Abstract: A support structure for a float pan for floating a concrete surface provides an interface between the float pan and a rotating machine. The support structure is characterized by a hub configured for concentric attachment to a rotor, and by a plurality of trusses that extend radially from the hub, each providing a planar contact surface. A mounting plate attaches between each planar contact surface and a top surface of the float pan and is radially adjustable along the planar contact surface. A truss beam structure cross-links the trusses together. A walk-behind or ride-on machine may incorporate the support structure and operate as a dedicated power flotation machine. Under weight of the machine, the planar contact surfaces of the trusses conform the float pan to a desired shape or radius of curvature for optimizing a flotation process.

Abstract: An auxiliary system with purge control automatically supplies diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to an onboard DEF tank of a diesel engine to enable prolonged unattended operation. The system includes an auxiliary DEF tank, an auxiliary DEF supply line, a controller, a pump, an air inlet, and a three-way valve configured to switch the pump inlet between the auxiliary DEF tank and air. In response to low-level DEF, the pump delivers DEF through the supply line to replenish the onboard DEF tank. The controller may automatically calculate onboard DEF tank volume based on the delivered volume of DEF, and DEF level data received from an ECM, to enable replenishment control regardless of engine make and model. In response to high-level DEF, engine stoppage, or other system fault, the controller switches the valve to air and runs the pump for a predetermined time to purge DEF from the supply line.

Abstract: A method for thermal management of a power trowel executable by an on-board logic controller allows operation of the trowel in normal mode in which rotor speed is determined by manual control and in which a sensed temperature of the trowel lies below a high temperature setpoint. In response to the sensed temperature exceeding the high temperature setpoint, the controller switches operation of the power trowel from normal mode to thermal management mode in which a maximum rotor speed achievable by manual control is reduced by the controller in incremental steps to allow the trowel to cool. In response to the sensed temperature reaching a low temperature setpoint, the controller increases rotor speed in incremental steps, and returns operation to normal mode when a desired rotor speed is maintained for sufficient time during which the sensed temperature remains below the low temperature setpoint.

Abstract: A self-propelled power trowel for finishing a concrete surface is equipped with reversible rotors to allow an operator to reverse the direction of rotation of rotor blades. The trowel includes a rigid frame adapted for operation over a concrete surface, a pair of rotor assemblies having rotor blades tiltably connected to the rigid frame for frictionally contacting the concrete surface and supporting the rigid frame thereabove, a prime mover mounted to the rigid frame and operatively coupled to drive the rotor blades of the rotor assemblies in opposite rotational directions. Synchronous or hydraulic motors are configured for causing, responsive to manual controls, reversal of the direction of rotation of the rotor blades.

Abstract: A method for thermal management of a power trowel executable by an on-board logic controller allows operation of the trowel in normal mode in which rotor speed is determined by manual control and in which a sensed temperature of the trowel lies below a high temperature setpoint. In response to the sensed temperature exceeding the high temperature setpoint, the controller switches operation of the power trowel from normal mode to thermal management mode in which a maximum rotor speed achievable by manual control is reduced by the controller in incremental steps to allow the trowel to cool. In response to the sensed temperature reaching a low temperature setpoint, the controller increases rotor speed in incremental steps, and returns operation to normal mode when a desired rotor speed is maintained for sufficient time during which the sensed temperature remains below the low temperature setpoint.

Abstract: A swiveling ball joint assembly set into a center of a driver plate to be used with a grinding head includes a rigid housing having a socket and a flange extending outwardly. An elongated shaft defines a rotational axis having a ball end enclosed within the socket and a coupling end to be connected with a spider arm. A bearing is concentrically aligned with the rotational axis and rotatably attached to the elongated shaft. A mounting hole to allow connection by fastener to a driver to translate rotational motion from the spider arm to the driver. A protective boot extends from the socket to a shelf to prevent foreign material from contaminating the socket.

Abstract: A driver interface for a grinding head includes a center plate having top and bottom surfaces, an outer edge, a mounting channel in the top surface, and mounting pads on the bottom surface, each pad having a raised edge. An upper clamping plate is inserted within the mounting channel. A lower clamping plate defines disk locating apertures and fastens to the bottom surface of the center plate so that each of the disk locating apertures surround the raised edge of a mounting pad. The upper and lower clamping plates are removably fastened to the center plate. A disk attacher having an anchoring portion and a disk receiving portion bends around the outer edge of the center plate so that the upper clamping plate when fastened to the center plate clamps the anchoring portion between the upper clamping plate and the mounting channel, and so that the lower clamping plate when fastened to the center plate clamps the disk receiving portion to a mounting pad and within one of the disk locating apertures.

Abstract: A driver interface for a grinding head includes a center plate having top and bottom surfaces, an outer edge, a mounting channel in the top surface, and mounting pads on the bottom surface, each pad having a raised edge. An upper clamping plate is inserted within the mounting channel. A lower clamping plate defines disk locating apertures and fastens to the bottom surface of the center plate so that each of the disk locating apertures surround the raised edge of a mounting pad. The upper and lower clamping plates are removably fastened to the center plate. A disk attacher having an anchoring portion and a disk receiving portion bends around the outer edge of the center plate so that the upper clamping plate when fastened to the center plate clamps the anchoring portion between the upper clamping plate and the mounting channel, and so that the lower clamping plate when fastened to the center plate clamps the disk receiving portion to a mounting pad and within one of the disk locating apertures.

Abstract: An auxiliary system with purge control automatically supplies diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to an onboard DEF tank of a diesel engine to enable prolonged unattended operation. The system includes an auxiliary DEF tank, an auxiliary DEF supply line, a controller, a pump, an air inlet, and a three-way valve configured to switch the pump inlet between the auxiliary DEF tank and air. In response to low-level DEF, the pump delivers DEF through the supply line to replenish the onboard DEF tank. The controller may automatically calculate onboard DEF tank volume based on the delivered volume of DEF, and DEF level data received from an ECM, to enable replenishment control regardless of engine make and model. In response to high-level DEF, engine stoppage, or other system fault, the controller switches the valve to air and runs the pump for a predetermined time to purge DEF from the supply line. The auxiliary system may be skid-mounted, portable, and configured to supply DEF to multiple diesel engines.

Abstract: An auxiliary system automatically supplies diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to a diesel engine onboard DEF tank to enable prolonged unattended operation. The system includes an auxiliary DEF tank and supply line, a controller, pump, air inlet, and three-way valve configured to switch the pump inlet between the auxiliary DEF tank and air. In response to low-level DEF, the pump delivers DEF to replenish the onboard DEF tank. The controller calculates onboard DEF tank volume based on the delivered volume of DEF, and DEF level data received from an ECM, to enable replenishment control regardless of engine make and model. In response to high-level DEF, engine stoppage, or system fault, the controller switches the pump inlet to air and runs the pump to purge DEF from the supply line. The auxiliary system may be skid-mounted, portable, and configured to supply DEF to multiple diesel engines.

Abstract: A support structure for a float pan for floating a concrete surface provides an interface between the float pan and a rotating machine. The support structure is characterized by a hub configured for concentric attachment to a rotor, and by trusses that extend radially from the hub, each providing a float pan contact surface and means for attachment to the float pan. Perimetric bracing links the trusses about the perimeter of the support structure. A machine similar to a walk-behind or ride-on trowel but without rotor blades, may incorporate the support structure and operate as a dedicated power flotation machine. Under weight of the machine, the contact surfaces of the trusses conform the float pan to a desired shape or radius of curvature for optimizing a flotation process.

Abstract: A driver interface for a grinding head includes a center plate having top and bottom surfaces, an outer edge, a mounting channel in the top surface, and mounting pads on the bottom surface, each pad having a raised edge. An upper clamping plate is inserted within the mounting channel. A lower clamping plate defines disk locating apertures and fastens to the bottom surface of the center plate so that each of the disk locating apertures surround the raised edge of a mounting pad. The upper and lower clamping plates are removably fastened to the center plate. A disk attacher having an anchoring portion and a disk receiving portion bends around the outer edge of the center plate so that the upper clamping plate when fastened to the center plate clamps the anchoring portion between the upper clamping plate and the mounting channel, and so that the lower clamping plate when fastened to the center plate clamps the disk receiving portion to a mounting pad and within one of the disk locating apertures.

Abstract: A method of blending concrete is provided wherein there is a determination of a standard volume of water to add to a dry concrete mix to provide hydrated concrete with a desired slump value, and then calculating a substitution volume of an aqueous composition including colloidal silica to be used in place of an eliminated portion of the standard volume of the water, and mixing the substitution volume of the aqueous composition with the concrete mix.

Abstract: A support structure for a float pan for floating a concrete surface provides an interface between the float pan and a rotating machine. The support structure is characterized by a hub configured for concentric attachment to a rotor, and by a plurality of trusses that extend radially from the hub, each providing a planar contact surface. A mounting plate attaches between each planar contact surface and a top surface of the float pan and is radially adjustable along the planar contact surface. A truss beam structure cross-links the trusses together. A. walk-behind or ride-on machine may incorporate the support structure and operate as a dedicated power flotation machine. Under weight of the machine, the planar contact surfaces of the trusses conform the float pan to a desired shape or radius of curvature for optimizing a flotation process.

Abstract: A self-propelled power trowel for finishing a concrete surface is equipped with reversible rotors to allow an operator to reverse the direction of rotation of rotor blades. The trowel includes a rigid frame adapted for operation over a concrete surface, a pair of rotor assemblies having rotor blades tiltably connected to the rigid frame for frictionally contacting the concrete surface and supporting the rigid frame thereabove, a prime mover mounted to the rigid frame and operatively coupled to drive the rotor blades of the rotor assemblies in opposite rotational directions. Synchronous or hydraulic motors are configured for causing, responsive to manual controls, reversal of the direction of rotation of the rotor blades.

Abstract: A self propelled power trowel for finishing a concrete surface is equipped with reversible rotors to allow an operator to reverse the direction of rotation of rotor blades. The trowel includes a rigid frame adapted for operation over a concrete surface, a pair of rotor assemblies having rotor blades tiltably connected to the rigid frame for frictionally contacting the concrete surface and supporting the rigid frame thereabove, a prime mover mounted to the rigid frame and operatively coupled to drive the rotor blades of the rotor assemblies in opposite rotational directions. Synchronous or hydraulic motors are configured for causing, responsive to manual controls, reversal of the direction of rotation of the rotor blades.

Abstract: A method for thermal management of a power trowel executable by an on-board logic controller allows operation of the trowel in normal mode in which rotor speed is determined by manual control and in which a sensed temperature of the trowel lies below a high temperature setpoint. In response to the sensed temperature exceeding the high temperature setpoint, the controller switches operation of the power trowel from normal mode to thermal management mode in which a maximum rotor speed achievable by manual control is reduced by the controller in incremental steps to allow the trowel to cool. In response to the sensed temperature reaching a low temperature setpoint, the controller increases rotor speed in incremental steps, and returns operation to normal mode when a desired rotor speed is maintained for sufficient time during which the sensed temperature remains below the low temperature setpoint.

Abstract: An auxiliary system with purge control automatically supplies diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to an onboard DEF tank of a diesel engine to enable prolonged unattended operation. The system includes an auxiliary DEF tank, an auxiliary DEF supply line, a controller, a pump, an air inlet, and a three-way valve configured to switch the pump inlet between the auxiliary DEF tank and air. In response to low-level DEF, the pump delivers DEF through the supply line to replenish the onboard DEF tank. The controller may automatically calculate onboard DEF tank volume based on the delivered volume of DEF, and DEF level data received from an ECM, to enable replenishment control regardless of engine make and model. In response to high-level DEF, engine stoppage, or other system fault, the controller switches the valve to air and runs the pump for a predetermined time to purge DEF from the supply line. The auxiliary system may be skid-mounted, portable, and configured to supply DEF to multiple diesel engines.

Abstract: A support structure for a float pan for floating a concrete surface provides an interface between the float pan and a rotating machine. The support structure is characterized by a hub configured for concentric attachment to a rotor, and by trusses that extend radially from the hub, each providing a float pan contact surface and means for attachment to the float pan. Perimetric bracing links the trusses about the perimeter of the support structure. A machine similar to a walk-behind or ride-on trowel but without rotor blades, may incorporate the support structure and operate as a dedicated power flotation machine. Under weight of the machine, the contact surfaces of the trusses conform the float pan to a desired shape or radius of curvature for optimizing a flotation process.

Abstract: A sealed disposable concrete vibrator assembly includes a hollow cylindrical main housing enclosing a shaft having an eccentric mid portion sized to rotate therewithin. Sealed bearings supporting the shaft are encased within an adaptor housing and a tip cover attached concentrically to proximal and distal ends, respectively, of the main housing. Outer surfaces of the adaptor housing and tip cover protrude into the main housing for frictional engagement therewith, while inner surfaces thereof provide channels to encase the bearings. An oil seal compressed against a flange integral to the adaptor housing prevents intrusion of contaminants. A circumvolving adaptor is coupled through the oil seal to the driven end of the shaft. The assembly may be hermetically sealed by permanent attachment of the adaptor housing and tip assembly to the main housing.