Machine Alert When Stopping on Hot Asphalt
AssigneeCaterpillar Paving Products Inc.
InventorsNicholas Alan Oetken, John Marsolek, Travis Ohlgren
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An alert system in equipment used in an asphalt paving environment, such as a compactor, signals an operator when the equipment is stopped on hot asphalt, potentially over-compacting the area where the equipment is located. The alert system includes a surface temperature sensor so that the alert is only activated when there is a risk of over-compaction because the asphalt is still above a threshold temperature. The alert system may also include a timer so that the operator is not signaled during routine stopping associated with changing direction during compacting operations.
Claims20
An alert system for use in a compactor for an asphalt paving operation comprising:
- a speed sensor;
- a pavement temperature sensor;
- an operator alert device configured to activate an alert to an operator when a command is received;
- and
- a controller that:
- determines, via the speed sensor, that the compactor is stopped;
- determines, via the pavement temperature sensor, that a pavement temperature proximate the compactor is above a threshold temperature;
- and
- issues the command that activates the operator alert device.
A method of setting an alert device in equipment used in a paving application comprising:
- determining that the equipment has come to a full stop;
- determining that a surface proximate to the equipment is above a threshold temperature;
- starting a timer;
- and
- when the timer reaches a preset time and the equipment has remained at the full stop for the entire preset time, activating the alert device notifying an operator that the equipment should be moved.
A system for activating an alarm in paving equipment comprising:
- a timer;
- a temperature sensor that conveys a temperature of a surface of a mat of paving material proximate to the paving equipment;
- the alarm configured to alert an operator of the paving equipment of a condition;
- and
- a controller coupled to the timer, the temperature sensor, and the alarm, the controller configured to:
- receive a signal indicating the paving equipment is stopped;
- start the timer when both the paving equipment is stopped and the temperature of the surface proximate to the paving equipment is above a threshold temperature;
- and
- when the timer reaches a preset time, activate the alarm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.