Patent ID: 7037035

Claim:
A paving machine system, comprising: a paving machine including a frame defining a longitudinal axis extending between forward and rearward ends; a form piece connected to the frame and extending a first downward distance from the frame, the form piece having a leading edge, a forming surface extending towards the trailing end of the frame, and a transition point whereat the leading edge merges with the forming surface; at least one insertion device connected to the frame and spaced a distance from the form piece towards the forward end of the frame, the at least one insertion device including a housing arranged to contain a plurality of dowels and defining upper and lower portions, a guide tube extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame from the lower end portion of the housing to a position before or at the transition point of the form piece, and an ejection device positioned in the housing and cooperating with the guide tube to individually eject dowels stored by the housing through the guide tube such that the lower end of the housing extends from the frame a second downward distance greater than the first downward distance from the form piece; a drive device connected to the frame and arranged to control the at least one insertion device to eject dowels through the guide tube; a detection device connected to the paving machine and configured to activate the drive device; and a plurality of guide elements arranged for positioning along a concrete path; wherein the detection device is configured to detect the guide elements and activate the drive device upon detection of the guide elements so as to cause the insertion device to eject at least one dowel through the guide tube.