Asphalt brick device and method of making same

Abstract

The present invention provides an asphalt brick device and method of manufacture, the asphalt brick device used for repairing potholes and other roadway deformities, as provided in the present invention. An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide an asphalt brick device that is of predictable and readily-varied composition that reflects the characteristics of the targeted repair site, ambient conditions, logistical requirements such as delivery and sizing of the material, and operational requirements. Further, the asphalt brick device may be configured to be stackable to satisfy user-defined asphalt repair delivery and ordering requirements.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application cross-references U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 651,358 filed Dec. 31, 2009 entitled “Infrared Heating System and Method for Heating Surfaces,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 167,888 filed Jun. 24, 2011 entitled “Asphalt Repair System and Method,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 742,928 filed Jan. 16, 2013 entitled “System and Method for Sensing and Managing Pothole Location and Pothole Characteristics,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 777,633 filed Feb. 26, 2013 entitled “System and Method for Controlling an Asphalt Repair Apparatus,” the disclosures of each are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to roadway maintenance and repair, and, in particular, to an asphalt brick device and method of manufacture, the asphalt brick device used for repairing potholes and other roadway deformities.BACKGROUND OF...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an asphalt brick device and method of manufacturing and using it for repairing potholes and other road deformities. The asphalt brick device is made of a predetermined shape and is made of an aggregate and a binding agent in a specific ratio. The device can be stacked and has a consistent composition that reflects the characteristics of the repair site, ambient conditions, and operational requirements. The device can be easily manufactured, transported, and used for repairing road deformities. The technical effects of the invention include improved repair efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use.

Problems solved by technology

Roadway repair and maintenance are a ubiquitous problem that impose financial obligations on roadway authorities and present annoyances, if not costly hazards, to motorists.

Asphalt surfaces, such as roads, driveways and parking lots, may suffer damage through a combination of infiltrating and freezing water and the continuous impact from moving vehicles.

For example, potholes are a recurring problem creating inevitable damage to roadway surfaces from traffic, construction, and the environment.

The enormous number and variety of paved roads makes it difficult for federal, state, and local municipalities to implement repairs in a timely, cost effective and safe manner.

The use of bulk asphalt presents several challenges resulting in inefficiencies and varying effectiveness.

Because the asphalt is a loose mixture, the precise quantity of bulk asphalt required for a particular surface repair or construction project can be difficult to determine.

Too little delivered bulk asphalt results in one or more additional dump truck trips with resulting idle repair crew time.

Too much asphalt results in unnecessary transport costs.

Furthermore, the loose mixture of heated bulk asphalt is generally difficult to store, handle and transport.

Currently, such dissimilar repair sites are typically provided with similar bulk asphalt compositions which is ineffective when applied over a broad range of applications.

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