Abstract: A vibrating mechanism comprising a housing having a lower end and having an interior space; an imbalanced wheel having a right side, a left side, an axis of rotation, and a plane of rotation situated between the left and right sides, the plane of rotation extending perpendicularly outward from the axis of rotation; a drive axle rotatably mounting and positioning the imbalanced wheel within the interior space of the housing so that the plane of rotation extends through the lower end of the housing; and an apertured base plate capable of alternately fixedly attaching the lower end of the housing to and removing the lower end of the housing from an earth compacting machine, the apertured base plate being fixedly attached to the lower end of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paving materials loading apparatus. In particular, a paving materials loading feeder 16 is so disposed that a lower end 19a of a loading frame 19 thereof is connected to a receiving hopper 17, a discharge port 19c, 19d is formed in a middle part of the loading frame 19 between the lower end 19a and a discharge end 19b, and a lid 35 is provided on the discharge port 19c, 19d so as to be openable and closable. The loading feeder 16 may also be raised and lowered. The invention also relates to a paving machine provided with a front hopper 2 and a rear hopper 3, on a self-propelled vehicle 1. In particular, the paving materials loading apparatus of the above construction is mounted on the self-propelled vehicle 1 so that the discharge port 19c, 19d of the loading feeder 16 is located above the front hopper 2 and the discharge end 19b of the loading feeder 16 is located above the rear hopper 3.

Abstract: A crawler type vibratory compacting machine of the invention compacts the ground from a surface layer to a deep layer with high efficiency. The crawler type vibratory compacting machine comprises: a triangular crawler unit which includes one wide track (35) or a plurality of juxtaposed tracks (35a, 35b, 35c) wound around wheels (32, 34) arranged along the length of and above a track frame (31); and a vibrator (40) which is housed in the crawler unit. The crawler unit has opposite lateral ends of its center coupled via a first lateral shaft (23) and pins, to an arm (20) which extends from a vehicle body (10) having an operators seat (11).

Abstract: An improved coupling device for the transfer of personnel or objects between a static and a dynamic structure, such as between an offshore platform and a support vessel, which has two trunnion assemblies and a connecting bridge operating such that the dynamic structure is free to pitch, roll, and move in the horizontal plane with very little of this motion being translated to the connecting bridge. Also, any vertical motion of the dynamic structure, such as rising and falling over waves, is transformed and reduced by an order of magnitude in the same timeframe, when translated to the connecting bridge. Support is provided to one end of the connecting bridge by a trunnion assembly attached to a static structure. This trunnion assembly allows the connecting bridge to rotate around the Y and Z axes relative to the static structure, in a motion similar to a turntable arm.

Abstract: A power trowel handle has controls that permit electronically operating the functions of an engine on the power trowel from the handle. The engine includes a servo controlled carburetor which will permit injecting, upon initial closing, a circuit for starting a quantity of fuel for starting a two cycle engine, which normally has to be done manually, as well as permitting control of a throttle using a trigger switch on the handle. The power trowel further has an elongated pole braced with a slider to prevent twisting under torque and to permit better control of the power trowel from a remote handle. The handle grip is usable in either the elongated pole position, or directly on a shroud for the power trowel.

Abstract: A bi-directional concrete finishing machine finishes a concrete surface in both a forward and a reverse direction, and includes a leading finishing roller and a trailing finishing roller which rotate in a first direction, and two tramming rollers disposed between the leading and trailing finishing rollers, which rotate in a second direction, such that the tramming rollers can be driven in the second direction to move the concrete finishing machine forward and, with the trailing finishing roller disengaged, the leading finishing roller can rotate in the first direction and level the concrete to grade. When the machine is reversed by driving the tramming rollers in the first direction, the leading finishing roller is disengaged, and the trailing finishing roller is driven in the second direction and levels the concrete to grade. Another embodiment of the machine includes a concrete auger for roughing the concrete and spreading it out evenly, which is added as a fifth roller to the machine.

Abstract: A screeding assembly and method is disclosed for spreading, grading, consolidating and smoothing loose or plastic material such as poured, uncured concrete when the assembly moved over an area of the material. The assembly includes a rotatable auger to move the material laterally across the path of travel, a vibratory screed positioned behind the auger to smooth and finish the material, and an elongated engaging member reciprocated laterally across the path at a position between the auger and vibratory screed to facilitate consolidation of the material. Preferably, a plow/striker is positioned in front of the auger to and remove excess material. The assembly may be mounted on a self-propelled vehicle or other support on a boom for moving the assembly over the material, and is preferably controlled by a laser beam responsive elevation control. A kit for attaching the reciprocating engaging member to an existing screed assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A pavement marker has an unpotted upper shell and a lower base plate that together define a housing. A number of ribs are disposed in the housing interior oriented substantially perpendicular to the inner wall of the base plate. The upper shell has inclined end faces, an upper face, and is made of a plastic material having moderate to high flexural modulus and a high impact strength. The lower base plate has a planar inner wall and an opposed planar, pavement-engaging outer wall, and is made of a material having a Young's modulus of at least approximately 300,000 PSI (20.7.times.10.sup.8 Pascal). The ribs are formed unitarily with the inner wall of either the upper shell or the base plate, and extend upwardly from the inner wall of the base plate to the inner wall of the shell. A retroreflective lens is positioned on at least one of the first and second opposed side faces of the marker. The pavement marker resists delamination from a roadway surface when secured to the road with a soft adhesive.

Abstract: An improved prefabricated elevated highway structure and a construction method thereof by which an elevated highway can be more easily and rapidly constructed without causing traffic congestion at a construction site, which highway includes an underground section for stably supporting the elevated highway and for effectively distributing the weight of the same to the ground; a plurality of support sections spaced from one another along a road on which the prefabricated elevated highway is constructed; a pavement section formed on the upper portion of the support sections; and a wall section formed at both sides of the road and along the pavement section.

Abstract: A snowplowable retro-reflective pavement marker having a reflector mounted between a pair of flanged side ramps and a pair of center ramps. The side ramps have longitudinal flanges extending outwardly from each of the ramps to position the base properly with respect to the road surface. The flanges are tapered to provide a smooth contour for guiding snowplow blades when approaching from the side. The center ramps extend longitudinally on either side of the reflector to guide a snowplow blade when it engages the marker at a steep angle.

Abstract: A cover for in-ground meter enclosures used in traffic loading conditions employs a relatively thin plate member formed of a ductile iron alloy and is dimensioned to extend laterally across a top opening of an in-ground meter enclosure. A plurality of relatively thick rib members of the ductile iron alloy are formed with and extend generally normal from the bottom side of the plate member. The plate member and the rib members together have sufficient strength and ductility to withstand total loads on the order of at least about 20,000 pounds on the top side of the plate member.

Abstract: A highway delineator device comprising an elongate tube having a bottom end, a top end, an inside surface, and an outside surface, and configured for use as a highway delineator. The bottom end of the tube comprises means for connecting the tube to a base support in such a manner that the tube is in a vertical configuration, and the top end of the tube having at least three different cross-sections comprising (i) a top cross-section flattened together with opposing inside surfaces sealed together to fully close the top end of the tube and having opposing outside surface in parallel relationship for receiving a top edge of reflective material without curvature, (ii) an intermediate cross-section having an elongate gap extending between the opposing inside surfaces, said outside surfaces along the gap being slightly arcuate to provide a flattened surface for receiving a lower section of reflective material with moderate curvature, and (iii) a lower cross-section having a circular configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically controlling operation of a slip form paver to maintain a substantially constant mold position relative to a string line while changing the cross slope of the mold. The paver follows a path over the ground relative to a string line using grade and steer sensors to detect changes in the vertical and horizontal distance of the mold relative to the string line. A slope sensor detects changes in cross slope of the mold. Piston-cylinder mechanisms responsive to signals from the steer, slope and grade sensors as used to position the mold relative to the string line.

Abstract: A flexible marker assembly and base for traffic control markers or other purposes. The flexible marker assembly includes a substantially vertical flat marker mounted in a receptacle in a base. A first and second longitudinal arcuate surface is provided on a first and second side of the marker for supporting the flexible marker when the marker is bent, as may occur when the marker is impacted by a vehicle. The flat marker is inserted within a receptacle and is secured to the base by an anchor plate, which is either inserted within the receptacle or positioned below the base to engage the marker. The longitudinal arcuate surfaces have channels formed therein to allow access to fasteners, which connect the marker to an anchor plate.

Abstract: A melter and applicator (10) is shown for applying liquefied paving material to damaged pavement. The applicator (10) reduces the problems which occur due to the unintentional solidification of the paving material within the hose (74) of either the heated or unheated type. A cabinet (44) is provided which is selectively able to maintain the temperature of the unheated hose (74) during periods of non-use. In addition, a wand access port (100) is provided which allows either type of hose (74) to be run continuously, directing material back to a supply bin (26). In addition, a chimney (40) is provided which vents the by-products of combustion generated while melting the paving material. This chimney, (40) is fluidly coupled to the bin (26) which contains the paving material so that noxious fumes produced during the melting are drawn off.

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 loading dock leveler is mounted in a dock slab by pre-casting and placing a four sided monolithic concrete box insert defining a bottom, two lateral side walls, a rear wall and an open front above the bottom and between the side walls, to provide a dock leveler pit. The remainder of the dock slab is poured around the precast box insert. Before or after placing and embedding the precast box insert, a leveler platform, base and extension mechanism are installed. An angle iron or other internal fixture can be embedded in the box insert during casting to provide a welding point for affixing one or both of a hinge leaf for the platform and a base of the leveler mechanism. The box insert also is provided with external protrusions such as a tenon-like bead protruding outwardly from the side and rear walls. When the slab is poured around the box insert, the tenon like protrusion engages mechanically in the slab as the pour cures.

Abstract: Environmental porous pavement materials are formed by encapsulating inner aggregates with cementitious material, adhesive admixture and sealant compounds. Recycled asphalt and recycled concrete products can be used. A mixing machine produces a homogeneous mix of the paving material by surrounding at least part of an aggregate with a coating liquid.

Abstract: A concrete block has a first and a second hole passing through the concrete block in a vertically direction. An internal thread is formed in the first and the second hole. A plurality of tiles have a slipping resistivity. The tiles are arranged in order on an upper surface of the concrete block. The first and the second hole each have at a level of the upper surface an open region smaller than a respective tile.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting structural supports from damage when impacted by an object such as a moving vehicle is provided. The apparatus has a shaped component which in the preferred embodiment is a semi-cylindrical component having a body defined by a wall, a top, and a base. The wall has at least one flat wall face and surrounds a hollow interior. An indentation for receiving a structural support is present in at least one flat wall face. A means for securing the shaped component to the structural suppport and for firmly seating one component at its flat wall face against the second component at its flat wall face when two components are present. Preferably, each component has a plurality of impact absorbing indentations, each having an aperture, a base and a wall extending from the base to an aperture mouth. These indentations function to re-distribute the energy of impact when a collusion occurs between the apparatus and a moving object.