Abstract: A wind tower erected on a foundation in which individual levels are formed by connecting a plurality of cast concrete panels along their vertical joints. Additional levels are installed on each prior level and secured with an all-thread post tensioning system and couplers.

Abstract: A machine for imprinting patterns onto uncured concrete in an elongated bed includes a frame for positioning the finishing machine over the bed. A lower patterning unit suspended from the frame is movable backward and forward of the concrete bed and a press assembly moves the pattern in and out of contact with uncured concrete on the elongated bed.

Abstract: A system for automating the casting of concrete panels in which a bed position indicator is fed to a program which compares the bed position to CAD drawings concerning the concrete to be cast and sends the drawing detail for the position of the bed which is then shown on the bed by a laser.

Abstract: Improved premolded foam billets and drop-in foam billet joints increase the R value in concrete panels.

Abstract: A segmented concrete screed for screeding concrete on a concrete casting bed includes a plurality of individual screed units each of which may be raised and lowered independently of the others such that screeding operations may selectively bypass obstructions in the concrete to be screeded.

Abstract: An improvement to concrete casting machines of the casting bed type in which the side forms are constructed and arranged to stay in an upright position at all times but may be raised and lowered.

Abstract: A method for casting hollow core concrete panels includes the use of raft connectors to hold a plurality of spaced foam billets in place during the manufacture to create panel or plank with spaced foam-filled cores. The panels include billets that form longitudinal voids that allows utilities to be run through the lengths of the concrete panels.

Abstract: A device for forming panels of cast concrete having simulated mortar lines. The device rests above a casting bed on the beds rails. As the bed moves relative to the device, the movement is translated to a shuttle and press mechanism that descends into the uncured concrete, makes the impression, lifts and returns to the start. At this time the rear mortar line is now in position with the device to make a new forward line due to the indexing of the bed movement relative to the device.

Abstract: An improved slipform for use in a machine for casting hollow core concrete planks includes at least one angled baffle plate in the core material receiving ports so as to deflect the core material from directly impacting the lower concrete. This lessens the possibility of tears and holes in the lower layer caused by the core material.

Abstract: A retainer maintains a body of standing washing liquid against the outside surface of a mat, such as a pulp mat. The mat moves on a vacuum screen which draws washing liquid from the body of liquid through the mat to clean it. The retainer pivots to adjust different mat heights and allows clumps of material on the mat to pass underneath the retainer. Clumps on the mat are also smoothed into the mat as the clumps pass underneath the retainer.

Abstract: A device for lifting long, heavy concrete panels including clamping heads having diamond crystals bonded to the facing region to minimize slippage at the clamp head/concrete interface.

Abstract: The chairs include a lower chair portion for supporting multiple prestressing cables at the bottom of a plank and a narrow upper chair portion for supporting an upper prestressing cable located in the web between the hollow cores of the prestressed plank. The upper chair portion can be inserted into the strand receiving cups of the lower portion to form a structurally sound support for accurately placing the top and bottom reinforcing strands in the plank as it is cast.

Abstract: An insulated concrete panel utilizing interlocking sheets of insulation material sandwiched between two layers of concrete. The insulation material sheets are interlocked utilizing a symmetrical partial dovetail locking structure permitting subsequent sheets of insulating material to be interlocked with previously emplaced sheets without disturbance.

Abstract: An improved stock washer for removing impurities from a porous mat disposed over a vacuum head is disclosed. In one application in connection with an industrial paper making process, paper pulp forms a porous mat over a rotating drum which has a vacuum on the inside. The washer includes an elongate housing, defining a chamber therein, disposed above the drum with a slot along its bottom and resilient, downwardly-extending wipers at the slot edges, Water flows into a pipe extending the length of the chamber. The pipe has holes along its sides to direct water into the chamber downwardly and outwardly. The pipe, which extends through the ends of the housing, is mounted to adjustable mounts at both ends to allow the washer height above the mat to be adjusted. Water flows through the holes in the pipe and accumulates at the chamber bottom where it is directed into the mat by the resilient wipers. The water flows through the mat into the drum displacing chemical impurities in the process.

Abstract: A machine for casting concrete panels. The machine disclosed casts hollow core concrete panels in a single casting operation utilizing a slipform technique to fill cores with core material which can be dumped from the core after curing of the concrete has been accomplished. Vibration of the slipform during casting facilitates free flow of concrete around the slipform and core material extruded from slipforms. The slipfom has a closed front portion which is tapered to a reduced cross section. The machine utilizes a casting pallet employing improved side form cleaning apparatus. The machine also includes improved finishing screeds for applying decorative three-dimensional finishes on the top surface of cast panels.

Abstract: A method of manufacture in which the formation of unsightly stress cracks in sandwich-like panels of prestressed concrete are prevented by the formation of a "contraction joint" at selected locations in the panel's outer layer of concrete during its manufacture.

Abstract: A machine for casting concrete panels. The machine disclosed casts hollow core concrete panels in a single casting operation utilizing a slipform technique to fill cores with core material which can be dumped from the core after curing of the concrete has been accomplished. Vibration of the slipform during casting facilitates free flow of concrete around the slipform and core material extruded from slipforms. The slipform has a closed front portion which is tapered to a reduced cross section. The machine utilizes a casting pallet employing improved side form cleaning apparatus. The machine also includes improved finishing screeds for applying decorative three-dimensional finishes on the top surface of cast panels.

Abstract: A process and system for recovery and recycling of hard rock core forming aggregate used in the slip forming of elongated hollow-cored concrete planks using wash water to remove slurry and a rotating screen to remove the water from the aggregate with collection and conveying means for the aggregate.