U.S. patent application number 11/564710 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-24 for systems and methods for milling paving material with increased stability, support, and power.
Invention is credited to J. Tron Haroldsen.
Application Number | 20070116519 11/564710 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46204702 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070116519 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haroldsen; J. Tron |
May 24, 2007 |
Systems and Methods for Milling Paving Material with Increased
Stability, Support, and Power
Abstract
Systems and methods that provide increased stability, support
and power while grinding paving material. A self-powered milling
system, which is coupled to a vehicle to selectively move the
milling system, is used to mill paving material. The milling system
includes a cutting head, such as a cylindrical mandrel that
includes a variety of bits attached thereon and spins on an axis,
to mill the paving material. The cutting head is powered by a
milling system motor that speeds up production and enables the
milling of very thick asphalt (e.g., 8 inch thick asphalt) in a
single pass. A milling system carriage follows the contour of the
ground, provides stability during the milling process, and may be
selectively adjusted to provide cuts at various angles. In one
embodiment, the carriage includes a flush side to enable precise
edge milling. In a further embodiment, a breaker bar is located at
or near ground level to hold the paving material down as it tries
to lift up during the milling process, and is employed to assist in
the breaking up of the milled aggregate.
Inventors: |
Haroldsen; J. Tron;
(Herriman, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIRTON AND MCCONKIE
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE,
SUITE 1800
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
46204702 |
Appl. No.: |
11/564710 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10336289 |
Jan 3, 2003 |
7144087 |
|
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11564710 |
Nov 29, 2006 |
|
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60348063 |
Jan 9, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 23/088
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/094 |
International
Class: |
E01C 23/16 20060101
E01C023/16 |
Claims
1-42. (canceled)
43. A self-powered milling apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a
carriage configured to be selectively coupled to a vehicle; a
cutting head coupled to said carriage for use in milling paving
material, wherein the cutting head in flush with a side of the
carriage to provide precise edge milling; and a milling system
motor coupled to said carriage, said milling system motor dedicated
to driving said cutting head.
44. The self powered milling apparatus of claim 43, further
comprising an extended drive input coupled to the frame, wherein
the extended drive input includes a shaft with a flex coupling that
includes one or more pilot tubes that couple to the cutting head
and support a belt to enable the motor to be flush with a side of
the frame.
45. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, wherein said
vehicle coupler is adjustable to accommodate any type of motorized
vehicle.
46. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, wherein said
cutting head comprises a mandrel.
47. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, wherein said
cutting head comprises a plurality of removable and interchangeable
bits affixed thereto and arranged in an identified manner to
optimize exposure to said paving material and pulverization of said
paving material.
48. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 47, wherein said
plurality of bits each comprise a stem portion, a tip removably
coupled to said stem portion, and a flat end at the base of said
stem portion, said plurality of bits capable of being removably
coupled and secured to said cutting head within a plurality of
respective matching bit blocks arranged about said cutting head,
said bit blocks comprising a channel through which said bits are
secured within.
49. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 48, wherein said
plurality of bits further comprise a spring collet surrounding said
stem portion, said spring collet securely holds said bits in place
within said channel.
50. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 48, wherein said
tip further comprises an annular space that engages a lip formed on
said shaft portion to removably couple said tip to said shaft.
51. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 47, wherein said
frame further comprises a bit access to provide quick top-level
access to said bits and facilitate and provide for removal of said
bits.
52. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 51, wherein said
bit access comprises a removable cover that exposes from 60 to 90
degrees of said cutting head when removed.
53. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, wherein said
motor allows from 0 to 10 inches of paving material to be milled in
a single pass, thus significantly reducing overall milling
time.
54. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, wherein said
motor powers said milling apparatus via a belt-driven system, said
belt-driven system increases the efficiency of each milling job by
transferring between 80 and 95 percent of said power to said
cutting head, thus allowing a greater amount of said paving
material to be milled in a single pass.
55. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 54, wherein said
belt-driven system comprises a belt and a transmission, said belt
couples a shaft of said cutting head with said motor to cause said
motor to rotate said shaft, which subsequently causes said cutting
head to rotate about an axis of rotation.
56. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 55, wherein said
belt-driven system further comprises a belt tensioning system
designed to maintain proper tensioning of said belt.
57. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 56, wherein said
belt tensioning system automatically adjusts the tension of said
belt.
58. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 57, wherein said
tension is adjusted automatically in response to external forces
encountered by said milling apparatus.
59. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, further
comprising a carriage coupled to said frame, said carriage
comprising a portion located in close proximity to the ground to
provide tracking means and support to said milling apparatus, said
carriage also providing pressure to said cutting head.
60. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 59, wherein said
carriage comprises a flush side portion to allow edge milling of
said paving material.
61. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 59, wherein said
carriage is adjustable to allow said cutting head and said milling
apparatus to perform tapered milling and milling on an identified
angle.
62. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, further
comprising means for tipping, wherein said milling apparatus is
allowed to adjust to any necessary angle to properly track and
follow the contour of the ground.
63. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 62, wherein said
means for tipping comprises a cylinder, said cylinder allowing said
cutting head to move up and down, said cylinder also capable of
being actuated to allow back and forth movement of said cutting
head.
64. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 62, wherein said
means for tipping is selected from manual, mechanical,
electromechanical, hydraulic, electric, and pneumatic
actuation.
65. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, wherein said
milling apparatus comprises a pivoting point by which said cutting
head rotates about.
66. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, wherein said
cutting head is coupled to said frame using a removable bearing,
said bearing having a portion partially exposed to provide easy
access for maintenance and removal purposes.
67. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, wherein said
cutting head comprises a gear reduction planetary mounted to said
cutting head and said frame.
68. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, further
comprising a remote control system to provide steering and guiding
control of said milling system.
69. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, further
comprising a first cylinder to hold said cutting head into the
ground.
70. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, further
comprising a second cylinder to control any desired tipping and
tilting of said milling apparatus.
71. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, further
comprising a third cylinder to shift said motorized vehicle
hook-up.
72. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, further
comprising an extended drive input.
73. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, wherein said
frame is extended and stationary to allow said cutting head to just
move up and down.
74. The self-powered milling apparatus of claim 43, further
comprising a breaker bar to hold the unmilled portion of said
paving material down to facilitate the milling operation and to
help break up the milled paving material.
75. A method for milling paving material, said method comprising
the steps of: obtaining a milling apparatus, said milling apparatus
comprising: a carriage configured to be selectively coupled to a
vehicle; a cutting head coupled to said carriage for use in milling
paving material, wherein the cutting head in flush with a side of
the carriage to provide precise edge milling; a milling system
motor coupled to said carriage, said milling system motor dedicated
to driving said cutting head; coupling said milling apparatus to a
motorized vehicle; utilizing said motorized vehicle to maneuver and
position said milling apparatus; and employing said motor of said
milling apparatus to drive said cutting head to mill said paving
material.
76. The method of claim 75, further comprising the step of
adjusting said cutting head to conform to the contour of the
ground.
77. The method of claim 75, further comprising the step of
removably coupling a plurality of bits to said cutting head.
78. The method of claim 75, further comprising the step of
actuating said cutting head via said motor using a belt-driven
system, said belt-driven system comprising a belt tensioning
system.
79. The method of claim 75, further comprising controlling said
milling apparatus using a remote control system.
80. The method of claim 75, further comprising the step of
accessing said cutting head from a top-level using a bit
access.
81. The method of claim 75, further comprising the step of
removably coupling one or more bits to said cutting head.
82. The method of claim 75, further comprising the step of allowing
multi-vector positioning of said cutting head.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/348,063, filed Jan. 9, 2002, and entitled,
"Systems and Methods for Milling Paving Material with Increased
Stability, Support, and Power," which is incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
milling paving material. More particularly, the present invention
relates to systems and methods that provide increased stability,
support and power while grinding paving material.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention and Related Art
[0005] Asphalt milling is a technique currently employed to remove
asphalt pavement for reconstruction or resurfacing, and for
accessing buried utility lines. The technique involves the removal
of asphalt pavement through the use of a cold planer, which can
remove up to approximately two inches of pavement surface during a
particular pass.
[0006] A cold planer typically includes a barrel-like attachment,
referred to as a mandrel, and a variety of bits (e.g., 40) that are
affixed to the exterior surface of the mandrel. Coupled to the cold
planer is a vehicle (e.g., a bobcat or skid-steer) that is used to
propel the cold planer. The mandrel rotates and is pushed into the
pavement by the hydraulic system of the vehicle, causing the bits
to grind up the asphalt pavement. The vehicle pushes the cold
planer as the mandrel rotates to grind a trench in the asphalt
pavement that is typically up to 24 inches wide.
[0007] While this technique enables the creation of a trench that
is up to 2 inches deep, various problems exist. For example,
traditional cold planers stall out upon attempting to grind 2-3
inches of asphalt pavement. Thus, when desiring to mill a depth of
6 inches of pavement, at least three passes of the cold planer must
be conducted. Furthermore, the milled asphalt composite left behind
in the wake of the cold planer must be removed between each pass.
As a result, this process has proven to be time consuming.
[0008] The process is further delayed by the requirement of having
to push the cold planer at an extremely slow rate. Much of the
power from the skid-steer is used to rotate the mandrel. As such,
limited power is available to push the cold planer forward.
Typically, the cold planer creates a trench by grinding the
pavement at a rate of up to 1/2 mph.
[0009] The process is further hampered by instability. The vehicle
used to propel the cold planer typically loses traction and has a
tendency to shake. A loss in pressure between the actions of
providing pressure on the cold planer and lowering the mandrel also
yields to instability. Moreover, a procedure of edge milling
typically requires the removal of supporting structures of the cold
planer, triggering further instability.
[0010] Thus, while the traditional technique of asphalt milling
enables the creation of a milled trench that is up to 2 inches
deep, the technique has proven to be instable and time consuming.
Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or
even replace existing techniques to enable a trench to be milled in
asphalt pavement at a quicker rate and/or to provide increased
stability to the milling process.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
milling paving material. More particularly, the present invention
relates to systems and methods that provide increased stability,
support and power while grinding paving material.
[0012] Implementation of the present invention takes place in
association with a self-powered milling system for use in milling
or grinding asphalt and is configured for coupling to a vehicle
(e.g., a bobcat, steer-skid, or other vehicle) that selectively
pushes or pulls the milling system in a desired direction. The
milling system includes a cylindrical mandrel, having a variety of
bits attached thereon, which spins on an axis to break up and mill
the asphalt. The mandrel is powered by a milling system motor that
speeds up production and enables milling of very thick asphalt
(e.g., 8 inch thick asphalt) in a single pass. A breaker bar of the
milling system is continuously located at or near ground level
during the milling process to hold the asphalt down as it tries to
lift up during the process. The breaker bar further assists in
breaking up the milled asphalt aggregate.
[0013] In one implementation, the milling system includes a
carriage that follows the contour of the ground. The carriage
provides stability during the milling process, allowing only the
mandrel or cutting head to move during the process. The carriage
may be selectively adjusted to provide cuts at various angles.
Furthermore, the carriage is designed to include a flush side to
enable use of the milling system in performing precise edge milling
of the asphalt.
[0014] While the methods and processes of the present invention
have proven to be particularly useful in providing increased
stability, support and power in the area of milling asphalt, those
skilled in the art shall appreciate that the methods and processes
can be used to mill a variety of different surfaces.
[0015] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in
the description that follows and in the appended claims. The
features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of
the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the
invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will
be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof,
which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that
these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and
are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a representative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a representative
cutting head that may be used in association with the embodiment of
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
and
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the embodiment of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] It will be readily understood that the components of the
present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the
figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of the system and method of the
present invention, and represented in FIGS. 1 through 5, is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is
merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the
invention.
[0023] The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be
best understood by reference to the drawings wherein like parts are
designated by like numerals throughout.
[0024] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
milling paving material. More particularly, the present invention
relates to systems and methods that provide increased stability,
support and power while grinding paving material.
[0025] In the disclosure and in the claims the term "paving
material" shall refer to any material that may be used to pave a
road, path, sidewalk, parking lot, driveway, thoroughfare, or any
other similar surface. Examples of paving materials include
asphalt, tarmac, pavement, cement, clay, stone and dirt.
[0026] Embodiments of the present invention take place in
association with a self-powered milling system for use in milling
or grinding paving material, and which may be configured to be
coupled to a vehicle (e.g., a bobcat, steer-skid, back hoe,
excavator or other vehicle) that selectively pushes or pulls the
self-powered milling system in a desired direction. The milling
system includes a cutting head, such as a cylindrical mandrel that
includes a variety of bits attached thereon. The mandrel spins on
an axis to break up and mill the paving material, and is powered by
a milling system motor that speeds up production and enables the
milling of very thick paving material (e.g., 8 inch thick asphalt)
in a single pass.
[0027] Embodiments of the present invention further embrace a
milling system having a carriage that follows the contour of the
ground. The carriage provides stability during the milling process,
allowing only the cutting head to move during the process, and may
be selectively adjusted to provide cuts at various angles. In a
further embodiment, the carriage includes a flush side to enable
performance of precise edge milling.
[0028] In one embodiment, a breaker bar is coupled to the carriage.
The breaker bar is continuously located at or near ground level to
hold the asphalt down as it tries to lift up during the milling
process. The breaker bar is further employed to assist in the
breaking up the milled asphalt aggregate.
[0029] As provided above, embodiments of the present invention take
place in association with a self-powered milling system that may be
used to mill or grind paving material, and that may be configured
to be coupled to a vehicle (e.g., a bobcat, steer-skid, back hoe,
excavator or other vehicle), which selectively pushes or pulls the
self-powered milling system in a desired direction. With reference
to FIG. 1, a representative embodiment of a self-powered milling
system is illustrated as milling system 10, which includes cutting
head 12 having bits 14 attached thereon, motor 16, carriage 18,
wheels 20, and vehicle coupler 22.
[0030] In FIG. 1, milling system 10 is configured to be coupled to
a vehicle using vehicle coupler 22. In the illustrated embodiment,
vehicle coupler 22 is adjustable to allow for a coupling of milling
system 10 to any type of vehicle. Once coupled to milling system
10, the vehicle (not shown) may be operated by a user to
selectively push or pull milling system 10 in a particular
direction.
[0031] Milling system 10 comprises a motor 16, which is separate
from the motor of the vehicle. As such, milling system 10 is
self-powered to enable the grinding or milling of paving material.
More specifically, motor 16 is dedicated to the actuating of
cutting head 12 in order to grind or mill paving material under
milling system 10.
[0032] The use of cutting head 12 is more fully illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 2, a front view of milling system 10 is
provided. Cutting head 12 is actuated by motor 16 and spins on an
axis. As cutting head 12 is spinning, milling system 10 is pushed
by a vehicle coupled thereto and mills paving material that passes
underneath cutting head 12.
[0033] With reference now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of cutting
head 12 is illustrated. In FIG. 3, cutting head 12 is a barrel-like
attachment, known as a mandrel. The mandrel spins and is pushed
into the paving material. Bits 14 affixed to the exterior of the
mandrel engage and grind up the asphalt. Once ground, the asphalt
may be easily removed and replaced.
[0034] In one embodiment, approximately forty bits are located on
the exterior surface of cutting head 12. The bits 14 are scattered
and patterned along the mandrel in a way that optimally enables
pulverization and are exposed to the asphalt when the mandrel is in
operation. In addition to the bits on the exterior of the mandrel,
six bits are located at each end of the mandrel. The end bits
prevent the mandrel from wedging into the paving material and from
becoming stuck, and are known as "inside end bits."
[0035] Each bit 14 has a hardened or carbide tipped end, a stem,
and a flat end at the bottom of the stem. The bits 14 are attached
to a mandrel by their insertion into channels or blocks of the
mandrel. In one embodiment, the stem of a bit 14 has a spring
collet surrounding it. When the bit is forced into a channel of a
bit block and pressed down through the shaft, the spring collet
squeezes against the stem to tightly fit the stem within the
channel. An annular space on the bit that engages a lipped section
of the top end of the bit shaft and locks the bit into the shaft is
located between the bit stem and the tipped end of the bit. This
annular space prevents the tip from leaving the shaft.
[0036] A bit 14 may be removed, such as when it has become tipped
out, by pounding on the exposed flat end of a bit 14 seated within
the shaft, and drive the bit 14 from the shaft. The bit is
removable because despite its secure fit within the shaft, when the
flat end is impacted, the spring collet is forced inward to
contract and pass by the lip of the shaft and is released from the
annular space within the bit block.
[0037] Unfortunately, due to wear and tear, bits require
replacement. For example, when an operator of milling system 10
hits a manhole, bits may become tipped out and need replacement.
The need for replacing bits 14 arises frequently, therefore time
efficient and cost effective techniques for replacing bits is
greatly desired.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, and with reference back to
FIG. 1, a bit access is provided to facilitate bit removal from a
top-level or a top portion of milling apparatus 10. The bit access
is illustrated as removable cover 30, which is hinged to a casing
that covers cutting head 12. In another embodiment, removable cover
30 is mechanically removable. Cover 30 provides access to bits 14
and facilitates access by eliminating the traditional requirement
of having to access bits 14 from underneath a cold planer.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, removable cover 30 removes a
top portion from a casing that covers cutting head 12 as well as a
portion of either side of the casing. As such, in one embodiment,
the top 60.degree. to 90.degree. of the cutter head 12 is exposed
when removing removable cover 30. Since a portion on each of the
sides of the casing is removable, access to the inside end bits is
facilitated.
[0040] The use of motor 16 to drive cutting head 12 eliminates the
need of traditional practices to steal power from the vehicle motor
(not shown). The use of motor 16 exponentially speeds up production
(it is approximately 4-6 times faster than traditional methods)
since it enables the vehicle motor to be dedicated to moving system
10 and further enables up to approximately 8 inches of paving
material to be milled in a single pass, as opposed to 2 inches by
traditional methods. As such, the time required for an operator to
perform the milling of paving material is greatly reduced since up
to 8 inches can be milled with each pass.
[0041] Thus, for example, a traditional cold planer that claims it
can mill up to 6 inches deep actually requires three separate
passes, where each pass mills 2 inches of the paving material, in
order to mill the total 6 inch deep paving material. Furthermore, a
traditional milling head requires approximately 72 hp to run
effectively. An average skid-steer motor doesn't generally produce
more than 72 hp, which must be used to spin the milling head and to
push the cold planer. Therefore, since so much of the power is
required to spin the milling head, the amount of power available to
push the cold planer is limited and results in an extremely slow
process. Typically, the traditional cold planer is only able to
mill up to about 2 inches deep and is only pushed at 1/2 mph.
[0042] In contrast, in accordance with the present invention, power
(e.g., 72 hp or another amount of power) from the vehicle motor is
provided to selectively move/push the milling system 10, and an
additional amount of power (e.g., another 72 hp or another amount)
is provided to spin the cutting head 12. The increased power yields
increased efficiency in performing a milling job.
[0043] Embodiments of the present invention further increase the
ability to mill paving material by providing a belt-driven system
to power a cutting head. Traditionally, vehicles used to power a
traditional cold planer are powered through the utilization of a
hydraulic system, which yields a high efficiency loss. For example,
a hydraulic system is typically about 60% efficient. Thus in the
example above, where in a traditional procedure 72 hp is available
to both move a traditional cold planer and to spin a cutting head,
the actual power available due to the hydraulic system is 43.2 hp
(72 hp multiplied by 60% efficiency is 43.2 hp). The other 28.8 hp
is lost in heat.
[0044] In contrast, embodiments of the present invention embrace
the use of a belt-driven system 34, which provides 90% to 95%
efficiency. Thus, where motor 16 provides 72 hp, milling system 10
is actually placing 64.8 (72 hp multiplied by 90% efficiency is
64.8 hp) on spinning cutting head 12. The belt-driven system 34 is
additionally illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, which are respectively a
top view and a side view of milling system 10, and includes a belt
and a transmission 64 (FIG. 5). The belt couples shaft 42 (FIG. 3)
of cutting head 12 with motor 16 to cause motor 16 to rotate shaft
42 and cause cutting head 12 to spin.
[0045] In one embodiment, system 10 further includes a belt
tensioning system 60 (FIG. 5), such as an automatic or manual
tensioner, that keeps the belt of the belt-driven system taut. In a
further embodiment, the belt-tensioning system 60 includes a
pneumatic air cylinder 62 (FIG. 5). As such, the belt may be set
and aligned with low to no tension and locked into place. The
belt-tensioning system 60 may then be engaged to apply tension to
the belt in order to keep the belt taut. In one embodiment, the
tension automatically adjusts to pressure. Therefore, when the
system 10 hits, for example, an object while in use, the belts are
automatically kept taut.
[0046] With reference back to FIG. 1, milling system 10 provides a
carriage 18, which sits near the ground and provides support. In
one embodiment, carriage 18 sits approximately one-half inch above
the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, wheels 20 are coupled to
carriage 18. Carriage 18 provides pressure on cutting head 12.
[0047] Carriage 18 includes a flush side 26 that enables edge
milling of paving material. For example, when milling system 10 is
used to mill paving material that is located up against a vertical
surface, milling system 10 is pushed along the vertical surface
with the flush side 26 near the vertical surface. As such, the
paving material may be milled within three to four inches of a
vertical surface without touching the sides of milling system 10.
The remaining portion of paving material may then be knocked off
with a shovel. In contrast, traditional techniques required
disassembly of a cold planer, which has caused instability in using
the cold planer. The use of carriage 18 further allows for carriage
18 to potentially bump the vertical surface rather than cutting
head 12, which would damage the vertical surface.
[0048] Carriage 18 is configured to be selectively adjusted to
enable milling system 10 to be used in such a way as to cut on a
particular angle or taper. Embodiments of the present invention
embrace the ability to manually or hydraulically adjust the height
of wheels 20. Milling system 10 maintains traction and support by
allowing carriage 18 to follow the ground while cutting head 12
follows the set angle. In contrast, traction is lost in traditional
techniques.
[0049] Milling system 10 may be manually or hydraulically tipped
through the use of a cylinder, such as cylinder 28. For example,
cylinder 28 is locked for safety reasons while moving milling
system 10. Once milling system 10 is in use, cylinder 28, which
allows cutting head 12 to raise and lower, may be manually or
hydraulically actuated to allow cutting head 12 to move back and
forth. In other words, cutting head 12 is allowed to float, which
allows equal traction for the vehicle used. While milling, cutting
head 12 is allowed to adjust to whatever angle it needs to in order
to adjust and follow the contour of the ground. As such,
multi-vector positioning of cutting head 12 is made possible.
[0050] Embodiments of the present invention embrace an improved
method for entering the ground in order to mill paving material. In
one embodiment, the vehicle is locked up in a home position and the
arms of the vehicle are locked down with the tilt locked back. In
this manner, nothing shakes or vibrates. Pressure is provided onto
cutting head 12 by cylinder 28, and motor 16 engages cutting head
12 to allow for the milling to occur. As such, embodiments of the
present invention may be dropped into any asphalt or paving
material and pulverize the paving material into a fine gravel,
similar to a road base.
[0051] Thus, a first cylinder, illustrated as cylinder 28, holds
cutting head 12 down into the ground, pulling between carriage 18
and cutting head 12. A second cylinder controls the tilt that is
enabled by milling system 10 and has the extra option of allowing
cutting head 12 to float while in use to enable a more effective
milling. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, system 10
pivots about pivot point 52. A third cylinder is utilized to shift
the vehicle hook-up.
[0052] With reference back to FIG. 1, a bearing 32 faces outward
and is protected from any debris, such as rocks, that may be
spinning around. In one embodiment, a mound sets bearing 32 inside
cutting head 12, but facing out to provide access to grease bearing
32. Alternatively, a user may pop bearing 32 out and remove it
without disassembling any other portion of milling system 10.
Alternatively, the cutting head 12 may be dropped out from system
10 and replaced with another cutting head. Thus, bearing 32 is
placed inside the cutting head 12, facing out where it is still
protected.
[0053] Also inside cutting head 12 is a well mount or a gear
reduction planetary that is mounted to one side of the drum and to
the frame. On the other side of the drum an outboard shaft is
mounted with an outboard bearing support to help the cutting head
ride. This increases the life span of the gearbox and virtually
provides an unlimited life span of the gear reduction
planetary.
[0054] In a further embodiment, a remote control system is utilized
to provide control of the various cylinders in order to guide or
steer milling system 10. In one embodiment, the remote control
system utilizes a radio control system, such as an RF frequency, to
provide the control. The system has an E-stop with a continuous
transmission. If an operator gets far enough away from milling
system 10, the system shuts down automatically.
[0055] In a further embodiment, milling system 10 includes an
extended drive input. A shaft with a flex coupling that includes a
couple of bearings that have two pilot tubes that bolt up to
cutting head 12 and support the belt enable the engine to be flush
on side 26 rather than having to overhang approximately 12
inches.
[0056] Embodiments in the present invention further embrace a large
frame that holds still, just allowing the cutter head to move up
and down. In other words, the vehicle frame is extended 10 feet or
longer by the use of the carriage of the milling system.
Furthermore, a breaker bar illustrated as breaker bar 24, is
continuously located at ground level to hold the pavement down as
it tries to lift up and is used to help break up the aggregate that
has been milled.
[0057] Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present
invention embrace systems and methods that provide increased
stability, support and power in milling paving material. The
present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from its spirit of essential characteristics. The
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only al
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the
foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning
and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within
their scope.
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