Abstract: A machine for laying reinforcing mesh for concrete comprises a pair of spaced front wheels and a pair of power driven rear wheels. Several different forms of devices are provided for lifting the roll of reinforcing mesh and positioning it between the front wheels. From that position the wire is unrolled from the top of the roll and passes back under the rear wheels, thereby backbending the mesh as it is unrolled. In other embodiments not employing the front wheels, a pusher in front of the power driven wheels pushes the roll ahead of it along the ground as the latter wheels move along the mesh. In such embodiments hooks are provided on the pusher for engaging the roll in a manner such that, before unrolling, the roll may be lifted and transported to the desired location for unrolling. The safety hook is provided to the rear of the wheels to prevent the trailing edge of the non-backbended mesh from the roll from springing into the operator as the wheels move off that trailing edge.

Abstract: In a surface-working machine, as for troweling fresh concrete, the operator rides on a frame which is carried by surface-working rotors, each having evenly spaced tools or trowels. The application of tilting forces to the working rotors to cause movement of the total machine forwardly or rearwardly or to either side, or turning, or any combination thereof, is controlled by the operator through a single control stick, with all movements of the control stick corresponding to the machine movement desired. If, in a troweling machine, there are only two rotors, their trowels intermesh to work overlapping circles, and no gap is left between the working circles when movement is perpendicular to a "biaxial" plane (common to both rotational axes). This gives maximum width of coverage, and the operator's seat faces in that direction of movement.

Abstract: In a machine for troweling large areas of concrete without having a footprint problem, the operator rides on a frame supported by a plurality of troweling rotors, preferably three. Each troweling rotor has three or four troweling blades, the pitch of which is controlled as before except that the pitch control is extended from all rotors to be jointly controlled, or at least separately accessible to the operator in the operator's seat. In addition, the operator can steer the apparatus in all respects by applying a tilting pressure to one or more rotors with selectivity as to the points along the rotor paths at which the increased downward pressure is applied. For ordinary steering, and for forward or reverse movement control, a control stick is provided which swings universally. Forward or rearward swinging of the stick causes forward and rearward movement. Right or left swinging of the stick causes or adds turning to right or left.