Abstract: A printer is disclosed for use in printing indicia or the like on a sheet of recording medium by selective application of impulses of fluid. The printer comprises a sheet support mechanism, a print head, fluid supply means, a valve assembly, and an input system. The support mechanism supports and selectively advances the sheet of recording medium. The print head includes a one- or two-dimensional array of tubes arranged to form a dot matrix for printing alphanumeric characters on the sheet. It may extend the width of the recording medium or be movable across it. Connected to these tubes are the fluid supply means and a valve assembly that includes a separate valve for each tube for controlling the supply of fluid thereto. In one embodiment of the invention, a heater raises the temperature of the fluid passing through the tubes enough that printing takes place on the recording medium whenever the fluid is ejected from the tubes.

Abstract: A sealing system for roadway expansion joint gaps and the like. A continuous seal is provided comprising an elongated central arched segment, a pair of longitudinally extending legs, and a protrusion extending upwardly from each of the legs. The seal embeds at least one fabric reinforcement layer to stiffen, rigidify and strengthen the seal means and the protrusions. The seal is secured to each roadway slab between a horizontal surface and a retainer which defines an elongated recess for sealingly receiving, engaging and compressing a protrusion. A limiter is provided for limiting the compression of the protrusions, and a retainer lip is provided for visually indicating that sealing of a protrusion has been effected.

Abstract: A large motion expansion joint having a plurality of parallel load-carrying modules which are disposed transverse to the direction of the roadway. The load-carrying modules generally span the expansion gap between adjacent structural members to support vehicular traffic thereon and include a first end module mounted to an edge of one of the structural members, a second end module mounted to an edge of the other structural member and at least one intermediate module. The intermediate modules carry a plurality of spaced sleeve-like beam guides which are aligned with spaced elongated sleeve-like support beam housings secured to the second end module. A plurality of support beams are fixed to the first end module and slide into the beam guides and housings generally in the direction of the roadway so as to support the intermediate load-carrying modules.

Abstract: A method and gap sealing assembly for sealing adjacent roadway slabs at the gap. Gap sealing members bridging the gap are positioned in end-to-end array. A resistance heater is positioned adjacent elastomeric end surfaces of the members and a rubber-like heat activatable bonding agent is positioned between the end surfaces. When the heater is energized, the end surfaces are bonded to each other to form a seal in situ.

Abstract: A bridge bearing assembly comprising an elastomeric bearing pad having side edges and end edges. The bearing pad has contactor surfaces extending upwardly from a mounting plate. A metallic shear controller pin fixed to the mounting plate is positioned adjacent the contactor surfaces. It has surface portions spaced from, but positioned to contact, the contactor surfaces when the bearing pad is deformed in shear in the direction of the end edges. The upper surface of the bearing pad is in contact with a slide plate. Controller pins may be positioned in an opening in, or at end edges of the bearing pad and may be cylindrical or frustoconical. Temperature compensating indicators are provided on the bearing assembly for selectively positioning the slide plate relative to the bearing pad. Preinstallation connectors for securing the slide plate to the bearing pad may be used to help prevent separation of the slide surfaces of the slide plate and bearing pad.