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 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: 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 portable screed for working concrete and which is mounted on the user. The screed includes a variable length screed plate, a vibrator for the screed plate, a frame attached to the screed plate, a body harness connected intermediate the ends of the frame, and a balancing weight positioned so that the center of gravity of the screed is essentially coextensive with the center of gravity of the operator. The body harness is adjustable along the frame, and the frame may be adjustable as required to ensure that the center of gravity of the frame is positioned coextensively with the center of gravity of the operator so that the operator is not unbalanced by the screed.

Abstract: A portable screed for working concrete and which is mounted on the user. The screed includes a variable length screed plate, a vibrator for the screed plate, a frame attached to the screed plate, a body harness connected intermediate the ends of the frame, and a balancing weight positioned so that the center of gravity of the screed is essentially coextensive with the center of gravity of the operator. The body harness is adjustable along the frame, and the frame may be adjustable as required to ensure that the center of gravity of the frame is positioned coextensively with the center of gravity of the operator so that the operator is not unbalanced by the screed.

Abstract: An apparatus for accommodating and avoiding the interference of a column in line with an end of a spreader which applies particulate material to the surface of freshly-poured concrete. The apparatus includes an assembly for attachment to the column for supporting an end of the surface spreader. The column assembly has a horizontal shelf and a device to affix the shelf to the column at a predetermined elevation in registration with the end of the surface spreader. A ski is mounted at the end of the surface spreader and is shaped to engage the shelf and support the end of the surface spreader on the shelf. The ski is maintained at approximately the same elevation as the shelf to readily permit the ski to be moved onto the shelf for support of the end of the surface spreader.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically advancing a concrete screed as the screed tamps and levels concrete. The apparatus includes cable reeling means attached to either end of the concrete screed for winding a drive cable. The drive cable is adapted for attachment to a fixed location downstream from the screed so that winding of the cable on the reeling means propels the concrete screed towards the fixed location. The cable reeling means is driven by a power transfer means including a driven pulley and a slave pulley with an endless belt loosely mounted around the pulleys so that when the driven pulley is rotated, the belt will normally not drive the slave pulley. The apparatus also includes an assembly positioned to tension the belt between the drive and slave pulleys to cause the driven pulley to drive the slave pulley through the belt, and therefore drive the cable reeling means, propelling the concrete screed across the concrete.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable and sturdy vibratory concrete screed which may be fabricated in modular fashion from a plurality of interconnected, separable frame units. A framework is provided, having a series of spaced, parallel unitary frame members of triangular configuration, the corners of the base of each frame member being attached to a pair of screed plates and maintaining the screed plates in spaced-apart relationship. Side braces and base braces extend between adjacent frame members for framework rigidity. An eccentric shaft is supported for rotation in bearings mounted in the frame members. The shaft may be symmetrically located in order to impart uniform vibrations to the two screed plates, or may be offset in order to self-propel the concrete screed.