Apparatus Patents (Class 404/83)
  • Patent number: 8025458
    Abstract: A multi-use asphalt paving tractor with frame raise capability and a blind-mateable connector to facilitate quick connection with interchangeable attachments for performing the functions of a paver, a mix transfer conveyor and road widener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Terex USA, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Musil, Vince Egan
  • Patent number: 8011851
    Abstract: A device to secure, cut and sequentially remove a manhole from a street environment. The manhole removing device is supported and rotatably driven hydraulically by a mobile operation equipment. A circular disk assembly has adjustable pavement cutters adjustably positioned from there within an inter-related manhole centering and a locking alignment and engagement plate assembly define a one-step cutting and removal of an existing manhole from the street for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Crites
  • Publication number: 20110182665
    Abstract: Conveyor assemblies for an asphalt paving machine and an asphalt paving machine. The conveyor assembly may include a first conveyor, a second conveyor generally parallel to the first conveyor, a central space being defined between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, and a cover assembly. The cover assembly may include a cover member positioned over the central space and covering the conveyor inner chains, the cover member having an upper surface substantially parallel to the conveyor surfaces, the cover member substantially preventing material from entering the central space between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, and a divider member connected to the cover member and extending generally perpendicular to the upper surface. The conveyor assembly may include scraper members operable to move material on the upper surface of the cover during movement of the conveyor chains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Stan Lamb
  • Patent number: 7976238
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a system for removing aggregate from a paved surface. The system includes a motorized vehicle with a degradation drum that is connected to the underside of the vehicle. The degradation drum is enclosed by a milling chamber. The milling chamber is defined by having a plurality of plates, including a moldboard positioned rearward of the milling drum. The moldboard comprises an end that is disposed opposite the underside. The end comprises a section that is proximate the milling drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jeff Jepson, Thomas Morris, Joseph Nielson, Ronald B. Crockett, Gary Peterson, David Wahlquist
  • Patent number: 7946788
    Abstract: In a road construction machine (1) for the treatment of road surfaces with a milling drum (3) height-adjustable with regard to the milling depth, with a leveling device (4) with at least one controller (6a, 6c) which receives set values for the milling depth and/or the slope of the milling drum (3), and with at least one exchangeable sensor (A, B, C) or with several switchable sensors for registering the current actual value of the milling depth and/or the slope of the milling drum (3) relative to a reference surface, where the controller (6a, 6c) effects a milling depth control and/or a slope control for the milling drum (3) conditional on pre-determined set values and the currently measured actual values of the at least one sensor (A, B, C) by returning an adjustment value for achieving or maintaining the set value during the milling operation, where the leveling device (4) is provided with an indication and setting device (2) for indicating and setting operating parameters for the at least one sensor (A, B
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Jaroslaw Jurasz, Günter Hähn, Günter Tewes
  • Patent number: 7942604
    Abstract: A propulsion system is for a road milling machine with a rotatable cutter drum (3). The system includes four crawler assemblies (12) movably coupled with the mainframe so as to define front and rear, and left and right, pairs of crawler assemblies. Four steering actuators (14) are each coupled with a separate crawler assembly and each angularly displaces the crawler about a vertical axis (12a). A first pump (16A) is fluidly coupled with the left pair of crawlers and a second pump (16B) is fluidly coupled with the right pair of crawlers. A control (20) is configured to selectively operate the four actuators in a plurality of different steering modes, one steering mode being a circle steer mode, and to operate the two pumps such that one of the left and right pairs of crawlers are drivable by the first pump in one direction while the other pair of crawlers are drivable in an opposing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Paul E. Willis, Justin Zupanc
  • Patent number: 7938596
    Abstract: A multi-use asphalt paving tractor with frame raise capability and a blind-mateable connector to facilitate quick connection with interchangeable attachments for performing the functions of a paver, a mix transfer conveyor and road widener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Terex USA, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Musil, Vince Egan
  • Patent number: 7909534
    Abstract: An endgate comprising a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a screed assembly, a pivoting plate adapted to be pivotally attached to the mounting bracket, a sliding plate, a pavement contacting surface and a support adapted to be pivotally moved with the pivoting plate, a means for applying force to the pavement contacting surface disposed between the support and the sliding plate, a first adjustment means adapted to adjust the amount of force applied by the means for applying force to the pavement contacting surface and a second adjustment means adapted to adjust the angle of the pavement contacting surface. A method comprising providing such an endgate, adjusting the angle of the pavement contacting surface and adjusting the amount of force applied by the means for applying force to the pavement contacting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Comer, Jeff Cartwright
  • Patent number: 7909532
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for an infrared heating device comprising a platform attached to a frame of an infrared heating chamber, at least one telescoping member affixed to said platform, and at least one attachment component which fixedly attaches said at least one telescoping members to said truck frame and allows said support bar to be moved along a horizontal axis at varying positions from the back of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Clint Johnson, Steve Gapp
  • Patent number: 7891905
    Abstract: A railing installation apparatus comprises a support platform adapted to be displaced alongside a road. An installation unit is connected to the support platform. The installation unit comprises a feed conveyor unit feeding rails to a carriage unit. The carriage unit is actuated to orient rails to an installation position against posts, and to twist a series of rails connected at one end to the posts to an overlapping position with rails in the feed conveyor unit for end-to-end attachment of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Steeve Couture
  • Patent number: 7845878
    Abstract: A smoothness indicator for measuring a profile of a road surface includes two or more non-contact elevation distance sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, or the like. The non-contact elevation distance sensors are arranged in pairs including a trailing non-contact elevation distance sensor and a leading non-contact elevation distance sensor disposed at a known distance from the trailing non-contact elevation distance sensor along the profile. A slope sensor for measuring an angle of incidence of the leading and trailing non-contact elevation distance sensors relative to a horizontal plane is also included. The smoothness indicator generates an elevation profile of the road surface by calculating an elevation for the second location using an elevation assigned to the first location and an elevation difference between the first location and the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: GOMACO Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Godbersen, James W. Honea
  • Publication number: 20100270044
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing markers from pavement includes a prime mover and an implement adjustably coupled to the prime mover. The implement includes a body, a tool having a working tip, a leveling pointer pivotably coupled to the body such that the leveling pointer moves relative to the body under the force of gravity, and a target indicium disposed near the leveling pointer. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a camera focused on the working tip of the tool and a display visible to an operator of the prime mover. A method of removing a marker from pavement includes positioning the working tip of a tool at a predetermined distance from an edge of the marker embedded in the pavement; adjusting the implement to a predetermined angle relative to an upper surface of the pavement by rotating the implement until the leveling pointer is aligned with the target indicium; and advancing the implement to remove the marker from the pavement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Fayette Fabricators, Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100266339
    Abstract: A paving machine that moves in a travel direction spreads, levels and finishes concrete into a form having a generally upwardly exposed, finished concrete surface that terminates in lateral sides. The paving machine has a main frame with first and second bolsters arranged at opposite ends of the main frame. Each set of bolsters has two hydraulic jacking columns used to raise and lower the machine frame. Crawlers attached to the bottom of the jacking columns engage the ground and move the paving machine in the travel direction. A paving kit is secured to the machine frame and has a substantially rigid center portion oriented transverse to the travel direction. It terminates in lateral ends and is disposed between the bolsters. A variable length terminal paving kit is secured to each lateral end of the center portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Guntert & Zimmerman Const. Div., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Guntert, JR., Richard W. Francis
  • Publication number: 20100266338
    Abstract: A device and method for levelling an open asphalt structure in hydraulic engineering works, including a device which is provided at the rear with a driven, substantially smooth roller as propelling element and provided at the front with one or more driven levelling shafts provided with radially placed levelling blades. The levelling shafts are provided on the outer ends with a height-adjustable asymmetrical support element, on one side a rotating element and on the other a sliding element. The method for levelling an open asphalt structure in hydraulic engineering works by means of the described device, wherein adjacent asphalt strips are laid by providing the sliding support element on an already asphalted strip and providing the rotating element on the surface still to be asphalted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: DEC N.V. (Deme Environmental Contractors)
    Inventor: Jos Luyckx
  • Patent number: 7785033
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for fragmenting and re-mixing agglomerated pieces of rubberized asphalt prior to applying same to a road surface. Agglomerated pieces and rubberized asphalt material are delivered to the upper portion of a housing. In a first embodiment, an auger and tine assembly having a common drive shaft, is mounted for rotation within the housing. The assembly includes first and second auger sections, mounted along the shaft in spaced relation and having converging, opposite handedness. A rotating tine section is positioned between the auger sections. A fixed tine section is mounted in the housing in interdigitized relation with the rotating tine section. In a second embodiment, the entire drive shaft includes a rotating tine section, and a corresponding interdigitized fixed tine section is provided within the housing. Passing through apertures defined by the fixed and rotating tine sections, agglomerated pieces are fragmented and re-mixed with the other material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7780373
    Abstract: The invention relates to making compacted snow pavements and can be used in apparatuses for compacting snow mass. The inventive apparatus for making compacted snow pavements comprises a front sliding support 1, a rear sliding support 2, a power generator 7, a heat unit 5 having a working zone and provided with a means for supplying heat to snow mass through the working zone, and a means 11 for dynamic compaction. The heat unit 5 is made in the form of at least one separate heat module. The means for supplying heat is arranged so as to be capable of adjusting intensity of the heat flow and fixing the direction in which it is supplied to the working zone. The method of making a compacted snow pavement consists in using the inventive apparatus. The technical result attainable thereby resides in providing a pavement that possesses high load-bearing capacity, wear resistance as well as improved gripping characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Dmitry Nikolaevich Ustyugov
  • Publication number: 20100189498
    Abstract: Methods for determining need for treating a vehicle travel surface include sensing, at a first time, a characteristic of a vehicle travel surface from a mobile sensor. Sensed characteristics include temperature, friction coefficient, material volumetric buildup, e.g., composition, such as an amount or percentage of ice or snow, density, depth, freeze point and chemical concentrations. The sensed characteristic is recorded as a first measurement in a database, and GIS information correlating a location with the first measurement is attached. The characteristic of the vehicle travel surface is sensed at a second time, at the location, and recorded in the database, for example as a second measurement. GIS information correlating the location with the second measurement may be attached, and the first and second measurements compared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: John A. Doherty, Charles A. Kalbfleisch
  • Patent number: 7731451
    Abstract: A cover removal apparatus includes a frame, an electromagnet and a power source, which is electrically coupled to the electromagnet for selectively energizing the electromagnet. The removal apparatus may further include means for positioning the electromagnet relative to a cover and/or means for loosening the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Rock Mills Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Dave Roberts
  • Patent number: 7674070
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control system for sensing the vibration amplitude on a vibration compacting machine. In addition, the control system modifies the rotational speed of the eccentric assembly based on the vibration amplitude of the eccentric assembly. In one embodiment, the control system modifies the rotational speed of the eccentric assembly to match the optimum speed for the adjusted vibration amplitude when the eccentric assembly is adjusted to increase or decrease the vibration amplitude. Reducing the rotational speed of the eccentric assembly at high vibration amplitudes minimizes wear to each of the load bearing components in the vibration compacting machine resulting in an extended service life for the vibration compacting machine. Similarly, increasing the rotational speed of the eccentric assembly at low vibration amplitudes increases the effectiveness of the vibration compacting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Chad L. Fluent, Michael J. Scotese
  • Patent number: 7654772
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Harold M. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20090324328
    Abstract: A manhole cover includes a security device, preferably located beneath an upper surface thereof. A cover removing apparatus includes a magnetic element to hold the cover, when a pin of the apparatus is engaged with the security device of the cover. A push force, which may be applied through a port in the upper surface of the cover, for example, by the pin member, can deform, and thereby unlock, a spring-loaded locking member of the security device. The security device may further include at least one elongate member, which is caused to move from a first position to a second position, by the push force, in order to disengage the cover from a manhole, so that the cover may be removed from the manhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: AER TECH, INC.
    Inventor: David Roberts
  • Patent number: 7559718
    Abstract: A transducer arrangement and method that generates control signals indicating relative positions of the ends of a hydraulically movable tool of a machine. The generated control signals of the present invention are used by a conventional control circuit of the machine to control the ends of the hydraulically movable tool having elevation receivers as an desired mode of operation or when reception by one of the elevational receivers of a elevational reference, which provides an absolute position of the ends of the tool, is interrupted. The conventional control circuit of the machine uses the generated signal of the transducer arrangement of the present invention to maintain a relative elevation position of one side of the tool to the absolute position of the other side of the tool as desired or until both receiver can reacquire the elevational reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Zachman, Jerald W. Yost
  • Patent number: 7540685
    Abstract: A machine having a body defining a body width and a ground engaging apparatus greater than one half of the body width and defining first and second working lines of the machine oriented perpendicular to and bounding the working width. An operator station is mounted on the body and movable across the body width between a first work monitoring position associated with the first working line and a second work monitoring position associated with the second working line. A compound linear actuator is provided to move the operator station between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Garret R. Avikainen, Larold G. Peterson, Gregory R. Loftness
  • Publication number: 20090116906
    Abstract: A system and method for forming concrete tiles for use in concrete walkways and concrete patios and courtyards. The system includes a unitary frame with two or more slanted sidewalls with a plurality of pickup points placed within an interior opening of the unitary frame. Concrete poured into the interior opening of the frame forms a beveled or slanted concrete sidewalk tile. The pickup points are buried in the beveled concrete sidewalk tiles. When an opening in the pickup points is uncovered, a means to pick and place the beveled concrete sidewalk tiles is provided. Slanted or beveled sidewalls prevent binding to or interference with adjacent slanted or beveled sidewalk tiles to facilitate lifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Brent M. Kaylor, Steven T. Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20090087262
    Abstract: A system and method for repairing potholes in a road surface by securing a securing device within a pothole, affixing a reinforcing material to the securing device in the pothole, and adding a polyurethane and/or polyisocyanurate foam material to encapsulate the securing device and reinforcing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Ricky G. Tucker, Kevin Stramara, Alan Cornet
  • Publication number: 20090080973
    Abstract: Actual conditions of a roadway segment are estimated by providing roadway condition data to a processor for the roadway segment from a plurality of different types of sources of the roadway condition data, assigning a quality to each of the plurality of different types of sources of the roadway condition data, and estimating in the processor the actual conditions of the roadway segment by using the roadway condition data and the quality of each of the plurality of different types of sources of the roadway data. The quality determines weightings given to each of the plurality of different types of sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: TRAFFIC.COM, INC.
    Inventors: Dmitriy Bespalov, James F. Carroll, Dean Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7500803
    Abstract: A ground working device for liquid treated roads is formed from a mobile main frame, a sub-frame, plural discs mounted for rotation on the sub-frame about an axis that extends transversely under the sub-frame; and a set of tines mounted on each disc in ground contacting position. The tines efficiently lift the ground surface material while reducing the amount to which the liquid treated ground mixture clumps on the tines. Each tine in each set of tines has a perpendicular base that extends perpendicularly to the disc on which the respective tine is mounted. The sub-frame is retractably mounted on the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Road Badger Inc.
    Inventors: Ray W. Gillard, Garett T. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20090060657
    Abstract: Provided herein are a concrete dowel placement device and methods of use. The device 100 generally comprises a dowel receiving sleeve 110, a flange 120 formed to extend perpendicularly and completely about an open end b of the dowel receiving sleeve and at least one tooth-like locking structure 140a,b integrally formed on the outer surface 111 of the sleeve and proximate to the flange. The combination of the flange and the tooth-like locking structure secures the deviced to a concrete form so that a dowel rod 150 or piece of rebar placed therein maintains its position during a concrete pour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Steve Albritton, Earl Remmert, Ming Liang
  • Publication number: 20090060658
    Abstract: A multi-use asphalt paving tractor with frame raise capability and a blind-mateable connector to facilitate quick connection with interchangeable attachments for performing the functions of a paver, a mix transfer conveyor and road widener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: CEDARAPIDS, INC.
    Inventors: JOSEPH E. MUSIL, Vince Egan
  • Patent number: 7491014
    Abstract: The invention relates to a soil compacting system which comprises a travelling and steerable soil compacting device and a control device. The control device is provided with an area definition device which allows a user to establish an area to be compacted and the area boundaries. A position detecting device detects the actual position of the soil compacting device. A traveler changes the direction of travel of the soil compacting device by presetting a standard value for a travelling movement of the soil compacting device in such manner that the soil compacting device does not travel past the respective area boundary but continues its travel within the area. A path planning device may be provided for fixing a presetting for a travel way which makes sure that the soil compacting device, when keeping to the preset travel way, travels at least once completely across the area to be compacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventor: Georg Sick
  • Publication number: 20090041542
    Abstract: A milling machine for milling a paved surface having milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine and at least one metal detector attached to a front end of the machine. The metal detector has at least one electrically conductive coil disposed within a magnetically conductive, electrically insulating trough. Electronic equipment is in communication with the metal detector, the equipment being adapted to interpret feedback from the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Neil Cannon
  • Patent number: 7473052
    Abstract: A system for recycling pavement constituents in situ, includes a vehicle for traversing the pavement constituents comprising a container for storing and preserving heated pavement rejuvenation materials and at least one heating element adapted to heat the pavement rejuvenation materials above their working temperature. A dispensing element is in communication with the container for dispensing the pavement rejuvenation materials to the pavement constituents. The vehicle also supports at least one mixing element which is adapted to mix in situ the pavement constituents and the heated pavement rejuvenation materials together in such a manner that the pavement constituents are raised to a working temperature. The system also comprises a compaction element for compacting the pavement constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe R. Fox
  • Patent number: 7470084
    Abstract: An ergonomically-shaped hand screed for levelling and finishing concrete is provided. The screed has a finger relief groove on its rear face and a thumb relief groove on its front face. Both the finger and thumb grooves are positioned nearer the top surface of the screed to form an ergonomically comfortable handgrip. A concrete relief groove is located on the front face near the bottom surface to form a scraper edge. A ridge separates the thumb relief groove and the concrete groove. When the screed is used, the scraper edge and concrete relief groove draw up the concrete overburden from a concrete surface and deflect it away from the operator's hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Precise Tech Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Norman Brotzel
  • Publication number: 20080317550
    Abstract: A railing installation apparatus comprises a support platform adapted to be displaced alongside a road. An installation unit is connected to the support platform. The installation unit comprises a feed conveyor unit feeding rails to a carriage unit. The carriage unit is actuated to orient rails to an installation position against posts, and to twist a series of rails connected at one end to the posts to an overlapping position with rails in the feed conveyor unit for end-to-end attachment of the rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: STEEVE COUTURE
  • Patent number: 7458746
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Harold M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7458748
    Abstract: In combination with a placers/spreader having a frame including at least two side bolsters standing parallel to the subgrade path and at least two cross beams spanning the subgrade path forming a conveyor supporting structure. A rail system is attached spanning the frame, and has a roll in/roll out conveyor with a cantilevered support at one of the side bolsters and a support for attachment to and support from the rail system. The conveyor moves in traversing motion across the frame to distribute concrete. The improvement comprises a strike off beam and spreader plow assembly for trailing attachment to the frame of a placer/spreader. We thus disclose a strike off beam with spreader plow assembly which can be removably attached to either side of a placer/spreader to avoid the necessity of relocating the receiving conveyor when the location of the access road changes from one side to the other or direction of spreading changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Guntert & Zimmerman Const. Div., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Guntert, Jr., Rick Francis
  • Publication number: 20080292398
    Abstract: A machine system for use in paving a surface includes a supply unit configured to load a transfer machine with paving material from a hopper, and a transfer machine for supplying paving material to a paving machine. The transfer machine includes a receptacle having a recirculation system configured to recirculate paving material and a live floor having a conveyor for discharging paving material to a paving machine. The transfer machine may be compatible for road transport, and may be towed by the supply unit which may be configured for transport within the transfer machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Dean Potts
  • Publication number: 20080279627
    Abstract: A roadway support (1) is introduced in parallel to the face advancement of a gallery(1) by means of a selective cut heading machine (2) by providing lagging mats (18, 19) in the form of rolled mats (20, 21) downstream of the cutting tool (3) of the selective cut heading machine (2) in two transverse planes (14, 15) that are arranged behind one another in the longitudinal heading direction in circumferential offset relationship. The lagging mats (18, 19) are then unrolled simultaneously to the face advancement in the longitudinal heading direction so as to overlap laterally and are instantly aligned upon the rock. Once the lagging mats (18, 19) have been entirely unrolled, the working steps are successively repeated in accordance with the length of the face advancement with new lagging mats (18, 19) that adjoin the lagging mats (18, 19) previously laid. The roadway support (7) is introduced at a distance to the cutting tool (3) while fixing the lagging mats (18, 19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: RAG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Martin Junker, Klaus Thyrock, Klaus Opolny
  • Patent number: 7448825
    Abstract: A method for recycling in place an asphalt mixture layer of a paved road continuously, while moving a self-propelled vehicle system, which comprises a step of heating and softening the asphalt mixture layer, a step of scraping and breaking said hot and softened asphalt mixture layer and keeping the softened mixture at a temperature sufficient not to form an aggregate, to prepare an asphalt mixture having a single-grained structure, a sieving step of classifying said asphalt mixture having a single-grained structure into a plurality of grain size groups, a step of designing mix proportions for converting said asphalt mixture to a recycled asphalt mixture by the use of said plurality of grain size groups classified, a step of mixing uniformly said recycled asphalt mixtures having designed mix proportions, and a step of spreading and compacting said recycled asphalt mixtures having been mixed uniformly, to thereby form a recycled asphalt mixtures layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignees: Green Arm Co., Ltd., Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kasahara, Shunsuke Ushio, Kojiro Ogata, Hiroshi Inamitsu, Fumio Goto, Tomoyuki Abe, Hiroaki Irie, Isami Fujii, Kazuo Onoda, Hideo Ikeda, Eisuke Nagai, Atsuki Gomi, Masaki Tsunabuchi
  • Patent number: 7441987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying a curb is disclosed. The apparatus features a preferably tracked vehicle (tractor) that connects to a frame having a hopper. A hydraulic lifting arrangement enables hydraulic controls on the vehicle to elevate/lower the frame. The frame has a hopper for receiving wet concrete and a curb shaping portion that shapes the wet concrete into a curb shape. A specially configured interface maintains attitude of the frame during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Larry Sampey
  • Patent number: 7413377
    Abstract: A walkway extension assembly for a paving machine has main and laterally extendable and retractable screeds and a transversely extending rear catwalk or walkway. The assembly has a laterally extending walkway component extending beneath and on each side of the existing walkway. Channel members are attached to and extend downwardly from bottom surfaces of the existing walkway. The lateral walkway components are positioned beneath the existing walkway on these channel members, and are slideably extendable, laterally and outward from the existing walkway. Brackets are attached between the ends of the walkway components and the sidewalls of the lateral screeds. By this configuration, when the lateral screeds are extended from beneath the paving machine, the lateral walkway components, moving in tandem with the screeds, are also extended. Workers are thus able to stand on the walkway components, outboard of the paving machine itself, to observe the lateral paving operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Asphalt Product Maintenance
    Inventor: Paul Pontano, III
  • Patent number: 7407339
    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 plow assembly may be adjustably mounted to a front frame portion and may be vertically adjustable relative to the frame portion. The plow assembly may include a plow member for engaging and establishing the desired grade and/or may include a vibrating member for vibrating and smoothing the concrete after the plow member establishes the desired grade. The apparatus may include a user input that is adjustable by an operator to adjust a down pressure of the plow assembly at the concrete when the wheeled support is moved in a rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Somero Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Halonen, Russ E. Stein, Mark A. Pietila, Michael R. Keranen, Carl B. Kieranen
  • Patent number: 7399139
    Abstract: A device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at two locations by height adjustment mechanisms that raise and lower the two locations of the contouring assembly independently of each other. The contouring assembly creates a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of at least one location of the contouring assembly is based on a comparison of the measured position of one portion of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. Control of the height of the other location is preferably based on the height above a physical reference measured with a proximity sensor. A pivot or tilting controller may control the tilting of the contouring assembly to follow the slope of the profile stored in computer memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignees: Somero Enterprises, Inc., Michigan Technological University
    Inventors: Carl B Kieranen, Charles A Hallstrom, Glen R Simula, Nils P Ruonavaara, James D Waineo
  • Publication number: 20080159810
    Abstract: An extractor for removing a manhole cover including a central bar member. The central bar member includes first and second hooks that extend below the central bar member and first and second threaded fasteners that extend through the ends of the central bar member. The width of the central bar member may be adjusted to align the hooks with bars in the manhole cover. When the hooks are hooked onto the bars and the threaded fasteners are turned, the threaded fasteners exert downward pressure on the surface surrounding the manhole cover such that the central bar is raised and the hooks lift the manhole cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Parker Myers
  • Patent number: 7393156
    Abstract: A construction apparatus having an arrangement for controlling guidance of a frame thereof along a predetermined path, e.g., a slip-form paving apparatus, has an arrangement for selectively digging vertical bores in the ground surface at spacings along the predetermined path for planting of vertical posts to be secured by the paving material upon setting thereof. In operation, as the construction apparatus is guided over the ground surface along the predetermined path, the bore-digging arrangement is periodically actuated to form vertical bores at spacings along the predetermined path, after which a settable paving material is formed along the predetermined path including filling the vertical bores with the paving material, and posts are placed vertically in the holes for securement therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Power Curbers, Inc.
    Inventor: Shane Andrew James Dunstan
  • Publication number: 20080131204
    Abstract: A walkway extension assembly for a paving machine has main and laterally extendable and retractable screeds and a transversely extending rear catwalk or walkway. The assembly has a laterally extending walkway component extending beneath and on each side of the existing walkway. Channel members are attached to and extend downwardly from bottom surfaces of the existing walkway. The lateral walkway components are positioned beneath the existing walkway on these channel members, and are slideably extendable, laterally and outward from the existing walkway. Brackets are attached between the ends of the walkway components and the sidewalls of the lateral screeds. By this configuration, when the lateral screeds are extended from beneath the paving machine, the lateral walkway components, moving in tandem with the screeds, are also extended. Workers are thus able to stand on the walkway components, outboard of the paving machine itself, to observe the lateral paving operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Pontano
  • Patent number: 7357595
    Abstract: Portland Cement Concrete with steel reinforcement mats or rods used in airport runways, highways, and other objects need to have the cement broken up for recycling or disposal and the steel mat reused or the steel recycled. The pavement removal machine lifts the concrete off a roadbed and places it on an anvil. A hammer then cracks the concrete and breaks it into small pieces, which fall away from the reinforcing steel. The concrete and the steel are then recycled. The pavement removal machine has legs which are moveable between a road working position and a transport position and can translate the frame of the machine up and down. The hammers can be gravity drop or powered. The steel can be cut into sections as the pavement is continuously torn up at a rate of about 1 lane mile per day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Road Processing Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Deems M. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 7357596
    Abstract: A floating screed device has an elongated float and an elongated blade movably coupled to the elongated float so that the blade is movable in pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Laser Strike LLC
    Inventors: S. Allen Face, III, Albert D. Frankeny, II
  • Patent number: 7316521
    Abstract: A waterproof sheet in-situ application machine, which can rewind a long roll-like thermal application type waterproof sheet and easily bond the sheet onto the bed surface of a bridge and the surface of a concrete structure in a site, includes a carriage and a combination of any one or two or more of a water permeable stand, a wrinkle prevention drum, a sheet heater, a sheet overlapping portion heater, a sheet roller pressing steel wheel roller, and a sheet roller pressing rubber tire mounted on the carriage. The sheet heater is composed of a heat resistant metal roller having a far infrared ray heater, an electric heater, etc. inserted therein, and the surface of the waterproof sheet is molten by being caused to be contact with the surface of the metal roller, thereby the waterproof sheet can be bonded onto an execution surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: AOI Techno Service Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chiezo Shiomoto, Takahiro Shiomoto
  • Patent number: 7316520
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in shearing paving material applied to a surface is provided. This apparatus includes a blade for shearing the asphalt mixture to a desired thickness, cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in response to elevational changes in the surface, at least one signal generator associated with each cylinder and adapted to produce a signal indicative of the elevation of the surface, and at least one signal receiver associated with each signal generator. This blade apparatus is coupled with a prime mover. The receiver is operable to activate the cylinders in response to a signal received from the generator. The blade is raised and lowered as the elevation of the surface changes in response to signals emanating from the generator allowing surface level variations to be evened out while paving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: SemMaterials, L.P.
    Inventor: Bill Grubba