Mini patcher for patching potholes and the like and method for performing same

摘要

A patcher capable of performing patching operations even when operating in confined spaces and having a pressurized aggregate storage tank and driving devices for opening and air-tightly closing the tank lid and locking/unlocking the tank lid in proper sequence. Tandem linear accelerators control the flow of aggregate from the tank to a dispensing outlet. An articulated boom assembly is operated to position an aggregate dispenser over the repair location. The boom assembly is movable to a vertical position to prevent the assembly from extending beyond the right and left sides of the patcher to provide a safe condition when travelling during a non-patching operating mode. All of the electrically-operated devices on the patcher derive energy from a common battery pack which is charged by the patcher engine during a non-patching mode and alternatively during a patching mode when the stored energy in the battery pack drops below a given threshold.

主权项

1. A patching apparatus comprising:
a self-propelled vehicle having an articulated patching boom assembly mounted at a front end of the vehicle; the articulated patching boom assembly being mounted to be independently movable in both a horizontal direction and a vertical direction and configured to selectively deploy patching material during a patching mode; first and second driving devices for independently moving the articulated patching boom assembly respectively in the horizontal and vertical directions; a battery pack mounted on the vehicle for powering the first and second driving devices, drive wheels configured to propel the vehicle; an electric motor operatively associated with the battery pack and configured to engage the drive wheels and propel the vehicle in the patching mode; a non-electric engine configured to engage the drive wheels and propel the vehicle in a non-patching mode; and an electric generator operatively associated with the non-electric engine and configured to selectively charge the battery pack when the non-electric engine is turned on.