APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A JOINT SENSOR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A joint sensor assembly for use on a screed having a movable screed extension and a substantially vertical plate. The assembly has a joint sensor operatively connected to the plate and adapted to transmit a joint location signal, a means for moving the plate which is operatively connected to the extension and adapted to move between a first lateral position and a second lateral position, a valve operatively connected to the means for moving the plate and adapted to move between an open position and a closed position, and a controller adapted to receive the joint location signal and adapted to send a valve signal. The valve signal causes the valve to move between the open position and the closed position, and the movement of the valve causes the means for moving the plate to move between the first lateral position and the second lateral position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for material control devices, and particularly to apparatuses and methods for material control devices with material discharge doors.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It is known to use apparatuses and methods to detect the longitudinal joint of an asphalt mat. Conventional apparatuses and methods, however, suffer from one or more disadvantages. For example, conventional apparatuses and methods are undesirably sensitive to heat and vibration. Conventional apparatuses and methods are also undesirably large, cumbersome, and bulky. Further, conventional apparatuses and methods are subject to human error and are labor-intensive. Still further, conventional apparatuses and methods are not adapted to automatically control the movement of a screed extension in order to produce the desired overlap and material allowance in the longitudinal joint. In addition, conventional apparatuses and methods produce joints that are poor in quality and susceptible to premature failure. Conventional apparatuses and methods are also unsafe and produce inconsistent joints.

It would be desirable, therefore, if an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly could be provided that is not sensitive to heat and vibration. It would also be desirable if such an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly could be provided that is not large, cumbersome, or bulky. It would be further desirable if such an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly could be provided that is not subject to human error or labor-intensive. It would be still further desirable if such an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly could be provided that is adapted to automatically control the movement of a screed extension in order to produce the desired overlap and material allowance in the longitudinal joint. In addition, it would be desirable if such an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly could be provided that would produce high quality joints that are not susceptible to premature failure. It would also be desirable if such an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly could be provided that is safe and produces consistent joints.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that is not large, cumbersome, or bulky. It is also an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that is not subject to human error or labor-intensive. It is another advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that is adapted to automatically control the movement of a screed extension in order to produce the desired overlap and material allowance in the longitudinal joint. It is still another advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that produces high quality joints that are not susceptible to premature failure. It is yet another advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that is safe and produces consistent joints. Additional advantages of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the drawings and the ensuing description.

EXPLANATION OF THE TECHNICAL TERMS

The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar terms in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The terms “substantially,” “generally,” and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. The use of such terms in describing a physical or functional characteristic of the invention is not intended to limit such characteristic to the absolute value which the term modifies, but rather to provide an approximation of the value of such physical or functional characteristic. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise specified herein or clearly indicated by context.

Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “attached,” “connected,” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable and rigid attachments or relationships, unless specified herein or clearly indicated by context. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as,” “preferred,” and “preferably”) herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof, and not to place a limitation on the scope of the invention. Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating any element as essential to the practice of the invention unless so stated with specificity. Several terms are specifically defined herein. These terms are to be given their broadest reasonable construction consistent with such definitions, as follows:

As used herein, the term “actuator” means any device, mechanism, assembly or combination thereof that is adapted to move or be moved between a retracted position and an extended position so as to impart a mechanical force. The term “actuator” includes without limitation linear actuators, rotary actuators, hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic rotary actuators, pneumatic cylinders, springs and the like.

As used herein, the term “controller” means any device, mechanism, assembly or combination thereof that is adapted to receive, interpret, execute and/or convey instructions, including without limitation, automatic controllers (such as programmable logic controllers and microprocessors) and non-automatic or manually-operated controllers.

As used herein, the term “motor” means a device, mechanism, assembly, or combination thereof adapted to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy using forces exerted by magnetic fields on current-carrying circuits. The term “motor” includes without limitation self-commutated motors, brushed DC motors, electronic commutator motors, universal AC-DC motors, externally commutated motors, induction motors synchronous motors, doubly-fed electric motors, magnetic motors, rotary motors, and linear motors.

As used herein, the term “sensor” means an instrument (or a component of an instrument) that converts an input signal into a quantity that is measured by another instrument (or another component of the instrument) and changed into a useful signal for an information-gathering system. The term “sensor” includes, without limitation, ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, pulse sensors, magnetic sensors, thermal sensors, electromagnetic sensors, mechanical sensors, motion sensors, and the like.

As used herein, the term “signal” means any transmitted electrical impulse.

As used herein, the term “valve” refers to any device that is capable of controlling the flow of material in a conduit or fuel line, as those terms are defined above. The term “valve” includes, but is not limited to, manual valves which are adapted to manually control the flow of material in a conduit, pipe, tube, and the like and automatic valves which are adapted to automatically control the flow of material in a conduit, pipe, tube, and the like. The term “valve” includes, but is not limited to, automatic valves that are controlled by a controller, as that term is defined above, in order to automatically control the flow of material in a conduit, pipe, tube, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the invention comprises a joint sensor assembly adapted for use on a screed having at least one movable screed extension and at least one substantially vertical plate. The preferred joint sensor assembly comprises at least one joint sensor which is operatively connected to the at least one substantially vertical plate and is adapted to transmit a joint location signal, a means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate which means is operatively connected to the at least one movable screed extension and is adapted to move between a first lateral position and a second lateral position, a valve which is operatively connected to the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate and is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position, and a controller which is adapted to receive the joint location signal from the at least one joint sensor and is adapted to send a valve signal to the valve. In the preferred joint sensor assembly, the valve signal causes the valve to move between the open position and the closed position, and the movement of the valve between the open position and the closed position causes the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate to move between the first lateral position and the second lateral position.

The method of the invention comprises a method for detecting the location of a joint of an asphalt mat. The preferred method comprises providing a joint sensor assembly adapted for use on a screed having at least one movable screed extension and at least one substantially vertical plate. The preferred joint sensor assembly comprises at least one joint sensor which is operatively connected to the at least one substantially vertical plate and is adapted to transmit a joint location signal, a means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate which means is operatively connected to the at least one movable screed extension and is adapted to move between a first lateral position and a second lateral position, a valve which is operatively connected to the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate and is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position, and a controller which is adapted to receive the joint location signal from the at least one joint sensor and is adapted to send a valve signal to the valve. In the preferred joint sensor assembly, the valve signal causes the valve to move between the open position and the closed position, and the movement of the valve between the open position and the closed position causes the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate to move between the first lateral position and the second lateral position. The preferred method further comprises detecting the location of the joint of the asphalt mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear left side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the joint sensor assembly in accordance with the present invention shown on an exemplary screed.

FIG. 2 is a front left side view of the preferred joint sensor assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front left side perspective view of the preferred joint sensor assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is a rear left side perspective view of the preferred joint sensor assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 with the screed extension in an extended position.

FIG. 5 is a rear right side perspective view of the preferred joint sensor assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 showing the preferred valve.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the preferred method for detecting the location of a joint of an asphalt mat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the joint sensor assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated by FIGS. 1 through 6. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the preferred joint sensor assembly comprises a joint sensor, a means for moving a substantially vertical plate, a valve, and a controller. The preferred embodiments of the joint sensor assembly are adapted to cause the valve to move between an open position and a closed position and cause the means for moving the substantially vertical plate to move between the first lateral position and the second lateral position

Referring now to FIG. 1, a back perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the joint sensor assembly in accordance with the present invention is shown on an exemplary screed. As shown in FIG. 1, the exemplary screed is designated generally by reference numeral 20. Exemplary screed 20 comprises at least one movable screed extension 22 and at least one substantially vertical plate 24. The preferred joint sensor assembly comprises at least one joint sensor 30. Preferred joint sensor 30 is operatively connected to the at least one substantially vertical plate 24 and is adapted to transmit a joint location signal. Preferred joint sensor 30 may comprise an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, a pulse sensor, and/or a magnetic sensor. It is contemplated within the scope of the invention, however, that any suitable sensor may be used. Preferably, the preferred joint sensor assembly comprises first joint sensor 32 that is adapted to transmit a first joint location signal and second joint sensor 34 (see FIGS. 2-3) that is adapted to transmit a second joint location signal.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the preferred joint sensor assembly also comprises a means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate 24 such as actuator 40. It is contemplated within the scope of the invention, however, that the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate 24 comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a motor, or any other suitable device, mechanism, assembly, or combination thereof. The preferred means is operatively connected to the at least one movable screed extension 22 and is adapted to move between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The preferred joint sensor assembly is adapted to move the at least one movable screed extension 22 and the at least one substantially vertical plate 24 in a direction that is normal to a direction of travel of the screed. Preferably, the joint sensor assembly the assembly is adapted to automatically move the at least one movable screed extension and the at least one substantially vertical plate in a direction that is normal to a direction of travel of the screed.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the preferred joint sensor assembly further comprises controller 50. Preferred controller 50 is adapted to receive the joint location signal from the at least one joint sensor 30 and is adapted to send a valve signal to a valve. Preferably, controller 50 is adapted to receive the first joint location signal from first joint sensor 32 and receive the second joint location signal from second joint sensor 34 and is adapted to send a valve signal to the valve. In the preferred embodiments of the joint sensor assembly, the valve signal causes the valve to move between the open position and the closed position, and the movement of the valve between the open position and the closed position causes the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate to move between the first lateral position and the second lateral position. While FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred disposition of the controller, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the controller may be disposed in any suitable location and that the controller could be a remote device such as a hand-held controller or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a front view of the preferred joint sensor assembly is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2, the preferred joint sensor assembly comprises screed extension 22, substantially vertical plate 24, first joint sensor 32, second joint sensor 34, and controller 50.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a front perspective view of the preferred joint sensor assembly is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the preferred joint sensor assembly comprises screed extension 22, substantially vertical plate 24, first joint sensor 32, second joint sensor 34, and controller 50.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a rear perspective view of the preferred joint sensor assembly is illustrated with the screed extension in an extended position. As shown in FIG. 4, the preferred joint sensor assembly comprises exemplary screed 20, screed extension 22, substantially vertical plate 24, first joint sensor 32, second joint sensor 34 (see FIGS. 2-3), and actuator 40.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a rear right side perspective view of the preferred joint sensor assembly is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 5, the preferred joint sensor assembly comprises exemplary screed 20, screed extension 22A, substantially vertical plate 24A, actuator 40A, and valve 60. Preferred valve 60 is operatively connected to means 40 for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate and is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position.

The invention also comprises a method for detecting the location of a joint of an asphalt mat. The preferred method comprises providing a joint sensor assembly adapted for use on a screed having at least one movable screed extension and at least one substantially vertical plate as described and claimed herein. The preferred method also comprises detecting the location of the joint of the asphalt mat. In other preferred embodiments of the method, the location of the joint of the asphalt mat is automatically detected. In still other preferred embodiments of the method, the at least one joint sensor comprises a first joint sensor adapted to transmit a first joint location signal and a second joint sensor adapted to transmit a second joint location signal, the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate comprises an actuator, and the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate comprises a motor.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flow chart illustrating the preferred method for detecting the location of a joint of an asphalt mat is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6, preferred controller 50 is adapted to receive an auto on/off input, an offset adjustment input, and a sensor input. Preferred controller 50 is also adapted to transmit an extension valve output signal.

In operation, several advantages of the preferred embodiments of the joint sensor assembly are achieved. For example, the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that is not large, cumbersome, or bulky. The preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein also provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that is not subject to human error or labor-intensive. The preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein further provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that is adapted to automatically control the movement of a screed extension in order to produce the desired overlap and material allowance in the longitudinal joint of an asphalt mat. The preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein still further provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that produces high quality joints that are not susceptible to premature failure. In addition, the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein provide an apparatus and method for a joint sensor assembly that is safe and produces consistent joints.

Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A joint sensor assembly adapted for use on a screed having at least one movable screed extension and at least one substantially vertical plate, said joint sensor assembly comprising: (a) at least one joint sensor, said at least one joint sensor being operatively connected to the at least one substantially vertical plate and being adapted to transmit a joint location signal;(b) a means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate, said means being operatively connected to the at least one movable screed extension and being adapted to move between a first lateral position and a second lateral position;(c) a valve, said valve being operatively connected to the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate and being adapted to move between an open position and a closed position; and,(d) a controller, said controller being adapted to receive the joint location signal from the at least one joint sensor and being adapted to send a valve signal to the valve;wherein the valve signal causes the valve to move between the open position and the closed position; and wherein the movement of the valve between the open position and the closed position causes the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate to move between the first lateral position and the second lateral position.

2. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one joint sensor comprises an ultrasonic sensor.

3. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one joint sensor comprises a laser sensor.

4. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one joint sensor comprises a pulse sensor.

5. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one joint sensor comprises a magnetic sensor.

6. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one joint sensor comprises a first joint sensor that is adapted to transmit a first joint location signal and a second joint sensor that is adapted to transmit a second joint location signal. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the assembly is adapted to move the at least one movable screed extension and the at least one substantially vertical plate in a direction that is normal to a direction of travel of the screed.

8. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the assembly is adapted to automatically move the at least one movable screed extension and the at least one substantially vertical plate in a direction that is normal to a direction of travel of the screed.

9. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the substantially vertical plate comprises an actuator.

10. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the substantially vertical plate comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

11. The joint sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the substantially vertical plate comprises a motor.

12. A joint sensor assembly adapted for use on a screed having at least one movable screed extension and at least one substantially vertical plate, said joint sensor assembly comprising: (a) a first joint sensor, said first joint sensor being operatively connected to the at least one substantially vertical plate and being adapted to transmit a first joint location signal;(b) a second joint sensor, said second joint sensor being operatively connected to the at least one substantially vertical plate and being adapted to transmit a second joint location signal;(c) a means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate, said means being operatively connected to the at least one movable screed extension and being adapted to move between a first lateral position and a second lateral position;(d) a valve, said valve being operatively connected to the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate and being adapted to move between an open position and a closed position; and,(e) a controller, said controller being adapted to receive the first joint location signal from the first joint sensor and receive the second joint location signal from the second joint sensor and being adapted to send a valve signal to the valve;wherein the valve signal causes the valve to move between the open position and the closed position; and wherein the movement of the valve between the open position and the closed position causes the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate to move between the first lateral position and the second lateral position.

13. The joint sensor assembly of claim 12 wherein the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate comprises an actuator.

14. The joint sensor assembly of claim 12 wherein the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

15. The joint sensor assembly of claim 12 wherein the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate comprises a motor.

16. A method for detecting the location of a joint of an asphalt mat, said method comprising: (a) providing a joint sensor assembly adapted for use on a screed having at least one movable screed extension and at least one substantially vertical plate, said joint sensor assembly comprising: (i) at least one joint sensor, said at least one joint sensor being operatively connected to the at least one substantially vertical plate and being adapted to transmit a joint location signal;(ii) a means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate, said means being operatively connected to the at least one movable screed extension and being adapted to move between a first lateral position and a second lateral position;(iii) a valve, said valve being operatively connected to the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate and being adapted to move between an open position and a closed position;(iv) a controller, said controller being adapted to receive the joint location signal from the at least one joint sensor and being adapted to send a valve signal to the valve;wherein the valve signal causes the valve to move between the open position and the closed position; and wherein the movement of the valve between the open position and the closed position causes the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate to move between the first lateral position and the second lateral position; and,(b) detecting the location of the joint of the asphalt mat.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the location of the joint of the asphalt mat is automatically detected.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the at least one joint sensor comprises a first joint sensor adapted to transmit a first joint location signal and a second joint sensor adapted to transmit a second joint location signal.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate comprises an actuator.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein the means for moving the at least one substantially vertical plate comprises a motor.