Abstract: An apparatus for holding rebar rods and method for laying the same, the apparatus including an elongated member; a plurality of clasps equally spaced apart from each other and disposed on the elongated member; wherein each of the plurality of clasps is adapted to receive and hold a section of a rebar rod.

Abstract: A paver for laying down a strip of concrete and inserting therein dowel bars parallel to the strip. A dowel bar inserter orients the bars and places them into the concrete. A pair of transport chains transverse to the travel direction extends across a width of the inserter. Pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups hold the bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the strip. The chains move in a single direction. A dowel bar holding magazine, above the chains, stores bars, and gravitationally moves the bars towards the chains for pick-up by cups as the chains move the cups past a bar loading station. Elastic bands extend about a bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliently bias the bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel.

Abstract: A paver for laying down a strip of concrete and inserting therein dowel bars parallel to the strip. A dowel bar inserter orients the bars and places them into the concrete. A pair of transport chains transverse to the travel direction extends across a width of the inserter. Pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups hold the bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the strip. The chains move in a single direction. A dowel bar holding magazine, above the chains, stores bars, and gravitationally moves the bars towards the chains for pick-up by cups as the chains move the cups past a bar loading station. Elastic bands extend about a bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliently bias the bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel.

Abstract: A slipform paver including a dowel bar inserter unit having a pair of spaced-apart, endless transport chains oriented transversely to the travel direction. Each chain defines upper and lower strands with turn around chain sections at respective ends of the chain strands. A plurality of pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups carried by exterior sides of the chain hold the dowel bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the concrete strip. A dowel bar holding magazine is located above the upwardly facing sides of the chains. Elastic bands having ends fixedly attached to the magazine extend generally about a portion of a convexly curved dowel bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliency bias the dowel bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel.

Abstract: A template for positioning a pocket former wherein the template positions the pocket former at a fixed depth with respect to the top of concrete formwork. The template comprises a support and a body. The support positions the template; the body comprises a positioner for locating a pocket former. A spacer that connects to the support according to the desired depth of the pocket former can also be included. The template thus provides a reliable and efficient way of ensuring that a pocket former is placed at the appropriate depth.

Abstract: A slipform paver for laying down a strip of concrete over a ground surface and for intermittently inserting into the strip spaced-apart dowel bars that are oriented substantially parallel to the length of the strip that is being laid down. The paver has a dowel bar inserter unit that orients the dowel bars substantially parallel to the travel direction of the paver and places the dowel bars into the concrete as the strip is being laid down. The inserter has a pair of spaced-apart, endless transport chains oriented transversely to the travel direction that substantially extends across a width of the inserter unit. Each chain defines upper and lower strands with turn-around chain sections at respective ends of the chain strands. A plurality of pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups carried by exterior sides of the chain hold the dowel bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the concrete strip when the pair of cups holding the dowel bar are on the exterior chain side that faces downwardly.

Abstract: Disclosed are a concrete dowel placement devices and a method of utilizing the same. A metallic stud is driven, screwed, or otherwise attached to a form. The stud may be a unitary structure, or may be a hollow tube with conventional fastening means such as nails and screws extending through and holding the hollow tube to the form. A cover having an interior compartment substantially equal in diameter to the stud is slidably placed thereon, and a first enclosed area is developed with a plurality of forms. Concrete is poured into the first enclosed area, and upon curing, the form and the stud are removed, leaving the cover embedded in the concrete. A metallic dowel is inserted into the cover, and a second enclosed area is developed with like configured forms. The metallic dowel extends into the second enclosed area.

Abstract: An insertion device configured for connecting to a frame of a concrete paving machine. The insertion device including a housing, a guide tube extending from the housing, and an ejection device positioned in the housing and cooperating with the guide tube to individually eject dowels stored by the housing through the guide tube. According to one embodiment, the housing includes an alignment system for aligning the dowels in the housing in a predetermined orientation. In another embodiment, the housing has a parting feature that extends along a forward external side of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the guide tube includes a resilient element provided at an outlet portion that is arranged to seal the outlet portion of the guide tube.

Abstract: A paving machine having a dowel bar insertion assembly and a form piece permit precise placement of at least one dowel bar, in a mass of concrete, before smoothing and leveling of the concrete mass into a desired surface. A detection device activates a drive device to eject the dowel bars into the concrete mass at a desired interval.

Abstract: A device indicates the level of concrete within the hopper of a concrete pump and prevent accidental overflow and spills. The concrete level indicator device includes an elongate post with an enlarge float fixed to the bottom end and a guide sleeve for allowing vertical telescoping movement of the post as the concrete level in this hopper changes. A retaining collar attaches to a screen in the hopper of the pump and surrounds the guide sleeve for limiting swinging movement of the post and guide sleeve, thereby maintaining the device in a vertical position within the hopper with the float resting on the concrete. As concrete is filled into the hopper, the post rises through the guide sleeve until a visual indicator (e.g. a red band) on the top end of the post is visibly exposed above the guide sleeve, thereby alerting the operator to interrupt the discharge of concrete being filled in the hopper until the concrete level drops and the visible indicator on the post is no longer visible.

Abstract: An improved joint edge assembly, of the type used in the construction of concrete slabs, is disclosed. The assembly comprises a longitudinal joint rail, preferably of steel, which is supported off the ground by temporary formwork. The joint rail is secured to the formwork by mounting brackets. The joint rail comprises first and second joint edge members that are connected to each other by connectors with self-release elements. A plurality of studs extends downward and outward from each of the joint edge members into the concrete slabs provide a positive mechanical connection between the slab and the joint rail. As the concrete shrinks during hardening, the self-release elements of the connectors allow the joint to freely open. The joint edge assembly thus provides a self-releasing expandable joint between adjacent slab sections, and protects the edges of the adjacent slab sections from damage. A dowel aligner may also be integrated into the assembly, to allow proper positioning of dowels within the slab.

Abstract: A concrete form having a first wall defining a predetermined thickness and a peripheral edge of a concrete slab and a second wall transverse to the first wall for supporting a temporary extended border portion of the slab having a thickness less than the predetermined thickness and such that an upper surface of the slab including the temporary extended border portion is substantially flat and continuous. A process for pouring and finishing a concrete slab hawing at least one peripheral edge and a predetermined thickness includes providing one or more concrete forms in an arrangement defining a periphery of the slab. The form has a recessed top wall providing a support area for a temporary extended border portion of the slab having a thickness less than the predetermined thickness. The concrete is poured within the area defined by the form to a height determined by an upper edge of the form so that the temporary extended border portion of the slab is supported on the recessed top wall.

Abstract: In a device for inserting dowels (2) in the vicinity of transverse expansion joints of freshly laid concrete road surfaces (4), comprising a machine frame (8) supported by traveling mechanisms (6), at least one storage container (10,12) for the dowels (2), a smoothing board (20) resting on the road surface (4) and including slits (24) running in a direction of travel and provided for accommodating the dowels (2), a retaining device (28) for the dowels on the slots (24), and a dowel placing device (32), it is provided that a line conveyor device (40) accepts separated dowels (2) in a section (44) of a bottom or lateral area (48,52) of the storage container (10,12) and delivers the dowels (2) to the slots in the smoothing board (20).

Abstract: A slipform paver having a dowel bar inserter pan. The inserter pan has a plurality of dowel bar receiving stations therein. The inserter pan is movable relative to the suspended slip form such that the pan moves towards and away from the slip form during dowel bar insertion.

Abstract: An expendable concrete dowel placement apparatus comprising a concrete form and a dowel holder capable of quickly positioning a dowel perpendicular to the surface of the concrete form, thereby allowing the finished concrete slab to expand and contract relative to a control joint without the dowel causing the concrete to yield. The concrete form maintains a plurality of square or rectangular apertures which receive the dowel bar holders. Each dowel bar holder maintains a plurality of retention clips and a flange located at its open proximal end which positively positions the dowel bar holder within the apertures of the concrete form in a position perpendicular to the front surface of the central vertical member of the concrete form. The concrete form is composed of a non-typical shape which allows the control joint to transfer loads to adjoining concrete slabs through the length of the control joint.

Abstract: In combination with a slipform paver, a new chain feeder is disclosed which is contained within the profile of a slipform paver. The chain feeder is used in combination with a plurality of dowel bar inserter stations. A single file dowel bar path is provided immediately above the plurality of dowel bar inserter stations overlying an upper dowel bar shuttle for each inserter station. The feeder includes a plurality of feeding lugs for pushing dowel bars along the single file dowel bar path parallel to openings in the upper dowel bar shuttle. This enables dowel bars to fall into the upper dowel bar shuttle until all inserter stations are loaded with dowel bars. When the dowel bars are inserted, the upper dowel bar shuttle moves relative to the lower dowel bar shuttle. This permits an upper shuttle bar opening in the upper dowel bar shuttle and the lower shuttle bar opening in the lower dowel bar shuttle to move into registration one with another.

Abstract: A dowel bar inserter kit is used, typically in combination with a paver. The dowel bar inserter kit is removably detachable from the paver and includes at least two laterally extending support beams supported from the paver extending away from and behind the paver over the formed plastic concrete slab. A plurality of support carriages move synchronously on each laterally extending support beam towards and away from the supported frame of the paver. A suspended dowel bar inserter pan is attached at distal ends to the support carriages, the suspended dowel bar inserter pan defines apertures for insertion of dowel bars through the suspended dowel bar inserter pan. The dowel bar inserter pan has a medial dowel bar insert pan hinge to enable the suspended dowel bar inserter pan to crown with respect to the freshly placed plastic concrete slab. An inserter beam is supported at distal ends to the support carriages.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a side bar having a bar portion and a flanged end in a side face of a concrete slab formed by a slip form paver is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having a side bar receiving chamber defining a travel path. A slide pin is extendable through at least a portion of the side bar receiving chamber so as to engage the side bar and cause the side bar to be driven from the side bar receiving chamber along the travel path. A guide member is connected to the frame and movable between a first position wherein the guide member is positioned to vertically support the bar portion of the side bar in a selected relationship with respect to the side face of the concrete slab and a second position wherein the guide member is retracted from the travel path of the side bar to permit the flanged end of the side bar to travel past the guide member along the travel path unimpeded by the guide member.

Abstract: In combination with a slipform paver, a new chain feeder is disclosed which is contained within the profile of a slipform paver and enables improved cycling time for the insertion of dowel bars. The chain feeder is used in combination with a plurality of dowel bar inserter stations. A single file dowel bar path is provided immediately above the plurality of dowel bar inserter stations overlying an upper dowel bar shuttle for each inserter station. The feeder includes a plurality of feeding lugs for pushing dowel bars along the single file dowel bar path parallel to openings in the upper dowel bar shuttle. This enables dowel bars to fall into the upper dowel bar shuttle until all inserter stations are loaded with dowel bars. When the dowel bars are inserted, the upper dowel bar shuttle moves relative to the lower dowel bar shuttle. This permits an upper shuttle bar opening in the upper dowel bar shuttle and the lower shuttle bar opening in the lower dowel bar shuttle to move into registration one with another.

Abstract: A dowel bar inserter kit has removable attachment to and from a slipform paver. The kit includes a track bolster on each side having a crossbeam tying the bolsters together at the rear of the inserter. Each bolster is provided with two flange attachments to the paver, typically one flange attachment to the frame and one flange attachment to the jacking column of the paver. These paired attachments of each side bolster assure the kit maintains the same overall level maintained by the rectilinear frame of the paver during paver travel. Each bolster defines support car tracks. These support car tracks enabling inserter support cars to travel on the tracks during machine paving. During dowel bar placement, the support cars remain stationary with respect to the formed slab while the slip form paver continues with its required forward motion. These support cars also enable vertical up and down movement to permit insertion and removal of the dowel bar inserters from the recently formed slab.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting dowel bars into a concrete slab in association with a slip forming machine of a type having a frame with a pan attached thereto for shaping uncured concrete into a continuous concrete slab. The pan itself has a space therein completely across the pan and dowel bar retainers are disposed above this space in the pan for holding dowel bars in readiness to be inserted into the concrete slab. A dowel bar inserter is disposed above each of the dowel bar retainers for pushing the dowel bars down, preferably all at one time. The dowel bar inserter is adjustable and removable. If removed, the forward and rear portions of the pan can be bolted together instead of being spaced apart.

Abstract: A device for inserting rods into plastic forms comprising a frame, a plunger assembly coupled to the frame, an air cylinder assembly also coupled to the frame and to the plunger assembly, and a pneumatic plumbing assembly connected to the air cylinder assembly. The frame can be attached to a slipform paving or curbing machine. When actuated, the air cylinder assembly pulls the plunger along the frame. The plunger pushes a dowel rod resting in the frame along the frame and into a concrete member being extruded from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting dowel bars into a concrete slab in association with a slip forming machine of a type having a frame with a mold attached thereto for shaping uncured concrete into a continuous concrete slab. The mold having a front and rear pan portion with a space therein completely across the mold. Dowel bar retainers are disposed above this space in the pan for holding dowel bars in readiness to be inserted into the concrete slab. A dowel bar inserter having individual fork assemblies is disposed above the dowel bar retainers for pushing the dowel bars down into the formed concrete slab, preferably all at one time. The dowel bar inserter is adjustable and removable. If removed, the forward and rear pan portions of the mold can be bolted together instead of being spaced apart.

Abstract: A concrete dowel placement apparatus comprising a base member and an elongate, tubular dowel receiving sheath which is connectible to the base member. The base member comprises an outer sleeve having first and second ends and a flange portion which extends about the first end of the outer sleeve and defines front and back surfaces and a peripheral edge. The base member further comprises an inner sleeve which is disposed within the outer sleeve and defines an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough to the back surface of the flange portion. Extending between the inner and outer sleeves is at least one reinforcement wall. The sheath has an open proximal end, a closed distal end, and a hollow interior compartment extending longitudinally therein. The open proximal end of the sheath is extensible over the outer sleeve such that at least a portion of the outer sleeve resides within the interior compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting dowel bars into a concrete slab in association with a slip forming machine of a type having a frame with a mold attached thereto for shaping uncured concrete into a continuous concrete slab. The mold having a front and rear pan portion with a space therein completely across the mold. A dowel bar inserter having individual fork assemblies is disposed above this space in the pan for pushing the dowel bars down into the formed concrete slab, preferably all at one time. The dowel bar inserter is adjustable and removable. If removed, the forward and rear pan portions of the mold can be bolted together instead of being spaced apart. The front pan portion is greater than three feet long. The rear pan portion is greater than two feet long and the front pan portion is preferably longer than the rear pan portion.

Abstract: A concrete dowel placement apparatus comprising a base member and an elongate, tubular dowel receiving sheath which is connectible to the base member. The base member comprises an outer sleeve having first and second ends, and an inner sleeve which is disposed within the outer sleeve. Extending between the inner and outer sleeves is at least one reinforcement wall. Extending about the first end of the outer sleeve is a flange portion which defines a generally flat back surface. The inner sleeve defines an aperture which extends from the second end of the outer sleeve to the back surface of the flange portion, and is sized to accommodate a fastener such as a nail to facilitate the attachment of the base member to a concrete form subsequent to the abutment of the back surface of the flange portion thereagainst.

Abstract: A paving machine having a medially located dowel bar feeder positioned in front of a dowel bar inserter. The machine has a screw or paddle for spreading the concrete and a front strike-off to allocate a proper amount of unconsolidated concrete beneath the machine. Next in line, internal vibrators are mounted to the machine to perform a preliminary consolidation of the concrete, followed by a screed to meter out a correct volume of consolidated concrete for a finished concrete slab. To the rear of the screed, the dowel bar feeder drops dowel bars in a predetermined pattern on the top surface of the consolidated concrete. The dowel bar inserted is mounted to the paving machine behind the dowel bar feeder and includes a plurality of vibrating forks which descend to engage the dropped dowel bars and insert the dowels into the unhardened concrete. In operation, the dowel bars are dropped and the paving machine is driven forward until the forks are over the dropped dowel bars.

Abstract: A paving machine having a medially located dowel bar feeder positioned in front of a dowel bar inserter. The machine has a screw or paddle for spreading the concrete and a front strike-off to allocate a proper amount of unconsolidated concrete beneath the machine. Next in line, internal vibrators are mounted to the machine to perform a preliminary consolidation of the concrete, followed by a screed to meter out a correct volume of consolidated concrete for a finished concrete slab. To the rear of the screed, the dowel bar feeder drops dowel bars in a predetermined pattern on the top surface of the consolidated concrete. The dowel bar inserter is mounted to the paving machine behind the dowel bar feeder and is adapted to travel between a forward position and a rear position and includes a plurality of vibrating forks which descend to engage the dropped dowel bars and insert the dowels into the unhardened concrete.

Abstract: A dowel setting device which can be employed together with a formless paving machine is described. A plurality of booms is pivotably disposed, looking in the direction of travel, ahead of the vehicle body and ahead of devices for tamping the concrete. Dowel retrievers are located at the ends of the booms. In a loading position, the dowel retrievers retrieve dowels from a magazine. Following a pivot movement, the dowel retrievers assume a setting position in which they extend, looking in the direction of travel, from the front into the area where the concrete is beginning to set. The dowels are ejected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting dowel bars into a concrete slab is used in association with a slip forming machine of a type having a frame with a pan attached thereto for shaping uncured concrete into a continuous concrete slab. A plurality of openings are exposed through the pan and are spaced across the pan. Dowel bar retainers are disposed in each respective one of the openings for holding a dowel bar in readiness to be inserted into the concrete slab. A dowel bar inserter is disposed above each of the dowel bar retainers for pushing a dowel bar disposed in a respective one of the dowel bar retainers through a respective one of the openings and into the concrete slab. Apparatus is provided for automatically and independently actuating each one of the dowel bar inserters at a predetermined place in a concrete slab whereby respective ones of the dowel bars disposed in respective ones of the dowel bar inserters can be positioned in the concrete in a predetermined pattern across the concrete slab.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus of inserting dowel bars into a newly formed concrete road surface at locations for at least partially forming transverse joints therein includes a slip forming machine for laying a strip of newly formed concrete. A dowel bar placement pan subframe is operably connected to the frame of the machine and extends generally transversely to the direction of forward movement of the frame. The subframe has a plurality of parallel slots disposed therein along the length thereof. A trolley is provided for traveling back and forth across the subframe and has a mechanism therein for storing a plurality of dowel bars therein and permitting the stored dowel bars to roll downwardly one behind the other. A dowel bar stopping device is provided for stopping the lowermost one of the dowel bars at a predetermined position with respect to the trolley.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the placement of horizontally disposed side by side and/or vertically staggered reinforcing bands in combination with a typical slip form or form type concrete paver. The paver receives and spreads fresh concrete, continuously dispences reinforcing bands, then levels, holds, liquifies and finishes the concrete in a single pass. A plurality of inserters which dispense the bands are lined across the width of the apparatus and may be staggered inserters to enhance concrete flow around them. They are threaded with the reinforcement and move through unconsolidated concrete positioned between the leveler and the form.

Abstract: A center bar inserter having a frame for supporting a plurality of forks for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis is provided. Insertion of a center bar is preformed by simultaneously extending the forks into the concrete slab while the forks pivot about a horizontal axis. A pair of vibrating sleds are secured to the float pan reward of the center bar inserter for repairing the surface of the concrete slab disturbed by the insertion of the center bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting longitudinal studs in a concrete road covering. By means of a longitudinally running sled and forks, an exact parallel orientation of the longitudinal studs is achieved, as well as their arrangement at a predetermined height. Through the automatic loading of a holder for the longitudinal studs and the synchronization of the device with the motion of the device for inserting cross-studs, a minimum distance between the longitudinal ends and the cross-joints is maintained.

Abstract: The apparatus (20) is vertically and adjustably placed on the girders (2b) of the sheet piling equipment (1). It has a slab (21) with apertures (26) parallel to the direction of movement. A vibrating beam (60) is vertically and adjustably placed on the slab (21) between two supports (51, 52). Fasteners (28) are arranged on the apertures (26) for the reinforcement rods (22). The (60) beam is lowered by means of prongs (62). The prongs (62) surround the reinforcement rods (22) and ease them into the road surface (6). After lifting the beam (60) with the prongs (62), the slab (21) is moved back and forth horizontally to the apertures (26), then lifted and pulled back up to the equipment (1). Thus, any irregularities caused by installation of reinforcement rods (22) can be eliminated.

Abstract: An attachment to a slipform paver is provided which has side plates and surface plates engaging the sides and top surface respectively of a freshly formed slab of concrete, the slide plates being movable laterally to conform to deviations in the direction of the path of the concrete slab and the surface plate inclining upwardly toward the slab edge to maintain the slab contour during insertion of the dowel bars through the side plate into the side edge of the slab.

Abstract: A dowel insertion apparatus and process is disclosed for the insertion of a plurality of joining dowels in freshly placed concrete slabs. Each dowel is grasped each by an individual inserter. Typically the inserter is mounted from a carrier and includes paired tangs having female dowel receiving ends of arcuate configuration at the lower portion thereof which female arcuate ends precisely mate to and receive the dowels. These tangs are connected at a depth above maximum concrete penetration by an electromagnet. A vibrator is attached to the inserter to liquefy the concrete. A dowel storage bin with distributing conveyor enables a row of inserters mounted to a carrier to distribute a plurality of dowels between two intended joints simultaneously, the dowels being evenly distributed the width of any contraction joint.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for driving and positioning, by vibration, dowels into concrete slabs during the construction of roads, on both sides of points between said slabs and perpendicularly to said joints, comprising a horizontal beam which is provided with vibrators and with maintaining elements suitable for gripping the dowels and which is carried by an independent frame, so as to be vertically movable by displacement means above a joint, in order to drive said dowels into a lower position in the still unhardened concrete of the slabs.

Abstract: A first elongated steel frame has a dowel mounted thereon at right angles. The dowel projects through an aperture in a compressible filler board thence through a registering opening in a second elongated steel frame. The long dimensions of the two frames are parallel and each frame abuts an opposite surface of the filler board. A cap-like shield covers the free end of the dowel with end clearance to accommodate longitudinal thermal expansion and contraction. The two steel frames are free to move toward and away from each other but are constrained to move in unison in a direction perpendicular to the dowel. By bonding each frame to a respective concrete slab of a pair of adjoining slabs with the filler board co-planar with the joint, the slabs partake of the same freedom of motion in one direction and the same restraint in the other two directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously forming and positioning a keyway joint is removably coupled to the front end of a slip-form paving machine. A supply roll of key strip stock is mounted on the apparatus and the strip is guided to successive arrangements of forming rollers for shaping the strip into a desired form. An automatic punch mechanism is provided for pucnhing holes in the strip liner and an automatic tie bar mechanism is also associated with the apparatus for automatically placing tie bars into these holes. Because it is difficult to assure that such tie bars are properly placed in the holes and since an improperly positioned tie bar can cause serious damage to the keyway and pavement already laid, a mechanism is provided for shutting down the paving machine if such tie bars are not properly placed.