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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a road finishing machine having a screed extending transverse to the working direction of the finishing machine, comprising a base plate that can be heated by means of an electrical heater clamped to the base plate, comprising at least one bar-shaped heating element, wherein the bar-shaped heating element comprises a round tube heating element comprising at least one heating bar fixably supported on individual bolts that can be attached to the base plate and forming heat transfer bridges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying soil wherein a soil drying machine is adapted to traverse an area of soil and to dry the soil in the process. The soil drying machine includes a main frame having an air generating device, such as a blower, and a heater mounted thereon. A system of heated air is generated on the soil drying machine and directed downwardly into engagement with the soil being dried. Forming a part of the soil drying machine is a tilling implement. From time-to-time the tilling implement can be lowered and engaged with the soil so as to till the soil prior to the soil being subjected to the heated air, or after the soil has been subjected to the heated air. The soil drying machine may be in the form of a self-propelled unit or a pull-type unit configured to be pulled by a tractor.

Abstract: A heating head for a paving apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical head housing, having a top housing edge axially spaced from a bottom housing edge, a sidewall having a spiral cross-sectional shape and a laterally extending top housing cover attached to at least a portion of the top housing edge. The head housing defines an air chamber and is adapted to accept and direct airflow through the heating head. The sidewall defines an intake vent at a radially outward end and an air chamber inlet at a radially inward end. The intake vent and air chamber inlet are spaced apart and in mutual fluid communication via an elongated circumferentially extending air passage to direct airflow from an exterior of the heating head to the air chamber.

Abstract: A primary furnace device is adapted to heat a paved area to a first predetermined temperature. A secondary furnace device is adapted to heat the paved area to a second predetermined temperature via a multi-stage process having at least two heating zones interspersed with at least one soaking zone. A heater/shaver is adapted to heat the paved area to a third predetermined temperature and to shave the heated paved area to a predetermined depth to create a first mixture located upon a substrate. A mixer/finisher is adapted to collect the first mixture, mix the first mixture, and produce recycled pavement. The primary furnace device, secondary furnace device, heater/shaver, and mixer/finisher travel in series along the paved area in a longitudinal direction. A method of recycling pavement is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for repaving an asphalt surface is provided. The apparatus includes a base carried on a plurality of wheels, a heater to heat and soften a damaged asphalt surface, a series of blades and a center mill to scarify and break up the heated asphalt surface, and a mixer to receive and recondition the reclaimed asphalt. The center mill may include a plurality of teeth members to break up the asphalt and a plurality of lip members and paddles to lift the broken asphalt and deliver it to the mixer.

Abstract: The cement finishing machine (10) has adjustable heat generating assemblies (22, 24), affixed to each side of the finishing machine (10). Each of the heat generating assemblies (22, 24) includes a propane burner that extends into an elongate heating tube. The heat generating assemblies (22, 24) also include a vertical adjustment assembly and detachable heat guards. The heat generated by the propane burner is directed through an opening in the bottom of each of the heating tubes and onto the surface of an unfinished cement slab during the cement finishing process. The heat facilitates the evaporation of excess water generated during the cement finishing process.

Abstract: A road heating device disposable on a road to increase a surface temperature thereof, includes a sensor configured to convert at least one of an environmental impact and a physical impact on the road heating device to electric power, an energy storage configured to store the electric power from the sensor, a heating unit configured to generate heat using the electric power stored in the energy storage, and a switch configured to selectively power the heating unit with the electric power stored in the energy storage when the surface temperature is equal to or lower than a first temperature.

Abstract: Seam sealer for sealing seams in an asphalt paving operation has electric heaters and heats a seam area that includes a narrow strip of previously laid-down asphalt and a narrow strip of the road surface to be paved. A temperature sensor senses temperature of the seam area. A control system adjusts energy level supplied to the heaters, to obtain a pre-determined temperature on the road surface. The pre-determined temperature is close to the temperature of the fresh hot asphalt to be applied. An asphalt paver travels behind the seam sealer and applies fresh hot asphalt to the road surface still to be paved, overlapping it onto the previously laid down asphalt in the seam area. The fresh hot asphalt and the previously laid down asphalt form a molten mass, which is subsequently pressed to a smooth, fused and finished road surface by a road roller.

Abstract: A hose holder boom assembly (10) includes a first pivotal connector (128) pivotally mounting an open end (122) of a first tube (120) to a sidewall (114) of a cabinet (44) about a first pivot axis. A second pivotal connector (128) mounts an open end (132) of a second tube (130) to the other open end (124) of the first tube (120) about a second pivot axis parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis. Movement of the first tube (120) relative to the sidewall (114) and relative movement between the first and second tubes (120, 130) are limited to a pivot plane extending perpendicular to the first and second pivot axes and including the first and second tubes (120, 130). The open end (132) of the second tube (130) is pivotable at an obtuse angle to each of two sides of the other open end (124) of the first tube (120). A hose (74) for outputting paving material extends out of the cabinet (44) and through the first and second tubes (120, 130) and the first and second pivotal connectors (128).

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.

Abstract: A reflector apparatus including a mobile trailer and a heat reflector attached thereto such that terminal edges of wings of the reflector are disposed proximate to the surface of the heated asphalt and define a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane formed by the surface of the heated asphalt. A kit includes a heat reflector and a mechanism or device for removably attaching the heat reflector to a mobile trailer.

Abstract: It is intended to allow an asphalt pavement to be peeled off efficiently with a relatively small amount of electric power without generating large vibration and noise, and handled in the form of a block. An electromagnetic induction coil 36 is positioned above an asphalt pavement 22 provided on a copper plate (12) to melt a lower surface of the asphalt pavement 22. Then, a wedge-shaped thermally-conductive peeling member 60 having a peeling layer formed on an upper surface thereof is inserted into a melted layer (74) of the lower surface of the asphalt pavement 22 to peel off the asphalt pavement 22 from the steel plate 12. This makes it possible to peel off the asphalt pavement 22 with a relatively small amount of electric power and handle the peeled asphalt pavement 22 in the form of a block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a movable apparatus for utilizing microwave energy to dry materials (optionally with sterilization) by the direct application of bifurcated out-of-phase microwave energy.

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.

Abstract: A range of various sized attachments of infrared heaters powered by liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for installation to a number of different styles of vehicles. These infrared heaters are designed to heat asphalt and other road and structure surfaces for subsequent repair. The vehicles may be an adaptation to existing designs of medium to heavy road going flat bed trucks or to various types of construction loaders. The attachments to construction loaders may be installed as adaptions to front end loader quick-change systems or back hoe bucket mount positions. The whole attachment and its support operating and control assembly may be easily removed for addition to other vehicles of similar types. With the area heated to an appropriate temperature to release the bound surface structure it can then be raked and combined with minimal amounts of new surface fill if required to the previously damaged area.

Abstract: An electrically powered mobile asphalt melting unit and system. The device comprises a housing to receive and retain solid asphalt, liquid asphalt and solid and liquid asphalt mixtures. The housing comprises a base, side walls, an upper cover, an asphalt input aperture, an asphalt outlet and venting means. An electric power means is secured to the housing and operatively connected to an electric power source; electric heating means secured within the housing are operatively connected to the electric power means; and heating control means operatively connected to the electric heating means selectively regulate the temperature of asphalt contained within the housing. The system comprises asphalt loading means, an electric heating means, computer control means for controlling the temperature of the electric heating means, and electric power means to supply power selectively to the electric heating means.

Abstract: A reflector apparatus, kit, system and method. The apparatus include a mobile trailer and a heat reflector attached thereto. The kit includes a heat reflector and a mechanism or device for removably attaching the heat reflector to a mobile trailer. The system includes a combination of heaters and reflector apparatus attached together. Finally, the paving method includes the step of post-heating the pavement before final rolling.

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.

Abstract: The cement finishing machine (10) has adjustable heat generating assemblies (22, 24), affixed to each side of the finishing machine (10). Each of the heat generating assemblies (22, 24) includes a propane burner that extends into an elongate heating tube. The heat generating assemblies (22, 24) also include a vertical adjustment assembly and detachable heat guards. The heat generated by the propane burner is directed through an opening in the bottom of each of the heating tubes and onto the surface of an unfinished cement slab during the cement finishing process. The heat facilitates the evaporation of excess water generated during the cement finishing process.

Abstract: A system for removing material from a surface comprises at least one conduit that also has an outlet at a distal end. A straight stream nozzle may be disposed within the outlet and the conduit. Another end of the conduit is fixed with respect to the vehicle and is in communication with a fluid source. A cam assembly may be in mechanical communication with the conduit and be adapted to provide an oscillation motion at the distal end within the conduit's elastic range. The straight stream nozzle may be adapted to direct a stream of fluid to a removal mechanism.

Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.

Abstract: A compactor machine includes a frame and at least one compactor drum mounted to the frame. The at least one compactor drum has an outer surface configured for compacting asphalt. A heating system is configured to heat the outer surface and includes a control device configured to control an output of the at least one heating element to the outer surface. A related method for providing a heated drum for a compactor includes mounting at least one heating element and a control device for the at least one heating element to a compactor machine, and coupling the control device with the at least one heating element to enable controlling an output thereof to an outer surface of the compactor drum.

Abstract: A method for recycling in place an asphalt mixture layer of a paved road continuously, while moving a self-propelled vehicle system, which comprises a step of heating and softening the asphalt mixture layer, a step of scraping and breaking said hot and softened asphalt mixture layer and keeping the softened mixture at a temperature sufficient not to form an aggregate, to prepare an asphalt mixture having a single-grained structure, a sieving step of classifying said asphalt mixture having a single-grained structure into a plurality of grain size groups, a step of designing mix proportions for converting said asphalt mixture to a recycled asphalt mixture by the use of said plurality of grain size groups classified, a step of mixing uniformly said recycled asphalt mixtures having designed mix proportions, and a step of spreading and compacting said recycled asphalt mixtures having been mixed uniformly, to thereby form a recycled asphalt mixtures layer.

Abstract: A ground heating device is provided for thawing frozen ground. A water heater is provided with a reservoir tank in fluid communication with the water heater. A pump is provided in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. A hose is provided in fluid communication with both the pump and the reservoir tank. Additionally, the ground heating device includes a spool for winding the hose. In this arrangement, the water heater maintains hot water in the reservoir tank, and the pump circulates the hot water from the reservoir tank, through the hose, and back into the reservoir tank. The hot water thaws the frozen ground that is proximate to the hose.

Abstract: This invention relates to screeds used for compacting paving material. The invention provides a screed for a paving machine comprising a sole plate; a tamper adjacent the sole plate; a heating element mounted on the sole plate; and a heat conductor mounted on the sole plate and arranged to conduct heat from the heating element to the tamper.

Abstract: A system for working a paved surface is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a water deposition device for increasing the moisture content of a paved surface; a microwave generator for applying microwaves to the moisture content to heat and thereby soften the paved surface; and a degradation element for working the paved surface. In certain embodiments, the apparatus may also include a surface preparation device to fracture, puncture, mar, scrape, or scarify the paved surface prior to increasing the moisture content, and a containment device to substantially restrict the escape of water as it is deposited onto the paved surface.

Abstract: A multi axial asphalt heater for re-heating and recycling of old and new asphalt for permanent joint free repairs and restorations. It is possible to adjust the heating elements mechanically up and down off the asphalt surface with the lever arm mechanism. The provision of rotational movement of the heating elements permits the device to be retracted into a transport configuration. Forward and reverse motion of the heating elements permits a graduate heating process to be performed. The fold-up design with radially shaped adjustable hinges provide various angularity adjustments not only for compact convenience but also for establishing specific heat clearances, avoiding shut down delays and overheating.

Abstract: A screed for a paving machine has at least a base portion having an associated heating element connected to a heating element controller. An extension screed portion is connector to the base screed portion and has a respective heating element connectable to the heating element controller. A temperature sensor is associated with each of the base and extension screed portions and a device is adapted to controllably connect selected ones of the base and extension screed temperature sensors to the heating element controller.

Abstract: An articulated frame movable between a collapsed position and an extended position. A main wheel assembly is attached to the frame and movable between a support position where the main wheel assembly supports the frame and enables the asphalt seam heater to be towed behind a towing vehicle when the articulated frame is in the collapsed position, and a retracted position wherein the main wheel assembly does not support the frame. At least one asphalt heater of a defined configuration is disposed within and supported by the frame.

Abstract: A pothole repair machine utilizes hot mix asphalt material to fill the pothole being repaired. The machine includes a heating apparatus for raising the temperature of the surface of the road surrounding the pothole to soften the material for bonding with the material to be inserted into the pothole. A hot tack spray is then placed onto the surface of the pothole before hot mix material is deposited into the pothole cavity. Before depositing the hot mix material, a sensing mechanism determines the depth of the pothole and causes an adjustment of the height of screening doors to effect the uncompressed height of the filling material at a predetermined percentage of overfill before a vibrating roller compresses the filling material to the level of the surrounding roadway. A plurality of screening doors extends along the transverse width of the machine, each door being adjustably controlled by a depth sensor member.

Abstract: A paver having a paving screed and at least one working component which is heated by at least one electric heating element and a smoothing plate, with the heating element being secured in heat tampering condition at a heating area of the working component. The heating element is a planar heating element with at least one heating coil being a heating conductor which is wound in a spiral around a planar carrier, and the peripheral form of the carrier material and/or the winding density or the winding course of the heating conductor is adapted to produce a predetermined heating picture in the heating area.

Abstract: A heating unit has a cartridge that constitutes a single component, which can be readily removed and replaced with a new cartridge. The cartridge is a plurality of non-flammable layers bound together in a border. The layers include a stainless steel mesh located above a layer of ceramic wool. With the cartridge, replacement can be accomplished in less then fifteen minutes compared to a downtime of a week or more previously.

Abstract: A flameless pavement repair system includes a vehicle with a hopper. One or more flameless heating elements are installed adjacent the hopper to maintain materials in the hopper within a selected temperature range. The pavement repair system also includes an on-board generator that is powered by the vehicle and provides sufficient power to the electric heating element during vehicle operation to heat pavement repair materials stored therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer which is self-propelled via a powered tongue jack and which optionally includes a light-weight, high-efficiency asphalt heater. The trailer is moved long distances, such as to and from work sites, using a towing vehicle, in conventional fashion. When at the work site (or storage site), the tongue jack is lowered to support the trailer in a generally horizontal position, and, by virtue of a powered jack wheel, can be used to position the trailer easily, quietly, and confidently, in either the forward or reverse direction. The jack is powered by any conventional means, including an ac or dc electric motor or an internal combustion engine. A reversible, variable-speed, dc electric motor powered by a conventional 12 Volt battery supply is preferred.

Abstract: A screed heating arrangement is provided for a screed assembly that is towed behind a paving machine. The screed heating arrangement includes at least one electric heater bonded to an upper surface of a screed plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for in situ rejuvenation of asphalt pavement. The apparatus and method provide for heating the underlying surface to form a preheated surface, passing a mill over the preheated surface and milling the preheated surface to loosen the preheated surface to a desired depth and discharging the milled material from opposite ends of the respective windrows of known breadth. Windrow height is measured as is rate of advance of the transport structure to determine a volume throughput. Rejuvenating fluid is added to each windrow at a dosage rate based on a desired weight percentage and the volume throughput. A mixer is passed over the windrows and receives the windrows through respective openings at either end thereof. The mixer also blends the rejuvenating fluid with the milled material and forms a blended mixture which is discharged from the mixer. The mixer may be a pug mill operated in an inverted arrangement utilizing the road surface as a bottom thereto.

Abstract: A heating unit has a cartridge that constitutes a single component, which can be readily removed and replaced with a new cartridge. The cartridge is a plurality of non-flammable layers bound together in a border. The layers include a stainless steel mesh located above a layer of ceramic wool. With the cartridge, replacement can be accomplished in approximately fifty minutes compared to a downtime of a week or more previously.

Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged area of a bitutinous wearing course. The method comprises heating the damaged area, applying a liquid to the damaged area that rejuvenates damaged bitumen, adding new material to the damaged area in an amount required to level the area, and compacting the new material. The invention also provides a new composition for rejuvenating damaged bitumen. The composition may comprise an emulsifier, a heavy paraffinic distillate solvent extract, a heavy naphthenic distillate solvent extract and water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powered tongue jack for maneuvering trailers and a trailer and tongue jack combination including an asphalt heater.

Abstract: A burner assembly for heating a screed plate of a screed assembly connected to a frame of a paving machine. The screed assembly includes a heating chamber adjacent to the screed plate. The burner assembly includes a blower that moves air into the heating chamber, and a fuel injection system including a fuel valve. The fuel injection system introduces fuel to the heating chamber. The burner assembly further includes an igniter that ignites the fuel to produce a flame, a thermocouple positioned within an expected flame path, and a controller. The thermocouple generates a thermocouple voltage having a relationship to a temperature surrounding a junction of the thermocouple, and the controller operates the fuel valve based in part on the thermocouple voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and compacting earthen materials such as soil which includes a motorized tractor vehicle with a microwave applicator attached to the vehicle. The microwave applicator includes a microwave permeable drum for rolling over the ground surface to be dried and a microwave heater element in the form of a magnetron tube coaxially disposed in the drum for emitting and directing microwaves downwardly through the drum into underlying soil to be dried. A microwave nonpermeable shield covers over side and upper surfaces of the drum and further includes a microwave reflective inner lining for reflecting microwaves downwardly into the underlying earth.

Abstract: A portable cart for transporting and dispensing heated pavement repair materials that is capable of being moved and operated by one person, the cart applying a heated asphaltic/polymeric binder material. The cart comprises a heating chamber having an enclosed interior and providing dry radiant heat and a containment chamber located within the enclosed interior of the heating chamber, the containment chamber narrowing towards an opening. Fuel gas is used to provide dry, radiant heat to the road repair materials to create a fluid material to apply to the surface to repair. The cart further comprises a hand-operated gating means, wherein the material within the containment chamber is gravity-dispensed in a controlled manner. The cart is ideal for repairing cracks and filling expansion channels in concrete and/or asphalt roadways and driveways.

Abstract: According to the method for heating the paving screed of a road finisher, said paving screed including a heating means with several heat elements being supplied with electric power from a rotary current generator and being switched on and off by means of a control device, at least two of said heating elements are switched on and switched off periodically and alternatingly in dependence from the operation temperature of said generator and/or the operation temperature of paving screed components contacting paving material. Said heating means comprises in its control device a microprocessor management section with a program for alternatingly switching between heating elements in cycles under consideration of a predetermined combination of operational parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for rapidly treating the surface and subsurface of soil by irradiation with microwave energy to preclude germination of existing seeds and to kill weeds prior to sowing new seed and to kill insects. A microwave weed seed sterilizer is powered by a generator set to produce microwave energy to a predetermined depth in the soil. The preferred embodiment of the microwave weed seed sterilizer is portable and operatively attached to a self-propelled farm machine. The self-propelled farm machine moves along a field while the portable microwave weed seed sterilizer emits microwave energy into the soil.

Abstract: A blending apparatus which forms part of an asphalt pavement resurfacing machine has first and second stages. The first stage receives milled material through an inlet and blends the milled material with a rejuvenating fluid. The first stage has a transversely extending shaft from which paddles extend radially to blend the milled material with the rejuvenating fluid and direct it toward a first stage outlet. The second stage receives the blended material from the first stage outlet. The second stage has a respective shaft with mixing paddles extending radially therefrom to further blend the material and direct it toward a second stage outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating an asphalt-paved road surface by forcing gases heated by a heater against that road surface and then returning those gases to the heater for reheating and recirculation, wherein the temperature of the returning gases is measured by a temperature sensor, and the heater is automatically adjusted so that the temperature of the gases being directed against the road surface is automatically decreased as the temperature of the returning gases increases. This prevents damage to the asphalt and premature rupturing of the road surface.

Abstract: A controller is for a heating system of a paving screed including a screed plate. The heating system is connected with the screed and configured to transfer thermal energy to the screed plate and includes an actuator configured to adjust thermal energy output of the heating system. The controller includes a temperature sensor connectable with the screed and configured to sense temperature of the screed plate. The sensor is also configured to generate electrical signals proportional to sensed temperature. An electrical logic circuit is electrically connected with the sensor and is electrically connectable with the actuator. The logic circuit is configured to compare a temperature signal from the sensor with a desired temperature value and to automatically operate the actuator such that the actuator adjusts thermal energy output of the heating system so as to maintain screed temperature about the desired temperature value.

Abstract: A paving machine employs an electrically heated screed assembly to uniformly heat a screed plate of the machine. Uniform heating is achieved by inserting a thermally conductive plate between electrical heating elements and the screed plate. An insulation layer may be provided above the heating elements to direct the heat downward into the thermally conductive plate. The heat spreads relatively uniformly throughout the thermally conductive plate, thereby uniformly heating the screed plate. A clamping mechanism is also provided that, when tightened, provides a compressive force, thereby holding the assembly in place. When released, the pressure is alleviated, thus permitting a heating element to be removed for repair or replacement without the need to remove the screed plate.

Abstract: In a device for working road surfaces comprising an automotive running gear (2) with a working roll (4) enclosed by a cover (8) forming a working chamber (6), and a drive motor for providing the power required for driving the working roll (4) and the travel, it is provided that the cover (8) has means (10) for producing foamed bitumen provided with a plurality of adjacent mixing means (12) with foam outlet nozzles (14), hot bitumen supplied from a bitumen reservoir via supply lines (16, 42) and a bitumen injection nozzle (18) together with water supplied from a water reservoir via a water injection nozzle (22) may be mixed under pressure in an expansion chamber (26) of the mixing means (12), and that the spray jet of foamed bitumen leaving the foam outlet nozzles (14) is directed into the working chamber (6) and becomes mixed into the construction material mixture granulated by the working roll (4).