaction to form a pigment. The pigment-coated lithopone particles may then be heated and coated with a rosin or modified rosin soap.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling emissions caused by spraying a heated liquid paving composition from a moving vehicle make use of a vacuum hood mountable to the vehicle and a fan for creating a partial vacuum within the hood to draw air containing emissions into the hood for collection. A filter or other suitable apparatus is used to extract emissions before the air is discharged to the atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment, a subsystem directs air toward a region containing emissions to cool the pavement surface or control dispersion. A shroud structure may also be provided to confine the emissions during collection. In another embodiment, a fine spray of water or moist air is directed toward the emissions area.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for efficient and precise placement of discrete quantities of materials adjacent to the apparatus. The apparatus and methods are particularly adapted for being coupled to a dump truck, receiving material contained in the bed of the dump truck into a hopper, metering the material in the hopper by a receiving conveyor and transferring the metered material from the receiving conveyor to the side of the apparatus by a cross conveyor positioned perpendicularly to the receiving conveyor. A telescoping boom conveyor having a material director transfers the metered material from an end of the cross conveyor and places the metered material adjacent to the apparatus. Attached at the other end of the cross conveyor is a material positioning attachment for positioning the precisely placed material into a level grade or a road curb.

Abstract: A self-propelled core-cutting apparatus is used to cut circular slots in pavement extending about manhole castings and the like to permit castings and surrounding cores of pavement to be removed quickly and easily for such purposes as elevating the level of manhole castings to align with new pavement. The apparatus has a transport carriage to which are connected 1) a large diameter, generally cylindrical core-cutting bit, 2) power-operated support and drive systems mounting the bit for vertical and rotary movement relative to the carriage along and about a vertically extending center axis, and 3) a power-operated stabilization system that makes use of the weight of the apparatus in maintaining desired positioning of the apparatus during cutting operations.

Abstract: A machine and method of use to form Sonic Noise Alert Pattern (SNAP) type depressions in the surface of an asphalt road in a series to line the edge or center of a road. The machine installs a plurality of depressions in a group during a single cutting procedure. A repetition of these cutting procedures results in the desired series being formed. The machine has a single rotary type milling head with spaced sets of bits which will engage the surface of the road. Only where the spaced sets contact the surface will the cutting action be performed. From a stationary position an initial plunge cut brings the rotary cutting head in contact with the surface. Then a lateral movement of the rotary cutting head results in elongating and forming the desired sized depressions. Then the rotary cutting head is raised, the machine is advanced and the prior steps are repeated in repetition until the desired number of depressions have been formed.

Abstract: A paving machine having a gate control system for maintaining a target depth of paving material on the surface to be paved. The paving machine includes a wheeled frame having a lengthwise tunnel and a conveyor for moving paving material through the tunnel. A pair of gates are provided to control the volume of paving material being conveyed from the rear of the tunnel. The position of each gate is automatically adjusted by a hydraulic cylinder, a control valve, an electro-hydraulic control system, an ultrasonic sensor assembly and a cable assembly. Each sensor assembly includes a sensor which is positioned to define a target distance between the sensor and the paving material. The target distance corresponds to the target depth for the paving material. The sensor detects the actual distance between the sensor and the paving material and produces an electrical output proportional to this actual distance.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuous batch operation for producing an elastomeric asphaltic compound of rubber and asphalt for paving purposes comprising an essentially cylindrical mixing tank containing rotary internal agitators, preferably at three levels within the tank. The apparatus is equipped with a asphalt oil pump, which flows asphalt oil through a pre-heater into the mixing tanks, and with a separate spiral or screw conveyor for loading through the top of the tank a continuous supply of fine rubber at a controllable feed rate. The entire tank is suspended upon a frame supported by load cells so as to provide a continuing measurement of the total weight of the asphalt load and of the added rubber. The temperature of the asphalt oil raised by the pre-heater until substantially all the asphalt oil reacts with the rubber in the time required to flow the mixture through the stirring tanks, providing a continuous flow process for providing paving grade asphalt rubber mixtures.

Abstract: Marker devices, each comprising a base with an upright post thereon, are molded from an elastomeric material. A marker device is attached by adhesive on the base thereof to each paint striping on a worn down street and each maintenance cover mounted on the worn down street. Once the marker devices are in place on the worn down street, the posts thereof must withstand the punishment of not only being flattened by truck tires, and the tracts of a paving machine that is being used to lay down the new coating of hot asphalt on the worn down street, but also the hot asphalt, and still spring back to their upright position. Thus, when the stripings are to be repainted on the resurfaced street and when the maintenance covers are to be adjusted upwardly to the level of the new coating of asphalt on the resurfaced street their exact locations on the street are immediately indicated by the posts of the marker devices without having to make any measurements.

Abstract: Overlay protection plate apparatus and method are provided to protect partially embedded light fixture supports for airport inset lights for runways, taxiways, or other aircraft ground traffic areas. The overlay protection plate apparatus and method provide protection against paving material entering the light fixture support during airport paving operations. Novel plate locating means and method locate the position of the overlay protection plate after the airport paving operations have covered over the overlay protection plate. Novel plate withdrawal means remove the covered overlay protection plate together with the pavement cover in substantially one piece over the overlay protection plate.

Abstract: A method of determining and displaying during operation an actual degree of soil compaction achieved with a soil compacting device includes the steps of driving the soil compaction device with a motor and compacting the soil with the soil compacting device. The motor is secured against surpassing a predetermined maximum rpm limit by providing a protective rpm limiting circuit. The ignition impulse is delayed with the protective rpm limiting circuit, when the predetermined maximum rpm limit is surpassed. Within a time interval the average of the delay of the ignition impulse is determined as a base value for a display value of the actual degree of compaction. For a large surface area to be compacted it is possible to compact the soil within a test portion to the desired degree of compaction and save the corresponding display value as a reference value to be used during compaction of the remaining portions.

Abstract: A method of producing a cold mix asphalt paving composition by:(a) separating non-asphalt impurities from an asphalt rubble obtained from a reclaimed asphalt pavement to produce a purified asphalt rubble;(b) comminuting said purified asphalt rubble to obtain sized asphalt-aggregate mixture;(c) testing said sized asphalt-aggregate mixture to determine the percent of asphalt present in said asphalt-aggregate mixture; and(d) blending an asphalt emulsion with said asphalt-aggregate mixture in an amount so as to yield a cold mix asphalt pavement composition comprising from about 4.0% to about 6.5% by weight of asphalt.The cold mix asphalt paving composition is used to coat roadway surfaces, parking lots, driveways, and the like. Once the cold mix asphalt paving composition has been applied to a surface, a top coat may be overcoated onto the cold mix asphalt pavement.

Abstract: An asphalt paver includes a microprocessor controlled integrated control system to control both the operation of a tractor unit of the paver and the positioning of the screed during a paving operation. A paver operator may operate the paver and monitor the screed position with respect to a grade reference. The correction of grade or transverse slope errors is accomplished by monitoring the linear advance of the paver and then measuring a any deviation of the screed with respect to a grade reference. The amount of vertical deviation and the linear advance since a most recent correct reading allows a rate of deviation per unit advance of the paver to be determined. A correction is applied as a change in the angle of attack of the screed, the change being equal and opposite to the determined rate of deviation. A transverse slope change is also measured directly at the screed.

Abstract: A machine that cuts sonic noise alert pattern (SNAP) depressions into the upper surface of asphalt highways. This machine is designed to cut depressions having a rectangular shape, with opposing transitional edges, which are relatively perpendicular to the edge of the road surface, and each have a smooth, even transition from the road surface to the cut depression. Further having a predetermined, but variable, depth along the center of the depression cut, with this center of the cut located at a relatively midpoint between the transitional edges. Additionally having an uniform section of virgin, uncut, asphalt located between each set of adjacent depression cuts. The machine, which has at least one rotating cutting head, moves longitudinally, relative to the desired placement of the individual cuts, in a non-stop, uninterrupted manner.

Abstract: A device for repair of a roadway embankment includes a movable base which is capable of being driven on a two-lane roadway. A platform is mounted on the base and is rotatable with respect to the base about a generally vertical axis. A drilling rig is mounted on one end of the platform for drilling a hole for receiving an elongate reinforcing rail, and a power unit is mounted at an opposite end of the platform for generating power for the drilling rig and for counterbalancing the weight of the drilling rig. The drilling rig includes a drilling bit and a compressor for generating a flow of air to remove the drilling cuttings. The length of the platform is such that the distance between the centerline of the drilling bit and the outer side of the closest supporting wheel allows the base to be located on a undamaged roadway and the drilling bit operated to drill a hole for receiving the reinforcing rail in the damaged portion.

Abstract: Automated system for pothole repair including apparatus mounted upon a vehicle for detecting the presence of a pothole and alerting and/or slowing and/or halting the vehicle responsive to such detection. Sensors measure the size of the pothole and/or monitor the filling of the pothole to automatically terminate the filling operation when completed. The sensor outputs are used to determine either level of repair material or volume thereof. The sensors and dispenser (or dispensers) are automatically moved to the desired locations. The filled cavity may be compacted and/or cured. Filler material may be selectively delivered from one or more than one dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: Discloses methods and apparatus for use with road construction equipment and apparatus (such as, for example, pavers, road millers and cutters, graders, and the like) including sensing apparatus for sensing and determining a selected edge of an existing pavement structure and controlling the road construction equipment or apparatus (or an element of such equipment or apparatus) in a desired manner with respect to such selected edge.

Abstract: A road surface specially designed to enhance skidding includes an asphalt mixture containing a plurality of substantially spherical coarse aggregates, said aggregates having a randomly continuous shape on their upper surface. A method to provide this surface involves replacing a road having an asphalt coating with the road surface of the present invention.

Abstract: An asphalt finishing screed is disclosed which is adapted to achieve essentially complete compaction of the asphalt mix over a range of finished mat thicknesses. The screed comprises a vertically adjustable strike off bar, a rotary compactor positioned immediately behind the bar, and a screed plate positioned immediately behind the rotary compactor. In one preferred embodiment, the rotary compactor comprises a rotor which includes a plurality of freely rotating rollers about the peripheral surface thereof. In operation, the adjustable strike off bar is set at an elevation so as to meter the material to the rotary compactor and to achieve the desired compaction for the particular thickness of the finished mat being laid. The rotary compactor then impacts the mat in an essentially vertical direction and so as to achieve complete compaction of the mix.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling emissions caused by spraying liquids from a moving vehicle onto a pavement surface use a vacuum hood mountable to the vehicle and a fan for creating a partial vacuum within the hood to draw air containing emissions into the hood for collection. A filter or other suitable apparatus is used to extract the emissions before the air is discharged to the atmosphere. The vacuum hood is located above the sprayed surface and is preferably located behind the nozzle. It has a primary opening at its forward end for collection of air adjacent the nozzle and a smaller, auxiliary opening behind the primary opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying colored foam markers to road surfaces as a means of temporarily changing or outlining traffic patterns. In the preferred embodiment, dissoluble foam markers would be periodically deposited upon the road behind a work crew to alert motorists of a potential hazard ahead, in order to avoid any collisions between the motorist and the work crew. As the work crew would move up on the road, the foam markers would naturally dissipate and substantially disappear over a predetermined or a relatively short period of time so that the roadway automatically returned to its original traffic pattern when the work crew has left the area. Foam markers according to the present invention would enhance the safety of a work crew's operations and increase work output by freeing the work crew from the obligation of retrieving the markers after they are used.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for obtaining uniform compaction of asphalt concrete to reduce or prevent cracking of the asphalt concrete surface. A mobile confinement edge force is maintained in contact with the edge surface of an asphalt concrete mat while the mat is being compacted. This is performed in a manner such that the density of the mat across the full width of the mat becomes uniform. By obtaining uniform density of each lane of the mat as it is laid significantly reduces the incidence of joint cracking and deterioration of the asphalt concrete, in the longitudinal joint area, over time.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling emissions caused by spraying liquids from a moving vehicle onto a pavement surface use a vacuum hood mountable to the vehicle and a fan for creating a partial vacuum within the hood to draw air containing emissions into the hood for collection. A filter or other suitable apparatus is used to extract the emissions before the air is discharged to the atmosphere. The vacuum hood is located above the sprayed surface and is preferably located behind the nozzle. It has a primary opening at its forward end for collection of air adjacent the nozzle and a smaller, auxiliary opening behind the primary opening.

Abstract: A machine for repetitively cutting depressions of equal desired dimensions and at equal desired spacings between them in a highway surface includes a mobile chassis movable along the highway surface and having a support frame mounted for pivotal movement about a transverse axis, a cutting head mounted to the support frame for rotation about a transverse axis at a predetermined speed to cut a depression in the highway surface, an auxiliary frame pivotally connected about an axis to the support frame, gauge wheels rotatably mounted to the auxiliary frame and supporting the auxiliary frame and the support frame therewith above the highway surface, and a cam and control mechanism drivingly interconnected to the gauge wheels to repetitively pivotally move, in response to rotation of the gauge wheels, the auxiliary and support frames about the respective axes relative to one another and thereby repetitively vertically move in a preset sequence the cutting head between a lowered cutting position and raised non-cutti