Abstract: A floating screed for asphalt paving machines has the front edge of its sole plated and bullnose sloping rearwardly from the center to assist lateral flow of the hot asphalt material in front of the main screed and to the front of screed extenders.The bullnose for the sole plate is separate from the sole plate and consists of a pair of bullnose pieces. The construction is such that adjustment of the controlled dishing and warping of the sole plate can be more easily performed.

Abstract: An extendable, floating screed for an asphalt paver including screed extensions which extend, retract and pivot relative to the main screed. The screed extensions are mounted to the main screed with a zero clearance pivot joint. The disclosed pivot joint permits the screed extension to extend, retract and pivot relative to the main screed which maintaining zero clearance at the pivot. The pivot joint includes respective mounting plates on the extension screed and the main screed which are adapted for substantial coextensive engagement with each other in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the paver. A threaded fastener is received in coaxial apertures in the mounting plates for defining the pivot axis of the extension screed thereby permitting slope adjustment of the extension screed relative to the main screed. Tightening of the fastener draws the mounting plates in tight engagement with each other thereby establishing the zero clearance pivot joint.

Abstract: A wheeled concrete screed, comprising a strike board and blade assembly, a pair of corresponding main handle members pivotally mounted to the strike board and blade assembly, a pair of corresponding wheel assemblies affixed to and extending downwardly from the main handle members, and means to adjust the pitch of the strike board and blade assembly independent of changes in elevation of the strike board and blade assembly.

Abstract: Concrete pouring and leveling devices and method of using them consisting of vertically placed rigid cylindrical tubes or pipes having reusable yokes inserted at their tops to support screed pipes placed horizontally along the predetermined desired elevation of the concrete surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable screed rail or guide comprising a top T-shaped element and an inverted lower T-shaped element which cooperate to form an adjustable elongated I-beam. The top T-shaped element and the lower T-shaped element are respectively formed of a flange element and at least one web element centrally located and perpendicular to the respective flange element. The lower T-shaped element has a second web element spaced from said at least one web element, the web element of the top T-shaped element being slidably located between the two lower web elements to adjust the height of the screed surface. The screed rail is locked in the adjusted position by bolts and wing nuts. The upper and lower flanges are provided with depending lips which serve the purpose of retaining poured cement or mortar against the screed rail, the screed rail providing reinforcement for the cement or mortar bed. The depending webs also have openings through which cement, mortar and/or reinforcing rods may be passed.

Abstract: A paving machine screed is heated by pumping fluid from a reservoir tank mounted on the screed to a flow restrictor so that the fluid is heated by a pressure drop across the at the flow restrictor and returned to the tank for heat transfer to the screed.

Abstract: A portable screed for smoothing and leveling an area of freshly poured concrete. The screed includes a cylindrical, horizontal smoothing roller secured to the screed plate for the screed, the roller being substantially coextensive with the screed plate. The roller is mounted immediately adjacent the screed so that the roller first encounters and smooths concrete before the screed plate passes over the concrete. The roller is adjustable to control its working of the concrete, and rotates about its axis in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the screed for proper smoothing of the concrete.

Abstract: Apparatus for smoothing a gravel road comprises a mat which incorporates a series of wave-form members, typically of flexible material such as rubber. The mat is towed over the road surface with the result that the crests of the wave-form members dig into corrugations in the surface and disturb the gravel. The disturbed gravel can flow upwardly through the spaces between the wave-form members.

Abstract: Obtainment of and control of specific asphalt paving densities during roadbed repair by preshaping hot mat top surfaces prior to compaction. Like a shaped munition charge, a preshaped top surface on recently laid hot asphalt mat transmits compaction forces in precalculable directions and carries therewith asphaltic materials so as to obtain desired finished paving densities. A conventional strike off bar is modified with base margin indentations which partially and wholely, according to desired specifications, grade or top dress hot asphaltic mat with desired, force-transmitting planes. Adjunct apparatus is employed by way of translating and rotating plates to partially or wholely cover the indentations so as to effect various, but differing, desired mat surface shapes. An improvement to the conventional vibrating screed is also employed to shape the initial asphaltic mat shape while simultaneously tamping the shape gradually into its desired and compacted final form.

Abstract: A slip form paving machine including a main frame supported by a front driven steering wheel and a pair of rear wheels that straddle the fore-and-aft center line of the main frame. An open top hopper is mounted on the frame and the lower end of the hopper communicates with an open bottom slip form, so that paving material, such as concrete fed into the hopper, will flow downwardly and be discharged from the slip form as the machine moves over the terrain. An outrigger frame is pivoted to the main frame about a horizontal axis and is located laterally of the rear wheels. The outrigger frame carries an outrigger wheel which is located laterally outwardly of the slip form and an inclined scraper blade is mounted forwardly of the outrigger wheel. When using a relatively wide slip form, the outrigger wheel is engaged with the terrain, and the rear wheel closest to the outrigger wheel is raised above the terrain so that the machine is supported on the outrigger wheel and the other of the rear wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for screeding or trowelling concrete or similar materials. The apparatus has a turret, mounted on a mobile frame. A telescopic boom is mounted in cantilevered fashion on the turret. A machine head, mounted on the distal end of the boom, is rotatable about a vertical axis. An attachment, such as a screed or a trowel, is attached to the machine head. The level and angle of the frame can be set to a selected elevation relative to a rotating laser beam by raising or lowering three hydraulic legs. The machine head can raise or lower the attachment to set the attachment at a selected elevation.

Abstract: A tool (23) for extruding a paved surface (39) is located behind tracks (2) and may thus have a width which is greater than the overall width perpendicular to the tracks. The tool is carried by a bridge frame (27) articulated on the frame (1), carried by the tracks, according to a transverse axis (X--X). At the rear, the bridge frame (27) rests on the freshly paved surface (39) via air cushions (32). A hauled rule (58) emits a ray (63) parallel to the surface (39) as detected by the rule. A detector (64) carried by the tool (23) and receiving the ray (63) detects the position in respect of height of the bed (23) relative to the surface (39). Jacks (38) correct the position in respect of height of the tool as a function of this detection. A ballast (42) is displaced automatically along the bridge frame (27) in order to adjust the pressure in the air cushions ( 32).

Abstract: A revolving paddle mixer for re-mixing a hot asphalt mix deposited in the hopper of a road paving machine. The mixer takes the form of a plurality of paddles angularly positioned relative to each other and mounted on a revolving shaft adjacent to the conveyor for transporting the asphalt mix material to the rotating auger. The resultant re-mixture is more uniform and dense so that a smooth pavement is laid on the roadway.

Abstract: Scraping device for removing excess subgrade material from the surface of a subgrade to level the subgrade, which includes a lower wall, side walls, a rear wall and an optional top wall defining a container for collecting removed excess subgrade material, and attachment means so the device may be lifted and transported by a fork lift truck or the bucket of an earth moving vehicle for emptying; advantageously the apparatus is formed in sections which can be disassembled and stacked one within another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laying plank for a road finishing machine comprising a basic plank (1) which exhibits two central upright cheeks (2) to which an extension cylinder (3) is attached on each side which guides an inner movable cheek (8) of an extensible plank (4) for the lateral prolongation of the basic plank (1) and engages an outer movable cheek (5) for extending, at least one guide rod (6) parallel to the cylinder axis being provided respectively between inner and outer movable cheeks (5, 8), which is guided by an outer cheek (7) connected firmly to the basic plank (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a laying plank for a road finishing machine, comprising a basic plank (1) which exhibits two central upright cheeks (2) to which a telescopic cylinder (3) is attached on each side which guides an inner movable cheek (8) of an extensible plank (4) for the lateral prolongation of the basic plank (1) and engages its outer movable cheek (5) for extension, guide rods (7) parallel to the cylinder axis being provided respectively between inner and outer cheeks (5,8) which are guided by an outer cheek (11) connected firmly to the basic plank (1).

Abstract: A guidance system and method for increasing the accuracy of laser guided machines such as screeds, graders, earth movers, floor saws and floor finishing machines. The system includes a laser beam receiver for sensing a laser reference beam provided off the machine. The laser receiver signals an electrical circuit when the laser beam is sensed in both centered and off-center regions. The electrical circuit operates a controller such as a solenoid operated fluid valve which controls a power source such as a fluid cylinder to move a machine element in one direction, such as raising a concrete screed, when the beam is sensed in the centered region, and in the other direction, such as lowering the screed, when the beam is sensed off-center. The method includes controlling the power source to continuously cycle the machine element between centered and off-centered regions to reduce the dead band, i.e., nonactive tolerance range, of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laying plank for a road finishing machine, comprising a basic plank (1) which exhibits two central upright cheeks (2), on which an extension cylinder (3) is arranged on each side which is guided by an inner cheek (8) of an extensible plank (4) for the lateral prolongation of the basic plank (1) and engages its outer cheek (5) for extending, at least one guide rods (7) parallel to the cylinder axis being provided respectively between inner and outer cheeks (5, 8), which is guided by an outer cheek (9) located on the basic plank (1). In order that the basic plank (1) can be enlarged virtually to double width by the extensible planks, it is provided that the cheek (9) located on the basic plank (1) is constructed as a sliding block slidable relative to the basic plank (1) along a guide means (13) connected to the latter, the extending cylinder (3) being connected to the sliding block (9 ) and slidable.

Abstract: A device for use in applying a thin resinous coating to existing surfaces, such as concrete highways, to resurface and restore the same and improve their physical properties, such as skid resistance comprising two parallel supporting beams, a screed box having a bottom, two sides and a front and back sides, the bottom of which is attached to the parallel beams and the screed box having an adjustable dispersing gate at the back adapted to dispensing a controlled amount of the resinous binder in the box, at least one rotatable screed brush adjustably attached between the two beams behind the screed box and being adapted to bringing the dispersed binder in contact with the surface and pushing out any air that may be trapped under the coating, at least two spaced levelling bars perpendicularly and adjustably attached between the beams and being adapted to spreading and levelling the binder passing under the brush, at least one of the levelling bars being adapted to applying downward pressure on the layer of binde

Abstract: A paver of the floating screed type which is capable of operating with screed extensions for laying down pavement at various widths includes a self-contained, stowable and extensible grade reference system with a wide, planar adjustment range. The grade reference system provides an adjustment range for positioning a grade sensing device on either or both sides of the paver both forward and transversely outward from a selected support point on the paver. The grade reference system has a pivotally outer support member which permits the sensing device to become positioned at any selected setting of an arcuate path forward of a rearward position in substantial alignment with the leading edge of the screed to a forward position determined by the length of the member.

Abstract: A device for texturing the surface of freshly poured concrete utilizing a platform having first and second surfaces. A plurality of loops are spaced along and extend from the first surface of the platform. The plurality of loops are resiliently and detachably connected to the platform for movement with the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for pivoting a screed assembly during screeding of placed and/or poured, uncured concrete or like loose, spreadable materials to maintain proper screeding contact by the screeding assembly with the concrete or like material by counteracting the force of concrete or other like material acting against the screed assembly as it is moved along the concrete. The apparatus includes a support, preferably of the self-propelled type, a boom and boom mount, and a pivot between the boom and the screed assembly. The axis of the pivot extends generally perpendicularly to the screeding direction in which the screed sassmblyis moved. A power source, such as a pair of fluid cylinders, rotates the screed about the pivot axis, preferably in response to an electro-hydraulic leveling sensor mounted on the screed. The lateral incline of the screed perpendicular to the screeding direction may be controlled about additional pivot axes orthogonal to the first.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the slope of a screed supported by support arms wherein the screed is moved over a distance includes a first slope sensor which develops a first sensor signal representing the slope of the screed, a second slope sensor which develops a second sensor signal representing the slope of the support arms and a first summer which sums the first sensor signal and command signal indicative of a particular screed slope to develop a first error signal. An integrator integrates the error signal over distance to develop an integrated first error signal. A second summer sums the integrated first error signal with the second sensor signal to develop a second error signal which is utilized to control actuators which adjust the slope of the support arms.

Abstract: A motorized rotary cement trowel is provided with a detachable trowel blade with a detachable trailing edge having a variety of forms of trailing-edge configurations and optional quick-disconnect means for attachment of the detachable trailing edge to the cement-trowel blade.

Abstract: Scraping device for removing excess subgrade material from the surface of a subgrade to level the subgrade, which includes a lower wall, side walls, a rear wall and an optional top wall defining a container for collecting removed excess subgrade material, and attachment means so the device may be lifted and transported by a fork lift truck or the bucket of an earth moving vehicle for emptying; advantageously the apparatus is formed in sections which can be disassemabled and stacked one within another.

Abstract: A system for leveling concrete to provide a flat, planar upper surface. The system involves the use of elongated screed rails including upper and lower edges. The lower edge of each screen rail includes an elongated slot in each end portion. Each screed rail can be positioned over upright grade pins which extend into the slots and rest against the underside of the top edge of the screed rail. A leveling or strikeoff rod having a straight lower edge is supported on the upper edges of the screed rails. When the leveling rod is drawn along the screed rails it levels the poured concrete and provides a planar concrete surface.

Abstract: A distributor frontally mountable on a screed to minimize or eliminate the manual distribution and leveling of freshly poured concrete which is otherwise required prior to screeding. The distributor comprises a rotatable body bearing an array of circumferentially and axially staggered plate elements. The plate elements may be swept back and are staggered so that only selected ones of the plate elements in the array are in contact with the wet concrete at any point in time of operation, with the direction of travel of the plate elements being toward the screed in the upper quadrants of rotation of the rotatable body, and away from the screed in the lower quadrants of rotation.

Abstract: A screed for an asphalt paver in which the bottom plate thereof is made of steel in the Brinell hardness range of 450-500 to engage road surfacing material. Stainless steel threaded studs are welded to the upper surface of the bottom plate for attachment of the screed to the asphalt paver.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for compacting and smoothing freshly poured concrete during the construction of a floor or other flat surface. The apparatus is a screed divided in two portions. The first portion is used to level, compact and remove excess concrete and the second portion allows the screed to float on the freshly poured and soft concrete.

Abstract: A long-handled float device for leveling wet concrete includes mechanism attaching a handle to a float which is adapted to allow a user to adjust the relative angle between the float and the handle. The adapter connecting the shaft to the float includes a yoke, a yoke shaft coupler, a sleeve through which a sleeve guide shaft passes, and a link arm which connects the sleeve to the yoke. Rotation of the handle about its own axis causes sleeve guide shaft rotation which causes movement of the sleeve along the guide shaft axis which is transmitted to the yoke via a link arm causing the angular relationship between the float and the handle to change. By such adjustment, the user may tilt the front float edge upward when the assembly is pushed away from the user. Upon reversing direction, the user may tilt the back float edge upward.

Abstract: An inclined roadbed is paved by vehicles which are connected by wires to uphill anchor vehicles. A paving vehicle on the inclined surface has a device for projecting a laser beam to a beam-receiving device on its respective anchor vehicle. The height of the wire connection point on the anchor vehicle is changed in response to signals from the beam-receiving device, so as to equalize the forces exerted on the inclined surface by the left and right sides of the paving vehicle. For paving surfaces such as automobile test tracks which have compound curvatures, a pavement laying apparatus has a curved surface formed by a plurality of interconnected screed plates which are each connected to a respective screw jack. A microcomputer stores data representing the desired shape of the pavement at different points along the travel path of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present mounting apparatus includes a pair of retaining tabs secured to an upper surface of a blade adjacent leading corners. Each retaining tab includes a side wall, and end wall and a cover plate which forms a cavity with the blade upper surface. A pair of retaining tabs are secured to the upper surface of the blade adjacent trailing corners. The four retaining tabs cooperate to removably secure the blade to a trowel finishing blade without the use of mechanical fasteners. Spring-type retaining clips can be utilized with the tabs to further secure the blade to a trowel finishing blade.

Abstract: A cement screed tool includes bracket clamps designed to be attached at each end of a long two-man screed, with pivotable handles being attached to each of the clamps. Operators can grip each combined handle and bracket assembly with both hands while standing sideways to the screed, inasmuch as the pivotable handle arrangement includes a pair of spaced-apart hand grips. One of the hand grips is positioned above and the other hand grip is positioned rearwardly of the screed, with selective pivoting of the handles then being permitted by the operators. The specific positioning of the hand grips relative to the screed board facilitates an accurate and efficient control of the screed by an operator.

Abstract: A screed assembly has two screed sections hingedly connected together at meeting beveled ends. The hing between the screed sections maintains a hinge axis at the soles thereof as one of the screed sections is swung upwardly to define a sloped face for a berm alongside a paving mat as a paving machine with the screed assembly progresses to form the berm and paving mat simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention includes a concrete screed frame having a first screed blade, a second screed blade and a camber top member arranged in a triangular cross section. A plurality of frame supports are transversely mounted between the first and second screed blades. A plurality of braces are mounted between the top camber member and the first and second screed blades. A telescoping tube assembly having a first tube and a second tube is mounted transversely between the first and second screed blades at the approximate midpoint of the length of the frame. A pin selectively fixes the relative position of the first and second tubes. Elongated structural means illustrated as a chain assembly is mounted to a screed blade and a tube to stiffen the screed frame and provides a chain-formed truss with the screed frame.

Abstract: A screed for forming the surface of a freshly poured concrete slab has parallel blades which are slidable relative to each other enabling extension and contraction of the screed during operation. The concrete surface is formed by pivoting movement of the screed around fixed pivot structure which supports and anchors one end of the screed. Vibrating mechanism may be included to tamp the concrete concurrently with the surface forming operation. The apparatus may be operated by a single person if necessary and the operator may extend and contract the screed during the pivoting movement in order to follow the outline of the concrete slab and/or to avoid interference from obstructions in the vicinity of the slab.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a first horizontal bar adapted to be coupled to a building column and a second horizontal bar is rotatably coupled to and beneath the first bar. A bracket which can be coupled to a screed is coupled to the second bar so that it can rotate with respect to the second bar and it can slide with respect to the second bar. The apparatus is pivotably mounted on opposite columns in an area where a concrete floor is to be leveled and the brackets are coupled to the ends of a screed which the operators wish to move up to the columns and then move around the columns, all the while smoothing and leveling the concrete.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for filling voids in recycled asphalt. When asphalt has been recycled through the use of a heater-scarifier-screed apparatus, inherently, the pavement surface has voids therein which render the surface porous. The apparatus disclosed herein spreads a thin layer of asphalt over the recycled asphalt in such a manner that substantially all of the voids in the surface thereof are filled. When the method disclosed herein has been completed, the result is a substantially smooth, recycled, repaved trafficable asphalt surface.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for controlling the vertical adjustment of a levelling and compacting plank drawn by a road-construction machine. During the working procedure the level of the plank, which is in floating contact with the material, is adjusted automatically. The present invention aims at preventing undesirable lifting of the plank caused by material which is located ahead of the plank and the flowability of which was changed due to an interruption in the motion of the machine. Hence, the invention employs the feature that, when the travelling mechanism is switched on, lifting of the plank, which is blocked against lowering when the machine is standing still, is blocked as well and that the blocking is eliminated only after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system for facilitating leveling of a screed as the screed is being drawn across freshly-poured concrete. The system includes a stationary signal transmitter which is separate from the screed and which generates a planar leveling signal. Mounted on the screed are a pair of leveling signal sensors, each of the sensors being equipped for generating an indication of the level of the screed after receipt of the leveling signal. The sensor are adjustably situated on the screed for proper adjustment and orientation toward the transmitter.

Abstract: A trowel (10) for surfacing cement work such as driveways, floors, or the like, is provided. The trowel includes a blade assembly (12) having a flexible blade member (14) with a lower surface and an upper surface. A rib base (22) is mounted on the upper surface (18) of the blade member (14) to provide reinforcement. A handle (32) is pivotally connected at one end portion to the blade assembly (12) such that an operator can move the blade member (14) over the surface of the concrete from a remote location. Adjustable weights (46A-B) can be selectively added to or taken away from the blade assembly (12) to vary the effective weight of the trowel. These weights (46A-B) are selectively positioned on the blade assembly (12) to maintain the ability of the blade member (14) to flex approximate its edge portions, and to enhance the smoothness of a produced surface.

Abstract: An automatic tilt adjusting bracket for connection between a pole handle and a concrete float blade. The bracket includes a base member, a cover member and mechanical linkage interconnecting the base and cover members. As the pole handle is pushed and pulled, a force is applied to the cover member pivoting the base member relative thereto for automatically lifting the leading edge of the float blade.

Abstract: A plug pusher, mounted to a mower of the type having a lift frame, pushes turf core plugs from an aerated turf surface. The plug pusher includes two L-shaped, elongate pusher elements, each having a horizontal first leg and a vertical second leg, mounted to the vehicle for being raised and lowered by the lift frame. The first leg of each pusher element extends forwardly from the second leg and lies on the turf surface so as the vehicle moves the core plugs gather in front of the second leg and on top of the first leg. The pusher elements are configured and are mounted to the mower to permit limited movement relative to the mower and each other to accommodate uneven surfaces.

Abstract: A multi-purpose concrete working tool can be used to strike off, consolidate, finish, and check a concrete surface to produce a very flat or super flat surface. The tool consists of a rectangular, hollow extruded magnesium blade between 8 and 12 feet long with sharp edges at each side of the bottom working surface. An elongated handle is attached to the blade by means of a pitch adjusting mechanism and lateral braces. Rotation of the handle continuously varies the pitch of the working surface of the blade between 0 and 30 degrees in either direction with respect to the concrete surface without changing the elevation of the handle. The tool weighs in excess of 20 pounds, exerts more than 0.075 psi on the concrete, and has sufficient blade rigidity to be used to strike off and consolidate a concrete surface.

Abstract: An extensible screed assembly for a bituminous paver incorporates a pair of screed extensions which are movable laterally outwards of the paver in order to pave roadway widths greater than that of the main screed. The screed extensions feature means by which the attack angle of each extension can be adjusted relative to the attack angle of the main screed and by which the alignment of each extension can also be adjusted relative to that of the main screed.

Abstract: A drag-type road grader including a skewable frame and a plurality of blade assemblies extending transversely across the frame. A tongue assembly is mounted on the frame and includes hydraulic cylinders for skewing the frame to alternative parallelogram-shaped configurations whereby the blade assemblies are angled with respect to the direction of travel. Retractible wheel assemblies are provided for transporting the grader in a non-working mode.

Abstract: An improved extendable screed for paving non-coplanar road surfaces with a screed having discontinuous strike plate portions which can be adjusted to define two planes of road surface. The screed is divided into two portions, each comprised of two parts reversibly held together with bolts. The portions may be lengthened by insertion of an extension section in one or both portions. A support system is provided which will allow the support arms of the screed and the pulling vehicle to be connected even though the extended screed is wider than the tractor. The screed and associated support system may be used in a method for paving non-coplanar roads by orienting the screed division-line in line with the center-line of the crown of the road while the center-line of the tractor, corresponding to the center-line of the screw-augers which distribute the paving material to the screed, is oriented with the center-line of the screed, so the augers more evenly draw paving material from each of the paver feeders.

Abstract: A device for controlling the pressure of the extensible screed of a road paver on the material to be laid down, comprising hydraulic actuators capable of lifting the screed unit and structure for regulating the pressure of the hydraulic fluid without varying the vertical position of said screed, including distributors, non-return valves, maximum pressure valves and, at least one accumulating chamber, wherein an electric circuit for transmitting signals acts upon the hydraulic circuit to adjust the pressure of the fluid in the actuators.

Abstract: A device for spreading asphalt and other road paving materials is disclosed. The spreader comprises a main body, two separately adjustable wings and various end components to adapt the spreader to different road surfaces, tasks or operator preferences. Structural rigidity and strength results from the use of a three point hitch and a combination of three horizontal, longitudinally position pipes in the main body and three like positioned pipes attached to the wings, said pipes moving coaxially within the main body pipes.

Abstract: A forming tool made to be drawn by tractor-feeder means of any type. The tool comprises two arms mounted to pivot by their front ends on the tractor-feeder. At the back end of the arms is mounted a needle ramp for immersion vibration so as to keep the concrete delivered and distributed by the tractor-feeder in the liquid state before its forming. The forming means comprise an upper element which has a front part in the form of a shield for the regulation of the amount of concrete introduced under the form, and a back part serving as forming upper plate and simultaneously as back reference and support means for levelling the tool, the latter being entirely carried by the formed concrete layer. Side forming plates are also provided.