Abstract: This invention discloses a method of building concrete walls, columns and other vertical or sloped structures using a vertically oriented vibrating screed and utilization of the thixotropic properties of wet concrete. The vertical screed is a simple, inexpensive and highly flexible apparatus that may be used for a wide variety of applications that involve the applying of cementicious material in the construction of a vertical structure. By using highly thixotropic concrete, the vertical screed is able to place concrete and other cementicious materials in a vertical plane much like concrete is placed with vibrating screeds in the horizontal plane. The vertical screed's applications range from applying a thin cementicious coating to placing concrete in a vertical plane to construct a wall or column. The various configurations of the vertical screed range from a small hand held device to a much larger mechanically controlled apparatus.

Abstract: A method for delivering a pre-weighed package comprising sand, aggregate and dry cement to a mixing site comprises the steps of preparing a first mixture comprising fine aggregate and coarse aggregate at an offsite plant. The first mixture is placed into a first storage compartment of a hopper and the load of dry cement is placed into a second storage compartment of the hopper. The hopper is transported to the mixing site, where the first mixture and the cement are discharged from the hopper and mixed to form a concrete slurry. The hopper comprises the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, where there is a water tight divider separating the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment. The storage compartments have respective inlets and outlets for receiving and discharging the respective components.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing and producing cement mixes, substantially concrete, using an endless conveyor belt movable at the base of separate containers which contain the inert materials and the cement, and a reservoir for the mixing water, to form proportioned mixes in a screw mixer, with unloading of the product simultaneously with mixing; the apparatus comprising a supporting framework, on which are supported, at least one hopper-like prism-shaped container for the inert materials with adjustable discharge openings, and, in a raised position with respect to the hopper for the inert materials, at least one hopper-shaped container with adjustable opening for the cement; an endless conveyor belt being interposed between the framework and the discharge openings of the hoppers for the inert materials and for the cement, which are aligned to each other along an inclined plane; the belt is arranged at an angle along the plane of arrangement of the discharge openings, so as to make contact with, and pass beyond, t

Abstract: Portable metering and mixing apparatus includes a trailer having a hopper thereon divided into two compartments, one compartment for aggregate and another compartment for cementitious material. An auger receives aggregate from one compartment and feeds aggregate into a mixing compartment where cementitious material is added, and the resulting mixture is then delivered as required. Metering elements meter the aggregate and the cementitious material as desired, and the metered aggregate and cementitious material are mixed in a mixing chamber. A metering sleeve over the auger insures that only the metered amount of aggregate is conveyed by the auger to the mixing chamber. A second embodiment utilizes only a single hopper which contains premixed aggregate and cementitious material, and the premix is fed to the auger through a metering sleeve. Water is added to the material while in the auger and prior to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved aggregate drying apparatus and method where the dried aggregate is particularly useful for making hot mix asphalt. In accordance with the system, heat typically lost in exhaust gases and moisture evaporated in a heater is recovered to dry and preheat the aggregate. The invention also relates to novel components used in the system, including an improved aggregate dryer and an improved mass flow apparatus for use in an aggregate dryer or otherwise in aggregate feed bins.

Abstract: A concrete mixing machine is disclosed which mixes small batches of concrete using any desired ratio of gravel, sand, cement, and water. The dry materials are mixed into concrete at the site where the concrete is to be poured. The apparatus includes hoppers for storing the dried mix material, a water tank, a metering slide for measuring desired amounts of cement, sand, and gravel to the desired proportions; a mixing, feeding, and dispensing system; and a hydraulic system for driving the mixing apparatus. The hydraulic drive system is utilized to overcome the binding which occurs when residual concrete begins to set.

Abstract: Tractor mounted mixing apparatus is disclosed including a mounting frame attachable to a three-point tractor hitch, a mixing drum rotatably mounted to the frame and having mechanism for rotatably driving the drum, and a scoop pivotally connected to the support frame and power operated to move a scoop bucket from a lowered position for scooping material off the ground and a raised position adjacent an opening in the mixing drum for loading the drum.

Abstract: A reusable safety warning device. A plurality of reflective strips of flexible material are adapted to protrude outwardly from an end of an elongate cylindrical body member and droop down to form a pompon-like reflector. A battery-powered light source is disposed within the reflector to radiate light which is reflected off of the flexible strips so that the device resembles a burning incendiary flare. Means are provided for retracting the reflective strips and light source inside the elongate body for storage of the device, and the device is provided with a pair of retractable legs for supporting the reflector end of the body above a surface when in use.