Patent Publication Number: US-10316475-B2

Title: Paving machine with multiple zone auger control

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This patent disclosure relates generally to paving machines and, more particularly, to an arrangement for controlling the operation of a paving machine auger having multiple zones. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Paving machines are used to apply, spread and compact a “mat” of material relatively evenly over a desired surface. These machines are used regularly in the construction of roads, parking lots and other areas where a smooth durable surface is required for cars, trucks and other vehicles to travel. An asphalt paving machine, for example, generally includes a hopper for receiving asphalt material from a truck and a conveyor system for transferring the asphalt rearwardly from the hopper for discharge onto a roadbed. Transversely-disposed screw augers may be used to spread the asphalt material transversely across the roadbed in front of a screed plate. The screed plate smoothes and somewhat compacts the asphalt material and ideally leaves a roadbed of uniform depth and smoothness. 
     In order to help achieve the desired uniform depth and smoothness as well as to accommodate different job site conditions and different desired roadbed configurations, the screed assembly can include a variety of adjustments. These adjustments can be used to vary, for example, the width and thickness of the mat as well as the degree of any crown. Such an auger arrangement is disclosed, for example, in Chinese Publication CN1070707A, which discloses a plurality of parallel augers that may be individually clutch controlled to provide a desired thickness and width of paving material. Providing a desired thickness of the mat may be more difficult during wide width paving, however, inasmuch as the material demands may be different through the length of the screed because of varying job site conditions and desired roadbed configurations. That is, some areas along the length may require more material, while other areas require less. 
     Some paving machines may be adapted to provide a wider span of material by the addition of screed plate and auger extensions. Presently, however, only left and right halves of auger, including the extensions, can be independently controlled. Accordingly, present arrangements may not be sufficient for distributing varied amount of paving material along the entire length of a screed and may lead to overfill in some regions of the road surface. For example, the amount of material distributed may be high in the center of the screed, low in the middle of the left side of the screed and high at the end of the screed. Turning the entire auger, i.e., both left and right halves or all the sections of the auger, may force material into the low filling portion, but may also force more paving material towards the ends of the screed. Thus, this delivery of material may cause an over fill of the paving material on the road surface on the side receiving an excess of material at the end of the screed. It would be desirable to provide an arrangement that would permit an operator to distribute paving materials in a manner consistent with a desired road surface. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the disclosure describes a paving machine including an auger drive system, a rotatably-mounted primary auger shaft coupled to the auger drive system for selective rotation, and a primary auger section including a primary auger sleeve, the primary auger sleeve being disposed about the primary auger shaft. A primary auger clutch is actuable between a primary auger clutch engaged position and a primary auger clutch disengaged position. The primary auger section is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch engaged position. The primary auger section is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch disengaged position. The paving machine further includes at least a first auger extension, and at least a first auger extension clutch. The first auger extension clutch is actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. The first auger extension is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch engaged position. The first auger extension is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure describes an auger assembly adapted for coupling to an auger drive system in a paving machine. The auger drive system provides a rotational force about an axis of rotation disposed transversely to the paving machine. The auger assembly includes a rotatably-mounted primary auger shaft adapted to be coupled to the auger drive system for rotation about the axis of rotation by the auger drive system, a primary auger section including a primary auger sleeve disposed about the primary auger shaft, and a primary auger clutch. The primary auger clutch is actuable between a primary auger clutch engaged position and a primary auger clutch disengaged position. The primary auger section is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch engaged position. The primary auger section is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch disengaged position. The auger assembly further includes at least a first auger extension selectively rotatable about the axis of rotation, and at least a first auger extension clutch. The first auger extension clutch is actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. The first auger extension is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch engaged position. The first auger extension is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position. 
     In yet another aspect, the disclosure describes an auger assembly adapted for coupling to an auger drive system in a paving machine, the auger drive system providing a rotational force about an axis of rotation disposed transversely to the paving machine. The auger assembly includes a rotatably-mounted primary auger shaft adapted to be coupled to the auger drive system for rotation about the axis of rotation by the auger drive system, a primary auger section including a primary auger sleeve disposed about the primary auger shaft, and a primary auger clutch. The primary auger clutch is actuable between a primary auger clutch engaged position and a primary auger clutch disengaged position. The primary auger section is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch engaged position. The primary auger section is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch disengaged position. The auger assembly further includes at least a first auger extension selectively rotatable about the axis of rotation, and at least a first auger extension clutch. The first auger extension clutch actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. The first auger extension is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch engaged position. The first auger extension is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position. The second auger extension includes at least one of the following: the first auger extension being secured with a first auger extension shaft, wherein actuation of the first auger extension clutch between the first auger extension clutch engaged position and the first auger extension clutch disengaged position engages or disengages the first auger extension shaft from rotation with the primary auger shaft; and the first auger extension including a first auger extension sleeve, the first auger extension sleeve being disposed for selective rotation about a first auger extension shaft, the first auger extension shaft being secured for rotation with the primary auger shaft, wherein the first auger extension sleeve is coupled for rotation with the first auger extension shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch engaged position, and the first auger extension sleeve is not coupled for rotation with the first auger extension shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic side elevational view of an asphalt paving machine towing a screed assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of an exemplary auger assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic plan view of the screed assembly of  FIG. 2  in an application such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of an auger assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of an auger assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic plan view of a fourth embodiment of an auger assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure generally relates to paving machines. More specifically, certain disclosed embodiments provide a generally transversely-disposed auger assembly with rotational control over multiple zones along the length of the auger. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a paving machine  10  is shown that includes a frame  12  with a set of ground-engaging elements  14 , such as wheels or tracks, coupled with the frame  12 . The ground engaging elements  14  may be driven by an engine  16  in a conventional manner. The engine  16  may further drive an associated generator  17  that can be used to power various systems on the paving machine  10 . A screed assembly  18  may be attached at the rear end of the paving machine  10  to spread and compact paving material into a layer or mat  20  of desired thickness, size and uniformity on a paving surface. The paving machine  10  may also include an operator station  22  having a seat and a console  24 , which may include various controls for directing operations of the paving machine. 
     The paving machine  10  may further include a hopper  26  adapted for storing a paving material, and a conveyor system including one or more conveyors  28  configured to move paving material from the hopper  26  to the screed assembly  18  at the rear of the paving machine  10 . The conveyors  28  may be arranged at the bottom of the hopper  26  and, if more than one is provided, may be positioned side-by-side and run parallel to one another back to the rear of the paving machine. The speed of the one or more conveyors  28  may be adjustable in order to control the rate at which paving material may be delivered to the screed assembly  18 . More specifically, the height of the pile of paving material delivered to the screed assembly  18  may be increased or decreased by varying the conveyor speed relative to the speed at which the paving machine  10  is traveling. To the extent that more than one conveyor  28  is provided, the speed of each conveyor  28  may be independently variable in order to adjust the amount of paving material delivered to each side of the screed assembly  18 . While an endless path conveyor is shown, one or more feed augers or other material feed components may be used instead of or in addition to the conveyor. 
     The screed assembly  18  may be any of a number of configurations known in the art such as a fixed width screed, screed extender or a multiple section screed that includes extensions. The screed assembly  18  is provided with a screed plate  30 . As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the screed assembly  18  may include, for example, a main screed section with left and right screed sections (not visible in the figures). The screed assembly  18  may also include a tamper bar  32  positioned forward of a main screed section and extending transversely to the direction of travel of the paving machine  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , to provide some compaction of the paving material before it is engaged by the screed plate  30 . To further aid in compaction of the paving material, the screed assembly  18  may include vibratory mechanisms (not shown) that can be arranged on the upper side of the screed plate  30 , including any screed extensions, and configured to drive a vibratory movement of the screed plate  30 . 
     One or more auger assemblies  40  including one or more auger sections may be arranged near the forward end of the screed assembly  18  to receive the paving material supplied by the conveyor  28  and spread the material evenly beneath the screed assembly  18 . The one or more auger assemblies  40  are generally transversely disposed relative to the paving machine  10  such that they distribute material transversely in front of the screed assembly  18 . The height of the auger assembly  40  may be adjusted in order to position the auger assembly  40  at the proper height to sufficiently spread the paving material via one or more height adjustment actuators  42 . For example, if the auger assembly  40  is too high, the paving material may not be sufficiently spread and the screed assembly  18  may not be able to smooth it out completely. On the other hand, if the auger assembly  40  is too low, it may disrupt the paving material such that there may not be enough material for the screed assembly  18  to smooth and compact. The height adjustment actuators  42  for the auger assembly  40  may be any suitable actuator, such as, for example, hydraulic cylinders. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the screed assembly  18  may be pivotally connected behind the paving machine  10  by a pair of tow arms  44  (only one of which is visible in  FIG. 1 ) that extend between the frame  12  of the paving machine and the screed assembly  18 . The tow arms  44  are pivotally connected to the frame  12  such that the relative position and orientation of the screed assembly  18  relative to the frame, and the surface being paved, may be adjusted by pivoting the tow arms  44  in order, for example, to provide some control of the thickness of paving material deposited via the paving machine  10 . To this end, tow arm actuators  46  may be provided that are arranged and configured to raise and lower the tow arms  44  and thereby raise and lower the screed assembly  18 . The tow arm actuators  46  may be any suitable actuators, such as, for example, hydraulic cylinders. To provide further control over the paving process, screed lift actuators  48  may be provided that are configured such that the hydraulic pressure in the lift side of actuators, which can be referred to as the screed assist pressure, is adjustable during the paving process in order to allow the downward force applied by the screed assembly  18  to be varied. 
     Although only one auger assembly  40  is visible in the side elevational view of  FIG. 1 , the paving machine  10  may have a single auger assembly or any number of auger assemblies. While a fixed width screed typically includes a single auger assembly  40 , screed extensions typically include one or more additional auger extensions to provide the distribution of material within along the respective screed extension. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that in a paving machine  10  including multiple auger assemblies or auger extensions, the augers and/or auger sections and extensions may be aligned end-to-end, and situated generally transversely to a longitudinal centerline  63  of the paving machine  10  within the screed assembly  18 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated an auger assembly  40  including a primary auger section  60 , and at least a first auger extension  62 . The auger assembly  40  may be disposed generally transversely to the paving machine  10 , that is, transversely to the longitudinal centerline  63  extending in the direction of travel of the paving machine  10 . While the longitudinal centerline  63  is illustrated along the right edge of the auger assembly  40 , the longitudinal centerline  63  may be disposed alternatively. By way of example only, the longitudinal centerline  63  may be disposed through the center of the primary auger section  60 . In an arrangement where the longitudinal centerline  63  is disposed along the right end of the auger assembly  40 , as in  FIG. 2 , it will be appreciated that a second such auger assembly  40  may be provided extending transversely to the opposite side of the longitudinal centerline  63  of the paving machine  10 . A second auger assembly may have a mirror-image configuration, or another configuration described below or otherwise envisioned by this disclosure. 
     In accordance with this disclosure, the primary auger section  60  and the first auger extension  62  may be rotated in conjunction with one another, independently rotated, or independently not rotated in order to control the output of paving material provided transversely before the screed assembly  18 . For example, one or the other of the primary auger section  60  and the first auger extension  62  may be driven separately or not driven, or the primary auger section  60  and the first auger extension  62  may be driven at the same time to compensate for desired imbalances in the delivery of paving material to the screed assembly  18  or create desired imbalances in the output of the paving machine  10 . Moreover, while this disclosure refers to one or more auger extensions, such auger extensions may be provided as supplements to an auger assembly associate with a paving machine  10 , or may be provided in conjunction with an unextended screed assembly  18 . That is, a primary auger section  60  in conjunction with one or more auger extensions  62  may be part of the auger assembly  40  provided in conjunction with an unextended screed assembly  18  of a paving machine  10 . 
     The primary auger section  60  includes a primary auger sleeve  66  that is mounted for selective rotation about a primary auger shaft  64 . One or more spiral fins or blades  65  extend outward from a peripheral surface of the primary auger sleeve  66 . The primary auger shaft  64  may be supported at either end by any appropriate arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary auger shaft  64  is supported at one end by a drive output shaft  68  and at the other end by a support  70 . Both the primary auger shaft  64  and the primary auger sleeve  66  are disposed for rotation about an auger axis  72 . That is, the primary auger shaft  64  and the primary auger sleeve  66  are coaxially disposed for rotation about the auger axis  72 . The primary auger sleeve  66  is rotatably mounted on the primary auger shaft  64  by a plurality of bearings  74 ,  76 . The bearings  74 ,  76  may be of any appropriate design that permit the rotation of the primary auger sleeve  66  relative to the primary auger shaft  64 . 
     In order to provide for selective rotation of the primary auger sleeve  66  with or about the primary auger shaft  64 , a primary auger clutch  78  is provided. While the primary auger clutch  78  is disposed at the inward edge of the of the primary auger sleeve  66 , the primary auger clutch  78  may be alternatively disposed, for example, along the outward edge of the primary auger sleeve  66 . Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the primary auger clutch  78  and any clutch discussed in this disclosure may be of any appropriate design and operated by any appropriate mechanism. 
     The primary auger clutch  78  is actuable between a primary auger clutch engaged position and a primary auger clutch disengaged position. When the primary auger clutch  78  is in the primary auger clutch engaged position, the primary auger sleeve  66  is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64  about the auger axis  72 . Conversely, when the primary auger clutch  78  is in the primary auger clutch disengaged position, the primary auger sleeve  66  is decoupled from the primary auger shaft  64  such that the primary auger sleeve  66  and the primary auger shaft  64  are not coupled for rotation together. That is, the primary auger shaft  64  is free to rotate within the primary auger sleeve  66  when the primary auger clutch  78  is in the primary auger clutch disengaged position. 
     The primary auger shaft  64  is driven by a auger drive system  80  of the paving machine  10 . The auger drive system  80  may be of any appropriate arrangement and driven by any appropriate system of the paving machine  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the auger drive system  80  include a drive chain  82 , which drives the drive output shaft  68  secured with the primary auger shaft  64 . It will be appreciated that the primary auger shaft  64  and the drive output shaft  68  may be formed as a unitary shaft or as a plurality of components that are secured together. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the primary auger shaft  64  includes a central bore  86  that received a portion of the drive output shaft  68 . Other arrangements are envisioned. For example, a sleeve could be secured to the periphery of both the primary auger shaft and the drive output shaft, or a pin could be secured within sleeve portions of the primary auger shaft and the drive output shaft. 
     In order to provide selective rotation of the first auger extension  62 , at least a first auger extension clutch  88  is also provided. The first auger extension clutch  88  is selectively actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. When the first auger extension clutch  88  is in the first auger extension clutch engaged position, the first auger extension  62  is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64  about the auger axis  72 . Conversely, when the first auger extension clutch  88  is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position, the first auger extension  62  is decoupled from the primary auger shaft  64  such that the first auger extension  62  is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64 . That is, the first auger extension  62  is not driven by the primary auger shaft  64  when the primary auger shaft  64  is driven by the auger drive system  80  when the first auger extension clutch  88  is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position. In this way, rotation of the primary auger sleeve  66  of the primary auger section  60  and the first auger extension  62  may be independently controlled in order to provide a desired material distribution profile. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the first auger extension  62  includes one or more spiral fins or blades  90  extending generally radially outward from an outer peripheral surface  91  of a first auger extension shaft  92 . In this way, the first auger extension  62 , including the spiral fins or blades  90  and a first auger extension shaft  92 , is adapted to be coupled to the primary auger shaft  64  as a unit, the entirety of the first auger extension  62  being either engaged and rotating with the primary auger shaft  64 , or disengaged from the primary auger shaft  64  such that the primary auger shaft  64  is free to rotate without rotating the first auger extension  62 . When the first auger extension clutch  88  is engaged in the first auger extension clutch engaged position, the first auger extension shaft  92 , and, accordingly, the spiral fins or blades  90  of the first auger extension  62 , are coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64 . When the first auger extension clutch  88  is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position, the first auger extension shaft  92 , and accordingly, the spiral fins or blades  90  of the first auger extension  62 , are not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first auger extension may essentially include a plurality of auger sections or extensions. In  FIG. 3 , first and second auger extensions  100 ,  102  are provided. The first and second auger extensions  100 ,  102  may be secured together by any appropriate arrangement. In the illustrated arrangement of  FIG. 3 , for example, respective spiral fins or blades  104 ,  106  extend generally radially outward from first and second auger extension shafts  108 ,  110  that include respective central bores  112 ,  114  that receive and are secured to a coupling shaft or pin  116 . As explained with regard to the coupling of the primary auger shaft  64  and the drive output shaft  68 , other arrangements are envisioned. 
     In order to provide selective rotation of the first and second auger extensions  100 ,  102 , a first auger extension clutch  118  is provided. The first auger extension clutch  118  is selectively actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. When the first auger extension clutch  118  is in the first auger extension clutch engaged position, the first auger extension shaft  108  and associated spiral fins or blades  104  are coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64  about the auger axis  72 . Conversely, when the first auger extension clutch  118  is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position, the first auger extension shaft  108  and associated spiral fins or blades  104  is decoupled from the primary auger shaft  64  such that the first auger extension  100  is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64 . Further, in view of the second auger extension  102  being secured with the first auger extension  100 , the second auger extension  102  is driven by the primary auger shaft  64  only when the first auger extension clutch  118  is engaged, allowing the primary auger shaft  64  driven by the auger drive system  80  to drive the first auger extension  100 . It will thus be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, as with the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the primary auger section  60  and the first/second auger extensions  100 / 102  may be independently, selectively controlled. Moreover, additional auger extensions may be provided, and similarly coupled to or decoupled from the primary auger shaft  64 . 
     Turning now to the schematic illustration of  FIG. 4 , it will be appreciated the first auger extension  120  may have a structure similar to that of the primary auger section  60 . That is, the first auger extension  120  could include a first auger extension shaft  122  and a first auger extension sleeve  124 , one or more spiral fins or blades  126  extending generally radially outward from a peripheral surface of the first auger extension sleeve  124 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , both the primary auger shaft  64  and the first auger extension shaft  122  are disposed for rotation about an auger axis  72 , with the first auger extension sleeve  124  being rotatably mounted on the first auger extension shaft  122  by a plurality of bearings  128 ,  130 . In this way, the first auger extension shaft  122  may be secured for rotation with a primary auger shaft  64 . 
     In order to provide selective rotation of the first auger extension sleeve  124 , at least a first auger extension clutch  132  is selectively actuable to engage or disengage the first auger extension sleeve  124  from the first auger extension shaft  122 , which is secured for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64 . When the first auger extension clutch  132  is in the first auger extension clutch engaged position, the first auger extension sleeve  124  is coupled for rotation with the first auger extension shaft  122  and the primary auger shaft  64  about the auger axis  72 . Conversely, when the first auger extension clutch  132  is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position, the first auger extension sleeve  124  is decoupled from the first auger extension shaft  122  such that the first auger extension sleeve  124  is not coupled for rotation with the first auger extension shaft  122  and the primary auger shaft  64 . That is, the first auger extension sleeve  124  of the first auger extension  120  is not driven by the primary auger shaft  64  when the primary auger shaft  64  is driven by the drive system (as explained above) when the first auger extension clutch  132  is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position. Thus, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the first auger extension sleeve  124  and the primary auger sleeve  66  may both, either or neither be driven by the primary auger shaft  64 . 
     It will further be appreciated by those of skill in the art that alternate arrangements are envisioned where a plurality of auger extensions may be selectively couplable to a primary auger section. While the embodiment of  FIG. 3  includes at least a pair of auger extensions  100 ,  102 , the operation of which is controlled by the first auger extension clutch  118 , while the operation of the primary auger section  60  is controlled by the primary auger clutch  78 , three or more clutches may be provided for controlling operation of the primary auger section  60  and two or more auger extensions of the types described above may be provided. 
     By way of example only, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a first auger extension  134  may be provided including one or more spiral fins or blades  136  extending generally radially outward from a peripheral surface  138  of a first auger extension sleeve  140 . The first auger extension sleeve  140  is disposed for selective rotation on a first auger extension shaft  142 , the first auger extension sleeve  140  rotating with the first auger extension shaft  142  when a first auger extension clutch  144  is in a first auger extension clutch engaged position, and not rotating with first auger extension shaft  142  when the first auger extension clutch  144  is in a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. The first auger extension shaft  144  is secured for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64 . 
     A second auger extension  146  and second auger extension clutch  148  may further be provided in a manner similar to the first auger extension and first auger extension clutch of  FIG. 2 . In this way, the second auger extension  146  of  FIG. 5  may be engaged for rotation with the first auger extension shaft  142  when the second auger extension clutch  148  is in a second auger extension clutch engaged position, and disengaged from the first auger extension shaft  142  when the second auger extension clutch  148  is in a second auger extension clutch disengaged position. 
     By way of further example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the second auger extension  150  could alternatively include one or more spiral fins or blades  152  extending generally radially outward from a peripheral surface  154  of a second auger extension sleeve  156 . The second auger extension sleeve  156  of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  is disposed for selective rotation on a second auger extension shaft  158 , the second auger extension sleeve  156  rotating with the second auger extension shaft  158  when a second auger extension clutch  160  is in a second auger extension clutch engaged position, and not rotating with second auger extension shaft  158  when the second auger extension clutch  160  is in a second auger extension clutch disengaged position. The second auger extension shaft  158  is secured for rotation with the primary auger shaft  64  by way of its securement to the first auger extension shaft  122  of the first auger extension  120  (see also  FIG. 4 ). 
     Those of skill in the art will appreciate that additional auger extensions including an auger extension sleeve with a paired rotatably mounted auger extension shaft and accompanying auger extension clutch may be provided. Similarly, additional auger extensions wherein the outer peripheral surface of the auger extension is secured with an auger extension shaft may be provided, with or without an accompanying auger extension clutch. It will be understood that any auger extensions outboard an auger extension wherein the peripheral surface of the auger extension is secured with an auger extension shaft adapted to be selectively coupled by a clutch to an inward auger extension shaft or primary auger shaft would necessarily be controlled by that clutch. For example, in  FIG. 6 , if an additional auger extension was provided outward from the second auger extension  150 , potential rotation of that additional auger extension would necessarily be controlled by engagement of the second auger extension clutch  160 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure is applicable to paving machines that include an auger assembly, and may be particularly useful in paving machines that include an auger assembly that may be extended with supplemental auger sections. An arrangement according to teachings of the present disclosure may be utilized to provide a desired distribution of paving material in some embodiments. An arrangement according to teachings of the present disclosure may be utilized to facilitate forcing paving material to a low portion of a distribution while minimizing preventing the driving of additional material to an undesired location along a screed assembly in some embodiments. An arrangement according to the present disclosure may be utilized to tailor a distribution of paving material before a screed assembly in some embodiments. 
     It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. 
     Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
     Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.