Abstract: A cargo handling ramp including a support frame and an inclined walkway provided with hand rails along the walkway and rollers beneath the frame for moving it over a surface wherein a mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the lowermost end of the walkway relative to the upper end of the walkway to adjust the incline of the walkway for use of the device in loading operations and wherein a rub rail type brake is provided to control rate of descent of wheeled standard size cartons or containers down the ramp to avoid dangerous situations.

Abstract: A key joint forming strip and supporting stake therefor wherein the upper portion of the strip includes a hook segment engageable with a supporting ledge on the upper end of the stake and the intermediate portion of the stake includes a downwardly facing hook engageable with a protrusion on a lower portion of the strip. In use, the hook segment is first engaged with the ledge and then the lower portion of the strip is forced against the stake to engage the protrusion beneath the downwardly facing hook. Once so engaged, the strip is held in place between the ledge and the hook.

Abstract: In the case of a bridging arrangement for expansion joints in the carriageways of bridges or the like having a plurality of parallel plates (1-5) which are adjacent to the surface of the carriageway, run at right-angles to the direction of the carriageway and are supported on bars (6-10) which bridge the joint gap and are displaceably mounted in the edges (14, 15) of the joint, each plate is rigidly connected to two or more bars, but each bar is rigidly connected to not more than one plate. The spacings of the plates is controlled by means of elastomeric bearing members (19), the bars being supported by bearing members of that type that are on one or both of the plates and the two outer bars being supported likewise by bearing members of that type which are on the two edges (14, 15) of the joint, each on a different edge. This type of arrangement of the bearing member described results additionally in an especially even distribution of the vertical loads.

Abstract: A slotted grate (3) is disclosed which is formed of a sheet metal strip with slot (15) therein. Reinforcement of the grate (3) is achieved by inserting a sheet metal arch support (30) between two adjacent slots (15). The arch support (30) is formed of a piece of sheet metal bent into a U-shape with shoulders (35, 36) of its end sections (31) being spaced further apart than the shoulders (37, 38) of its midsection (32). A process is disclosed wherein the slotted grate (3) is constructed by first placing arch supports (30) between the desired slots (15) and then double bending the edge sections of the sheet material forming the grate (3) to form two U-shaped side channels with the shoulders (35, 36) of arch support (30) locked securely therein.

Abstract: A traffic lane delineator includes an elongate centrally disposed planar strip flanked on at least one side, and generally both sides, by outwardly extending tabs or ribs. The width of each rib may be equal to the space between adjacent ribs or the rib width and spacing therebetween may be varied if desired. This configuration provides an audible warning if a moving vehicle engages and drives upon the ribs. The planar strip preferably also includes a longitudinally extending double yellow line marking which may include reflective material. A physical barrier along the central strip may take the form of spaced-apart stanchions which may include reflective material for visibly delineating the traffic lanes. The delineator may be readily installed on a lane surface as needed as well as removed and rolled or stacked for compact storage.

Abstract: A stiffening girder for a stayed cable bridge, constructed of reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete, is formed by a closed multi-cell box extending in the long direction of the bridge. The upper part of the box is a substantially horizontally extending roadway slab. Webs extending downwardly from the roadway slab and in the long direction of the bridge combine with the roadway slab to form at least a part of the multi-cell box. The webs can be vertically arranged or obliquely inclined relative to the roadway slab. Further, a bottom slab spaced downwardly from the roadway slab may complete the box. The girder or box is supported by inclined cables extending in at least one support plane along the long direction of the bridge. The cables can be attached to the girder along its center line in the long direction or at symmetrical locations positioned outwardly from the center line.

Abstract: A bridge launching and retrieving mechanism after mounting on a vehicle forms a bridge transporting, launching and retrieving vehicle. The launching and retrieving mechanism includes input, follower and coupler links which are pivotably interconnected, and input and follower links are pivotably mounted to a support means or to a vehicle itself. An interfacing means is pivotably attached to the coupler and provides rigid temporary interface between a bridge and the mechanism. To allow a bridge to be launched in different directions, the launching mechanism is mounted on support means in the form of a basket rotatably mounted in the vehicle's body. The preferred embodiments use two parallel linkage arrangements each having at least an input link, a coupler link, a follower link and a support means. An embodiment uses variable length links and variable position of pivots of the links so that the footing portion of the coupler may be placed on the ground at a variable distance from the vehicle body.

Abstract: An improved penetrating tool for pavement breakers is disclosed. The tool of the present invention has a flange with a striking surface which extends in the direction of motion of the vehicle. The striking surface is curved so that the closing angle, defined as the difference between the angle of motion and the angle of inclination of that portion of the striking surface in contact with the pavement, is constant throughout the entire stroke of the tool. The constant closing angle should be within the range of about 6.degree.-18.degree., preferably about 15.degree..

Abstract: A truck frame for road repair work includes a tank containing heated asphalt, a repair materials hopper, a front discharge chute and a drive worm conveyor within the hopper for moving repair aggregate from the hopper to the chute for deposit in a pavement pothole or the like. The discharge end of the chute is manually moveable from side to side and front to back and carries an outlet for the heated asphalt to coat the aggregate emerging from the chute with the asphalt, for spreading the asphalt coated aggregate into the pavement defect being repaired. The chute has a first air inlet attached thereto remote from the discharge in and through which air under pressure is applied to the chute to cause a swirling motion of the aggregate as it descends through the chute toward the pavement, and a second air inlet at the opposite end from the outlet for receiving air under pressure to clean a pothole before the repair material is applied thereto.

Abstract: With transfer bridges for ramps having an extension capable of being extended and retracted, and tongues capable of being pushed in, in connection with a bridge plate pivotably mounted on the ramp, a drive is associated with the extension. The drive retracts the extension by a small distance, for instance 20 mm, when the tongues are pushed in and arrested, in order to thus form a gap between the tongues and the vehicle which is to be loaded or unloaded, for avoidance of damage to the vehicle. The retraction of the extension is to occur with the release of the operating button intended for the extension of the extension, or for the lowering of the bridge plate dependent upon a time switch, so that the retraction movement of the extension can occur with a structurally simple double-acting cylinder.

Abstract: A manhole structure comprising a circular frame formed with a pair of diametrically opposite inwardly and upwardly open recesses traversed by respective pivot pins and a further pair of diametrically opposite brackets having inwardly and upwardly open recesses. A pair of semicircular cover heads, each has three radially projecting lugs including a pivot lug engaging a respective one of the pins and a pair of support lugs at opposite ends of the rectilinear edge of the cover half. The pivot lug has a pocket receiving the pin and communicating with a narrow slot whereby the pivot lug is inserted over the pin, the pocket being shaped so that when the cover is swung open, it can be braced between the pin and an edge of the recess. All of the recesses have wedge-forming inclined flanks which engage inclined flanks of the cover halves to support the latter in their closed positions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a consolidating plank for a highway finishing machine the basic plank body of which is lengthenable by a manually attachable plank or by an extendible plank. For creating such a high compacting effect that a subsequent following compaction is saved, a stamp unit having at least two stamps is provided, which stamps have a common eccentric support.

Abstract: Repair of pot holes in public roads, streets and highways is facilitated and improved by the use of a simple holding device which is firmly anchored in place in the pot hole before filling the hole with conventional road patching material which then permanently unites with the holding device.

Abstract: The bits (1) of a cutting machine are subjected with water under pressure by means of nozzles (22), water supply to the nozzles (22) being given free by a valve cone (6) as soon as the bit (1) within the bit holder (2) is shifted in axial direction against the force of a spring. Axial movement of the bit (1) is effected by the cutting pressure and the shifting path of the bit (1) is transmitted to the valve cone (6) via a coupling member (9). The force of the spring (5) is rated such that the spring presses the bit (1) against its own weight and against the internal frictional resistances into its starting position in non-loaded condition with simultaneous closing of the valve cone (6). The restoring forces are, with connected conduits for pressurized water, substantially greater than the spring force, the active surface of the valve cone (6) acted upon by the water pressure in closing sense determining the force above which opening of the valve becomes possible.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling trenches in paved surfaces involve a primary structure movable along a trench to conduct a substantially granular paving material into the trench, and provision for vibrating the paving material as it is conducted into the trench. In a preferred embodiment the primary structure includes a rearwardly sloped surface which engages the paving material as the container moves, urging the paving material downwardly into the trench.

Abstract: A paving arrangement for coating a base with a self-setting synthetic molding material comprises a rigid frame in the form of a shallow box having an open bottom. The frame is supported by a pair of sleigh members mounted on the lower portion of the frame in spaced relationship from each other so that the frame can be slid over the base. One of the sleigh members is shorter than the other and has its rear end terminating forwardly of the rear end of the longer sleigh member. A hopper is mounted on the frame for storing therein the molding material. A transversely elongate outlet opening is formed at the bottom of the hopper at a position rearwardly of the rear end of the shorter sleigh member and extending in the transverse direction between the inner edge of the longer sleigh member and an imaginary extension of the outer edge of the shorter sleigh member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved expansion joint for bridging e space between structural components susceptable to relative movement. The joint construction presents an uninterrupted transition between the structural components and is capable of compensating for vertical as well as lateral displacement of the joined parts. The device is capable of withstanding high load forces due to a novel self centering reinforcing rail.

Abstract: A restraining cap is provided on the top of a New Jersey type roadway barrier to prevent vehicles from vaulting the barrier or from rolling. The cap can favorably be formed of a continuous series of channel sections with a horizontal web and depending flanges. In a favorable embodiment, the web extends three inches beyond the vertical edge of the barrier, and the flanges extend downward three inches. The sections can be bolted to the barrier top, and can be easily replaced when damaged.

Abstract: A link component is adapted for interfitment with like link components to form a flexible chain free of hinge pins and cooperable with a drive sprocket. The link component has complementarily-shaped end parts (10, 11; 10' 11') whereof each is the true or inverted image of the other. Each end part comprises a transverse recess (20) located between transverse walls (21, 22) of which the longitudinally outer wall (22) is shorter than the inner wall (21). The shorter end of the outer wall (22) and the recess (20) have complementary rounded formations so that when the end part of one link (10 or 10') interengages with the end part (11 or 11') of an adjacent link, the respective outer walls (22) locate in the corresponding recess (20). Parallel side braces (12, 12') space the end parts (10, 11; 10' 11') apart through integration therewith and have external surfaces spaced laterally beyond the width of the end parts.

Abstract: Structures such as free standing oil production platforms or subsea templates are secured to the sea bed by inserting a tubular pile in the seabed so as to form, with a part of the structure a pair of nested members. Fluid is then introduced into the innermost of the members to plastically deform the innermost member radially so that it engages with the outermost member and forms a mechanical connection between the members. A tool for effecting the plastic deformation comprises a mandrel for insertion into the innermost member and carrying a means to form a chamber within the innermost member and adjacent to its inner surface. The tool also includes a means of introducing fluid into the chamber to expand it radially and thereby deform the innermost member.