Machine and method for preparing a surface and for slip forming a concrete structure

Claim 3

The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of movably supporting an adjusTable frame on a tractor unit includes: a. pivotally supporting the adjustable frame for adjustable transverse tilting movement about an axis located adjacent one end of the tractor unit and lying in a vertical plane extended through the longitudinal axis of the adjustable frame, and for adjustable longitudinal tilting movement about an axis extending transversely of the tractor unit adjacent said one end thereof.

Claim 4

The method according to claim 2 wherein the step of adjusting the adjustable frame includes: a. interconnecting the tractor unit and adjustable frame by a pair of vertically adjustable power units spaced transversely opposite each other adjacent the other end of the tractor unit, and b. concurrently operating said pair of vertically adjustable means in response to said grade line sensing to move the adjustable frame to the grade conforming positions.

Claim 5

A machine for concurrently preparing a graded surface and slip forming a concrete structure on the prepared surface, comprising: a. a portable frame having a pair of longitudinal frame members and a rear transverse member pivotally supported on said frame members for pivoted movement about an axis extended transversely of said portable frame, b. an adjustable frame positioned above said portable frame having the rear end thereof pivotally supported on said rear transverse member for pivotal movement about an axis extended longitudinally of said portable frame and located in a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the portable frame, c. a pair of transversely opposite spaced vertically adjustable means supporting the front end of said adjustable frame on said frame members, d. a transversely extended surface cutting and material conveying mechanism on the front end of said adjustable frame for preparing the graded surface in accordance with the adjusted position of said adjustable frame relative to said portable frame, e. a grade control sensor means carried on said adjustable frame transversely opposite the surface cutting and material conveying mechanism and responsive in operation to a grade line extended along one side of said portable frame for actuating one of said adjustable means, f. a slope control unit on said adjustable frame for actuating the other one of said adjustable means in response to the actuation of said one adjustable means, and g. a longitudinally extended slip form suspended from the underside of said adjustable frame rearwardly of said surface cutting and material conveying means.

Claim 6

A machine for concurrently preparing a graded surface and slip forming a concrete structure on the prepared surface, comprising: a. a portable frame having a pair of longitudinal frame members and a rear transverse member pivotally supported on said frame members for pivoted movement about an axis extended transversely of said portable frame, b. an adjustable frame positioned above said portable frame having the rear end thereof pivotally supported on said rear transverse member for pivotal movement about an axis extended longitudinally of said portable frame and located in a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the portable frame, c. a pair of transversely opposite spaced vertically adjustable means supporting the front end of said adjustable frame on said frame members, d. a transversely extended surface cutting and material conveying mechanism on the front end of said adjustable frame for preparing the graded surface in accordance with the adjusted position of said adjustable frame relative to said portable frame, e. a grade control sensor means carried on said adjustable frame transversely opposite the surface cutting and material conveying mechanism and responsive in operation to a grade line extended along one side of said portable frame for actuating one of said adjustable means, f. a slope control unit on said adjustable frame for actuating the other one of said adjustable means in response to the actuation of said one adjustable means, and g. a longitudinally extended slip form suspended from the underside of said adjustable frame rearwardly of said surface cutting and material conveying means.

Claim 7

The machine according to claim 4, including: a. means pivotally supporting the forward end of said slip form on said adjustable frame for transverse movement relative to said adjustable frame, and b. means for yieldably urging the rearward end of said slip form toward the prepared surface to maintain said grade characteristics on the concrete structure formed thereby.

Claim 8

A machine for concurrently preparing a graded surface and slip forming a concrete structure on the prepared surface comprising: a. a portable frame including a pair of transversely spaced self-propelled endless track units, b. an adjustable frame overlying said portable frame, c. longitudinally spaced transversely opposite pairs of front and rear yoke members on said track units, d. said portable frame including a rear bolster member interconnected with the rear pair of said yoke members, e. means pivotally supporting the rear end of said adjustable frame on said bolster member for transverse tilting movement about an axis lying in a vertical plane extended through the longitudinal axis of said adjustable frame, f. a pair of transversely opposite vertical hydraulic cylinder assemblies connecting the front pair of said yoke members with the adjustable frame, g. a transversely extended surface trimming means for preparing the graded surface mounted on the front end of the adjustable frame forwardly of the self-propelled track unitS, h. grade controlled means for actuating said hydraulic cylinder assemblies, including a grade sensor supported on said adjustable frame at a position transversely opposite said surface trimming means, and i. a longitudinally extended slip form suspended from said adjustable frame rearwardly of said surface trimming means having a concrete material receiving front section.

Claim 9

A machine for concurrently preparing a graded surface and slip forming a concrete structure on the prepared surface comprising: a. a portable frame including a pair of transversely spaced self-propelled endless track units, b. an adjustable frame overlying said portable frame, c. longitudinally spaced transversely opposite pairs of front and rear yoke members on said track units, d. said portable frame including a rear bolster member interconnected with the rear pair of said yoke members, e. means pivotally supporting the rear end of said adjustable frame on said bolster member for transverse tilting movement about an axis lying in a vertical plane extended through the longitudinal axis of said adjustable frame, f. a pair of transversely opposite vertical hydraulic cylinder assemblies connecting the front pair of said yoke members with the adjustable frame, g. a transversely extended surface trimming means for preparing the graded surface mounted on the front end of the adjustable frame forwardly of the self-propelled track unitS, h. grade controlled means for actuating said hydraulic cylinder assemblies, including a grade sensor supported on said adjustable frame at a position transversely opposite said surface trimming means, and i. a longitudinally extended slip form suspended from said adjustable frame rearwardly of said surface trimming means having a concrete material receiving front section.