US2199884A

US2199884A - Aggregate moisture eliminator

Info

Publication number: US2199884A
Application number: US264867A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert C Kennedy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1939-03-29
Filing date: 1939-03-29
Publication date: 1940-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 1957-05-07

Description

y 7, 1940- A. C. KENNE DY 2,199.884

AGGREGATE MOISTURE ELIMINATOR Filed March 29, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 N Alert G K322226 99.

Q BY

ATTORNEYS y 1940. A. c. KENNEDY 2.199.884

AGGREGATE MOISTURE ELIMINATOR Filed March 29, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS Patented May 7, T940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE My invention relates to road building machinery, and has among its objects and advantages the pro-vision of an improved aggregate moisture eliminator.

In the construction of roadbeds, particularly beds having a finished surface of bituminous material, the problem of moisture elimination is the cause of considerable delay and expense in the construction of such roads. It is common practice to make use of an aggregate placed on a foundation base. The finished surface is applied to the aggregate, but finishing material such as asphalt cannot be applied until the aggregate is devoid of moisture. After laying of the aggregate, it'frequently happens that rain will wet the road stretch and delay further work on the roadbeduntil the moisture has been eliminated. The aggregate may be turned and mixed to expose the material to the Wind and sun for drying purposes so as to facilitate the application of asphalt. Such a method depends entirely upon weather conditions and is the cause of considerable delay and expense even under the best of weather conditions.

Accordingly, an object of my invention is to provide a machine adapted to eliminate moisture from the aggregate so as to eliminate costly delays incident to the application of bituminous material to the roadbed under present methods.

A further object is to provide a machine embodying a series of plows for stirring and mixing the aggregate together with a series of burners so related to the plows as toeffectively eliminate moisture from the mass of aggregate stirred and mixed by the plows. The plows are staggered in such manner as to efiectively mix the mass of aggregate to a' predetermined depth and the burner devices are so arranged as to positively direct heat onto the stirred and mixed mass of aggregate. The machine is designed to process a relatively large area of roadbed and may be drawn through the medium of any suitable source of power in such manner as to move at a variable speed dependent upon the degree .of moisture elimination necessary for a given stretch of roadbed.

Another oba'ect is to provide a machine of the type described in which aggregate stirring plows are associated with direct heat application means for the aggregate exposed by the plows and in which the plows are provided with means for effectively adjusting the same for depth.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1v is a top plan, view of my invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view along the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view along the line 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line 4-4 5 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a view taken, from the position indicatedv by line 5-5 of Figure 1; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of one of the plows separated from its supporting structure [4 with the members out diagonally at their ends and welded into a unitary structure, as at l6. Members l2 and I4 may comprise standard I- beams. To the members I2 I bolt bearings I8 which rotatably carry a crank axle on the ends of which are rotatably mounted supporting Wheels 22.

In advance or the frame I0 I locate a truck 24 which comprises an axle 26 provided with sup porting wheels 28, and the axle is provided with a draw bar 30 provided with a plate 32 having an opening 34 to facilitate connection with-a tractor, or other type of power, for pulling the device over the roadbed being treated. Referring to Figure 2, axle 26 is provided with a plate 36 upon which I position a plate 38 rotatably-related to the bed plate 36 by reason of a bolt 40 which extends through aligned openings in the two plates. To the plate 38 I weld the forward ends of diverging beams 42, and the rear ends of'the beams are provided with wings 44- positioned between flanges 46 welded to the members I2. Wings 44 and the flanges 46 are provided with aligned openings for the reception of con.- necting bolts 48 so that the rear ends of the beams 42 are pivotally connected with the frame Upon the beams 42 I bolt bearings 50 which rotatably support a shaft 52 having arms 54 fixedly related to its ends. The outer ends of the arms 54 are connected with supporting chains 56 which have their lower ends connected with eyes 58 secured to the forward member l4. Thus, rotation of the shaft 52 will actuate the chains 56 for raising and lowering the forward end of the frame 10.

Means for rotating the shaft 52 comprises a worm gear 60- keyed to the shaft, see Figure 2. Worm gear 60 meshes with a worm 62 keyed to a control shaft 64 having its forward end rotatably journaled in a sectional housing 66 which encloses the worm gear 68 and the worm 62. The sections 68 of the housing 66 are secured into a unitary structure by bolts 18. The rear end of the control shaft 84 is rotatably journaled in a Ibearing 12, and the end of the shaft is keyed to a bevel gear 14 arranged in mesh with a bevel gear 18 keyed to a shaft 18 rotatably supported in bearings 89 at the upper end of a bracket 82. Bearing 12 is interconnected with a supporting bearing 84 mounted loosely on the shaft 18 through the medium of an arm 86. To the shaft 18 I key a hand wheel 88 through the medium of Which the shaft 18 may be rotated for operating the shaft 64 and raising and lowering the forward end of the frame II] in accordance with road demands.

Rotation of the crank axle 20 for raising and lowering the rear end of the frame It! comprises a shaft 90 having threaded connection with a connecting member 92 having pivots 94 loosely connected with the upper ends of arms 96 fixedly connected at their opposite ends with the crank axle 28. Shaft 98 is rotatably journaled in a bearing 98 and is provided with a bevel gear I80 arranged in mesh with a bevel gear I02 keyed to a shaft I84 rotatably journaled in bearings I86 at the upper end of a bracket I 08. Bearing 98 is supported through the medium of an arm III) fixedly related to a bearing I I2 loosely connected with the shaft I 04. Rotation of the shaft I04 is consummated through the medium of a hand wheel H4 keyed to the shaft. Thus, rotation of the shaft I84 imparts rotary motion to the shaft 98 for oscillating the arms 96, which in turn operates the crank axle 28 for raising and lowering the rear end of the frame It in accordance with road demands. Brackets 82 and I98 are bolted to a floor II6, as at II8.

Frame III is provided with a plurality of transverse beams I28, which beams have their ends welded to the webs I22 of the frame members I2, as at I24 in Figure 3. According to Figure 1, the beams I28 are equally spaced longitudinally of the frame II), and each beam carries a plurality of roadbed working tools I26. All the tools are identical in construction and operation so that the description of one will refer to all.

Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 6, the tool I26 of Figure 6 comprises an aggregate plowing blade 1 or shovel I28 having a convex leading face I38 and tapered gently to a point I 32. Blade I28 is fixedly related to a shank I34 comprising a strap bent back upon itself at I36 with the ends of the strap welded at I38 to the face I 48 of the beam The legs of the shank I34 are spaced for the reception of headed bolts I 42 passing through openings in the blade I28, and the bolts I42 are provided with nuts I44 through the medium of which the blade may be fixedly clamped to the shank, as illustrated in Figure 4. Thus, the blade I28 may be adjusted longitudinally of the shank I34 and fixedly connected therewith in different positions.

While the tools I26 are identical in construction and operation, the tools associated with one beam are offset with respect to the tools associated with the adjacent beam in such manner as to plow furrows midway between the furrows plowed by the proceeding tools so as to effectively distribute the plowing action throughout the entire mass of the aggregate. The blades I28 incline slightly forwardly in the direction of their pointed ends I32 and are of such width and convexity as to effectively open the aggregate as the tools plow therethrough. The depth of the plowing action is effectively controlled through manipulation of the hand wheels 88 and H4.

Each gang of tools I28 is associated with a series of burners I46. burner units I46 as being mounted on shafts I56 extending transversely of the frame ID immediately adjacent their respective beams I29 so as to closely associate the burners with their respective tools I28. Figure 3 illustrates one of the shafts I56, which shaft has its ends rotatably journaled in bearings I58 bolted at I52 to the frame members I2. All the shafts I58 and the burner units I46 are of the same construction and operate in the same manner so that the description of one will apply to all. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, particularly Figure l, the burner unit I 46 comprises a burner tube I48 having a bracket I5I bolted to a clamp I53 through the medium of bolts I 54. Clamp I53 embraces the shaft I56 so as to fixedly relate the burner unit to the shaft. A lever I58 is keyed to the shaft I56 and extends upwardly to be latched in the positions of Figures 3 and 4 through the medium of latch bars I 68 pivotally connected at. I62 tothe frame members I2. Latch bars I69 may be pivoted out of the path of the lever I58 to permit rotation of the shaft I56 and adjustment of the burner units I46 fixedly related to the shaft. Figure 3 illustrates the latch bars I98 as being pivotally connected with one of the frame mem-- bers I2 sufficiently far inwardly thereof to afford support for the bars in their horizontal positions, so that the lever I58 will be latched between the two bars.

Referring to Figure 4, burner tube I48 is positioned slightlyin the rear of its associated tool I26, and the tube is provided with a cap I64 provided with a slot I68 for the admission of' air into the tube. Cap I64 is telescopically related to the tube I 48 to be adjusted relatively thereto for varying the air inlet capacity of the slot I66, and the cap I64 may be secured in ad- Figure 1 illustrates the justed positions through the medium of a set screw I88.

A fuel tube I18 is associated with the tube I48 and is bent to provide a reach I12 extending into the tube I48 through its lower end, with the upper end of the reach I12 bent downwardly of the tube, as at I14. The lower end of the tube I48 is perforated at I16. Means for supplying fuel in the nature of oil to the tube I18 comprises a fiexible tube I18 connected at one end with the tube I18 and its other end connected with a valve I88 interposed in a pipe line I82 extending transversely of the frame I8. Figure 1 illustrates the transverse pipe lines I82 as being connected with pipe lines I84 which extend longitudinally of the frame I0 adjacent the side members I2. The rear ends of the pipes I84 are interconnected by a pipe I86, which pipe is connected with fuel supply tanks I88 through the medium of branches I98 provided with valves I92. series of burners I46 is provided with one transverse pipe I82, and each burner is provided with one valve connection I89 with its respective pipe I82. Each pipe I82 has fuel delivery communication with both of the pipes I84, the latter having fuel delivery communication with the supply tanks I88.

Referring to Figure 4, the tube I18 is fixedly related to the burner tube I48 by brackets I94 which maybe welded to the two tubes. The burner tube I48 is provided with a generating pan I96 which is fixedly related to the burner tubethro-ugh the medium of abracket I98 which Thus, each may bewelded to the burner tube and the generating'pan. For generating purposes, shaft I56 is rotated-through the medium of its lever I58 to bring the pan I96 to the dotted line horizontal position. Thus, the pan may be provided with a supply 1 of fuelwithin its horizontal position and the fuel ignited for bringing. the burner unit to the necessary high temperature for vaporizing the fuel .supplied thereto from the tanks I88. Flexibleconnection I'I8 permits shifting of the burner unit to the horizontal position of Figure 4. Floor IIB has its forward margin welded to the rear cross member I4 and the floor is additionally supported through the medium of diagonal braces 208 having their forward ends weldedto therear cross member I4 and their rear ends welded to the rearward margins of the floor. Upon the floor I I6 I mount an air pressure pump 202 which may be operated through the medium of a lever 204 forpla'cing the fuel in the supply tank I88 under pressure. Pump 202 has communication with a pipe 206 which communicates with thetWo supply tanks I88 near their upper ends. Obviously, an air pressure pump of the motor. driven type may also be mounted on the floor II6.

To the two side members I2 I connect vertical wings 208. The wings are fixedly related to the side members through the medium of angle brackets 2I0 which may be welded to the wings 288 and the side members I2. Partly overlapping the lower margins of the wings 208 are two plates 2 I2 which may be welded to the wings. Replaceable wing elements 2M have partial overlapping relation with the plates 2I2, and are detachably connected with the plates through the medium of bolts 2 I6. Wing elements 2I4 extend downwardly slightly below the plowing depth of the shovels I28 and the wing structure constitutes walls which function to prevent spreading of the heat beyond the road area effectively stirred by the shovels I28. Wing elements 2I4 are subjected to considerable wear and are therefore made replaceable.

In operation, shovels I28 operate to effectively agitate the aggregate and expose it in such manner as to be effectively heated by the burner units I48. The burner units are so distributed as to provide the direct application of heat throughout the entire aggregate area stirred by the shovels I28, and the shovels are so arranged as to effectively expose all the aggregate stirred by the shovels to direct heat. Thus, I provide means for effectively drying the aggregate so as to facilitate application of the road surfacing material. Shovels I28 are adjustably related to their respective shanks I34 so as to secure precise positiOIling and adjustment to compensate wear. In addition, the frame I is mounted so as to be adjusted for elevation to the end that the tools I26 may effectively stir the aggregate to a predetermined depth. Shovels I28 in their staggered relation stir the aggregate in such manner as to expose all the aggregate to a given depth to direct heat.

Supply tanks I88 are provided with removable caps 2I8 for filling purposes. Hand wheels 88 and H4 are closely associated with the pump lever 2114, and the hand wheels are located rearwardly of the tool and burner devices so that the operator takes a position where he may conveniently observe the operation of the tools and burners.

Having thus described certain embodiments of my invention in detail, it is, of course, understood 1. An aggregate moisture eliminator comprising a portable frame structure adapted to be moved over a bed of aggregate, aggregate stirring tools carried by the frame structure, burner means associated with the aggregate stirring tools for heating the aggregate stirred by the tools, to eliminate moisture from the aggregate, normally upright generator pans fixedly related to the burner means, and means for shifting the burner means to bring the generator pans to horizontalpositions and subsequently moving the burner means to latched normal positions.

2. An aggregate moisture eliminator comprising a wheel supported frame, beams extending transversely of the frame, aggregate stirring plows carried by said beams, with the plows of one beam offset laterally of the plows of an adjacent beam, transverse shafts carried by the frame in the rear ofsaid beams, and burners mounted on said shafts rearwardly of the stirring plows for heating the aggregate stirred by the plows, to eliminate moisture from the aggregate.

3. An aggregate moisture eliminator comprising a wheel supported frame, beams extending transversely of the frame, aggregate stirring plows carried by said beams, with the plows of one beam offset laterally of the plows of an adjacent beam, transverse shafts carried by the frame in the rear of said beams, burners mounted on said shafts rearwardly of the stirring plows for heating the aggregate stirred by the plows, to eliminate moisture from the aggregate,

and means for moving the frame vertically to vary the stirring depth of said plows.

4. An aggregate moisture eliminator comprising a wheel supported frame, beams extending transversely of the frame, aggregate stirring plows carried by said beams, with the plows of one beam offset laterally of the plows of an adjacent beam, transverse shafts carried by the frame in the rear of said beams, burners mounted on said shafts rearwardly of the stirring plows for heating the aggregate stirred by the plows, to eliminate moisture from the aggregate, fuel supply means carried by the frame, and fuel connections between the fuel supply means and said burners.

5. An aggregate moisture eliminator comprising a wheel supported frame, beams extending transversely of the frame, aggregate stirring plows carried. by said beams, with the plows of one beam offset laterally of the plows of an adjacent beam, transverse shafts carried by the frame in the rear of said beams, burners mounted on said shafts rearwardly of the stirring plows for heating the aggregate stirred by the plows, to eliminate moisture from the aggregate, fuel supply means carried by the frame, fuel connections between the fuel supply means and said burners, normally upright generator pans fixedly related to said burners, said shafts being rotatably journaled in said frame, and means for rotating the shafts to bring the generator pans to horizontal generating positions. I

6. An aggregate moisture eliminator comprising a wheel supported frame, beams extending transversely of the frame, aggregate stirring plows carried by said beams, with the plows of one beam offset laterally of the plows of an adjacent beam, transverse shafts carried by the frame in the rear of said beams, burners mounted on said shafts rearwardly of the stirring plows for heating the aggregate stirred by the plows, to eliminate moisture from the aggregate, fuel supply means carried by the frame, fuel connections between the fuel supply means and said burners, normally upright generator pansrfixedly related to said burners, said shafts being rotatably journaled in said frame, means for rotating the shafts to bring the generator pans to horizontal generating positions, and means for latching the said shafts against accidental rotation, with the burners in substantially upright positions.

7. An aggregate moisture eliminator comprising a portable frame structure adapted to be moved over a bed of aggregate, aggregate stirring tools carried by the frame structure, burner means associated with the aggregate stirring tools for heating the aggregate stirred by the tools, to eliminate moisture from the aggregate, rear supporting wheels for said frame, a truck in advance of the frame, a beam connection loosely connected with the truck and the frame, manually actuated means cooperable with said beam connection and the frame for raising and lowering the forward endof the frame,,to vary the stirring depth of said tools, and: manually actuetools for heating the aggregate stirred by the tools, to eliminate moisture-from the aggregate, rear supporting wheels for said frame, a truck in advance of the frame, a beam connection loosely connected with the truck'and the frame,- manually actuated means cooperable with said beam connection and the frame for raising and lowering the forward end of the frame, to vary the stirring depth of said tools, manually actuated.

means for'raising and lowering the rear end of the frame, said last-named means including a rotary crank axle for said wheels, and hand wheel means connected with the. crank axle for rotating the latter.

ALBERT. G. KENNEDY.