US 9,091,030 B2 · Mini patcher for patching potholes and the like and method for performing same

Abstract

A patcher capable of performing patching operations even when operating in confined spaces and having a pressurized aggregate storage tank and driving devices for opening and air-tightly closing the tank lid and locking/unlocking the tank lid in proper sequence. Tandem linear accelerators control the flow of aggregate from the tank to a dispensing outlet. An articulated boom assembly is operated to position an aggregate dispenser over the repair location. The boom assembly is movable to a vertical position to prevent the assembly from extending beyond the right and left sides of the patcher to provide a safe condition when travelling during a non-patching operating mode. All of the electrically-operated devices on the patcher derive energy from a common battery pack which is charged by the patcher engine during a non-patching mode and alternatively during a patching mode when the stored energy in the battery pack drops below a given threshold.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A patching apparatus comprising:

a self-propelled vehicle having an articulated patching boom assembly mounted at a front end of the vehicle;
the articulated patching boom assembly being mounted to be independently movable in both a horizontal direction and a vertical direction and configured to selectively deploy patching material during a patching mode;
first and second driving devices for independently moving the articulated patching boom assembly respectively in the horizontal and vertical directions;
a battery pack mounted on the vehicle for powering the first and second driving devices,
drive wheels configured to propel the vehicle;
an electric motor operatively associated with the battery pack and configured to engage the drive wheels and propel the vehicle in the patching mode;
a non-electric engine configured to engage the drive wheels and propel the vehicle in a non-patching mode;
and
an electric generator operatively associated with the non-electric engine and configured to selectively charge the battery pack when the non-electric engine is turned on.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mini patcher for patching potholes and the like and method for performing same

Life of this patent

Mini patcher for patching potholes and the like and method for performing same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11