Abstract: A device for inserting dowel bars, the device having at least one floor plate, and the at least one floor plate defines a slot. One or more bar holders are provided, and the one or more bar holders are positioned above the slot defined within the at least one floor plate. The one or more bar holders are capable of holding a dowel bar, but the one or more bar holders are capable of allowing the dowel bar to move through the slot defined within the at least one floor plate when the dowel bar is pushed. The device has at least one fork movable longitudinally with respect to the at least one floor plate. Additionally, the device moves in a forward direction over a newly formed concrete slab, and the fork is capable of being lowered to push a dowel bar downward into the newly formed concrete slab.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a concrete substrate includes placing a first concrete layer on a support base configured to support the concrete substrate, positioning a concrete slab load transfer apparatus on a top surface of the first concrete layer, wherein the top surface of the first concrete layer supports the concrete slab load transfer apparatus, and placing a second concrete layer on the top surface of the first concrete layer such that the second concrete layer covers the concrete slab load apparatus.

Abstract: A paver for laying down a strip of concrete and, with a dowel bar inserter module as part of the paver, inserting dowel bars into and parallel with to the concrete strip. The dowel bar inserter module has an operational width capable of covering paved concrete strips of greater than 34 feet. In some implementations, the dowel bar inserter module has an operational width of 36 feet, 40 feet, or 50 feet.

Abstract: A method for operating construction machines of a paving train includes receiving at least one design file. The method includes receiving, by the computing device of the first construction machine of the paving train, a plurality of other machine data inputs from the at least one computing device of the at least one other construction machine of the paving train. The method includes receiving, by the computing device of the first construction machine of the paving train, a plurality of first machine data inputs. The method includes updating a paving work state file based upon the plurality of other machine data inputs and the plurality of first machine data inputs. The method includes controlling the first construction machine of the paving train based upon the plurality of other machine data inputs, the plurality of first machine data inputs, the at least one design file, and the paving work state file.

Abstract: Rail system and method for a photovoltaic array. The system includes at least one modular rail in a first direction. The modular rail includes a first vehicle support surface along the first direction and a first mounting surface along the first direction. The first vehicle support surface is configured to support at least a first vehicle moving in the first direction, and the first mounting surface is configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules mounted on the first mounting surface.

Abstract: A method for constructing a continuously reinforced concrete pavement includes: the reinforcing steel bar arrangement step of moving reinforcing steel bar introducing/fixing equipment having guide tubes adapted to guide reinforcing steel bars to proper positions thereof and a reinforcing steel bar holding apparatus adapted to apply an instant tensile force to the reinforcing steel bars upon concrete casting to allow the reinforcing steel bars to be located at the proper positions thereof, and longitudinally arranging the reinforcing steel bars; the concrete casting step of casting concrete on top of the reinforcing steel bars arranged in the reinforcing steel bar arrangement step; and the finishing step of flattening the surface of the concrete cast in the concrete casting step by means of a paver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the slip forming of reinforced concrete composite structures for road and bridge construction, wherein each functionally discrete component of the composite has at least a portion of its reinforcement, in common with the reinforcement from an antecedent slip formed component of the composite. This system and method are, thus, suitable forming a composite having multiple functionally discrete components within an integrated/monolithic structure. The preferred system and method can sequentially form, in order, structurally discrete component parts for composite concrete road way structures having a road pad, (bridge) coping, traffic rail and barrier wall.

Abstract: A paver for laying down a strip of concrete and inserting therein dowel bars parallel to the strip. A dowel bar inserter orients the bars and places them into the concrete. A pair of transport chains transverse to the travel direction extends across a width of the inserter. Pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups hold the bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the strip. The chains move in a single direction. A dowel bar holding magazine, above the chains, stores bars, and gravitationally moves the bars towards the chains for pick-up by cups as the chains move the cups past a bar loading station. Elastic bands extend about a bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliently bias the bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel.

Abstract: A paver for laying down a strip of concrete and inserting therein dowel bars parallel to the strip. A dowel bar inserter orients the bars and places them into the concrete. A pair of transport chains transverse to the travel direction extends across a width of the inserter. Pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups hold the bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the strip. The chains move in a single direction. A dowel bar holding magazine, above the chains, stores bars, and gravitationally moves the bars towards the chains for pick-up by cups as the chains move the cups past a bar loading station. Elastic bands extend about a bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliently bias the bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel.

Abstract: A system and method for forming concrete tiles for use in concrete walkways and concrete patios and courtyards. The system includes a unitary frame with two or more slanted sidewalls with a plurality of pickup points placed within an interior opening of the unitary frame. Concrete poured into the interior opening of the frame forms a beveled or slanted concrete sidewalk tile. The pickup points are buried in the beveled concrete sidewalk tiles. When an opening in the pickup points is uncovered, a means to pick and place the beveled concrete sidewalk tiles is provided. Slanted or beveled sidewalls prevent binding to or interference with adjacent slanted or beveled sidewalk tiles to facilitate lifting.

Abstract: A slipform paver including a dowel bar inserter unit having a pair of spaced-apart, endless transport chains oriented transversely to the travel direction. Each chain defines upper and lower strands with turn around chain sections at respective ends of the chain strands. A plurality of pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups carried by exterior sides of the chain hold the dowel bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the concrete strip. A dowel bar holding magazine is located above the upwardly facing sides of the chains. Elastic bands having ends fixedly attached to the magazine extend generally about a portion of a convexly curved dowel bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliency bias the dowel bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel.

Abstract: A gravel spreader/paver apparatus and method for transporting and spreading gravel and other base materials, onto a surface, such as a roadway, including a hopper portion for receiving base material from a separate machine, such as a dump truck; attachment brackets for attaching the apparatus to machinery for providing movement to the apparatus; a roll of geo-textile fabric secured onto the apparatus; base material, such as gravel, in the hopper portion for being delivered on the geo-textile fabric as the fabric is unrolled from the apparatus while the apparatus is moving forward; an adjustable moldboard mounted on the apparatus for spreading the base material to a pre-determined, precise depth; the moldboard adjustable to multiple positions, to control the amount, depth, and width of the material being spread; adjustable plates for allowing the base material to be spread onto the sub-base at predetermined widths, depths and slopes.

Abstract: A paving machine that moves in a travel direction and spreads, levels and finishes concrete into a form having a generally upwardly exposed, finished concrete surface that terminates in lateral sides. The paving machine has a main frame with first and second bolsters arranged at opposite ends of the main frame. Each set of bolsters has two hydraulic jacking columns used to raise and lower the machine frame. Crawlers attached to the bottom of the jacking columns engage the ground and move the paving machine in the travel direction. A pair of support beams is attached to the inner surface of each bolster and supported in passageways of a center module of the tractor frame. To extend the maximum width of the paving machine without having to extensively disassemble it, the free ends of the support beams extend beyond outer sides of the bolsters when the distance between the inner sides of the bolsters is at its minimum.

Abstract: An improved device for simultaneously unrolling geotextile fabric and dispensing an aggregate layer for road construction comprises a hanger bar coupled to a vehicle frame. The hanger bar supports a roller bar adapted to carry a fabric roll. A dragger couples the hanger bar and arranges to present a dead-weight member on top of the fabric. An improved method using the improved device drags the chain on top of the fabric as it unrolls, thus holding the fabric in place. At the same time, a conveyered aggregate delivery system dispenses gravel on top of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable film applicator which comprises an applicator body, a first knife, a second knife, a first fixing apparatus, a second fixing apparatus, a pair of first adjusting screws, and a pair of second adjusting screws. The first and second knife are adjusted to a first and second height by adjusting the first and second adjusting screws, wherein the second height is greater than the first height.

Abstract: A dowel bar loader comprising an inlet for receiving dowel bars, an outlet for delivering dowel bars, and a serpentine path connecting the inlet to the outlet. The path includes at least three changes in direction between the inlet and the outlet. In preferred embodiments, the path can include seven changes in direction or more. In one embodiment, the changes in direction comprises an angle change of at least about twenty-five degrees. The dowel bar loader further includes a control mechanism positioned to control movement of dowel bars in the path, and a spacer mechanism for spacing the dowel bars from each other in preparation for delivery to the dowel bar inserter. Preferably, the control mechanism is upstream of the spacer mechanism and spaced from the outlet. In one embodiment, the control mechanism comprises a control wheel that rotates completely around during normal operation.

Abstract: An improved device for simultaneously unrolling geotextile fabric and dispensing an aggregate layer for road construction comprises a hanger bar coupled to a vehicle frame. The hanger bar supports a roller bar adapted to carry a fabric roll. A dragger couples the hanger bar and arranges to present a dead-weight member on top of the fabric. An improved method using the improved device drags the chain on top of the fabric as it unrolls, thus holding the fabric in place. At the same time, a conveyered aggregate delivery system dispenses gravel on top of the fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and depositing a reinforcement mesh on a prepared surface, wherein a mobile workstation is provided which includes an elevated support arrangement, the workstation being moveable in a first direction. The workstation includes a series of longitudinal reinforcement rods on or above said support arrangement, said longitudinal reinforcement bars being spaced apart and aligned generally parallel to said first direction. A roll of transverse reinforcing rods is supported on said workstation and adapted to be unrolled to form a series of spaced apart reinforcement rods aligned generally transverse to said first direction. The transverse rods are connected to at least one of said longitudinal rods to form an orthogonal reinforcement mesh on said mobile workstation and as the workstation in said first direction, said mesh is deposited on said prepared surface.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously spreading cut fibers and binders on a roadway width, includes, in the longitudinal direction, a first binder spreading set, a second cut fiber spreading set and a third binder spreading set, the second set including cutting tools, which are driven by a torque transmission member. The device is modular, the modules being transversally arranged side by side and each allowing to spread on a longitudinal lane of the roadway binders and cut fibers. Each module has a first nozzle, a tool for pulling and cutting continuous fibers and throwing cut fibers to the roadway, a second nozzle, the nozzles being connected to a common binder dispensing member. Each tool is removably mounted in its module between a working position where it is in the module and driven by the driving shaft and a releasing position where it is available to an operator and at rest.

Abstract: A waterproof sheet in-situ application machine, which can rewind a long roll-like thermal application type waterproof sheet and easily bond the sheet onto the bed surface of a bridge and the surface of a concrete structure in a site, includes a carriage and a combination of any one or two or more of a water permeable stand, a wrinkle prevention drum, a sheet heater, a sheet overlapping portion heater, a sheet roller pressing steel wheel roller, and a sheet roller pressing rubber tire mounted on the carriage. The sheet heater is composed of a heat resistant metal roller having a far infrared ray heater, an electric heater, etc. inserted therein, and the surface of the waterproof sheet is molten by being caused to be contact with the surface of the metal roller, thereby the waterproof sheet can be bonded onto an execution surface.

Abstract: A placer/spreader for distributing already mixed concrete from an access road to a subgrade path to be paved includes a frame having at least two side bolsters standing parallel to the subgrade path and at least two cross beams spanning the subgrade path for forming a conveyor supporting structure. A roll in/roll out conveyor has a receiving end for receiving already mixed concrete from an access road and a discharge end for discharging already mixed concrete to the subgrade path, this conveyor being hinged to enable conformation to differing access road elevations. One of the two side bolsters defines forward and rear transport attachment points with a spatial interval between the transport attachment points. This spatial interval permits the roll in/roll out conveyor to be supported between forward and rear attachment points.

Abstract: An insertion device configured for connecting to a frame of a concrete paving machine. The insertion device including a housing, a guide tube extending from the housing, 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. According to one embodiment, the housing includes an alignment system for aligning the dowels in the housing in a predetermined orientation. In another embodiment, the housing has a parting feature that extends along a forward external side of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the guide tube includes a resilient element provided at an outlet portion that is arranged to seal the outlet portion of the guide tube.

Abstract: An insertion device configured for connecting to a frame of a concrete paving machine. The insertion device including a housing, a guide tube extending from the housing, 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. According to one embodiment, the housing includes an alignment system for aligning the dowels in the housing in a predetermined orientation. In another embodiment, the housing has a parting feature that extends along a forward external side of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the guide tube includes a resilient element provided at an outlet portion that is arranged to seal the outlet portion of the guide tube.

Abstract: A paving machine having a dowel bar insertion assembly and a form piece permit precise placement of at least one dowel bar, in a mass of concrete, before smoothing and leveling of the concrete mass into a desired surface. A detection device activates a drive device to eject the dowel bars into the concrete mass at a desired interval.

Abstract: A device indicates the level of concrete within the hopper of a concrete pump and prevent accidental overflow and spills. The concrete level indicator device includes an elongate post with an enlarge float fixed to the bottom end and a guide sleeve for allowing vertical telescoping movement of the post as the concrete level in this hopper changes. A retaining collar attaches to a screen in the hopper of the pump and surrounds the guide sleeve for limiting swinging movement of the post and guide sleeve, thereby maintaining the device in a vertical position within the hopper with the float resting on the concrete. As concrete is filled into the hopper, the post rises through the guide sleeve until a visual indicator (e.g. a red band) on the top end of the post is visibly exposed above the guide sleeve, thereby alerting the operator to interrupt the discharge of concrete being filled in the hopper until the concrete level drops and the visible indicator on the post is no longer visible.

Abstract: In a device for inserting dowels (2) in the vicinity of transverse expansion joints of freshly laid concrete road surfaces (4), comprising a machine frame (8) supported by traveling mechanisms (6), at least one storage container (10,12) for the dowels (2), a smoothing board (20) resting on the road surface (4) and including slits (24) running in a direction of travel and provided for accommodating the dowels (2), a retaining device (28) for the dowels on the slots (24), and a dowel placing device (32), it is provided that a line conveyor device (40) accepts separated dowels (2) in a section (44) of a bottom or lateral area (48,52) of the storage container (10,12) and delivers the dowels (2) to the slots in the smoothing board (20).

Abstract: A concrete placing apparatus is provided for placing uncured concrete on a support surface, such as an elevated deck of a building. The apparatus comprises a base unit and a movable support, with a conduit assembly extending therebetween. A supply end of the conduit assembly is positioned at the base unit and is connected to a supply line for uncured concrete or other material, while a dispensing end of the conduit assembly is supported by the movable support and extends outwardly therefrom to dispense uncured concrete or other material through a discharge outlet. The movable support is movable arcuately and/or radially relative to the base unit to dispense the concrete in a generally uniform manner over a targeted area. The apparatus may further include a screeding device at the discharge outlet to grade, level, compact and smooth the concrete as it is placed.

Abstract: A slipform paver having a dowel bar inserter pan. The inserter pan has a plurality of dowel bar receiving stations therein. The inserter pan is movable relative to the suspended slip form such that the pan moves towards and away from the slip form during dowel bar insertion.

Abstract: A concrete placing apparatus is provided for placing uncured concrete on a support surface, such as an elevated deck of a building. The apparatus comprises a movable base unit and a movable support unit, with a conduit assembly extending therebetween. A supply end of the conduit assembly is positioned at the base unit and is connected to a supply line for uncured concrete or other material, while a dispensing end of the conduit assembly is supported by the movable support and extends outwardly therefrom to dispense uncured concrete or other material through a discharge outlet. The movable support is movable arcuately and/or radially relative to the base unit to dispense the concrete in a generally uniform manner over a targeted area. The apparatus may further include a plowing and/or screeding device at the discharge outlet to grade, level, compact and smooth the concrete as it is placed.

Abstract: An adjustable reinforcement insertion guide is installed within the slip form mold of a mobile concrete slip form machine, for guiding steel reinforcement screens into the mold interior during the casting of continuously poured concrete barrier walls (i.e. “Jersey Walls”). The guide is vertically adjustable, in order to clear curbs, open cut joints, etc, as required. Additional adjustment is provided for a series of laterally adjustable outlet panels on the back of the guide, which provide additional accuracy and adjustment in guiding the steel mesh or screen which passes through the guide. The guide is fixed to the mobile slip form machine (with the exception of the vertical adjustment of the guide relative to the slip form machine), and travels with the machine as fresh concrete is introduced into the slip form mold of the machine.

Abstract: A concrete paving machine for leveling concrete having a frame and at least one dowel apparatus carried by the frame. The at least one dowel apparatus is movable along a working width of the concrete paving machine in a direction perpendicular to a paving path. The at least one dowel apparatus includes a vibration device and a dowel distribution device. The dowel distribution device comprises a series of longitudinal members having L-shaped profiles. Each longitudinal member forms a predetermined pattern of recesses wherein the series of longitudinal members are slidably arranged so that in an unlocked position, the recesses of each longitudinal member are aligned so as to permit distribution of at least one set of dowel bars. In a locked position, each longitudinal member is arranged to so that the recesses are misaligned so as to prevent distribution of at least one set of dowel bars.

Abstract: In combination with a slipform paver, a new chain feeder is disclosed which is contained within the profile of a slipform paver. The chain feeder is used in combination with a plurality of dowel bar inserter stations. A single file dowel bar path is provided immediately above the plurality of dowel bar inserter stations overlying an upper dowel bar shuttle for each inserter station. The feeder includes a plurality of feeding lugs for pushing dowel bars along the single file dowel bar path parallel to openings in the upper dowel bar shuttle. This enables dowel bars to fall into the upper dowel bar shuttle until all inserter stations are loaded with dowel bars. When the dowel bars are inserted, the upper dowel bar shuttle moves relative to the lower dowel bar shuttle. This permits an upper shuttle bar opening in the upper dowel bar shuttle and the lower shuttle bar opening in the lower dowel bar shuttle to move into registration one with another.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a side bar having a bar portion and a flanged end in a side face of a concrete slab formed by a slip form paver is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having a side bar receiving chamber defining a travel path. A slide pin is extendable through at least a portion of the side bar receiving chamber so as to engage the side bar and cause the side bar to be driven from the side bar receiving chamber along the travel path. A guide member is connected to the frame and movable between a first position wherein the guide member is positioned to vertically support the bar portion of the side bar in a selected relationship with respect to the side face of the concrete slab and a second position wherein the guide member is retracted from the travel path of the side bar to permit the flanged end of the side bar to travel past the guide member along the travel path unimpeded by the guide member.

Abstract: Curb forming apparatus comprising a device for pushing hardenable material through a channel defined by a mold and a feed extending into the channel for forming a groove into the hardenable material and for supplying elongate stock to the groove.

Abstract: A dowel bar inserter kit has removable attachment to and from a slipform paver. The kit includes a track bolster on each side having a crossbeam tying the bolsters together at the rear of the inserter. Each bolster is provided with two flange attachments to the paver, typically one flange attachment to the frame and one flange attachment to the jacking column of the paver. These paired attachments of each side bolster assure the kit maintains the same overall level maintained by the rectilinear frame of the paver during paver travel. Each bolster defines support car tracks. These support car tracks enabling inserter support cars to travel on the tracks during machine paving. During dowel bar placement, the support cars remain stationary with respect to the formed slab while the slip form paver continues with its required forward motion. These support cars also enable vertical up and down movement to permit insertion and removal of the dowel bar inserters from the recently formed slab.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting dowel bars into a concrete slab in association with a slip forming machine of a type having a frame with a pan attached thereto for shaping uncured concrete into a continuous concrete slab. The pan itself has a space therein completely across the pan and dowel bar retainers are disposed above this space in the pan for holding dowel bars in readiness to be inserted into the concrete slab. A dowel bar inserter is disposed above each of the dowel bar retainers for pushing the dowel bars down, preferably all at one time. The dowel bar inserter is adjustable and removable. If removed, the forward and rear portions of the pan can be bolted together instead of being spaced apart.

Abstract: A device for inserting rods into plastic forms comprising a frame, a plunger assembly coupled to the frame, an air cylinder assembly also coupled to the frame and to the plunger assembly, and a pneumatic plumbing assembly connected to the air cylinder assembly. The frame can be attached to a slipform paving or curbing machine. When actuated, the air cylinder assembly pulls the plunger along the frame. The plunger pushes a dowel rod resting in the frame along the frame and into a concrete member being extruded from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting dowel bars into a concrete slab in association with a slip forming machine of a type having a frame with a mold attached thereto for shaping uncured concrete into a continuous concrete slab. The mold having a front and rear pan portion with a space therein completely across the mold. Dowel bar retainers are disposed above this space in the pan for holding dowel bars in readiness to be inserted into the concrete slab. A dowel bar inserter having individual fork assemblies is disposed above the dowel bar retainers for pushing the dowel bars down into the formed concrete slab, preferably all at one time. The dowel bar inserter is adjustable and removable. If removed, the forward and rear pan portions of the mold can be bolted together instead of being spaced apart.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting dowel bars into a concrete slab in association with a slip forming machine of a type having a frame with a mold attached thereto for shaping uncured concrete into a continuous concrete slab. The mold having a front and rear pan portion with a space therein completely across the mold. A dowel bar inserter having individual fork assemblies is disposed above this space in the pan for pushing the dowel bars down into the formed concrete slab, preferably all at one time. The dowel bar inserter is adjustable and removable. If removed, the forward and rear pan portions of the mold can be bolted together instead of being spaced apart. The front pan portion is greater than three feet long. The rear pan portion is greater than two feet long and the front pan portion is preferably longer than the rear pan portion.

Abstract: A paving machine having a medially located dowel bar feeder positioned in front of a dowel bar inserter. The machine has a screw or paddle for spreading the concrete and a front strike-off to allocate a proper amount of unconsolidated concrete beneath the machine. Next in line, internal vibrators are mounted to the machine to perform a preliminary consolidation of the concrete, followed by a screed to meter out a correct volume of consolidated concrete for a finished concrete slab. To the rear of the screed, the dowel bar feeder drops dowel bars in a predetermined pattern on the top surface of the consolidated concrete. The dowel bar inserted is mounted to the paving machine behind the dowel bar feeder and includes a plurality of vibrating forks which descend to engage the dropped dowel bars and insert the dowels into the unhardened concrete. In operation, the dowel bars are dropped and the paving machine is driven forward until the forks are over the dropped dowel bars.

Abstract: A cart and a method of using the cart for tying steel rods, which cart includes a substantially rectangular frame supporting front and rear rollers. The rollers are in the form of cylinders having a substantial width which is much greater than the largest anticipated spacing between parallel reinforcement rods. The use of the cylinders as rollers allows the cart to travel upon the uppermost layer or set of reinforcing rods without becoming entangled in the lattice of reinforcing rods. A cushioned seat may be located on the frame adjacent an open area extending through the frame. The worker may support herself or himself upon this cushioned portion while the open area provides access to the lattice for tying the rods together. Vertical bars may support an alternate cushion at a position spaced upwardly from the reinforcing rods. The user may then rest his or her stomach or chest upon this upper cushion and lie in a faced down configuration with the reinforcing rods at arms length.

Abstract: A paving machine having a medially located dowel bar feeder positioned in front of a dowel bar inserter. The machine has a screw or paddle for spreading the concrete and a front strike-off to allocate a proper amount of unconsolidated concrete beneath the machine. Next in line, internal vibrators are mounted to the machine to perform a preliminary consolidation of the concrete, followed by a screed to meter out a correct volume of consolidated concrete for a finished concrete slab. To the rear of the screed, the dowel bar feeder drops dowel bars in a predetermined pattern on the top surface of the consolidated concrete. The dowel bar inserter is mounted to the paving machine behind the dowel bar feeder and is adapted to travel between a forward position and a rear position and includes a plurality of vibrating forks which descend to engage the dropped dowel bars and insert the dowels into the unhardened concrete.

Abstract: A dowel setting device which can be employed together with a formless paving machine is described. A plurality of booms is pivotably disposed, looking in the direction of travel, ahead of the vehicle body and ahead of devices for tamping the concrete. Dowel retrievers are located at the ends of the booms. In a loading position, the dowel retrievers retrieve dowels from a magazine. Following a pivot movement, the dowel retrievers assume a setting position in which they extend, looking in the direction of travel, from the front into the area where the concrete is beginning to set. The dowels are ejected.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the placement of horizontally disposed side by side and/or vertically staggered reinforcing bands in combination with a typical slip form or form type concrete paver. The paver receives and spreads fresh concrete, continuously dispences reinforcing bands, then levels, holds, liquifies and finishes the concrete in a single pass. A plurality of inserters which dispense the bands are lined across the width of the apparatus and may be staggered inserters to enhance concrete flow around them. They are threaded with the reinforcement and move through unconsolidated concrete positioned between the leveler and the form.

Abstract: An improved automated wire mesh straightening apparatus is described. Wheels, casters and a jack enable ease of mobility, jockeying and leveling respectively of the apparatus at a construction site. Hydraulic operation of moving parts provides general fail-safe operation of the apparatus which is also otherwise designed with operator safety in mind. Rolled wire mesh is automatically straightened by a unique application of drive, nip and reaction forces that can be rapidly adjusted to completely straighten wire mesh of varying gauge and under varied environmental conditions.

Abstract: A center bar inserter having a frame for supporting a plurality of forks for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis is provided. Insertion of a center bar is preformed by simultaneously extending the forks into the concrete slab while the forks pivot about a horizontal axis. A pair of vibrating sleds are secured to the float pan reward of the center bar inserter for repairing the surface of the concrete slab disturbed by the insertion of the center bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for lining a canal is described as well as the method for lining the canal. The apparatus comprises an elongated frame which extends transversely across the canal and which is propelled the length thereof. A concrete paver is supported on the frame and is designed to lay concrete on one of the sides of the canal and at least a portion of the bottom of the canal as the frame is moved along the length of the canal. A flexible sheet material is positioned on the canal sides and bottom just prior to the concrete being positioned thereon. The PVC is positioned on the canal in a substantially wrinkle-free and untensioned condition. The method of lining the canal is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for lining an irrigation canal with a sheet of fiber-reinforced plastic includes structure for depositing a layer of resin and fiber on a web of flexible carrier material, partially curing the resin prior to laying the sheet in the canal, and then laying the sheet in the canal while the resin is flexible enough to conform to the shape of the canal. The final curing of the resin takes place after the sheet is placed in the canal. A predetermined-shape wrinkle is induced in the carrier web before it is laid into the canal to assist in conforming the sheet to the canal shape without causing randomly placed wrinkles so that the sheet is smooth in the canal. The apparatus forms the sheet and is propelled so that it travels along the length of the canal, fabricating a continuous sheet as it travels. In one embodiment the carrier is a flexible but nonelastic material like kraft paper, coated on one side with wax or other film to prevent saturation by the resin.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting longitudinal studs in a concrete road covering. By means of a longitudinally running sled and forks, an exact parallel orientation of the longitudinal studs is achieved, as well as their arrangement at a predetermined height. Through the automatic loading of a holder for the longitudinal studs and the synchronization of the device with the motion of the device for inserting cross-studs, a minimum distance between the longitudinal ends and the cross-joints is maintained.

Abstract: The apparatus (20) is vertically and adjustably placed on the girders (2b) of the sheet piling equipment (1). It has a slab (21) with apertures (26) parallel to the direction of movement. A vibrating beam (60) is vertically and adjustably placed on the slab (21) between two supports (51, 52). Fasteners (28) are arranged on the apertures (26) for the reinforcement rods (22). The (60) beam is lowered by means of prongs (62). The prongs (62) surround the reinforcement rods (22) and ease them into the road surface (6). After lifting the beam (60) with the prongs (62), the slab (21) is moved back and forth horizontally to the apertures (26), then lifted and pulled back up to the equipment (1). Thus, any irregularities caused by installation of reinforcement rods (22) can be eliminated.