Abstract: A bridge paving machine and method for paving a 3D design without vertical profile rails includes converting a desired design into a 3D surface model to account for certain factors known to cause deviations in the paving processes and paving the 3D surface model in the expectation that factors will cause the 3D surface model to deflect into the desired design. An on-board computer system adjusts the 3D surface model in real-time to correct for on-site variables. The on-board computer system receives data from various external sensors, including deflection sensors fixed to girders in the bride structure, and paving machine-based sensors, and uses various predictive models to predict surface deflection based on the sensor data. The 3D surface model is continuously updated based on the predictive models and actual measured deflections.

Abstract: In a texture curing machine for the subsequent treatment of freshly produced concrete layers of a predetermined width, in particular concrete roadways extending longitudinally in the direction of travel, comprising a machine frame supported by ground-engaging units, with no less than one texturing device movable transverse to the working direction for applying a texture, by means of multiple texturing tools, into the not yet hardened surface of the concrete layer, and with a controller unit for adjusting the travelling speed in the direction of travel, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: the controller unit captures the travelling speed and/or the traversing speed of the texturing device and, during forward or reverse travel, controls the travelling speed and/or the traversing speed of the texturing device in transverse direction in accordance with a specified texturing angle, with the texturing angle ensuing from the relation of the speeds.

Abstract: A saw apparatus is disclosed for sawing paving slabs. The saw apparatus has a frame mounted on a ground contacting propulsion member such that the frame straddles above a slab to be cut without touching the slab. A first saw support assembly disposes one or more blades of a saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a transverse cut. A second saw support assembly disposes a blade of another saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a longitudinal cut. The saw assemblies are configured to selectively, in a single pass along and over a slab, cut, vacuum, clean via pressurized air, fill a cut slot, and apply sealant to a cut slot concurrently with respect to a slot and sequentially with respect to a point of a slot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to install contraction joints in concrete slabs. The method uses a device, which inserts a strip of plastic or paper tape into freshly laced concrete, as the device is driven across a concrete slab. The tape is folded immediately prior to being inserted into freshly placed concrete, and functions to weaken the slab at the contraction joint location for the purpose of causing a crack to form in the slab. Plastic tape can be used, which functions as a moisture vapor retarder, and thereby, protects floor coverings from moisture damage, such as mold and mildew, at contraction joint locations.

Abstract: A saw apparatus for sawing paving slabs has a frame mounted on a ground contacting propulsion member such that the frame may move above a slab to be cut without touching the slab. A first saw support assembly disposes a blade of a saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a transverse cut. A second saw support assembly disposes a blade of another saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a longitudinal cut. The saws are mounted on the saw assemblies and the saw assemblies are mounted on the frame and the frame is mounted on the ground contact propulsion members such that no part of said frame need contact the slab during cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to install contraction joints in concrete slabs. The method uses a device, which inserts a strip of plastic or paper tape into freshly laced concrete, as the device is driven across a concrete slab. The tape is folded immediately prior to being inserted into freshly placed concrete, and functions to weaken the slab at the contraction joint location for the purpose of causing a crack to form in the slab. Plastic tape can be used, which functions as a moisture vapor retarder, and thereby, protects floor coverings from moisture damage, such as mold and mildew, at contraction joint locations.

Abstract: A saw apparatus for sawing paving slabs has a frame mounted on a ground contacting propulsion member such that the frame may move above a slab to be cut without touching the slab. A first saw support assembly disposes a blade of a saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a transverse cut. A second saw support assembly disposes a blade of another saw in cutting engagement with the slab for a longitudinal cut. The saws are mounted on the saw assemblies and the saw assemblies are mounted on the frame and the frame is mounted on the ground contact propulsion members such that no part of said frame need contact the slab during cutting.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for simulating the appearance of individually laid materials, such as bricks or cobblestones, in a curved pattern in a concrete surface. The apparatus includes a flexible spine with a plurality of ribs extending from a surface of the flexible spine. The apparatus further includes a texture mat for imprinting a pattern, for example a brick surface, a stone surface or a wood grain surface, into the concrete surface. This invention also relates to a method of using of the apparatus for simulating the appearance of individually laid materials in the concrete surface.

Abstract: A mat for creating patterns in concrete includes a center portion, a feathered border surrounding the center portion, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A design stamp is positioned in the center portion of the bottom surface.

Abstract: A pavement crack router includes a plurality of bits rotatably mounted to a frame in a direction. A ratchet gear is rotatable with a wheel mounted to the frame. A movable safety release is operably connected to a ratchet rod pivotable between an engaging position engaged with the ratchet gear preventing rotation of the wheel in a reverse direction and a releasing position disengaged from the ratchet gear allowing free rotation of the wheel. An elastomeric inner tube is mounted around a lower end of each of two handle bars and is slideably received in an outer tube fixed to the frame. Two elastomeric washers are mounted around the lower end of each handle bar and sandwich the inner tube within the outer tube. A switch is operable to lower the frame and bits for opening and cleaning a crack in pavement.

Abstract: A longitudinal pavement joint for joining pavement lanes, the longitudinal pavement joint comprising: one or more joining surfaces having respective slope angles between about 0 and about 45 degrees; and optionally, one or more wall surfaces having respective slope angles between about 45 and about 90 degrees, the joining surfaces and the wall surfaces being disposed adjacent one another, and one or more of the joining surfaces comprising a respective joining surface feature.

Abstract: An extension screed is for a paving vehicle screed assembly that includes a main screed. The extension screed includes two base members movably connectable with the main screed and two vertical actuators each extending between the main screed and a separate base member. Each vertical actuator linearly displaces the connected base member with respect to the main screed in opposing vertical directions. A carriage preferably includes an inner frame movably connected with the base members and an outer frame slidably disposed about the inner frame and configured to support a screed plate. The vertical actuators vertically displace the carriage and alternatively pivot the carriage within a vertical plane. Further, a first horizontal actuator displaces the inner frame with respect to the two base members in opposing horizontal directions and a second horizontal actuator displaces the outer fame with respect to the inner frame in opposing horizontal directions.

Abstract: A machine for texturing a paved road surface on a skew includes a bridge rig spanning the paved road surface in a generally transverse orientation with relation to the generally longitudinal orientation of the paved road surface. The machine includes a carriage assembly, which is supported by the bridge rig for traveling along the bridge rig in its generally transverse orientation. The machine also includes a texturing element, such as a broom, or the like, which is connected to the carriage assembly for texturing the paved road surface as the carriage assembly moves along the bridge rig. By coordinating the movement of the texturing element with the movement of the carriage assembly, the paved road surface is textured on a skew with a transverse tining pattern while the frame of the machine remains square to the paved road surface.

Abstract: A concrete stamping apparatus includes a roller with a stamp forming its surface, and a receiving portion for rotatably holding the roller. There is also a system for delivering fluid to the release the roller from the surface on which it operates by spraying fluid onto the ground surface in advance of the roller. The receiving portion can be adjustably weighted, such that the roller will stamp the concrete uniformly as the concrete tightens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stamp for forming a tactile-detectable warning surface in moldable concrete or asphalt and method for employing same. The stamp consists of a mold member having truncated dome shaped indentations distributed therein in a warning pattern, each indentation optionally having an air hole located centrally therein, and, form rails distributed between indentations on the lower surface of the mold member and projecting downward there from, so as to force an even and consistent distribution of the moldable material into the indentations when the form rails are worked downward into the surface of the moldable material to form truncated domes. The stamp may further comprise one or more handles and upper rails distributed on the upper surface of the mold member.

Abstract: A system for molding a design onto a surface comprising providing an asphalt molding mesh comprising pattern molding elements formed of a flexible material having a generally V-shaped cross-section in a configuration corresponding to a pattern to be molded in the asphalt, wherein the molding mesh is in the form of an open mesh, defining open spaces between the molding elements; positioning the molding mesh onto the surface and depositing hot asphalt into the open spaces between the molding elements and levelling the asphalt, and then rolling over the mesh and asphalt to mold and compact the asphalt about the mesh and facilitate adherence to the underlying surface, and, after rolling, removing the molding mesh from the asphalt.

Abstract: A method for molding a pattern on the surface of heated asphalt. The method includes: providing an asphalt molding mesh comprising pattern molding elements formed of an elastic material having a V-shaped cross-section in a configuration corresponding to a pattern to be molded in the asphalt. The mesh is then heated to substantially equalize with that of the surface of the asphalt. The mesh is positioned and inserted at least partially into the asphalt. The mesh and asphalt are rolled over to mold the asphalt and compact the asphalt about the mesh. Water is applied to the surface of the asphalt while rolling to limit the heating and expansion and buckling of the mesh. Finally, molding mesh is removed from the asphalt.

Abstract: A device for cutting filler material from concrete joints comprises a blate attached to the front of an elongated arm, the elongated arm is pivotably joined to a mounting plate. The elongated arm is limited in its movement by a retention bar located on a front edge of the mounting plate and a spring which biases the elongated arm toward the center of the mounting plate. An attachment lip is provided on the front edge of the mounting plate to assist in securing the mounting plate to a bucket of a power machine such as a front end loader. Bolts extending through the mounting plate and a rear turnbuckle also assist in securing the device to the bucket. Mounting is accomplished by placing the mounting plate in the bucket and hooking the lip around the front edge and under the bottom of the bucket. The rear turnbuckle includes a V-plate that engages the top rear of the bucket along the top rear edge.

Abstract: A mold for casting ground covering, such as a plurality of stepping stones, has a generally polygon concrete molding frame having top and bottom surfaces in parallel planes and divided into openings. The frame is generally square and may include nesting polygonal configurations. Each wall has a plan shape of contiguous line segments connected at obtuse angles. A first diagonal wall extends approximately from the first corner to the third corner, and a second diagonal wall extends approximately from the second corner to the fourth corner. The first perimeter wall is geometrically congruent with the third perimeter wall and the second perimeter wall is geometrically congruent with the fourth perimeter wall. The diagonal walls are geometrically congruent with the second and fourth perimeter walls.

Abstract: A process for paving a surface of a sub-base with compactable asphaltic concrete comprising aggregates and an asphaltic cement to provide a finished asphaltic pavement having dormant zones of potential fracture at predetermined locations. The process comprises the steps of forming a continuous mat of compactable asphaltic paving concrete having a predetermined thickness on the surface of a sub-base; creating dormant zones of potential fracture at predetermined locations in the mat prior to compacting the compactable asphaltic paving concrete; and compacting the mat of compactable asphalt concrete to seal the dormant zones and provide a finished asphaltic pavement of predetermined density having a smooth traffic bearing top surface with the sealed dormant zones of potential fracture substantially concealed therein.

Abstract: A grid for producing a pattern on a surface. The grid includes elongated members connected together at intersections and extending about a plurality of open areas to form a mesh-like structure. Connecting members are connected to the elongated members at the intersections. The connecting members extend outwardly from at least one said elongated member. The connecting members have a thickness less than the thickness of the elongated members. The bottoms of the connecting members and bottoms of the elongated members are flush. The grid is placed on a surface and a liquid coating is spread over the surface in the open areas between the elongated members. The liquid coating is allowed to set. Preferably there is a removable coating on the grid which is removed after the liquid coating is set.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mold for forming concrete walkways or surfaces. The mold incorporates a plurality of openings for receiving concrete therein. The mold forms a single concrete slab having a simulated brick or rock pattern on it's surface. Concrete walkways are formed by placing the mold of the invention on a surface and pouring concrete in the openings. Upon removal of the mold, the concrete retains the pattern. The procedure is repeated to form a walkway of a desired length, width and configuration.

Abstract: An improved forming tool for imprinting a textured pattern in concrete, the tool having the property of appearing identical to a fixed observer after rotation about a center point in four orientations. The tool can be fitted with adjacent tools in any one of the four orientations. The tool includes a backing plate having handles for imprinting a pattern and lifting the tool from the concrete. The underside of the tool includes a plurality of rectilinear grout lines separating areas of texture, the grout lines forming grooves in the concrete to define simulated stones having a roughened surface left by the textured areas.

Abstract: Pavement repair equipment designed to hold sand-blasting hoses or other similar devices to clean joints preparatory to sealing those joints. The equipment is mobile being adapted to be moved by an outside powered device and is adapted to move a sand-blasting nozzle along either a longitudinal or transverse joint in the paved surface and to hold a nozzle adjustable at a plurality of angles to the surface. Other equipment which might be held by the equipment would include vacuum nozzles or sealant applicators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a traffic stripe having improved reflectivity includes a vehicle having an apparatus for applying the traffic stripe, an applying assembly for dispersing a reflective material over the traffic stripe, another applying apparatus for applying a releasing agent, and a deformation apparatus disposed rearward thereof for forming interval grooves in the traffic stripe. The application of the releasing agent directly onto the traffic stripe or onto the deformation apparatus prevents the freshly applied traffic stripe from lifting off the road surface and adhering to the deformation apparatus.

Abstract: Blade applicator assemblies for resurfacing apparatus are provided for mounting forwardly and rearwardly of the apparatus frame. Each forward and rearward blade applicator assembly comprises an elongated base member, and an elongated blade assembly mounted to the base member. The rearward blade applicator assembly also includes an elongated roller extending rearwardly from the base member.

Abstract: A grooving tool is arranged for imparting a groove relative to an underlying cementious pad, wherein the tool includes a float plate mounting a support boss thereon, with the support boss including a support flange to receive spaced parallel support flange receiving plates thereabout in a pivotal relationship, with the receiving plates fixedly mounted to a bottom surface of a support plate, the support plate including an elongate slot adjustably mounting a handle therealong to permit utilization of the tool about support beams and the like providing displacement of the handle relative medially of the float plate. A modification of the invention includes a fluid reservoir mounted to the support plate in fluid communication with a flexible delivery conduit, wherein the delivery conduit includes communication with a spray head positioned at a forward distal end of the float plate adjustably therealong relative to a magnetic positioning boss to permit for the fluid spraying of cement during a working procedure.

Abstract: An improved sidewalk grooving tool usable by a standing worker but having foldable handles for flat storage and transport.

Abstract: A grooving depth indicator for a highway grooving or milling machine comprises a display device which is coupled by means of a cable to a mechanism which is employed to adjust the cutting depth of the machine. The display device includes an indicator scale which rotates relative to a zero marker, the scale being caused to rotate by a shaft on which a pulley is mounted. The coupling cable, which is maintained under tension by a spring bias, engages the pulley.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing grooves in plastic concrete bridge decks, airport runways and the like having a cutter bar supporting a plurality of parallel cutter blades adapted to be imbedded in the surface of a deck. The cutter bar is adapted to be moved transversely across the deck and is mounted for pivotal movement on an axis normal to its transverse movement. The extent of pivotal movement is such as to raise and maintain the leading ends of the cutter blades slightly above the surface of the deck during the transverse movement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for forming a decorative impression in a moldable material and a method of manufacturing the same. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to stamping tool for forming decorative patterns in concrete. The stamping tool includes a multi-layered flexible base including first, second and third layers. The first, second and third layers each include an upper and a lower surface. The second layer is positioned intermediate, the first and third layers. The lower surface of the third layer has a predetermined pattern formed therein for forming a corresponding impression in the moldable material. A pair of closed looped handles are secured to the base for permitting the tool to be readily transported from one location to another. The handles include a substantially concave segment disposed above the base and a substantially convex segment embedded therein.

Abstract: An improved concrete stamping tool is rigid in construction made of a high impact plastic. It has a lower blade assembly molded to a substantially flat upper assembly haivng flat handles on an upper surface thereof. A handle mount is provided in the center of the tool and a array of holes allows ganging of a plurality of such tools in either the vertical or horizontal direction.

Abstract: A tool for scribing lines in soft concrete in which the line can be impressed by a standing operator. Guides are provided on the tool to assure a proper angle of the scribed line. A grooving tool can then follow the scribed line without added guide because the line will be located and all rough aggregate in the concrete will have been moved out of the path of the grooving tool.

Abstract: A kit of hand-held tools 1, 2, for forming a patterned impression 10 in a cementitious material comprises at least two tools, each having a blade 5 which is pressed into cementitious material using a handle 4. A first tool 1 of the kit for covering larger areas has closed interior patterns 15,16 and open exterior patterns 18, and a second finishing tool 2 of the kit has an open perimeter blade portion 21 or 22.Each of the blades 5 of the tools 1,2 may be coated with a release agent and/or may be formed with a penetrating tip.

Abstract: A device for manually, repetitively imprinting a surface pattern in fresh concrete, comprising: a plurality of blades secured together to form an imprinting unit, lower edges thereof to form the desired pattern when pressed into the levelled surface of fresh concrete; bar handle means to be secured transversely to upper portions of the blades and to extend laterally beyond the perimeter of the imprinting unit to facilitate manual operation of the device; and levelling means secured to and cooperating with the handle means for adjustably vertically positioning the blades of the device with respect to the surface to be imprinted. This device is practical for multiple, fast, repetitive impressions of patterns, in aligned, regular fashion, for example to form linearly and laterally aligned patterns in the surfaces of sidewalks or driveways.

Abstract: A groover tool for use in putting a groove in wet cement. This tool is elongated and has a movable handle which minimizes abrupt pressure changes in the handle, thus accomplishing an even pressure and a more uniform groove. The groover tool has a tapered groove rib which also aids in the formation of a uniform groove. A third feature on the groover tool is the weight-retaining means for holding weights in place and allowing a substantially uniform pressure to be applied along the entire length of the tool.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for stamping impressions in materials such as uncured concrete, includes a base member having an upper and a lower surface and an outer periphery, the outer periphery having a shape which provides a repetitive keyed pattern which may be fitted together with tools of similar shapes in a plurality of locations. An inner blade, having a predetermined cross-sectional geometry, is coupled to the lower surface of the base within the outer periphery. An outer blade surrounds the outer periphery of the base member at the lower surface, the outer blade having a cross-sectional geometry which is a bisection of the cross-sectional geometry of the inner blades, so that two adjacent tools abutted one against the other produce a composite blade at their border which has substantially the same cross-sectional geometry as that of the inner blade. The blades and base member are made of a flexible elastomeric material.

Abstract: In order to cut soft concrete before it has completely hardened, or about 12 to 18 hours after finishing, a rotating cutting blade and its drive motor are mounted on a wheeled support platform. The blade extends through a slot in the platform, and also through a skid plate depending from the platform, in order to cut the concrete below the skid plate. The slot and the skid plate are sized to support the concrete as it is being cut and to inhibit cracking and chipping of the concrete during cutting. The slot preferably has as little space as possible between the sides of the slot and the adjacent sides of the cutting blade. An extendable handle allows the device to be used beyond the physical reach of the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing grooves in plastic concrete bridge decks and the like having a cutter bar supporting a plurality of parallel cutter blades adapted to be embedded in the surface of a deck and a driving mechanism for imparting reciprocal movement of the blades transversely across the deck. The cutter bar is pivotally mounted on a carriage to permit the cutter bar to conform to the surface of the deck.

Abstract: A device for texturing surface of freshly poured concrete utilizing a platform having first and second surfaces. A plurality of loops are spaced along and extend from the first surface of the platform. The plurality of loops are connected to the platform for movement with the platform.

Abstract: A powered jointer having a scoring undersurface for forming a stress joint in a wet concrete slab, followed by a reciprocating tamper foot which forms a stress joint while moving rock out of the joint and a smoothing tip following the formation of the stress joint for smoothing out the same, all in a single pass.

Abstract: A lighweight embossing tool for patterning an impressionable surface material, for example freshly poured concrete, comprising a one-man rectangular weight-supporting platform having essentially flat top, bottom and side portions, a centrally located opening formed on the top surface of the platform adapted to receive a shaft, the bottom surface of said platform having rigidly connected thereto a plurality of blades arranged within the perimeter of the platform bottom in a predetermined pattern. The design of the tool is such that the weight of a man standing on both feet on the platform and straddling the centrally located opening is substantially evenly distributed along the blades.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sealants from expansion joints in pavement slabs preparatory to replacement of the sealant is adapted for demountable attachment to the rear of a motorized vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame which is pivotably movable about a horizontal axis by means of a linear actuator. A carriage, having a cutting tool bit carried in a tool holder at the trailing edge thereof, is supported on the frame so as to be pivotably movable therewith with such movement employed for positioning and holding the cutting tool in the joint being cleaned. The carriage is free to laterally slide relative to the frame for freely tracking the expansion joint being cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for forming a non-repeating design in fresh concrete. The tool has a plurality of blades forming a non-repeating stone pattern. The perimeter of all interior stone patterns are closed and/or defined, while all exterior patterns are open and only partially defined. The open blade ends of the open patterns are equally spaced about the perimeter of the tool, so that it will align with an adjacent open blade end of a second tool or an imprint and complete a stone pattern in any position and create a non-repeating design. The tool may also be used to create a random repeating pattern by successive non-rotational alignment of all open blade end of any particular side.

Abstract: A worker ballasted, propelled and guided wheel-like tool for imprinting predetermined surface patterns upon a slab of freshly cast, smoothed, yet still plastic concrete is disclosed. The wheel includes a generally cylindrical frame which is large enough to accommodate a worker in a walking position therewithin. The frame supports a plurality of rigid blades carried about the outside thereof, the blades being configured to provide the patterns desired. A walkway is provided on the inside of the frame for the worker and the frame may also be gripped by the worker as a handle, if desired. The weight of the worker is combined with the weight of the wheel to aid in driving the blades into the surface of the slab to a predetermined depth. The walkway enables the worker, by a walking movement in a forward direction, to propel the wheel over a path of the slab directed by the worker thereby forming the predetermined surface pattern therein.

Abstract: A machine for concurrently laying a dual-layered cementitious composition on a base surface with the layers having different compositions. A self-propelled main frame has an adjustable platform frame overlying the main frame. Adjustable support elements are coupled to the main frame for changing the position of the main frame to conform with the grade characteristics of the base surface. A first receiving unit is coupled to and is extended in front of the main frame and receives the first cementitious composition. The first receiving unit includes a first strike-off element extending transversely to the normal direction of movement of the machine and is spaced a predetermined distance above the base surface. Upon movement of the machine forwardly, a bottom layer of the first composition is formed and shaped. A second receiving unit is coupled to and is extended between the main frame and the first receiving unit for receiving the second cementitious composition.

Abstract: Secured to or formed on the lower side of an elongated narrow base plate or support are multiple pavement grooving members of substantially the same configuration in comparison with one another secured thereto in laterally-spaced parallel relationship. Each grooving member is an elongated narrow body of approximately V-shaped cross-section with upturned forward and rearward ends for ease of pushing or pulling it through a pavement in a plastic state to form multiple parallel grooves therein for enhancing traction of persons or vehicles passing thereover. An approximately truncated V-shaped hollow handle receiver is secured to the upper side of the elongated plate in approximately perpendicular relationship thereto. The handle receiver thus has two outwardly-inclined arms, either or both of which receive the lower end of a handle so that one person or two persons may operate the groover by pulling it in opposite directions across or along the pavement, which may be either a roadway, a sidewalk, or the like.

Abstract: Slip form concrete laying machines for forming curbs are equipped with apparatus which forcibly inserts compressible sheets downwardly in the freshly laid concrete and which prevents the spread of the curb as the sheet is inserted.

Abstract: A float and guide assembly are disclosed for grooving wet mortar. The float assembly comprises a float, grooving rib, handle and two track brackets for guidably engaging a cable. The cable is part of the guide assembly which includes drum and ratchet assemblies which cooperate to hold the cable a predetermined height above the mortar and which impart tension to the cable so it can act as a guide.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming grooves or slots in a concrete roadway are disclosed. A ribbed sheet of flexible material is positioned on the surface of a freshly poured concrete roadway and the ribs are impressed into the concrete. After the concrete has set and the sheet is removed, a plurality of parallel, skid-resistant grooves are revealed in the roadway. The flexible sheet is placed on and later removed from the roadway by rolling and unrolling it from a spool mounted on a construction vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of small holes are provided in the flexible sheet to aid in the drying of the concrete.