Abstract: A block (11) formed with a mold (10) integral thereto. The mold (10) is constructed as a mold top half (12) and a mold bottom half (14) and filled in situ with cement (16). The mold halves (12,14) are constructed with respective socket and channel structures (24, 20) to capture an enlarged end (38) of a connector (34) for interlocking one block to a neighboring block. The resulting block (11) constitutes a one-piece block that can be formed at the installation site using the two-part mold (10). The interlocked blocks are prevented from removal when moved in either lateral direction, or in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An adjusting device for installing a manhole ring onto a manhole is provided. The manhole has an annular inner shoulder. The adjusting device comprises a center plate and at least one supporting arm. Each supporting arm has a first end and a second end with the first end of the supporting arm being securable to the center plate. A securement assembly associated with the center plate releasably holds the manhole ring.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) to roadway surfaces comprises primary and auxiliary conveyors wherein an upstream end portion of the primary conveyor is able to extend, for example, over the rear bed portion of a roadwork truck so as to permit an operator, stationed upon the bed portion of the truck, to deposit pavement markers upon the primary conveyor. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a slide mechanism is disposed adjacent to a downstream end portion of the primary conveyor and adjacent to an upstream end portion of the auxiliary conveyor for transferring pavement markers from the primary conveyor to the auxiliary conveyor when the absence of a pavement marker upon the auxiliary conveyor is detected. When pavement markers are present upon both conveyors, the pavement markers are conducted to applicator mechanisms for application to the roadway surface.

Abstract: A method of constructing catwalks and building scaffolds without cutting slopes, and without damaging mountainous areas, comprising the steps of 1) dropping at least two vertical ropes along a slope; 2) joining the vertical ropes by a set of upper and lower horizontal ropes, at a predetermined spaced interval; 3) joining these horizontal ropes to bar-like base structures; 4) erecting at least one pillar on the first base structure joined to the lower rope; 5) and placing and fixing plate-like structures on the second base structure joined to the upper horizontal rope and joined on the pillar or pillars.

Abstract: A pavement system utilizing a plurality of individual pavement segments. The elevation of the individual pavement segments can be adjusted by pumping a flowable material below the pavement segments through preformed ports in the pavement segments.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.

Abstract: A roadway barrier includes a plurality of movable roadway barrier modules forming a barrier chain, hardware for connecting the barrier modules together to form a first length, and a control for resisting increase and decrease of the barrier chain length when the barrier chain is in place on a roadway, and for permitting increase and decrease of the barrier chain length when the barrier chain is raised from the roadway by a transfer machine.

Abstract: A system and method for removing and replacing rigid pavement sections in highways, bridge decks, airport runways, and various other similar structures are provided. The system typically includes a lifting frame which attaches to a damaged slab and is removed with the slab as a unit in a single operation. The frame may also be used to reinstall a replacement slab or panel while acting as external reinforcement. The frame may also serve to align the replacement panel in the void left by the removed section while under-bedding material is installed and cured under the new panel. The system may also utilize a unique saw cutting method and joint splicing method which accomplish a completed removal and replacement process which is faster, cheaper, and stronger than prior art methods. The system reduces the downtime required for replacement of transportation system facilities using rigid pavement, which are in need of repair by replacement.

Abstract: A method of constructing catwalks and building scaffolds without cutting slopes, and without damaging mountainous areas, comprising the steps of 1) dropping at least two vertical ropes along a slope; 2) joining the vertical ropes by a set of upper and lower horizontal ropes, at a predetermined spaced interval; 3) joining these horizontal ropes to bar-like base structures; 4) erecting at least one pillar on the first base structure joined to the lower rope; 5) and placing and fixing plate-like structures on the second base structure joined to the upper horizontal rope and joined on the pillar or pillars.

Abstract: A paver system is made up of a plurality of pavers. The pavers are adhered onto a grid, and a handle is attached to the grid to enable the system to be carried by an installer. The grid onto which the pavers are adhered may be flexible. There may be a plurality of handles, and the handles may be connected by a band fastener. A paver installation may have a prearranged pattern using multiple paving systems.

Abstract: The current invention is a combined process employing several apparatus for removing and replacing rigid pavement sections in highways, bridge decks, airport runways, and various other similar structures. A lifting frame which acts to remove damaged slabs in a single operation also is used to reinstall a replacement slab or panel while acting as external reinforcement and also serving to align the replacement panel in the void left by the removed section while under bedding material is installed and cured under the new panel. This invention also utilizes a unique saw cutting method and joint splicing method which accomplish a completed removal and replacement process which is faster, cheaper, and stronger than prior art methods. The current invention reduces the downtime required for replacement of transportation system facilities using rigid pavement, which are in need of repair by replacement.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a covering material for covering a substrate such as ground, a floor, walls or the like, is described wherein the covering material includes a complex visual design.

Abstract: A reinforced elastomeric membrane installed over a new, or existing, non-reinforced waterproof elastomeric membrane of a roof covering and the method of installing the reinforced elastomeric membrane in a continuous and watertight condition that will offer more continuous puncture resistance than current art. The overlapped edge portions of the two membranes (i.e. the new or existing EPDM membrane and the new reinforced EPDM membrane) are sealed together by an intervening adhesive layer. Using reinforced EPDM as walkways to, around, and between serviceable roof top curb units, roof hatches, and roof access points, on new or existing non-reinforced EPDM roofs, provides a greater degree of continuous protection than current art.

Abstract: A fiberglass manhole adjustment ring comprising a fiberglass pipe and a self-centering lip attached to the edge of the pipe, and a method for installing the fiberglass manhole adjustment ring in an existing fiberglass manhole. The self-centering lip can either be attached to the interior edge of the pipe to form a sleeve or to the exterior edge of the pipe to form a collar. An interior self-centering lip, or sleeve, slides into an adjoining fiberglass manhole section while an exterior self-centering lip, or collar, slides over an adjoining manhole section. The manhole adjustment ring is inserted between the cone section and barrel section of an existing fiberglass manhole to accommodate changes in elevation of the surrounding grade level. The self-centering lip may also be used on manhole sections to enable field assembly of a manhole.

Abstract: A method of constructing a temporary vehicle parking lot (10) on a land area (12) comprises the steps of: providing a composite drainage material (20) through which water drains; and covering the land area (12) with the composite drainage material (20) so that the land area is underneath the composite drainage material. The composite drainage material (20) comprises a polymeric open mesh core (22) between first and second layers (24 and 26) of a non-woven geo-textile fabric. One (24) of the first and second layers contacts the land area (12). The other (26) of the first and second layers faces away from the land area (12) and provides a surface (50) on which vehicles may be parked. The composite drainage material (20) directs water which contacts the other layer (26) through the first and second layers (24 and 26), through the polymeric core (22) between the layers, and into the land area (12) covered by the composite drainage material (20).

Abstract: A fiberglass manhole adjustment ring comprising a fiberglass pipe and a self-centering lip attached to the edge of the pipe, and a method for installing the fiberglass manhole adjustment ring in an existing fiberglass manhole. The self-centering lip can either be attached to the interior edge of the pipe to form a sleeve or to the exterior edge of the pipe to form a collar. An interior self-centering lip, or sleeve, slides into an adjoining fiberglass manhole section while an exterior self-centering lip, or collar, slides over an adjoining manhole section. The manhole adjustment ring is inserted between the cone section and barrel section of an existing fiberglass manhole to accommodate changes in elevation of the surrounding grade level. The self-centering lip may also be used on manhole sections to enable field assembly of a manhole.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.

Abstract: A method for laying a mosaic in which a quantity of n individual mosaic elements are arranged on a common support surface so as to be separated from one another by joints, preferably for laying natural stones to form natural stone paving.

Abstract: An improved prefabricated elevated highway structure and a construction method thereof by which an elevated highway can be more easily and rapidly constructed without causing traffic congestion at a construction site, which highway includes an underground section for stably supporting the elevated highway and for effectively distributing the weight of the same to the ground; a plurality of support sections spaced from one another along a road on which the prefabricated elevated highway is constructed; a pavement section formed on the upper portion of the support sections; and a wall section formed at both sides of the road and along the pavement section.

Abstract: A concrete block has a first and a second hole passing through the concrete block in a vertically direction. An internal thread is formed in the first and the second hole. A plurality of tiles have a slipping resistivity. The tiles are arranged in order on an upper surface of the concrete block. The first and the second hole each have at a level of the upper surface an open region smaller than a respective tile.

Abstract: A raised pavement marker includes a rigid reflector assembly that supports two retroreflectors. The reflector assembly is resiliently mounted over a base by a resilient membrane, which is secured to the base at its outer edge. When a vehicle contacts the reflector housing, downward forces supplied by the vehicle to the reflector housing deform the membrane, which allows the reflector housing to move downwardly to pavement level. After the vehicle has passed, the resilience of the membrane restores the reflector assembly to its raised position. Methods for installing and removing the pavement marker are disclosed.

Abstract: A pavement mat to be used in the construction of temporary roadways comprising a plurality of vehicle tire segments tightly compressed and bound between preceding and succeeding stabilizer members. Each of the stabilizer members has an end plate and a plurality of tie rods that extend perpendicularly outward from its surface. The end plates also have rod holes to receive the tie rods the next succeeding stabilizer member. The preceding and succeeding stabilizer members are held in place by bolts or other means. When the vehicle tires are compressed together between the stabilizer members they are penetrated by the tie rods of its preceding stabilizer member. These tie rods stitch the tires together and keeps the tires tightly compressed together between the stabilizer members. A cap plate stabilizer member, without tie rods, is for use as the last of the succeeding stabilizer members, the cap plate has holes for receiving each of the tie rods of its immediately preceding stabilizer member.

Abstract: The Tile Holder, Spacer, and Setter; and Table is an apparatus used for tiling floors. The apparatus holds tiles, spaces them adjacent tiles, and sets them to a consistent depth. The apparatus allows the user to stand erect without putting stress on their knees and back throughout. The invention also includes a table that is to be used along with the apparatus. The table makes adding adhesive to floor tiles easier and cleaner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a roadway for supporting vehicular traffic and which can be used over a wide variety of terrains comprises a network of interconnected modular components for supporting a road bed over which vehicles can travel and a plurality of prefabricated panels, overlaying the network of interconnected modular components, which form a road bed. The network of interconnected modular components includes a first layer of interconnected, prefabricated concrete cylinders placed over the terrain to be traversed. The concrete cylinders are formed into a number of rows whose longitudinal axes are parallel to the direction of the road. The network further includes a second layer of interconnected, prefabricated concrete cylinders placed over the first layer and joined to the first layer by a number of intermediate support devices. The concrete cylinders in the second layer have their longitudinal axes extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the road.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double bogey arrangement comprised of four wheels mounted in an opposed fashion for supporting the T-shaped upper end of a road lane barrier. The double bogey structure includes an elastomeric mounting to absorb operating shocks while transferring lane barriers from one lane to another. The four-wheel bogey precludes problems existing with present lane barrier positioning vehicles wherein the support wheels are caught in the separation between the series of lane barriers, thereby causing damage to the support wheels and to the lane barriers.

Abstract: A fully portable, self-contained tile setting machine has a battery driven vibrator and a manually actuable suction pad with which the tile is secured. Out-rigger arms provide visual datum by which the tile in-process can be set level with two adjoining, previously set tiles or other reference surfaces, and a manual release of the suction pad permitting unimpeded removal of the setting machine from the just-set tile. The degree of vibration of the machine is adjustable, to permit modulation of the extent of vibration imparted to the tile, in setting it.

Abstract: The invention provides a road spillway comprising a porous removable deck over a ditch across a road. The road has a surface for driving on. Solid supports are provided on opposite sides of the ditch and below the surface of the road. Span members span the ditch generally below the surface of the road, removably resting on the solid supports. Deck members are positioned above, and attached to, the span members. A rigid grader bar may be attached to the top of the deck members, spanning the porous deck. The span members and deck members form a porous deck resting on the supports and spanning the ditch. The deck has a top for driving on which is generally at the level of the surface of the road. A settling pond may be provided in fluid communication with the ditch.

Abstract: A method of repairing asphalt or concrete surfaces such as roads and parking lots which have developed pot holes therein. The hole is cleaned of loose debris, lined with a water barrier sheet, provided with a reinforcing mesh, and filled with hot asphalt mix. The asphalt mix is compacted by a roller which has been chilled by exposure to a cryogenic substance, such as liquid nitrogen. Alternatively, the cryogenic substance directly contacts the asphalt mix. Preferably, the reinforcing mesh is further reinforced by flattened rods woven through the mesh or alternatively, laid thereon, with the rods oriented at angles of approximately forty-five degrees to linear structural members of the mesh. The water barrier, reinforcing mesh, and reinforcing rods are preferably formed from recycled plastic materials.

Abstract: A pathway for providing the transit of a wheelchair, including a person therein, over an uneven terrain surface that resists the rolling traction of a wheelchair, comprising a longitudinally extended flexible mat-like pathway configured such that the surface of the pathway is relatively porous with respect to the terrain surface, such as by providing therein a plurality of openings, and is capable of receiving thereon, at opposite side sections thereof, the front and side wheels of each side of a wheelchair. The pathways may be interconnected to pod-like landing sites at recreational locations.

Abstract: An improved roadway patching system and method is provided for repairing potholes (12) or other damaged roadway areas. The patching system of the invention includes a lower asphaltic liner (18) which is adapted for placement within a pothole (12) or the like in closely conforming and adhering relationship with the inner contour (14) thereof in order to present a substantially water-impervious barrier. A fill (34) is then placed within the pothole (12) atop the liner (18). The patch is completed by provision of an asphaltic, water-impervious, substantially non-stretch top mat (20) which is applied over the fill (34) and engaging and adhering to the liner (18) and adjacent portions (16) of the roadway (10).

Abstract: A portable, foldable surfacing module is disclosed for use by road vehicles as a road surface over previously impassable terrain. The surfacing module employs hinged sections that are rotatable through 360 degrees relative to each other and are foldable upon each other in accordian fashion for convenient storage, transport, deployment and retrieval.

Abstract: A reinforcement for asphaltic pavings comprises a prefabricated resin impregnated, adhesive coated grid of continuous glass fibers. The grid is laid on top of an underlying paving and adhered to it. An asphaltic paving layer is then applied on top of the grid.

Abstract: A side-wall beam is installed on a base for a guideway for a magnetic levitation vehicle. An elastic body is interposed between the side-wall beam and the base. Then, the side-wall beam is fastened to the base with a tendon on an imaginary line which extends through an intermediate portion of the elastic body in the transverse direction of the side-wall beam and which extends along the longitudinal direction of the side-wall beam. The elastic body is thereby held under compression between the side-wall beam and the base. The side-wall beam is supported on the base through the elastic body, and also fastened to the base, holding the elastic body under compression between the side-wall beam and the base. Reactive forces produced by the compression of the elastic body act to resist forces tending to cause the side-wall beam to fall over. Any displacement of the side-wall beam which may be caused by forces generated when the magnetic levitation vehicle passes can thereby be kept within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A slab element for covering a ground surface and the like, the linear, curvilinear, and circular-design surfaces produced by the slab elements, and a method of forming the design surfaces. The slab element comprises a rectangular slab element having a convex and a concave end adapted to interlock and be rotatable, with grout material therebetween, and the peripheral sides of the slab element entirely curvilinear.

Abstract: The method of treating a waste liquid or solid hydrocarbon to reduce risk of environmental contamination by the waste hydrocarbon, that includes forming a flowable cementitious paste of Portland cement and additives; introducing the hydrocarbon into the mix and distributing the hydrocarbon therein; forming the mix into a shape for curing, and allowing the formed mix to cure so as to encapsulate the hydrocarbon in the cured concrete mix.

Abstract: A steel traffic barrier module is provided that is preferably formed a plurality of modified I-beams joined by connecting plates wherein the modified I-beams present on at least one side of the module a profile having a plurality of inclined surfaces corresponding substantially to that of a New Jersey barrier profile. A cover plate spans substantially the entire length of the module and establishes at least one of the inclined surfaces. The module may be anchored to a traffic surface including a highway surface or a bridge deck.

Abstract: A transporter for a length of highway barriers includes a series of barrier transporting units, each having at least one pair of wheels positioned to straddle a length of highway barriers, at least one engaging device configured to engage one of the barriers, and at least one lifting device coupled to the engaging device to lift the engaging device and the engaged barriers. Articulating couplings interconnect axially adjacent transporting units to form a train configured to straddle the length of highway barriers such as the train can be moved over a length of highway barriers to be transported. Two tractors are connected to the train, one at each end of the train in line with the train to move the train. This transporter can be used by driving it over a length of highway barriers, using the engaging and lifting devices to lift the barriers, and then driving the transporter and the engaged barriers to a new location.

Abstract: Obtainment of and control of specific asphalt paving densities during roadbed repair by preshaping hot mat top surfaces prior to compaction. Like a shaped munition charge, a preshaped top surface on recently laid hot asphalt mat transmits compaction forces in precalculable directions and carries therewith asphaltic materials so as to obtain desired finished paving densities. A conventional strike off bar is modified with base margin indentations which partially and wholely, according to desired specifications, grade or top dress hot asphaltic mat with desired, force-transmitting planes. Adjunct apparatus is employed by way of translating and rotating plates to partially or wholely cover the indentations so as to effect various, but differing, desired mat surface shapes. An improvement to the conventional vibrating screed is also employed to shape the initial asphaltic mat shape while simultaneously tamping the shape gradually into its desired and compacted final form.

Abstract: A three ply mat and matting system for constructing temporary access roads and work surfaces over areas of poor soil conditions. The mats comprise upper and lower layers of longitudinally offset wooden boards separated by an intermediate layer of transverse boards. The upper and lower offsets form opposing upper and lower L-shaped lips with the addition of intermediate transverse boards at the edges of each offset. The mats are joined together to form an easily removable matting system by overlaying a plurality of identical mats, upper L-shaped lip over lower L-shaped lip, to form the mat system over the area to be covered.

Abstract: A reinforcement for asphaltic pavings comprises a prefabricated resin-impregnated, adhesive coated grid of continuous glass fibers. The grid is laid on top of an underlying paving and adhered to it. An asphaltic paving layer is then applied on top of the grid.

Abstract: A method of installing preformed pavement marking materials on an asphalt surface involving using infrared heat to raise the temperature of the surface so that the asphalt is sufficiently softened so that preformed pavement marking materials may be pressed into said asphalt surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying bricks in a herringbone pattern, in the preferred embodiment by a tongs motion, and for packeting bricks in a herringbone pattern.

Abstract: A vertical drainage element is constructed and laid in position while at the same time forming a narrow vertical channel in the ground by means of an excavating machine or trencher by performing the following successive operations:a strip of filtering material is unwound from a rotating roll of strip behind the trencher;the strip is introdued within the channel formed in the ground while being shaped in the form of a trough, the bottom of the trough being placed at the bottom of the channel while the side walls of the trough are placed against the channel walls;the top edges of the trough are held in position one against the other while filling the trough with bulk material in granular form which subsequently constitutes a vertical filtration block;the top edges of the trough of filtering material are closed on top of the completed block and are fastened together so as to form a closed jacket around the block.

Abstract: A grid system for stabilizing an underlayer and providing a support surface ncludes 60 longitudinally extending polyethylene strips which are bonded one to another in an offset manner and are adapted for providing a grid. The grid has a first collapsed orientation wherein the strips are generally linearly aligned and substantially contiguous and a second expanded orientation wherein the strips are generally longitudinally sinusoidal for providing a plurality of cells. The cells are filled with compacted naturally occurring beach sand. An asphalt layer is applied to the upper surface of the grid and penetrates the cells to a predetermined depth for thereby providing a roadway surface adapted for vehicler traffic.

Abstract: The mechanical device used for carrying out the procedure consists of a reel (B), upon which is wound a conveyor sheet. Before the sheet is wound onto the said reel, the retroreflecting elements (A) are attached to it, maintaining a certain preestablished spacing between the elements. When the sheet is made to unwind from the reel (B) and passed over the sharp-edged body (C), the retroreflecting elements (A) are mechanically detached from the sheet and deposit themselves onto the road surface (S), maintaining the same preestablished spacing between them. The sheet, from which the retroreflecting elements have been detached, is then rewound onto the rewind reel (E).The surface of the said sheet (B) can either be coated with an adhesive (sticky) substance, while the surfaces of the retroreflecting elements (A) are treated with a detaching polymer, or the sheet surface can be treated with the detaching polymer, with the surfaces of the retroreflecting elements coated with the adhesive (sticky) substance.

Abstract: A carrier machine for laying sidewalk curbs or paving stones combines pallet transportation forks with a lifting device mounted on an orientable horizontal distribution apparatus, with a prehensive member for grasping the items to be laid and a control to be operated by the laying operator. The control is placed on the prehensive member.

Abstract: A reinforcing semi-rigid, resin impregnated continuous filament fiberglass grid is incorporated into a paved road or surface to provide increased strength and resistance to cracking.

Abstract: A pavement tile includes a section of reinforcing geotextile fabric coated on a top side with asphalt adhesive and a layer of asphalt aggregate mix or "hot mix" over the adhesive. The asphalt aggregate mix is compacted to a desired thickness and degree of compaction. Asphalt is applied over a bottom side of the fabric, and a peelable backing applied over the asphalt. For repair of deteriorated pavement, the protective backing is simply peeled off, and the pavement tile applied over the deteriorated spot of wear course. New paved surface or large repairs can be made by simply adjoining tiles. The tiles are preferably made in batches. A large sheet is spread with the layers of asphalt adhesive and asphalt aggregate mix, and compacted. The large sheet is cut into tiles, and the asphalt and backing applied to individual tiles. The tiles are stacked in batches of six on a convenient crate with handles.

Abstract: A method is described whereby asymmetric retroreflecting elements are positioned with their hemispherical sides pointing upwards, made to agglomerate in rows and then deposited onto the road surface or onto a road-marking strip.

Abstract: This invention regards a method for assuring high retro-reflecting capability and long service life for horizontally-installed roadway-marking strips. The same method also provides for making marking strips that are already installed visible in rainy weather. This invention also concerns the relative equipment for applying the method.