Abstract: In combination with a placers/spreader having a frame including at least two side bolsters standing parallel to the subgrade path and at least two cross beams spanning the subgrade path forming a conveyor supporting structure. A rail system is attached spanning the frame, and has a roll in/roll out conveyor with a cantilevered support at one of the side bolsters and a support for attachment to and support from the rail system. The conveyor moves in traversing motion across the frame to distribute concrete. The improvement comprises a strike off beam and spreader plow assembly for trailing attachment to the frame of a placer/spreader. We thus disclose a strike off beam with spreader plow assembly which can be removably attached to either side of a placer/spreader to avoid the necessity of relocating the receiving conveyor when the location of the access road changes from one side to the other or direction of spreading changes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating hot mix asphalt (HMA), via collecting fumes from HMA while the HMA is on-board a vehicle and in motion within the vehicle, and igniting the HMA with engine exhaust and using the heat of combustion of the HMA to heat HMA, such as via the floor of a re-mix machine or paver which is capable of churning and mixing the HMA which increases emission of HMA fumes.

Abstract: A device for preparing a sloped mud surface around a drain prior to setting tile or stone includes one or more arms (i.e., rigid arms) attached to a sleeve and rotatably supported relative to a vertical axis defined by a vertical shaft and horizontal planar base. An adjustable clamp assembly releasably secures the device to a conventional drain, which may be secured to a drainpipe by pipe threads. The bottom edge of the arm provides a straight working edge. The arm can be freely moved (i.e., rotated) around the vertical shaft degrees, counterclockwise and clockwise. As the arm rotates around the vertical shaft the working edge sweeps over the floor mud surface, spreading and leveling the surface while scraping or sweeping away excess material.

Abstract: A screed assembly includes a screed plate, a console assembly, and a first and second handles. The various components of the screed assembly are attached to one another with quick connect mechanisms so that they can be disassembled for cleaning and transport and reassembled at a new site. A tilt mechanism operated by a horizontal beam of light can also be utilized and is also attached by a quick connect mechanism.

Abstract: A screed assembly for a paving machine includes a main screed portion and an extension screed portion longitudinally extendable from the main screed portion. The extension screed portion includes a variable length coupling portion arranged in a manner sufficient to permit modifying the overall length of the extension screed portion such that the screed assembly may be extended to a maximum overall width that is twice that of the minimum retracted width.

Abstract: At least two paving screeds B1, B2 which are distant in operation running direction R are supported at a chassis 1 of a paver F. The paver F is designed for simultaneously casting several paving material layers L1, L2 on top of each other on a plane P. Each paving screed B1, B2 is provided with a compaction assembly. One paving screed B1 for casting a lower layer L1 is provided at a front end section of the chassis 1 and has the compaction assembly 13, 14 for generating a degree of compaction in the lower layer L1 which suffices to withstand the direct contact of the undercarriage 2. At least one further paving screed B2 for casting an upper layer L2 is arranged behind the undercarriage 2. According to the method to be carried out with the paver F the lower layer which is cast and compacted in front of the undercarriage allows to run the undercarriage 2 on the lower layer while the upper layer L2 is cast and compacted behind the undercarriage 2.

Abstract: An ergonomically-shaped hand screed for levelling and finishing concrete is provided. The screed has a finger relief groove on its rear face and a thumb relief groove on its front face. Both the finger and thumb grooves are positioned nearer the top surface of the screed to form an ergonomically comfortable handgrip. A concrete relief groove is located on the front face near the bottom surface to form a scraper edge. A ridge separates the thumb relief groove and the concrete groove. When the screed is used, the scraper edge and concrete relief groove draw up the concrete overburden from a concrete surface and deflect it away from the operator's hands.

Abstract: A leveling system for freshly poured concrete is provided comprising a hand screed and a hand float. The system includes a laser beam leveling system consisting of a laser transmitter mounted on the hand screed and a laser beam receiver target mounted on the hand float. The hand screed further includes an inclinometer mounted on top of the hand screed for maintaining the angle of the screed when the screed is used on sloped surfaces. Bubble levelers positioned on top of the hand screed and the hand float are used to maintain the hand screed and the hand float in a level position.

Abstract: An edger assembly is for a paving vehicle screed for forming a paving material mat upon a base surface. The edger assembly includes a support connectable with the screed and an edger member having a contact surface contactable with the base surface. An actuator has an upper end coupled with the edger member and a lower end coupled with the support, the upper end being displaceable with respect to the lower end to vertically displace the edger member relative to the base surface. The actuator preferably includes two threaded blocks coupled with the support and two rotatable rods each coupled with the edger member and engaged with one block. Rotation of the rods vertically displaces the rods with respect to the support to displace the edger member. Preferably, a biasing member is disposed about each rod and biases the edger member in a direction generally toward the base surface.

Abstract: A form for concrete strike-off includes a pan adapted to float on a plastic concrete surface, a rigid straightedge, and a support. The straightedge is coupled on one end to the pan and the support is coupled to the opposing end of the straightedge with the straightedge thereby defining a reference elevation for concrete strike-off operations.

Abstract: A lightweight one man screed apparatus to automatically strike off and level uncured concrete flatwork, includes a tri-pod framework beneath which a cutting/leveling member operates. The apparatus is controlled by two grade setting devices, adjustably mounted to the screed tool, which may be adjusted relative to a laser plane generating system. Physical control of the screed member may be provided by at least one screed tool pivotal arm assembly moved for and aft by a carriage operated under the tri-pod framework within a fore and aft footprint. The screed tool is adjusted to grade by being raised or lowered by at least one linear actuators responding to an electronic controller. When moving the framework and screed assembly into freshly poured concrete, an operator is assisted by retractable wheels. The wheels are rotationally stowable or used deployed as part of the tripod/transport system facilitating mobility.

Abstract: A screed bar for a vibratory concrete screed is formed from a long hollow extrusion having generally flat enclosing walls and defining in cross section two triangular sections that share a common interior wall.

Abstract: A vibratory concrete screed includes a vibration isolation system that minimizes the transmission of vibrations to the operator under normal operating conditions, but becomes more rigid during screed control forces applied to the blade through the isolation system when the operator applies greater forces to the operator handle. The system includes low durometer elastomer vibration isolators isolating the operator handle from the vibration exciter and screed blade in a manner that limits vertical compressive movement of the isolators, yet permits substantially greater horizontal shear movement to effectively isolate the operator from vibration. The isolator mounting arrangement also includes retainers that engage the isolator to limit the amplitude of horizontal shear movement when the operator applies a greater control force to the operator handle.

Abstract: A segmented concrete screed for screeding concrete on a concrete casting bed includes a plurality of individual screed units each of which may be raised and lowered independently of the others such that screeding operations may selectively bypass obstructions in the concrete to be screeded.

Abstract: A wheeled strike-off apparatus is movable over a surface of uncured concrete or subgrade materials and is operable to establish a desired grade of the uncured concrete surface or subgrade surface. The apparatus includes a wheeled support and a plow assembly. The wheeled support may have a front frame portion and a pair of front wheels rotatably mounted at the front frame portion, and may have a rear frame portion and a pair of rear wheels rotatably mounted at the rear frame portion. The plow assembly may be adjustably mounted to the front frame portion and may be vertically adjustable relative to the frame portion via an actuator. The plow assembly includes at least one plow member for engaging and establishing the desired grade.

Abstract: A portable powered roller screed apparatus includes a rotating roller assembly, a first operator roller controller coupled to a first end of the roller assembly, and a second operator roller controller coupled to a second end of the roller assembly. The first operator roller controller includes a rotary driver, a roller mover coupled to the rotary driver, and a speed control coupled to the roller mover, the speed control providing an input to the rotary driver to control the speed of the rotary driver.

Abstract: A height adjustable paving stone screed for use in an area bounded by a course of paving stones includes an elongated board. A pair of right angle brackets are mounted on top of the board. Slidably attachable to each right angle brackets include a pair of further right angle brackets, each adjustable vertically with respect to the first right angle bracket. The bottom of each angled bracket is flush with the top the paving stones. Likewise, the bottom surface of the board is even with bottom surfaces of the paving stones, whereby sliding movement of the board establishes a flat plane of bedding material bed at a depth equal to that of the course of paving stones, in the area to support paving stones to fill the area. Sliding movement of the board occurs, establishing a flat plane of to flatten the bedding material for the paving stones.

Abstract: A portable vibratory concrete screed is described. The screed includes a screed blade including a flat bottom surface extending between a front edge of the screed blade and a rear edge of the screed blade. The screed also includes a vibrator cartridge assembly, with an eccentric weight, releasably coupled to the screed blade. The blade assembly is capable of receiving many different blade styles. The screed includes a handle assembly extending from both sides of the vibratory assembly. The handle assembly includes adjustable and lockable grips.

Abstract: A paving machine may include a power source, a traction system, a hopper configured to contain paving material, and one or more conveyors configured to transfer the paving material from the hopper. The paving machine may also include a screed configured to lay a mat of the paving material. The paving machine may further include at least one front sensor mounted on a front portion of the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface to the front sensor and at least one rear sensor mounted on the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface of the mat to the rear sensor. The paving machine may also include a controller configured to determine a thickness of the mat by determining a difference between one or more front height measurements taken by the at least one front sensor and one or more rear height measurements taken by the at least one rear sensor.

Abstract: A vibratory screed apparatus includes a vibrator, a screed, and a coupler for coupling the vibrator to the screed. The vibratory screed apparatus may be provided as a concrete-finishing kit which is capable of being assembled and disassembled in the field. A number of other concrete-finishing kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trowel for finishing the top of concrete stem walls around protruding anchor bolts has a finishing surface in the form of a blade or block attached to a handle. An opening in the form of a notch or a hole is provided in the blade or block for accommodating an anchor bolt. The trowel may be provided with means to position the anchor bolt vertically and horizontally in addition to finishing the concrete around the anchor bolt. The trowel may also have a curved side edge for rounding the concrete where it contacts the form.

Abstract: A screeding apparatus for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a vibrating member and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating member. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating member and/or the grade setting device. The grade setting device is vertically adjustable, such as via a laser plane responsive control system, to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The level of the screeding apparatus may be automatically adjustable to maintain a desired level and angle of attack of the vibrating member. The vibrating member may be activated only when the screeding apparatus is moved in a screeding direction so as to reduce depressions that otherwise may occur if the vibrating member vibrates on the uncured concrete when not moving.

Abstract: An end gate assembly for a screed for a paving machine, where the screed is provided with a screed hinge component, includes a frame having a frame hinge portion that is adapted to mate with the screed hinge component to form a hinge having a hinge axis about which the frame may pivot. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the end gate has a pair of hinges. More specifically, the preferred end gate has a first frame portion having a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion is adapted to mate with the screed hinge component to form a first hinge having a first hinge axis about which the first frame portion may pivot. This preferred assembly also includes a second frame portion having a hinge member that is adapted to mate with the second hinge portion of the first frame portion to form a second hinge having a second hinge axis about which the second frame portion may pivot.

Abstract: A drag box for use in applying cold mix asphalt paving material to a surface includes a pugmill for distributing the cold mix over the surface, a strike blade for shearing the asphalt mixture to a desired thickness, cylinders for raising and lowering the strike blade in response to elevational changes in the surface, at least one signal generator associated with each cylinder and adapted to produce a signal indicative of the elevation of the surface, and at least one signal receiver associated with each signal generator. The drag box is pulled behind a prime mover but preferably is not rigidly coupled with the prime mover. The blade is raised and lowered in response to signals emanating from the generator as the elevation of the surface changes, allowing surface level variations to be evened out while paving.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for power finishing freshly placed concrete in which the acoustic impedance of the treating equipment is made substantially equal to the acoustic impedance of the concrete slab being treated. Preferably, a powered, twin rotor riding trowel is provided with a pair of circular finishing pans that are attached to the conventional rotor blades used later in the finishing process. The pans are characterized by an acoustic impedance approximating the acoustic impedance of green concrete, thereby optimizing the energy transferred to the concrete. Preferred pans comprise ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) plastic. During troweling, the pans are frictionally revolved over the green concrete for finishing the surface without prematurely sealing the uppermost slab surface. Through the disclosed troweling method, a highly stable concrete surface results, and delamination is minimized. Alternative troweling uses pans coated with layered impedance matching material.

Abstract: A vibratory power unit (10, 210) having small gasoline engine (12) coupled by a drive shaft (15) extending through a semi-rigid shaft case (16, 18, 20) to an eccentric (75) rotating with the aid of sealed bearings (74, 78) within a vibrator case (14, 514) is disclosed. The semi-rigid shaft case includes a first rigid shaft case portion (16) and a second rigid shaft case portion (20) coupled together by an isolator (18, 518, 618). A coupling (90, 790) is provided for removably coupling the vibratory power unit (10, 210) to concrete finishing tools (11, 211). The coupling includes a split ball (92) configured to be received on the vibrator case (14, 514) and a slit ring (110) configured to compress the split ball (92) onto the vibrator case (14, 514). A radio controlled throttle controller (300, 400, 500) is provided for remotely controlling the speed of engine (12). Radio controlled throttle controller (300, 400) scavenges electrical power from the magneto circuitry of the engine (12).

Abstract: A portable vibratory screed machine is provided with a vibration restraint operable to reduce undesirable vibration of the engine and to extend the life of the engine. The portable vibratory screed machine includes a machine frame having a reference structure. The machine further includes an engine mounted on the reference structure via a mount that surrounds a drive shaft that is driven by the engine's output. A vibratory assembly remotely located from the engine is powered by the engine to vibrate a screed plate. The vibration restraint directly couples the engine housing to the reference structure at a location that is spaced apart from the mount.

Abstract: A soft landing control system for a screeding device is operable to automatically lower a vibrating member of a screed head assembly into engagement with a concrete surface at a time and place where the vibrating member is not positioned over an overlap area of already screeded concrete. The vibrating member is automatically lowered onto newly placed concrete at or near the junction or cold-joint between the already screeded concrete and the area of newly placed concrete, so as to avoid depressions in the already placed concrete. Optionally, the soft landing control system may include a timing device and may lower the vibrating member after a period of time following an activating event. Optionally, the control system may detect when the vibrating device is positioned at or near the newly placed concrete and may lower the vibrating member in response to such detection.

Abstract: Knowledge of the profile of a road surface—most importantly its defects—is a must to construct an acceptable road surface in this day of high speed traffic. Measurement and calculation of the surface during the process of forming the road—when the road material is still plastic—provides the opportunity to repair unacceptable defects while the road surface material can still be worked. The benefits include a smoother, more durable surface at a lesser cost than methods used on hardened road surfaces. Shown herein is for a method and apparatus for calculating a surface's elevation profile using measurements taken by non-contact devices at a number of locations. Since non-contact sensors are used, elevation profiles of wet concrete can be measured and calculated. Such an apparatus can be mounted on a road paving machine to provide a real time feedback of the surface so corrections to the surface and to the paving machine's operation can be made as required.

Abstract: A cement finishing screed is provided which comprises a frame member extending a length of the screed. The frame member includes a first lower beam member, a second lower beam member, an upper beam member, and a plurality of truss members securing the first and second lower beam members and the upper beam member together in a fixed relationship. Each truss member has two arcuate rod portions extending from the first lower beam member and the second lower beam member, respectively, to the upper beam member, and a strut portion extending from a lower end of one of the rod portions to a lower end of another of the rod portions.

Abstract: A light weight motorized concrete finishing machine with a set of blades that rotate on a single plane, held by a hub assembly that resists deflection, specially equipped with quick release system for trowel blades. Blade pitch is controlled by an actuator that can be adjusted manually or remote powered. The unit is equipped with a remote means of hands free operation of blade pitch and throttle control. Right to left directional motion of machine is controlled by an articulated steering mechanism.

Abstract: A vibratory concrete screed includes a vibration isolation system that minimizes the transmission of vibrations to the operator under normal operating conditions, but becomes more rigid during screed control forces applied to the blade through the isolation system when the operator applies greater forces to the operator handle. The system includes low durometer elastomer vibration isolators isolating the operator handle from the vibration exciter and screed blade in a manner that limits vertical compressive movement of the isolators, yet permits substantially greater horizontal shear movement to effectively isolate the operator from vibration. The isolator mounting arrangement also includes retainers that engage the isolator to limit the amplitude of horizontal shear movement when the operator applies a greater control force to the operator handle.

Abstract: A screed plate includes a pair of handles mounted to a pivot member. The pivot member is connected for rotation with respect to a screed plate about a horizontal axis with respect to a screed plate. The vibrator is provided on the screed plate and a tilt actuator is connected to the pivot member and to the screed plate for causing tilting of the screed plate. A laser receiver receives a horizontal laser beam and determines whether or not the receiver is above, below, or at the same level as the laser beam. If the receiver is either above or below the laser beam it sends a signal to the tilt actuator to cause tilting of the screed plate.

Abstract: A screed heating arrangement is provided for a screed assembly that is towed behind a paving machine. The screed heating arrangement includes at least one electric heater bonded to an upper surface of a screed plate.

Abstract: A lightweight screeding apparatus for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a concrete surface working member, such as vibrating beam or member, and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating beam. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating beam and/or the grade setting device. The wheels of the wheeled support may be powered or driven to assist an operator in moving the screeding apparatus over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device is vertically adjustable to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device may be adjusted by means of a laser plane responsive control system.

Abstract: A lightweight screeding apparatus for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a concrete surface working member, such as vibrating beam or member, and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating beam. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating beam and/or the grade setting device. The wheels of the wheeled support may be powered or driven to assist an operator in moving the screeding apparatus over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device is vertically adjustable to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device may be adjusted by means of a laser plane responsive control system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paver for the paving of ground courses for roads or the like, having a chassis and a trailed floating screed which is articulated on the latter via tow arms and of which the angle of attack relative to the ground is capable of being adjusted via actuating cylinders and which comprises a basic screed and extendable screeds and/or attached screed parts, there being arranged between the rear region, as seen in the paving direction, of the chassis and the extendable screeds and/or the attached screed parts of each side at least one hydraulic supporting cylinder which, at the moment of start-up of the paver, is subjected to an adjustable hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A vibrating tamping bull-float is used for smoothing the top surface of freshly poured concrete, while pushing coarse aggregate down into the concrete while allowing cement cream to surface. Additionally it levels the concrete in the area surrounding the vibrating tamping bull-float. It includes a plurality of float body portions: a stable platform portion and at least one vibrating portion which tamps as you push and pull the vibrating tamping bull-float across the surface of the freshly poured concrete.

Abstract: A pavement ramp edge maker, paving machine and related method are provided for generating a pavement edge ramp that is equal to or less than approximately 45° relative to a surface upon which the ramp is formed. The edge maker generates a ramp that is partially compacted using a compaction surface that extends upwardly from a bottom edge of an end gate of a paving machine. When the pavement mat is compacted, the resulting ramp has an angle that is equal to or less than approximately 45° relative to a surface upon which the ramp is formed.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage having a geometry designed to substantially hold the plane of a main screed and the plane of an extension screed at a generally constant relative angle with respect to one another through a predetermined range of screed depth adjustments. The linkage is configured to allow the extension screed to be raised and lowered by an amount sufficient to compensate for angle of attack and elevation changes in the main screed. In particular, the linkage compensates for the effect of the radial distance differences from the axis of rotation of tow bars of the main screed and extension screed as the main screed pivots with respect to the tow point of the tow bars for different asphalt mat depths. An alternate embodiment includes actuators, together with sensors, for sensing the position of the extension screed with respect to the main screed and automatically compensating for changes in main screed position to properly orient the extension screed with respect to the main screed.

Abstract: A member, screed and method for realigning material and compacting. A material realigning member is provided including structure for moving at least a first portion of a depth of a quantity of material laterally from an initial position thereof and then at least a second portion of the depth of the quantity of material back towards the initial position. In this fashion, aggregate particles may be moved in three horizontal directions, e.g., a direction of travel by a roller waveform, and both lateral directions by the invention, to realign material and allow for improved compaction.

Abstract: A concrete finishing tool storage case is used to retain and transport a partially disassembled concrete finishing tool having a variously sized concrete float. A case includes a cover moveable into engagement with a base to define a closed position, and moveable away from the base to define an open position. The cover has a lower surface provided with a series of spaced apart, parallel downwardly facing grooves adapted to receive a concrete float connected to a concrete float adjusting device. An upper surface of the cover is formed with a cut-out adapted to receive the concrete float adjusting device connected to the concrete float. The base has a number of spaced apart barriers, adjacent pairs of barriers defining a set of channels adapted to frictionally receive a plurality of handle extensions collectively attached to the float adjusting device. Certain of the barriers are formed with pockets adapted to receive and support the concrete float connected to the concrete float adjusting device.

Abstract: Machine to level materials on the ground, made up of an operative set which includes two parallel telescopic arms (4), which are incorporated in revolving disposition on a bearing structure (1), while on the end of the arms in articulated fastening a horizontal head (6) is situated, foreseen of means to distribute, level and compact materials to be applied on the ground.

Abstract: A concrete deposition device includes at least a concrete delivery unit and a leveling element in a single unit. The device can be moved across an edge of a concrete mass under deposition to simultaneously place and level plastic concrete. The device may also include a screed trailing the leveling element to provide additional compacting and control of the top surface of the concrete mass. In a preferred embodiment a carrier translates the deposition device along a predetermined path to provide for improved ease and accuracy in the formation of the concrete mass.

Abstract: A concrete float adjusting device is disclosed which enables a user to adjust the angle of a float coupled to the adjusting device so that the float does not gouge into the unset surface of freshly poured concrete. The adjusting device includes a base coupled to the float, and a shaft rotatable in a pivot bearing pivotally coupled to the base. The shaft is formed with a pair of spiral slots which define a path of travel for a pair of upper pivot shafts projecting into the slots and guiding a protective sleeve and an integral follower sleeve together for sliding movement on the shaft. A pair of shiftable link arms extend between the upper pivot shafts and a pair of lower pivot shafts pivotally coupling the base to the link arms. Rotation of the shaft causes linear sliding movement of the protective sleeve and follower sleeve along the shaft. This motion is transmitted by the shifting link arms to the base so as to change the angle of the float relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A concrete float adjusting device is disclosed which enables a user to adjust the angle of a float coupled to the adjusting device so that the float does not gouge into the unset surface of freshly poured concrete. The adjusting device includes a base coupled to the float, and a shaft rotatable in a pivot bearing pivotally coupled to the base. The shaft is formed with a pair of spiral slots which define a path of travel for a pair of upper pivot shafts projecting into the slots and guiding a protective sleeve and an integral follower sleeve together for sliding movement on the shaft. A pair of shiftable link arms extend between the upper pivot shafts and a pair of lower pivot shafts pivotally coupling the base to the link arms. Rotation of the shaft causes linear sliding movement of the protective sleeve and follower sleeve along the shaft. This motion is transmitted by the shifting link arms to the base so as to change the angle of the float relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A concrete finishing tool storage case is used to retain and transport a partially disassembled concrete finishing tool having a variously sized concrete float. A case includes a cover moveable into engagement with a base to define a closed position, and moveable away from the base to define an open position. The cover has a lower surface provided with a series of spaced apart, parallel downwardly facing grooves adapted to receive a concrete float connected to a concrete float adjusting device. An upper surface of the cover is formed with a cut-out adapted to receive the concrete float adjusting device connected to the concrete float. The base has a number of spaced apart barriers, adjacent pairs of barriers defining a set of channels adapted to frictionally receive a plurality of handle extensions collectively attached to the float adjusting device. Certain of the barriers are formed with pockets adapted to receive and support the concrete float connected to the concrete float adjusting device.

Abstract: An anti-segregation device (10) for preventing segregation of paving material (P) that is applied to a road bed (7) by a paving vehicle (1). The anti-segregation device (10) includes a first end (14) that is connected with the frame (2of the paving vehicle (1) and an opposing end (16) proximal to the road bed (7). The anti-segregation device (10) is configured to substantially contain paving material (P) between the anti-segregation device (10) and a screed (3) on the paving vehicle (1). The anti-segregation device (10) substantially prevents larger material particles from falling, rolling or otherwise moving forwardly from the remainder of the paving material head (H) so as to generally prevent material segregation.

Abstract: A soft landing control system for a screeding device is operable to automatically lower a vibrating member of a screed head assembly into engagement with a concrete surface at a time and place where the vibrating member is not positioned over an overlap area of already screeded concrete. The vibrating member is automatically lowered onto newly placed concrete at or near the junction or cold-joint between the already screeded concrete and the area of newly placed concrete, so as to avoid depressions in the already placed concrete. Optionally, the soft landing control system may include a timing device and may lower the vibrating member after a period of time following an activating event. Optionally, the control system may detect when the vibrating device is positioned at or near the newly placed concrete and may lower the vibrating member in response to such detection.

Abstract: A contouring device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at opposite ends by a pair of fluid cylinders. The fluid cylinders are controlled to raise and lower the ends of the contouring assembly independently of each other, thereby allowing the contouring assembly to create a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of one of the fluid cylinders is based on a comparison of the measured position of a first end of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. The measurement of the position of the first end of the contouring assembly is achieved by a tracking device which tracks the position of a target positioned on the first end of the contouring assembly and which determines the three dimensional position of the target.