Automatic Control Patents (Class 404/84.05)
  • Patent number: 8356957
    Abstract: A system for applying a road surface includes a plurality of operational components each with one or a plurality of adjustment parameters and an open loop control unit from which the adjustment parameters are communicated to the operational components. The system has a closed-loop control unit for determining the optimum adjustment parameters for obtaining at least one specified target value taking into account measurement quantities, for producing a command data set representing a plurality of optimum adjustment parameters and for communicating this command data set to the open loop control unit. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a system for the application of a road surface, in particular a road finisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Joseph Vögele AG
    Inventor: Ralf Weiser
  • Publication number: 20130017017
    Abstract: An aggregate-spreading device is disclosed for widening roads, filling trenches, spreading any kind of road construction material, and creating shoulders on the side of roads at a controllable, quick, and steady pace. The aggregate-spreading device may be controlled by electronic motors and electronic actuators. The aggregate-spreading device is equipped with a skeletal frame, either a first and a second adjustable spreader assembly attached on opposing ends of the skeletal frame, or a single spreader assembly for allowing an operator precise control over placement of an aggregate. The aggregate may be supplied to the first or second adjustable spreader assemblies by adjusting the rotation of a reversible conveyor system. The skeletal frame simplifies manufacturing of the aggregate-spreading device and allows for easy repairs and maintenance. The electronic motors and electronic actuators eliminate the need for hydraulics, allowing an operator to control the device from a remote location with a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Duane A. Neumann
  • Patent number: 8337118
    Abstract: A road finisher (1) and a mobile supply unit (4) are described, between which a feed conveyor (7) with a discharge end (7a) is provided. Road finisher (1) and supply unit (4) are movable independently of each other in travel direction (F), and their relative positions with respect to each other can be detected by a sensor means (8, 18). To automate such a system as much as possible and to make it useable under all paving situations, it is suggested that the sensor means (8, 18) should include a position sensor (9) which has assigned thereto at least two mutually spaced-apart reference elements (10) for determining the position of the discharge end (7a) in, and transversely to, the direction of travel (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Joseph Vögele AG
    Inventors: Martin Buschmann, Steffen Fickeisen
  • Publication number: 20120301220
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jeroen Snoeck, Richard Paul Piekutowski
  • Patent number: 8308395
    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: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Jaroslaw Jurasz, Günter Hähn, Günter Tewes
  • Patent number: 8292371
    Abstract: An adaptive advance control system for a construction machine senses the reaction forces applied by the ground surface to a milling drum, and in response to the sensed changes in those reaction forces controls the rate of lowering the milling drum into the ground surface. Early and rapid detection of such changes in reaction forces allow the control system to aid in preventing lurch forward events of the construction machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Menzenbach, Axel Mahlberg, Herbert Lange, Cyrus Barimani, Gunter Hahn
  • Patent number: 8282312
    Abstract: A method of operating machine system includes receiving expected material placement data for a paving machine and comparing the expected material placement data with actual material placement data. The method further includes outputting a signal based on the comparison, and commanding replenishing material from a supply machine to the second supply volume responsive to the signal. A paving control system for a paving system includes a computer readable memory configured to store expected material placement data, a receiver configured to receive actual material placement data and a data processor configured to output a control signal to a supply machine to controllably replenish material to an external material supply volume for the paving system in a manner responsive to comparing the expected material placement data with the actual material replacement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine C. Braddy, Dean R. Potts, Robert J. Price
  • Publication number: 20120128417
    Abstract: The invention relates to a slipform paver having a chassis 2 able to be adjusted in the heightwise direction and having a mounting unit 10 arranged on the chassis for fastening on an arrangement 8 for molding flowable material. The slipform paver according to the invention is characterised in that the mounting unit 10 for fastening on the concrete mold 8 is mounted on the chassis 2 of the paver to be pivotable on an axis 14 extending in the direction of operation of the slipform paver. To produce parts of a structure whose orientation varies along their length, the concrete mold fastened 8 to the mounting unit is pivoted on the axis of pivot 14 by means of a pivoter unit 15 whereas the chassis of the paver maintains its orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: WIRTGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Zimmermann, Ralf Schug, Cyrus Barimani, Guenter Haehn
  • Patent number: 8123432
    Abstract: At the end of a guide handle of a vibration plate service as soil-compactor an actuating element is mounted which can be moved in relation to the guide handle. Each position of the actuating element is detected by a sensor device which transmits a corresponding signal to a hydraulic steering unit. In this way, the phase angles of unbalance masses can be modified which in turn influences the direction of travel of the vibration plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Wacker Neuson Produktion GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Publication number: 20110299926
    Abstract: In a road construction machine (1) with a machine frame (2), a chassis (4) carrying the machine frame (2) in a single plane, said chassis (4) moving on a ground surface (6) in the direction of travel (9) and comprising height adjustment devices (8) which adjust the position of the plane of the machine frame (2) in accordance with control signals of a levelling device (10), where the levelling device (10) measures the distance of the ground surface (6), at a current reference location (12) of the ground surface (6), to the machine frame (2) and controls the height adjustment devices (8) in such a fashion that the machine frame (2) is movable at an adjusted orthogonal distance to the reference location (12) of the ground surface (6), it is provided that a transmitter (15) is arranged at the machine frame (2) in a rigid fashion, and a receiver (16) is movable, parallel to and synchronously with the machine frame (2), next to the machine frame (2) along the current reference location (12), or that a receiver (16)
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: WIRTGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Rene Müller, Thomas Schmidt, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 8068962
    Abstract: A construction system utilizing 3D control includes a fixed base station of known location; a self-propelled construction machine located in the general vicinity of the fixed base station; and a rotating mobile unit assembly mounted on the self-propelled construction machine and having a location-determination device arranged to rotate around an axis. The location-determination device is adapted to operate in conjunction with the fixed base station to determine geodetic information about the self-propelled construction machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Power Curbers, Inc.
    Inventor: John Charles Colvard
  • Patent number: 8047741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a road-milling machine or machine for working deposits, such as deposits of coal, ores, minerals, etc. by surface mining. The machine according to the invention has an arrangement 14 for detecting the path followed by a milled edge 13 of a milled strip, with the arrangement for detecting the path followed by the milled edge having means 14 for measuring the distance between at least one reference point I on the machine and the milled edge. The means 14 for detecting the path followed by the milled edge co-operate with the arrangement 6 for steering the track-laying units 3A, 3B in such a way that the machine follows the path followed by the milled edge. The distance between the at least one reference point on the machine and the milled edge can be set in such a way that milled strips situated alongside one another are exactly aligned relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Von Schönebeck, Günter Hähn
  • Publication number: 20110262227
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Christ, Irina Hagen, Moritz Nick
  • Patent number: 8033751
    Abstract: A control system for controlling movement of individual hydraulically moveable ends of a screed head carried by a boom of a machine so as to maintain a selected elevation position between each end of the screed head and a reference in a concrete paving application as the screed head is moved toward the machine, includes elevation receivers mounted on the ends of the screed head, and a first sensor for sensing the orientation of the screed head along its length from the first end to the second end of the screed head. A second sensor senses rotational movement of the machine which will induce an error in the output of the first sensor, and providing an output indicating such rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Jerald Wayne Yost
  • Publication number: 20110229264
    Abstract: A system for applying a road surface includes a plurality of operational components each with one or a plurality of adjustment parameters and an open loop control unit from which the adjustment parameters are communicated to the operational components. The system has a closed-loop control unit for determining the optimum adjustment parameters for obtaining at least one specified target value taking into account measurement quantities, for producing a command data set representing a plurality of optimum adjustment parameters and for communicating this command data set to the open loop control unit. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a system for the application of a road surface, in particular a road finisher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: JOSEPH VOGELE AG
    Inventor: Ralf Weiser
  • Patent number: 8016037
    Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to devices and methods for energizing and detecting a wave-energizable apparatus on an item movable with respect to a working surface of a drilling rig. One illustrative device disclosed herein includes at least one mat adapted to be positioned on a working surface of a drilling rig and a plurality of spaced-apart energizing apparatuses operatively coupled to the at least one mat. Additionally, each of the plurality of spaced apart energizing apparatuses of the disclosed device is adapted to energize a wave-energizable apparatus attached to an item that is movable adjacent to the mat and relative to the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Bloom, Leon D. Ellison, Reinhold Kammann, Manfred Worms, Clive Lam, Guy L. McClung, III
  • Patent number: 7984953
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Gaertner, Diéter Simons
  • 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: 7946787
    Abstract: A paving system includes a machine having a frame with a plurality of ground-engaging elements coupled with the frame, and a height adjustable screed coupled with the frame. The paving system may also include a paving control system having a receiver configured to receive screed control data indicative of a position of the height adjustable screed relative to a reference position. The paving control system may further include a computer readable memory storing a control algorithm, which may include a smoothness estimating algorithm and a screed adjusting algorithm. An electronic control unit is coupled with the computer readable memory and is configured via the control algorithm to determine a smoothness value for a region of a mat of material which corresponds with an irregular pattern of screed position, in response to screed control data received via the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine C. Glee, Aaron Donnelli
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20100329783
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: JOSEPH VOGELE AG
    Inventors: Ralf Weiser, Tobias Noll, Martin Buschmann, Achim Eul
  • Patent number: 7854566
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for removing a layer of a paved surface comprises a vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface in a selected direction. The vehicle also comprises a milling drum with an axle connected to the vehicle, the drum being adapted to rotate around the axle substantially normal the selected direction. A moldboard is positioned rearward of the milling drum and also connected to the vehicle. A plurality of nozzles is disposed proximate a bottom end of the moldboard and is in communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway and the plurality of nozzles is adapted to move independent of the moldboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Neil Cannon, Thomas Morris
  • Patent number: 7854565
    Abstract: A method of establishing a desired grade of an uncured concrete surface or subgrade surface includes providing a wheeled apparatus having a wheeled support and a plow assembly, which may include a plow member for establishing the desired grade and/or a vibrating member for vibrating and smoothing the concrete. The down pressure of the plow assembly may be adjusted when the wheeled support is moved in a rearward direction. The elevation of the plow member may be controlled when a direction signal is indicative of the wheeled support stopping and/or moving in the forward direction. The rearward speed of the wheeled support may be reduced in response to a detection of a surface irregularity of the subgrade, and the frame portion and/or the plow assembly may be controlled to substantially maintain the plow assembly at a desired orientation when the wheel engages the detected surface irregularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Somero Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Halonen, Russ E. Stein, Mark A. Pietila, Michael R. Keranen, Carl B. Kieranen
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7828392
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Neil Cannon
  • 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: 7717521
    Abstract: A milling machine for milling a paved surface has milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine. At least one ferrous metal detector is attached to a front end of the machine. Electronic equipment is disposed within the machine and is in communication with the metal detector, the equipment being adapted to interpret feedback from the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Neil Cannon
  • Publication number: 20100111605
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a vibratory mechanism in a vehicle comprising a sensor configured to produce an operational value signal indicative of an operational characteristic of the vehicle; a computing device operable to receive the operational value signal and determine actuation values based at least in part on the operational value signal and to produce a corresponding control signal for selectively actuating the vibratory mechanism; and an input device configured to modify the actuation values during operation of the vehicle. A method for controlling a vibratory mechanism in a vehicle comprising the steps of producing an operational value signal indicative of an operational characteristic of the vehicle; determining actuation values from the operational value signal; modifying actuation values during operation of the vehicle; and signaling the vibratory mechanism to actuate in response to actuation values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Sturos, Michael W. Ries, Jonathan A. Anderson, Ryan P. Lenton, John L. Marsolek
  • Patent number: 7662280
    Abstract: A catch basin sealing system for closing a basin opening in a catch basin to inhibit contaminants from entering the catch basin includes a plurality of guide channels. Each of the guide channels is coupled to a bottom surface of a catch basin. The guide channels are positioned on opposing sides of a basin opening. A closing plate slidably engages the guide channels. The closing plate is slid from a first position adjacent the basin opening to a second position under the basin opening to close the basin opening and inhibit flow of liquid into the catch basin. A seal is coupled to an upper surface of the closing plate. The seal engages the catch basin around the basin opening to inhibit liquid flowing between the closing plate and the catch basin when the closing plate is positioned in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Cooney
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7651295
    Abstract: An extension screed is for a paving vehicle screed assembly that includes a main screed. The extension screed includes two base members movably connectable with the main screed and two vertical actuators each extending between the main screed and a separate base member. Each vertical actuator linearly displaces the connected base member with respect to the main screed in opposing vertical directions. A carriage preferably includes an inner frame movably connected with the base members and an outer frame slidably disposed about the inner frame and configured to support a screed plate. The vertical actuators vertically displace the carriage and alternatively pivot the carriage within a vertical plane. Further, a first horizontal actuator displaces the inner frame with respect to the two base members in opposing horizontal directions and a second horizontal actuator displaces the outer fame with respect to the inner frame in opposing horizontal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Michael S. Eppes, Eric Potter, Christopher W. Rahn
  • Patent number: 7645090
    Abstract: A method for at least slowing a vehicle moving along a surface, the method comprising: providing first and second panels rotatably disposed on the surface and capable of extending above the surface, wherein each of the first and second panels rotate in a different and opposite direction; providing at least one center panel disposed between the first and second panels, the center panel being capable of being deployed into a position extended from the surface; detecting at least one of a vehicle speed, vehicle type, and vehicle weight; and controlling one or more of the first, second, and center panels based on the detecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7641419
    Abstract: A control system for heating a screed assembly of a paving machine is provided. The control system includes a plurality of resistive heating elements positioned adjacent to a screed plate of the screed assembly. An electrical power supply is selectively connected with the resistive heating elements via switches operated by a controller. The controller is responsive to inputs from at least manual switches and temperature sensors. The controller is configured to automatically adjust the temperature of the screed plate by selectively energizing fewer than all of the resistive heating elements at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventor: James J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7604433
    Abstract: A floating screed device has a first section for cutting through plastic concrete and a second section for floating on the plastic concrete. The first and second sections are coupled together by a mechanism that moves the first section relative to the second section in a direction perpendicular to the planar bottom of the second section as the floating screed device is moved through a volume of unfinished plastic concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Laser Strike, LLC
    Inventors: S. Allen Face, III, Albert D. Frankeny, II
  • Patent number: 7575395
    Abstract: A system is for sensing a property of a material mat from a construction vehicle. The system includes a sensor for sensing the material property and a positioning mechanism connected with the vehicle and with the sensor. The mechanism displaces the sensor between first and second positions with respect to the vehicle as the vehicle displaces with respect to the material mat. The first sensor position is spaced a substantial distance above the mat upper surface. The second sensor position is located proximal to or on the mat surface such that the sensor is able to sense the material property in the second position. A controller operates the mechanism to sequentially displace the sensor from the first to second positions, permit the sensor to remain disposed at the second position for a period of time, and displace the sensor from the second to first positions after the period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Laura Stridiron, Michael James Scotese
  • Patent number: 7572080
    Abstract: A control system for heating a screed assembly of a paving machine is provided. The control system includes a plurality of resistive heating elements positioned adjacent to a screed plate of the screed assembly. An electrical power supply is selectively connected with the resistive heating elements via switches operated by a controller. The controller is responsive to inputs from at least manual switches and temperature sensors. The controller is configured to automatically adjust the temperature of the screed plate by selectively energizing fewer than all of the resistive heating elements at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Nelson
  • 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: 7544253
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted patching system for patching potholes and the like and incorporating method and apparatus for removing and flushing asphalt emulsion from the feed lines of the patcher which completely recycles the cleaning agent used to flush the feed lines, as well as eliminating any external discharge of potentially toxic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Patch Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Kleiger, Lewis Tarlini
  • Patent number: 7530641
    Abstract: An automotive construction machine for working ground surfaces, with a machine frame, a drive engine for driving traveling devices and for driving working devices, and a milling drum for milling the ground surfaces, which can be raised, driven by, and can be uncoupled from a drum drive, the milling drum can be moved into a raised position when not in milling mode, and when raised, the rotating direction of the milling drum corresponds to the rotating direction of the traveling devices and remains coupled with the drive engine, and a monitoring device monitors the distance between the milling drum and the ground surface and uncouples the raised milling drum from the drive engine or uncouples the traveling devices from the drive engine or raises the machine frame or generates an alarm signal when the monitoring device detects a deviation that falls below a pre-determined distance, or any of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Herbert Lange, Dieter Simons
  • Publication number: 20090097914
    Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery and retrieval device for road cones. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a track for mounting across the rear of a vehicle, a tower mounted to slide on the track, means such as motor to move the tower on the track, a conveyor to deliver road cones from a roadway to the base of the tower or to deliver road cones from the base to the roadway, a conveyor platform powered to move from a first height position at the base of the tower and adjacent one end of the conveyor to a second height position up the tower, and a handling mechanism to support a stack of road cones above the platform. In use the device collects and deposits cones from/to the roadway, in such a way as top enable a portion of a carriageway to be selectively closed by forming a ‘taper’. The invention thus overcomes problems associated with personnel having to walk behind a vehicle in order to place cones in this arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Patrick Flynn
  • Patent number: 7510347
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for milling traffic areas. The machine has a vertically adjustable chassis which carries a steerable traveling mechanism and a drive unit for moving the machine and for driving a milling mechanism coupled to the drive unit. A laser scanner is attached to at least on one side of the chassis. With the laser scanner, the height relative to the surface of a traffic area to be milled can be measured and the chassis can be set vertically in accordance with the measured values relative to the surface of the traffic area to be milled. The laser scanner is attached in the center side-wall region of the chassis. The scanning plane of the laser scanner is essentially parallel to the side-wall region of the chassis and at a height which permits monitoring of a hazard region which extends at least over the side length of the machine. The laser scanner produces a trigger signal if a disturbance occurs in the scanning plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: ABG Allgemeine Baumaschinen-Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Bernd Lemke
  • Patent number: 7484911
    Abstract: A method of paving includes sensing values indicative of a material feed demand of a surface to be paved, and depositing material onto the surface. An electronic controller is configured to generate a control signal corresponding with a feed forward term associated with an expected change in the material feed demand. The method also includes controlling depositing material onto the surface responsive to the control signal. A machine such as a paving machine includes a control system in control communication with a material feed system and having an electronic controller configured to determine an expected material feed demand and responsively output material feed rate control signals to the feed apparatus to control depositing material onto the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Toby Andrew Frelich
  • Publication number: 20090016819
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for implementing an electronic tollway barrier system. Exemplary systems and methods use positive vehicle identification at progressive monitoring locations to determine whether a vehicle has illegally entered a controlled lane across the electronic barrier, ensure that toll locations are not circumvented, and automatically issue citations to violators of the electronic barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick Vu, Jannine Miller, Randall Guensler, Teresa Slack, John Breedlove
  • Publication number: 20090010712
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Peter Kipfer, Christian Betschon, Bernd Walser
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080286044
    Abstract: A method and a system is described for controlling at least one compaction machine in which the oscillations propagating from the compaction machine in the ground are detected by means of a sensor at least at one relevant measuring location. The measured oscillation values as detected by the sensor are sent to a data-processing unit which then compares the same with a permissible oscillation limit value for the respective measuring location. Upon exceeding the limit value, at least one compaction parameter of the compaction machine is changed in such a way that the measured oscillation values as measured at the measuring location are set by a control loop circuit automatically to a value smaller than or equal to the oscillation limit value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Laux
  • Publication number: 20080253834
    Abstract: A construction system utilizing 3D control includes a fixed base station of known location; a self-propelled construction machine located in the general vicinity of the fixed base station; and a rotating mobile unit assembly mounted on the self-propelled construction machine and having a location-determination device arranged to rotate around an axis. The location-determination device is adapted to operate in conjunction with the fixed base station to determine geodetic information about the self-propelled construction machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: POWER CURBERS, INC.
    Inventor: John Charles COLVARD
  • Patent number: 7422391
    Abstract: A road milling machine having a milling roller with a plurality of chisels. A signal receiving unit is assigned to a machine component which is directly or indirectly involved in the milling process or to another machine component. The signal receiving unit detects an operating condition of the machine component and is connected to a signal emitting unit. An optical detecting device may be assigned to the road milling machine, whereby operations are made easier and the milling pattern is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Holl, Kay Heemann, Günter Hähn, Axel Mahlberg
  • Publication number: 20080031690
    Abstract: The device for controlling and actuating a vibrating mechanism, particularly in tampers, comprises a hydraulic pump (12) that drives a hydraulic motor (18), which interacts with the vibrating mechanism (10) while being a part of a hydraulic circuit (16) to which a pressure regulator (22) is connected in the secondary branch (20) and can be controlled by a hydraulic switching device (24). This configuration provides a purely hydraulic solution that does not require electrical current for controlling and switching off the vibrating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: HYDAC SYSTEM GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Krick