Automatic baffle control for truck-receiving hopper of material transfer vehicle
US9505567B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01C2301/04
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for automatically controlling the flow of asphalt material from a truck-unloading hopper of a material transfer vehicle into the entry end of an adjacent truck-unloading conveyor in order to optimize at least one vehicle operating parameter includes a baffle mounted to the truck-unloading hopper adjacent to the entry end of the truck-unloading conveyor. The baffle is adapted to increase or decrease the hopper opening into the truck-unloading conveyor. A controller is operatively connected to the baffle and adapted to cause the baffle to increase or decrease the hopper opening into the truck-unloading conveyor. A sensor is provided for detecting at least one vehicle operating parameter. This sensor is operatively connected to the controller so that changes in the at least one vehicle operating parameter can be communicated to the controller. The controller is adapted to control the flow rate of asphalt material into the truck-unloading hopper in order to optimize the at least one vehicle operating parameter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.