Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating hot mix asphalt (HMA), via collecting fumes from HMA while the HMA is on-board a vehicle and in motion within the vehicle, and igniting the HMA with engine exhaust and using the heat of combustion of the HMA to heat HMA, such as via the floor of a re-mix machine or paver which is capable of churning and mixing the HMA which increases emission of HMA fumes.

Abstract: An exemplary cable protection system is disclosed comprising a first cable protector structured to receive one or more cables, a first side ramp adjacent a side of the first cable protector, and a tapered structure adjacent an end of the first side ramp. The tapered structure may be tapered in both a first direction and a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The tapered structure may also comprise a substantially planar top surface and may be removably attached to, or integrally formed with, the first side ramp. The cable protection system may also comprise a second cable protector connected in series with the first cable protector and a second side ramp adjacent a side of the second cable protector. The tapered structure may be configured to overlap at least a portion of the second side ramp, which may have a steeper slope than the first side ramp.

Abstract: At least two paving screeds B1, B2 which are distant in operation running direction R are supported at a chassis 1 of a paver F. The paver F is designed for simultaneously casting several paving material layers L1, L2 on top of each other on a plane P. Each paving screed B1, B2 is provided with a compaction assembly. One paving screed B1 for casting a lower layer L1 is provided at a front end section of the chassis 1 and has the compaction assembly 13, 14 for generating a degree of compaction in the lower layer L1 which suffices to withstand the direct contact of the undercarriage 2. At least one further paving screed B2 for casting an upper layer L2 is arranged behind the undercarriage 2. According to the method to be carried out with the paver F the lower layer which is cast and compacted in front of the undercarriage allows to run the undercarriage 2 on the lower layer while the upper layer L2 is cast and compacted behind the undercarriage 2.

Abstract: A device for filling an open trench with the dirt previously removed from the trench lying alongside the trench, using a skid-mounted frame having blades to initially fill the trench and leveling the dirt, followed by a compactor.

Abstract: A concrete tool assembly (10) used on a concrete surface (16) includes a surfacing apparatus (12) including a frame (18) and one or more trowel assemblies (34A, 34B). Each trowel assembly (34A, 34B) includes one or more trowels (54). The concrete tool assembly (10) also includes a remote control unit (14) that controls movement of the trowel assemblies (34A, 34B) relative to the concrete surface (16). Further, the surfacing apparatus (12) can include a controller (24) that receives commands from the remote control unit (14). The controller (24) can control movement of at least one of the trowel assemblies (34A, 34B) relative to the surface (16). The surfacing apparatus (12) can also include a pitch mover (990) that simultaneously adjusts the pitch of each of the trowels (54) relative to the surface (16).

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

Abstract: A wheel assembly is for mobilizing a construction vehicle upon a base surface and includes a frame connected with the vehicle and configured to pivot about a first axis. At least one and preferably two axles are connected with the frame and configured to pivot respectively about a second axis and a third axis, the second and third axes each extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the first axis. Each axle has a longitudinal centerline extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the second axis. Two wheels are preferably connected with each axle so as to rotate generally about each axle centerline. When the wheels are disposed generally upon the base surface, the wheels roll with respect to the surface so as to at least partially mobilize the vehicle. Further, angular displacement of the frame and the axle about the second axis move the wheels within two perpendicular vertical planes.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is for mobilizing a construction vehicle upon a base surface and includes a frame connected with the vehicle and configured to pivot about a first axis. At least one and preferably two axles are connected with the frame and configured to pivot respectively about a second axis and a third axis, the second and third axes each extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the first axis. Each axle has a longitudinal centerline extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the second axis. Two wheels are preferably connected with each axle so as to rotate generally about each axle centerline. When the wheels are disposed generally upon the base surface, the wheels roll with respect to the surface so as to at least partially mobilize the vehicle. Further, angular displacement of the frame and the axle about the second axis move the wheels within two perpendicular vertical planes.

Abstract: A traverse carriage and operator arrangement for transversely adjusting the abrader unit or units of a mobile surface abrading apparatus. In a preferred embodiment the traverse carriage is mounted on a cross-member by means of rollers and is operated by a specially designed, fluid-operated cylinder horizontally oriented in the mobile surface abrading apparatus and attached to the traverse carriage and the apparatus frame for moving the traverse carriage along the cross-member and positioning the abrader unit a selected distance along the cross-member transverse to the longitudinal movement of the mobile surface abrading apparatus.

Abstract: A process and device for the recycling of asphalt including at least one one preheater unit. The preheater having a heater, scarifying rakes, and a bin to dispense aggregate. Also include is a recycling machine having a heater, scarifying rakes, a plurality of extension mills, a main mill, as well as a pug mill having first and second downwardly rotating rotors, the pug mill mixes asphalt and liquid additives together to form a homogenous mix; and at least one screed for laying the homogeneously mixed asphalt to grade.

Abstract: It is sought to provide a cement distribution system, with which a packed cement distribution system is simplified to greatly reduce the labor, time and cost required for the distribution and permit quick and smooth distribution of a predetermined quantity of high quality cement.

Abstract: A work machine having a frame, a work tool and an articulation apparatus so as to pivot at least one support wheel mounted at the frame from a projecting position to a retracted position and vice versa.

Abstract: A pavement cutter that saves construction materials and prevents repaired pavements from subsiding or collapsing includes a first tilting mechanism attached to a front wheel axis as a base for a tilting mechanism where the base chassis tilts around the rear wheels without restraint; a frame where a spherical shell disk, its rotating axis and a driving unit are mounted is rotatably connected to one side of the base chassis via a hinge, a second tilting mechanism to move the spherical shell disk upward/downward and a cutting circle determining mechanism to determine a cutting radius and its center, where circular or straight cuttings are attained by exchanging the spherical shell disk to the flat disk and vice versa.

Abstract: A concrete placing apparatus is provided for placing uncured concrete on a support surface, such as an elevated deck of a building. The apparatus comprises a base unit and a movable support, with a conduit assembly extending therebetween. A supply end of the conduit assembly is positioned at the base unit and is connected to a supply line for uncured concrete or other material, while a dispensing end of the conduit assembly is supported by the movable support and extends outwardly therefrom to dispense uncured concrete or other material through a discharge outlet. The movable support is movable arcuately and/or radially relative to the base unit to dispense the concrete in a generally uniform manner over a targeted area. The apparatus may further include a screeding device at the discharge outlet to grade, level, compact and smooth the concrete as it is placed.

Abstract: A tape removal apparatus adapted to be towed behind a vehicle for removing marking tape from a road comprises a road frame hitched to the vehicle and having a pair of wheels to allow the road frame to be towed behind the vehicle and a pickup mast having a center section coupled to the road frame, a lower section extending from the center section toward the road and having a drive roller configured to engage the tape on the road to remove the tape from the road, an upper section extending from the center section toward the vehicle, and a pinch roller. The pinch roller is configured to receive the tape from the drive roller as the tape removal apparatus is towed behind the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal and collection of roadway markers comprises a shearing blade and a collection bin mountable on a transport vehicle, the blade being forwardly disposed relative to the collecting bin, the bin having no substantial front wall. A flexible vertical skirt is disposed in forwardly surrounding relation to the blade to effect the trapping of the removed markers and the deposit thereof into the collecting bin. The collecting bin is vertically movable to a dumping position relative to a larger storage bin.

Abstract: The present invention is a wet cure concrete cover which is designed and configured to retain moisture during the process of curing concrete. The blanket is a multi-layered structure having a base layer, for contacting the cement, and a film layer is extrusion coated to the base layer for protecting the base layer. The base layer is a non-woven, hydrophobic material that will allow the water to adhere to its fibers. In one embodiment a film layer, preferably polypropylene, is extruded onto the base layer. In a second embodiment a low-density polymerize resin is secured to the base layer via a tie layer. Alternatively, under conditions of high temperature and lower humidity, the film layer of the first and second embodiments can include a plurality of perforations, allowing for periodic water spraying or rewetting of the curing cover.

Abstract: A site preparation/concrete finishing apparatus for operation in an area having a base surface above which concrete reinforcing elements have been positioned prior to pouring of concrete within the area and for use in finishing concrete poured within the area. The site preparation/concrete finishing apparatus comprises a movable vehicle having at least one lift arm, a plurality of specially-tailored wheels for supporting the movable vehicle entirely within the area in continuous contact with the surface and for enabling continuous movement of the movable vehicle relative to the surface absent damage to the concrete reinforcing elements beneath the movable vehicle, and a concrete finishing device connected to the lift arm for fine grading and leveling of the area and for screeding and floating concrete poured within the area. Each wheel of the plurality of wheels includes a hub and a plurality of members extending radially therefrom.

Abstract: A machine for distributing a material through a working unit along a ground surface in a direction established by an external reference includes front and rear devices for moving the machine along the ground surface, a steering control unit that functions to controlling the steering of the front and rear devices and, mounted along one side, first, second, and third steering sensors. The first, second and third steering sensors generate output signals indicative of their position with respect to the external reference. A processor unit utilizes the output signals generated by the first, second, and third steering sensors in a predetermined manner to cause the steering control unit to direct the machine generally in the direction established by the external reference.

Abstract: A fumes abatement system for an asphalt paving machine is disclosed for dispelling noxious fumes that are emitted from asphalt in the hopper of and from behind the paving machine during paving operations. The fumes abatement system utilizes existing plate walls of the feeder tunnel and superstructure to eliminate additional parts and for increased durability. A high capacity blower and a tall exhaust stack are used to disperse the fumes well above the operators of the machine.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a connector for removably connecting a first piece of equipment to a second piece of equipment. The connector includes a rigid body having a back end and a front end. Means are provided at the back end of the body and are adaptable for slidable engagement in a vertical direction with the first piece of equipment. At least one axially translatable member is provided at the front end of the rigid body, with the translatable member being translatable between an insertion position and engagement position. The translatable member is adapted for engagement with the second piece of equipment when in the engagement position. A means is provided which is operable from a location away from the body for translating the translatable member between the insertion position and the engagement position.

Abstract: Apparatus for launching inflatable fascines comprising a conveyor system to which uninflated fascines are attachable for delivery to a launching region and an inflator to effect inflation and launch of the fascines. The conveyor (2) comprises a number of rigid conveyor members (12), each of which constitutes a fascine support location. At each of the support locations a packaged fascine (24), comprising a deflated fascine (23) housed between a backing plate (25) and a frangible or hingeable containment member (26), is attachable. The packaged fascines (24) may also contain a reservoir of pressurized gas (32) for inflation purposes. The conveyor (2) is connected via drive wheels (9) to a motor (6) such that the support locations carrying the packaged fascines (24) are sequentially delivered to a fascine launching region (14).

Abstract: An integrated paver comprising a self-propelled chassis having a paving apparatus, such as a screed, supported on its rear end and a lifting conveyor supported on its front end. The conveyor is capable of picking-up loose paving material laid in the windrow on the road surface. It is pivotally supported on a mounting which is in-turn pivotally supported on the chassis such that the conveyor can be adjusted in two dimensions relative to the chassis. Grade controls on the conveyor control hydraulic cylinders to adjust the tilt and grade of the conveyor relative to the road surface. Alternatively, the conveyor can rest, by force of gravity on runners which slide along the ground and hold the conveyor head a predetermined height (possibly zero) above the ground. Additionally, the runners can be linked to floating break-away scrapers which are maintained at a set position relative to the runners.

Abstract: A reversible connector and method of connection between a large road making machine and the fifth wheel of a tractor to facilitate towing of the machine. The connector has a downwardly projecting king pin which is adjustable between a retracted, operating position and an extended, towing position. It can be either slid or pivoted between those positions. The connector can be used on an apparatus having a chassis, a downwardly extending conveyor pivotally attached to an end of the chassis and a hydraulic cylinder to pivot the conveyor relative to the chassis. The hydraulic cylinder can lift the inlet end of the conveyor off the ground to put the fifth wheel connector in a position such that it can engage the fifth wheel of a tractor. The hydraulic cylinder also can be used to pull the front portion of the chasis up off the ground.

Abstract: A truck having a road oil spreader is equipped with an apparatus for simultaneous application of oil and paving fabric to the road surface. The apparatus includes an assembly for engaging a roll of paving fabric comprising adjustable cone arms mounted on end plates that rotatably hold the core of the fabric roll. The fabric is drawn over a guide shaft and beneath a sectioned box beam having a series of longitudinally aligned brushes. The shaft and brushes are connected to the opposing end plates which are attached to a lateral support beam. The end plates and box beam include joint, drive and connection means that permit longitudinal, vertical and angular adjustment of the guide shaft and brushes. As oil is sprayed over the road surface, the fabric unrolls and becomes embedded in the oil by action of the brushes pushing the fabric into the oil-coated surface.

Abstract: A transferable roadway lane dividers which consist of individual sections hingedly joined together. The lane dividers are picked up from one side of the lane by a transfer device mounted beneath a vehicle or trailer, travelling along the center of the lane, and are slid along the transfer device and one continuously deposited on the roadway at the desired new position on the other side of the lane.

Abstract: An ice aggregate road structure and apparatus for constructing. The road structure comprises crushed ice aggregate from which fines smaller than 0.1 inch have been removed which aggregate is placed in the desired shape and then bonded by a deeply penetrating application of water which bonds aggregate particles at their points of contact. The apparatus includes a distribution box for receiving ice aggregate and distributing it over a road section to be paved coupled with a bond water distributing means for quickly applying bond water after proper distribution and shaping of the aggregate. The distribution and water spray elements are carried on rails which are in turn supported from a pair of spaced apart carriages containing water heating and pumping means and appropriate power sources for operating the equipment. The carriages are spaced apart to allow trucks to deliver aggregate.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the laying of paving fabric along a road bed, or the like, and comprising a core support member of an adjustable length for supporting a roll of the paving fabric on a vehicle whereby the web of fabric may be pulled from the supply roll for application to the surface of the road bed, a tension applying apparatus secured in the proximity of the fabric roll for receiving the web thereover in order to remove wrinkles from the web prior to the application of the web to the surface of the road bed, and a broom apparatus secured in the proximity of the location of the engagement of the web with the road bed for facilitating adherance of the web thereto, and a guard for the broom for precluding wrinkling of the fabric at the broom location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing an ice aggregate structure, such as a road, at all sub-freezing temperatures likely to be encountered at high latitudes, including below -45.degree. F. Initially, ice is mined, crushed and then stripped of substantially all "fines", i.e., ice particles smaller than approximately 0.1 inch. The resulting crushed ice aggregate is then distributed and placed to the desired grade without requiring surface work or compaction. The upper thickness of the crushed ice aggregate is then bonded by spraying heated water thereon during single or multiple passes. Apparatus is provided to prevent evaporative cooling of the spray water prior to its contact with the crushed ice surface, which preferably comprises an enclosure or flexible skirt which extends around the spray nozzles downwardly to the ice aggregate surface.

Abstract: Dump-truck mounted apparatus for repairing asphalt comprises a truck engine which drives first and second hydraulic pumps located on the truck chassis. One pump supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to operate a lift cylinder which raises and lowers the dump truck box, to operate hydraulic tools and to drive a hydraulic motor which drives an emulsion pump for expelling liquid emulsion from an emulsion storage tank which are located on a cabinet detachably mounted on the dump truck box. The other pump supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to operate a hydraulic motor on the cabinet which, in turn, drives an air compressor on the cabinet to charge a compressed air tank on the cabinet for supplying pneumatic tools. Reeled hoses are provided for supplying hydraulic fluid and compressed air to their respective tools and for supplying emulsion from the storage tank. Engine heat is supplied via a liquid coolant to heaters in the emulsion storage tank and emulsion pump to liquify the emulsion.

Abstract: A concrete curb cutter includes a motor mounted on a base for supplying power to a concrete cutting blade. A first means is provided for moving the base and the blade along a longitudinal axis of a support. A second means provides adjustment of the vertical height of the blade. A third means enables the vertical angle of the blade to be adjusted. A fourth means provides adjustment of the horizontal angle of the blade.

Abstract: Self-propelled pavement patching apparatus is provided and includes a backhoe whose bucket has teeth and a cutting blade at opposite ends thereof and screeding edges underneath, another patch material distributing and screeding device mounted on the apparatus for movement therewith, a hopper for dispensing patch material to a conveyor for selective delivery of patch material to the backhoe or the screeding device. The apparatus is tricycle-type having two wheels at the outside and a third wheel for driving and steering. A roller adjacent one side wheel provides for compacting patching material over pavement defects, and the roller is lowered to raise that wheel from the pavement to form an outrigger corresponding to a conventional outrigger foot adjacent the other outside wheel.

Abstract: Method for forming a retro reflective traffic regulating road surface marking and roadable areas produced therewith.

Abstract: A series of treatments are performed on old asphaltic pavement to make it suitable for being satisfactorily applied as a new mat. The old asphaltic pavement is heated and scarified to form a loose aggregate-asphaltic mixture while remaining on the ground surface. The mixture is removed from the ground surface and heated in an elongated rotary housing having heated conductors without direct flame contact with the mixture, and the mixture is then thoroughly mixed with a conditioner for old asphaltic pavement, and finally is reapplied to the ground surface as a new mat. The treatments are carried out by independently operable, portable apparatus during the movement of all of the apparatus in a coordinated train that moves over the ground surface.

Abstract: A windrow pickup attachment for asphalt pavement laying apparatus provided with a feed hopper for receiving soft asphalt aggregate laid in a windrow in front of the apparatus. The attachment comprises an upwardly inclined chute hinged to a low lying hopper front wall and a flight conveyor overlying both chute and hopper. The flight conveyor is hinged to a relatively elevated hopper back wall. Skids support the lower forward end of the chute on the pavement. A chute conveyor support supports the lower forward end of the chute conveyor on the chute. Drive mechanism pivotally attached to the forward portion of the chute reciprocates the same, and hence the chute conveyor resting thereon, between lowered working and raised transport positions.

Abstract: In a system for repairing asphalt surfaces including an emulsion tank, air pressure source, emulsion heating source, pneumatic tools and a vehicle having a fluid cooled engine and a utility body for containing asphalt repairing material, the improvement comprising an emulsion tank removably mounted on said vehicle for containing a water soluable, air cured, sealer-bonding agent, an air compressor mounted on and driven by said vehicle engine, an air storage tank removably mounted on said vehicle and coupled to said compressor and pressurized thereby, means for selectively coupling air from said pressurized tank to said pneumatic tools and said emulsion tank and means coupling said vehicle cooling fluid to said emulsion tank for heating said emulsion to a usable temperature whereby certain of said pneumatic tools may be selectively driven by said compressed air in said storage tank to trim a damaged asphalt surface, spray emulsion over said trimmed are under pressure from said compressed air tank, and compact s

Abstract: A machine for laying reinforcing mesh for concrete comprises a pair of spaced front wheels and a pair of power driven rear wheels. Several different forms of devices are provided for lifting the roll of reinforcing mesh and positioning it between the front wheels. From that position the wire is unrolled from the top of the roll and passes back under the rear wheels, thereby backbending the mesh as it is unrolled. In other embodiments not employing the front wheels, a pusher in front of the power driven wheels pushes the roll ahead of it along the ground as the latter wheels move along the mesh. In such embodiments hooks are provided on the pusher for engaging the roll in a manner such that, before unrolling, the roll may be lifted and transported to the desired location for unrolling. The safety hook is provided to the rear of the wheels to prevent the trailing edge of the non-backbended mesh from the roll from springing into the operator as the wheels move off that trailing edge.

Abstract: A contouring device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at opposite ends by a pair of fluid cylinders. The fluid cylinders are controlled to raise and lower the ends of the contouring assembly independently of each other, thereby allowing the contouring assembly to create a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of one of the fluid cylinders is based on a comparison of the measured position of a first end of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. The measurement of the position of the first end of the contouring assembly is achieved by a tracking device which tracks the position of a target positioned on the first end of the contouring assembly and which determines the three dimensional position of the target.