US1946972A

US1946972A - Machine for and method of producing joints or traffic lines in concrete

Info

Publication number: US1946972A
Application number: US24801A
Authority: US
Inventors: John N Heltzel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1925-04-21
Filing date: 1925-04-21
Publication date: 1934-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 1951-02-13

Description

J. N. HELTZEL MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFIC LINES IN CONCRETE a Sheets-Shet 1 Original Filed April 21, 1925 Feb. 13, 1934. J, N HELTZEL momma FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFIC LINES IN CONCRETE '8 Shets-Sheet 2 Original Filed April 21, 1925 gnuwntoc 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 J. N. HELTZEL Original Filed April 21 1925 Feb. 13, 1934.

MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS 0R TRAFFIC mums IN CONCRETE J. N. HELTZEL MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFIC LINES IN CONCRETE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed April 21 1925 Feb. 13, 1934 J. N. HELTZEL MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFIC LINES IN CONCRETE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed'April 21 1925 1934- J. N. HELTZEL, MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFIC L'mns IN CONCRETE hm m 2 Original Filed April 21. 1925 Feb. 13, 1934. J. N. HELTZEL 1,945,972

MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS OR TRAFFIC LINES IN CONCRETE Original Filed April 21, 1925- 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 J. N. HELTZEL Feb 13, 1934.

MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING JOINTS CR TRAFFIC LINES IN CONCRETE '8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed April 21 Patented Feb. 13, 1934 i PATENT FICE 1,946,972 mom non AND METHOD or monoc- ING JOINTS OR CONCRETE TRAFFIC LINES IN John N. Heltzel, Warren, Ohio Application April 21, 1925, Serial No. 24,801

Renewed-May 28, 1930 53 Claims.

The present invention relates to the production of joints and traflic lines in concrete roads and similar surfacing structures, and aims to provide a novel and improved method of and means for producing or installing in the road or structure, after the concrete has been poured and while it is still plastic, a joint or tramc line,

' or a combined joint and traflic line.

Another object is the provision of such means which is operable by a movement in the plastic concrete to provide for a rapid cutting of the plastic concrete, separating the stone or other coarse aggregate along the line of a joint or trafiic line to facilitate the installing of joint material. A further object is the provision of means oi the kind indicated which will enable joints of various cross-sections to be produced or installed, according to diilerent requirements, and which may also be used for joint material thatis premolded, solid,'plastic or semi-liquid or removable steel joint plates.

A still further object is the provision of joint installing or producing means including a tool or plate movable in the plastic concrete to sep- V arate the stones along the line of joint, creating a longitudinal vein of mortar to receive joint material therein and means for surfacing or smoothing the plastic concrete over the out or surfacing or smoothing over joint material after it has been deposited in the vein of mortar.

It is to be understood that the various depositors and blades hereinafter described may be used for producing joints without depositing joint material or strips, also that the various blades or depositors may be drawn through the plastic concrete one-or more times with the transverse surfacer surfacing over the line of the joint progressively as the machine moves forward to produce a cleft or separation in the material,

after which a joint strip may or may not be installed.

A steel strip or layer of-premolded, solid, plastic or semi-liquid material, of any suitable crosssection, is discharged into the joint in order to divide the road and cause the same to break or crack along the line of the material deposited in the concrete, when the breaking or fracturing occurs after the concrete has hardened.

It is also an object of the invention to provide 0 a. joint or tramc line which is accurate, and which will eliminate the irregular breaking or cracking of the concrete, such as due to the natural fracturing of the concrete, or by theuse oi division plates or strips placed on the sub-base for that purpose and over which the concrete is (or. ill-=45) poured. Such division plates or strips are costkv to install and are, practically impossible to maintain in proper line, so that the breaks are irregular and unsightly, as well as being conducive to the chipping ofi oi the concrete along the cracks. 0 With the present invention the break extends along a regular and accurate line, so as to divide the road neatly into slabs and provide for other advantages.

- The present improvements may be used for both longitudinal and transverse joints in the road.

Still anotherobject is the provision of a. novel and improved machine embodying the improvements and having novel provisions to facilitate 7 the installing or producing of the joint or trafilc line.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will be apparent as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the construction and arrangement of parts as hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes can be made within the scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the invention. g 0

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a plan view of a machine embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the machine showing the longitudinal joint device in operative position and the transverse joint means in inoperative position.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section on the line 3-3 of Fig. lflshowing' the longitudinal joint means in inoperative position and the transverse joint means in operative position.

Figs. 4 and 5 are cross sections on the respective lines 4-4 and 55 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical section on the line 6--6 of Fig. l'showing the use of plastic or semi liquid material for the longitudinal joint.

Fig. 'l'is an enlarged vertical section on the line 7-7 of Fig. 3. r v

Fig. Sis a cross section of the joint produced by either the longitudinal or transverse joint means.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a modified form of chute to accommodate premolded strips which are coupled together to be deposited in the conr Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of said chute. i

Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross section on the line 11-11 of Fig. 9.

F g. 12 is a side elevation corresponding to ends formed to interlock for the purpose of trailing a train of these strips longitudinally of themselves through the plastic concrete and so arranged to disconnect the strips for removal from. the plastic concrete.

Figs. 13 to 1'7, inclusive, are cross sections showing different forms of joints that may be produced.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the rear end of the machine, with modifications, and showing the use of a finishing float to reciprocate transversely over the cleft or joint material to smooth the concrete.

Fig. 19 is a rear end view of the structure shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an adjustable mounting for the chute and means for supplying plastic or semi-liquid material under pressure.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of-a modified form of device for holding a strip and discharging. it into the concrete.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary plan view showing a modification of the device illustrated in Fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a modified form of depositor for discharging plastic or semi-liquid material at opposite sides;

Fig. 24is a perspective view illustrating a further modification.

Figs. 25 and 26 are side elevations of devices for supplying plastic or semi-liquid material under pressure to the depositor.

The machine hereinafter described operates on a roadway rearwardly of the hand screeding operation or rearwardly of the mechanically screeding machine, both of which are well known in the art. The mechanical screeding machine, however, is very generally used, and as explained, this machine follows in close proximity rearwardly of the screeding operations to cleave the concrete. longitudinally in the center of the road prior to the installation of joint material in the cleavage. The transverse surfacer is mechanically operated to reciprocate transversely over the surface of the roadway, which eliminates the hand method and improves the quality of the work. A transverse joint cutting and installing apparatus operates in combination with a longitudinal joint cutting and I installing apparatus, both of which operate in combination with the smoothing or floating device carried and actuated by the machine as hereinafter will be fully described.

The machine comprises a carriage or bridge to travel over the cQncrete and said carriage is composed of a suitable frame 30 to span or bridge the road and mounted on wheels 31 that travel on the side forms or rails 32 which define the side edges of the road, the concrete being poured between said rails as described. The wheels 31 are mounted on short transverse axles 33 secured to the frame 30 and extending transversely above the rails 32, thereby permitting the wheels to be adjusted transversely to accommodate the machine for roads of: different widths. The wheels at one side may be fixed on the axles against transverse adjustment by means of collars 34, while the wheels at the other side are slicable transversely to accommodate variations in the spacing of the rails, such as when negotiating curves in the road where the road is usual-. 1y made wider. The wheelshave double flanges to overlap the inner and outer sides of the rails so as to prevent the wheels moving transversely oh the rails. The inside plate flanges of the wheels may project a convenient distance into the plastic concrete to operate along the inside 5 Fig. 9 showing the use of steel strips having their face of side forms to spade or edge the concrete along the side forms.

The longitudinal joint means or device is located intermediate the opposite sides of the frame 30 and comprises a chute or blade 35 which slopes rearwardly to permit the finishing of the surface of the concrete under the forward portion of the joint means, as well as along the sides of the joint means when in operative position, with the forward end thereof spaced above the concrete, and its rear end portion working within the concrete and terminating in a depositor 36. A float or trowel 3'? is secured onthe depositor 36 to slide over the surface of the concrete at the opposite sides of the depositor and smooth down the surface of the concrete along the opposite edges of the joint, as well as to support the depositor properly in the concrete. The chute 35 has spaced flat vertical side walls located close together, with a space between them preferably open at the upper edge to receive and accommodate a strip 38 that is deposited in the concrete to produce the joint. The chute or blade provides a-slotted joint aligning or depositing member which is movable longitudinally of itself from the joint strip, and said blade or member. supports the strip as it emerges and deposits the strip in true alignment. Said strip may be of paper, rubber, metal, composition or other suitable material,-

and may be of different thicknesses for various requirements, and, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5,

the strip 8 is supplied in a roll on a spool or reel 39 mounted in the frame 30 at one side of the forward end of the chute 38. A roller 40 is carr-ied by the front end of the chute for guiding the strip 38 from the roll into the forward end of the chute to pass rearwardly through the chute as the machine moves forwardly in depositing the strip into the concrete. The forward end of the chute ispivoted, as at 41, to the frame in order to permit the rear end of the chute and the depositor 36 to be raised and lowered out of and into the concrete. I

The depositor 36 is raised and lowered by means of an adjusting screw 42 screw-threaded in the frame above the float 37. A link 43 connects the lower end of the screw 42 and the float 37, there being a pivot and swivel connection 44 between the link and screw, and said link has a pin and slot'connection 45 with the float 37, permitting slight vertical vibration of the float relatively to said link. By adjusting the screw upwardly and downwardly it will raise and lower the float 3'1 and depositor 36.

A roller 46 or other suitable device is carried by the float 37 beyond the forward edge of the float and is disposed across the upper edges of the chute or blade 35 to hold the strip down in the chute where it passes below the float 37. The

roller 46 will also roll or depress the concrete on both sides of the blade or joint strip. As the machine advances', the rolling down of the concrete will solidify or compactthe concrete and bring it down level with the surface of the road. The desired pressure may be applied according to the density of the concrete. The roller or finishing member 46 may be used with or without the float, and the fioat may also be used with or without the roller, both the roller and float serving to finish the surface of the concrete along the joint. The roller will compact or depress the concrete along the installing blade progressively as the machine advances forward, rolling the con-' crete down flush with machine, to facilitate the depositing of the The float 37 and depositor 36 are given a.

slight vertical vibration, in the operation of t terial in the concrete, the movement of the depositor forwardly in the concrete, and the tamping of the concrete by the float 37. Thusva plunger rod 4'7 is slidable vertically in the frame with its lower end adapted to bear on the float 37, and a coiled spring 48 surrounds the rod and is confined between the frame and an adjustable collar 49 on the rod to force the rod downwardly with a'sharp motion. The upper end of the rod carries a roller 50 disposed over a cam 51 mount-' ed in the frame, whereby the rotation ofsaid cam will raise the roller 50 and rod 47 and then release the roller so that the spring48 forces the rod downwardly with a quick motion against the float 37. The rod 47 is vibrated with a rapid motion so as to jar or vibrate the depositor 36 and float 3'I vertically. This will facilitate the discharge of the strip or material from the depositor, and in vibrating the depositor it will also pass forwardly in the concrete more easily, so as to reduce the amount of draft required to propel the machine. Also, the float 37 being vibrated over the concrete will have a tamping action to tamp and smooth down the surface of the concrete along the opposite sides of the joint.

As shown, the cam 51 is connected by a ,sprocket chain 52 with longitudinal power shaft 53 carried by the frame 30 stone side, said shaft 53 being driven by an engine or other prime mover 54, for forward and backward movement and a clutch 55 being preferably provided for connecting the cam 51 with and disconnecting it from the shaft 53. When ,the float37 is raised by the screw 52, the rod 47 will be raised with the float against the influence of the spring 48, thereby lifting the roller 50 away from the cam 51, as seen in Fig. 3.

A cleaving implement 56 is-slidably mounted in the frame in front of the chute 35 and in the longitudinal line of the dcpositor 36, said implementbeing connected at its upper end with'an eccentric 57' similar to the eccentric 57' shown in Fig. 7, whereby the implement is reciprocated, vertically. The eccentric 57 is connected by a sprocket chain 58 with the power shaft 53, a clutch 59 being provided on said shaft to make and break the connection. The implement 56 being reciprocated is forced down into and retracted from the concrete, thereby pushing down and deflecting to opposite sides any stones, pebbles and other solid particles in the line of the joint. This clears the path for the depositor, by removing from the line of movement thereof the stones and other solid objects, allowing the mortar to flow or slump into the cleft when the implement withdraws and advances for the successive stroke, and enabling the depositor to move forwardly in the concrete without encountering obstructions. The implement 56 may have shoulders 60 at opposite sides to come into contact with the surface of the concrete for tamping down the concrete ,at-the opposite sides of the cut made in the concrete by the implement. The machine is moved longitudinally over the roadway one or more times, depending on the plastic condition of the concrete, it being under stood that this machine follows rearwardly of the regular screeding machine well known in the art and this machine cuts the longitudinal'groove and is equipped to do the necessary floating and the installing of joint material; the transverse float member 94 reciprocates over the surface of the roadway progressively as the machine moves forward with the cleaving implement 56 operating in the plastic concrete and the longitudinal blade or joint depositor' may be trailed longitudinally of itself in the cleft as the machine moves forward to cause afurther separation of the coarse aggregate and to smooth the vertical'walls of the cleft to avoid honeycombing before the installation'of the joint strip; as heretofore described, it is understood that the cleaving and smoothing operations may be performed a number of times to produce the required results. When it is-desired to produce an open longitudinal joint, the blade may be drawn through the plastic concrete the required number of times with the float 94 reciprocating over the cleavage;

in the last passing of the blade in the concrete,

the float 94 is raised from the surface so as toroduce a clean open joint. It has been found practical in concrete base courses of bituminous surface or so-called black top roads to create a longitudinal plane of weakness by producing a cleavage line longitudinally of the roadway by separating the stones and coarse aggregate, producing a longitudinal vein of mortar-and finishing over the surface of the roadway without inserting a joint strip to induce the road to crack longitudinally along the weakened plane thus created. However,. if a joint strip is to be inserted in the cleavage, then the surfacing memher is permitted to reciprocate transversely over the surface of the concrete and over the joint strip to smooth the plastic concrete adjacent to the strip progressively as the stripemerges from the installing blade or depositor; the depositor supports the strip in. a vertical position and to the proper elevation as it emergesfrom the depositing, and while held in this position, the surfacer reciprocates transversely over the joint strip while it is; being held in a vertical position and to the proper elevation and smooths the concrete adjacent to and over the joint strip, which is in tension as the machine moves progressively forward and the various operations are simultaneously performed. When the re--;

of a length of from 5' to 10 for the convenience of handling and installing. These short lengths of strip are only used when a thicker joint strip is being installed as it would be impracticable to furnish thick strips ,4 or in large rolls. It is to be understood that when the machine is reversed or backed up for a successive forward operation, the installing blade or depositor is raised from contact with the plastic concrete. The cleaving member 56, however, may remain in operating position in the concrete at all times and may operate in the plastic concrete both during the forward and rearward movement of the machine.

The machine as described up to this point is complete for. the depositing in the concrete of the strip 38, the operation being simple and rapid. Thus, with the depositor 36 in the concrete and the float 3'? bearing on the concrete, the machine positor 36 to the concrete, with the upper edge of the strip flush with or slightly below the surface 'of the concrete. The implement 56 prepared the way for the depositor, by depressing and deflecting Thus, as the machine moves forwardly the strip section is gradually changed where the chute deformed, cross-section, as at 61.

is deposited in the concrete in rear of the depositor 36. Said depositor serves as a plow moving in the plastic concrete to open up a furrow or incision in which the strip is deposited, said strip passing out or being discharged from the .depositor or blade 36 that opens up the concrete.

The machine in travelling on the side rails or forms will result in the strip being deposited in the concrete parallel with one sideedge of the road, thereby providing an accurate joint. The present machine follows closely behind the machine or devices which are used to finish the surface of the concrete. Thus, the concrete is poured from the concrete mixer on the sub-base between the side rails and'is then struck-off, tamped, floated, rolled and otherwise surfaced arid finished, and the present machine follows the finishing of the surface of the concrete to depositthe strip or joint neatly in the concrete.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, the depositor 36 has its lower portion of curved cross-section, so that the lower portion of the strip 38 will be of curved, The strip is flat in moving down the chute. 38 and the crossmerges into the depositor, so as to bend or fold the strip transversely as it enters and passes throughthe depositor. The strip may therefore be bent or deformed into different cross-sections, according to the cross-sectional-form of the depositor. By the provision of the deformed portion 61 of the strip 38, when deposited in the concrete, the slabs at the opposite sides of the strip or joint will have a tongue and groove interlocking them against relative vertical displacement, and

providing a hinge joint to permit the slabs to flex upwardly and downwardly. "After the concrete has hardened it will ultimately break or crack along the strip 38, and between the lower edge of said strip and the sub-base, as shown in Fig. 8. In this manner, the fracture or break extends along the line of the strip or joint, instead of along an irregular line. The float or trowel 3'? may also round off the edges of the concrete at the opposite sides of the strip 38, or such edging may be done by hand in rear of the depositor, so as to reduce to a minimum the possibility of the concrete chipping off along the joint.

In lieu of the strip or solid material 38 there can be deposited in the concrete plastic or semiliquid material, the float 37 having an opening or inlet 62 for delivering the material downwardly into the depositor 36 to discharge from the rear end of the depositor. To prevent the material passing forwardly in the depositor, a filler 63 of any suitable kind is inserted in the depositor in front of the opening 62, and directs the mate-.

rial rearwardly. The material is contained in a tank or reservoir 64 carried by the frame adjacent to the rear end of the depositor 36, and a hose or other flexible connection 65 leads from v the tank 64 to the opening 62. The material may hereinafter.

When using the plastic or semi-liquid material instead of the strip 38, the operation is substantially the same, the depositor 36 moving forwardly in the plastic concrete, and as it moves forwardly the material is discharged through therear end of the depositor, thereby forming the joint of substantially the same construction as that formed by the strip, providing the plastic material is of a semi-plastic consistency as shown in Fig. 8. Tar, asphalt, heavy oil, and other similar plastic or semi-liquid materials may be used. By using a light oil or a liquid emulsion, a plane of weakness or separation may be created in the plastic concrete; the tubular depositor passing through the plastic material will separate the coarse stone and eject the liquid joint material from the rear of the depositor, and immediately in the rear of the depositor, the stone will slump back more or less in original overlapping position, provided the concrete is in a very plastic state; the oil or emulsified solution will have coated the materials so as to prevent a bond or the re-uniting of the material along an irregular cleavage plane but substantially in a straight longitudinal-line so that by refioating the surface of the concrete it will agitate the stones and tend to rearrange the'stones'in an overlapping condition so that they will assume more or less their original position, which will serve to. produce an-interlocking element for the entire thickness of the slab, at the same time producing a cleavage line substantially longitudinally of the roadway. The material may be such as to become hard or semi-hard, or may be such as to remain semi-plastic to serve as a seal for the crack orbreak between the opposite sections or slabs of concrete.

The machine may be propelled by power. As shown, a transverse shaft 68 is mounted in the frame at the rear end thereof and is geared, as at 69, to the power shaft 53, a clutch 70 being provided for opening and closing the connection to stop and start the movement of the machine on the rails 32. Sprocket chains 71 connect the shaft 68 and rear wheels 31 and are slidable transversely with said rear wheels, sprocket wheels 72 being feathered or splined on the shaft 68, and bars '73 being slidably mounted on the axles 33 and shaft 68 to move each sprocket chain '71 transversely as a unit with the corresponding wheel 31.

Longitudinal platforms or running boards '74 are mounted in the frame at the opposite sides of 40 the chute 35 and float 37 to support workmen.

The machine is also equipped with means for producing or installing transverse joints, and said means includes a secondary carriage mounted on the main carriage for transverse movement across the road. The secondary carriage 75 has wheels or rollers '76 movable along transverse rails or guides '77 with which the main framev 30 is provided, and the transverse joint cutting means or device is carried by the carriage Z5 and, in gen- Bit -- J'oint of the desired cross-section. The

eral respects, involves the same principles as the longitudinal joint means or device. The depositor 36' comprises the lower flattened terminal per-- tion of a vertical tube or chute 35',-said depositor 36' being, of suitable form to produce a joint of the desired cross-section (the same as the depositor 36 as shown in, Figs. 3 and 4) The rear edge of the depositor 36 is open for the discharge of the plastic or semi-liquid material which flows down through the tube 35'. The tube 35' extends through a vertical tubular adjusting screw 42 that is screw-threaded within the bottom portion of the frame or carriage 75, and collars 78 are secured on the tube above and below the screw so that the depositor moves up and down with said screw. The screw has a hand wheel 79 at its upper end for rotating the screw to raise and lower the depositor. A tank or reservoir 64' for the material is mounted on the carriage 75 and a hose or flexible connection 65' leads from the tank to the upper end of thetube 35', and a pis-. ton or follower 66 operated by a screw or other 'rneans works in the tank 64 to force the material therefrom under pressure. The tube 35' has an upstanding stem '80 of non-circular section slidable througha guide 81 to prevent the tube 35 and depositor 36' from turning.

JAspader or deflecting plunger 56 is slidable in the bottom portion of the carriage or frame 75 and is operated by an eccentric 57' mounted on a shaft 32 journaled in the carriage or frame 75, and the spader 56', like the implement 56 hereinbefore described, has the shoulders 50 at opposite sides totamp down the concrete. A bevel gear 83 is secured on the shaft 82 and meshes with a bevel gear 84 that is splinedor-feathered on a transverse shaft 85 journaled at its ends on the frame 30. The gear 84 is movable with the carrfage 75 so that the shaft 82 is driven from the shaft 85 in the different positions of the carriage 5. The shaft 85 is geared, as at 86, to the power shaft 53, a clutch'87 being provided for making and breaking the connection. Although the

several clutches

55, 59, 70 and 87 are shown as mounte-** on the shaft 85, they may be located at other suitable points of the operating gearing.

The carriage 75 may also be moved manually back and forth along the rails or guides 51?, or may be moved by power, such as a. sprocket chain .88 extending around the sprocket wheels on the shaft 82 and the axles of the wheels 76.

When the transverse joint is cut, the frame .30 is maintained stationary. The carriage 75 is started at one side of the road with the spader 56 in advance of the depositor 36. The spader is operated back and forth the required number of times so as to depress and deflect the stones and other particles out of the path of the depositor, and after the spader has moved sumciently away from the corresponding side rail 32, the depositor 36' is moved downwardly into the plas-' tic concrete by screwing the screw 42 downward- 13/. The carriage 75 is then moved transversely across the road so that the material discharged from the depositor 36' will produce the transverse spader 56 is stopped when it reaches the opposite side rail, and is retracted from orstopped above the concrete, to permit the depositor 36' to move close adjacent to the rail in finishing the joint; The depositor is then retracted from the concrete" by raising the screw 42'. The longitudinaljoint may then be continued so as to break through or intersect the transverse joint, and it is also possible to make the transverse joint; in two parts extending from the side edges to points near but spaced from the longitudinal joint line. Thus, in passing over the line of the longitudinal joint, the depositor 36' may be retracted from the concrete to pass over the longitudinal joint line, and may then be again projected into the concrete, as will be apparent. Any rough portions left in the production of the transverse joint may be fin= ished off by hand, such as at the point where the depositor is withdrawn from the concrete. As the machine advances, the float 94 will reciprocate over the cleavage or joint to smooth the surface of the concrete.

' Transverse platforms or running boards 74' are mounted in the frame 30 in front and in rear of the line of movement of the transverse joint installing means to support the workmen when producing and finishing the joints. Figs. 9, and 11 illustrate a modification wherein premolded strips of limited length are used in lieu of the strip 38 of long length as hereinbefore described. The strips 381: may be about ten feet long (more or less), and are inserted downwardly into the chute 35a between the spaced side walls thereof to pass through the depositor 36a into the concrete. Wire staples 89 or other coupling means are used for connecting the strips end to end, and, as shown, the sides of the chute 3511 have openings so to permit the staples or coupling members 89 to be inserted and applied, this being done manually as the strips are withdrawn from the chute. The strips 38c may be thick, andyas shown, the depositor 36c has fiat sides so that the thick strips are not deformed.

The strips 38a, as shown in Fig. 2, may be supported in hook-shaped hangers or brackets 91 with which the frame is provided, so that e. workman on the platforms 74. may conveniently remove the stri s 38a and insert them in the chute a as needed. This enables premolded or preformed'strips to be used which are of a thickness or material so as not to be capable of being rolled up like the strip 33, and said strips or sections 38a. follow one another into the concretefrom the depositor by being coupled together end to end. a

Fig. 12 shows steel strips 38?) as having their ends formed with suitable hooks or portions 3% to interlock, a limited number of strips may be coupled together by simply inserting them in the chute 35b, to be trailed or drawn longitudinally through the plastic concrete by connecting the end of the line of joint plates to the chute so that when the machine advances the chute 3512 will register in the cleft produced by the spader and the steel joint strips 35b, which maybe approximately in length more or less, will be drawn longitudinally through the plastic concrete while the surfacing float 94 reciprocates transversely over the strips simultaneously as the machine advances as the strips are drawn longitudinally through the plastic concrete for a suitable distance, depending on the consistency of the concrete. The joint plates may then be disengaged from the chute and left a at rest in the concrete so that the machine may advance ahead andcut the groove along the line of the joint to separate the stones and coarser particles and prepare the defined longitudinal vein of mortar as previously described, through which to again move the longitudinal train ofjoint plates as described. 1

Figs. 13- to 17, inclusive, show joints of different cross sections that may be deposited or produced,

sible, as will be apparent. The joint strip or opposite material 38c shown in Fig. 13 is wider at its lower edge than at its upper edge, or is or dovetail cross-section to be securely anchored in the concrete. The strip or material 38d shown in Fig. 14 is of if-shaped cross-section, to divide the concrete and provide a broad trafilc line at the surface of the concrete. Fig. 15 shows-the strip or material 38c narrow at its lower edge and increasing in thickness to its upper edge to provide a wider upper edge portion. Fig. 16 shows the strip or material 381 having grooves in its sides to form tongues on the adjacent edge portions of the slabs, thereby providinga double hinge joint, after the concrete breaks below the strip. Fig. 1'! shows the strip or material 389 as being sinuous from its upper to its lower edge. It will be apparent that the depositors are or cross-sections corresponding to the shapes of the strips or material deposited in the concrete,'as seen by reference to Figs. 1347. The strips or material may be of various colors,

' especially when they are used to provide trafic from under the desired pressure.

lines on the surface of the concrete as well as forming joints to divide the concrete. It is thus apparent that strips of solid, plastic or, semiliquid material may be deposited in the plastic concrete, and the material may be of different colors and may extend different depths. It is preferable, however, to leave the strip spaced above the sub-base, allowing for a natural break or fracture between the strip and sub-base. The concrete being plastic will flow together behind the depositor against the opposite sides or 'the strip or material deposited in the concrete.

18 and 19 illustrate a transverse platform or running board 92 mounted on brackets 93 at the rear end of the machine in order to support workmen for finishing thejoints by hand in rear of the depositor, the tank 64 being mounted at one side of the float 3'7. l'hese figures also show the use or a finishing belt 94 at the rear of the machine for finishing the surface of the concrete over the longitudinal and transverse joints. The float 94 has its terminals wound on spindles 95 extending rearwardly from and rotatable within brackets 96 that are adjustable on a transverse shaft 9'? mounted in the brackets 93 in rear of the platform 92. Set screws 98 are used for securing the spindles 95 in the brackets 98 and said brackets on the shaft 97, to provide for adjustments. A lever 99 or other operating means is connected to the shaft 97 to enable said shaft to be reciprocated and rocked. Thus, the shaft may be turned to let the belt 94 down on the surface of the concrete or to raise the belt ed the concrete, and the shaft is reciprocated to reciprocate the belt over the surface of the concrete for finishing the surface, especially over the joints. The machine may thus have trailing finishing means to operate on the surface of the concrete over the joints formed or deposited in the concrete.

Fig. 20 shows a tank to hold rial, with a hose 65h leading to the float 3772. and depositor 36h. An air pump GM is connected to the top of the barrel to force air into the barrel in order to discharge the material there- The pump 66k a barrel or drum 64h. providing may he a hand pump, as shown, or a power pump.

The float 37h has an bar or stopper deb when the plastic (insemidown into the concrete to the plastic or semi-liquid mate-,

opening 100 to receive a' liquid material is used, to close the depositor 36k in front of the hose 65h, said stopper 63h being withdrawn when the strip passes down the ch'fite 3571. through the depositor in lieu of the plastic or I semi-liquid material. It is understood that if so desired a joint strip may be passed through the chute simultaneously with a plastic material or composition 3671. so that the strip may be coated with a him of suitable material while it is being deposited; this method may applyto a strip of premolded material or paper, which is left permanently in the concrete. This coating of tar or asphaltic or emulsion--as may be required-will assist in preserving the material and also seal the crack. It is also to be understood that this same method may be used when passing steel plates through the chute, except that oil may be used for lubricating the plates progressively as the platesgpass through the chute. The film of oil will prevent the plate from adhering to the concrete and will facilitate the easy movement of the joint plates through or from the concrete. The opening 100 may be temporarily sealed while using both materials as explained.

Fig. 20 also shows an adjustable mounting for the chute 35h. Thus, the upper terminal of the chute 35h is mounted on a transverse shaft 101 disposed in bearings 102 slidable vertically in slotted guides 103 carried by brackets 104 supported by the frame, and adjusting screws 105 are carried by the guides 103 for adjusting the bearings 102 vertically, to raise and lower the 106 having set screws may be provided on the shaft 101 to maintain the transverse adjustment of the chute 35h.

Fig. 21 illustrates a depositor 3612 having a receptacle 107 to hold a folded strip 38i. Said receptacle is open at the top through the float 371' so that the strip may be readily inserted in the receptacle, to pass through the rear portion 108 of the depositor which may be of anysuitable shape so as to deform the strip if desired,

as shown. This type of depositor eliminates theuse of the chute, and the forward end portion 109 of the depositor serves as a shin to separate the concrete for the passage of the receptacle or widened portion of the depositor, the concrete flowing together again behind the receptacle 107 to close in on the strip in rear of the depositor.

A shank 352' extends forwardly and upwardly from the forward end of the float 372' and has an eye or bearing 110 to connect the device with the machine. A spader 561' slides vertically through the shank 35ito work up and down in the concrete in advance of the depositor so as to depress and deflect stones and other particles out of the path of the depositor. flanges or lugs 111 to strike the shank 35a. and vibrate the depositor vertically similar to the action of the reciprocating rod 47 hereinbefore described.

The receptacle 107 is elongated longitudinally, and the strip 381' is folded together in zig-zag manner. With a thin strip the receptacle 107 may not be as wide as shown, the illustration being exaggerated for purpose or clearness.

Fig. 22 shows a modification oi the device shown in Fig. 21 in that the receptacle 107' of the depositor is circular or cylindrical, with the strip The spader 562' has r 1,946,972 381i rolled up and deposited in said receptacle, so

ducing transverse or longitudinal joints.

the rear open end of said depositor.

Fig. 23 shows a depositor 36k having in one or both of its sides the vertical slots or openings 112 through which the plastic or semi-liquid may be discharged at one or both sides of the depositor. Said slots or openings are below the float 37k which has the opening 62k for the delivery of the material downwardly into the depositor. The depositor and float are carried by a. beam 35k. In providing a plurality of discharge slots or openings 112 the material may flow from one or. more of them even though some of the slots may be'clogged by the concrete.

Fig. 24 shows a depositor 361$ of short length below the rear end of the float or trowel 3%, said float and depositor being secured below a beam or shank 3525. The beam 35t and float have the opening 62t to receive the material from the hose 65t to pass into the depositor and through The spader 562? reciprocates vertically through the beam 35f and float in front of the depositor, and is connected by a pitman or link 113 with a crank disk 57t to reciprocate said spader.

Figs. 25 and 26 illustrate diiTerent means for obtaining pressure to discharge the plastic or semiliquid material. As shown in Fig. 25 a pump cylinder 11 is connected, as at 115, with the top of the barrel or tank 64m containing the material, and the piston 116 working in said cylinder has an u standing stem 117 on which is secured a receptacle or pan 118 for holding sand, gravel or other material to impose the desired weight on the piston 116. In this matter, the piston 116 is depressed under the desired weight, so as to obtain the desired pressure on the material in the tank or barrel 64121.. As shown in Fig. 26 the cylinder 11% is mounted on the barrel or tank 6 m, with a connection 115 between the lower end of the cylinder and the top of the tank. The upstanding stem 117' of the piston 116' has ratchet teeth 119 for the engagement of a pawl 120 carried by a lever 121 fulcrumed to a post 122 rising from. the cylinder, and a weight 123 is adjustable on the lever 121 to supply the necessary power for depressing the piston 1l6'-, it being noted that said weight may be adjusted to regulate the pressure on the material in the tank or barrel 6411.. After the lever 121 has swung downwardly below a horizontal position it may be raised again to engage the pawl 120 with ratchet teeth higher up,

and the weight may be raised several times during the movement of the piston 116" from its uppermost to its lowermost position. In both of the devices shown in Figs. 25 and 26 pistons may be raised again after being moved to their lowermost positions, so as to repeat the operations. Also, in both devices the pressure of the material may be regulated by the amount of weight used on the, pistons.

It is understood that the joint cutting and installing implement in Figure 21 may be operated manually in the plastic concrete without being attached to a traveling bridge. Itwill be apparent that after the stone and coarse aggregate have been separated along a predetermined line of joint, this implement may. be moved through the vein of mortar to produce adeformed separation or install a joint strip .or if desired a liquid material maybe used. It is understood that when this implement is inoved through the concrete by hand, a suitable handle could be provided, and further that when operated manually, the use of the spading implement 56L is dispensed with.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:- I

1. A machine for producing a joint or trafilc line in concrete comprising a carriage movable over the concrete, adepositor carried by the carriage and movable longitudinally in the concrete to form a groove therein and having provision for the discharge of material therefrom into said groove, and means carried by the carriage to Work in the concrete in advance of the depositor for deflecting stones and solid particles out of the path of the depositor.

2. A machine for producing a joint or tramc line in concrete comprising a carriage movable over .the concrete, a'depositor carried by the carriage and movable longitudinally in the concrete and having provision for the discharge of material therefrom into the concrete, and a vertically reciprocatory spader carried by the machine to work vertically in the concrete in advance of the depositor for depressing and deflecting to opposite sides stones and other solid particles from the path of the depositor.

3. A machine for producing a joint or traffic line in concrete comprising a carriage movable over the concrete, a depositor carriedby the carriage and movable longitudinally in the concrete, said depositor having provision-for the discharge of material therefrom into the concrete, and means for vibrating said depositor.

e. A. machine for producing a joint or trahlc .line in concrete comprising a carriage movable over the concrete, a float carried by the carriage and movable longitudinally. on the concrete, at depositor under the float to move longitudinally in the concrete and having provision for the discharge or material therefrom, means mounted on the carriage for delivering material into the de- 1 positor, and means carried by the carriage for vibrating said float and depositor.

5. A machine for producing a joint or trails line in'concrete comprising a carriage movable ice overthe concrete, a float carried by the carriage and movable longitudinally on the concrete, depositor under the float to move longitudinally in the concrete and having provision for the-discharge of material therefrom, means mounted on the carriage for delivering material into the ale-- positor, and means mounted on the carriage for producing impacts downwardly on said fioatand depositor progressively as the float and the depositor move longitudinally through the plastic concrete.

6. A machine for producing a joint or trafiic line in concrete comprising a carriage movable over the concrete, a rea'rwardly and downwardly extending member having its forward end pivotally connected with the carriage and having a float at its rear end to move on the con- 7. A machine for producing a joint or tramc line in concrete comprising a carriage movable extending member having its forward end piv-.

otally connected with the carriage and having a float at its rear end tomove on the concrete and a depending depositor below the float to move in the concrete, saiddepositor having provision for the discharge of material into the concrete, means mounted on the carriage for supplying material into the depositor, and means for vibrating the rear portion of said member.

8. A machine for producing a joint or trafiic line in concrete comprising a carriage movable over the concrete, 9. rearwardly and downwardly extending member having itsforward end pivotally connected with the carriage and having a float at its rear end to move on the concrete and a depending depositor below the float to move in the concrete, said depositor having provision for the discharge of material into the concrete, means mounted on the carriage for supplying material into the depositor, means for raising and loweringthe rear portion of said member,

and means for vibrating the rear portion of said member when the float is on the concrete.

9. A joint installing machine comprising a depositing blade having a longitudinal passage for the movement of a joint strip therethrough,

the rear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plastic concrete and said blade being inclined in front of said rear end portion to be disposed above the concrete.

10. A joint installing machine comprising a depositing blade having a longitudinal passage for the movement of a joint strip therethrough, the rear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plastic concrete and said blade being inclined in front of said rear end-portion to be disposed above the concrete, the portion of the blade in front of said rear end portion being open at the top to receive joint strips.

11. A joint installing machine comprising a depositing blade having a longitudinal passage "for the movement of a joint strip therethrough, the rear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plastic concrete and said blade being inclined in front of said rear end portion to be disposed above theconcrete, and a member for finishing the surface of the concrete disposed above said rear end portion ofthe blade. j 12. A joint installing machine comprising a depositing blade having a longitudinal passage for the movement of a joint strip therethrough, the rear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plastic concrete and said blade being inclined in front of said rear end portion to be disposed above the concrete, and a float secured on said rear end portion of the blade.

13. A joint installing machine comprising a depositingblade having a longitudinal passage for the movement of a joint strip therethrough, the rear end portion of said blade being adapted to move in plastic concrete and said blade being inclined in front of said rear end portion to be disposed above the concrete, and a float secured on said rear end portion of the blade, said blade being opened at the top in front of said. float.

14. A joint installing machine comprising a float movable on plastic concrete to smooth same down, a depositor depending from said float to move in the plastic concrete for opening a groove therein, and means for supplying material through said depositorto move into and fill said roove. a i

15. A joint installing device comprising a blade movable in plastic concrete and having a passage reaaere for a joint strip, and a roller mounted over said blade to depress said strip and roll the concrete at opposite sides thereof.

16. A joint installing device comprising a blade movable in plastic concrete, and a roller movable with the blade and arranged for depressing the concrete adjacent to the blade.

17. A joint installing device comprising means for depositing a stripin plastic concrete, and a roller arranged for depressing said strip.

18. A joint installing device comprising means for depositing a strip in plastic concrete, and a roller arranged for depressing said strip and depressing the concrete at opposite sides of said strip.

19; A joint installing device comprising a blade movable in plastic concrete, and a vibratory roller mounted over said blade for depressing the concrete.

20. A joint installing device comprising a roller for depressing plastic concrete, and means for directing a joint strip into the plastic concrete under said roller.

21. A joint installing device comprising a roller for depressing plastic concrete, and a joint forming blade disposed under said roller.

22. A joint installing device comprising a blade I for deflecting stones and coarser aggregate from g the path of the blade.

24. A road joint installer comprising a frame movable over plastic concrete, and an inclined joint installing member whose lower end is disposed rearmost and adapted to move in the concrete, the forward end of said member being hingedly connected with the frame, and means between the frame and said member for raising and lowering the rear end of said member.

25. A road joint installer comprising a frame movable over plastic concrete, an inclined joint installing member whose lower end is disposed rearmost and adapted to move in the concrete, and means supporting said member from the frame for hingedly connecting the forward end of said member with the frame and for raising and lowering said member.

26. road joint installer comprising a joint installing member movable in plastic concrete and adapted to guide joint strip longitudinally thereof and to move longitudinallyfrom the strip, and a roller carried by said member to move on the upper edge of the strip.

27. A road joint installer comprising an inclined joint installing member whose lower end is disposed rearmost and adapted to move in plastic concrete, said member being adapted to guide a joint strip longitudinally thereof to pass from the rear end of said member, and a roller mounted at the rear end thereof to move on the upper edge of said strip.

28 A road joint installer comprising an inclined installing member whose lower end por-. tion is disposed rearmost and adapted to move in plastic concrete, and a float amxed to and movable with the-rear end portion of said member.

'29. A road joint installer comprising a joint installing member having a slot open at the top for the downward deposit of a joint strip into the slot, and a when to engage the upper edge of said strip in said slot and depress the strip into plastic concrete.

30.-A road joint installer comprising a joint installing member having a slot open at the top for the downward deposit of a joint strip, said member being adapted to be moved longitudinally of itself from the strip.

31. A road joint installer comprising a joint installing member movable in plastic concrete and having a longitudinal passage for a flexible joint strip, the rearend of said member being deformed to bend the strip into deformed crosssection.

32. A road joint installer comprising a member movable longitudinally along and from a flexible strip in plastic concrete and formed to bend the strip into deformed cross-section.

33. The method of installing a joint in unset concrete consisting in depositing a flexible strip in the concrete and moving deforming means longitudinally of the strip to bend same into deformed cross-section.

34. The method of installing a joint in plastic concrete consisting in moving a joint installing member in the concrete and delivering a flexible strip to move along and from said member to be deposited inthe concrete, and bending the strip where it emerges from said member to give the strip a deformed cross-section.

35. The method of installing a joint in unset concrete consisting in delivering joint material into the plastic concrete along the line of a joint from a longitudinally moved member and deforming such material where it emerges from said member.

36. The method of installing a joint in unset concrete consisting in cleaving the concrete, positioning a joint installing member along the cleavage, depositing a joint strip downwardly in association with said member to be guided thereby into the cleavage, and moving said member longitudinally from the strip.

37. The method of installing a joint in unset concrete consisting in moving a joint installing member longitudinally in the concrete along the line of a joint, depositing joint strips in succession in said member to be delivered thereby into the concrete, and connecting said strips as they are deposited in said member.

38.'A joint installing device comprising a joint aligning member having spaced side walls and an open top portion, and joint strips received through/the open top portion between said side 'wallsand having means for locking the ends of the joint strips together to form a continuous line of strips to be deposited in the plastic concrete.

39. A road building machine comprising a wheeled carriage operating on side forms and spanning a road under construction, a joint strip installing element carried by said carriage to support, align and deposit joint strips in the plastic concrete, and a surfacer mounted for transverse. reciprocation on said carriage. rearwardly of said joint strip installing element whereby to surface over the concrete and installed joint strips progressively as the machine moves over the roadway and as the joint strips emerge from the joint strip installing element.

40. A road building machine comprising a carriage, means for moving said carriage over a concrete roadway under construction, and an implement supported by and moved with said carriage and having a wide horizontal tubular top portion for forming a channel in the surface of the concrete and for receiving traffic line material to be moved through said tubular top portion and deposited thereby into the channel, said implement also having a depending tubular blade underlying the said top portion for forming. a joint groove in the concrete below the channel and for receiving joint material to be moved through the blade and deposited thereby into the joint groove.

41. A road joint installer comprising a float, and a blade adapted to be reciprocated through said float to separate the concrete below said float.

42. A road joint installer comprising a float to move over plastic concrete, a depositor depending from the float for depositing material in the concrete in rear of the depositor, and; means to separate the concrete working below said float in front of the depositor.

43. A road joint installer comprising a float to move on plastic concrete, a depositor depending from said float to deposit joint material in the concrete in rear of the depositor, and a blade Working through the float in front of said depositor for separating the concrete.

44. A road joint installer comprisinga float to move over plastic concrete, and means below the float to separate the concrete and movable relatively to the ,float while the float is moving overthe concrete.

45. A road joint installer comprising a float to move over plastic concrete, and a blade below the float to separate the concrete and movable relatively to the float while the float is mov ingover the concrete.

46. A road joint installer comprising a plate to move,closely' over plastic concrete, said plate having a slot therein, a blade disposed movably through said slot to separate the concrete below the plate, and means for operating said blade through the slot during the movement of the plate 115- over the concrete.

4'7. The method of producing a separation of plastic concrete longitudinally of a roadway under construction, which consists in moving a flat slotted member longitudinally of itself over the 32 roadway and working a cleaving implement through the slot to separate the concrete under the member.

48. The method of cleaving plasticconcrete of a road under construction, which consists in 13 moving a slotted member longitudinally over the roadway, and cleaving the plastic concrete under the slotted member by manipulating a cleaving implement through the slot to work in the concrete.

49. The method of cleaving plastic concrete of a road under construction, which consists in moving a slotted member over the plasticmaterial, and moving a cleaving implement through the slot to cleave the concrete below the plate.

50. A joint cutting apparatus comprising a slotted member movable longitudinally of itself over a roadway under construction, a cleaving implement supported over the member and operating in the plastic concrete through the slot 144; to separate the stones along the line of the joint, a blade underneath said member and following the cleavage rearwardly of the cleaving implement to open the cleavage and installing joint material rearwardly of the blade.

51. A joint cutting apparatus comprising a slotted member movable longitudinally of itself over plastic concrete, a cleaving implement supported over the member and projecting through the slot and into the plastic material to separate Gil cleaving implement associated with the float to cleave the concrete forwardly of the blade;

53. A 'joint producing apparatus comprising a floating member to move closely over plastic concrete of a. road under construction, an implement to cleave theplastic material under the float member, and means for reciprocating the implement.

JOHN N.