Abstract: A power trowel handle has controls that permit electronically operating the functions of an engine on the power trowel from the handle. The engine includes a servo controlled carburetor which will permit injecting, upon initial closing, a circuit for starting a quantity of fuel for starting a two cycle engine, which normally has to be done manually, as well as permitting control of a throttle using a trigger switch on the handle. The power trowel further has an elongated pole braced with a slider to prevent twisting under torque and to permit better control of the power trowel from a remote handle. The handle grip is usable in either the elongated pole position, or directly on a shroud for the power trowel.

Abstract: In a powered riding trowel of the type having at least two adjacent rotor assemblies wherein said rotor assemblies include rotors which are counter rotating relative to one another, and wherein the rotors circumscribe a circular path during operation, the rotor assemblies being affixed to a framework such that the paths circumscribed by the rotors are spaced apart so that tangential forces developed along the circumference of the respective paths do not interact to reinforce one another.

Abstract: A high power, contra-rotating, twin engine riding trowel for finishing concrete comprises twin, downwardly projecting rotors that counter-rotate simultaneously. An operator sits in a seat mounted to the frame and steers the rotors with a pair of primary control levers that tilt the rotors to generate steering forces. The engines counter-rotate while establishing generally coaxial, horizontal axes of rotation. Each engine drives a rotor through a driveshaft. Both driveshafts establish generally coaxial axes of rotation that are generally parallel to the axes of rotation of the engines. Each driveshaft extends to a gearbox to transfer power to the rotor. The gearboxes are interchangeable and mounted to tiltable, pivotable steering boxes secured to the frame. A first reversing linkage couples the lever means to the arm means. A second reversing linkage means is suitably coupled to one rotor gearbox to reverse tilt it for steering.

Abstract: A buffered guard clearance system for riding and manually pushed powered trowels adapted to allow finishing of a slab surface immediately adjacent an obstacle. The system comprises a movable wing displaceably coupled to the trowel guard cage and a buffer system mounted thereto. The wing is displaceable between a deployed position generally aligned with a lower ring of the cage and a retracted position. When retracted, an unguarded segment of the trowel rotor sweep is established that allows the finishing blades to be deployed immediately adjacent a wall or other obstacle. A displaceable coupling for moving the wing between the deployed position and the retracted position extends from the cage to the wing. The coupling comprises a sliding crossmember mounted on two spaced-apart brackets fixed to the cage. The crossmember supports the wing. The coupling may alternatively comprise electromechanical elements for displacing the wing between deployed and retracted positions.

Abstract: A rotary trowel device includes a substantially horizontal shroud having an electric motor assembly mounted on the upper surface thereof, and having a rotary trowel blade assembly located below the shroud. The trowel blade assembly includes a hub connected to an output shaft of the electric motor assembly. The trowel blades are shiftable between tilted and non-tilted position by components located within the hub.

Abstract: A high performance twin engine riding trowel for finishing concrete. A rigid frame mounts two downwardly projecting rotors that counter-rotate simultaneously. A guard cage mounted to the frame prevents inadvertent contact between the rotors and foreign objects. An operator sits in a seat mounted to the frame and steers the rotors with a pair of primary control levers that tilt the rotors to generate steering forces. The longitudinal pitch of the blades on each rotor is adjustable. Throttle controls are interconnected to synchronize the engines at low throttle and higher speeds. Illumination may be provided by lights mounted on the frame. Each engine slidably mounts a generally parallelepiped block attached to the frame. The engines counter-rotate while establishing generally coaxial, horizontal axes of rotation. Each engine drives a rotor through a belt system attached to a driveshaft.

Abstract: A concrete-floor finisher includes a plurality of rotary shafts (28) supported on a supporting plate (2) of a machine proper (1) so as to be tiltable in x and y directions and rotatable opposite to each other, and a plurality of blades (12a to 12d) radially arranged relative to a rotor (10) at the lower part of each of the rotary shafts and respectively held in place by a plurality of fitting members (13), and a rocking supporting unit (14) for the fitting member of each blade is composed of a fixed plate (15) attached to the upper surface of the blade, a holding member (16) attached to the vertical plate portion of the fixed plate, a bearing (18) pivotally supporting substantially the central portion of the holding member (16) by a supporting pin (17) extended in the tangential direction of the circle of rotation, and means for fitting a square cylindrical portion (19) of the bearing onto the forward end of the fitting member and removably fixing in place with a bolt (21) or the like, thus ensuring 20.

Abstract: A guard clearance system for motorized riding trowels adapted to allow finishing of a slab surface immediately adjacent an obstacle. The system comprises a movable arc of trowel guard cage displaceably coupled to an end of the trowel guard cage and spaced apart buffer wheels mounted to the cage. The arc is displaceable between a deployed position generally aligned with a lower ring of the cage and a retracted position. When retracted an unguarded segment of the trowel rotor sweep is established, allowing the finishing blades to be deployed immediately adjacent a wall or other obstacle. A displaceable coupling for moving the arc between the deployed position and the retracted position extends from the cage to the arc. In a mechanical embodiment the displaceable coupling is a pair of slidably adjustable brackets extending from the arc to the cage. The displaceable coupling may comprise electromechanical elements for displacing the arc between deployed and retracted positions.

Abstract: A self-propelled, dual motor, variable width riding trowel for finishing a concrete surface. The riding trowel comprises a frame mounting a seat for an operator and controls accessible by the operator for steering and controlling the trowel. Adjustable subframe blocks mount a pair of motors, each driving a bladed rotor for frictionally contacting the concrete surface and supporting the frame. Displaceable gearboxes, pivotally mounted to the subframe, transfer rotation from each motor to its rotor. The motors are interlinked by an extensible driveshaft extending between the gearboxes that synchronizes the rotors. Lever arms disposed beneath the frame tilt the gearboxes and rotors in response to the controls for steering the trowel. An extensible guard cage, mounted to the frame, prevents inadvertent contact between the rotors and foreign objects. The trowel may be expanded to receive finishing pans on the blades of the rotors. Expansion of the trowel requires displacement of several components.

Abstract: A machine for applying grout mortar to a tiled surface includes a rotatable, frustroconical shroud having a plurality of generally radially extending blades therein. Resilient foot pads positioned at the bottom edges of the shroud and the blades contact the tiled surface. Each of the blades preferably is curved so that its outer end precedes its inner end in the direction of rotation of the shroud. Each blade also is tilted so that the upper edge is ahead of the its lower edge in the direction of rotation of the shroud.

Abstract: An automatic, self locking clutch system effectuates blade pitch control on concrete finishing trowels. The clutch instantly releases upon the touch of the operator. A trowel has a downwardly projecting, motor-driven rotor comprising a plurality of radially spaced apart finishing blades directly contacting the concrete surface. A handle extends from a rigid frame and terminates in handlebars grasped by an operator. Control arms extend from the blades into contact with a plate to vary pitch by conventionally rotating the blades about their longitudinal axis. A clutch operatively interconnects a lever and a linkage extending to the swash plate. The clutch comprises a tubular housing coaxially receiving a drive shaft that rotatably controls an internal rotor. A set of spring biased, cylindrical rollers are confined within channels defined in the rotor between major and minor lobes thereof.

Abstract: An improvement to power trowels having a power unit, a rotatable shaft, a plurality of trowling blades mounted to spider arms, and a shroud for shielding the blades. The blades are formed of spring steel and are fixedly mounted to the spider arms. A throttle control unit is removably mounted to the trowel and may be extendably mounted to an adjustable extendible pole.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing, mixing and applying coating constituents to traffic surfaces has a carriage to which are connected 1) at least portions of a dispensing system that serves to dispense coating constituents from one or more reservoirs onto traffic surface portions that are to be coated, and 2) at least one rotatable set of mixing and applicator tools that extend in a radial array beneath the carriage. A wheel supported vehicle such as a truck or tractor is connectable to the carriage for guiding and moving the carriage across traffic surface areas that are to be coated. The vehicle also may be used 1) to support at least portions of the carriage, 2) to support at least portions of vehicle-connected components of the apparatus, and/or 3) to provide a source of power or to support at least portions of a source of power for operating vehicle-connected and/or carriage-connected components of the apparatus.

Abstract: A pulverizing machine with a cutter assembly adapted to be towed when the machine is moving either forward or in reverse. The machine includes a frame, a plurality of wheels supporting the frame, a cutter assembly carried by the frame and a pair of elevation cylinders for raising and lowering the cutter assembly. The cutter assembly has a cutter housing and a cutter drum rotatably mounted within the cutter housing. The cutter housing is pivotally suspended from the frame by a pair of chain cases, one on each side. Each chain case contains a chain drive assembly connected to the cutter drum to drive the rotation of the cutter drum. Cutter teeth extend from the cutter drum to pulverize material as the cutter drum is lowered and rotated into the material. A pair of rear cylinders are mounted between the rear of the cutter housing and the frame. When the machine is operated in the forward direction, the chain cases tow the cutter assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing, mixing and applying coating constituents to traffic surfaces has a wheeled transport carriage that supports a reservoir for coating constituents that are to be dispensed. A dispensing system regulates the dispensing of coating constituents from the reservoir onto traffic surface portions that extend centrally beneath the carriage. A power drive system moves the carriage across selected portions of traffic surfaces, rotates a set of mixing and applicator tools that extend in a radial array beneath the carriage, and rotates a set of blending blades within the reservoir to maintain coating constituent homogeneity, with these functions characteristically being carried out concurrently during the dispensing of coating constituents from the reservoir.

Abstract: A riding trowel used for concrete finishing includes a dolly wheel lifting system. The lifting system elevates the trowel out of contact with the concrete surface when transporting, adjusting, or maintenancing the trowel. The trowel comprises a rigid metallic frame normally offset from the concrete surface to be finished by a pair of downwardly projecting, bladed rotors. A pair of primary steering control levers is linked to the rotors beneath the frame for trowel operation. Each rotor assembly comprises a rotatable blade assembly depending downwardly into contact with the concrete surface. The wheel system comprises a cooperating pair of spaced apart, dolly wheel assemblies which are removably fitted to the front and back of the frame, so that the trowel may be pushed around for loading and unloading purposes in directions generally coincident with its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A power unit base supports a power unit which has a power drive extending through a circular spacing member plate mounted above a concrete finishing plate on which are attached concrete finishing members. Spaced handles extend above the finishing plate and provide hand gripping surfaces whereby the unit can be operated while the operator stands above the machine. The engine power shaft extends through bearings and is attached to the finishing plate. Control means for the power unit is mounted on one of the handles.

Abstract: A fluid driven adjustable speed rotary trowel for troweling a resin/aggregate topping over a substrate weighs not more than 40 pounds nor less than 20 pounds. The attack angle of the troweling blades is adjustable either manually or continuously and automatically by angle-sensing and adjusting means which is also fluid driven without the need to stop the trowel during operation. Aggregate/resin ratios of 5:1 or less will trowel to a smooth finish.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulverizing a surface such as a road bed, parking lot, an interstate shoulder or the like. The apparatus comprises a frame with a cutting means secured thereto. A bidirectional drive and control means is also provided to enable the apparatus to make multiple passes over a surface while in an operating condition without turning the apparatus around. A system for adding liquid to the surface being pulverized may also be included.

Abstract: A movable asphalt heating unit for heating paved asphalt for paving or repairing is provided comprising a frame, and a heating chamber mounted to the frame in a rotatable arrangement whereby the heating chamber may be selectively positioned on the right side, left side or rear of the frame. The heating chamber preferably comprises one or more infrared heating elements.

Abstract: A power trowel surface finishing machine comprising a rotatable trowel blade assembly having a plurality of trowel blades disposed on a circumferentially-spaced arrangement, each of the trowel blades being mounted for rotation on radial axes substantially parallel to the surface to be finished, said trowel blades being adapted to rest on the surface to be finished and rotate across the surface; a first adjustment mechanism including a rotary knob for selectively pivoting the trowel blades about the respective radial axes thereof to selectively adjust the pitch of the blades in controlled increments throughout an adjustment range with respect to the surface and maintain the pitch so selected within the adjustment range; and a second adjustment mechanism including a pivotable lever coupled to said first adjustment mechanism for overriding said first adjustment mechanism and rapidly pivoting the trowel blades about the respective radial axes to position the trowel blades from the selected pitch to another select

Abstract: A surface coating material applying and spreading apparatus comprises a forward and two rear drive wheels, with each of the three drive wheels being driven by a separate hydraulic motor independent of each other. A hydraulic circuit connects the three hydraulic motors of the drive wheels with a hydraulic pump, and communication between the pump and each of the motors is automatically controllable to drive one, two, or all three of the hydraulic motors and their associated drive wheels. The vehicle also comprises a spray bar assembly that is pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle, and is pivoted to a raised and lowered position relative to the vehicle frame. The vehicle frame also releasably supports interchangeable rotating brush and wiper blade assemblies. The rotating brush assembly is universally pivotable horizontally and vertically from side to side, about the pivot connection to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight riding trowel for finishing concrete of enhanced maneuverability. A rigid frame is supported above the concrete by a pair of downwardly projecting synchronized rotors, each of which revolves multiple blades frictionally contacting the surface. Lights attached to frame corners provide illumination. The operator manually steers with a pair of primary control levers which tilt the rotors to generate steering forces. The pitch of each rotor blade is controlled manually or electrically, and a cable-driven clutch fork system is activated to vary pitch between minimum and maximum. Each of the tiltable rotor assemblies is driven by gear boxes coupled to the motor through a flexible disk drive shaft. Each gear box is mounted to the frame underside by a pivot steering box. Parallel lever arms extending beneath the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to the biaxial plane defined by the rotors are deflected by the primary control levers.

Abstract: A lightweight electric trowel having an insulating block disposed in the drive connection between the trowel blades and the motor. The blades are at a fixed angle of four degrees with the leading edge of the blades being inclined at a fifteen degree angle to prevent plowing.

Abstract: A pitch control mechanism for a surface finishing machine. The machine inclueds a series of tiltable horizontal blades carried by a rotor and the blades are adapted to rotate in contact with and finish a concrete surface. The pitch control mechanism for tilting the blades includes an internally threaded sleeve located within the handle of the machine. The sleeve is operably connected through a cable to the blades and the sleeve is threaded to a rod or shaft. The engaged threads of the sleeve and the shaft have a pitch in the range of two to six threads per inch.

Abstract: An improved attachment wheels are to be attached on a frame of a machine which provide equipment to rotate on a surface. By attaching the improved attachment wheels on the frame of the machine to move the machine from one place to another. The improved attachment wheels also can be removed so an operator can use the machine to finish a surface. The improved attachment wheels eliminates the need for laborers to carry the machine from one place to another.

Abstract: A system for applying a coating to a traffic surface utilizes a power driven unit that dispenses coating constituents onto the traffic surface as the unit moves forwardly across the traffic surface along a path of travel. The unit includes a wheel supported transport carriage beneath which is provided at least one set of applicator tools that rotates relative to the carriage about a substantially vertically extending center axis. A hollow, tubular stub shaft and bearings connect the set of tools to the carriage for rotation about the center axis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arrangement in a motor-driven roller (1) designed with two driving directions, with a yoke (2) or the like for steering the direction of movement of the roller (1).The arrangement includes a steering device (5) disposed on the yoke (2) or the like and arranged continually to steer the direction of movement of the roller (1). The steering device (5) is placed ahead of the roller (1), seen in the direction of movement of the roller (1), and the steering device (5) for the roller is, in its turn, arranged to be steered by a continually operative steering arrangement (3, 4) so as constantly to determine the direction of movement of the roller (1) and, at the end of the desired movement in one direction, to switch the drive direction of the motor. The steering arrangement (3, 4) is switchably disposed in relation to the surface (6) which is intended to be rolled by means of the motor-driven roller (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved spray apparatus to be mounted on the frame of a concrete finishing machine. The invention includes an electric battery powered pump that is actuated by a switch on the handle of the machine. A battery holder and a liquid reservoir are secured to a support bracket, and the entire bracket assembly is secured to the frame of the machine. Liquid is supplied by the pump to a pair of spaced spray outlets. The spray outlets are secured close to the surface being finished to minimize disruption of the spray by the wind.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement to a machine for treating cement or other flooring surfaces having a frame, a handle on the frame, an internal combustion engine on the frame and a rotary finishing means on the frame. The improved apparatus has a fluid tank on the handle pressurized by the exhaust system of the engine. Included are pressure connection means to connect a pressure conduit to the tank and to the exhaust system of the engine. There is a pressurization regulation means to control the pressure received by the tank and a control means to control the flow of the pressurized fluid leaving the tank to be distributed upon the flooring surface by at least two nozzles with varying diameter passageways through the nozzles to allow the user to choose the rate of flow of fluids distributed on the surface. Included are an actuation means and a linkage means to assist the operator in the selection of the desired fluid flow.

Abstract: A system for applying a coating to a traffic surface utilizes a power driven apparatus that provides a plurality of sets of applicator tools that are rotated in tandem to effect mixing in situ of traffic surface coating constituents, and to effect a controlled application of the resulting coating. The apparatus includes a transport carriage that mounts an array of horizontally spaced bearing assemblies, each of which journals a separate vertically extending drive shaft for rotation about a separate vertically extending center axis. Each of the drive shafts drivingly connects with a separate set of the rotary applicator tools. The tools of each set extend substantially horizontally in a radial array about the center axis of its associated drive shaft. A power drive system rotates the sets of applicator tools in tandem as the carriage is moved across a traffic surface. Also described are methods of employing the apparatus to mix coating constituents in situ and to effect their appliction to a traffic surface.

Abstract: A portable apparatus adapted for use in filling chuck holes in paved surfaces with a sulphur-based material that has been heated to a plasticized condition. The apparatus includes an electrically heated furnace in which an auger is mounted for the purpose of moving a sulphur-based material through the furnace at a controlled rate (e.g., about 2 feet per minute), such that the material will be elevated to a temperature of above 305 degrees Farenheit (the melting point of sulphur) to produce a tenacious filler material. The furnace is heated by tubular resistance heaters that are bent in a spiral fashion around a mandrel, so that they may be placed in intimate contact with the exterior of a tube which constitutes the core of the furnace. The furnace is fed by a hopper that is mounted above the entry point for the auger, so that dry material may be fed--by gravity--into the furnace whenever a gate-valve mechanism is opened.

Abstract: The honing apparatus comprises a dolly 1 on which is mounted an electric motor 2 and a reservoir for water 3. A flexible cable 4 emerges from the command motor and within this cable is located a flexible command cable which by means of a reducing adapter located at the end is connected with an assembly 8 and imparts rotation to the plate 6. The plate carries the operating heads 7 which provide for smoothing the plaster both on vertical walls as well as ceilings. The apparatus also provides for spraying water by means of tube 5 if this is necessary.

Abstract: A motorized rotary cement trowel is provided with a detachable trowel blade with a detachable trailing edge having a variety of forms of trailing-edge configurations and optional quick-disconnect means for attachment of the detachable trailing edge to the cement-trowel blade.

Abstract: A control device which is fixed to the control arm of a concrete pwer trowel or concrete finishing machine approximately midway between the trowel and the trowel handle. The attachment, which is adjustable in length, relieves the operator from the necessity of controlling the power trowel by means of its handle and allows the operator to control the power trowel from various distances outside the perimeter of the poured concrete.

Abstract: A trim control 100 providing a weight distribution compensator to a riding power trowel 1. The trim control 100 has hollow cylindrical housing 101 rigidly attached to riding power trowel frame 3. Cylindrical housing 101 has traveler slot 102 disposed in its side parallel to the cylindrical housing's longitudinal axis. A cylindrical traveler block 110 is slidably inserted into cylindrical housing 101. Traveler block 110 has a threaded coaxial bore 111 disposed in a first end for receiving a threaded second end 105 of control bolt 103. A stop dog 112 is radially attached to cylindrical traveler block 110 through and extending radially outward from traveler slot 102. Thrust bearing 107 and shoulder bearing 108 are coaxially inserted and attached to a first end of hollow cylindrical housing 101. A radially disposed threaded through hole is provided in housing 101 and shoulder bearing 108 for receiving allen head set screw 109.

Abstract: The present mounting apparatus includes a pair of retaining tabs secured to an upper surface of a blade adjacent leading corners. Each retaining tab includes a side wall, an end wall and a cover plate which forms a cavity with the blade upper surface. A pair of retaining tabs are secured to the upper surface of the blade adjacent trailing corners. The four retaining tabs cooperate to removably secure the blade to a trowel finishing blade without the use of mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: An improved directional control mechanism for a riding-type surface working machine. The machine includes a pair of frame sections which are disposed in fore and aft relation. A rotor that carries surface working implements, such as trowel blades, is mounted for rotation on each frame section and an engine is mounted on one of the frame sections and is operably connected to the rotors to drive the rotors in opposite directions. The frame sections are connected together by a mounting arrangement that permits each frame section to be tilted in a fore and aft direction, as well as laterally, with respect to the other frame section. Manually operated levers are connected to each frame section to pivot the frame sections in a fore and aft direction, while a foot pedal is operable to tilt the frame sections laterally. By selective tilting of the frame sections, directional control of the machine can be obtained.

Abstract: The present mounting apparatus includes a pair of retaining tabs secured to an upper surface of a blade adjacent leading corners. Each retaining tab includes a side wall, and end wall and a cover plate which forms a cavity with the blade upper surface. A pair of retaining tabs are secured to the upper surface of the blade adjacent trailing corners. The four retaining tabs cooperate to removably secure the blade to a trowel finishing blade without the use of mechanical fasteners. Spring-type retaining clips can be utilized with the tabs to further secure the blade to a trowel finishing blade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a finishing machine for a concrete surface comprising a body which supports a plurality of rotatable trowels with a plurality of trowel blades through radial support members so that the trowels can revolve around the central axis of the body, the body being equipped further with a driving device of the rotatable trowels, a power generator and traveling rollers of the finishing machine which is placed just below the central axis, wherein the driving device of the rotatable trowels is a gasoline engine, and wherein each rotatable trowel is driven by a transmission shaft branched off from a gearbox. The angle between the surface of revolution of each rotatable trowel and the concrete surface is minutely changeable by an angle adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A screed for forming the surface of a freshly poured concrete slab has parallel blades which are slidable relative to each other enabling extension and contraction of the screed during operation. The concrete surface is formed by pivoting movement of the screed around fixed pivot structure which supports and anchors one end of the screed. Vibrating mechanism may be included to tamp the concrete concurrently with the surface forming operation. The apparatus may be operated by a single person if necessary and the operator may extend and contract the screed during the pivoting movement in order to follow the outline of the concrete slab and/or to avoid interference from obstructions in the vicinity of the slab.

Abstract: A directional control mechanism for a surface working machine. The surface working machine includes a frame that carries at least a pair of rotors each having a vertical rotatable shaft. Surface working means, including a plurality of radially extending blades, is operably connected to the shaft and rotates therewith. Each blade is mounted for tilting movement with respect to the rotor shaft about a horizontal axis and by simultaneously tilting the blades about the respective horizontal axes, the pitch of the blades can be varied. In addition, a second operating mechanism is included for individually tilting the blades of each rotor as the rotor rotates to effect directional control of the machine.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a concrete floor finishing machine for smoothing a concrete floor surface while the placed concrete is in a semi-hardened state, and enables a floor finishing machine to be laid directly on the smoothed concrete floor. This concrete floor finishing machine includes finishing units which are arranged on the outer sides of a pair of left and right travelling means provided on a wheel unit. These finishing units consist of a plurality of trowels, respectively, which are arranged radially around the travelling means, respectively, these trowels being adapted to be turned around the travelling means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting grooves on the edges of an already formed road. Each of a plurality of toothed cutting wheels revolves about a substantially vertical driving shaft. Simultaneously, each cutting wheel (attached to a respective rotary shaft) revolves about its own longitudinal and substantially horizontal axis. The apparatus is moved along a road, near an edge thereof, thus giving rise to one linear motion and two rotary motions. Sequentially, each cutting wheel enters an edge of the road from a region beyond the road edge, due to a slight tilt of the plane which contains the cutting wheel rotary shafts. The resultant grooves are deepest at the road edges and then gradually diminish to zero depth, the grooves being arcuate and parallel to each other. With the plane containing the cutting wheel shafts completely horizontal, the apparatus can cut rain drainage grooves in a raised marking strip on the road or can remove bumps from the road.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for finishing freshly poured concrete. The method includes floating a power trowel on the liquid-particulate surface of freshly poured concrete to produce a smooth, level surface finish prior to the concrete's hardening sufficiently to support the weight of an individual.

Abstract: A rotary travelling device comprising a main supporting member rotatably around a first axis substantially perpendicular to a travelling surface, a subsidiary supporting member mounted on the main supporting member for free rotation around a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, a rotary disc mounted rotatably on the subsidiary member, and a driving means for rotating the rotary disc. The central axis of rotation of the rotary disc is not perpendicular but inclined to the travelling surface, and the under surface of the rotary disc comes into inclined contact with the travelling surface. The device is further provided with means for rotating the subsidiary member around the second axis according to the rotation of the main supporting member around the first axis.

Abstract: A riding-type surface working machine includes a pair of rotors each of which carries a plurality of trowels or surface working members. Each rotor includes a transmission unit and power from the engine is transmitted through each transmission unit to rotate the individual rotors. To provide directional movement for the machine, the upper end of each rotor includes a shaft that is connected to the respective transmission unit. The shaft is mounted for universal tilting movement with respect to the frame of the machine. An eccentric is mounted on each rotor shaft and is rotatable in a fixed sleeve. Each eccentric is connected through a chain drive to a vertical control stick and the control sticks for the respective rotors are mounted concentrically on the machine. Through manual operation of the control sticks the eccentrics can be individually rotated to thereby tilt the rotors to cause directional movement of the machine.

Abstract: A concrete troweling machine is illustrated as having two sets of troweling blades with a mechanism for setting the tilt of individual blades in a rotor assembly and a separate mechanism controlled by the handle position for progressively changing the tilt of individual blades during each rotation of each set of blades to generate blade reactive forces for propelling the machine in selected direction.

Abstract: A concrete finishing machine having a rotatable trowel blade assembly and a mechanism for controllably adjusting the pitch of the trowel blades relative to a wet concrete surface on which the blades rest. Manual pivoting of a control lever controllably adjusts the trowel blade pitch and, in doing so, automatically increases or decreases the amount of blade surface contacting the concrete surface, and correspondingly lowers or raises the machine relative to the surface. The contacting blade surface supports the machine's entire weight. A special counterbalancing apparatus that includes, for example, a compressed coil spring, biases the control lever so as to compensate for the machine's weight and permits an operator to adjust the blade pitch with substantially less force than otherwise would be required.

Abstract: The power trowel of this invention has a chassis comprising a gear box and a prime mover and has a plurality of blades which engage a surface to be finished and which are driven by the prime mover, through the gear box, for substantially edgewise rotation about a vertical axis. An elongated handle for controlling movements of the machine across the surface has a pivotal connection to the chassis to be swingable up and down, but has an upper limit of such motion from which it is swingable downwardly. An elastically compressible shock absorber, confined between the handle and the chassis under compressive preload, tends to maintain the handle at that limit and is further compressed by downward force on the rear end of the handle. The center of gravity of the chassis is spaced forward of the vertical axis. Control of machine movements is minimally influenced by machine vibration, and is therefore more precise and less fatiguing.