Apparatus and method for picking up and repositioning a string of roadway barrier segments

摘要

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatically guiding a machine that picks up and places roadway barrier segments using satellite global positioning and ultrasonic sensors. The machine is guided by both GPS signals and signals based on ultrasonic measurement of distance from the existing barrier segments.

主权项

1. Apparatus for moving relative to a string of roadway barrier segments disposed end-to-end at a first location and during said movement serially picking up roadway barrier segments of said string and transporting the picked-up roadway barrier segments to relocate the string at a second location, said apparatus comprising in combination:
a wheeled machine having an inlet receiving said string of roadway barrier segments at said first location; a first sensor mounted on said wheeled machine for sensing the location of said string at said first location relative to said wheeled machine; a first steering control operatively associated with said first sensor and with wheels of said wheeled machine to steer the wheels operatively associated therewith and maintain said inlet positioned to serially receive said roadway barrier segments at said first location; a second sensor mounted on said wheeled machine for sensing the location of the wheeled machine relative to a predetermined path of movement; and a second steering control operatively associated with said second sensor and with wheels of said wheeled machine to steer the wheels operatively associated therewith and maintain movement of said wheeled machine along said predetermined path of movement when depositing the picked-up barrier segments to relocate the string at said second location.