Tool Rotating In Horizontal Plane Patents (Class 404/112)
  • Publication number: 20110217120
    Abstract: A road building machine for road surface paving is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Wagner
  • Patent number: 7980783
    Abstract: A linear lost motion mechanism is located within a tubular handle of a machine, such as a concrete finishing machine. The linear lost motion mechanism includes a pitch block configured to selectively frictionally lock with the tubular handle or a component attached to the tubular handle using a biasing spring. The linear lost motion mechanism can perform a number of functions, such as controlling a blade pitch adjustment system of a concrete finishing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy S. Jaszkowiak
  • Publication number: 20110135388
    Abstract: A concrete finishing apparatus for smoothing and leveling partially set-up concrete at a support surface includes a frame portion, a first concrete working member and a second concrete working member disposed at the frame portion. The first concrete working member is rotatable about a first axis of rotation that is generally vertical when the first concrete working member is supported at a generally horizontal support surface. The second concrete working member is rotatable about a second axis of rotation that is generally vertical when the second concrete working member is supported at a generally horizontal support surface. The first and second concrete working members engage the partially set-up concrete surface at the support surface and rotate about the first and second axes of rotation to process the concrete surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: SOMERO ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Philip J. Quenzi, David W. Somero, Tracy L. Matson
  • Patent number: 7891906
    Abstract: A concrete finishing apparatus and method for smoothing and flattening partially set-up concrete to a close-tolerance surface includes a movable unit that is movable and supported at a partially set-up concrete surface and at least one rotatable ring finishing member mounted to the movable unit. The rotatable ring finishing member is positioned at the concrete surface and rotatable to engage and finish the surface of the partially set-up concrete to a higher quality, closer-tolerance flat and level concrete floor surface. The apparatus may include a pair of rotatable ring finishing members that may be rotatable in opposite directions to enhance the floating and finishing processes and to transport any cement paste, sand, small aggregate, or concrete mix residue forward with the rotatable ring finishing members working surfaces to cut high areas and fill in any low areas as the concrete finishing apparatus moves over the partially set-up concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Somero Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Quenzi, David W. Somero, Tracy L. Matson
  • Publication number: 20110033235
    Abstract: A concrete finishing trowel includes a frame, a power source supported on the frame and having an output shaft, at least one rotor assembly supported on the frame. Each rotor assembly comprises a driven rotor shaft with a plurality of trowel blades extending outwardly therefrom so as to rest on a surface to be finished and to rotate with said driven rotor shaft to finish a respective circular area. A transmission system operably couples the power source output shaft to the driven rotor shaft of the at least one rotor assembly. The transmission system includes a variable driving pulley operable coupled directly or indirectly to the power source output shaft and including a resiliently deflectable portion that is movable to change the effective drive diameter of the variable driving pulley, and a variable driven pulley operably coupled to the variable driving pulley with a belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: BARTELL MORRISON
    Inventors: Rob Leggitt, Jeff Gao
  • Publication number: 20100329784
    Abstract: In an automotive road construction machine (1), with a working drum (6) for working a ground surface or traffic surface (3) mounted at a machine frame (4), a combustion engine (10) for driving the working drum (6), and a drive train (8) between the combustion engine (10) and the working drum (6), it is provided that at least one vibration damper (5) and/or vibration absorber is arranged at the working drum (6) or in the drive train (8) downstream of the combustion engine (10), with the said vibration damper (5) and/or vibration absorber eliminating or reducing rotary vibrations generated by the combustion engine (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Axel Mahlberg, Lothar Schwalbach, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 7815393
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for rotatably mounting a surface processing tool holder on at least one motor driven rotatable arm of a surface processing apparatus, such that the tool can spin freely as the arm is driven by the motor, includes an elongate shank having a smooth surfaced, cylindrical portion intermediate its ends adapted for positioning within an aperture in the tool holder with one threaded end portion projecting through the aperture for attachment to an elongate mounting bar adapted for attachment to the arm. A bearing supported by the tool body and surrounding the smooth surfaced portion of the shank is rotatable relative to the shank. The mounting bar includes a threaded aperture for receiving the threaded end portion of the shank and the threaded aperture includes a counterbore for receiving the end portion of the smooth surfaced shank portion which is adjacent the threaded end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Wagman Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Snyder, Brett L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100254763
    Abstract: A self-propelled concrete finishing trowel has a power steering system that facilitates operator selection of a desired steering performance response of the trowel. The power steering system includes a controller that communicates operator steering instructions from one or more joysticks and the powered actuators associated with the driven shafts. A selector allows the operator to select one or more preset steering modes, each of which has a different set of steering response characteristics for a given range of joystick motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Grahl
  • Patent number: 7785034
    Abstract: A desegregation system for use with hot mix asphalt, warm mix or with any material that will flow and which includes pieces of material of various sizes and for which uniform mixture is important. The system is substantially within a hopper having a material inlet and a material outlet and includes an auger section having a plurality of flights near a first end of an auger shaft and another, counter-handed section near the other end of the auger shaft. The system preferably has a parallel, interlaced pair of right handed auger sections mounted near corresponding ends of separate shafts and a second pair of parallel interlaced auger sections, left-handed, mounted near the opposite and corresponding ends of separate shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Weiler, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Hood, Tate Huizer
  • Patent number: 7775741
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing cured concrete floors using a riding trowel to which large diameter pans are rotationally secured, the pans having abraders releasably secured to their undersides. The individual abraders are preferably individually removably secured to the pans by hook-and-loop fasteners, wherein the fasteners are selectively disposed on the flat bottom surfaces of the pans or within shallow depressions in the bottom surfaces of the pans. The riding trowel further comprises a vacuum system in fluid communication with a contained space formed by a shroud having a rigid upper portion and a flexible lower portion where it contacts the finished cured concrete floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Copoulos
  • Patent number: 7775740
    Abstract: A self-propelled concrete finishing trowel has a steering system that counteracts a portion of the load associated with operator manipulation of a steering handle. A steering linkage connects the steering handle to a rotor assembly. A steering assist mechanism, preferably including a torsion bar or a spring, imposes a preload on the steering linkage to reduce handle actuation forces. The steering assist mechanism reduces handle retention forces, required to maintain the handle in a particular position after moving the handle to that position, to less than about 20 lbs throughout the stroke of the operating handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Wacker Neuson Corporation
    Inventor: Roberto Berritta
  • Publication number: 20100202833
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Larry Jake Chapple
  • Patent number: 7771139
    Abstract: A self-propelled concrete finishing trowel has a transport system or dolly that allows the towel to be moved manually. The transport system includes wheels that are connected to a frame of the trowel by a connector such as a rotatable shaft. A single lift device such as a jack is coupled to the connector such that operation of the lift device translates both wheels relative to the frame. The transport system allows a user to quickly deploy the wheels for non-use transportation. The wheels are also located within the footprint of the trowel so as not to interfere with a finishing operation and are positioned to maximize stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Wacker Neuson Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Grahl
  • Publication number: 20100150653
    Abstract: A blade pitch adjustment system may adjust the pitch of a plurality of blades. A height adjustment assembly adjusts a distance between a rotatable blade assembly and a thrust collar. Adjusting the distance between the assembly and the collar changes the pitch of the blades of the machine. Two or more blade pitch adjustment systems may be adjusted at the same time, at the same rate. For concurrent adjustment, systems are connected to a rotating member by tension cables. A linear actuator rotates the rotating member, changing the tension on the tension cables, actuating the systems to change the pitch of the blade assemblies. The pitch of the blade assemblies may have an offset or bias which may be adjusted for with a sliding member, which may be powered by a linear actuator. The system may be used with a concrete finishing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy S. Jaszkowiak
  • Patent number: 7690864
    Abstract: A high performance, multiple rotor, hydraulically driven riding trowel for finishing concrete includes a rigid trowel frame with two or more downwardly-projecting, bladed rotor assemblies that frictionally engage the concrete surface. The rotor assemblies are tilted with double acting hydraulic cylinders to effectuate steering and control. Double acting hydraulic cylinders also control blade pitch. Hydraulic pressure to the rotors is monitored and controlled by an unloader valve system that monitors drive pump pressure with a shuttle valve to derive an unloader pilot signal. A sequence valve responds to the unloader pilot signal to control a pressure valve that bypasses the normal foot control valve in an overpressure situation. The pressure control head signal normally applied to the hydraulic drive motor control heads is modified with a feedback signal to automatically control the associated pump swash plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Allen Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: J. Dewayne Allen, Timmy D. Guinn, Mike Woodside, Michael McKean, Jack C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7674069
    Abstract: A concrete finishing trowel comprising at least one rotor which is mounted on a frame and is provided with a rotatably driven shaft and several blades that are mounted on the driven shaft. A blade deflection mechanism moves the blades on a path that deviates from a circular path relative to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Wacker Neuson SE
    Inventor: Otto W. Stenzel
  • Patent number: 7674068
    Abstract: The cement finishing machine (10) has adjustable heat generating assemblies (22, 24), affixed to each side of the finishing machine (10). Each of the heat generating assemblies (22, 24) includes a propane burner that extends into an elongate heating tube. The heat generating assemblies (22, 24) also include a vertical adjustment assembly and detachable heat guards. The heat generated by the propane burner is directed through an opening in the bottom of each of the heating tubes and onto the surface of an unfinished cement slab during the cement finishing process. The heat facilitates the evaporation of excess water generated during the cement finishing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Cleto T. Valles
  • Publication number: 20090274517
    Abstract: A power trowel is provided for finishing concrete. The trowel can be used to finish concrete at different stages of hardening. The handle of the trowel is rotated both to adjust the speed of rotation of the trowel blades and to administer a spray solution to the surface of concrete being finished with the trowel. The trowel includes dual rotating hubs with blades attached to and extending outwardly from each hub. The surface areas covered by the blades on one hub overlaps the surface area covered by the blades on the other hub. Each hub rotates in the same direction and non-synchronously with the other hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence K. Rose
  • Patent number: 7604434
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and smoothing a surface that permits blades to be easily installed and removed from their corresponding trowel arms. The blades are formed such that attachment of a blade to the trowel arm is achieved by simply attaching the blade using one or more threaded bolts. Further, the blades of the subject invention are formed without the need of riveting or welding operations thereby significantly decreasing the manufacturing time and expense of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas L. Roth
  • Publication number: 20090214294
    Abstract: A concrete finishing apparatus and method for smoothing and flattening partially set-up concrete to a close-tolerance surface includes a movable unit that is movable and supported at a partially set-up concrete surface and at least one rotatable ring finishing member mounted to the movable unit. The rotatable ring finishing member is positioned at the concrete surface and rotatable to engage and finish the surface of the partially set-up concrete to a higher quality, closer-tolerance flat and level concrete floor surface. The apparatus may include a pair of rotatable ring finishing members that may be rotatable in opposite directions to enhance the floating and finishing processes and to transport any cement paste, sand, small aggregate, or concrete mix residue forward with the rotatable ring finishing members working surfaces to cut high areas and fill in any low areas as the concrete finishing apparatus moves over the partially set-up concrete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SOMERO ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Philip J. Quenzi, David W. Somero, Tracy L. Matson
  • Publication number: 20090190999
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing cured concrete floors using a riding trowel to which large diameter pans are rotationally secured, the pans having abraders releasably secured to their undersides. The individual abraders are preferably individually removably secured to the pans by hook-and-loop fasteners, wherein the fasteners are selectively disposed on the flat bottom surfaces of the pans or within shallow depressions in the bottom surfaces of the pans. The riding trowel further comprises a vacuum system in fluid communication with a contained space formed by a shroud having a rigid upper portion and a flexible lower portion where it contacts the finished cured concrete floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Copoulos
  • Publication number: 20090185860
    Abstract: In a riding concrete finishing trowel, a stabilizer is operatively disposed between the frame and either the gearbox or a structure that is coupled to the gearbox. Such a stabilizer has been found to reduce the effects of rotor assembly vibration on the trowel greater than would be expected and even to improve steering response. In one embodiment, the stabilizer takes the form of a gas spring located between the frame and the pitch control post. Preferably, this gas spring is located relatively close to the top of the pitch control post so as to take advantage of the mechanical advantage offered by the spacing between that location and the gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Todd J. Lutz, Richard D. Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20090169300
    Abstract: A high performance, multiple rotor, hydraulically driven riding trowel for finishing concrete includes a rigid trowel frame with two or more downwardly-projecting, bladed rotor assemblies that frictionally engage the concrete surface. The rotor assemblies are tilted with double acting hydraulic cylinders to effectuate steering and control. Double acting hydraulic cylinders also control blade pitch. Hydraulic pressure to the rotors is monitored and controlled by an unloader valve system that monitors drive pump pressure with a shuttle valve to derive an unloader pilot signal. A sequence valve responds to the unloader pilot signal to control a pressure valve that bypasses the normal foot control valve in an overpressure situation. The pressure control head signal normally applied to the hydraulic drive motor control heads is modified with a feedback signal to automatically control the associated pump swash plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: J. Dewayne Allen, Timmy D. Guinn, Mike Woodside, Michael W. McKean, Jack C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7530762
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing cured concrete floors using a riding trowel to which large diameter pans are attached having a balanced distribution of abraders releasably secured to the undersides of the pans. The individual abraders are preferably individually spring biased so as to maintain full contact with the floor when traversing undulations of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventors: Johnny Reed, Paul Copoulos
  • Patent number: 7524138
    Abstract: A floor surface finishing device includes a plane leveling machine having a plurality of rotary blades adapted to be rotated in a propeller manner by the driving force from a motor while keeping in contact with a floor surface to be finished. A planar finishing blade is connected to the planar leveling machine through a connecting member. In this state, the finishing blade is located in a portion of the outer peripheral regions of the planes of rotation of the rotary blades. Further, on the side opposite to the finishing blade of the plane leveling machine, an operating handle for the operator to manipulate the floor surface finishing device is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Yugengaisha Josei Kogyo
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Koba
  • Publication number: 20090097919
    Abstract: A diamond trowel blade 20 comprises diamond particles that will attach to a power trowel for surface preparation of hardened concrete surfaces. The diamond trowel blade 20 includes a diamond bearing surface 22; a backing plate 24; an intermediate layer 28; and a mounting means 26 for attaching the trowel blade 20 to the power trowel. A method for mechanically preparing a concrete surface with a diamond trowel blade 20 attached to a power trowel including the surface preparing steps of: attaching the diamond trowel blade 20 with the power trowel; selecting the diamond trowel blade 20 with the appropriate grit for the concrete surface; directing the rotating diamond trowel blade 20 over the surface until the smoothness is attained for the particular grit in use; and repeating the steps of selecting, directing, and repeating until the user achieves the smoothness desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Leonard A. Lampley, Tyron B. Draper
  • Publication number: 20090028642
    Abstract: A self-propelled concrete finishing trowel has a steering system that counteracts a portion of the load associated with operator manipulation of a steering handle. A steering linkage connects the steering handle to a rotor assembly. A steering assist mechanism, preferably including a torsion bar or a spring, imposes a preload on the steering linkage to reduce handle actuation forces. The steering assist mechanism reduces handle retention forces, required to maintain the handle in a particular position after moving the handle to that position, to less than about 20 lbs throughout the stroke of the operating handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: WACKER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Roberto Berritta
  • Publication number: 20090028643
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for rotatably mounting a surface processing tool holder on at least one motor driven rotatable arm of a surface processing apparatus, such that the tool can spin freely as the arm is driven by the motor, includes an elongate shank having a smooth surfaced, cylindrical portion intermediate its ends adapted for positioning within an aperture in the tool holder with one threaded end portion projecting through the aperture for attachment to an elongate mounting bar adapted for attachment to the arm. A bearing supported by the tool body and surrounding the smooth surfaced portion of the shank is rotatable relative to the shank. The mounting bar includes a threaded aperture for receiving the threaded end portion of the shank and the threaded aperture includes a counterbore for receiving the end portion of the smooth surfaced shank portion which is adjacent the threaded end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Wagman Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Snyder, Brett L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7481602
    Abstract: A diamond trowel blade 20 comprises diamond particles that will attach to a power trowel for surface preparation of hardened concrete surfaces. The diamond trowel blade 20 includes a diamond bearing surface 22; a backing plate 24; an intermediate layer 28; and a mounting means 26 for attaching the trowel blade 20 to the power trowel. A method for mechanically preparing a concrete surface with a diamond trowel blade 20 attached to a power trowel including the surface preparing steps of: attaching the diamond trowel blade 20 with the power trowel; selecting the diamond trowel blade 20 with the appropriate grit for the concrete surface; directing the rotating diamond trowel blade 20 over the surface until the smoothness is attained for the particular grit in use; and repeating the steps of selecting, directing, and repeating until the user achieves the smoothness desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Leonard A. Lampley, Tyron B. Draper
  • Patent number: 7476053
    Abstract: A form for concrete strike-off has a rigid straightedge assembly and a support coupled to one end of the straightedge assembly. The straightedge assembly includes a grate coupled to the bottom edge of a support bar. The grate extends away from the support bar with a top surface of the grate defining a plane on at least one side of the support bar. In use, a portion of the straightedge assembly defines a reference elevation for concrete strike-off operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Laser Strike, LLC
    Inventors: S. Allen Face, III, Albert D. Frankeny, II
  • Publication number: 20080260461
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled civil engineering machine, in particular a road-milling machine, a road recycler, or a road stabilizer, having a frame carried by a set of running gear, a working unit for performing work required for the civil engineering operation, and in particular a working drum, and a drive unit carried by the frame of the machine, to drive the working drum. A power transmitter is used to transmit the driving power from the drive unit to the working unit. The drive unit of the self-propelled civil engineering machine has a first and a second drive engine, the power transmitter being so designed that the driving powers coming from the first and the second drive engines can be transmitted to the working unit together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Dieter Simons, Peter Busley
  • Patent number: 7427175
    Abstract: A power trowel is provided for finishing concrete. The trowel can be used to finish concrete at different stages of hardening. The handle of the trowel is rotated both to adjust the speed of rotation of the trowel blades and the cant of the trowel blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence K. Rose
  • Publication number: 20080219765
    Abstract: A power trowel is provided for finishing concrete. The trowel can be used to finish concrete at different stages of hardening. The handle of the trowel is rotated both to adjust the speed of rotation of the trowel blades and the cant of the trowel blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence K. Rose
  • Publication number: 20080193216
    Abstract: A power trowel is provided for finishing concrete. The trowel can be used to finish concrete at different stages of hardening. The handle of the trowel is rotated both to adjust the speed of rotation of the trowel blades and the cant of the trowel blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence K. Rose
  • Patent number: 7399140
    Abstract: A drill attachment for smoothing the edges and corners of a concrete slab is disclosed. The drill attachment includes a shaft that is secured or chucked into an electric drill. Pluralities of troweling blades extend from the central shaft and are secured at their ends to maintain their position and orientation. The blades are secured to the trowel at variable or fixed angles that are changeable to suit the finishing need of the operator. In operation the drill attachment is used to smooth the ends and corners of a foundation where larger smoothing trowel machines have difficulty reaching. The power trowel is field installed and removed when needed for use, cleaning and storage. The drill attachment has an independently spinning blade cover extends over the ends of the blades to prevent damage to a wall or other surface when the trowel is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Lauro Barcenas
  • Publication number: 20080152429
    Abstract: A linear lost motion mechanism is located within a tubular handle of a machine, such as a concrete finishing machine. The linear lost motion mechanism includes a pitch block configured to selectively frictionally lock with the tubular handle or a component attached to the tubular handle using a biasing spring. The linear lost motion mechanism can perform a number of functions, such as controlling a blade pitch adjustment system of a concrete finishing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy S. Jaszkowiak
  • Publication number: 20080101861
    Abstract: The present invention is a cover for an attachment portion of a power trowel. The cover includes a cap portion and an attachment portion. The cap portion houses the bolts that attach the blades to the blade attachment member. The attachment portion is connected to the cap portion and depends therefrom. The attachment portion includes a pair of semi-circular members that depend from the cap portion and are used to couple the cover to the attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: MARSHALL TOWN COMPANY
    Inventors: Matt L. Beard, Troy Don Thurber
  • Publication number: 20080050177
    Abstract: The orbital vibrating hand trowel has a body with first and second opposite ends and a handle between the ends for grasping. The body houses a motor and power source. An eccentric mass is connected to the motor. An adapter body is connected to a float body. The adapter body has an aperture for housing the eccentric mass such that rotation of the eccentric mass within the aperture of the adaptor body moves and vibrates the adaptor body and attached float body in an orbital path along a horizontal plane with respect to the float body for finishing a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: RONALD LEE SAGER
  • Publication number: 20080025794
    Abstract: A drill attachment for smoothing the edges and corners of a concrete slab is disclosed. The drill attachment includes a shaft that is secured or chucked into an electric drill. Pluralities of troweling blades extend from the central shaft and are secured at their ends to maintain their position and orientation. The blades are secured to the trowel at variable or fixed angles that are changeable to suit the finishing need of the operator. In operation the drill attachment is used to smooth the ends and corners of a foundation where larger smoothing trowel machines have difficulty reaching. The power trowel is field installed and removed when needed for use, cleaning and storage. The drill attachment has an independently spinning blade cover extends over the ends of the blades to prevent damage to a wall or other surface when the trowel is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Lauro Barcenas
  • Patent number: 7255513
    Abstract: A diamond trowel blade 20 comprises diamond particles that will attach to a power trowel for surface preparation of hardened concrete surfaces. The diamond trowel blade includes a diamond bearing surface 22, for preparing the concrete surface; a backing plate 24 for supporting the diamond bearing surface; and a mounting arm 26 for attaching the trowel blade 20 to the power trowel. A method for mechanically preparing a concrete surface with a diamond trowel blade 20 attached to a power trowel including the surface preparing steps of; selecting the diamond trowel blade 20 with the appropriate grit for the concrete surface, installing the diamond trowel blades 20 on the power trowel, and directing the rotating diamond trowel blade 20 over the surface until the smoothness is attained for the particular grit in use; and repeating the steps until the user achieves the smoothness desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Leonard A. Lampley, Tyron B. Draper
  • Patent number: 7252456
    Abstract: A form for concrete strike-off includes a pan adapted to float on a plastic concrete surface, a rigid straightedge, and a support. The straightedge is coupled on one end to the pan and the support is coupled to the opposing end of the straightedge with the straightedge thereby defining a reference elevation for concrete strike-off operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Laser Strike, LLC
    Inventor: S. Allen Face, III
  • Patent number: 7232277
    Abstract: A concrete tool assembly (10) used on a concrete surface (16) includes a surfacing apparatus (12) including a frame (18) and one or more trowel assemblies (34A, 34B). Each trowel assembly (34A, 34B) includes one or more trowels (54). The concrete tool assembly (10) also includes a remote control unit (14) that controls movement of the trowel assemblies (34A, 34B) relative to the concrete surface (16). Further, the surfacing apparatus (12) can include a controller (24) that receives commands from the remote control unit (14). The controller (24) can control movement of at least one of the trowel assemblies (34A, 34B) relative to the surface (16). The surfacing apparatus (12) can also include a pitch mover (990) that simultaneously adjusts the pitch of each of the trowels (54) relative to the surface (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Chris Corbitt
  • Patent number: 7207745
    Abstract: A device for levelling a recently poured floor is disclosed wherein the device substantially comprises a frame with a drive motor, the drive shaft of which stands upright, and a rotor connected to the shaft and having two or more blades which are directed radially relative to the shaft and each of which can be placed at an angle relative to the shaft, wherein an annular support member is arranged concentrically round the drive shaft and is pivotally connected to each blade at a distance from the shaft such that a rotation of the ring brings about an equal and simultaneous tilting of each blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Full-Track Belgium BVBA
    Inventor: Benny Goossens
  • Patent number: 7172365
    Abstract: A method is provided of making and using a walk behind rotary trowel that is “dynamically balanced” so as to minimize the forces/torque that the operator must endure to control and guide the trowel. Characteristics that are accounted for by this method include, but are not limited to, friction, engine torque, machine center of gravity, and guide handle position. As a result, dynamic balancing and consequent force/torque reduction were found to result when the machine's center of gravity was shifted substantially relative to a typical machine's center of gravity. Dynamic balancing can be achieved most practically by reversing the orientation of the engine relative to the guide handle assembly when compared to traditional walk behind rotary trowels and shifting the engine as far as practical to the right. This shifting has been found to reduce the operational forces and torque the operator must endure by at least 50% when compared to traditional machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Wacker Corporation
    Inventors: Todd J. Lutz, Gregory Kruepke, Darrin W. Dauffenbach, Richard D. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7153058
    Abstract: A vibratory screed apparatus includes a vibrator, a screed, and a coupler for coupling the vibrator to the screed. The vibratory screed apparatus may be provided as a concrete-finishing kit which is capable of being assembled and disassembled in the field. A number of other concrete-finishing kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Joe Lindley
  • Patent number: 7147548
    Abstract: A grinding and cutting head adapted to be mounted with a rotating disk of a grinding and cutting machine. The head includes a plate having a first surface which mounts at least one carrier. The carrier includes a vertical slot along one side which extends upwardly from the first surface of the plate. A generally rectangular shaped diamond cutting element is secured in the slot with first and second edges thereof exposed outwardly of the carrier. The structure provides that the one of the first and second edges are exposed in the direction of rotation of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Mohsen Mehrabi
  • Patent number: 7144194
    Abstract: The surface finisher is an attachment for an angle grinder or other handheld prime mover that precludes the need to finish uncured concrete or other viscous, semi-fluid materials by hand. The surface finisher is a disk having a series of radially disposed blades extending from the plane of the disk, with the blades flexing over the surface to which they are applied to smooth the surface during operation. The disk and blades may be formed as a single, integral component, or may alternatively be formed as a flat, planar disk with a series of removable blades. Either embodiment may be formed of a variety of metal and/or plastic materials. The finishing blades bear against the surface and even out surface irregularities and put a slick, finished surface to the uncured surface, or may be used to form a pattern or texture in the uncured surface by using a contoured blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: John H. Kipp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7114876
    Abstract: Pans for power finishing freshly placed concrete in which the acoustic impedance of the treating equipment is made substantially equal to the acoustic impedance of the concrete slab being treated. Preferably, a powered, twin rotor riding trowel is provided with a pair of circular finishing pans that are attached to the conventional rotor blades used later in the finishing process. The pans are characterized by an acoustic impedance approximating the acoustic impedance of plastic concrete, thereby optimizing the energy transferred to the concrete. Preferred pans comprise ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) plastic. During troweling, the pans are frictionally revolved over the plastic concrete for finishing the surface without prematurely sealing the uppermost slab surface. Through the disclosed troweling method, a highly stable concrete surface results, and delamination is minimized. Alternative troweling uses pans coated with layered impedance matching material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Allen Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: J. Dewayne Allen, Richard P. Bishop
  • Patent number: 7108451
    Abstract: A rotary cement or concrete finishing trowel has an operating head at one end of the apparatus that includes at least one cement finishing blade rotatably mounted for movement in a horizontal plane for smoothing a concrete floor surface. A drive motor, e.g., a 2-cycle gas engine, is provided at the other end of the apparatus. An elongated frame element is connected between the motor framework and the operating head and is preferably rigidly connected between them. A drive shaft extends diagonally between the motor and the operating head for imparting rotation to the finishing blade. The elongated frame element can be a tubular housing that surrounds the drive shaft and is connected at one end to the motor framework and at the other end is connected to the operating head so that the operator is able to use the frame element as a handle for lifting the entire apparatus over obstructions during operation as the weight of the motor at least partially counterbalances the weight of the operating head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Charles J. Ewer, William T. Niznik
  • Patent number: 7104725
    Abstract: A concrete finishing attachment for final finishing or troweling of concrete using a portable hand power tool, such as an angle grinder, comprised of a central hub formed into a frustrum shape with a hole located centrally for registration with the spindle or arbor of the tool, and having a plurality of vanes, preferably four, disposed radially around the perimeter of the hub. Each vane has a leading stabilizer, followed by an inclined tab orientated obliquely downward relative to the stabilizer, followed by a finishing blade oriented obliquely upward relative to the inclined tab, but still obliquely downward at a slight angle. Each vane engages with the hub along the inner edge of the arc sector formed by the stabilizer. The concrete finishing attachment is used by registering the spindle of the power tool with the hole in the hub and securing with a nut or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventors: Kelly Kipp, John H. Kipp, Jr.