Abstract: A paving system having a strike-off assembly and method of manufacture is provided that distributes paving material onto a road surface. The strike-off assembly comprises a screed assembly comprised in a guide frame. The screed assembly comprises a flexible screed having a first and second surface secured in a screed track. The screed assembly may be disposed behind a mobile paving system to regulate the amount of paving material distributed onto the road surface and to ensure a generally even distribution of paving material across the road surface. After the surface of the flexible screed has become worn or damaged from use, the screed assembly may be removed and reversed such that the second surface is employed to regulate and distribute paving material onto the road surface.

Abstract: Methods of screeding and screeding apparatus which are designed to be driven through poured, uncured concrete. Embodiments of the screeding apparatus are provided with novel wheels which can be moved through concrete both before and after screeding without requiring the re-screeding of the areas through which the wheels have passed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a screed assembly that includes a strike-off. This strike-off is directly connected to a screed plate such that the strike-off is able to bend or twist along with movement of the screed plate which occurs during a paving operation. The strike-off in the screed assembly of the present invention is simpler and less costly to manufacture than corresponding devices in existing screed assemblies. Connecting the strike-off directly to the screed establishes a shearing height prior to mounting the screed assembly to the paving machine in set up of the screed assembly faster and easier to accomplish.

Abstract: A device for smoothing a concrete paving surface including a machine frame that defines a predetermined working width perpendicular to a predetermined direction of travel of the machine frame, and a carriage system for moving the machine frame in the predetermined direction of travel. The device also includes a transverse smoothing portion carried by the machine frame for smoothing concrete paving across the predetermined working width that has two transverse structures with adjacent ends and remote ends and an articulating portion for connecting together the adjacent ends of the transverse structures. The device further includes a longitudinal smoothing portion for effecting longitudinal smoothing of concrete paving, and a moving portion for moving the longitudinal smoothing portion along the transverse structures over the entirety of the predetermined working width.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and smoothing concrete and drawing up paste in one motion. The apparatus has a leveling blade with a straight edge and a smooth-surfaced float. The float attaches to the leveling blade by a connecting strip of resilient material, which permits the position of the float to contour to the concrete surface. The connecting strip, adjacent to the float, contacts the concrete surface to pull up cement paste, which creates a more workable surface. The leveling blade attaches to the handle by a mount. The handle and handle mount are adjustable to add additional length to the apparatus for use on various sized concrete surfaces. A device for vibration can also be attached to the apparatus to assist in leveling and smoothing concrete.

Abstract: A screed device includes a screed plate having two arms separately attached at their lower ends to the screed plate. The arms are pivotally attached to the screed plate for pivotal movement about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paving screed for a paver, with a basic screed and with at least one lateral extendable screed part which is connected to the basic screed via hydraulically actuable tensioners and the height of which can be adjusted by means of a height setting device which comprises vertical spindles which are coupled to the extendable screed part and are held on the basic screed rotatably relative to the latter, the spindles being adjustable via a common drive motor, it being possible, as a result of the actuation of the drive motor, to trigger a release of the hydraulically actuable tensioners for the duration of actuation and the extendable screed part being additionally connected to the basic screed via spring-biased screws.

Abstract: The finding produces a self-propelled vibratory finishing machine for asphalting road surfaces comprising a frame which supports a storage device and distribution of the bitumen to be deposited on the surfaces comprising a pair of screw feeders moved by a transmission unit and a pressing device the deposited bitumen aggregate set behind the screw feeders. Connected to the transmission unit and next to the screw feeders there is a flow divider device having surfaces symmetrically shaped to create at least one cutting edge suited to aid the flow of bitumen towards the screw feeders.

Abstract: A concrete-finishing apparatus (10) comprises a relatively quickly rotating, powered roller (18) adapted to be moved relatively slowly across a bed, slab or layer of newly-laid concrete (11), while the latter is still fluid, with opposite ends (14, 15) of the roller maintained at the required level of the concrete surface, in order to produce a smoothed finish to the surface of the concrete, said roller (18): a) containing internal stressing means (44) for applying longitudinal compression to the roller, between the ends (14, 15) of the roller, so as to reduce the tendency of the roller to sag or become permanently bowed, and/or b) being adapted to be removed from the remainder of the apparatus (10) and dismantled, when not in use, into constituent, smaller, parts.

Abstract: A powered rotary screed provides a powered strike tube that rotates to provide a finish to wet concrete during screeding and a drive tube that provides motive power to the screed to assist with the difficult task of removing excess concrete from a poured pad, or other horizontal concrete surface. No framework or other supporting structure extends between ends of the screed thereby making the screed more portable than comparable screeds having a structure that supports the roller tubes and extends the length of the screed. Handles are pivotally coupled to plates at each end of the screed to maneuver and control the screed during operation. Because the handles are pivotally mounted, they can be pivoted outward to permit the screed to maneuver close to obstacles located near the pad.

Abstract: Methods of screeding and screeding apparatus which are designed to be driven through poured, uncured concrete. Embodiments of the screeding apparatus are provided with novel wheels which can be moved through concrete both before and after screeding without requiring the re-screeding of the areas through which the wheels have passed.

Abstract: A grading machine includes a forwardly projecting frame partially supported by a small tractor. A blade assembly on the frame disperses and strikes off aggregate for subsequent paving along a course. The blade assembly of the apparatus is indirectly supported by linear actuators in turn supported by a shoe which travels along the aggregate surface. Adjustable indicators on the flame indicate the relationship of the aggregate surface to a desired aggregate height with subsequent operation of the actuators lifting or lowering the blade assembly to raise or lower the blade assembly strike off action for return of the indicators to a predetermined relationship to guides, shown as concrete forms, extending along the course of the aggregate being laid. A vibratory compactor trails the shoe and may move about multiple axes. The shoe supported actuators may be operated in a uniform or differential manner, the latter resulting in transversely tilting the blade assembly for transverse sloping of the aggregate surface.

Abstract: Paving materials having excellent durability supplied to a front spreading screw 5 is prevented from dropping onto the center band of a road by a bottom plate 30, and by the rotation of the front spreading screw 5 is spread onto the two bands of the road where the left and right tires of cars make contact. In contrast, an ordinary paving materials supplied to rear spreading screw 7 is prevented from dropping onto the bands of the road with which the left and right tires of cars make contact by means of the bottom plates 32, 33 and is spread onto the center band and the outside bands of the road by the rotation of the rear spreading screw 7. Two types of paving materials spread and formed into alternating bands in this way are laid and paved at the same time by the screed 9, and as a result, a pavement with high durability can be constructed at low cost.

Abstract: An adjustable grader-spreader bar with a three-point hitch has a blade frame assembly comprised of a plurality of blade frames, each blade frame having a blade edge fastened at the bottom. The blade frames are slideably connected so that the blade frames have an adjustable overlap. Actuating devices, such as hydraulic rams, are used to extend or retract the blade frames, so that the width of the of the adjustable grader-spreader bar may either be increased or decreased as required for the particular application. Ground engaging skids are attached to each side of the blade frame assembly. The vertical position of each ground engaging skid may be adjusted to raise or lower each side of the adjustable grader-spreader bar. Actuating devices, such as electrical motors, are used to change the vertical position of the ground engaging skids.

Abstract: A powered inertia propelled screed for leveling, smoothing and spreading concrete having a power source, motor pulley, motor belt, power reduction pulley, power reduction belt, transfer axle, second power reduction pulley, continuous belt, irregular shaped pulley, arm, stationary bracket, platform, wheels, tracks, control arms and screed. The rotation of the irregular shaped pulley causes the powered inertia propelled screed to move back and forth along the tracks by inertia and so that the screed is moved back and forth along the concrete.

Abstract: A vibrating screed for surfacing concrete comprises a surfacing blade, a pair of handle assemblies mounted to said blade, a motor, vibration causing mechanism and a transmission connecting the motor to the vibration causing mechanism such that, when the motor is in operation it causes the transmission to rotate with the transmission being adapted to impart a vibratory motion to the blade. The transmission includes a flexible joint having an angled configuration to allow the motor to be mounted rearwardly of a leading edge of the blade. Each handle assembly comprises a main elongated tubular member and a handle mounted at a proximal end thereof. The handle includes a first tubular element mounted around the main tubular member, a second tubular element extending sideways from the first element and a third tubular element extending around the second element, with a grip member being mounted to the third element.

Abstract: A paving machine and edger providing precompaction, horizontal shear compaction and primary compaction of a paving material. The edger includes a plurality of adjustment apparatus for vertical and angular adjustment. A plurality of height indicators are provided for measuring the vertical position of the compaction surfaces of the edger. A wedge extender is removably attached to the edger. The edger is capable of creating a stepped tapered ramp having a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of the tapered portion.

Abstract: An edge-forming device is used with a screed assembly having lateral ends and a screed plate extending between the lateral ends, the screed plate having a generally horizontal working surface, and a generally horizontal centerline. The edge-forming device includes a frame connected with a lateral end of the screed assembly and a plate disposed below the frame. The plate has a horizontal working surface and extends outwardly beyond the screed assembly lateral end. An adjustment mechanism is connected with the frame and with the edge-forming plate and displaces the plate with respect to the frame to adjust a vertical position of the edge-forming plate with respect to the screed plate such that the plate forms a vertical step in a mat of material paved by the screed assembly proximal to an edge of the mat. The adjustment mechanism also pivots the plate to adjust the taper angle of the vertical step in the mat and also to adjust the angle of attack of the plate.

Abstract: A paving machine and pavement edger therefor are provided. The pavement edger is capable of creating a stepped tapered ramp having a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of the tapered portion. The resulting ramp allows for safety during pavement laying work stoppage and creation of solid pavement joints.

Abstract: A pavement ramp and ramp making process are provided. The ramp has a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of a tapered portion. The resulting ramp allows for safety during pavement laying work stoppage and creation of solid pavement joints.

Abstract: A powered inertia propelled screed for leveling, smoothing and spreading concrete having a power source, motor pulley, motor belt, power reduction pulley, power reduction belt, transfer axle, second power reduction pulley, continuous belt, irregular shaped pulley, arm, stationary bracket, platform, wheels, tracks, control arms and screed whereby the rotation of the irregular shaped pulley causes the powered inertia propelled screed to move back and forth along the tracks by inertia and wherein the screed is moved back and forth along the concrete.

Abstract: A vibratory screed device for levelling freshly poured concrete surfaces consists of an elongated vibrated screed beam delimited by a flat underside, a first and a second longitudinal side and a top; of a vibratory assembly for bringing the vibrated screed beam into vibration; and of a handle assembly which can be fixed in a detachable manner to the vibrated screed beam at an upward slope with respect to the flat underside. The first and the second longitudinal side are differently profiled and each has a surface suitable for vibratory levelling. The handle assembly can be fixed to the vibrated screed beam in two positions, in the one position sloping upwards obliquely at the first longitudinal side in order to make the first longitudinal side the active surface and in the second position sloping upwards obliquely at the second longitudinal side in order to make the second longitudinal side the active surface.

Abstract: A contouring device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at opposite ends by a pair of fluid cylinders. The fluid cylinders are controlled to raise and lower the ends of the contouring assembly independently of each other, thereby allowing the contouring assembly to create a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of one of the fluid cylinders is based on a comparison of the measured position of a first end of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. The measurement of the position of the first end of the contouring assembly is achieved by a tracking device which tracks the position of a target positioned on the first end of the contouring assembly and which determines the three dimensional position of the target.

Abstract: A vibrating screed with rollers for use in leveling a concrete pour. The screed comprises an elongate screed member defining opposed first and second ends and extensible between a pair of screed rails. A first and second roller are rotatably mounted to the screed member and protrude from respective ones of the first and second ends thereof. The rollers are rotatably movable along respective ones of the first and second screed rails. The screed additionally may comprise a motor to rotate the rollers and/or vibrate the screed member.

Abstract: An extension screed assembly (18) for use with a paving machine (14) having a main screed (12) includes a first sliding back board (20), a first linear actuator (22) coupled to the main screed and the first sliding back board, a first extension screed (30), and a second linear actuator (32) coupled to the first sliding back board and the first extension screed. The first linear actuator displaces the first sliding back board relative to the main screed along the length of the main screed. The second linear actuator displaces the first extension screed relative to the first sliding back board along the length of the main screed. When two extension screeds are provided, one on each side of the main screed, and are fully extended, an effective paving width of the main screed doubles.

Abstract: A screeding attachment for an industrial utility vehicle. The screed and vehicle in combination provide a low cost, maneuverable and versatile screeding unit for screeding small and medium size pavements such as driveways, sidewalks, slabs and surfaces inside buildings and the like. A see-through frame supported on castered wheels and a see-through distribution and deposition system for metering and depositing paving materials in the path of a grooved cylindrical screed provide an apparatus for continuously laying a screeded slab under the direct observation of an operator in the industrial utility vehicle.

Abstract: The screed includes an elongated blade vibrated by a centrally located, eccentric weight. The blade is supported by an elongated shaft extending to a power source that drives the weight. An associated operator handle facilitates convenient manipulation of the screed. A unique vibration dispersion system enables the centrally located weight to effectively vibrate the entire blade length. The dispersion system includes an elongated, rigid integral brace extending the entire blade length. The brace secures to the eccentric weight via a vibratory housing. Vibrations from the housing force the blade to vibrate violently to consolidate the plastic concrete. As the screed is drawn across wet plastic concrete, it simultaneously consolidates the concrete by vibrating it thoroughly throughout the monolith while also striking off and levelling the top layer of the concrete.

Abstract: A paver screed has a main screed with two outer side walls, at least one of the side walls being provided with insertion orifices for the releasable mounting of at least one lateral screed extension by means of fastening elements capable of being inserted through the insertion orifices. A screed extension has fastening elements that comprise hydraulic cylinders which each have a piston that is spring-biased into an initial, retracted position. The cylinders are actuated by hydraulic fluid to displace or extend the piston against the biasing action of the spring. Preferably, the hydraulic cylinders are connected a hydraulic circuit of the main screed. The piston of each hydraulic cylinder carries a shank capable of being inserted through a proximal insertion orifice and which are preferably provided with an abutment element configured for attaching the cylinder to the sidewall of the main screed.

Abstract: An earth compacting machine for attachment to the lift arms of a front loader tractor or skid steer loader, the lift arms having forward implement attachment ends, the lift arms having bucket rams providing pivotal motion of implements attached thereto, the earth compacting machine consisting of an earth compacting plate having an upwardly chamfered forward end, an attachment plate fixedly attached to and extending upwardly from the earth compacting plate, the attachment plate being adapted for attachment to the forward implement attachment ends of such lift arms of such front loader tractor or skid steer loader; and an imbalanced wheel vibrator fixedly attached to the upper surface of the earth compacting plate; the earth compacting plate further comprising a dirt grading blade section fixedly attached to the chamfered section of the earth compacting plate, the dirt grading blade section being positioned for dirt grading through actuation of the bucket rams.

Abstract: A strike-off device is for a paving screed having a main screed and a screed extension attached to the main screed, the screed extension having a generally vertical front surface. The strike-off device includes a plate disposed frontwardly of and adjacent to the screed extension. The plate has a generally horizontal working edge extending laterally along the front vertical surface of the screed extension. Two connective members extend between the strike-off plate and the screed extension and are configured to adjustably attach the plate to the screed extension, such that vertical displacement of the connective members adjusts a vertical position of the strike-off working edge. Preferably, the connective members are each a threaded rod having a first end engaged with the strike-off plate and a second end engaged with the screed extension, such that rotation of the rods displace the strike-off plate in vertical directions.

Abstract: A retainer device is used with a screed assembly including a main screed and a pair of front-mounted screed extensions connected with the main screed. Each extension is pivotally attached to the main screed and has a front surface facing generally away from the main screed. The retainer device includes a retainer plate disposed adjacent to the front surface of the screed extension. A horizontally-extending rod has a first end connected with the retainer plate and a second end connected with the main screed. The rod is configured to displace the retainer plate between a first, most distal position with respect to the main screed and a second, most proximal position with respect to the main screed. At the most proximal position, the retainer member acts upon the screed extension such that the screed extension is retained generally in contact with the main screed. Further, the plate prevents rotation of the screed extension in a direction generally away from the main screed.

Abstract: A screed assembly for use in paving material upon a generally horizontal surface includes a main screed having a generally vertical front surface. At least one and preferably two screed extensions are connected with the main screed. At least one and preferably a pair horizontally-extending support members each have a first end movably connected with the main screed and a second end connected with a screed extension. The support members are movable with respect to the main screed so as to displace the screed extensions alternately toward and away from the main screed front surface so as to adjust the angle of attack of the screed extensions independently of the angle of attack of the main screed. Preferably, an adjustment assembly or device is connected with the support member and is configured to displace the support member with respect to the main screed. The adjustment device includes a base attached to either the main screed or the support member, preferably the support member.

Abstract: A concrete finishing tool comprising an elongated handle in a cylindrical configuration having an upper portion and a lower portion and an intermediate portion there between, the upper portion having a lower end and an upper end with the upper portion containing a battery, the lower portion having a lower end with a horizontal aperture there through and an upper end, the intermediate portion having a lower end and an upper end with the intermediate portion containing a switch with a receiver adjacent to its upper end and an axially reciprocating vibrator adjacent to its lower end and with a motor there between; and a cross piece with lateral ends and with a planar lower surface adapted to finish concrete and an upper surface with a central bracket formed with a horizontal aperture there through and with a pin pivotally coupling the bracket to the lower end of the handle, the upper surface also including a pair of vibrators adjacent to the lateral ends thereof.

Abstract: A screed for a paver has a baseplate and at least one tamper bar arranged in front of the baseplate. The tamper bar extends transversely to the paving direction and is movable in upward and downward directions by means of an eccentric drive and is capable of being electrically heated. At least one coil is provided, which is arranged so as to be adjacent to the tamper bar and to which a high-frequency current may be applied by means of an electrical current source. The current flowing through the coil induces eddy currents in the tamper bar such that the tamper bar becomes heated.

Abstract: A material flow modifying device is for a screed assembly of a paving machine. The screed assembly has a main screed with a central axis extending in a direction of intended travel of the paving machine and two screed extensions movably mounted to the main screed. The flow modifying device includes a deflector member connected with the screed extension and having a flow surface facing toward the central axis of the main screed. The flow surface is contactable with paving material on a base surface and is configured to displace the material toward the central axis when the paving machine moves in the intended travel direction. The deflector member has a first end disposed adjacent to the inner vertical surface of the screed extension and a second, free end disposed proximal to the front vertical surface of the main screed, such that the second end moves laterally along the main screed during movement of the screed extension.

Abstract: A two-person floating screed with laser-operated, automatic grade control apparatus for finishing plastic concrete is transformable for different operations. A rigid, transversely oriented float mounts a strikeoff for initially contacting and leveling rough, freshly poured concrete. In one form of the invention the screed merely floats upon the concrete surface. In an alternative embodiment, lightweight ski assemblies support the screed over the subgrade. The skis secure upwardly projecting screw jacks that removably couple to the screed and control elevation of the transverse float in response to laser signals. Each worker has a separate handle mechanism pivotally associated with the float. Separate, light-weight power sources are carried by each worker in a suitable backpack to power the screw jacks. Laser sensors mounted on vibration dampened stanchions emanating from the float respond to external laser beacons and display grade information so that the workers can make manual adjustments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a screed plate to a frame member of a screed assembly is disclosed. A leading edge portion of the screed plate is secured to the frame member by a number of fastening assemblies each of which includes an upper fastening block, a lower fastening block, and a bolt. The upper fastening block is welded to the frame member, whereas the lower fastening block is welded to the screed plate. Rotation of the bolt causes the fastening blocks, and hence the frame member and the screed plate, to be secured to one another. The bolt is disposed at an angle relative the screed plate thereby allowing access thereto from a rear portion of the screed assembly. Such a configuration allows the screed plate to be exchanged without the need to remove the screed assembly from the tractor associated with the paver. Such a configuration further allows the screed plate to be exchanged without the need to remove a number of deflector plates associated with the screed assembly.

Abstract: A height control mechanism for a strike-off plate of an asphalt paver screed assembly is disclosed. The screed assembly is pivotally connected to a pair of tow arms of an asphalt paver and has at least one main screed unit and at least one screed extension unit mounted in front of the main screed unit. The screed extension is laterally movable beyond one end of the main screed unit. The screed assembly also has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pitch angle of the screeds relative to the ground. The height control mechanism includes a support mechanism adapted to mount the strike-off plate in front of the main screed unit at a position ahead of the screed extension unit. The height control mechanism also includes a linkage arrangement adapted to automatically control the height of the strike-off plate upon the adjustment of the pitch angle of the screeds.

Abstract: A power screed sled apparatus is provided including a power screed including an elongated frame with a pair of ends. Also included is a pair of skis each coupled to an associated end of the frame of the power screed for transporting the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paver having a consolidation plank for the floating packing of layers, the consolidation plank consisting of two plank halves (1a, 11b), of which the angle of inclination relative to one another can be adjusted transversely to the packing direction and which are adjustable via a controllable adjusting device (7, 24). In order to lock the adjusting members (7) in the non-actuated state, the two plank halves (1a, 1b) are coupled to one another, so as to be free of play, via a brake (9) which is lifted while the adjusting device (7, 24) is being actuated.

Abstract: An asphalt paver for applying a mat of asphalt material as the paver is moved along a path includes a frame, a compacting screed having rotatable vibrator shaft, and an edge compactor attached to the outer end of the compacting screed. The edge compactor includes a pivoting nose piece or tamping bar having an outer end generally overlying an edge portion of the asphalt mat, a rotatable shaft connected to the vibrator shaft, and a rod eccentrically mounted to the rotatable shaft and secured to the tamping bar outer end for pivoting the tamping bar in response to rotation of the rotatable shaft. The oscillating movement of the tamping bar over the outer edge of the asphalt mat compacts the edge of the asphalt mat as the paver is moved along the path.

Abstract: A vibrating screed is provided which permits selective adjustment of the angle between the axis of a rotatable eccentric and the plane defined by the bottom of the screed plate to vary the relative vertical compaction and horizontal smoothing oscillation movement imparted by the eccentric. The screed includes a frame, motor, an eccentric driven by the motor, a screed plate, and a pair of locking hinges which releasably connect the frame to the screed plate at one of a multiplicity of possible angular relationships therebetween. The screed plate includes a tension adjustment to facilitate leveling of the screed and the weight of the eccentric is positioned between two spaced-apart bearings for enhanced support and for enabling the axis of rotation of the eccentric to be varied relative to the screed plate.

Abstract: A manual screeding system for use in leveling freshly poured concrete which includes a frame for providing structural integrity to the screed. The screeding system includes handles, attached to the frame, for manually holding and manipulating the screeding system during the screeding process. A support, attached to the frame, is provided for preventing the screeding system from rotating about the handles during the screeding process. The support is structured to engage the forearms of the user when the screeding system is in use. A pair of bracket assemblies are provided for securely holding a screed board to the frame.

Abstract: A wear compensating device for a slope adjusting assembly for an extendable screed section of a paver includes a saddle support assembly on the screed, for supporting an extendable screed section, a saddle assembly on the saddle support assembly for carrying extendable guide members to support the extendable screed section, and an adjustable cam follower positioned between the saddle assembly and the saddle support assembly for providing rolling contact between the saddle assembly and the saddle support assembly, to maintain alignment between the saddle support assembly and the saddle assembly.

Abstract: An asphalt paver screed includes a linkage mechanism connecting a main screed and at least one extender screed. The linkage mechanism controls movement of the extender screed relative to the main screed (via a pair of upper and lower frames connecting the extender screed and main screed) along three generally perpendicular axes. The linkage mechanism includes a plurality of links with at least one elongate lateral link extending along a lateral axis generally parallel to a first horizontal axis, at least one elongate fore/aft link extending along a fore/aft axis generally parallel to a second horizontal axis, and at least one selectively length-adjustable link extending along an axis generally parallel to a third vertical axis. The length adjustable link permits selective adjustment of vertical spacing and sloping between the main screed and the extender screed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for finishing a concrete floor that exce approximately 50 feet in width. A riding trowel of the type that forms a windrow of loosened concrete material in its wake is positioned on the concrete floor. The riding trowel has a straight edge coupled thereto by a support assembly that positions the straight edge to cross the windrow at a substantially perpendicular angle thereto within line-of-sight of an operator. A power assembly is coupled between the straight edge and the riding trowel for independently controlling vertical and pivoting movement of the straight edge. The riding trowel is driven on the concrete floor and the straight edge is moved along the concrete floor simultaneously with the riding trowel.

Abstract: A paving machine employs a screed heating system using heat from the exhaust system to heat indirectly the screed to the desired temperature. A heat exchange medium is heated by the exhaust system in a first heat exchanger and is then conveyed to a second heat exchanger where it heats the screed. Measures are taken to supply additional heat to the heat exchange medium as may be required to achieve the required heat transfer in the second heat exchanger. The system operates under low pressure and is thus simpler, less expensive, and less likely to fail than high-pressure systems. Preferably, the heat exchange medium is continuously circulated between the first and second heat exchangers in a closed-loop to minimize the amount of heat exchange medium required and to simplify the system. The system is also preferably designed to permit movement of the screed relative to the remainder of the paving machine and to permit flexing of the screed.

Abstract: A compression weight (10) for use in laying flooring is disclosed. The compression weight (10) includes a body (12) and a handle (14). The body (12) has an upper surface and a lower surface where the lower surface is substantially planar. The body (12) is constructed from an epoxy resin material. The handle (14) is coupled to the upper surface of the body (12) to provide a gripping surface. The lower surface of the body (12) can thereby be applied to flooring to compress the flooring while being laid.

Abstract: A screed assembly is disclosed for an asphalt paving machine that is used to pave the surface of a roadway with asphalt concrete paving material. This screed assembly includes a frame portion that is adapted for attachment to the paving machine, and a vibratory screed portion that is adapted for attachment to the frame portion. The vibratory screed portion includes a screed plate that is disposed towards the surface of the roadway, and a vibratory assembly which is mounted to the screed plate so as to impart vibration thereto. This vibratory assembly includes an elongate shaft, means for rotating the shaft, and an eccentric weight that is mounted on the shaft, which weight has a non-symmetrical distribution of mass about the shaft so that vibration will be created upon rotation thereof. The screed assembly also includes means for isolating the vibratory assembly so as to limit the transmission of vibration created thereby to the frame portion.

Abstract: A heated screed assembly (10) for use with a paving machine (12) includes a screed (16). An elastomeric, electrically-powered heating element (36) is carried on the upper surface (28) of the screed. A retaining member (48) is disposed to overly the heating element, whereby the heating element is retained in contact with the upper surface of the screed during operation of the paving machine. Electric power is supplied to the elastomeric heating element by a generator (44).