Material applicator for skid-steer and other loaders

Abstract

In one embodiment, a material dispenser is disclosed for dispensing molten material at a worksite. The material dispenser includes a heating system for melting a desired material, a dispensing system for applying and controlling the flow of molten material onto the worksite, and a coupling mechanism positioned on a first side of the material dispenser for receiving one or more lift arms of a skid-steer, tracked or wheeled loader.

Description

Material Applicator for Skid-Steer and Other LoadersCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 558,026 filed February 26, 2024, and entitled “MATERIAL APPLICATOR FOR SKIDSTEER AND OTHER LOADERS”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to a device, system, and method for attaching a material applicator to construction equipment and carrying out a dispensing operation. More specifically, this invention relates to a material applicator capable of connecting to a loader and carrying out a dispensing operation.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pavement preservation devices are often used for dispensing any number of materials to repair, seal, patch, or preserve asphalt or concrete. Materials can include hot- applied crack sealants, silicone joint sealants, hot-applied mastics, and cold-mixes. Depending on the type of material and operation, the associated dispensing equipment can include pavement routers, cracksaws, debris removal air jets or vacuums, sealant melters / applicators, mastic melters, sealcoating equipment, and other crack preparation or crack filling devices. For example, mastic sealants are often placed in a melter equipped with a heating and mixing system to melt and mix the sealant. Once the resulting molten material has been mixed and heated to a desired temperature, it may be poured directly onto the pavement from the melter or transferred to a portable storage device. As the material is poured over the worksite, multiple crew members may spread the material using any type of spreader, e.g., ironing wands, scrapers, shoeboxes, etc.

[0004] However, these procedures are often labor intensive as multiple individuals are needed to effectively spread the material and simultaneously control an output of material from the melter or portable storage device. Moreover, for large worksite operations, the melters,whose capacities may exceed 350 gallons, require placement and transport on a trailer or truck. If a worksite includes multiple areas with damaged pavement or asphalt, movement of the trailer, truck and multiple team members can be difficult and time consuming. Further, to effectively carry out the operation, mastic sealants often require heating to temperatures between 380°F and 400°F, and some exposed parts of the melter, such as conduits conveying jacketed heat transfer oil, may reach 550F. Moreover, during the melting process, adequate mixing is needed to prevent jamming, slowing of the heating process, and low-quality patches. As a result, extra precautions are needed to ensure safe handling and adequate mixing of the material prior to conducting a dispensing operation. Therefore, what is needed is an improved material applicator for more efficiently and effectively carrying out a worksite dispensing operation.SUMMARY

[0005] In some embodiments, a material dispenser is disclosed for dispensing molten material at a worksite. The material dispenser includes a heating system for melting a desired material, a dispensing system for applying and controlling a flow of molten material onto the worksite, and a coupling mechanism positioned on a first side of the material dispenser for receiving one or more lift arms of a skid-steer, tracked or wheeled loader.

[0006] In other embodiments, a material dispenser and loader coupling is disclosed. The coupling includes a material dispenser for receiving and dispensing molten material along a worksite. The material dispenser includes a heating system for melting a desired material and a dispensing system for applying and controlling a flow of molten material onto the worksite. The coupling also includes a skid-steer, tracked or wheeled loader detachably coupled to the material dispenser for elevating and driving the material dispenser along the worksite.

[0007] In other embodiments, a method of physically connecting a material applicator to a skid-steer, tracked or wheeled loader and carrying out a worksite molten dispensing operation is disclosed. The method includes positioning two or more lift arms of the loader in proximity to a coupling mechanism of the material applicator, engaging the lift arms to clamp and physically couple to the coupling mechanism of the material applicator, elevating the lift arms to raise the material applicator to a desired operating height, and while elevated, driving thematerial applicator and delivering the molten material onto one or more desired dispensing positions along a worksite.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0008] Fig. l is a material applicator and a skid steer loader in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 2A is an internal view of a material applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 2B is a paddle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 3 A is a dispensing system of a material applicator without a drag box applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 3B is a dispensing system of a material applicator with a drag box applicator and a camera assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 3C is a coupling mechanism for attaching a drag box applicator to a dispensing system of a material applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 4A is a burner system of a material applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 4B is another view of a burner system of a material applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 4C illustratively shows a sensor assembly of a burner system and a hydraulic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 5 is a locking system of a material applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In an embodiment, a material applicator device, system, and method are disclosed for dispensing molten material at a worksite. In operation, the material applicator may couple to, and be driven by, a skid steer, tracked or wheeled loader to dispense material onto a worksite. While the present disclosure will focus on dispensing molten mastic, it is to be understood that other materials may be dispensed as well, e.g., hot-applied or ambient temperature-appliedcrack sealants, silicone joint sealants, etc. Further, it is to be understood that the disclosed material applicator may include any number of operational systems for carrying out a dispensing operation. For example, the material applicator may include agitation and burner systems for breaking, mixing, and heating a desired material, a dispensing system for pouring and controlling the flow of heated material onto a worksite, a hydraulic system for driving the agitation and dispensing systems, a locking assembly for securely fastening lids of the container during melting and dispensing operations, control system(s) for monitoring and controlling the systems of the material applicator, and coupling mechanism(s) for attaching the material applicator to a skid steer or other loader.

[0019] While the present disclosure will set forth several operational systems, it is to be understood that fewer, additional, or different systems may be used as well. For example, while a hydraulic system will be discussed to drive the dispensing and agitation systems of a material applicator, it is to be understood that other systems may be used as well, e.g., pneumatic, electric, etc.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a material applicator and a skid steer or other loader in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In operation, a material applicator 100 may couple to a skid steer, tracked or wheeled loader 120 to carry out a worksite dispensing operation. When not connected to loader 120, applicator 100 may be transported along a worksite using a fork truck or forklift as will be discussed below. However, as shown, loader 120 is depicted schematically, and may be any of a variety of loaders used on constructions sites. Exemplary loaders will be familiar to persons having ordinary skill in the construction arts, and include skid-steer, tracked or wheel loader brands including BOBCAT, CAT, CASE, GEHL, JCB, JOHN DEERE, KOMATSU, KUBOTA, MANITOU, NEW HOLLAND and WACKER NEUSON.

[0021] For example, prior to or after connecting applicator 100 to loader 120, a user may raise lid(s) of applicator 100 and place raw or heated material into applicator 100. Coupling of applicator 100 to loader 120 may be carried out as discussed in more detail below. The user can drive loader 120 around a worksite while dispensing material from applicator 100. The dispensed material may be used to repair, seal, patch, or preserve asphalt or concrete. Through applicator 100 and loader 120, an operator may carry out a dispensing operation whilesimultaneously operating both applicator 100 and loader 120, and with fewer required personnel.

[0022] As shown, material applicator 100 includes a body 112, lids 176, a coupling mechanism 102 for attaching applicator 100 to loader 120, fork truck tube(s) 196 for transporting applicator 100 using a fork truck or forklift, a storage box 118 for housing and storing a portable control system 138, an agitation system 114 and a burning system 106 within body 112 for mixing and heating a received material, a dispensing system 104 for pouring and controlling the flow of heated material, a control system 116 for controlling burner system 106 and subsystems of applicator 100, and a locking assembly 110 for securely locking lid(s) 176 during a material dispensing operation.

[0023] Skid steer or other loader 120 illustratively includes a power source 122, e.g., an engine, an electrical generator 124, a battery 126, etc., for generating electrical power, lift arm(s) 174 for clamping to an attachment device, e.g., material applicator 100, a hydraulic system 130 with a hydraulic fluid source 132, a roll-over protective system (ROPS) cage 136 for protecting an operator during a worksite operation, and other mechanical 192 and electrical subsystems 194.

[0024] Generally, to attach skid steer or other loader 120 to applicator 100, coupling mechanism 102 may include a mounting plate 178 with one or more slots 158. Depending on the size and configuration of skid steer or loader 120, slots 158 may take a variety of sizes and shapes. However, in some examples, slots 158 may conform to universal skid loader standards, e.g., the Universal Quick Attach (ISO 24410:2005). In operation, to couple applicator 100 to loader 120, an operator may drive or otherwise position loader 100 close enough to clamp onto slots 158. Once clamped, loader 120 may lift and move applicator 100 around a worksite to carry out a material dispensing operation.

[0025] While one coupling mechanism 102 is illustratively shown, in some embodiments, material applicator 100 may include multiple coupling mechanisms 102. For example, coupling mechanisms 102 may be positioned on a front and back of applicator 100 to allow dispensing system 104 to be placed on either side of loader 120. Irrespective of the side, it is contemplated that dispensing of material may occur asymmetrically on either side of loader 120 to place the material outside the wheel tracks of loader 120.

[0026] Prior to, or after, clamping onto slots 158, applicator 100 may receive electrical and hydraulic power from loader 120 via connectors 156. Connectors 156 may include any form of hydraulic and electrical connectors, e.g., hoses, wires, etc., capable of transferring electrical power and hydraulic fluid from loader 120 to applicator 100. For example, hydraulic fluid may be supplied from hydraulic source 132 of loader 120 and provided along connectors, e.g., hoses, to junctions 172 of applicator 100. Junctions 172 may include a male connector connected to a pressure port on a valve body of applicator 100 and a female connector connected to a tank port on the valve body. Once received, the hydraulic fluid and pressure may be used to supply hydraulic system 108 of applicator 100. Hydraulic system 108 may include a valving assembly, hydraulic mixer motor, hydraulic gate cylinder, and a hydraulic gate speed flow control for operating agitation and dispensing systems 104 and 114, respectively.

[0027] Similarly, power sources 122, e.g., generator 124, battery 126, etc., of loader 120 may be used to supply electrical power along a power plug and connectors 156, e.g., wires, to one or more components of applicator 100. Such components may include control systems 116 and 138, a camera and camera mount of dispensing system 104, ignitor of burner assembly 106, hydraulic solenoids of a valve assembly, lighting devices, safety lid switches, sensors, etc. Received electrical power may be 12 Vdc or any other voltage for operating the systems of applicator 100. However, while electrical power is provided from loader 120, it is also contemplated that, in some examples, electrical power may be supplied directly through a battery or other electrical source on applicator 100 as well.

[0028] A wire harness securement system 160 may also be used to position a wire harness supplying electrical power from loader 120 to applicator 100. In this example, securement system 160 may include one or more magnetic mounts 162 for positioning the wire harness. Specifically, magnetic mounts 162 may be situated along hydraulic connectors 156 to position the wire harness along the hydraulic connectors 156. Once secured, the wire harness may be securely fastened and secured during a dispensing operation.

[0029] To control the systems of applicator 100, one or more control systems, e.g., control systems 138 and 116, may be used. In one example, portable control system 138 may be used to control dispensing system 104 and agitation system 114 of applicator 100. Prior to conducting a dispensing operation, portable control system 138 may be stored in storage box 118 and, during a dispensing operation, securely fastened to ROPS cage 136 without the use ofany fasteners. For example, portable control system 138 may include a coupling mechanism 144 in the form of one or more hooks capable of hanging on to ROPS cage 136. In this example, portable control system 138 may hang at any point along a wire-based ROPS cage 136. Alternatively, if ROPS cage 136 includes a glass or plastic enclosure, coupling mechanism 144 may take the form of a suction cup to securely attach portable control system 138 to ROPS cage 136.

[0030] Once positioned, an operator of loader 120 may use portable control system 138 to control dispensing system 104 and agitation system 114 of applicator 100 while remaining in a cab of loader 120. Specifically, using system 138, an operator may open or close a material gate of dispensing system 104 and modify a mixing operation of agitation system 114 while remaining in the cab of loader 120.

[0031] As shown, portable control system 138 includes controllers / processors 140, I / O devices 142, e.g., switches, buttons, displays, etc., material gate control logic 146, mixing control logic 148, communication system 150, display logic 154, etc. In one example, any or all logic of the present disclosure may take the form of computer readable instructions stored within a data storage device that, when executed, cause controllers / processors to carry out the functions herein described. Specifically, upon receiving a user input through I / O devices 142, controller / processor 140 may generate corresponding control signals along wired or wireless communication system 150 to modify an operating parameter of dispensing system 104 and agitation system 114. In one example, control signals may modify a flow rate of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor of agitation system 114 and a hydraulic cylinder of dispensing system 104. This may switch agitation mode 114 from a mix-melt mode to a dispense mode and open or close a material gate of dispensing system 104.

[0032] Additionally, I / O devices 142 may include a display device in a cab of loader 120. The display device may be positioned on a pivoting mount and provide a real-time display of material as it is being dispensed from dispensing system 104. To produce the display, the device may wirelessly connect to a camera assembly of dispensing system 104. Through the camera assembly and display, a real-time display of material being dispensed at a worksite may be provided to an operator of loader 120. To communicate with a camera assembly, controllers / processors 140 may wirelessly communicate via communication system 150.

[0033] Control system 116 may be used to control and operate burner system 106 of applicator 100. As shown, control system 116 includes communication system 172, controller(s) / processor(s) 166, I / O devices 168, and burner system control logic 164. In operation, a user may provide one or more inputs through I / O devices 168 and, once received, controlled s) / processor(s) 166 may generate one or more control signals to modify an operating parameter of burner system 106. A received input may be indicative of a desired operating temperature, the start of a heating operation, etc. Such control signals may modify a flow rate of combustible gas to a burner or activate an ignitor of burner system 106.

[0034] Fig. 2A shows an internal view of a material applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, applicator 100 includes agitation assembly 114 and an internal tank 202 for receiving and mixing material. Internal tank 202 may be welded to body 112 and have a concave or V- shape to bias the received material towards a bottom of tank 202. In operation, tank 202 may be heated through a burner assembly, e.g., burner assembly 106, as will be discussed below.

[0035] Agitation assembly 114 includes paddle assemblies 200 for connecting to paddles (shown in Fig. 2B), a shaft 204 operable through a hydraulic motor (shown in Figs. 4A-4C), and a timer circuit 228 for automatically changing a mixing direction at defined intervals. Multiple directions may be used to prevent aggregate or other solids (if present) from separating out of the mastic and accumulating at one end of the applicator tank. In turn, this may produce aggregate or solids with a uniform viscosity and temperature. Additionally, in some examples, agitation assembly 114 and a hydraulic motor may be connected to a safety shut-off mechanism (not shown) that, in operation, automatically stops rotation of agitation assembly 114 when one or more lid(s) 176 of applicator 100 are opened. Such mechanism may include any number and type of sensor, e.g., proximity sensor(s), etc., processor(s) / controllers, and control signal generators capable of detecting an opening of lid(s) 176 and generating a control signal to cease operation of the hydraulic motor and agitation assembly 114.

[0036] In a first operating mode, e.g., a mix-melt mode, agitation assembly 114 may operate to bias received material into a center of internal tank 202. As the material gathers into the center of tank 202, the material may become agitated or otherwise mixed while simultaneously being heated. In a second operating mode, e.g., a dispense mode, agitation assembly 114 may act as an auger biasing the material out of an outlet tube 212. In one example,this may result as one or more paddles are angled to create auger action. Both operating modes and directional change may be controlled by timer circuit 228 so that each operating mode occurs automatically over a pre-defined time period. A time period may be set at 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, etc. depending on the material and desired heating or melting temperature of the material.

[0037] Each paddle assembly 200 illustratively includes a housing 206 with one or more apertures 219 for receiving a paddle. Each paddle may couple to housing through one or more fastening members to allow the paddles to be replaced or otherwise detached. This may further allow for a cleaning of the paddles. While the Fig. 2A embodiment includes eight total paddle assemblies 200 (seven of which are visible in Fig. 2A), positioned at roughly 45-degree angles relative to axis 224, it is to be understood that any number of paddles may be used.

[0038] Shaft 204 may extend along an entire length of tank 202 and be coupled through a coupling mechanism 214. Coupling mechanism 214 may include any number of tubes, e.g., an auger tube, gland tube, fasteners, studs, etc. so long as shaft 204 and paddle assembly 200 are able to rotate freely within tank 202.

[0039] Fig. 2B shows a paddle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, a paddle 222 may be placed into, and fixed to, housing 206 using one or more fastening members. Paddle 222 illustratively includes a shaft 220 with one or more apertures 226, a cap 218, and a blade 216 for contacting material within tank 202. Blades 216 may be welded to shaft 220 and subsequently placed within housing(s) 206. While blades 216 are shown as having a convex shape, other shapes may be used as well.

[0040] Fig. 3A shows a dispensing system of a material applicator without a drag box applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Dispensing system 104 may be used to control or regulate a flow of material from an applicator, e.g., applicator 100. As shown, dispensing system 104 includes a hydraulically actuated material gate 310 for regulating a flow of material out of an outlet tube, e.g., outlet tube 212 of Fig. 2A, a hydraulic cylinder 308 for driving movement of material gate 310, one or more biasing members 312 for biasing material gate 310 towards an outlet tube while still allowing for movement of gate 310, an emergency release pin 306 for disengaging cylinder 308 and manually closing gate 310, a chute 326 for receiving material from an outlet tube, one or more mounting plates 302 with apertures 304 for connecting to a drag box applicator, safety switches 352, and bearing guides350 for allowing the drag box applicator to slide up and down while also simultaneously driving the drag box applicator over a worksite surface. Bearing guides 350 may include washers, nuts, flat track rollers, and bolts.

[0041] In operation, material gate 310 may couple to, and be biased towards, an outlet tube of a material applicator through biasing members 312. Biasing members 312 may include one or more bolts, washers, nuts, and disc spring washers to apply a compression force between gate 310 and an end of an outlet tube. This may ensure that material does not leak out of the gate. Material gate 310 may operate at adjustable speeds through hydraulic cylinder 308. As discussed above, a user may open and close material gate 310 while operating a loader 120 through a portable control system on the ROPS cage, e.g., control system 138. Gate speed may be controlled through a control knob of a hydraulic flow control, e.g., control knob 428 shown in Fig. 4C. If the hydraulic system fails, a user may disengage cylinder 308 through pulling emergency release pin 306 to manually close gate 310.

[0042] Fig. 3B shows a dispensing system of a material applicator with a drag box applicator and a camera assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Drag box applicator 322 may direct or otherwise orient the heated material from chute 326 of Fig. 3A onto a worksite surface. Drag box applicator 322 illustratively includes a pivotable hopper 320 operable in an upwards storage position and a downwards dispensing position, a modular slide frame 334 capable of accepting multiple sized hoppers, a lock bar 318 for locking a hopper between a storage and dispensing position, and a coupling mechanism 324 for attaching drag box applicator 322 to material applicator 100.

[0043] As will be discussed with respect to Fig. 3C, an operator may couple drag box applicator 322 to material applicator 100 using pin locked slide locking blocks of coupling mechanism 324. Through coupling mechanism 324, drag box applicator 322 may be installed and removed from material applicator 100 without tools or having to lift applicator 100 off the ground.

[0044] In operation, slide frame 334 may float allowing applicator 322 to follow a worksite surface independently from a carrying height of material applicator 100. For example, after clamping loader 120 to applicator 100, loader 120 may raise material applicator 100 to a desired elevation. Once raised, hopper 320 may be pivoted from an upwards storage position to a downwards dispensing position. Specifically, a user may raise lock bar 318 and pivot hopper320 downward into slide frame 334. Lock bar 318 may then be lowered to lock hopper 320 into the dispensing position. While in a dispensing position, heated material may flow from chute 326 into hopper 320 and onto a desired worksite surface. After a dispensing operation is completed, lock bar 318 may be reengaged and hopper 320 pivoted back into a raised storage position. Material applicator 100 may then be safely lowered back onto a worksite surface.

[0045] In some examples, a camera assembly 336 of dispensing system 104 may generate a display for a display device, e.g., display device 142, located within a cab of loader 120. Through the generated display, an operator of loader 120 may be able to visually track a dispensing operation. Specifically, camera assembly 336 may connect wirelessly to a display device, e.g., display device 142, and transmit a real-time display of material as it is being dispensed onto a worksite surface.

[0046] Camera assembly 336 illustratively includes a camera 332 with controllers / processors and a wireless communication system for generating a display output to system 138, a mounting device 330 capable of adjusting camera 332 along four adjustment axes, and a mounting assembly 338 for attaching camera 332 and mount 330 to material applicator 100. Mounting assembly 338 may include any type of fastening members, e.g., thumbscrews, rods, or brackets for positioning and connecting mount 330 and camera 332 to material applicator 100. As shown, mounting assembly 338 may also be detached from material applicator 100 to allow camera assembly 336 to move to connector 338. This may be desirable depending on which side of loader 120 material is dispensed from.

[0047] Further, in some examples, loader 120 includes a work light 316 for producing light and providing additional clarity. As shown, work light 316 may include a high intensity LED light positioned directly above gate 310. While operative, a work light may serve to reduce a dynamic field of view of camera 332 allowing for greater clarity in very bright, ambient conditions.

[0048] Fig. 3C shows a coupling mechanism for attaching a drag box applicator to a dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Coupling mechanism 324 illustratively includes a bracket 340 with slots for receiving a quick release pin 328 and fastening members 332. As shown, pin 328 may be secured to applicator 100 using a cable pin attachment 326. In operation, slots of bracket 340 may align with apertures 304 of mounting plate 302 (shown in Fig. 3 A). Once aligned, pin 328 and fastening members 332 maybe manually placed within the aligned slots and apertures to securely fasten drag box applicator 322 to material applicator 100. In this example, drag box applicator 322 may be coupled to material applicator 100 without having to raise material applicator 100 or relying on tools.

[0049] Fig. 4A shows a burner assembly 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustratively shown, burner system 106 includes a burner 404 for heating or otherwise melting material within an internal tank of a material applicator and a flame spreader 402 for spreading or otherwise preventing overheating of material at a bottom of the tank. As shown, burner 404 includes a long tube 410 with an inlet 406 for receiving combustible gas, e.g., propane gas, air shutter 430 for receiving and regulating a flow of air into burner 404, and one or more apertures 408 for producing flame(s). In operation, combustible gas, e.g., propane gas, may be received from a propane tank, e.g., propane tank 190, and, upon being ignited (as shown in Fig. 4B), produce one or more flames along apertures 408. To effectively heat the material within the tank, tube 410 may extend and produce flames across an entire bottom of a material applicator as shown. In turn, exhaust gas may be vented through side air baffles and end caps through panel openings of flame spreader 402.

[0050] To prevent an overheating of material directly over the produced flames, a burner assembly 106 may also include flame spreader 402. Flame spreader 402 may serve to uniformly dissipate or otherwise spread the produced heat from the flames across the tank. While flame spreader 402 illustratively includes a steel guard built directly above burner 404, it is to be understood that spreader 402 may take a variety of different shapes and may be made from a variety of metals or alloys so long as the heat is adequately distributed across the tank. Additionally, to regulate the flow of combustible gas, burner assembly 106 may also include a fuel line with a gas manifold, wire harnesses, etc. In some examples, burner assembly 106 may further include a bottom burner cover (not shown) to prevent ignition of flammable materials under applicator 100 and allow for combustion air and water drainage passage.

[0051] Fig. 4B illustratively shows an ignitor of a burner system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, an ignitor 414 with one or more ignition probes 418 may be coupled to a bracket 416 and positioned so that the probes 418 extend slightly above one or more apertures 408 of burner 404. In operation, ignitor 414 may be powered by a high voltage transformer and generate a spark for producing the flames along apertures 408. Such signal may be provided from a control system, e.g., control system 116,once a user input is received. To securely position bracket 416 along a wall 412 of a material applicator, one or more fastening members 420, e.g., nuts, washers, bolts, etc., may be used.

[0052] Fig. 4C illustratively shows a sensor assembly of a burner system and a hydraulic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As noted above, hydraulic system 108 may include a valve assembly with any number of valves and solenoids, pumps, tubing, gate speed flow control(s) 428, etc. for controlling and driving a hydraulic motor and cylinder of agitating system 114 and dispensing system 104, respectively. Sensor assembly 422 illustratively includes two temperature sensors 424 and 426, e.g., resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensors, built into the walls of a material applicator. In operation, temperature sensor 426 may generate sensor signals indicative of a tank wall temperature while sensor 424 generates sensor signals indicative of a material temperature. To accurately determine a temperature of a tank wall, sensor 426 may be installed in a horizontal steel tube welded to a tank bottom strategically located relative to the produced flame tops and flame spreader.

[0053] In one example, generated sensor signals from sensors 424 and 426 may be provided to control system 116 and used to modify an operating parameter of burner system 106 or used to generate a user display. For example, if the received temperature signals indicate the tank wall or material is overheating, control system 116 may automatically modify an operating parameter of burner system 106 to decrease an operating temperature of burner system 106 or generate a user output on a display of control system 116. Similarly, if received sensor signals indicate too low an operating temperature, control system 116 may automatically increase an operating temperature of burner system 106 or generate a corresponding display.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a locking system of a material applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, locking system 110 illustratively includes two release handles 502 and 504 coupled together via a lock bar 506, locking bar bracket 508, a stop lock latch 512, and pin locks 514. In operation, locking system 110 may be used to securely lock lid(s), e.g., lids 176, during a melting and dispensing operation. When material needs to be added to an internal tank, e.g., tank 202, either one of release handles 502 or 504 may be used to disengage the locking system 110. As shown, locking system 110 automatically locks using gravity and the dual locks may be released through either handle 502 or 504.

Claims

We claim:

1. A material dispenser configured to dispense molten material at a worksite, the material dispenser comprising: a heating system for melting a desired material; a dispensing system for applying and controlling the flow of molten material onto the worksite; and a coupling mechanism positioned on a first side of the material dispenser, the coupling mechanism comprising one or more slots configured to be received by one or more lift arms of a skid-steer, tracked or wheeled loader.

2. The material dispenser of claim 1, wherein the material dispenser comprises a hot mastic applicator configured to dispense molten mastic at a worksite.

3. The material dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a second coupling mechanism positioned on a second side of the material dispenser, the second coupling mechanism comprising one or more second slots configured to be received by the one or more lift arms of the loader.

4. The material dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: an agitation system coupled to an internal tank of the material dispenser, the agitation system comprising one or more mixing paddle assemblies coupled to a rotatable shaft operable between a first and a second operating mode.

5. The material dispenser of claim 4, wherein the first operating mode biases a material into a center of the internal tank and the second operating mode drives the material out of the internal tank through an outlet tube coupled to the internal tank.

6. The material dispenser of claim 4, wherein the one or more mixing paddle assemblies comprises a housing and a detachable paddle configured to mix a material within the internal tank of the material dispenser.

7. The material dispenser of claim 5, further comprising: a timer circuit coupled to the agitation system configured to switch between the first and the second operating modes after a predetermined time period.

8. The material dispenser of claim 7, wherein the time period comprises 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, or 4 minutes of time.

9. The material dispenser of claim 5, wherein the dispensing system is coupled to the outlet tube and comprises a material gate and one or more biasing members for compressing the material gate against the outlet tube.

10. The material dispenser of claim 9, wherein the one or more biasing members comprises one or more disc spring washers for compressing the material gate against the outlet tube.

11. The material dispenser of claim 9, wherein the dispensing system further comprises a hydraulic cylinder configured to drive the material gate between an open and closed position.

12. The material dispenser of claim 11, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to an emergency release pin configured to disengage the hydraulic cylinder upon being pulled away from the hydraulic cylinder or material gate.

13. The material dispenser of claim 9, further comprising: a drag box applicator configured to couple to the dispensing system and direct a flow of material from the outlet tube onto a worksite surface.

14. The material dispenser of claim 13, wherein the drag box applicator comprises a pivotable hopper operable between a storage position and a dispensing position.

15. The material dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a lock bar configured to lock the pivotable hopper in the storage or the dispensing position.

16. The material dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a floatable drag box configured to receive the pivotable hopper while the pivotable hopper is in the dispensing position.

17. The material dispenser of claim 16, wherein the floatable drag box is a modular drag box capable of attaching to multiple sized hoppers.

18. The material dispenser of claim 13, wherein the material applicator is configured to couple to the dispensing system using pin locked slide locking blocks.

19. The material dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a portable control system coupled to the material applicator configured to couple to a roll-over protective system (ROPS) cage of the skid steer or other loader.

20. The material dispenser of claim 19, wherein the portable control system comprises material gate control logic for controlling a material gate of the material dispenser and mixing control logic configured to control an agitation system of the material applicator.

21. The material dispenser of claim 19, wherein the portable control system comprises one or more coupling mechanisms for attaching to the ROPS cage, the one or more coupling mechanisms including either or both of suction cups and one or more hooks.

22. The material dispenser of claim 19, further comprising a display device communicatively coupled to a camera assembly of the material applicator, the display device configured to receive one or more signals from the camera assembly and, in response, generate a real-time display of a dispensing operation based on the received signals from the camera assembly.

23. The material dispenser of claim 1, wherein the material dispenser is configured to receive electrical power and a flow of hydraulic fluid from the loader through one or more connectors coupled between the material dispenser and the loader.

24. The material dispenser of claim 23, further comprising a wire harness securement system with one or magnetic mounts configured to couple a wire harness against one or more hydraulic fluid connectors.

25. The material dispenser of claim 1, wherein the burner system comprises a burner configured to extend along a length of the material applicator and a flame spreader coupled above the burner to spread the heat evenly across a lower surface of the internal tank.

26. The material dispenser of claim 25, wherein the burner system comprises one or more temperature sensors coupled to a body of the material dispenser, the one or more sensors configured to generate a sensor output indicative of a material temperature within the material applicator and a surface temperature of the material applicator.

27. The material dispenser of claim 26, wherein the temperature sensors comprise resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensors coupled to the body of the material dispenser.

28. The material dispenser of claim 25, further comprising an ignitor configured to produce an electrical spark to produce one or more flames across at least one aperture of the burner.

29. The material dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a camera assembly coupled to the material applicator, the camera assembly comprising a camera coupled to the material applicator and configured to generate signals indicative of a worksite dispensing operation.

30. The material dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:a lid locking assembly configured to lock at least one lid of the material applicator during a dispensing operation, the lid locking assembly comprising one or more handles coupled to a lock bar.

31. A material dispenser and loader coupling, comprising: a material dispenser configured to receive and dispense molten material on a worksite, the material dispenser comprising: a heating system for melting a desired material; a dispensing system for applying and controlling the flow of molten material onto the worksite; and a skid-steer, tracked or wheeled loader detachably coupled to the material dispenser and configured to elevate and drive the material dispenser along the worksite to carry out the dispensing operation.

32. A method of physically coupling a material applicator to a loader and carrying out a worksite molten dispensing operation, comprising: positioning two or more lift arms of a skid-steer, tracked or wheeled loader in proximity to a coupling mechanism of the material applicator; engaging the lift arms to clamp and physically couple to the coupling mechanism of the material applicator; elevating the lift arms to raise the material applicator to a desired operating height; and while elevated, driving the material applicator and delivering the molten material onto one or more desired dispensing positions along a worksite.