US 9,068,298 B2 · Variable width material distribution apparatus

Abstract

A variable width distribution apparatus (1) for distributing asphalt hot-mix, or similar material, across the full width of a surface to be paved comprises at least two auger support members (9), each auger support member positioned coaxially with each other and configured to engage with an adjacent auger support member (9) to form a combined support of variable length; and at least two auger slide sections (3) comprising an outboard auger slide section (3B) coupled to an outboard auger support section at an outboard end via a hanger, each auger slide section positioned coaxially with each other and configured to engage with an adjacent auger slide section to form a combined auger of variable length; such that extension or retraction of the auger support members (9) along a path of least resistance as the apparatus (1) moves over a surface to be paved causes a corresponding extension or retraction of the auger slide sections (3) with respect to an adjacent auger slide section (3) and such that each auger slide section (3) is configured to maintain a continuous worm with respect to an adjacent auger slide section (3) when in an extended position in relation to one another.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A variable width material distribution apparatus for use with a paving machine, comprising:

at least two auger support members including an outboard auger support member, each of said auger support members configured to telescopically engage an adjacent auger support member to form an auger support of variable length;
at least two auger slide sections including an outboard auger slide section coupled to said outboard auger support member, each of said auger slide sections configured to engage an adjacent auger slide section to form an auger of variable length;
an actuator for moving said outboard auger support member and said outboard auger slide section between a retracted position and an extended position;
and
a sliding linkage supporting said at least two auger slide sections, said sliding linkage including a series of auger guide rods configured around a central auger slide shaft and a tube having internal bushings to enable movement of said central auger slide shaft within said tube, said sliding linkage connected to a drive shaft for rotating said at least two auger slide sections.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Variable width material distribution apparatus

Life of this patent

Variable width material distribution apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20