Aggregate-spreading device

• US 8,403,594 B2
• Filed: 08/29/2012
• Issued: 03/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ligchine International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Duane A. Neumann
• Inventors: Neumann, Duane A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Addie, Raymond W
• Application Number:
  US13/597,933
• Publication Number:
  US 20130017017A1
• Time in Patent Office: 209 Days
• Field of Search: 404/101, 404/104, 404/105, 404/107, 404/108, 404/110, 404/118
• US Class Current: 404/110
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 19/00 Machines, tools or auxiliary devices for preparing or distributing paving materials, for working the placed materials, or for forming, consolidating, or finishing the paving surface stabilisation E01C21/00; apparatus specially adapted for reconditioning or repairing paving E01C23/00
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 19/15 for laying-down uncoated stone or similar materials, or for striking-off or spreading same without compacting, e.g. for crushed rock base courses, sand cushions for paving E01C19/466 , E01C19/52 take precedence; distributing E01C19/20; laying down and rolling E01C19/482
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 19/20 Apparatus for distributing, e.g. spreading, granular or pulverulent materials, e.g. sand, gravel, salt, dry binders E01C19/21, E01C19/4813, E01C19/482, E01C23/098, E01C23/166 take precedence; fertiliser distributors A01C15/00 ; permanently-installed devices for applying gritting or thawing materials E01H10/005; mobile spreaders specially adapted for treating wintry roads E01H10/007
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 19/201 with driven loosening, discharging or spreading parts, e.g. power-driven, drive derived from road-wheels E01C19/205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 19/2045 spreading by means of an endless belt or like conveyor
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 2019/2085 with transverse conveyor belt
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 2019/2095 by tipping

Abstract

An aggregate-spreading device is disclosed for widening roads, filling trenches, spreading any kind of road construction material, and creating shoulders on the side of roads at a controllable, quick, and steady pace. The aggregate-spreading device may be controlled by electronic motors and electronic actuators. The aggregate-spreading device is equipped with a skeletal frame, either a first and a second adjustable spreader assembly attached on opposing ends of the skeletal frame, or a single spreader assembly for allowing an operator precise control over placement of an aggregate. The aggregate may be supplied to the first or second adjustable spreader assemblies by adjusting the rotation of a reversible conveyor system. The skeletal frame simplifies manufacturing of the aggregate-spreading device and allows for easy repairs and maintenance. The electronic motors and electronic actuators eliminate the need for hydraulics, allowing an operator to control the device from a remote location with a controller.

Claims

1. An aggregate-spreading device comprising:

a skeletal frame;

a hopper attached to the skeletal frame by a single hopper support bar for receiving an aggregate from a first vehicle;

a conveyor system attached to the skeletal frame comprising a conveyor drive unit, a plurality of rollers, a conveyer engaging the conveyor drive unit and the plurality of rollers, and a reversible motor engaging the conveyor drive unit for rotating the conveyor and plurality of rollers in a first direction and to rotate the conveyor in a second direction;

a first spreader assembly attached to a first end of the skeletal frame with a variable extension distance from the skeletal frame;

a second spreader assembly attached to a second end of the skeletal frame opposite the first end with a variable extension distance from the skeletal frame; and

a powering system for supplying electrical power to said aggregate-spreading device, the powering system including a manual controller in communication with the conveyor system, the first spreader assembly, and the second spreader assembly.

2. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 1 further including a mounting plate attached at a back end of the skeletal frame for engagement with a second vehicle, the second vehicle configured to push the aggregate-spreading device behind the first vehicle.

3. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 1 further including a remote location for the manual controller configured to locate the manual controller in the first vehicle, the manual controller configured to control the reversible motor for supplying the aggregate to the first spreader system when rotating the conveyor in the first direction and to supply the aggregate to the second spreader system when rotating the conveyor in the second direction.

4. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 3 further including a plurality of electronic actuators in communication with the manual controller, the plurality of actuators configured to operate the first and second spreader systems, a conveyor rotation speed, the reversible motor, and the variable extension distance of the first and second spreader assemblies.

5. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 4 further including an auxiliary mounting plate attached to a front end of the skeletal frame configured to suspend the skeletal frame behind a rear end of the first vehicle.

6. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 2 further including a remote location for the manual controller configured to locate the manual controller in the second vehicle, the manual controller configured to:

a) control the reversible motor for supplying the aggregate to the first spreader system when rotating the conveyor in the first direction;

b) supply the aggregate to the second spreader system when rotating the conveyor in the second direction; and

c) control the variable extension distance from the skeletal frame of the first and second spreader assemblies.

7. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 5 wherein the conveyor drive unit comprises:

a) a plurality of T-shaped extensions converging on a single roller with two ends;

b) a bearing attached to each one of the two ends; and

c) a pair of threaded rods engaging the skeletal frame, wherein the conveyer engages the T shaped extensions.

8. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 7 further including a plurality of plates attached to the skeletal frame that enclose the skeletal frame and provide structural support to the skeletal frame, the plurality of plates configured to be removable and re-attachable for any one of a repair operation, an assembly operation, and a maintenance operation of the aggregate-spreading device.

9. An aggregate-spreading device comprising:

a skeletal frame with a plurality of integrated roller mounts;

a hopper connected to the skeletal frame, the hopper configured to receive an aggregate from a proximate vehicle;

a single hopper support bar configured to support the hopper above the skeletal frame at an adjustable distance;

a conveyor system attached to the skeletal frame including;

a) a conveyor drive unit with a plurality of threaded rods engaging the skeletal frame, the conveyor drive unit including a plurality of T shaped extensions with ends in contact with the conveyor, the T shaped extensions converging on a single roller with ends;

b) a bearing joined to each one of the ends of the single roller;

c) a conveyer with an adjustable speed and a reversible rotation configured to receive the aggregate from the hopper, a plurality of rollers attached to the integrated roller mounts; and

d) a spreader assembly attached to an end of the skeletal including;

i. a controllable piston configured to extend and retract the spreader assembly from the skeletal frame wherein the spreader assembly receives the aggregate from the conveyor and spreads the aggregate evenly.

10. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 9 further including a mounting plate attached to a back end of the skeletal frame for engagement with a second vehicle, the second vehicle configured to push the aggregate-spreading behind the proximate vehicle.

11. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 10 further including:

a plurality of electronic actuators and a plurality of electronic motors in communicative control of the conveyor drive unit and the spreader assembly, wherein the plurality of electronic actuators and the plurality of electronic motors adjust the conveyor adjustable speed, and control the piston.

12. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 11 further including:

a controller in communication with the conveyor system and the spreader assembly, the controller programmed to accept a manual input from an operator for controlling the plurality of electronic actuators and the plurality of electronic motors.

13. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 12 further including:

a remote location for the controller, the remote location including the interior of the second vehicle; and

a plurality of plates attached to the skeletal frame, enclosing the skeletal frame and providing structural support to the skeletal frame, the plurality of plates configured to be removable and re-attachable for any one of a repair operation, an assembly operation, and a maintenance operation of the aggregate-spreading device.

14. An aggregate-spreading device comprising:

a skeletal frame with a plurality of integrated roller mounts and an adjustable sleeve;

a hopper with a single hopper support bar configured to support the hopper above the skeletal frame at a distance;

a proximate vehicle configured to deliver an aggregate to the hopper;

a conveyor system fastened to the skeletal frame including;

a) a conveyor drive unit with a pair of threaded rods engaging the skeletal frame;

b) a plurality of T shaped extensions converging on a single roller with two ends;

c) a bearing on each one of the two ends;

d) a plurality of rollers attached to the integrated roller mounts;

e) a conveyer engaging the T shaped extensions and the plurality of rollers;

f) a spreader assembly attached to a first end of the skeletal frame including;

i. a controllable piston configured to extend and retract the spreader assembly from the skeletal frame, wherein the spreader assembly receives the aggregate from the conveyor system and spreads the aggregate evenly; and

ii. an auxiliary mounting plate integrated to a front end of the skeletal frame configured to engage the skeletal frame behind a rear end of the proximate vehicle.

15. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 14 further including a conveyer motor with an adjustable speed and a reversible rotation, the conveyor motor configured to drive the conveyor drive unit and rotate the conveyor in a first direction, a second direction, and at a controllable speed.

16. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 15 further including:

a plurality of electronic actuators and a plurality of electronic motors configured to control the piston for extending and retracting the spreader assembly from the skeletal frame; and

a controller in wireless communication with the conveyor system and the spreader assembly, the controller programmed to accept a manual input from an operator for controlling the conveyor motor, the plurality of electronic actuators, and the plurality of electronic motors.

17. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 16 further including a remote location for the controller, the remote location including a cabin of the proximate vehicle for allowing the operator to control the conveyor motor, the plurality of electronic actuators, and the plurality of electronic motors from an interior of the cabin.

18. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 17 further including:

a plurality of plates removably connected to the skeletal frame and configured to enclose the skeletal frame for providing structural support, wherein the plurality of plates are configured to be removed for any one of a repair operation, an assembly operation, and a maintenance operation of the aggregate-spreading device.

19. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 16 further including:

a mounting plate attached at a back end of the skeletal frame for engagement with a second vehicle, the second vehicle configured to push the aggregate-spreading device behind the proximate vehicle; and

a remote location for the controller, the remote location including a cabin of the second vehicle configured to allow the operator to control the conveyor motor, the plurality of electronic actuators, and the plurality of electronic motors from within the cabin.

20. The aggregate-spreading device of claim 14 further including a second spreader assembly attached to a second end of the skeletal frame opposite the first end with a variable extension distance from the skeletal frame, the second spreader assembly including a controllable piston configured to extend and retract the second spreader assembly from the skeletal frame, wherein the second spreader assembly receives the aggregate from the conveyor and spreads the aggregate evenly.