U.S. patent application number 11/117312 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-02 for asphalt-removing work machine having a storage bin.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Dean Rogers Potts, Jeffrey A. Renard, Andrew Harold Tilstra.
Application Number | 20060045621 11/117312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35149541 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060045621 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Potts; Dean Rogers ; et
al. |
March 2, 2006 |
Asphalt-removing work machine having a storage bin
Abstract
A work machine for removing asphalt from a roadway is disclosed.
The work machine includes a removal device configured to remove
asphalt from a roadway. The work machine also includes a storage
bin operatively connected to the removal device and configured to
house the removed asphalt.
Inventors: |
Potts; Dean Rogers; (Maple
Grove, MN) ; Tilstra; Andrew Harold; (Luverne,
MN) ; Renard; Jeffrey A.; (Forest Lake, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER;LLP
901 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4413
US
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Paving Products
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
35149541 |
Appl. No.: |
11/117312 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60604982 |
Aug 27, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 23/121
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/091 |
International
Class: |
E01C 23/08 20060101
E01C023/08 |
Claims
1. A work machine, comprising: a removal device configured to
remove asphalt from a roadway; and a storage bin operatively
connected to the removal device and configured to house the removed
asphalt.
2. The work machine of claim 1, further including a
vibration-inducing device configured to vibrate the removal
device.
3. The work machine of claim 1, further including a heating device
configured to heat the removal device.
4. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the removal device includes
a blade.
5. The work machine of claim 4, wherein the blade includes a
plurality of blade members, the plurality of blade members
interconnected by way of hinges.
6. The work machine of claim 5, wherein the plurality of blade
members are movable to accommodate the crown of a roadway
surface.
7. The work machine of claim 5, further including a quick-locking
mechanism associated with at least one of the plurality of blade
members, the quick-locking mechanism configured to secure the at
least one of the plurality of blade members to the work machine and
to facilitate replacement of the at least one of the plurality of
blade members.
8. The work machine of claim 1, further including a grinding device
configured to fracture the removed asphalt.
9. The work machine of claim 8, wherein the grinding device
includes a milling drum.
10. The work machine of claim 8, further including a funnel-shaped
ramp, the funnel-shaped ramp configured to guide the removed
asphalt from the removal device to the grinding device.
11. The work machine of claim 10, wherein the removal device is
configured to remove a layer of asphalt having a width larger than
a width of the grinding device and the funnel-shaped ramp is
configured to fold the outer edges of the removed asphalt layer
over itself before the removed asphalt layer reaches the grinding
device.
12. The work machine of claim 10, further including a conveying
device configured to urge the removed asphalt layer up the
funnel-shaped ramp.
13. The work machine of claim 12, wherein the conveying device is a
paddle-drag device.
14. The work machine of claim 8, further including at least one
conveying device configured to move the fractured asphalt from the
grinding device into the storage bin.
15. The work machine of claim 14, wherein the at least one
conveying device includes a screw conveyor.
16. The work machine of claim 1, further including a scoring device
located on each side of the removal device to score the asphalt
prior to removal of the asphalt.
17. The work machine of claim 1, further including a plurality of
wheels located forward of the removal device relative to a travel
direction of the work machine, the plurality of wheels being
operatively connected to the removal device and configured to
provide depth control for the removal device.
18. The work machine of claim 17, further including at least one
sensor associated with the plurality of wheels, the at least one
sensor providing an indication of a property of the roadway prior
to the removal of the asphalt.
19. The work machine of claim 18, wherein the property includes
compaction.
20. The work machine of claim 18, further including a controller in
communication with the sensor and configured to affect an operation
of the work machine in response to the indication.
21. The work machine of claim 17, further including at least one
motor associated with the plurality of wheels, the at least one
motor configured to drive at least one of the plurality of wheels
and draw the asphalt toward the removal device and onto the
funnel-shaped ramp.
22. The work machine of claim 1, further including at least one
conveying device located within the storage bin and configured to
distribute the removed asphalt within the storage bin.
23. The work machine of claim 1, further including an off-loading
system configured to unload the storage bin from a side of the
storage bin relative to a travel direction of the work machine.
24. The work machine of claim 23, wherein the off-loading system
includes a plurality of conveying devices configured to
automatically sequentially actuate and unload the storage bin in
response to a transport vehicle moving past the work machine.
25. A method of removing asphalt from a roadway surface, the method
comprising: separating a layer of asphalt from the roadway surface
with a removal device; and storing the separated layer of asphalt
in a storage bin operatively connected to the removal device.
26. The method of claim 25, further including vibrating the removal
device to loosen the layer of asphalt.
27. The method of claim 25, further including heating the removal
device to soften the layer of asphalt.
28. The method of claim 25, wherein the removal device includes a
plurality of blade members interconnected by way of hinges and the
method further includes moving the plurality of blade members to
accommodate the crown of the roadway surface.
29. The method of claim 25, further including grinding the
separated layer of asphalt prior to storing.
30. The method of claim 25, further including: guiding the
separated layer of asphalt from the removal device to a grinding
device; and folding the outer edges of the separated layer of
asphalt over itself before the separated layer of asphalt reaches
the grinding device.
31. The method of claim 30, further including urging the separated
layer of asphalt with a paddle-drag device up a funnel-shaped ramp
to the grinding device.
32. The method of claim 25, further including scoring the asphalt
on either side of the removal device.
33. The method of claim 25, further including sensing a property of
the asphalt before separating the layer of asphalt.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the property is compaction.
35. The method of claim 33, further including affecting at least
one operation of the work machine in response to the sensed
property.
36. The method of claim 25, further including urging the asphalt
toward the removal device.
37. The method of claim 25, further including distributing
separated asphalt within the storage bin.
38. The method of claim 25, further including off-loading the
separated asphalt from a side of the storage bin relative to a
travel direction of the storage bin.
39. The method of claim 25, wherein off-loading includes
sequentially actuating a plurality of conveying devices as a
transport vehicle moves past the plurality of conveying
devices.
40. A work machine, comprising: a removal device configured to
remove asphalt from a roadway; a grinding device configured to
fracture the removed asphalt. a storage bin operatively connected
to the removal device and configured to house the fractured
asphalt; at least one conveying device configured to move the
fractured asphalt from the grinding device into the storage bin;
and at least one conveying device located within the storage bin
and configured to distribute the removed asphalt within the storage
bin.
41. The work machine of claim 40, wherein the removal device
includes a blade having a plurality of blade members, the plurality
of blade members interconnected by way of hinges to accommodate the
crown of a roadway surface.
42. The work machine of claim 40, further including a funnel-shaped
ramp, the funnel-shaped ramp configured to guide the removed
asphalt from the removal device to the grinding device, wherein the
removal device is configured to remove a layer of asphalt having a
width larger than a width of the grinding device and the
funnel-shaped ramp is configured to fold the outer edges of the
removed asphalt layer over itself before the removed asphalt layer
reaches the grinding device.
43. The work machine of claim 40, further including an off-loading
system configured to unload the storage bin from a side of the
storage bin relative to a travel direction of the work machine,
wherein the off-loading system includes a plurality of conveying
devices configured to automatically sequentially actuate and unload
the storage bin in response to a transport vehicle moving past the
work machine.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/604,982, entitled "Advancements in paving
technology," which was filed on Aug. 27, 2004, the disclosure of
which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an
asphalt-removing work machine and, more particularly, to an
asphalt-removing work machine having a storage bin.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many miles of asphalt-surfaced roadways have been built to
facilitate vehicular travel. Depending upon usage density, base
conditions, temperature variation, moisture variation, and/or
physical age, the asphalt surface eventually becomes misshapen,
non-planar, unable to support wheel loads, or otherwise unsuitable
for vehicular traffic.
[0004] In order to rehabilitate the roadways for continued
vehicular use, spent asphalt may be removed in preparation for
resurfacing. One device utilized for the removal of spent asphalt
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,207 (the '207 patent) issued to
Eftefield et al. on Dec. 24, 1985. The '207 patent describes an
asphalt processor having a leading edge which is insertable between
a ribbon of asphalt and a base to provide separation of the asphalt
from a partial width of a roadway surface. A ramp and elevating
structure guide the separated asphalt ribbon into a pair of breaker
drums, which are rotatable in opposite circumferential directions
to bend and facture the asphalt ribbon. As the asphalt ribbon is
fractured, the resulting fragments may be deposited toward the rear
of the processor into an accompanying transport work machine for
hauling away from the worksite.
[0005] Although the asphalt processor of the '207 patent may
sufficiently remove spent asphalt from a roadway surface, it may be
inefficient. In particular, because the asphalt processor of the
'207 patent does not have any way to store the fractured asphalt,
the transport work machine must be present any time the roadway
surface is being removed. The constant accompaniment of the
transport work machine and delays associated with moving a laden
transport work machine away from the asphalt processor and moving
an empty transport work machine into place may decrease the
efficiency of the rehabilitation process.
[0006] In addition, the deposit location of the fractured asphalt
associated with the processor of the '207 patent could result in
further inefficiencies. Specifically, because the fractured asphalt
is deposited into the transport work machine from the rear of the
processor, the travel speeds of both the transport work machine and
processor must be closely regulated. Too great of a speed
differential between the transport work machine and the processor
could result in fractured asphalt being unintentionally deposited
on the roadway or the transport work machine and processor
colliding. Constant regulation of this speed differential may be
time consuming and difficult.
[0007] The disclosed asphalt-removing work machine is directed to
overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a work
machine that includes a removal device and a storage bin. The
removal device is configured to remove asphalt from a roadway. The
storage bin is operatively connected to the removal device and
configured to house the removed asphalt.
[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
method of removing asphalt from a roadway surface. The method
includes separating a layer of asphalt from the roadway surface
with a removal device. The method also includes storing the
separated layer of asphalt in a storage bin operatively connected
to the removal device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective-view illustration of an exemplary
disclosed asphalt-removing work machine;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective-view illustration of a blade
assembly for the asphalt-removing work machine of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of the blade assembly of
FIG. 2; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side-view illustration of the asphalt-removing
work machine of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] For the purpose of this disclosure, the term "asphalt" may
be defined as a mixture of aggregate and asphalt cement. Asphalt
cement may be a brownish-black solid or semi-solid mixture of
bitumens obtained as a byproduct of petroleum distillation. The
asphalt cement may be heated and mixed with the aggregate for use
in paving roadway surfaces, where the mixture hardens upon
cooling.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary work machine 10 having
multiple systems that cooperate with a tow machine 12 and a
transport vehicle 14 to "peel" or remove spent asphalt from a
roadway surface. In particular, work machine 10 may embody an
asphalt peeler having a removal system 16, a grinding system 18, a
storage system 20, and an off-loading system 22. It is contemplated
that additional components and systems may be included within work
machine 10 such as, for example, an auxiliary power system (not
shown).
[0016] Tow machine 12 may pull work machine 10 during operation of
removal system 16, while transport vehicle 14 may be loaded with
removed asphalt during operation of off-loading system 22. Work
machine 10 may be pulled by any suitable tow machine 12 such as,
for example, a track-type tractor, a haul truck, a wheel loader, a
motor grader, or any other tow machine known in the art. Tow
machine 12 may be connected to work machine 10 by way of a hitch
23. It is contemplated work machine 10 may alternatively be
self-propelled to remove spent asphalt without the use of tow
machine 12. The removed asphalt may be off-loaded to any
appropriate transport vehicle 14 such as an on-highway haul truck,
an off-highway articulated or non-articulated truck, or any other
type of transport vehicle known in the art.
[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 2, removal system 16 may include
various components that interact to remove asphalt from the roadway
surface. Specifically, removal system 16 may include a blade
assembly 24 connected to a funnel-shaped ramp 26, one or more
scoring devices 28, a roller array 30, and a conveying device 32.
Removal system 16 may be configured to remove a layer of asphalt
from the entire width of the roadway surface or from only a portion
of the roadway surface at varying depths and contours.
[0018] Blade assembly 24 may include multiple blade members 34.
Each of blade members 34 may be interconnected by way of hinges 35
and configured to move somewhat independent of each other. In this
manner, the contact region between blade assembly 24 and the
roadway surface may be adjusted to provide for varying widths,
thicknesses, and contours of asphalt removal. For example, outer
blade members 34 may be lowered relative to the roadway surface,
while inner blade members 34 may be raised to substantially match
the crowning profile of the roadway surface. It is contemplated
that blade assembly 24 may alternatively include a single integral
blade structure.
[0019] Each of blade members 34 may include a leading edge 36,
which may be forced into an asphalt layer or between an asphalt
layer and a base for separating the asphalt layer as work machine
10 is advanced by tow machine 12. Leading edge 36 may have a
serrated shape with alternating longitudinal recesses (not shown)
and extensions (not show). It is contemplated that leading edge 36
may alternatively have a shape other than serrated such as, for
example, straight, without recesses or extensions.
[0020] One or more of blade members 34 may be heated to soften the
asphalt prior to separation. In particular, the heated blade
member(s) 34 may include or be located proximate a heat source 38.
Heat source 38 may embody an electrical resistance circuit, an
array of flame-propagating elements, a system to circulate heated
fluid, a microwave device, or any other type of heat source known
in the art. Blade members 34 may be preheated to a temperature near
or above the melting temperature of the asphalt prior to engagement
with the asphalt. It is contemplated that the temperature of blade
members 34 may be variable and adjusted according to one or more
properties of the spent asphalt. Elevating the temperature of blade
members 34 may reduce the amount of force required to move blade
assembly 24 through the asphalt layer, may extend the life of blade
assembly 24, and/or may reduce the amount of energy consumed by
grinding system 18 during fracturing of the asphalt. It is also
contemplated that the asphalt may be heated prior to engagement
with blade members 34 by way of flame-propagating elements
directing heat toward the roadway surface, a heated fluid sprayed
onto the roadway surface, a chemical reaction associated with a
chemical deposited on the roadway surface, or in any other
appropriate manner.
[0021] One or more of blade members 34 may be vibrated to loosen
the asphalt during separation. Specifically, the vibrated blade
member(s) 34 may include or be connected to a vibration-inducing
device 40. Vibration-inducing device 40 may embody a reciprocating
hammer disposed within blade member 34 or in contact with blade
member 34, a sonic vibration device, a pulsating hydraulic device,
or any other vibration-inducing device known in the art. The
frequency and/or amplitude of vibration induced within blade
members 34 may be adjusted according to one or more properties of
the asphalt. Vibrating blade members 34 may reduce the amount of
force required to move blade assembly 24 through the asphalt, may
extend the life of blade assembly 24, and/or may reduce the amount
of energy consumed by grinding system 18 during fracturing of the
asphalt.
[0022] A quick-locking mechanism 42 may be implemented to attach
blade members 34 to funnel-shaped ramp 26. Specifically,
quick-locking mechanism 42 may include a hydraulic actuator 44
fixedly connected to funnel-shaped ramp 26 and having dual
extending latching mechanisms 46 configured to engage and retain
blade members 34. Hydraulic actuator 44 may be actuated to move
latching mechanisms 46 between connected and disconnected states.
It is contemplated that quick-locking mechanism 42 may
alternatively include a manually operated actuator, an electrically
operated actuator, a pneumatically operated actuator, or any other
type of actuator known in the art for moving latching mechanisms 46
between states. It is further contemplated that each hydraulic
actuator 44 may alternatively include only a single latching
mechanism. Quick-locking mechanisms 42 may facilitate easy
replacement of blade members 34. It is also contemplated that
quick-locking mechanism 42 may be used to position and or orient
each blade member 34 to change the contour of asphalt removal.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 3, funnel-shaped ramp 26 may be
configured to reduce a width of the removed asphalt and to guide
the width-reduced asphalt to grinding system 18. In particular,
blade assembly 24 may be configured to remove a layer of asphalt
having a width greater than a width of grinding system 18. In order
to accommodate this difference in widths, funnel-shaped ramp 26 may
reduce the width of the asphalt layer prior to the asphalt layer
reaching grinding system 18. To facilitate this width reduction,
funnel-shaped ramp 26 may include a ramp surface 48 and curved side
members 50: As a layer of removed asphalt proceeds up ramp surface
48, the outer edges of the asphalt layer may contact curved side
members 50. As movement of the asphalt layer continues toward
grinding system 18, curved side members 50 may urge the outer edges
upward and back toward a center of the asphalt layer, thereby
bending or folding the outer edges of the asphalt layer over itself
resulting in a reduced width of the asphalt layer.
[0024] Scoring devices 28 may be configured to score the roadway
surface prior to separation of the asphalt layer. Specifically,
scoring devices 28 may include a vertical blade 52 pivotally
mounted to work machine 10 by way of a hydraulically-movable arm 54
located on either side of and forward of blade assembly 24.
Vertical blade 52 may be forced downward into the roadway surface
by hydraulically-movable arm 54 during movement of work machine 10
to cut an outer separation boundary of the asphalt layer
subsequently removed by blade assembly 24. The outer separation
boundary cut into the roadway surface may facilitate clean
separation of the asphalt layer. It is contemplated that scoring
devices 28 may be heated and/or vibrated to facilitate cutting of
the outer separation boundary. It is further contemplated that a
saw having hardened teeth may be substituted for vertical blade 52
when separating thick or very firm layers of asphalt.
[0025] Roller array 30 may include multiple wheels 56 configured to
control the depth of blade assembly 24 into the roadway surface and
the resulting thickness of the removed asphalt layer. In
particular, each wheel 56 may be pivotally mounted to work machine
10 by way of a hydraulically-movable arm 58. Hydraulic pressure may
urge hydraulically-movable arms 58 toward the roadway surface and,
in turn, pivot blade assembly 24 away from the roadway surface. A
velocity and amount of the fluid applied to hydraulically-movable
arms 58 may be directly proportional to the speed and distance that
blade assembly 24 moves relative to the roadway surface. It is
contemplated that hydraulically-movable arm 58 may be moved in a
manner other than hydraulically such as, for example, electrically,
pneumatically, manually, or in any other suitable manner.
[0026] Roller array 30 may be configured to pull the asphalt layer
toward blade assembly 24. Specifically, roller array 30 may include
one or more motors 60 associated with one or more wheels 56. Motors
60 may be electrically powered, hydraulically powered,
pneumatically powered, or powered in another manner to drive wheels
56. As wheels 56 are driven, force may be imparted to the asphalt
layer in the direction of blade assembly 24.
[0027] Roller array 30 may also be configured to sense one or more
properties of the roadway surface prior to separation of the
asphalt layer. For example, a sensor 62 may be associated with one
or more wheels 56 and configured to monitor a parameter of wheels
56 indicative of a property of the roadway. The parameter may
include, for example, a rolling resistance of wheel 56 that may be
indicative of a compaction of the roadway surface. It is
contemplated that other parameters of wheels 56 may be also be
monitored such as, for example, a vertical movement of wheel 56, a
pressure of the fluid within hydraulically-movable arm 58, or any
other suitable parameter. These parameters may be indicative of a
condition of the asphalt surface, a condition of a base surface
under the asphalt layer, a thickness of the asphalt surface or
base, a profile of the asphalt surface or base, or any other
roadway property known in the art.
[0028] The property of the roadway may be used to control operation
of work machine 10. In particular, temperature or vibration
characteristics of blade assembly 24, the travel speed of work
machine 10, the depth of the separated asphalt layer, the position
and/or orientation of blade members 34, or any other appropriate
operation of work machine 10 may be adjusted in response to the
roadway property monitored by sensor 62. It is contemplated that
the roadway property may also be transmitted to other work machines
affecting resurfacing of the roadway preceding or following the
removal process.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 4, conveying device 32 may be
configured to urge the layer of asphalt layer separated by blade
assembly 24 up ramp surface 48 toward grinding system 18. For
example, conveying device 32 may embody a chain-driven paddle drag
device having a drive roller 64, one or more idlers 66, and a
surrounding belt structure 68. Drive roller 64 may drive belt
structure 68 about idlers 66 such that belt structure 68 engages an
upper surface of the separated asphalt layer and urges the
separated asphalt layer toward grinding system 18. It is
contemplated that conveying devices other than chain-driven paddle
drag devices may be used to urge the asphalt layer up ramp surface
48 such as, for example, a hydraulic push plate, a screw-conveyor,
or any other conveying device known in the art.
[0030] Grinding system 18 may include various components that
interact to fragment the asphalt layer removed from the roadway
surface and to deposit the fragments into storage system 20.
Specifically, grinding system 18 may include a grinding device 70
and a conveying device 72. Grinding device 70 may feed fragmented
asphalt to conveying device 72.
[0031] Grinding device 70 may be configured to fragment the removed
asphalt. In one example, grinding device 70 may embody a rotary
milling drum having oppositely oriented sets of helical teeth 74
used for cutting and/or shaping the removed asphalt layer. It is
contemplated that grinding device 70 may alternatively include
multiple milling drums rotated in opposition to each other. It is
further contemplated that grinding device 70 may embody a different
structure for fragmenting the asphalt layer such as, for example,
oppositely rotated breaker drums having individual
radially-directed intermeshing teeth, a sonic fragmenting device,
reciprocating hammers, high pressure fluid jets, or any other
suitable fragmenting structure.
[0032] The feed speed of conveying device 32 and the rotational
speed, position, and/or helical tooth properties of grinding device
70 may be adjusted to affect the dimension of the ground asphalt
fragments. For example, the speed of conveying device 32 and/or
grinding device 70 may be increased or slowed to change the
fragment length, grinding device 70 may be lowered or raised
relative to ramp surface 48 to change the fragment thickness, and
the helical tooth angle of grinding device 70 may be changed to
vary the fragment width. It is contemplated that additional or
different parameters of grinding device 70 may be adjusted to alter
the dimensions of the asphalt fragments.
[0033] Conveying device 72 may be configured to move the fragmented
asphalt from grinding system 18 into storage system 20. For
example, conveying device 32 may include a screw conveyor 76
disposed within a tubular housing 78. Screw conveyor 76 may be
rotated to elevate fragments of asphalt within tubular housing 78
from grinding device 70 to storage system 20. As the asphalt
fragments exit an upper end of tubular housing 78, they may drop
into storage system 20. It is contemplated that conveying devices
other than screw conveyors may be used to urge the asphalt layer up
into storage system 20 such as, for example, a hydraulic push
plate, a chain-driven paddle-type conveyor, or any other conveying
device known in the art.
[0034] Storage system 20 may include components configured to
evenly store fragmented asphalt. In particular, storage system 20
may include a storage bin 80 and one or more distribution devices
82. Distribution devices 82 may spread the fragmented asphalt from
a front portion of storage bin 80 throughout storage bin 80 to
accommodate a greater load of fragmented asphalt and even wear of
work machine 10. It is contemplated that distribution devices 82
may be omitted, if desired.
[0035] Storage bin 80 may be a substantially box-like structure
configured to house the fragments of asphalt and to minimize
exposure of the fragments to adverse weather conditions. In
particular, storage bin 80 may include a trough member 84 and a
cover 86. Trough member 84 may have a generally sloping underside
to guide the fragments of asphalt downward toward one or more
openings 88 during an off-loading process. Cover 86 may be spaced
apart from trough member 84 to allow the deposition of fragmented
asphalt from conveying device 72, while minimizing the affects of
weather such as, for example the accumulation of moisture, extended
exposure to sunlight or wind, or other undesirable weather affects.
It is contemplated that cover 86 may be omitted, if desired. It is
further contemplated that, in addition to sloping downward, the
underside of trough member 84 may slope forward or rearward to
facilitate the off-loading process from a single opening 88.
[0036] Each distribution device 82 may be connected to storage bin
80. In one example, distribution device 82 may embody a screw
conveyor have a first end connected to a fore portion of cover 86,
and a second end connected to an aft portion of cover 86. As
fragmented asphalt builds toward the fore portion of storage bin
80, the screw conveyor may move the asphalt rearward. It is
contemplated that distribution devices other than screw conveyors
may be utilized to distribute deposited asphalt fragments such as,
for example, hydraulic push plates, chain-driven paddle-type
conveyors, or any other conveying devices known in the art. It is
further contemplated that, in addition to distributing the
deposited asphalt fragments in a rearward direction, distribution
devices 82 may also distribute the asphalt fragments transversely
outward toward the sides of storage bin 80. It is yet further
contemplated that distribution devices 82 may be manually actuated,
run continuously, or automatically actuated in response to a
buildup of fragmented asphalt.
[0037] Off-loading system 22 may be configured to unload fragmented
asphalt from a side of work machine 10. In particular off-loading
system 22 may include a plurality of screw conveyors 90, each
disposed within an associated tubular housing 92 that is connected
to openings 88. As screw conveyors 90 are rotated, the asphalt
fragments may be elevated within tubular housing 92 toward an open
end 94, where the fragments may be allowed to drop into transport
vehicle 14 (referring to FIG. 1). As the asphalt fragments are
transported away from openings 88, additional fragments may migrate
down the sloped surfaces of storage bin 80 into tubular housing 92.
It is contemplated that off-loading system 22 may alternatively
implement devices other than screw conveyors 90 to move asphalt
fragments from storage bin 80 into transport vehicle 14 such as,
for example, hydraulic push plates, chain-driven paddle-type
conveyors, or any other conveying devices known in the art.
[0038] Off-loading system 22 may be configured to unload storage
bin 80 during operation of removal system 16. In particular, as
transport vehicle 14 aligns with off-loading system 22, off-loading
system 22 may unload storage bin 80. Unloading of storage bin 80
may possible during travel of work machine 10, during removal of
spent asphalt, during grinding of removed asphalt, and/or during
any other operation of work machine 10.
[0039] Off-loading system 22 may be automated. Specifically,
off-loading system 22 may be configured to unload storage bin 80 in
response to transport vehicle approaching work machine 10. In one
example, off-loading system 22 may include a controller 96 in
communication with one or more position sensors 98 and screw
conveyors 90 via communication lines 100. Position sensors 98 may
be configured to relay a relative position of transport vehicle 14
to controller 96, while controller 96 may be configured to
sequentially actuate screw conveyors 90 of off-loading system 22 as
transport vehicle 14 moves past work machine 10. In this manner,
the forward progress of both work machine 10 and transport vehicle
14 may be substantially unaffected by the off-loading process. It
is contemplated that controller 96 may alternatively actuate all
screw conveyors 90 once transport vehicle is fully in position. It
is further contemplated that the off-loading process may be
manually initiated.
[0040] Controller 96 may also be in communication with other
components to affect operation of work machine 10. For example,
controller 96 may be in communication with sensor 62, heat source
38, vibration-inducing device 40, grinding device 70, tow machine
12, quick-locking mechanism 42, motor 60, and other work machines
(not shown) via multiple communication lines (not shown).
Controller 96 may be configured to affect operation of the
components and systems of work machine 10 in response to the
roadway property monitored by sensor 62 and/or to transmit the
monitored property to other work machines. It is contemplated that
work machine 10 may include separate controllers for the sequential
automation of screw conveyors 90 and the controlling of work
machine functions in response to the monitored roadway
property.
[0041] Controller 96 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple
microprocessors that include a means for controlling an operation
of off-loading system 22. Numerous commercially available
microprocessors can be configured to perform the functions of
controller 96. It should be appreciated that controller 96 could
readily embody a general work machine microprocessor capable of
controlling numerous work machine functions. Various other known
circuits may be associated with controller 96, including power
supply circuitry, signal-conditioning circuitry, solenoid driver
circuitry, communication circuitry, and other appropriate
circuitry.
[0042] Position sensor 98 may interact with transport vehicle 14 to
determine a position of transport vehicle 14 relative to work
machine 10. In particular, position sensor 98 may embody an optical
sensor configured to visually recognize a portion of transport
vehicle 14 or an indicia located on transport vehicle 14, an RF
receiver configured to communicate with an RF tag or transmitter
located on transport vehicle 14, a GPS device configured to receive
position information for transport vehicle 14 from a satellite or
local tracking system, or any other position sensing device known
in the art.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0043] The disclosed work machine finds potential application in
road rehabilitation processes where efficient removal of spent
asphalt is desired. The disclosed work machine removes the spent
asphalt, grinds the removed asphalt, and stores the ground asphalt
until an efficient opportunity is presented for unloading the
stored asphalt. The operation of work machine 10 will now be
explained.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 1, work machine 10 may be towed to
remove spent asphalt from a roadway surface. As work machine 10 is
towed forward, heated and/or vibrated blade assembly 24 may be
forced into an asphalt layer, between an asphalt layer and a base,
or into the base to remove a layer of spent asphalt. Blade members
34 may be adjusted to produce a layer of spent asphalt having a
substantially equal thickness or, alternatively, to produce a layer
of spent asphalt having a predefined contour. The thickness of the
removed asphalt layer may be customized by modifying a relative
position of wheels 56 to raise or lower blade members 34. In
addition to affecting the thickness of the removed asphalt layer,
wheels 56 in conjunction with sensors 62 may sense properties of
the roadway surface and change operation of work machine 10 in
response to the properties.
[0045] As the layer of spent asphalt is removed, it may be directed
toward grinding device 70. In particular, conveying device 32 may
pull the removed asphalt layer toward grinding device 70 where the
layer may be fragmented or ground to desired dimensions. The
dimension of the asphalt fragments may be adjusted by modifying
speed parameters of work machine 10 and/or position parameters of
grinding device 70. After fragmentation, the spent asphalt may be
directed to storage system 20 by way of conveying device 72.
[0046] The fragments of ground asphalt may be housed within storage
bin 80 until transport vehicle 14 is in an off-loading position or
is approaching the off-loading position. In order to accommodate a
greater amount of ground asphalt without spillage, the asphalt
fragments deposited within storage bin 80 may be substantially
equally distributed by way of distribution devices 82. As transport
vehicle 14 approaches work machine 10, position sensor 98 may
trigger the sequential activation of screw conveyors 76 to load
transport vehicle 14 as it passes by work machine 10.
[0047] Because work machine 10 may be unloaded from the side of
work machine 10 relative to a travel direction of work machine 10,
the efficiency of work machine 10 may be improved. Specifically,
because work machine 10 may be unloaded from the side, work machine
10 may continue forward travel during unloading without having to
remain stationary while transport vehicle 14 is positioned fore or
aft of work machine 10. In addition, because of the side-unloading
capability of work machine 10, precise regulation of the speed
differential between transport vehicle 14 and work machine 10 may
be unnecessary. In fact, efficiency may even be increased when the
speeds of work machine 10 and transport vehicle 14 are different.
For example, transport vehicle 14 may pass by work machine 10
during unloading at a speed that is optimized for transport vehicle
14 operation and that is different from the speed at which work
machine 10 most efficiently operates. By decreasing the delays
associated with unloading, the efficiency and productivity of the
road rehabilitation process may be improved.
[0048] In addition, because work machine 10 includes a storage bin,
the efficiency and productivity of work machine 10 may be further
improved. In particular, storage bin 80 allows work machine 10 to
remove spent asphalt without transport vehicle 14. Being able to
remove spent asphalt solo allows removal of spent asphalt when
transport vehicle 14 is unavailable, which results in increased
uptime of work machine 10.
[0049] Heating and vibrating blade assembly 24 and/or scoring
devices 28 during asphalt removal may further improve the
efficiency of work machine 10. In particular, heating of the
asphalt, blade assembly 24, and/or scoring devices 28 before and/or
during engagement may soften the asphalt and require less blade
force and grinding power. Similarly, vibration of blade assembly 24
and/or scoring devices 28 may result in less blade force and
grinding power consumption.
[0050] Sensors 62 may also help improve the productivity,
efficiency, or component life of work machine 10. For example,
sensors 62 may determine a property of the roadway surface that
affects the manner in which work machine 10 removes and/or
processes the roadway surface. Controller 96 of work machine 10 may
adjust a temperature or vibration of blade assembly 24 and/or
scoring devices 28, a speed of grinding device 70 and/or work
machine 10, or any other such parameter in response to the detected
property to allow work machine 10 to remove and process the spent
asphalt in the most efficient manner. For example, if high
compaction of the roadway is detected by sensors 62, work machine
10 may increase the temperature and/or vibration amplitude to
soften and loosen the asphalt to a greater degree, thereby
increasing a removal or grinding rate of work machine 10 and
reducing wear on work machine 10. Conversely, if low compaction is
encountered, the temperature and/or vibration amplitude may be
reduced to conserve energy.
[0051] Quick locking mechanism 42 may facilitate efficient
maintenance of work machine 10. In particular, quick locking
mechanism 42 may facilitate quick removal and replacement of blade
members 34, as compared to a manually intensive processes such as
threaded fastening, thermal joining, or other known retention
method. The ease of removal and replacement of blade members 34 may
correspond to a reduction in the cost and downtime of work machine
10 associated with the maintenance of blade members 34.
[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the asphalt-removing
work machine of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the
asphalt-removing work machine will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of
the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their
equivalents.
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