Abstract: A device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at two locations by height adjustment mechanisms that raise and lower the two locations of the contouring assembly independently of each other. The contouring assembly creates a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of at least one location of the contouring assembly is based on a comparison of the measured position of one portion of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. Control of the height of the other location is preferably based on the height above a physical reference measured with a proximity sensor. A pivot or tilting controller may control the tilting of the contouring assembly to follow the slope of the profile stored in computer memory.

Abstract: A screeding device for screeding a concrete surface includes a support member, a screed head assembly mounted to the support member, and a control. The screed head assembly includes a grade setting device and a vibrating member, and is selectively movable in a screeding direction over and along the concrete surface by the support member. The vibrating member is vibratable to screed the concrete surface as the screed head assembly is moved in the screeding direction over and along the concrete surface. The control is operable to automatically stop vibration of the vibrating member when the support member is not moving the screed head assembly in the screeding direction and to automatically vibrate the vibrating member when the support member moves the screed head assembly in the screeding direction.

Abstract: In a self-propelling road milling machine (1), particularly a (recycler or) cold-milling machine, comprising a machine frame (4) carried by a track assemblies (2,3) via lifting columns (12,13), a milling roll (6) supported on the machine frame (4) for treatment of a ground or traffic surface (8), height-adjustable side plates (10) for edge protection, arranged to rest on the ground or traffic surface (8) to be treated, a height-adjustable stripping means (14) arranged in the moving direction behind the milling roll (6) and adapted to be lowered, during operation, into the milling track (17) generated by the milling roll (6), and a control means (23) for controlling the milling depth of the milling roller (6), it is provided that at least one measuring means (16) is operative to detect the lifting, caused by the current milling depth, of a first sensor means resting on the ground or traffic surface (8), and/or the lowering of the stripping means (14) or a second sensor means onto the surface of the milling tra

Abstract: A floating screed device has an elongated float and an elongated blade movably coupled to the elongated float so that the blade is movable in pitch.

Abstract: Portland Cement Concrete with steel reinforcement mats or rods used in airport runways, highways, and other objects need to have the cement broken up for recycling or disposal and the steel mat reused or the steel recycled. The pavement removal machine lifts the concrete off a roadbed and places it on an anvil. A hammer then cracks the concrete and breaks it into small pieces, which fall away from the reinforcing steel. The concrete and the steel are then recycled. The pavement removal machine has legs which are moveable between a road working position and a transport position and can translate the frame of the machine up and down. The hammers can be gravity drop or powered. The steel can be cut into sections as the pavement is continuously torn up at a rate of about 1 lane mile per day.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a vibratory plate compactor, having at least one contact plate configured to be vibrated. The compactor may also include one or more excitation devices configured to vibrate the at least one contact plate. The compactor may further include a power system configured to supply power to the one or more excitation devices. In addition, the one or more excitation devices may be configured to generate linear excitation of the at least one contact plate to compact material beneath the at least one contact plate, propel the compactor, and steer the compactor. Steering and propulsion may be accomplished by varying the angle of the axis of excitation relative to the contact plate.

Abstract: A method of operating a compactor machine includes moving the compacting machine within a work area and determining a compaction response disconformity exists between at least two regions of the work area. The method includes generating a compactor navigation signal responsive to the compaction response disconformity. A method of compacting a work area may include determining a work material compaction response associated with at least one region of the work area is aberrant, and maneuvering the compactor machine within the work area responsive to a signal associated with the aberrant compaction response. A system for compacting a work area includes a compactor machine and an electronic controller configured via a compactor maneuvering control algorithm to detect an aberrant work material compaction response in a region of the work area and responsively generate a compactor navigation signal.

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.

Abstract: A wet pad strike off system includes a frame adapted to rest on a base structure on which a quantity of wet concrete is placed. A blade is suspended from the frame for relative rotation in a plane. Coupled to the blade is the means for sensing elevation of the blade relative to a grade plane. Coupled to the frame is the means for facilitating adjustment of the frame relative to the base structure so that the blade's rotational plane can be positioned parallel to the grade plane. Coupled to at least one of the blade and frame is means for positioning the blade's rotational plane coincident with the grade plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in shearing paving material applied to a surface is provided. This apparatus includes a blade for shearing the asphalt mixture to a desired thickness, cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in response to elevational changes in the surface, at least one signal generator associated with each cylinder and adapted to produce a signal indicative of the elevation of the surface, and at least one signal receiver associated with each signal generator. This blade apparatus is coupled with a prime mover. The receiver is operable to activate the cylinders in response to a signal received from the generator. The blade is raised and lowered as the elevation of the surface changes in response to signals emanating from the generator allowing surface level variations to be evened out while paving.

Abstract: A compaction system, including a first and second array of compaction elements supported by an underside of a motorized vehicle adapted to traverse a degraded surface. A sensor assembly is supported by the motorized vehicle, disposed intermediate the first and second array of compaction elements, and in electrical communication with a controller. The sensor assembly also being adapted to sense a characteristic of an at least partially compacted surface formed after the first array of compacting elements applies a first compaction pressure to the degraded surface. The controller being in electrical communication with the second array of compaction elements and has an input field for a second compaction pressure. The sensor assembly is adapted to input the second compaction pressure into the field and the controller is adapted to adjust the second array of compaction elements to apply the second compaction pressure to the at least partially compacted surface.

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 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.

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 soft landing control system for a screeding device is operable to automatically lower a vibrating member of a screed head assembly into engagement with a concrete surface at a time and place where the vibrating member is not positioned over an overlap area of already screeded concrete. The vibrating member is automatically lowered onto newly placed concrete at or near the junction or cold-joint between the already screeded concrete and the area of newly placed concrete, so as to avoid depressions in the already placed concrete. Optionally, the soft landing control system may include a timing device and may lower the vibrating member after a period of time following an activating event. Optionally, the control system may detect when the vibrating device is positioned at or near the newly placed concrete and may lower the vibrating member in response to such detection.

Abstract: A paving machine may include a power source, a traction system, a hopper configured to contain paving material, and one or more conveyors configured to transfer the paving material from the hopper. The paving machine may also include a screed configured to lay a mat of the paving material. The paving machine may further include at least one front sensor mounted on a front portion of the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface to the front sensor and at least one rear sensor mounted on the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface of the mat to the rear sensor. The paving machine may also include a controller configured to determine a thickness of the mat by determining a difference between one or more front height measurements taken by the at least one front sensor and one or more rear height measurements taken by the at least one rear sensor.

Abstract: A contouring machine control system, contouring/smoothing method, and kit for enabling a contouring machine to automatically contour three-dimensional surfaces includes a contouring member, such as a screed or dirt grading blade, a target either attached to the contouring member or located at a remote location, a tracking device at the other of the contouring member or remote location that tracks the target and measures the position of the target in three dimensions, a proximity sensor adjacent one end of the contouring member to detect its height above a physical reference, and a controller/computer for controlling the height of the two ends of the contouring member. One of the ends is controlled as a function of a stored profile of the desired surface to be contoured and the target or tracking device position, while the second end is controlled as a function of the current height of the proximity sensor above the reference.

Abstract: A screeding apparatus for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a vibrating member and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating member. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating member and/or the grade setting device. The grade setting device is vertically adjustable, such as via a laser plane responsive control system, to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The level of the screeding apparatus may be automatically adjustable to maintain a desired level and angle of attack of the vibrating member. The vibrating member may be activated only when the screeding apparatus is moved in a screeding direction so as to reduce depressions that otherwise may occur if the vibrating member vibrates on the uncured concrete when not moving.

Abstract: A drag box for use in applying cold mix asphalt paving material to a surface includes a pugmill for distributing the cold mix over the surface, a strike blade for shearing the asphalt mixture to a desired thickness, cylinders for raising and lowering the strike blade in response to elevational changes in the surface, at least one signal generator associated with each cylinder and adapted to produce a signal indicative of the elevation of the surface, and at least one signal receiver associated with each signal generator. The drag box is pulled behind a prime mover but preferably is not rigidly coupled with the prime mover. The blade is raised and lowered in response to signals emanating from the generator as the elevation of the surface changes, allowing surface level variations to be evened out while paving.

Abstract: A controller for use in a vibratory mechanism includes an amplitude control circuit that generates an amplitude control signal that varies from a minimum value to a maximum value. The vibratory mechanism is adapted to vibrate at an amplitude based on an amplitude control signal characteristic. Additionally, the controller includes a frequency control circuit that is operatively coupled to the amplitude control-circuit to produce a frequency control signal that varies based on the amplitude control signal characteristic.

Abstract: A soft landing control system for a screeding device is operable to automatically lower a vibrating member of a screed head assembly into engagement with a concrete surface at a time and place where the vibrating member is not positioned over an overlap area of already screeded concrete. The vibrating member is automatically lowered onto newly placed concrete at or near the junction or cold-joint between the already screeded concrete and the area of newly placed concrete, so as to avoid depressions in the already placed concrete. Optionally, the soft landing control system may include a timing device and may lower the vibrating member after a period of time following an activating event. Optionally, the control system may detect when the vibrating device is positioned at or near the newly placed concrete and may lower the vibrating member in response to such detection.

Abstract: Knowledge of the profile of a road surface—most importantly its defects—is a must to construct an acceptable road surface in this day of high speed traffic. Measurement and calculation of the surface during the process of forming the road—when the road material is still plastic—provides the opportunity to repair unacceptable defects while the road surface material can still be worked. The benefits include a smoother, more durable surface at a lesser cost than methods used on hardened road surfaces. Shown herein is for a method and apparatus for calculating a surface's elevation profile using measurements taken by non-contact devices at a number of locations. Since non-contact sensors are used, elevation profiles of wet concrete can be measured and calculated. Such an apparatus can be mounted on a road paving machine to provide a real time feedback of the surface so corrections to the surface and to the paving machine's operation can be made as required.

Abstract: A light weight motorized concrete finishing machine with a set of blades that rotate on a single plane, held by a hub assembly that resists deflection, specially equipped with quick release system for trowel blades. Blade pitch is controlled by an actuator that can be adjusted manually or remote powered. The unit is equipped with a remote means of hands free operation of blade pitch and throttle control. Right to left directional motion of machine is controlled by an articulated steering mechanism.

Abstract: A device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at opposite ends by height adjustment mechanisms. The height adjustment mechanisms 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 at least one end of the contouring assembly is based on a comparison of its measured position with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. A pivot or tilting controller may control the tilting of the contouring assembly to follow the slope of the profile stored in computer memory.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the operation of a pavement surfacing machine are described. One embodiment that controls a pavement surfacing machine having a vehicle moveable in a preselected direction of travel along a pavement surface under the influence of a prime mover and configured to urge a rotatable grinding head against the pavement surface includes at least one sensor configured to measure a preselected operational parameter of the pavement surfacing machine and provide an output representative of the parameter and a controller that is configured to control the rate at which the vehicle moves in response to the sensor output.

Abstract: A laser-regulating means for a construction machine for adjusting the height of a height-adjustable machining tool includes three laser measuring heads which are directed to three measuring points being spaced from each other on a reference surface, and an evaluating means, which, from the output signals of the laser measuring heads and from the known geometric arrangement of the laser measuring heads as regards the machining tool, determines the height of the machining tool relative to a reference surface and, from this height and from a target height determines a control signal for a height-adjustment of the machining tool. The construction machine is a road finisher with a height-adjustable plank or a cold planer with a height-adjustable milling drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in shearing paving material applied to a surface is provided. This apparatus includes a blade for shearing the asphalt mixture to a desired thickness, cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in response to elevational changes in the surface, at least one signal generator associated with each cylinder and adapted to produce a signal indicative of the elevation of the surface, and at least one signal receiver associated with each signal generator. This blade apparatus is coupled with a prime mover. The receiver is operable to activate the cylinders in response to a signal received from the generator. The blade is raised and lowered as the elevation of the surface changes in response to signals emanating from the generator allowing surface level variations to be evened out while paving.

Abstract: A paving machine arranged to spread and level concrete along a path. The paving machine has a frame assembly, and at least one concrete processing device carried by the frame assembly. The processing device include at least two mutually screed elements spanning the width of the frame assembly and are mutually adjustable in height relative to the frame assembly. The paving machine futher include a control device that positions the at least two screed elements relative to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A guidance system for providing control over the height and inclination of a portable screed is provided. The guidance system includes an inclination measuring device for measuring an inclination, an inclination display for displaying the measured inclination to an operator, a level measuring device for measuring a height relative to a reference signal, and a level display for displaying the measured height to the operator. The inclination measuring device, inclination display, level measuring device and level display can be mounted on a portable screed. The inclination display and the level display are adapted to be used by the operator to guide the portable screed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the operation of a pavement surfacing machine are described. One embodiment that controls a pavement surfacing machine having a vehicle moveable in a preselected direction of travel along a pavement surface under the influence of a prime mover and configured to urge a rotatable grinding head against the pavement surface includes at least one sensor configured to measure a preselected operational parameter of the pavement surfacing machine and provide an output representative of the parameter and a controller that is configured to control the rate at which the vehicle moves in response to the sensor output.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing degree of compaction includes: a sensor 13 which senses a traveling speed of the vehicle; a switch 14 by which a number of vibrations of the roll transmitted per unit time is set; a reference vibration number setting section 15 by which a reference number of vibrations of the roll transmitted per unit of longitudinal travel of the vehicle is set; an input/output calculating section 16 controlling electric signals outputted from the sensor 13, the switch 14, and the reference vibration number setting section 15, respectively; and a monitor section 17 relatively and comparatively indicating, as a vehicle speed index value, magnitude relation of a current number of vibrations of the roll transmitted per unit of longitudinal travel of the vehicle relative to the reference number of vibrations of the roll on the basis of an electric signal outputted from the input/output calculating section 16.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil compacting device comprising a vibration generator that acts upon a soil contact plate. A controlling means of the vibration generator comprises an amplitude-controlling unit and a frequency-controlling unit. The amplitude-controlling unit diminishes the vibration amplitude by a first amplitude difference when a jumping of the soil contact plate is detected. When no jumping is detected within a clock timing, the amplitude-controlling unit increases the vibration amplitude by a second amplitude difference. The frequency-controlling unit determines the driving power that is output by a drive to the vibration generator and changes the vibration frequency so that the driving power approximately corresponds to a preset value. The amplitude control and the frequency control are advantageously carried out in parallel.

Abstract: A screed with a trussed beam having a cross-section in the geometrical shape of an equilateral triangle used to support tools for working plastic concrete. The beam is supported between spaced apart, wheeled carriages riding forms bounding the plastic concrete. The beam is oriented such that the cross-sectional triangle is inverted with the wide base at the screed top and the apex at the bottom. The inverted triangular truss beam has sufficient space to suspend working tools substantially within the peripheral edges of the beam. The screed uses upstanding integral outriggers so that the pitch at the center of the screed can be adjusted exteriorly to the pour site.

Abstract: A material spreading apparatus is designed to fill recesses in a generally horizontal surface with a filler material such as asphalt. The apparatus can be moved in a forward direction over the generally horizontal surface so as to define a coverage path. The coverage path may be defined as including multiple parallel treatment zones. The material spreading apparatus includes a support frame and a sensing system having multiple sensing zones. One sensing zone corresponds to each of the treatment zones. The sensing system is responsive to the presence of a recess in any one of the sensing zones. A filling means is supported by the frame and has a plurality of filling zones. One filling zone corresponds to each treatment zone. The filling means is in communication with an activatable by the sensing system such that it deposits filler material in one of the filling zones when the sensing system senses the presence of a recess in the corresponding treatment zone.

Abstract: A transducer arrangement and method that generates control signals indicating relative positions of the ends of a hydraulically movable screed head. The generated control signals of the present invention are used by a conventional control circuit controlling the hydraulically movable screed head with laser receivers in a column block situation, which interrupts the reception of a laser beam from a laser transmitter by one of the laser receivers, to provide an estimated absolute position of the interrupted receiver side of the screed head until the column block situation clears. Normally, absolute measurements are available on both sides of the screed head via the laser receivers receiving the laser beam.

Abstract: A system and device is disclosed for obtaining a topographical profile of a road bed, and then delivering an asphalt mat that varies in thickness according to that profile. The system enables variance in the mat thickness across the width of the mat as well as in the normal longitudinal direction. The process is begun by obtaining a three-dimensional profile of the surface to be paved. A topographical scanner is moved over the road surface to obtain a profile of the entire length and width of the surface to be paved to obtain a detailed topographical profile. In a second phase of the operation, the topographical scanner is utilized in combination with an asphalt delivery mechanism. The topographical scanner tracks the exact position of the asphalt delivery mechanism, correlates that to the scanned profile, and thereby controls the operation of the asphalt delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A control system for use with an asphalt paving machine receives inputs from an operator interface for inputting a desired tamping frequency or a desired tamping rate (tamps/ft) and a speed sensor that produces a signal indicative of the speed of the asphalt paver. The control system includes an automatic mode and when in automatic mode the system modifies the tamping frequency to better achieve a desired number of tamps per foot traveled irrespective of speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the mixing of asphalt aggregate with rejuvenating materials in an asphalt rejuvenating machine. According to the method, milled aggregate is discharged in a windrow of fixed width, and windrow height is compared to rejuvenating machine speed to determine a volume rate of material being processed. A processor controller calculates a required amount of rejuvenating fluid addition based on the volume rate being processed and a desired proportion of rejuvenating fluid to aggregate. The processor controller controls a sprayer which directs rejuvenating fluid at some point along a zone extending from a milling apparatus to a mixer.

Abstract: A height control arrangement for a strike-off plate of an asphalt paver screed assembly is disclosed. The screed assembly has at least one main screed unit and at least one screed extension unit mounted in front of the main screed unit. The height control arrangement includes an actuator connected with the strike-off plate mounted in front of the main screed unit at a position ahead of the screed extension unit. A sensor measures the amount of material built up behind the strike off plate and sends an input signal to a controller responsive to the amount of material. The controller sends a control signal to the actuator to adjust the height of the strike off plate responsive to the magnitude of the input signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for compacting soil and for determining a mechanical characteristic of soil, including a method and apparatus for periodically compacting soil with a soil compacting device so as to make the soil and the soil compacting device vibrate together as a single oscillatory system, analyzing the vibration of the soil and soil compacting device, and adjusting an oscillatory driving force so as to drive the single oscillatory system towards a characteristic resonance frequency &OHgr;.

Abstract: A powered inertia propelled screed for leveling, smoothing and spreading concrete having a power source, motor pulley, motor belt, power reduction pulley, power reduction belt, transfer axle, second power reduction pulley, continuous belt, irregular shaped pulley, arm, stationary bracket, platform, wheels, tracks, control arms and screed. The rotation of the irregular shaped pulley causes the powered inertia propelled screed to move back and forth along the tracks by inertia and so that the screed is moved back and forth along the concrete.

Abstract: A finishing machine for the laying of the asphalt surface having a conveyer, and a hopper for the storage and the distribution of material. The conveyer, that moves material from the hopper to the auger, has a couple of chains connected with one another by transversal splines that are suitable for the transport of the material. The material crawls on a plurality of fixed plates secured to the frame of the machine, and the chains run on the plates. The last plate, which supports the passing material, is floating in comparison with the fixed plate which precedes it. The last plate is on a weighing device, and the device is connected with a control power unit. The control power unit detects a signal relevant to the reading of the weight of the material. The signals are detected at time intervals, depending on the angular speed of the hopper, and allows weighings to take place after all the weighed material has been unloaded from the weighing plate.

Abstract: A fluid control system (50) is provided for a work machine (10) having first and second compacting drums (14,16). First and second hydraulic motors (28,32) are connected in series and power first and second vibratory mechanisms (26,30) located within the first and second compacting drums (14,16). A control valve (60) supplies pressurized fluid to the first hydraulic motor (28). The pressurized fluid is transferred through a bypass circuit (74) around the second hydraulic motor (32). A sequencing device (80) closes the bypass circuit (74) transferring the pressurized fluid to the second hydraulic motor (32) after actuation of the first hydraulic motor (28).

Abstract: A travel control device for vibrating plate compactor which can easily switch the travel direction of a large sized compactor weighing more than 500 kg by a hydraulic pump circuit having a servo valve to supply pressure from outside for switching the travel direction in order to shift the rotational phase of one of the rotors in the vibration generator. The travel control device receives the mechanical return force from the vibration generator at one end thereof in the cylindrical body and is provided at other end with a piston positioned to receive the pressure oil from an outside hydraulic pump, a push rod to operate said piston inserted into the other end of the body from outside, and a spool for servo valve at the side opposite to the side receiving said mechanical return force of said piston to supply the pressure oil from said hydraulic pump by operating said push rod.

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.

Abstract: A soil compacting device has a damping system which couples an upper mass and a lower mass together with a spring system in a vibration system. The damping properties of the damping system can be modified while the device is in operation. Therefore, when the soil compacting device passes over soils having different properties, it can constantly be adjusted in an optimal manner to the ground underneath it by acting on the vibration properties of the overall vibration system.

Abstract: A screeding assembly and method is disclosed for spreading, grading, consolidating and smoothing loose or plastic material such as poured, uncured concrete when the assembly moved over an area of the material. The assembly includes a rotatable auger to move the material laterally across the path of travel, a vibratory screed positioned behind the auger to smooth and finish the material, and an elongated engaging member reciprocated laterally across the path at a position between the auger and vibratory screed to facilitate consolidation of the material. Preferably, a plow/striker is positioned in front of the auger to and remove excess material. The assembly may be mounted on a self-propelled vehicle or other support on a boom for moving the assembly over the material, and is preferably controlled by a laser beam responsive elevation control. A kit for attaching the reciprocating engaging member to an existing screed assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a construction machine includes the construction machine provided with a ground leveling implement, a target, and a laser sensor; a survey unit that has a coordinate position measuring element and projects a beam of tracking light indicating a finished-plane height toward the target; a storage unit for storing finished-plane height data in correspondence with a horizontal coordinate position in the coordinate position; and a computation unit for computing the finished-plane height data. The survey unit is equipped with a rotation unit for rotating the laser beam in a vertical direction so that a height of the laser beam at the horizontal coordinate position becomes a height from a determined finished plane. The construction machine is provided with a control unit for controlling the ground leveling implement so that it reaches the finished-plane height, based on a position at which the laser beam is received on the laser sensor.

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.