Automatic Control Patents (Class 404/84.05)
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Patent number: 8888404Abstract: A spraying device for introducing a fluid into the working chamber of a construction machine for processing ground or road surfaces comprises at least one outlet nozzle by which the fluid is introduced into the working chamber, a line system by which the fluid is conveyed to the at least one outlet nozzle, and a control unit by which the fluid supply to the outlet nozzle is controllable. The present invention further relates to a construction machine for processing ground or road surfaces, especially a milling machine for milling off road or ground surfaces, a stabilizer for stabilizing ground of low bearing capacity and a recycler for repairing pavements in need of repair, comprising such a spraying device, and a method for operating a working device of such a construction machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: BOMAG GmbHInventors: Juergen Heusinger, Andreas Nacke, Thorsten Joerig
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Patent number: 8864408Abstract: Compact, readily maneuverable apparatus for picking up and laterally transferring roadway barrier modules includes a vehicle for moving along a roadway barrier and elongated conveyors located at the sides of the vehicle, connected to the vehicle and pivotal between operative and inoperative positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Lindsey Transportation Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Gerrit A. Dyke
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Publication number: 20140308075Abstract: A method for leveling of a machine on a surface, and a machine for the same, is disclosed. The method may comprise equalizing the legs of the machine prior to extending or retracting the legs of the machine to raise or lower the machine during non-milling operational status. The method may also comprise extending or retracting the legs during milling operational status while maintaining the relative lengths of each leg.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventor: Daniel H. Killion
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Publication number: 20140308074Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a road finishing machine with a thermographic device releasably fixed to a portion of the machine for recording a georeferenced thermographic data record of at least one region of a pavement layer. The thermographic device includes a housing in which a detection unit for detecting a thermographic data record and a further detection unit for detecting a space-related data record for the thermographic data record are disposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: JOSEPH VOEGELE AGInventors: Arnold RUTZ, Henning DELIUS, Martin BUSCHMANN, Tobias GOTTERBARM, Christian PAWLIK
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Publication number: 20140301783Abstract: A patcher capable of performing patching operations even when operating in confined spaces and having a pressurized aggregate storage tank and driving devices for opening and air-tightly closing the tank lid and locking/unlocking the tank lid in proper sequence. Tandem linear accelerators control the flow of aggregate from the tank to a dispensing outlet. An articulated boom assembly is operated to position an aggregate dispenser over the repair location. The boom assembly is movable to a vertical position to prevent the assembly from extending beyond the right and left sides of the patcher to provide a safe condition when travelling during a non-patching operating mode. All of the electrically-operated devices on the patcher derive energy from a common battery pack which is charged by the patcher engine during a non-patching mode and alternatively during a patching mode when the stored energy in the battery pack drops below a given threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: PATCH MANAGEMENT, INC.Inventor: Scott P. Kleiger
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Patent number: 8851792Abstract: A rotary mixer herein includes: a rotor chamber configured to receive a first surface and produce a reclaimed surface, the rotor chamber including: a front door, a rear door, and a rotor; a particle size detector configured to detect a particle size of the reclaimed surface; and an electronic control module (ECM) electronically coupled to the rotor chamber and the particle sensor, the ECM configured to: receive a particle size from the particle sensor, compare the detected particle size to a desired particle size, adjust the degree of pulverization of the reclaimed surface according to the difference between the detected particle size and the desired particle size.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Schlenker, Brent P. Bachmeier, Jason W. Muir, Mario J. Souraty, Maria L. Biberdorf
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Publication number: 20140255096Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatically guiding a machine that picks up and places roadway barrier segments using satellite global positioning and ultrasonic sensors. The machine is guided by both GPS signals and signals based on ultrasonic measurement of distance from the existing barrier segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: LINDSAY TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventor: KEVIN L. SCHMIDT
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Patent number: 8827591Abstract: The present invention relates to a paving machine that includes an auger, a screed, and one or more sensors. The auger is adapted to distribute a paving mix on a paving surface. The screed is adapted to compact the mix on the paving surface to form the pavement. The one or more sensors are adapted to monitor the density of the pavement as it is compacted by the screed and provide output signals corresponding to the density so that the force exerted by the screed on the pavement as it is formed may be adjusted to achieve a desired pavement density.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment ABInventors: Robert W. Begley, Dale W. Starry, Jr.
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Patent number: 8827593Abstract: A vibratory compactor includes a first compacting element having a variable vibratory mechanism that sets a modifiable compaction effort, a second compacting element, a fluid reservoir, a first sensor configured to measure a first data parameter associated with the fluid reservoir, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive the first data parameter, determine a target compaction effort for the first compacting element based on the first data parameter; and modify the variable vibratory mechanism to set the compaction effort at the target compaction effort.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Nicholas A. Oetken
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Patent number: 8821063Abstract: A system for controlling a cutting machine for cutting rumble strips in a road surface includes a rotatable cutting head, a cylinder for driving the cutting head out of and into contact with the road surface, and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute an input/output function for varying a proportional gain and an error amplification signal over a range of forward speed of the cutting machine. An I/O function is based on six predetermined cutting machine speed values; wherein a proportional gain and a depth increment are specified for each speed value. The respective speed values increase progressively. As an actual forward speed of the cutting machine varies between two of the six predetermined input speed values a linear interpolation is applied between the next lower and the next greater speed value to vary the instantaneous proportional gain and depth increment to be applied by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Surface Preparation Technologies, LLCInventors: H. Matthew Johnson, Jeffreu M. Dows
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Patent number: 8801325Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling an asphalt repair apparatus. An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a system that may position a heater repair element adjacent a targeted asphalt surface, acquire and analyze surface and heater sensing data, and control heater output to prepare the targeted asphalt surface for repair. Further, the system may be configured to control an asphalt repair apparatus to satisfy user-defined asphalt repair requirements.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Heatwurx, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Douglas Garland, Edmond Joseph Limoge, William Petrow, John Edward Cronin
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Patent number: 8794869Abstract: A rotary mixer herein includes: a rotor chamber configured to receive a first surface and produce a reclaimed surface, the rotor chamber including: a front door, a rear door, and a rotor; a particle size detector configured to detect a particle size of the reclaimed surface; and an electronic control module (ECM) electronically coupled to the rotor chamber and the particle sensor, the ECM configured to: receive a particle size from the particle sensor, compare the detected particle size to a desired particle size, adjust the degree of pulverization of the reclaimed surface according to the difference between the detected particle size and the desired particle size.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Schlenker, Brent P. Bachmeier, Jason W. Muir, Mario J. Souraty, Maria L. Biberdorf
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Patent number: 8794867Abstract: An asphalt milling machine control is provided for an asphalt milling machine of the type which mills an asphalt pavement surface over which the machine travels. The machine has a milling machine body, and a rotatable milling drum mounted on the lower portion of the milling machine body, the bottom surface of the milling drum contacting the asphalt pavement surface to mill the surface to a design elevation. The machine further includes a plurality of machine body supports which are adjusted to raise or lower the height of the milling machine body and the rotatable milling drum with respect to the asphalt pavement surface. This defines the elevation of the surface that results from milling with the drum. The control includes a floating plate, mounted to the side of the milling machine and the rotatable milling drum, or a pair of floating plates mounted to either side of the machine, for sliding over the surface adjacent to the area to be milled.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Jeroen Snoeck, Richard Paul Piekutowski
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Patent number: 8764118Abstract: A road milling machine includes a sensor mounting system having a first mounting member, which is attached to a first machine component and supports a portion of a position sensor, and a second mounting member attached to a second machine component having a pivotable attachment to a machine frame. An extension member has a first end attached to the second mounting member and a second end including an attachment flange. A unitary ski member has a first end attached to another portion of the position sensor and a second end pivotably attached to the attachment flange. The unitary ski member includes a ground engaging surface that is positioned inboard relative to first and second side plates, which flank a rotor, and has a pivot movement compensation curve. A controller is configured for determining a milling depth of the rotor from measurements obtained by the position sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Sundararajan Krishnamoorthy, Arul Kumar Ramasamy, Timothy Miller
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Patent number: 8764341Abstract: In a ground working machine (1) for milling soils (2) or traffic areas, it is provided that a controller (18) for terminating the milling process controls the milling depth of the milling device (8) along a specified trajectory (24) in conjunction with simultaneous forward and reverse travel (5,7), thus enabling the milling device (8) to be raised into the upper position (9) disengaged from the ground without a depression (22) resulting from raising the milling device (8) remaining in the worked ground surface (3).Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Christoph Menzenbach, Harald Kroell, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
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Patent number: 8757729Abstract: A method of maintaining a machine substantially level with a first surface is disclosed. The method may comprise determining an electronic travel path between a first point and a second point on a second surface, the second surface created by a tool removing a section of the first surface, and adjusting the length of the rear leg to maintain the frame substantially level to the first surface as the rear leg moves along the travel path from the first point to the second point in a forward direction. A machine for planing a road is disclosed that maintains a parallel orientation with the road during operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Proudcts Inc.Inventor: Daniel H. Killion
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Publication number: 20140161529Abstract: The present invention relates to a compacting machine comprising a shaft, an unbalanced mass and a drum, wherein the shaft is connected both to the unbalanced mass and to the drum and is adapted to transfer imbalance forces from the unbalanced mass to the drum. The task of providing a compacting machine in which the provision of the unbalanced mass requires less space is achieved in that the shaft is mounted in a plain bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: BOMAG GmbHInventors: Thomas Darscheid, Robert Laux
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Publication number: 20140147206Abstract: In a method and a device for the treatment of a layer by introducing a binder and/or water and/or additives into a milled-up quantity of milled material of the layer to be stabilized by means of a construction machine or attachment machine with a milling/mixing rotor that is used to mill the layer at a specified milling depth, where the milling/mixing rotor is surrounded by a rotor housing which forms the boundary of the mixing chamber of the milling/mixing rotor, it is provided that during the positioning process, at least the binder quantity currently fed until reaching the specified milling depth is determined in accordance with the milled-up quantity of milled material currently present in the mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Christoph Menzenbach, Marc Ridder, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
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Publication number: 20140133906Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking manual operations during automatic control of a surface-engaging operation, such as laying a mat on a paving surface, include automatically operating a plurality of components to perform the surface-engaging operation without the actuation of corresponding operator controls. Actuation of the operator controls and actuation of the corresponding components to perform a manual operation can occur during the automatic operation. Information corresponding to the manual operation is recorded in response to detecting actuation of the operator controls and determining that the automatic operation of the machine is occurring.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Toby A. Frelich, Steven E. Hourscht, Rick L. Mings
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Patent number: 8714869Abstract: A pneumatic compactor includes a frame and a compacting member rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to rotate in contact with a substrate of paving material. The compacting member is a tire. The compactor further includes a heating element located within the compacting member, a sensor thermally coupled to the heating element, and an electronic control module. The electronic control module is in communication with the heating element and the sensor and is configured to energize the heating element.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Matthew S. Frantz, Jon M. Scharf, Paul D. Weiss
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Patent number: 8696236Abstract: A method of operating a control system for a machine is disclosed. The method may include receiving machine control settings for a first operator station from an operator and receiving an input reflecting a desire to switch control to a second operator station. The method may also include automatically adjusting control settings of the second operator station to match the control settings of the first station. The method may further include deactivating the first operator station once the control settings of the second operator station substantially match those of the first operator station.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Toby A Frelich
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Publication number: 20140086683Abstract: A saw apparatus for sawing paving slabs has a frame mounted on a ground contacting propulsion member such that the frame may move above a slab to be cut without touching the slab. A first saw support assembly disposes a blade of a saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a transverse cut. A second saw support assembly disposes a blade of another saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a longitudinal cut. The saws are mounted on the saw assemblies and the saw assemblies are mounted on the frame and the frame is mounted on the ground contact propulsion members such that no part of said frame need contact the slab during cutting.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventors: Roger Bockes, Robert Bockes
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Publication number: 20140086684Abstract: A device for detecting the temperature of an asphalt material to be processed by a road finishing machine includes at least one temperature measuring head, the at least one temperature measuring head being integrated into an ultrasonic sensor for detecting the filling level of the asphalt material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: MOBA Mobile Automation AGInventors: Willibald SEHR, David SHELSTAD
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Patent number: 8672581Abstract: A road construction machine comprising height adjustment devices which adjust the position of the plane of the machine frame in accordance with control signals, where the leveling device measures the distance of the ground surface to the machine frame and controls the height adjustment devices so the machine frame is movable at an adjusted orthogonal distance to the surface; a transmitter is arranged at the machine frame in a rigid fashion, and a receiver is movable, parallel to and synchronously with the machine frame, or vice versa, where the transmitter emits a measuring beam representative of a reference plane, the measuring beam being detectable by the receiver and representing either a plane extending parallel to the machine frame or a plane extending parallel to the ground surface, where the current distance of the machine frame to the current reference location is measurable from the detected position of the reference plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Christian Berning, Rene Müller, Thomas Schmidt, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
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Patent number: 8672582Abstract: A multipurpose compactor with an automatic safety system is provided. The automatic safety system comprises at least one transmitter and one receiver. The transmitter is coupled mechanically fixed to the multipurpose compactor and/or to a unit movable relative to the multipurpose compactor. The receiver is coupled fixedly to the movable unit and/or the multipurpose compactor.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Bomag GmbHInventors: Timo Loew, Alexander Hehner
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Patent number: 8668274Abstract: In a method for optimizing a cutting process in milling machines which are used to machine road coverings, which comprise a milling device fitted with milling tools which is sprayed with liquid in order to cool the milling tools, in addition to a drive motor, the following steps are provided: detection of the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device and controlling the amount of cooling liquid supplied according to the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Olaf Gaertner, Dieter Simons
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Patent number: 8641320Abstract: A road paver for laying road construction material comprises a tamping beam, a bunker for receiving road construction material, a wheeled chassis with a rear axle and a steerable front axle, and a hydraulic arrangement for permanent or optionally selectable drive of hydraulic motors which are coupled to the front wheels. A method for tractive power control and for drive slip limitation of the front drive of a road paver is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: BOMAG GmbHInventors: Hermann Christ, Irina Hagen, Moritz Nick
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Patent number: 8636443Abstract: A compactor includes a rotatable compacting element, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a liquid onto an outer surface of the compacting element to prevent sticking of paving material. The compactor further includes an electronic control mechanism configured to activate the dispensing mechanism, and further configured to deactivate the dispensing mechanism responsive to data indicating an extent of coverage of the outer surface with the liquid is sufficient. Related systems and methodology are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Paying Products Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Mark L. Norton
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Patent number: 8613566Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled civil engineering machine, and in particular to a slipform paver, road paver or road milling machine, and to a method of controlling a self-propelled civil engineering machine. The civil engineering machine according to the invention has a control unit which is configured to determine data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. The reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the machine-related reference system (x, y, z) may be selected as desired, and there is thus no need for the positions of various reference points to be plotted on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Matthias Fritz, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
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Patent number: 8602680Abstract: A vibrating plate comprises a vibration generator device, which can be controlled in such a manner that the direction of the action of force can be set at a number of locations, particularly in more than two locations. In addition, an advance adjusting device is provided for controlling the vibration generator device whereby the direction of the action of force is set in a position in which a maximum possible advance of the vibrating plate is reached. The direction of the action of force can be changed according to a change in the surroundings of the vibrating plate, particularly to the slope and/or the hardness of a subsoil to be compacted by a soil contact plate. Alternatively, the direction of the action of force can be changed according to the wishes of the operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Wacker Neuson Produktion GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Michael Fischer, Otto W. Stenzel, Oliver Kolmar, Martin Awrath, Walter Unverdorben, Hermann Schennach
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Publication number: 20130322964Abstract: In a road finishing machine comprising at least one screed, a machine control, and a ventilation system including a fan, the fan can be switched on or off via the machine control automatically independent of the operator and exclusively depending on demand. According to the invention, before or during the laying operation, a defined demand for the operation of the ventilation system is determined, and during or for the laying operation, the ventilation system is operated independent of the operator and automatically, and optionally power-controlled, upon determination of the defined demand.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Joseph Vogele AGInventors: Martin Buschmann, Klaus Oettinger
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Patent number: 8596217Abstract: An application controller for an application unit, for marking substances comprises a radiation sensor, by means of which the relative position of the application unit relative to a reference plane may be determined. The relative position of the application unit can be determined by means for recording the orientation of the application unit controller relative to the reference plane from the association of position with orientation information, such that control instructions, in particular for positional correction may be generated by the application unit controller. The position of the application unit can be adjusted by an actuator device according to the control instructions.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Leica Geosystems AGInventors: Peter Kipfer, Christian Betschon, Bernd Walser
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Publication number: 20130287494Abstract: A rotary mixer herein includes: a rotor chamber configured to receive a first surface and produce a reclaimed surface, the rotor chamber including: a front door, a rear door, and a rotor; a particle size detector configured to detect a particle size of the reclaimed surface; and an electronic control module (ECM) electronically coupled to the rotor chamber and the particle sensor, the ECM configured to: receive a particle size from the particle sensor, compare the detected particle size to a desired particle size, adjust the degree of pulverization of the reclaimed surface according to the difference between the detected particle size and the desired particle size.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Schlenker, Brent P. Bachmeier, Jason W. Muir, Mario J. Souraty, Maria L. Biberdorf
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Publication number: 20130287495Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelling machine for processing bituminous or concrete pavement material, in particular a road finisher or a feeder. The machine comprises an internal combustion engine as a primary drive source, a controller for the engine, said controller receiving control signals, at least one additional drive unit for functional and operational components of the machine as well as at least one hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic medium reservoir. The invention is characterized in that the controller is configured for automatically causing starting and/or stopping of the engine in response to receipt of at least one specific control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Ralf Weiser, Tobias Noll, Martin Buschmann, Achim Eul
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Patent number: 8568058Abstract: In electrically heated screed assemblies, elements that are prone to failure are the temperature sensors. Typically, each screed plate has a single temperature sensor. When one temperature sensor fails, the controller will look for a working temperature sensor amongst the other screed plates and if more than one temperature sensor is working, the controller will choose the most relevant temperature sensor and use the data from the working temperature sensor to operate the resistive heating elements on the screed plate with the non-functional temperature sensor. If the temperature sensor on an outer screed plate fails, the controller will look to the other outer screed plate temperature sensor for data for purposes of operating the resistive heating elements on the outer screed plate with a broken temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventor: Jameson M. Smieja
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Patent number: 8517628Abstract: A self-propelling machine for processing bituminous or concrete pavement material, in particular a road finisher or a feeder. The machine comprises an internal combustion engine as a primary drive source, a controller for the engine, said controller receiving control signals, at least one additional drive unit for functional and operational components of the machine as well as at least one hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic medium reservoir. The controller is configured for automatically causing starting and/or stopping of the engine in response to receipt of at least one specific control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Joseph Vögele AGInventors: Ralf Weiser, Tobias Noll, Martin Buschmann, Achim Eul
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Publication number: 20130195550Abstract: The invention relates to a road finishing machine with a controllable longitudinal conveyor device and a transverse conveyor device for mixed laying material disposed in the rear in the direction of motion. The road finishing machine furthermore comprises a control unit for adjusting a delivery rate of the longitudinal conveyor device and/or the transverse conveyor device. The control unit is connected with a sensory mechanism for determining a mixed laying material quantity or rate and adjusts the delivery rate in response to a signal from the sensory mechanism representing the mixed laying material quantity or rate. The control unit can be pilot controlled in response to laying parameters by a pilot control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Joseph Vogele AGInventors: Klaus Bertz, Tobias Noll, Ralf Weiser, Alessandro De Santis
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Publication number: 20130189031Abstract: A civil engineering machine and a method of controlling the machine are based on the position of at least one reference point which is relevant to the control of the civil engineering machine being changed, as the civil engineering machine moves, as a function of a relative position of the at least one reference point relative to a desired path of travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Wirtgen GmbHInventor: Wirtgen GmbH
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Patent number: 8485755Abstract: In a ground working machine (1) for milling soils (2) or traffic areas, it is provided that a controller (18) for terminating the milling process controls the milling depth of a milling device (8) along a specified trajectory (24) in conjunction with simultaneous forward and reverse travel (5,7), thus enabling the milling device (8) to be raised into the upper position (9) disengaged from the ground without a depression (22) resulting from raising the milling device (8) remaining in the worked ground surface (3).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Christoph Menzenbach, Harald Kroell, Cyrus Barlmani, Guenter Haehn
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Patent number: 8480331Abstract: The invention relates to a road making machine with a running gear and at least one material deflector which is arranged in front of the running gear in the driving direction and which can be pivoted up and lowered. The road making machine includes a control system by means of which an operator can choose at least between a laying operating mode and a transport operating mode. The control system is adapted to automatically completely pivot the material deflector up in the transport operating mode, and to let the operator adjust the pivot position of the material deflector manually in the laying operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Joseph Vögele AGInventors: Thomas Schmidt, Martin Seibel
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Patent number: 8469630Abstract: A sensor system for road construction equipment. The system includes a first conveyor for transporting material to a first auger that is positioned to receive the material. A first feeder sensor associated with the first conveyor is in over-the-air communication with a receiver to communicate the height of a material on the conveyor such that a master controller that is electrically connected to the receiver can regulate the amount of flow of material to the first conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Olson, Jack Zeng
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Patent number: 8454266Abstract: A method for controlling the process laying a layer in a selectable paving thickness with a road finisher in which the laying process is automatically controlled in that a target value for the paving thickness is entered into an automatic closed-loop control system and communicates the actuating signals to such members and the signals. A road finisher has a computerized, either fully automatic or operator aided closed-loop control system for the direct control of the laying process with control of the paving thickness to a predetermined target value and for the optimization of the operating point of the pre-compaction system, which is connected to sensors at least for the acquisition of the setting angle of the screed, of the paving thickness and of the laying rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Joseph Vogele AGInventors: Martin Buschmann, Ralf Weiser, Achim Eul
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Patent number: 8457808Abstract: An automatic delivery system for an infrastructure comprising passenger transportation, freight delivery, electrical grid, oil, gas, water pipelines, communication, sewer removal, etc. The automation at the current state of technology is mostly achieved by enclosing the delivery system inside of an enclosure for achieving automatic weather independent transportation and eliminating costs related to protecting the aforementioned infrastructure components from outside elements. In addition, the system is simple enough to avoid traffic and collisions automatically by processing in real time just a single piece of information: a location of each vehicle; as the result, the system is inexpensive since no hardware is necessary for between-vehicles communications, for road condition detection, for GPS, etc. Plus every person will be able to use transportation on-demand with or without sharing a commute and at a desired comfort level including but not limited to entertainment, exercise, working on the go, etc.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Inventors: Alisa Michnik, Yefim Michnik
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Publication number: 20130136539Abstract: A method of controlling a paving process is disclosed. The method may include mixing at least one sensor within a paving material and dispensing the paving material at a desired location. The method may also include monitoring a wireless signal from the sensor during the paving process. The method may further include controlling the paving process based on the wireless signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventor: James Alvin AARDEMA
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Publication number: 20130121764Abstract: A sensor system for road construction equipment. The system includes a first conveyor for transporting material to a first auger that is positioned to receive the material. A first feeder sensor associated with the first conveyor is in over-the-air communication with a receiver to communicate the height of a material on the conveyor such that a master controller that is electrically connected to the receiver can regulate the amount of flow of material to the first conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: SAUER-DANFOSS INC.Inventors: Michael R. Olson, Jack Zeng
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Patent number: 8424972Abstract: In a self-propelled road milling machine (1), particularly a cold-milling machine, comprising a track assembly carrying the machine frame (4) via lifting columns (12,13), a milling roller (6) supported on the machine frame (4) for treatment of a ground surface (8) or traffic surface (8), height-adjustable side plates (10) for edge protection, arranged to rest on the ground surface (8) or traffic surface (8) to be treated, a height-adjustable stripping means (14) arranged in the moving direction behind the milling roller (6) and adapted to be lowered, during operation, into the milling track (17) generated by the milling roller (6), and a control means (23) for controlling the milling depth of the milling roller (6), the control means (23) detecting the milling depth of the milling roller (6) from the measurement values of at least one measuring means (16), it is provided that the control means (23) is operative to automatically control the lifting condition of at least one rear and/or front lifting column (12Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Christian Berning, Dieter Simons
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Publication number: 20130089375Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction machine with automatic fan rotational speed regulation. The construction machine includes at least one electric motor that is connected functionally to a respective fan and a control unit formed for the purpose of registering operation-specific data. The control unit is configured for the purpose of regulating, depending on the operation-specific data, an electric output of the respective electric motor in order to adjust a desired target fan rotational speed on the fan.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: JOSEPH VOGELE AGInventor: JOSEPH VOGELE AG
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Patent number: 8408838Abstract: A milling machine includes a main frame, a rotatable cutter drum coupled with the frame, and an engine mounted to the frame and operatively connected with the drum, and crawler assemblies connected with the frame and including a hydraulic motor. A pump is disposed on the frame for driving the crawler motor and is adjustable to vary a speed of the motor. A regulator adjusts cutter drum speed, a speed selector generates an input corresponding to a desired drum speed, and a sensor senses a drum speed. A control receives input from the selector and the sensor and operates the regulator such that drum speed corresponds to the desired speed. Further, the control also compares sensed drum speed with desired drum speed and adjusts the pump to reduce crawler motor speed when the sensed drum speed has a value lesser than a predetermined portion of the desired drum speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment ABInventors: Paul E. Willis, Justin Zupanc
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Patent number: 8388262Abstract: The invention relates to an operator workplace of a construction machine, especially a milling machine for processing a road surface, comprising a seat with a seating surface, an armrest arranged to the side of the seating surface and comprising an arm supporting surface, and at least one control element arranged on the armrest for controlling at least one machine function. The invention further relates to a construction machine with such an operator workplace.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: BOMAG GmbHInventors: Thomas Klein, Thomas Haubrich
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Patent number: 8388263Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled civil engineering machine, and in particular to a slipform paver, road paver or road milling machine, and to a method of controlling a self-propelled civil engineering machine. The civil engineering machine according to the invention has a control unit 7 which has means for determining data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point R on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. The reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the machine-related reference system (x, y, z) may be selected as desired, and there is thus no need for the positions of various reference points to be plotted on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Matthias Fritz, Cyrus Barimani, Guenter Haehn