Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for automatically controlling operation of a slip form paver to maintain a substantially constant mold position relative to a string line while changing the cross slope of the mold. The paver follows a path over the ground relative to a string line using grade and steer sensors to detect changes in the vertical and horizontal distance of the mold relative to the string line. A slope sensor detects changes in cross slope of the mold. Piston-cylinder mechanisms responsive to signals from the steer, slope and grade sensors as used to position the mold relative to the string line. During changes in the cross slope of the mold as the paver travels, the control system periodically alters the null point of the steer sensor to offset for horizontal changes in mold position relative to the string line caused by changing the mold cross slope and periodically alters the null point of the grade sensors to offset for vertical changes in mold position relative to the string line caused by changing the mold cross slope. The magnitude of steer sensor offset is determined the vertical distance between the string line and a predetermined reference point on the mold and by the detected cross slope. The magnitude of grade sensor offset is determined by the horizontal distance between the string line and a predetermined reference point on the mold and by the detected cross slope.

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First Claim