Abstract: A concrete screed rail having generally parallel spaced top and bottom edges, at least the upper one of which is provided with a finished surface, there being at least one and preferably a plurality of recesses in a web portion of the rail. The recesses in the web portion preferably are closed off by a thin layer of concrete, the concrete including that of said recess being reinforced by a mesh or plurality of short fibers. The screed rail may be in the form of a straight beam of I-section or alternatively of generally L-shaped cross-section. If desired, additional reinforcement may be incorporated in the rail.

Abstract: Scraping device for removing excess subgrade material from the surface of a subgrade to level the subgrade, which includes a lower wall, side walls, a rear wall and an optional top wall defining a container for collecting removed excess subgrade material, and attachment means so the device may be lifted and transported by a fork lift truck or the bucket of an earth moving vehicle for emptying; advantageously the apparatus is formed in sections which can be disassemabled and stacked one within another.

Abstract: A system for leveling concrete to provide a flat, planar upper surface. The system involves the use of elongated screed rails including upper and lower edges. The lower edge of each screen rail includes an elongated slot in each end portion. Each screed rail can be positioned over upright grade pins which extend into the slots and rest against the underside of the top edge of the screed rail. A leveling or strikeoff rod having a straight lower edge is supported on the upper edges of the screed rails. When the leveling rod is drawn along the screed rails it levels the poured concrete and provides a planar concrete surface.

Abstract: A frame member for use as a portion of an open portable vibrated screed frame comprises a length of metal rod with metal tubes spaced along the length of the rod and bent in a zig-zag configuration such that each tube and a portion of the rod within each tube is bent together thereby providing a means for securing the frame member by welding to the tubes rather than directly to the rod material.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for laying concrete floors includes precast concrete, combination concrete-forming and screed-guiding beams. The beams are shaped to provide screed slide faces, anchorage flanges, and as desired, reinforcement bracket projections and dowel opening. The beams are located, leveled and anchored, in a spaced pattern of sections. Concrete reinforcements and dowels are used in the floor area to be laid, as desired. Concrete may be poured in all the sections defined by the beam pattern, and screeded, with the screeds being supported on the beams. The beams are not removed, but hardened into the floor with the poured concrete, eliminating such past, costly practices as temporary screed guide placement and removal, and the required work stoppage and overnight wait for some sections to harden, until adjacent sections can be poured.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a concrete panel for constructing a wall of a building in which a reinforcing column of concrete is integrally formed therewith. The apparatus has a hopper in which cement is poured. Depending from the hopper is an inverted U-shaped channel member with depending walls for forming the column. Projecting outwardly from the bottom of the depending walls are flanges. Outboard of the flanges are runners which slide over rails for advancing the apparatus over a rectilinear path.

Abstract: A screed for an asphalt paver in which the bottom plate thereof is made of steel in the Brinell hardness range of 450-500 to engage road surfacing material. Stainless steel threaded studs are welded to the upper surface of the bottom plate for attachment of the screed to the asphalt paver.

Abstract: A portable vibrating screed includes a driven, vibratory rotatable shaft assembly mounted on an elongated frame equipped with means for screeding concrete. The shaft assembly includes a plurality of bearing assemblies spaced along the length of the shaft. Each bearing assembly includes a pair of separate bearing elements mounted on the shaft and supported in bearing supports secured to the frame. Failure of any single bearing element allows a companion bearing element in the same assembly to absorb all of the load imposed on such assembly to prevent shutdown and without impairing the needed vibration.

Abstract: A concrete finishing machine having a movable framework mounted transversely over a paved area and defining an axis. A carriage is movably attached to the framework and has means for moving the carriage along the length of the framework. The carriage carries at least one rotating auger unit having leading and trailing portions mounted on one shaft and a finishing member. The auger unit has a leading portion having a helically arranged blade with an outer edge that is positioned in a fixed, spaced relationship with a desired grade. The trailing portion has a helically arranged blade with a band attached thereto to spread forward the excess concrete left by the leading portion and to finish the concrete at the desired grade. Plunging concrete vibrators are placed adjacent the auger unit leading portions.

Abstract: A levelling device for producing a smooth surface on a sett paving bed is constructed, with a view to easy handling and neat working, so that the rule can lift the excess material with a cutting action by a projecting cutting edge and a rising ramp surface. With a collecting trough and with rollers to support the levelling rule, a transport truck for excess material can be provided at the same time.

Abstract: A vibratory concrete screed composed of a plurality of interconnected sections. Each section includes a series of frame members which are located at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the section. Each frame member is generally triangular in configuration and is composed of a base and a pair of sides which are connected together at an apex. The ends of the bases of the frame members are connected to a pair of parallel screed plates, while a ridge tube is connected to the apices of the frame members. The ridge tubes of adjacent sections are connected together by an adjustable connecting mechanism, and axial adjustment of the ridge tubes will tend to tilt the screed plates of one section relative to the adjacent section to provide the desired crown for the screed.

Abstract: A concrete finishing apparatus includes a supporting frame having first and second spaced apart end sections engaging first and second guide tracks for advancing the apparatus along the length of an area of plastic concrete. A support element extends between the first and second end sections and includes vertically extending front and rear surfaces and an upper surface interconnecting the front and rear surfaces. A carriage is laterally translatable along the length of the support element and includes front and rear legs which straddle the support element. The carriage includes a concrete finishing device which is coupled to the front leg of the carriage for engaging and finishing the plastic concrete in front of the support element. A power source is coupled to the rear leg of the carriage and is interconnected with the concrete finishing device to energize the concrete finishing device.

Abstract: A concrete screed comprising an elongate frame with a first longitudinally extending screed plate connected to a leading portion of the frame, and a second longitudinally extending screed plate connected to the frame rearwardly of the first screed plate. A plow body is mounted on the frame in close proximity to the first screed plate and presents discrete surface portions, comprising: (i) a first generally horizontal surface portion, extending forwardly from the vicinity of the first screed plate to a front leading edge and generally horizontally aligned with the first screed plate, and (ii) a second surface portion integrally joined to the front leading edge of the first surface portion and extending upwardly therefrom to an upper edge. Means are coupled to the frame for translating it along concrete to be screeded, whereby the first and second screed plates and plow body are brought into operative screeding engagement with the concrete.

Abstract: A plug pusher, mounted to a mower of the type having a lift frame, pushes turf core plugs from an aerated turf surface. The plug pusher includes two L-shaped, elongate pusher elements, each having a horizontal first leg and a vertical second leg, mounted to the vehicle for being raised and lowered by the lift frame. The first leg of each pusher element extends forwardly from the second leg and lies on the turf surface so as the vehicle moves the core plugs gather in front of the second leg and on top of the first leg. The pusher elements are configured and are mounted to the mower to permit limited movement relative to the mower and each other to accommodate uneven surfaces.

Abstract: A concrete screed comprising an elongated beam with top and bottom flat surfaces joined to an intermediate hollow, tubular cylindrical section, formed of a plurality of interconnected separable beam units. Each adjacent pair of beam units is interconnected by a tongue body of a size and shape adapting it to closely fit within passages at end portions of the adjacent beam units, such passages being formed corporately by the bottom flat plate, the tubular section, and generally vertical ribs joining the bottom plate portion to the tubular section. The tongue body is secured to each of the adjacent beam units, with its respective ends disposed within the respective passages of the adjacent beam unit. The screed comprises means for imparting vibrations to the second plate portion, and a handle connected to the first plate portion.

Abstract: A vibratory concrete screed includes a frame having first and second ends and a length equal to or greater than the width of plastic concrete to be finished. A screed blade is coupled to the screed frame and engages the full width of the plastic concrete. Vibration generating structure is coupled to the screed for vibrating the screed blade. An oscillating strike-off is positioned in front of the vibrating screed blade to level, smooth and compact the plastic concrete surface before engagement by the vibrating screed blade. The oscillating strike-off includes a strike-off blade having a vertically oriented front face and a horizontally oriented lower face. Suspension means maintains the desired orientation of the front and lower faces of the strike-off blade, maintains the strike-off blade at a fixed vertical position with respect to the screed blade, and enables the strike-off blade to be laterally displaced within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A concrete form includes a horizontal base and a vertical face joined to the base. Load bearing brackets are coupled at spaced apart intervals along the exterior side of the concrete form to loosely support a detachable equipment rail from below while maintaining the upper surface of the rail parallel to the form base. A rail alignment bracket includes a pair of vertically oriented, spaced apart edges or slots for receiving vertically projecting, spaced apart sides of the equipment rail and maintaining the equipment rail in a fixed position with respect to the form base. A clamping device secures a stake to the load bearing bracket to maintain the concrete form in a fixed position with respect to the subgrade.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable screed utilizes an extruded beam element as the principal structural element. The extruded beam element provides a mounting surface for both a handle and a gasoline engine, a housing for a vibrating shaft driven by the engine, a screed surface vibrated by the shaft and support surfaces for supporting the ends of the screed on forms.

Abstract: A vibratory concrete screed includes a frame and a substantially horizontal screed blade. A pair of end-mounted winches advance the screed along concrete forms into an area of unfinished plastic concrete. A concrete spreading device is translated back and forth along the length of the screed to partially level the unfinished concrete before engagement by the screed blade. The concrete spreading device includes grading means having distributing means in the form of an auger and metering means in the form of a plow. The auger initially levels and redistributes the plastic concrete while the plow receives the plastic concrete from the trailing edge of the auger and regulates the level of plastic concrete discharged from the concrete spreading device and intercepted by the screed blade. A carriage maintains the grading means at a predetermined elevation in front of the screed blade and translates the spreading device along the length of the screed frame.

Abstract: A subgrading machine precisely levels and contours the subgrade within an area having first and second parallel oriented forms including parallel upper surfaces vertically spaced above the subgrade and defining a form surface plane. A grading blade extends along the front of a triangular truss frame terminated by first and second end sections and having a length less than the spacing between the forms. The front and rear edges of the frame define a frame base plane. An adjustable end bracket is coupled to each frame end section and includes a form contact element for maintaining a parallel alignment between the frame base plane and the form surface plane. The form contact element is coupled at a selectable vertical position to each end bracket to vary the spacing between the frame base plane and the form surface plane to thereby determine the grading depth of the grading blade.

Abstract: A concrete-finishing machine has a drive horse, a slave horse, and a bridge-like truss selectively connectable to, or separable from, those horses at different levels so those horses can roll along surfaces at the same level or at distinctly-different levels. Vertically-directed jacks can dispose a screed or a float at different distances below the level of the bridge-like truss, and that screed and that float can be shifted along the length of that bridge-like truss to avoid obstructions within the area to be concreted. Those jacks can set different sections of the screed at different levels and thereafter simultaneously move all sections of that screed up or down. Interacting surfaces on the jacks and on the bridge-like truss enable those jacks to be readily secured to or separated from that bridge-like truss.

Abstract: A device for screeding and finishing concrete pavements having an elongate sectional framework, turnbuckles between framework sections to provide a crown or sag, a rotating shaft with eccentric weights driven by an internal combustion engine to impart vibration, hydraulic pumps and motors driving winches for self-propulsion of the device across the concrete. The screed bars are hollow rectangular members having two useable wearing surfaces. The screed bars may be rotated to bring their second wearing surfaces into contact with the concrete.

Abstract: The present invention levels freshly poured concrete, internally vibrates a linear segment of that concrete and then moves forward and remixes a surcharged concrete layer to yield a more uniformly dense mass of concrete. The apparatus includes a bridge spanning the width of a plastic concrete surface and is suppported above and maintained substantially parallel to the plastic concrete surface. A small diameter auger is coupled to a carriage suspended beneath the bridge and is laterally translatable back and forth along the length of the bridge within the linear segment of concrete to level the irregular concrete surface to form a flat intermediate surface. An internal vibrator module is laterally translatable along the bridge for internally vibrating the plastic concrete to densify material within the linear segment into a surcharge layer.

Abstract: The present invention simultaneously finishes the surface of an area of plastic concrete and forms a curb along one or both sides of the area as the apparatus is translated along the length of the area. The apparatus includes a vibratory concrete finishing machine such as a triangular truss concrete screed having first and second sides and spaced apart front and rear screed blades. The two sides of the finishing machine are supported by roller support units which engage each of the spaced apart forms. Coupling means connects the first roller support unit to the first side of the finishing machine, adjusts the lateral spacing between the first side of the finishing machine and the form, and adjusts the elevation of the screed blades with respect to the form. A curb form is coupled to the finishing machine between the form and the first side of the finishing machine.

Abstract: A paver embodying a vibrating pan for spreading concrete and smoothing and compacting the same on a sloping surface is described.

Abstract: A vibratory concrete screed includes a frame having first and second ends and a length equal to or greater than the width of plastic concrete to be finished. A screed blade is coupled to the screed frame and engages the full width of the plastic concrete. Vibration generating structure is coupled to the screed for vibrating the screed blade. A concrete spreading device is coupled to the screed frame to level the surface of the plastic concrete and to evenly distribute excess plastic concrete in front of the screed blade. The concrete spreading device includes a grading device having either an auger or a grading blade or both an auger and a grading blade. A carriage maintains the grading device at a desired relative elevation to the screed blade and translates the grading device back and forth along the length of the screed frame. The side to side translation of the grading device along the screed frame laterally distributes the excess concrete and displaces the concrete forward and away from the screed blade.

Abstract: A screed bar support saddle is carried by vertically adjustable legs mounted on the ends of support arms swingable in a horizontal plane so as to vary the spacing between the legs, between the legs and the screed bar, and to adjustably position the legs relative to the screed bar. The adjustable positioning and spacing of the legs enables the screed bar support assembly to be placed to avoid interference with reinforcing steel or wire, pipes, and the like, and to accommodate concrete pouring upon corrugated surfaces having different spacing ofcorrugating grooves. The screed bar is held against torsional and pivotal motion within a support saddle and precisely adjusted in elevation by rotation of an adjustment tool formed on the end of a sight rod that is used with a transit, level, or the like, for precision elevation control.

Abstract: A knock-down vibrating concrete screed comprises elongate screed units attachable end-to-end in a longitudinally extending row to provide a screed of desired length. Ones of the screed units each comprise an elongate frame unit movable transversely over the concrete and vibration apparatus for vibrating the corresponding frame unit for smoothing the concrete over which the frame unit moves. The adjacent ends of the screed units positively block coaxially longitudinal movement of adjacent screed units into attached relation with each other. The adjacent ends of the screed units also block strictly coaxial longitudinal movement of attached screed units out of attached relation with each other.

Abstract: A roller press assembly for compacting mushroom beds and the like. A carriage-like structure having a pair of rollers suspends a vertically adjustable smoothing plate for compacting and smoothing the surface of the bed. The structure may be guided manually by handles or by side rails. Such side rails may be provided on each of a plurality of vertically stacked beds to form a bunk bed structure to enable selective traversing by the roller press.

Abstract: A laterally and vertically adjustable support bracket can be coupled to an end of concrete finishing equipment such as a vibratory concrete screed to permit the equipment to be operated on a concrete surface which includes obstructions extending vertically from the edge area. The adjustable support bracket includes a vertical bracket element which is coupled to the end of the concrete finishing equipment. A vertically extending member is spaced apart from the vertical bracket element and engages a load bearing surface located outboard of the concrete surface. A laterally extending member extends between the vertical bracket element and the vertically extending member and includes various adjustment devices for varying the lateral spacing and relative vertical alignment between the vertical bracket element and the vertically extending member.

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 lightweight portable concrete screed utilizes an elongated open frame supported on opposed forms and adapted to screed an entire width of concrete formed road and simultaneously form associated curbing on both sides of the road.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, vibrating-type concrete screed utilizes an elongated, open frame structure, is adapted to being winched automatically to screed a concrete-formed road and simultaneously form and smooth associated curbing and guttering with improved vibrator and smoothing means.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable screen mounts a gasoline engine which drives a vibrating shaft and is adapted with handles for being used in "wet" or "mud" screeding without requiring forms as guide supports.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming, compacting and finishing the top surface of concrete poured between a pair of removable longitudinally extending parallel opposed forms. The apparatus, which is self-propelled, travels along the tops of the forms. A heavy wooden vibrator member disposed at the forward end of the apparatus may be shaped so that concrete beneath the vibrator is formed and compacted to a depth which varies along transverse axes of the forms. The structural members of the apparatus may be interchanged or adjusted to adapt the apparatus for use with forms of arbitrary spacing. Simple adjustments may also be made to permit the apparatus to traverse forms of unequal height. Removable "skirts" enable use of the apparatus with relatively narrow forms supported above the grade on which the concrete segment is formed--the skirts serve as a "travelling form" to prevent poured concrete formed and compacted by the vibrator spilling beneath the forms.

Abstract: A screed includes a triangular truss frame having first and second ends and a top support member forming the apex of the triangular truss. Front and rear screed blades are coupled in a spaced apart relationship to the lower portion of the front and rear of the frame. The screed includes a detachable screed blade extension bracket which is coupled to the top support member and to the front and rear screed blades. The detachable screed blade extension bracket includes a bracket frame, front and rear blade extension elements which are coupled to the bracket frame and aligned respectively with the front and rear screed blades for extending the effective length of the blade by a predetermined, desired amount. The detachable end bracket extends the effective length of the front and rear screed blades without extending the length of the top support member or the triangular truss frame of the screed.

Abstract: A triangular truss screed includes first and second vertically oriented end brackets coupled to the first and second ends of the screed frame. Each end bracket includes front and rear vertically extending, spaced apart side members. A detachable guide bracket can be coupled to one of the screed end brackets for the purpose of supporting and guiding one end of the screed along a horizontally oriented guide member coupled to the wall of a building at a vertical position well above the concrete surface. The guide bracket includes first and second spaced apart side members which are detachably coupled to a screen end bracket. The guide bracket includes guide elements which laterally extend from the guide bracket to engage the wall-mounted guide member.

Abstract: An improved frame construction for a portable, vibrating-type concrete screed incorporates a specially designed hollow ridge tube extending along the apex of an elongated open frame of triangular cross section and providing means for adjusting relative angular positions of adjoining screed units and for passage of air when the screed is air operated.

Abstract: A triangular truss screed includes a frame having first and second ends and a top support member which forms the apex of the triangular truss. Front and rear screed blades extend between the first and second ends of the screed frame and are coupled in a spaced apart relationship to the lower portion of the front and rear of the frame. The front and rear screed blades each include a flat lower surface and form the front and rear edges of the triangular truss frame. A pan float finisher is coupled to the flat lower surface of the front and rear blades and includes a length substantially equal to the length of the screed frame and a width greater than the spacing between the front and rear blades. A vibration generating mechanism is coupled to the screed to vibrate the pan float finisher.

Abstract: A vibrating concrete screed having a motor driven vibrating shaft in an elongated frame mounts at each end of a single or interconnected plural frames a detachable winching unit driven by the shaft through a fluid motor. The screed may be winched automatically, at varying angles, at different speeds at each end and with the winching units performing a screeding function.

Abstract: A vibratory concrete screed includes a generally triangular, open support frame to which front and rear screed blades are coupled. Air vibrators are coupled at intervals along the front and rear screed blades to impart vibratory motion to the blades. First and second end brackets are coupled to the screed top pipe and to the front and rear screed blades and include first and second side members which define a plane oriented perpendicular to the front and rear screed blades. A vertically and horizontally adjustable extension bracket is coupled to the first and second side members of the end bracket of the screed and is maintained in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the first and second side members of the end bracket.

Abstract: A high density concrete placer is longitudinally translatable along a pair of parallel oriented support rails positioned adjacent to an area in which wet concrete has been poured. The concrete placer includes a bridge having first and second ends and first and second roller assemblies coupled to the first and second ends of the bridge. The roller assemblies contact the support rails and enable the bridge to be longitudinally translated along the support rails. A frame includes a plurality of immersible vibrator units which are coupled at spaced apart intervals along one side of the frame and descend vertically downward therefrom. A rolling table is coupled to the bridge and to the frame to be laterally translated between the first and second ends of the bridge. The frame includes a subframe which is vertically displaceable between a first and a second position and serves to vertically displace the vibrator units between a first and a second position.

Abstract: An assembly for paving concrete roads and other similar areas is disclosed having a width adjustable screed attached to a lightweight frame structure and utilizing mechanical vibrators in conjunction with a crown-shape finishing pan to produce a finished concrete road.

Abstract: A vibrating concrete screed utilizes a plurality of air-driven vibrators which are mounted on an elongated frame in a manner designed to achieve a unique vibration pattern throughout the length of the frame. An air-driven winch on the screed enables the screed to be winched automatically and at a controlled speed while the screed is being vibrated.

Abstract: A screed for leveling freshly poured concrete comprises a pair of handle assemblies each comprising a body, a first handle extending upwardly from the body, a second handle extending laterally outwardly and upwardly from the body, and a leveling bar, such as a length of lumber, releasably attached at its ends to the respective handle assemblies.

Abstract: A fine grader for fine grading the surface of the subgrade on which fresh concrete is to be poured to form a uniformly level surface for receiving freshly poured concrete is formed by coupling together a fine grader attachment with a vibratory screed. The screed includes first and second ends and first and second end brackets which are coupled to the first and second ends of the screed frame. A winch is coupled to each end bracket for translating the screed along the length of the side forms. The fine grader attachment for the screed includes a fine grader blade, a series of brackets coupled to the screed frame and to the fine grader blade for maintaining the blade in a grading position below and in front of the screed.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable vibrating screed is made up of a base frame unit which mounts a variable speed drive engine and to which other pivotal sub-frame units may be attached for extending the length of the screed. A shaft is supported with a substantial amount of play between the shaft and its support bearings for rotation between a trailing pair of screed blades to which vibration is imparted throughout the length of the screed as the shaft is driven by the engine. The engine vibration is also imparted in a manner to cause the screed to creep forward which reduces the force required to advance the screed over the concrete. A third leading blade to which relatively minimal vibration is imparted acts to level the concrete, substantially reduces manual puddling and improves the screeding accomplished by the trailing pair of blades.

Abstract: A plate having a long handle attached thereto is used for spreading a semi-liquid composition over a base surface, the thickness of the layer being determined by a supporting spherical wheel. Another plate having a long handle is used for leveling the surface of the composition which is spread according to a pattern of juxtaposed strips.

Abstract: A screed bar support stake and method are uniquely adapted to concrete screeding operations utilizing a vibratory-type screed. The stake is formed with means which allow it to be located after the concrete has been poured and is also adapted with means enabling the stake to be removed for reuse before the concrete hardens thus saving the cost of the stake. A mating drive member facilitates easy placement of the stake.

Abstract: A self-propelled concrete screed machine is provided having a winch and cable propulsion system comprised of a pair of cable spools and two cables, one wound upon each spool, and a pair of level wind mechanisms providing a reciprocal guiding motion of the cables across the length of the spools, so that each cable will be received on its respective spool in a series of concentric layers comprised of multiple side by side wraps of the cable. A portable, easily disassembled, framework including: a main frame carrying the winch and cable system and its prime mover; a pair of outer frame members each carrying a cable guide pulley; and two pairs of screed board guide handles, one of which carries a remote prime mover control, are also provided. The concrete screed machine is guided across the concrete surface being screeded by an elongated guide shoe which slidingly engages a plurality of guide supports affixed to the surface upon which the concrete is being poured.