A paving machine discharges HMA or other paving materials directly on top of a distributing auger located between the paving material storage hopper and the screed. The distributing auger is then capable of remixing any partially segregated paving materials and of uniformly distributing the paving materials directly adjacent a previously-paved segment. Materials may be discharged on top of the distributing auger from a discharge opening of a gravity feed hopper located adjacent the distributing auger or from an inclined conveyor delivering materials from a more standard hopper mounted near the front end of the paving machine.

An apparatus and method for delivering asphalt-aggregate material from a plurality of supply trucks to a finishing machine. In a preferred form of the invention the hopper of the finishing machine is modified to have a capacity substantially equal to the capacity of one of the supply trucks. The apparatus is a self-propelled storage vehicle including a hopper having a capacity substantially equal to the capacity of one of the supply trucks, a high capacity loading conveyor, and a high capacity unloading conveyor system. A transversely disposed screw auger is provided for remixing the asphalt-aggregate material in the hopper prior to its discharge to the finishing machine. In the first method of operation the storage vehicle shuttles between the finishing machine and a remote location of the supply trucks and in the second method of operation the storage vehicle travels in tandem with the finishing machine as the paving operation is performed.

An integrated paver comprising a self-propelled chassis having a paving apparatus, such as a screed, supported on its rear end and a lifting conveyor supported on its front end. The conveyor is capable of picking-up loose paving material laid in the windrow on the road surface. It is pivotally supported on a mounting which is in-turn pivotally supported on the chassis such that the conveyor can be adjusted in two dimensions relative to the chassis. Grade controls on the conveyor control hydraulic cylinders to adjust the tilt and grade of the conveyor relative to the road surface. Alternatively, the conveyor can rest, by force of gravity on runners which slide along the ground and hold the conveyor head a predetermined height (possibly zero) above the ground. Additionally, the runners can be linked to floating break-away scrapers which are maintained at a set position relative to the runners. The conveyor drag chain rides over an idler shaft above and in front of the inlet end supporting shaft of the chain such that the paddles on the chain travel at close to 45.degree. to the road surface to reduce vibration and the slapping action of the paddles against the windrow.

A paving material distribution system for uniformly distributing a layer of paving material includes a containment member that is slidably mounted on the rear frame of a paving machine. A first means for conveying paving material laterally with respect to the direction of travel of the paving machine is positioned at a preselected distance from the containment member. Power means are also included to controllably, simultaneously move the containment member and the first means in a substantially vertical direction.

An apparatus provided with a hopper having a capacity substantially equal to the capacity of a supply truck for receiving asphalt-aggregate material. A transversely disposed screw auger is provided for remixing the asphalt-aggregate material in the hopper prior to its discharge. In one form of the invention, the apparatus forms part of a self-propelled storage vehicle which transfers the material from the supply truck to a conventional finishing machine.