| Asphalt compaction device with pneumatic wheels -> Monitor Keywords |
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Asphalt compaction device with pneumatic wheelsRelated Patent Categories: Road Structure, Process, Or Apparatus, Apparatus, TamperAsphalt compaction device with pneumatic wheels description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060285924, Asphalt compaction device with pneumatic wheels. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/133,694, filed on May 20, 2005. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention is related in general to the field of construction. In particular, the invention consists of a device and method for improved compaction of asphalt. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] Asphalt is a material well-known in the construction industry used to create a surface for supporting vehicles. In this capacity, asphalt is often used to create both parking lots and roads. However, the application of asphalt requires many disparate steps to ensure that the finished surface is both smooth and durable. [0006] In order to properly apply asphalt, it is necessary that the asphalt be deposited on the intended surface after it has been heated to a high temperature, producing a pliable and workable material. The required temperature for application may vary based on ambient environmental conditions, the intended use of the product, and local regulations. Those skilled in the art of applying asphalt can readily ascertain the appropriate application temperature. [0007] Once asphalt has been applied, it must be compacted to increase its cohesiveness, to prevent water seepage, and to resist cracking and splitting due to use and changes in its ambient environment. Many methods of compacting asphalt are well known in the art. For example, one method entails the use of large heavy rollers to exert force on the asphalt. However, these rollers not only produce force normal to the surface, but also tend to push the asphalt in front of the roller, forming a ridge or wave of semi-fluid material. In order to reduce this effect, some applications involve rolling newly applied asphalt once or twice and then waiting an extended period of time before rolling the material again. This waiting period extends the time needed to finish the application of the asphalt. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a means for compacting asphalt that reduces or eliminates the wait period inherent in the use of large rollers. [0008] Another method of asphalt compaction entails utilizing a vibrating plate. This plate is often first pushed over the seams of the newly applied asphalt to seal the material where it meets asphalt that has been previously applied. This is especially useful when the asphalt application is for a patch or repair of previously applied asphalt. Once the edges of the new application has been sealed, the vibrating plate is then passed over the rest of the new application, applying a normal force that increases the cohesiveness and seals the asphalt. Using a vibrating plate eliminates the formation of the pressure ridge encountered when using heavy rollers. Accordingly, waiting periods may not be required between passes using a vibrating plate. However, traditional vibrating plates do not produce compaction levels equivalent to those produced by heavy rollers. This results in most asphalt applications either exclusively using heavy rollers with their corresponding wait periods or first using a vibrating plate followed by the use of a heavy roller. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a device that can produce compaction levels equivalent to those produced by heavy rollers without the associated wait periods and without requiring multiple pieces of equipment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The invention disclosed herein utilizes a vibrating plate with one or more secondary surfaces used to concentrate and localize the force applied by the vibrating plate. The newly improved vibrating plate may be either a small push-type model that can be moved and steered by a user or a large, articulated machine. The secondary surfaces may either extend across the width of the primary vibrating plate or may include a dynamic shape and size to increase the compaction effectiveness. [0010] Another embodiment of the invention includes pneumatic tires for assisting in the compaction of the asphalt. Additionally, the pneumatic tires may provide assistance in steering an articulated machine that includes the above-mentioned vibrating plate with one or more secondary surfaces. [0011] Various other purposes and advantages of the invention will become clear from its description in the specification that follows and from the novel features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives described above, this invention comprises the features hereinafter illustrated in the drawings, fully described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and particularly pointed out in the claims. However, such drawings and description disclose just a few of the various ways in which the invention may be practiced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a vibrating compaction device with a primary plate, a secondary compaction plate, and a tertiary compaction plate, according to the invention. [0013] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a vibrating compaction device with a secondary compaction plate that can be extended and retracted. [0014] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an articulated vibrating compaction device with a pair of primary compaction plates and a secondary compaction plate, according to the invention. [0015] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the articulated vibrating compaction device of FIG. 3 illustrating the application of the secondary compaction plate. [0016] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an articulated vibrating compaction device with a secondary compaction plate that can be extended and retracted. [0017] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an articulated vibrating compaction device including a compaction plate and pneumatic tires. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0018] This invention is based on the idea of using multiple compaction plates of varying shapes and sizes to concentrate the force applied by a vibrating compaction plate to increase compaction rates of newly applied asphalt. Referring to figures, wherein like parts are designated with the same reference numerals and symbols, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a vibrating compaction device 10 with a primary compaction plate 12 and a secondary compaction plate 14, according to the invention. The primary compaction plate 12 is similar to those well-known in the art of asphalt compaction devices. A motor 16 or engine provides an up-and-down movement of the primary compaction plate 12 resulting in a vibration of the plate against the surface of the asphalt. One method of providing this up-and-down movement is to connect an eccentric 17 to the motor 16. A second eccentric 18 may be connected to a generator 19 which is, in turn, powered by the motor 16. In this manner, two eccentrics having different magnitudes of force may be synchronized. Alternatively, the two eccentrics may be connected by a shaft, with the second eccentric free-turning until it is hydraulically locked to the shaft. Additionally, the use of two eccentrics 17,18 may provide a reinforcing downward force while reducing or eliminating lateral force imparted to the asphalt compaction device. [0019] The vibrating compaction device 10 may be rotated to bring the secondary compaction plate 14 in contact with the surface of the asphalt. In this embodiment of the invention, the secondary compaction plate is the same width as the primary compaction plate 12 but has a smaller length resulting in a small footprint. The motor 16 continues to produce a force equivalent to that normally applied through the primary compaction plate. However, since the footprint of the secondary compaction plate has a smaller contact area, the force exerted by the vibrating compaction device 10 is concentrated into a smaller area. In this manner, the ability of the vibrating compaction device 10 to compact the asphalt is increased, resulting in a higher compaction rate than can be achieved using the primary compaction plate 12. Continue reading about Asphalt compaction device with pneumatic wheels... Full patent description for Asphalt compaction device with pneumatic wheels Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Asphalt compaction device with pneumatic wheels patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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