Abstract: A cover for a buckle installed on a strap disposed about a suspension cable or similar relatively large diameter article of indefinite length exposed to the atmosphere defines a square or rectangle having thin edges and a thicker center which includes a buckle receiving opening or aperture. The thickness of the cover proximate the aperture or opening is preferably equal to or substantially equal to the projection of the strap buckle from the cable. Installed over the strap buckle, the cover smooths the region of the cable exterior adjacent the buckle, thereby improving the ease and uniformity of application of the cable wrap as well as the durability and life of the cable wrap. The cover may be fabricated of a material such as plastic and has an inside radius which matches or substantially matches the outside radius of the suspension cable.

Abstract: A heat application apparatus includes a longitudinally split cylinder that may be disposed about a section of a suspension bridge cable or similar tubular article. The cylinder is split into two essentially identical semi-cylindrical halves which are pivotally connected by an elongate hinge. A plurality of toggle clamps are arranged transversely across the opens ends of the halves and may be engaged to positively connect and lock the edges together. On each of the inner faces of the halves is secured a semi-cylindrical air bladder. The bladders are covered by a flexible heat blanket having a uniformly distributed electrical resistance heating element. Independent air pressure regulators which are supplied with compressed air provide air at low pressure to the bladders and a suitable electrical connector all reside on the exterior of the apparatus.

Abstract: A machine or apparatus for installing resilient or elastomeric strip seals of indefinite length in expansion joints in, for example, highways and bridges. The machine includes an open, upper frame connected to a lower frame supported at its four corners by four freely rotating wheels. A pair of clamping pistons on the lower frame includes rollers which are adjusted to engage one face of the expansion joint. A toothed wheel or blade rotates about an inclined axis and is powered by a motor through a speed reducing gearbox. The toothed wheel engages the seal and forces it into a channel on the side of the expansion joint opposite to the side engaged by the rollers.

Abstract: A heat application apparatus includes a longitudinally split cylinder that may be disposed about a section of a suspension bridge cable or similar tubular article. The cylinder is split into two essentially identical semi-cylindrical halves which are pivotally connected by an elongate hinge. A plurality of toggle clamps are arranged transversely across the opens ends of the halves and may be engaged to positively connect and lock the edges together. On each of the inner faces of the halves is secured a semi-cylindrical air bladder. The bladders are covered by a flexible heat blanket having a uniformly distributed electrical resistance heating element. Independent air pressure regulators which are supplied with compressed air provide air at low pressure to the bladders and a suitable electrical connector all reside on the exterior of the apparatus.

Abstract: A machine or apparatus for installing resilient or elastomeric strip seals of indefinite length in expansion joints in, for example, highways and bridges. The machine includes an open, upper frame connected to a lower frame supported at its four corners by four freely rotating wheels. A pair of clamping pistons on the lower frame includes rollers which are adjusted to engage one face of the expansion joint. A toothed wheel or blade rotates about an inclined axis and is powered by a motor through a speed reducing gearbox. The toothed wheel engages the seal and forces it into a channel on the side of the expansion joint opposite to the side engaged by the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressible seal for installation in joints in concrete pavement, the machine for installing the seal and the method of installation. The seal is a preformed, closed cell, elastomeric cylinder or rope. The seal defines a round cross section in its relaxed, i.e., uncompressed, state somewhat larger than the joint into which it will be installed. The installation machine is a wheeled, hand powered device having a first guide wheel which is received within the joint, an aligned installation wheel which installs the seal in the joint, a second guide wheel which ensures that the seal is at the proper depth in the joint and a pair of contra-circulating belts which feed the seal to the installation wheel.