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 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 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 hybrid drive train for a self propelled power trowel includes a frame having a centerline from front to rear, an engine-generator set, a pair of rotors with trowel blades tiltably connected to the frame and positioned to support the frame above a concrete surface being finished, electric motors for driving the rotors, means for tilting each rotor toward and away from the centerline, and means for tilting a rotor fore and aft, parallel to the centerline. A rectifier and inverter in series at the engine-generator output allows engine speed to be regulated by a capacitor bank, and usage of highly efficient brushless AC synchronous motors to drive the rotors. A rechargeable battery may be connected in parallel with the capacitor bank.

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: What is disclosed is a lifting bale that has at least two side supports, at least two cross support, and at least one center support and ideally configured to fit over the motor of a concrete saw, to provide handles for lifting the saw, and to provide an attachment point for a lifting mechanism to attach to the lifting bale and to lift the concrete saw, or other object the lifting bale is attached to, upward from the single point while maintaining the concrete saw or other object in a generally level position.

Abstract: An automatic pitch control system for riding power trowels enables a user to control and automatically adjust trowel blade pitch and height for concrete finishing. The disclosed system provides for blade pitch of separate rotor assemblies to be adjusted independently of one another or synchronously. The disclosed system also provides for a mode of operation that allows the user to completely flatten trowel blades for panning.

Abstract: A load bank comprises one or more load resistors connected to an engine-generator and a control system for maintaining a minimum generator load when necessary for optimal operation. The control system operates the load bank to mitigate harmful effects of generator neglect and maintains loading for efficient DPF regeneration while allowing the generator to quickly dump the load bank when real load increases.

Abstract: A load bank comprises one or more load resistors connected to an engine-generator and a control system for maintaining a minimum generator load when necessary for optimal operation. The control system operates the load bank to mitigate harmful effects of generator neglect and maintains loading for efficient DPF regeneration while allowing the generator to quickly dump the load bank when real load increases.

Abstract: An automatic speed control system for a power trowel for regulated adjustment of rotational speed of the trowel rotor assemblies. The disclosure provides for and is configurable to automatically regulate trowel speed and can be adapted to utilize advanced control features like cruise control and power management. The disclosed system incorporates several user and feedback inputs in a number of logic patterns for trowel control.

Abstract: A digital control system for monitoring and controlling a concrete pumping system. A microcontroller provides control signals and receives feedback from associated comparator switch subsystems. Feedback from the comparator switch subsystems is used by a microcontroller to determine whether short circuit or open circuit malfunctions are occurring on solenoids valves attached to the output of the comparator switch subsystems. Said control system exhibits an electronic control means to control the admittance or interruption of current through said solenoids. Individual solenoid status is sent to a graphical display where an operator views said display to diagnose failure modes. The microcontroller further monitors the establishment of temporal initial conditions and limits operational pump activity until said temporal conditions are met.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simultaneous twin pitch adjustment system that includes a flexible shafting cord operatively connected to first and second couplers. The couplers are supported by posts and are operatively connected to pitch communicators. A handle is supported by each post and is configured such that manipulation of the handle translates to adjustment of the pitch of an associated rotor blade assembly. When the simultaneous twin pitch adjustment system is engaged, manipulation of one handle further translates, via the flexible shafting cord, to adjustment of the pitch of another rotor blade assembly in an amount essentially equal to the amount the associated rotor blade assembly is adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is an unfolding ride-on machine having a frame, a front cover and back cover supported by the frame, and internal workings supported by the frame and contained within an internal space. A right side cover and left side cover are pivotally connected to the frame. A seat platform is pivotally connected to the front or back covers. Each of the right side cover, left side cover, and seat platform are configured to pivotally transition between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the open configuration, the internal workings are readily accessible.

Abstract: The invention provides a diffuser for a portable light tower that has an envelope of fire resistant material designed to diffuse light situated on a frame forming a generally spherical structure that can be opened and closed by use of a pulley and cable system.

Abstract: A digital control system for monitoring and controlling a concrete pumping system. A microcontroller provides control signals and receives feedback from associated comparator switch subsystems. Feedback from the comparator switch subsystems is used by a microcontroller to determine whether short circuit or open circuit malfunctions are occurring on solenoids valves attached to the output of the comparator switch subsystems. Said control system exhibits an electronic control means to control the admittance or interruption of current through said solenoids. Individual solenoid status is sent to a graphical display where an operator views said display to diagnose failure modes. The microcontroller further monitors the establishment of temporal initial conditions and limits operational pump activity until said temporal conditions are met.

Abstract: A clutchless belt drive system for pavement saw. The saw having an engine mounted to a frame via a pivot mount. The engine drives a first pulley, which is fixed relative to the engine. The first pulley drives a belt, which in turn drives a second pulley. The second pulley drives a saw blade. An actuator connected to the frame and to the engine so that the actuator extension rotates the engine in a first direction about the pivot mount, driving the first pulley against the belt and tautening the belt about the first pulley and the second pulley, and so that actuator retraction rotates the engine in a second direction counter to the first direction, releasing the first pulley from the belt and relaxing belt tension. A shroud encircles the belt in a plane perpendicular to the line defined by the center of the first pulley and the center of the second pulley. The shroud is positioned so that when the belt tension is relaxed, the belt contacts the shroud and the resulting friction decelerates the belt.

Abstract: A pavement cutting tool wherein the pitch of the handles relative to the ground surface is relative to, and interlinked, to the pitch of the connected saw blade, so that as the saw blade is raised and/or lowered into the surface to be cut, the handles remain at a predetermined angle of attack (preferably generally horizontal). The pavement-cutting tool further using a limit switch to limit the depth of the cut.

Abstract: A vibration-dampening, height-adjustable handle for a power tool. Embodiments include a handle assembly connected to a shaft or frame via a plurality resilient fittings. The resilient fittings are arranged to conduct roll, pitch, and yaw forces sufficient to control the power tool. In some embodiments, the handle assembly rotates about at least one resilient fittings, and the height of the handlebar portion of the handle assembly is controlled by adjusting the distance between the shaft and another resilient fitting.