A profiler 110 is used to collect data on a base surface 16. An asphalt paver 40 is provided with a like profiler 110 that measures smoothness of a fresh mat of asphalt laid by the paver. The profiler 110 measures surface elevation as a function of forward travel position. The profiler 110 and paver 40 position are determined by a fixed referencing system 30 such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). Surface elevation is plotted against position of the profiler 110 and used to control a screed 46 levelling a mat 53 of paving material. A subsequent plot shows smoothness of the mat.

Position referencing, measuring and paving method and apparatus for a profiler and paver

A contouring (20) device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly (28) that is supported at opposite ends by a pair of fluid cylinders (52,54). The fluid cylinders are controlled to raise and lower the ends of the contouring assembly independently of each other, thereby allowing the contouring assembly to create a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of one of the fluid cylinders (52) is based on a comparison of the measured position of a first end of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. The measurement of the position of the first end of the contouring assembly is achieved by a tracking device (58) which tracks the position of a target (56) positioned on the first end of the contouring assembly and which determines the three dimensional position of the target. A proximity sensor (78) measures the position of the second end of the contouring assembly from a surface and outputs a control signal that adjusts the height of the second end of the contouring assembly to follow the surface. Alternatively, a second target positioned on the second contouring assembly end is tracked by a second tracking device to determine the three-dimensional position of the second end. The contouring assembly preferably has a plow (32), rotating auger (36), and a vibratory screed (34) positioned adjacent and parallel to one another in an orientation transverse to the direction of motion of the contouring assembly. The plow, rotating auger, and vibratory screed are all pivotable about an axis parallel to their longitudinal direction. A pivot or tilting controller controls the tilting of the plow, rotating auger, and vibratory screed to follow the slope of the profile stored in computer memory.

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Apparatus and method for three-dimensional contouring

A wheeled screeding device includes a wheeled support having a frame portion supported by at least one wheel, with the at least one wheel defining an axis of rotation. A screed head is mounted to the frame portion and is balanced such that the screed head is at least partially supportable on an uncured concrete surface. The screed head is adapted to impart a force onto the uncured concrete surface. An adjustment device may be operable to adjust a balance of the wheeled support about the axis of rotation to adjust the force imparted by the screed head. The screed head may be pivotable about an axis generally normal to the axis of rotation of the wheel and relative to the at least one wheel to adjust an angle of the screed head relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

Apparatus for screeding uncured concrete surfaces

A two-person floating screed with laser-operated, automatic grade control apparatus for finishing plastic concrete is transformable for different operations. A rigid, transversely oriented float mounts a strikeoff for initially contacting and leveling rough, freshly poured concrete. In one form of the invention the screed merely floats upon the concrete surface. In an alternative embodiment, lightweight ski assemblies support the screed over the subgrade. The skis secure upwardly projecting screw jacks that removably couple to the screed and control elevation of the transverse float in response to laser signals. Each worker has a separate handle mechanism pivotally associated with the float. Separate, light-weight power sources are carried by each worker in a suitable backpack to power the screw jacks. Laser sensors mounted on vibration dampened stanchions emanating from the float respond to external laser beacons and display grade information so that the workers can make manual adjustments. With the ski assemblies attached, the laser system automatically controls float elevation by activating the screw jacks so that the extend or contract. The float preferably comprises twin sections that are secured together in the two person mode. When uncoupled, the float divides into a pair of separate, compact one-person floating screeds.

Transformable two-person floating screed with automatic grade control

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

Lightweight apparatus for screeding and vibrating uncured concrete surfaces

A compact, lightweight riding trowel for finishing concrete of enhanced maneuverability. A rigid frame is supported above the concrete by a pair of downwardly projecting synchronized rotors, each of which revolves multiple blades frictionally contacting the surface. Lights attached to frame corners provide illumination. The operator manually steers with a pair of primary control levers which tilt the rotors to generate steering forces. The pitch of each rotor blade is controlled manually or electrically, and a cable-driven clutch fork system is activated to vary pitch between minimum and maximum. Each of the tiltable rotor assemblies is driven by gear boxes coupled to the motor through a flexible disk drive shaft. Each gear box is mounted to the frame underside by a pivot steering box. Parallel lever arms extending beneath the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to the biaxial plane defined by the rotors are deflected by the primary control levers. Each activates elongated torque rods coupled to the gearboxes and tilts the rotors in a plane parallel with the biaxial plane. The torque rods are generally aligned, and for leverage they are braced by a gusset and offset from that axis of rotation defined within the pivot boxes which enables one of the rotors to tilt in an arc perpendicular to the biaxial plane. One lever arm controls a torque shaft interconnected with a tertiary linkage system which tilts one rotor in a plane perpendicular to the biaxial plane, and which achieves a mechanical advantage.

Light weight, fast steering riding trowel

An automatic grading control device for finishing plastic concrete controls several different elongated, multi-section concrete finishing tools such as vibratory screeds or the like, with or without forms. Supporting skis facilitate sliding, winch driven movement of the device relative to the plastic concrete. Spaced apart and vertically upwardly extending towers are supported by the skis and disposed periodically along the length of the finishing tool. Each tower comprises a pair of elongated, spaced apart stanchions disposed on opposite sides of the tool that are braced with a rigid, adjustable upper strut. The strut extends between the stanchions and forms the top of the tower. Movable sleeves coaxially fitted to the stanchions are synchronized by rigid transverse bridges that extend between the sleeves above the tool. Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders extending between the strut and the bridge raise and lower the tool thereby controlling level. The cylinders are controlled by a beacon laser and attendant sensors secured to the device. A control panel controls both the cylinders and winches. The winches move the device along the plastic concrete by spooling cables secured to a fixed point.

Laser operated automatic grade control system for concrete finishing

A self-propelled paver that distributes, consolidates, places and finishes polymer concrete to rapidly resurface roadbeds. A mobile, wheeled chassis mounts an adjustable hopper that receives premixed polymer from a mixer truck that precedes the paver. A finishing assembly secured to the chassis has a distribution assembly for applying concrete transversely across the surface, and a trailing finishing screed that surfaces and densifies the concrete. An active, hydraulic suspension dynamically orients the chassis and the finishing assembly with the roadbed. Individual height adjusting cylinders can be extended or contracted by an automatic grade control that logically senses grade through an external string line. The distribution system comprises an open bottom exposing the surface to be paved, and an open top adapted to receive concrete from a trough extending from the hopper. A bidirectional auger is rotatably disposed within a distribution box for moving concrete upon the surface. The finishing screed comprises a rigid strike off that initially contacts uncompacted concrete laid by the distribution system. An intermediate pan extending between the strike off and a trailing bull float mounts a plurality of vibrators that facilitate concrete densification. The vertically displaceable hopper can be adjusted to an appropriate operative orientation relative to the mixing truck. When tested in place with a nuclear densitometer, resultant concrete density will meet or exceed standards established for all modern paving jobs. Ride quality as measured by a profilograph according to known procedures will meet all established standards.

Polymer concrete paving machine

A riding trowel used for concrete finishing includes a dolly wheel lifting system. The lifting system elevates the trowel out of contact with the concrete surface when transporting, adjusting, or maintenancing the trowel. The trowel comprises a rigid metallic frame normally offset from the concrete surface to be finished by a pair of downwardly projecting, bladed rotors. A pair of primary steering control levers is linked to the rotors beneath the frame for trowel operation. Each rotor assembly comprises a rotatable blade assembly depending downwardly into contact with the concrete surface. The wheel system comprises a cooperating pair of spaced apart, dolly wheel assemblies which are removably fitted to the front and back of the frame, so that the trowel may be pushed around for loading and unloading purposes in directions generally coincident with its longitudinal axis. Each dolly wheel assembly comprises an upright, extensible stanchion supported upon a rigid cross piece extending between a pair of spaced apart wheels. The stanchion mounts a pair of rigid, spaced apart rods that are adapted to be mated to suitable mandrels formed in the frame front and rear, about the trowel center of gravity. The stanchion comprises upper and lower tubular members that are telescoped together and which may be axially displaced or retracted by an internal screw jack to raise or lower the trowel. When the trowel is raised above the concrete surface, the blades are safely exposed for servicing.

J. Dewayne Allen

Papers

Transformable two-person floating screed with automatic grade control

Light weight, fast steering riding trowel

Laser operated automatic grade control system for concrete finishing

Polymer concrete paving machine

Riding trowel for concrete finishing