An image generation apparatus includes a processor that generates an output image based on input images captured by multiple imaging units mounted on a paver including a hopper, a tractor, and a screed. The output image includes a hopper image representing a downward view of the hopper, a left-side surrounding image representing a downward view of a surrounding area on the left side in a movement direction of the paver, a right-side surrounding image representing a downward view of a surrounding area on the right side in the moving direction of the paver, and an illustration image of the tractor. The processor arranges the hopper image, the left-side surrounding image, the right-side surrounding image, and the illustration image such that the output image represents a downward view of the paver.

A compactor machine includes a machine frame, at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine, and a first light attached to the machine frame, the light shining a line of light on a surface that indicates a location of an edge of the roller drum.

A paving machine including a frame, a hopper assembly, and a control unit is disclosed. The control unit may be configured to determine a location of the paving machine, determine a heading and a travel speed of the paving machine, and generate a non-circular geofence corresponding to the paving machine. The non-circular geofence may have an anchor point that is disposed at the location of the paving machine, and may be positioned and oriented based on the heading and the travel speed of the paving machine. The control unit may be configured to determine a location of a supply machine relative to the paving machine, and determine a state of the supply machine based on a comparison between the location of the supply machine and the non-circular geofence. The control unit may be configured to cause an action to be performed based on the state of the supply machine.

A system for controlling an engagement of a material supply machine with a paving machine is provided. The system includes one or more sensor(s) mounted on material supply machine and/or the paving machine and are configured to detect a position and distance of paving machine with respect to material supply machine. The sensor(s) further detect a relative speed between the two machines. A controller autonomously controls speed of material supply machine based on detected relative speed when distance is less than threshold. The speed of material supply machine is controlled to match speed of the paving machine. The controller also autonomously controls steering of material supply machine based on detected position of leading end of paving machine to align material supply machine with leading end of paving machine until the material supply machine engages with leading end of paving machine.

The subject invention provides methods of preparing and/or modifying a working area of interest that results in a level surface layer. In preferred embodiments, a three-dimensional (3-D) paver is utilized to deposit a compressible paving material, wherein, prior to being compacted mechanically, the pavement has a thickness that varies in accordance with the topography of the subgrade surface. Advantageously, paving methods comprising 3-D printing technology provided herein offer a more effective, economical, and versatile solution in preparing level road surface layers than existing paving machines.

It is premised that a surveying instrument at least includes an elevation angle measuring part 30 measuring an elevation angle relative to an object to be measured. Under this premise, the surveying instrument includes an error detecting part 35, 54, 55 detecting a vertical-axis error Δθ reflected in an elevation angle measured by the elevation angle measuring part 30 and a correction processing part 50 receiving an elevation angle measured by the elevation angle measuring part 30 and outputting as an elevation angle an angle acquired by cancelling the vertical-axis error Δθ detected by the error detecting part 35, 54, 55 form the elevation angle.

An assembly for vibrating a compacting drum of a compacting machine includes a shaft rotatably mountable to a compacting drum of the compacting machine. The center of mass of the shaft is offset from the geometrical rotation axis of the shaft. An outer eccentric member is arranged outside of the shaft, wherein the center of mass of the outer eccentric member is offset from the geometrical rotation axis of the shaft. The outer eccentric member is displaceably mounted relative to the shaft for adjustment of the eccentricity of the assembly. An extension of the outer eccentric member in a direction parallel with the geometrical rotation axis of the shaft is at least two times an average extension of the outer eccentric member in a radial direction perpendicular to the geometrical rotation axis of shaft such that a mass of the outer eccentric member forms a distributed load along the geometrical rotation axis of the shaft.

The present invention relates to an articulated pendulum joint for an articulated vehicle, especially a construction machine. It comprises a front connection element for connecting a front frame part of the articulated vehicle, a rear connection element for connecting a rear frame part of the articulated vehicle, and an articulation joint, via which the front connection element and the rear connection element are mutually connected in a pivotable manner relative to each other about a steering axis (A.sub.S). A pendulum joint is further provided, via which the front connection element and the rear connection element are mutually connected in a twistable manner relative to each other about a pendulum axis (A.sub.T), wherein the steering axis (A.sub.S) of the articulation joint is inclined about an acute angle α relative to the pendulum axis (A.sub.T). The present invention further relates to an articulated vehicle, especially an articulation-steered construction machine, comprising a front frame part and a rear frame part on which driving means are respectively arranged and on which a joint arrangement of the type described above is provided.

A rotary pivot arm positioning assembly for a paving, texturing, or curing machine allows the machine to automatically transition from an operational orientation to a transport orientation without manual repositioning or disconnection of its components. The assembly includes a pivot arm coupled to both the front and aft ends of an end frame by a helical actuator, slew gear drive or other rotary actuator. The rotary actuator articulates each pivot arm, as well as the adjustable leg and steerable crawler connected to the pivot arm, through at least a 90-degree range. The end frame may be fixed to the left or right end of the machine. The assembly may additionally include a second helical actuator, slew gear drive or rotary actuator connecting each steerable crawler to the adjustable leg and configured to rotate the steerable crawler through a full 360 degrees.

A rotary pivot arm positioning assembly for a paving, texturing, or curing machine allows the machine to automatically transition from an operational orientation to a transport orientation without manual repositioning or disconnection of its components. The assembly includes a pivot arm coupled to both the front and aft ends of an end frame by a helical actuator, slew gear drive or other rotary actuator. The rotary actuator articulates each pivot arm, as well as the adjustable leg and steerable crawler connected to the pivot arm, through at least a 90-degree range. The end frame may be fixed to the left or right end of the machine. The assembly may additionally include a second helical actuator, slew gear drive or rotary actuator connecting each steerable crawler to the adjustable leg and configured to rotate the steerable crawler through a full 360 degrees.