The present invention relates to machine weight regulation system which comprises one or more ballasts (1); a fastening system (2); and a machine (3) containing a housing; capable of carrying a plurality of types of extra weight.

A method for operating a ratchet assembly. The method includes, when a ratchet lock mechanism is in a first locked position, causing a drive mechanism to rotate by operating a steer cylinder in a selected direction until a first predetermined value, which may be associated with an amount of rotation of the drive mechanism, is reached. The method includes unlocking the ratchet lock mechanism, and resetting the steer cylinder by operating the steer cylinder in an opposite direction until a second predetermined value is reached. The method includes locking the ratchet lock mechanism in a second locked position, and, upon locking the ratchet lock mechanism in the second locked position, causing the drive mechanism to further rotate by operating the steer cylinder in the selected direction until a third predetermined value is reached, wherein the third predetermined value is associated with a selected amount of rotation of the drive mechanism.

A machine lays a bituminous carpet for closing microtrenches. The machine includes a truck having a drive system, which defines a footprint area on a surface whereon the truck can move, and a preparing device for preparing bitumen for laying. The preparing device includes a bitumen container having an inlet into which bitumen in introduced, an outlet through which the bitumen prepared for laying exits, a heating system for raising the temperature of the bitumen introduced into the preparing device. A laying device receives the bitumen prepared for laying and lays the bitumen in carpet form. The laying device includes a forming element for shaping and laying bitumen as a carpet over a laying area; a drain channel, between the outlet of the preparing device and the forming element, conducting bitumen towards the forming element. The preparing device includes a mixing device mixing the bitumen while preparing it for laying.

A machine lays a bituminous carpet for closing microtrenches. The machine includes a truck having a drive system, which defines a footprint area on a surface whereon the truck can move, and a preparing device for preparing bitumen for laying. The preparing device includes a bitumen container having an inlet into which bitumen in introduced, an outlet through which the bitumen prepared for laying exits, a heating system for raising the temperature of the bitumen introduced into the preparing device. A laying device receives the bitumen prepared for laying and lays the bitumen in carpet form. The laying device includes a forming element for shaping and laying bitumen as a carpet over a laying area; a drain channel, between the outlet of the preparing device and the forming element, conducting bitumen towards the forming element. The preparing device includes a mixing device mixing the bitumen while preparing it for laying.

A road paver includes a screed for applying a material layer to a foundation and a layer thickness detecting device for detecting the thickness of the applied material layer. The layer thickness detecting device includes a first sensor for detecting a first distance from the applied material layer and a second sensor for detecting a second distance from the foundation. The layer thickness detecting device is securely attached to the screed.

A road paver includes a screed for applying a material layer to a foundation and a layer thickness detecting device for detecting the thickness of the applied material layer. The layer thickness detecting device includes a first sensor for detecting a first distance from the applied material layer and a second sensor for detecting a second distance from the foundation. The layer thickness detecting device is securely attached to the screed.

An apparatus and method for finishing or texturing a paved surface including one or more transition curves includes a finishing machine with a transverse frame including a series of flexibly connected frame members and one or more power transition adjusters. As the finishing machine proceeds through the transition curve, the control system and sensors of the finishing machine determine its position and the transverse curvature of the paved surface corresponding to its position. The control system may then adjust the position of accessories mounted to the transverse frame via a combination of raising or lowering the accessories relative to the paved surface and articulating the one or more power transition adjusters to adjust the shape of the transverse frame to conform to the transverse curvature of the paved surface.

An apparatus and method for finishing or texturing a paved surface including one or more transition curves includes a finishing machine with a transverse frame including a series of flexibly connected frame members and one or more power transition adjusters. As the finishing machine proceeds through the transition curve, the control system and sensors of the finishing machine determine its position and the transverse curvature of the paved surface corresponding to its position. The control system may then adjust the position of accessories mounted to the transverse frame via a combination of raising or lowering the accessories relative to the paved surface and articulating the one or more power transition adjusters to adjust the shape of the transverse frame to conform to the transverse curvature of the paved surface.

A work machine may include a frame supported by a traction device and a power activated steering guide secured to the frame. The power activated steering guide may include a trunk portion arranged and configured to articulate laterally relative to a travel direction of the work machine. The trunk portion may include an actuation mechanism configured to perform articulation and a controller configured for controlling the actuation mechanism to articular the trunk portion to an offset dimension.

A work machine may include a frame supported by a traction device and a power activated steering guide secured to the frame. The power activated steering guide may include a trunk portion arranged and configured to articulate laterally relative to a travel direction of the work machine. The trunk portion may include an actuation mechanism configured to perform articulation and a controller configured for controlling the actuation mechanism to articular the trunk portion to an offset dimension.