Abstract: A method and system for removing material build-up in a mixing chamber of a rotary mixer machine. The system includes one or more actuators coupled to the mixing chamber and to a frame of the rotary mixer machine. Further, the system includes a controller configured to receive an input and activate the one or more actuators in response to the input to induce a forward and backward rocking motion in the mixing chamber to cause a dislodgement of the material build-up from the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber executes the forward and backward rocking motion between a first position and a second position about an axis disposed transversally to a length of the rotary mixer machine.

Abstract: A system for performing interactions within a physical environment, the system including: a robot having a robot base that undergoes movement relative to the environment and a robot arm mounted to the robot base, the robot arm including an end effector mounted thereon; a communications system including a fieldbus network; a tracking system including a tracking base positioned in the environment and connected to the fieldbus network, and a tracking target mounted to a component of the robot, wherein the tracking base is configured to detect the tracking target to allow a position and/or orientation of the tracking target relative to the tracking base to be determined; and a control system that communicates with the tracking system via the fieldbus network to determine the relative position and/or orientation of the tracking target and controls the robot arm in accordance with the relative position and/or orientation of the tracking target.

Abstract: A pavement joint sealing system that meters out an appropriate amount of sealant over potentially varying speeds and especially with potentially varying joint dimensions. Given the joint dimensions, the system is able to determine and enforce an effective ratio between the applicator speed and the sealant flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention improves upon the existing GPS survey rod with a rover mount, a collector mount, and a lever to spray the paint. The bottom part of the GPS survey rod includes the paint canister insert, and the spray paint tip. There are three holes in the tip of the rod to expel the paint. This product is made of aluminum or carbon fiber, a very light weight yet durable material. Specially designed paint cans and conventionally paint cans are used in this device. This tool will allow the user to be more efficient by merging two jobs and devices into one. The disclosure additionally includes a linkage between the activation lever and the bottom part configured to depress a nozzle of the paint can in response to a depression of the activation lever.

Abstract: Concrete texturing devices for use on an uncured concrete slab. The concrete texturing devices have a device body, one or more drive systems, at least one articulating arm, and at least one texturing structure. Also disclosed are methods of use.

Abstract: A rotary brush assembly for a paving machine may comprise a frame mount for mounting the rotary brush assembly to a chassis frame of the paving machine, as well as a plurality of adjustable mounting arms. The rotary brush assembly may further include a motor having a drive shaft. A pair of mounting plates may be coupled to the drive shaft. The rotary brush assembly may further include a plurality of blades. Each blade may include a mounting end installed between the pair of mounting plates, as well as an opposite free end.

Abstract: A repair method for a civil engineering work. The method includes the depositing, directly onto a portion of the work to be repaired, of a reinforcing structure formed from one or more successive layers of at least one reinforcing material which are each extruded in contact with the surface onto which the material is to be deposited, using a robot system, with the material being extruded in strips.

Abstract: A positioning and support tool for steel stud top track installations with which to temporarily support the top track in reasonable proximity to its final, installed position so that the track may be quickly and safely installed by one person. The tool uses magnets applied directly to the underside of corrugated steel sheeting or other overhead structural members. A hanger member is attached to the magnets and is capable of being placed beneath the top track to support the track at, or in close proximity to, its final, installed orientation. The tool is configured so that it remains fully effective and equally secure on irregular planes of corrugated steel sheeting while offering an uncompromised and quantifiable weight rating.

Abstract: A hand held screed raking device having a longitudinally extending screed head, arced dozer front face, screed back, and tubular rake handle or rake grip handle. An underside shoe secures against the longitudinally extending screed head, connecting to a longitudinal bottom trailing surface, having a smooth, or textured bottom surface with repetitive or variable form and different forms of textured bottom surfaces. The textured bottom surface may dampen in amplitude, and be oriented with respect to application material applying direction. The user dozes pushing or pulling the device over a surface, loading application material along the arced dozer front face applying it on the surface. The invention leaves a less segregated application material on the surface, by allowing it to be controlled by pitching the angle of the longitudinal bottom trailing surface, and making smooth grade adjustments. The invention uses different application materials in various industries.

Abstract: In an automotive milling machine, with a machine frame with longitudinal axis, with a chassis with wheels or tracked travelling drive units which support the machine frame, with a controller for the travelling, steering and milling operation, with a height-adjustable working drum, with a slewable last or single transport conveyor of specified length arranged in front of or behind the working drum as seen in the direction of travel of the milling machine, where the transport conveyor is, as a minimum, slewable sideways about an essentially vertical first axis under a slewing angle, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: the controller comprises a detection and control system which, as a minimum, detects the steering angle of the steering controller for the chassis or, as a minimum, the steering angle of the steering controller and the distance travelled or the travel speed, and controls the slewing angle of the transport conveyor in accordance with this no less than one parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milling machine, in particular a road milling machine, a stabilizer, a recycler or a surface miner, comprising a drive means which is configured such that the milling machine performs translatory and/or rotatory movements on the ground, and a working means which is configured such that the ground is machined. The invention also relates to a method for operating a milling machine of this type. The milling machine according to the invention has a control unit 15 to input drive parameters and work parameters. The control unit 15 is distinguished by a selection unit 15C to select an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes. The control and processing unit 20 has a memory 20A which stores at least one predetermined drive parameter which is assigned to the operating mode, and/or at least one predetermined work parameter which is assigned to the operating mode, for each operating mode of the plurality of operating modes.

Abstract: In an automotive milling machine, with a machine frame with longitudinal axis, with a chassis with wheels or tracked travelling drive units which support the machine frame, with a controller for the travelling, steering and milling operation, with a height-adjustable working drum, with a slewable last or single transport conveyor of specified length arranged in front of or behind the working drum as seen in the direction of travel of the milling machine, where the transport conveyor is, as a minimum, slewable sideways about an essentially vertical first axis under a slewing angle, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: the controller comprises a detection and control system which, as a minimum, detects the steering angle of the steering controller for the chassis or, as a minimum, the steering angle of the steering controller and the distance travelled or the travel speed, and controls the slewing angle of the transport conveyor in accordance with this no less than one parameter.

Abstract: The invention pertains to pavement marking patterns and the application thereof to roads, streets, walkways and the like. Various pattern marking designs replicate bricks, cobblestones, horizontal signage, logos and other components. The marking patterns are composed of two or more independent sections, the first section is a grid representing for example, the mortar joints in a brick wall. The second sections or inserts, for example represent bricks which are contained within the grid. As the first and second sections are generally formed from different colored, preferably thermoplastic materials, a hot melt adhesive spray is utilized on the bottom surface of the marking pattern bridging the intersections between the first and second sections, maintaining the integrity of the marking pattern for convenience during handling and application to a substrate. Preferably the hot melt spray adhesive has approximately the same softening point range as the pattern sections for heat treatment during application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a loading process of a transport vehicle by a milling device in milling operation, a device for implementing this method and a road milling machine or a device for the removal of soil material with such a device. One aspect of the present invention, according to one embodiment, is a sensor device by means of which the position and partially also the fill level of the transport container of the transport vehicle can be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to install contraction joints in concrete slabs. The method uses a device, which inserts a strip of plastic or paper tape into freshly laced concrete, as the device is driven across a concrete slab. The tape is folded immediately prior to being inserted into freshly placed concrete, and functions to weaken the slab at the contraction joint location for the purpose of causing a crack to form in the slab. Plastic tape can be used, which functions as a moisture vapor retarder, and thereby, protects floor coverings from moisture damage, such as mold and mildew, at contraction joint locations.

Abstract: A grinding attachment for highways and similar surfaces is disclosed for grinding operations closer to adjacent obstacles than is possible with existing equipment using a straddle-type centrally mounted grinding drum. The grinding attachment assembly comprises at one end a stub axle, which engages the grinding drum via a head extension. The stub axle is attached to a shroud which is in turn supported by a mounting assembly, which in operation attaches to a vehicle or machine able to drive the grinding attachment. The grinding drum can thereby operate proximal obstacles adjacent a grinding surface by virtue of arrangement of the stub axle, shroud and mounting assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining characteristics of a roadway mark at a remote location. The system includes a vehicle having at least one imager for producing image data containing at least one actual roadway mark evident on a roadway surface. A GPS antenna is mounted on the vehicle. A GPS receiver is responsive to the GPS antenna for determining a GPS location of the GPS antenna. An apparatus responsive to the imager and the GPS receiver determines a GPS location of the roadway mark and filters and compresses the image data, the filtered and compressed image data containing the image data of the roadway mark. An apparatus communicates the filtered and compressed image data to the remote location for analyzing the roadway mark characteristics from the image data.

Abstract: High resolution images are imprinted onto precise and consistent lawns and fields by use in combination of a global positioning system; a processor for generating a desired pattern which is translated into patterning instructions; and a patterning implement which is used for generating detailed patterns and for imprinting said patterns on any of natural or artificial lawns and fields, covered areas, and landscapes.

Abstract: An integrated heating and comb unit and method of mechanized asphalt raking in which a mechanized asphalt comb comprised of a rake attachment and an arm is attached to an engineering vehicle via a terminating end of the arm. The engineering vehicle can control and manipulate the mechanized asphalt comb into a raised inactive position, a lowered active position, and a plurality of positions between the raised inactive position and the lowered active position. When in the lowered active position, the mechanized asphalt comb applies a fixed downward pressure and depth of penetration to the applied surface.

Abstract: Marking apparatus and methods to mark ground, pavement or other surfaces to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of an underground utility in a dig area. An example marking tool has a hand-held housing, a marking dispenser coupled to the housing to dispense one or more markers in the dig area, and a triggering system to trigger the marking dispenser so as to dispense the marker(s). An example marking tool also may include a logging system to receive data associated with a marking event initiated by the triggering system, time tag the data, and store the time-tagged data in data storage in the marking tool.

Abstract: A mechanized asphalt comb device and method of mechanized asphalt raking that can integrate infrared heating elements to seamlessly repair asphalt deterioration.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of forming multiple inlaid patterns to complete a final predetermined rotational pattern onto or into a pavement surface. The pattern may be selected for functional or decorative purposes. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of providing a first template created of multiple blocks with portions of rotational isometric patterns having a predetermined pattern; impressing the first template into the pavement surface when the pavement surface is in a pliable state forming an impression therein; removing the first template from the pavement surface exposing the impression; providing a grid having a predetermined pattern matching the pattern of the first template; inserting the grid into the impression; and fixing the grid in position within the impression to form the inlaid pattern thereby creating multiple blocks of said portions of said patterns such that rotational isometric patterns form a final rotational predetermined isometric patterned preform.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A quantity of retroreflective granules includes glass members each having a refractive index of at least about 1.5. The quantity of retroreflective granules can be partially embedded into a binder material applied on the surface of a structure to provide a visual aid. A structure includes a retroreflective surface having an inclined face defined on at least a portion of the structure. The retroreflective surface also includes a binder material applied to at least a portion of the inclined face of the structure. The binder material has a thickness dimension of at least about 10 mil. The retroreflective surface further includes a plurality of retroreflective granules partially embedded in the binder material. The plurality of retroreflective granules have a density of at least about 0.06 pounds/square foot as embedded in the binder material. Each retroreflective granule includes a glass member having a refractive index of at least about 1.5.

Abstract: A grinding attachment for highways and similar surfaces is disclosed for grinding operations closer to adjacent obstacles than is possible with existing equipment using a straddle-type centrally mounted grinding drum. The grinding attachment assembly comprises at one end a stub axle, which engages the grinding drum via a head extension. The stub axle is attached to a shroud which is in turn supported by a mounting assembly, which in operation attaches to a vehicle or machine able to drive the grinding attachment. The grinding drum can thereby operate proximal obstacles adjacent a grinding surface by virtue of arrangement of the stub axle, shroud and mounting assembly.

Abstract: An imprint roller comprises a roller assembly, a frame, and a motor assembly. The roller assembly is supported on the frame and includes a vibrator head and a roller tube having a roller surface. An operator of the imprint roller may grip the frame and support at least a portion of the frame during operation of the imprint roller. The motor assembly is supported on the frame and operable to transfer mechanical energy through the frame to the vibrator head included in the roller assembly.

Abstract: A hand held device tamping, smoothing or impressing a specifically desired pattern or form onto freshly poured concrete, such as on a sidewalk or another selected surface. The hand held device including a base and a handle, the base having a non-circular shaped receiver which matches with a non-circular cross-section portion of the handle to provide a rigid connection between the handle and the base and a simple means for aligning a hole in the handle with a hole in the base for a pin to pass through.

Abstract: A method for forming and applying retroreflective pavement markings comprising the steps of a) spraying the area with a hot epoxy binder, b) depositing particles of a microcrystalline ceramic element having a high refractive index onto the fresh epoxy binder, c) depositing relatively large spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder, and d) depositing relatively small spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder. The small beads provide high reflectivity in daytime and at night on dry pavement. The large beads provide superior reflectivity at night on damp pavement. The ceramic element particles provide high reflectivity when wet and during heavy rain. Where the pavement is subject to snowplowing, the marking may be inlaid in a recessed area in the pavement, the recess being about 100 mils deep, and the wet epoxy layer being about 20 mils thick.

Abstract: One or more markers are dispensed on ground, pavement or other surface in a dig area to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, so as to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of one or more underground utilities in the dig area. One or more signals are wirelessly transmitted in response to the dispensing of the one or more markers, wherein the signal(s) represent(s) first data relating to a location at which the marker(s) is/are dispensed, and/or one or more characteristics of the dispensed marker(s).

Abstract: This application relates to a method of forming multiple inlaid patterns to complete a final predetermined rotational pattern onto or into a pavement surface. The pattern may be selected for functional or decorative purposes. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of providing a first template created of multiple blocks with portions of rotational isometric patterns having a predetermined pattern; impressing the first template into the pavement surface when the pavement surface is in a pliable state forming an impression therein; removing the first template from the pavement surface exposing the impression; providing a grid having a predetermined pattern matching the pattern of the first template; inserting the grid into the impression; and fixing the grid in position within the impression to form the inlaid pattern thereby creating multiple blocks of said portions of said patterns such that rotational isometric patterns form a final rotational predetermined isometric patterned preform.

Abstract: A multipurpose asphalt processor and method for repairing damaged asphalt. The asphalt processor may be used to both till and screed asphalt surfaces. The asphalt processor may include a powered shaft having a plurality of tines extending therefrom. The outermost tines on the shaft may be angled to thereby form a beveled surface along the edges of tilled area of asphalt. The asphalt processor may further include a screed for leveling tilled asphalt. The asphalt processor may take the form of an attachment for use with existing machinery, such as a tractor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for simulating the appearance of individually laid materials, such as bricks or cobblestones, in a curved pattern in a concrete surface. The apparatus includes a flexible spine with a plurality of ribs extending from a surface of the flexible spine. The apparatus further includes a texture mat for imprinting a pattern, for example a brick surface, a stone surface or a wood grain surface, into the concrete surface. This invention also relates to a method of using of the apparatus for simulating the appearance of individually laid materials in the concrete surface.

Abstract: A mechanized asphalt comb device and method of mechanized asphalt raking that provides a consistent and efficient alternative to the traditional manual raking methodologies.

Abstract: A multipurpose asphalt processor and method for repairing damaged asphalt. The asphalt processor may be used to both till and screed asphalt surfaces. The asphalt processor may include a powered shaft having a plurality of tines extending therefrom. The outermost tines on the shaft may be angled to thereby form a beveled surface along the edges of tilled area of asphalt. The asphalt processor may further include a screed for leveling tilled asphalt. The asphalt processor may take the form of an attachment for use with existing machinery, such as a tractor.

Abstract: A multipurpose asphalt processor and method for repairing damaged asphalt. The asphalt processor may be used to both till and screed asphalt surfaces. The asphalt processor may include a powered shaft having a plurality of tines extending therefrom. The outermost tines on the shaft may be angled to thereby form a beveled surface along the edges of tilled area of asphalt. The asphalt processor may further include a screed for leveling tilled asphalt. The asphalt processor may take the form of an attachment for use with existing machinery, such as a tractor.

Abstract: A mechanized asphalt comb device and method of mechanized asphalt raking in which a mechanized asphalt comb comprised of a rake attachment and an arm is attached to an engineering vehicle via a terminating end of the arm. The engineering vehicle can control and manipulate the mechanized asphalt comb into a raised inactive position, a lowered active position, and a plurality of positions between the raised inactive position and the lowered active position. When in the lowered active position, the mechanized asphalt comb applies a fixed downward pressure and depth of penetration to the applied surface.

Abstract: A pavement crack router includes a plurality of bits rotatably mounted to a frame in a direction. A ratchet gear is rotatable with a wheel mounted to the frame. A movable safety release is operably connected to a ratchet rod pivotable between an engaging position engaged with the ratchet gear preventing rotation of the wheel in a reverse direction and a releasing position disengaged from the ratchet gear allowing free rotation of the wheel. An elastomeric inner tube is mounted around a lower end of each of two handle bars and is slideably received in an outer tube fixed to the frame. Two elastomeric washers are mounted around the lower end of each handle bar and sandwich the inner tube within the outer tube. A switch is operable to lower the frame and bits for opening and cleaning a crack in pavement.

Abstract: A molded flexible tool for use in stamping a pattern into a base material, such as concrete, that has integrally formed segments defining openings to form grout lines in the base material. The flexible tool can be folded or rolled for storage and easily and quickly unrolled for deployment, use, and then cleaned and refolded or rolled for storage.

Abstract: A mat for creating patterns in concrete includes a center portion, a feathered border surrounding the center portion, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A design stamp is positioned in the center portion of the bottom surface.

Abstract: A road stud placement and removal system includes an induction heating system to quickly heat an appropriate quantity of road stud adhesive. A specific volume of the road adhesive may be dispensed by the system on the road surface, and a road stud placement assembly may automatically place a road stud in the dispensed adhesive. The stud placement system is operable to automatically dispense stud adhesive and place road studs in succession. According to certain embodiments, the placement system may be supported by a traffic safety vehicle, which enables the worker to automatically place the road studs while driving the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer plate 12 mounts over the US standard screed box 10 thermoplastic opening 14 of 0.125? and creates a 0.090? opening.[This eliminates the need for the user to buy another costly screed box.] For screeding over stencils, the spacer 12 can be flipped to create a zero clearance opening. This allows the thermoplastic to come out only when an opening in the stencil pattern is present. Also, as the die 14 wears down, the spacer can be removed which lets the standard size opening be used as a substitute for the 0.090? opening.

Abstract: A carriage having a paint nozzle and reflective bead nozzle is provided for rolling along a roadside barrier, such as a guard rail or Jersey wall, to apply a reflective paint stripe on the barrier to improve visibility of the barrier at night. The carriage includes a first set of wheels to support the carriage on an upper edge of the barrier, and one or more additional sets of wheels to maintain proper spacing between the nozzles and the barrier surface being painted. The carriage includes handles with controls for actuating the nozzles. The paint and bead nozzles are connected to the paint system and pressurized bead tank on a paint striper, which may move simultaneously with the carriage along the barrier during the painting process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying an informational patter to a surface is provided. The apparatus includes a system configured to apply fluid on a surface to form the informational pattern, a surface preparation unit for preparing the surface, and a spray head system for applying the informational pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting high resolution images onto fields, such as sports fields and landscapes is disclosed. In one embodiment, precise and consistent lawn and field patterning is accomplished by use in combination of a global positioning system; a processor for generating a desired pattern which is translated into patterning instructions; and a patterning implement which is used for generating detailed patterns and for imprinting said patterns on any of natural or artificial lawns and fields, covered areas, and landscapes. The patterning implement comprises a plurality of independent printing mechanisms incorporated within said patterning implement, each of the independent printing mechanisms coupled to receive patterning instructions from the processor and operate selectively in response thereto.

Abstract: A bead dispenser 10 for use with a line striper controls the amount of beads being dispensed onto a thermal (or other) stripe or marking, minimizing waste by not dropping excessive beads. The bead box 12 is capable of dropping six to ten pounds of beads per one hundred square feet. An adjustable lever 14 with a spring plunger 16 allows the user to choose the glass bead flow rate by simply moving adjuster to one of four settings 18. The adjustable lever 14 is attached to an offset shaft 20 that applies tension to the polyurethane flap 22 when rotated.

Abstract: A thermoplastic line striper has a shift box assembly (10) which guides the screed box (12) and bead dispenser box (14) to following positions: 1) the deployed position where the screed box (12) is down and screed gate (18) is open and the bead box dispenser wheel is engaged; 2) non-deployed and down on ground where the screed box (12) is down, the screed gate (18) is closed and the bead box (14) dispenser wheel is disengaged; and 3) non-deployed and raised off the ground where the screed box (12) is raised up, the screed gate (18) is closed and the bead box dispenser (14) wheel is disengaged. In this third position, the stick shift (20) is locked for transport mode by hooking it behind hook (22) in shift plate (24).

Abstract: An adjustable spacer plate (12) mounts over the US standard screed box (10) thermoplastic opening (14) of 0.125? and creates a 0.090? opening. This eliminates the need for the user to buy another costly screed box. For screeding over stencils, the spacer (12) can be flipped to create a zero clearance opening. This allows the thermoplastic to come out only when an opening in the stencil pattern is present. Also, as the die (14) wears down, the spacer can be removed which lets the standard size opening be used as a substitute for the 0.090? opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are pavement markers (100) and a mobile highway marking apparatus (1000) for advancing in a forward direction along a paved surface of a highway for applying a paint stripe (906) to the paved surface and applying pavement markers at intervals on the paint stripe. The marking apparatus includes a dispenser (1016) that is configured for moving a sequence of the pavement markers form the bottom of an upwardly extending stack of the pavement markers first in the forward direction and then down a sloped chute in a rearward direction to the paint stripe without turning the pavement markers over.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing a flowable substance as marking on road surfaces, and the like, comprising a container for the flowable substance which is conducted through a valve with a series of computer controlled, close adjacently arranged valve elements which can be activated individually with a series of activating members with connecting elements to the individual valve elements. The apparatus comprises a way of varying as an assembly the geometry of the movement of activating members of the valve members. The connecting elements are linked to a longitudinally extending member with an eccentric mechanism to regulate the active length of the connection between the activating member and the valve member for each of a plurality of valve members.

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.