Surface finishing method and apparatus

Claim 2

Apparatus for moving hydraulically operated apparatus between predetermined positions and providing operating power fluid therefore, comprising: a frame assembly extending generally between the predetermined positions; a support frame for supporting the hydraulically operated apparatus, the support frame moveably supported on the frame assembly; chain means, having opposite ends, drivingly supported on the frame assembly generally between the predetermined positions, the chain means being rotatable in a first rotating direction and in a second rotating direction, in a driven position of the chain means, one end of the chain means connected to one portion of the support frame and the opposite end of the chain means connected to one other portion of the support frame to move the support frame in one direction along the frame assembly in the first rotating direction of the chain means and to move the support frame in one other direction in the second rotating direction of the chaIn means; chain drive means drivingly connected to a portion of the chain means to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction and in the second rotating direction; hydraulic pump means responsive to the chain means and supported on a portion of the support frame to provide power fluid to the hydraulically operated apparatus supported thereon, in a driven position of the hydraulic pump means; and gear means in gearing engagement with the chain means and having a portion thereof drivingly connected to the hydraulic pump means to drive the hydraulic pump means in a driven position of the chain means in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction thereof.

Claim 3

Apparatus for moving hydraulically operated apparatus between predetermined positions and providing operating power fluid therefore, comprising: a frame assembly extending generally between the predetermined positions; a support frame for supporting the hydraulically operated apparatus, the support frame moveably supported on the frame assembly; chain means, having opposite ends, drivingly supported on the frame assembly generally between the predetermined positions, the chain means being rotatable in a first rotating direction and in a second rotating direction, in a driven position of the chain means, one end of the chain means connected to one portion of the support frame and the opposite end of the chain means connected to one other portion of the support frame to move the support frame in one direction along the frame assembly in the first rotating direction of the chain means and to move the support frame in one other direction in the second rotating direction of the chaIn means; chain drive means drivingly connected to a portion of the chain means to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction and in the second rotating direction; hydraulic pump means responsive to the chain means and supported on a portion of the support frame to provide power fluid to the hydraulically operated apparatus supported thereon, in a driven position of the hydraulic pump means; and gear means in gearing engagement with the chain means and having a portion thereof drivingly connected to the hydraulic pump means to drive the hydraulic pump means in a driven position of the chain means in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction thereof.

Claim 4

Apparatus for moving hydraulically operated apparatus between predetermined positions and providing operating power fluid therefore, comprising: a frame assembly extending generally between the predetermined positions; a support frame for supporting the hydraulically operated apparatus, the support frame moveably supported on the frame assembly; chain means, having opposite ends, drivingly supported on the frame assembly generally between the predetermined positions, the chain means being rotatable in a first rotating direction and in a second rotating direction, in a driven position of the chain means, one end of the chain means connected to one portion of the support frame and the opposite end of the chain means connected to one other portion of the support frame to move the support frame in one direction along the frame assembly in the first rotating direction of the chain means and to move the support frame in one other direction in the second rotating direction of the chaIn means; chain drive means drivingly connected to a portion of the chain means to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction and in the second rotating direction; hydraulic pump means responsive to the chain means and supported on a portion of the support frame to provide power fluid to the hydraulically operated apparatus supported thereon, in a driven position of the hydraulic pump means; and gear means in gearing engagement with the chain means and having a portion thereof drivingly connected to the hydraulic pump means to drive the hydraulic pump means in a driven position of the chain means in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction thereof.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the gear means is defined further to include: an idler drive gear rotatingly supported on a portion of the support frame and in gearing engagement with the chain means, the chain means drivingly rotating the idler drive gear in a driven position of the chain means in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction; and means connecting the idler drive gear to the hydraulic pump means, the rotation of the idler drive gear driving the hydraulic pump means; and idler gear means rotatingly supported on a portion of the support frame, the idler gear means in gearing engagement with the chain means and being positioned on the support frame with respect to the idler drive gear to maintain the gearing engagement between the chain means and idler drive gear during the operation of the finishing apparatus.

Claim 6

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly a distance above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, comprising: a support frame movably supported on the transverse frame assembly; a surface finisher means rotatingly supported on a portion of the support frame, the surface finisher means finishingly engaging the surface to be finished, in one position thereof; and a finisher drive means connected to the surface finisher means to rotatingly drive the surface finisher means; chain means, having opposite ends, drivingly supported on the transverse frame assembly generally between the opposite ends thereof, the chain means being rotatable in a first rotating direction and in a second rotating direction, in a driven position of the chain means, one end of the chain means connected to one portion of the support frame and the opposite end of the chain means connected to one other portion of the support frame to move the support frame in one direction along the transverse frame assembly in the first rotating direction of the chain means and to move the support frame in one other direction in the second rotating direction of the chain means; chain drive means drivingly connected to a portion of the chain means to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction and in the second rotating direction; and means connecting the chain means to the finisher drive means to drive the finisher drive means in a driven position of the chain means in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction thereof.

Claim 7

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly a distance above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, comprising: a support frame movably supported on the transverse frame assembly; a surface finisher means rotatingly supported on a portion of the support frame, the surface finisher means finishingly engaging the surface to be finished, in one position thereof; and a finisher drive means connected to the surface finisher means to rotatingly drive the surface finisher means; chain means, having opposite ends, drivingly supported on the transverse frame assembly generally between the opposite ends thereof, the chain means being rotatable in a first rotating direction and in a second rotating direction, in a driven position of the chain means, one end of the chain means connected to one portion of the support frame and the opposite end of the chain means connected to one other portion of the support frame to move the support frame in one direction along the transverse frame assembly in the first rotating direction of the chain means and to move the support frame in one other direction in the second rotating direction of the chain means; chain drive means drivingly connected to a portion of the chain means to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction and in the second rotating direction; and means connecting the chain means to the finisher drive means to drive the finisher drive means in a driven position of the chain means in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction thereof.

Claim 8

The finishing apparatus of claim 3 wherein the means connecting the chain means to the finisher drive means is supported on a portion of the support frame and is further defined to include: an idler drive gear rotatingly supported on a portion of the support frame and in gearing engagement with the chain means, the chain means drivingly rotating the idler drive gear in a driven position of the chain means in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction; and means connecting the idler drive gear to the finisher drive means, the rotation of the idler drive gear driviNg the finisher drive means; and idler gear means rotatingly supported on a portion of the support frame, the idler gear means in gearing engagement with the chain means and being positioned on the support frame with respect to the idler drive gear to maintain the gearing engagement between the chain means and idler drive gear during the operation of the finishing apparatus.

Claim 9

The finishing apparatus of claim 3 wherein the finisher assembly is defined further to include: a rocker support arm pivotally secured to a portion of the support frame, the rocker support arm being pivotable to a first pivot position and a second pivot position; and wherein the surface finisher means is defined further to include: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on one portion of the rocker support arm, the first surface finisher finishingly engaging the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the rocker support arm; and a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on one other portion of the rocker support arm, the second surface finisher finishingly engaging the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the rocker support arm; and means to sequentially pivot the rocker support arm to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, so that the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher cooperate to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially an entire transverse width thereof.

Claim 10

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly supporting the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first finisher assembly and the second finisher assembly cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire transverse width thereof; chain means drivingly supported on the transverse frame generally between the opposite ends thereof, the chain means being connected to the finisher assembly and rotatable in a first rotating direction to move the finisher assembly in a first transverse direction and being rotatable in a second rotating direction to move the finisher assembly in a second transverse direction, the finisher assembly being moved in the first and the second transverse directions generally transversely over the surface to be finished; chain drive means drivingly connected to the chain means to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction in one position thereof and in the second rotating direction in one other position thereof, comprising: a hydraulic motor connected to the chain means to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction; pump means connected to the hydraulic motor to provide power fluid therefor; solenoid valve means interposed between the hydraulic motor and the pump means having a de-energized position, a first energized position, and a second energized position, the pump means providing power fluid via the solenoid valve means to the hydraulic motor To drive the chain means in the second rotating direction in the first energized position of the solenoid valve means, and the pump means providing power fluid via the solenoid valve means to the hydraulic motor to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction in the second energized position of the solenoid valve means; and a power source connected to the solenoid valve means; first sensor means having a portion sensing the position of the finisher assembly moving in the first transverse direction in a reverse actuating position of the first surface finisher, comprising: a first trip switch interposed between the power source and the solenoid valve means, the first trip switch being closed in the reverse actuating position of the first surface finisher energizing the solenoid valve means to the first energized position thereof; and second sensor means having a portion sensing the position of the finisher assembly moving in the second transverse direction in a reverse actuating position of the second surface finisher, comprising: a second trip switch interposed between the power source and the solenoid valve means, the second trip switch being closed in the reverse actuating position of the second surface finisher energizing the solenoid valve means to the second energized position thereof, the chain drive means driving the chain means in the second transverse direction when the first sensor means senses the finisher assembly in a reverse actuating position of the first surface finisher and driving the chain means in the first transverse direction when the second sensor means senses the finisher assembly in a reverse actuating position of the second surface finisher.

Claim 11

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly supporting the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first finisher assembly and the second finisher assembly cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire transverse width thereof; chain means drivingly supported on the transverse frame generally between the opposite ends thereof, the chain means being connected to the finisher assembly and rotatable in a first rotating direction to move the finisher assembly in a first transverse direction and being rotatable in a second rotating direction to move the finisher assembly in a second transverse direction, the finisher assembly being moved in the first and the second transverse directions generally transversely over the surface to be finished; chain drive means drivingly connected to the chain means to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction in one position thereof and in the second rotating direction in one other position thereof, comprising: a hydraulic motor connected to the chain means to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction; pump means connected to the hydraulic motor to provide power fluid therefor; solenoid valve means interposed between the hydraulic motor and the pump means having a de-energized position, a first energized position, and a second energized position, the pump means providing power fluid via the solenoid valve means to the hydraulic motor To drive the chain means in the second rotating direction in the first energized position of the solenoid valve means, and the pump means providing power fluid via the solenoid valve means to the hydraulic motor to drive the chain means in the first rotating direction in the second energized position of the solenoid valve means; and a power source connected to the solenoid valve means; first sensor means having a portion sensing the position of the finisher assembly moving in the first transverse direction in a reverse actuating position of the first surface finisher, comprising: a first trip switch interposed between the power source and the solenoid valve means, the first trip switch being closed in the reverse actuating position of the first surface finisher energizing the solenoid valve means to the first energized position thereof; and second sensor means having a portion sensing the position of the finisher assembly moving in the second transverse direction in a reverse actuating position of the second surface finisher, comprising: a second trip switch interposed between the power source and the solenoid valve means, the second trip switch being closed in the reverse actuating position of the second surface finisher energizing the solenoid valve means to the second energized position thereof, the chain drive means driving the chain means in the second transverse direction when the first sensor means senses the finisher assembly in a reverse actuating position of the first surface finisher and driving the chain means in the first transverse direction when the second sensor means senses the finisher assembly in a reverse actuating position of the second surface finisher.

Claim 12

The finishing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first sensor means is defined further to sense the position of the finisher assembly moving in the first transverse direction in a transition actuating position of the first surface finisher prior to the finisher assembly being moved to the reverse actuating position of the first surface finisher; and wherein the second sensor means is defined further to sense the position of the finisher assembly moving in the second transverse direction in a transition actuating position of the second surface finisher prior to the finisher assembly being moved to the reverse actuating position of the second surface finisher; and wherein the chain drive means is defined further to decrease the rate of travel of the finisher assembly in the transition actuating position of the first surface finisher, and to decrease the rate of travel of the finisher assembly in the transition actuating position of the second surface finisher.

Claim 13

The finishing apparatus of claim 7 wherein the chain drive means is defined further to include: variable resistance valve means interposed between the solenoid valve means and the pump means, the variable resistance valve means providing a virtually unrestricted flow path therethrough in one position thereof and an increasingly restricted flow path therethrough in one other position thereof, thereby linearly increasing the pressure drop thereacross; relief valve means interposed between the solenoid valve means and the pump means, the relief valve means connected to the variable resistance valve means to increasingly relieve power fluid therethrough as the pressure drop across the variable resistance valve means linearly increases, the relief valve means and the variable resistance valve means thereby cooperating to linearly decrease the flow of power fluid from the pump means to the hydraulic motor; and means connected to the variable resistance valve means to position the variable resistance valve means to increasingly restrict the flow path therethrough.

Claim 14

The finishing apparatus of claim 8 wherein the variable resistance valve means is defined further to include: a valve member having an opening formed therethrough defining the flow path through the variable resistance Valve means; and bias spring means disposed in the variable resistance valve means in biasing engagement with the valve member to bias the valve member to a spring biased position wherein the flow path through the variable resistance valve means provides a virtually unrestricted flow path therethrough; and wherein the means to increasingly restrict the flow path through the variable resistance valve means is defined further to include: charge pump means connected to the variable resistance valve means to provide power fluid to a portion thereof, to biasingly move the valve member therein generally against the biasing force of the bias spring, the flow path through the variable resistance valve means becoming increasingly restricted as the valve member moves against the biasing force of the bias spring, in a position wherein the charge pump means fluidically communicates with the variable resistance valve means; and means connected to the first sensor means and the second sensor means interposed between the charge pump means and the variable resistance valve means to establish fluidic communication therebetween in the transition actuating position of the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher.

Claim 15

The finishing apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means to increasingly restrict the flow path through the variable resistance valve means is defined further to include: orifice means interposed between the means to establish fluidic communication between the charge pump means and the variable resistance valve means, to control the rate at which the charge pump means provides power fluid to the variable resistance valve means, thereby controllingly decreasing the rate of travel of the finisher assembly.

Claim 16

The finishing apparatus of claim 10 wherein the means to establish fluidic communication between the charge pump means and the variable resistance valve means is defined further to include: a fluid reservoir; solenoid valve means having an energized position and a de-energized position, the solenoid valve means establishing fluidic communication between the charge pump means and the variable resistance valve means in the energized position thereof, and establishing fluidic communication between the variable resistance valve means and the fluid reservoir to drain the power fluid from the variable resistance valve means in the de-energized position of the solenoid valve means, thereby returning the variable resistance valve means to the spring biased position; and a power source connected to the solenoid valve means.

Claim 17

The finishing apparatus of claim 11 wherein the orifice means is defined further as being interposed between the variable resistance valve means and the solenoid valve means to control the rate at which the power fluid in the variable resistance valve means drains to the reservoir thereby controlling the increasing of the rate of travel of the finisher assembly.

Claim 18

The finishing apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first sensor means is defined further to include: a first trip switch interposed between the power source and the solenoid valve means, the first trip switch being closed in the transition actuating position of the first surface finisher to energize the solenoid valve means; and wherein the second sensor means is defined further to include: a first trip switch interposed between the power source and the solenoid valve means, the first trip switch being closed in the transition actuating position of the second surface finisher to energize the solenoid valve means.

Claim 19

The finishing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the chain drive means is further defined to include: a latching relay network connected in electrical parallel with the second trip switch of the first sensor means and in electrical parallel with the second trip switch of the second sensor means, to maintain electrical continuity between the power source and the solenoid valve means in an open position Of the second trip switch of the first sensor means subsequent to the second trip switch of the second sensor means being closed, and to maintain electrical continuity between the power source and the solenoid valve means in an open position of the second trip switch of the second sensor means subsequent to the second trip switch of the first sensor means being closed.

Claim 20

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; and a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a support frame movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly; a rocker support arm pivotally secured to a portion of the support frame and pivotally movable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position; a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the rocker support arm, the first surface finisher being positioned via the rocker support arm to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the rocker support arm; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the rocker support arm, the second surface finisher being positioned via the rocker support arm to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the rocker support arm; means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; and means to pivot the rocker support arm to the first pivot position in a reverse actuating position of the second surface finisher and to pivot the rocker support arm to the second pivot position in a reverse actuating position of the first surface finisher, the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire width thereof.

Claim 21

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; and a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a support frame movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly; a rocker support arm pivotally secured to a portion of the support frame and pivotally movable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position; a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the rocker support arm, the first surface finisher being positioned via the rocker support arm to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the rocker support arm; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the rocker support arm, the second surface finisher being positioned via the rocker support arm to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the rocker support arm; means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; and means to pivot the rocker support arm to the first pivot position in a reverse actuating position of the second surface finisher and to pivot the rocker support arm to the second pivot position in a reverse actuating position of the first surface finisher, the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire width thereof.

Claim 22

The finishing apparatus of claim 15 wherein the chain means is defined further as having opposite ends; and wherein the first pivot linkage and the second pivot linkage are each defined further to include: jaw means having a portion thereof pivotally secured to a portion of the support frame, a portion of the jaw means removably secured to one end portion of the chain means; and an adjustable connector having opposite ends, one end thereof being pivotally secured to a portion of the jaw means and the other end thereof being pivotally secured to a portion of the rocker support arm.

Claim 23

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; and means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first surFace finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire width thereof; vibrator means connected to a portion of the finisher assembly to vibratingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position and in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; means connected to the vibrator means to vibratingly drive the vibrator means, comprising: a power source disposed on a portion of the transverse frame; reel means rotatingly supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, the reel means being rotatable in one direction and in one other direction; and cable means connected to the power source and to the vibrator means, the power source providing operating power to the vibrator means via the cable means, a portion of the cable means being reeled about a portion of the reel means, a predetermined length of the cable means being released from the reel means in one rotating position of the reel means and a predetermined length of the cable means being retrieved about the reel means in the other rotating position of the reel means; and means to move the finisher assembly in a first transverse direction and in a second transverse direction generally transversely over the surface to be finished, having a portion connected to the means to rotate the reel means to maintain a predetermined length of the cable means between the reel means and the finisher assembly in the driven position of the finisher assembly in the first transverse direction and in the second transverse direction.

Claim 24

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; and means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first surFace finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire width thereof; vibrator means connected to a portion of the finisher assembly to vibratingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position and in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; means connected to the vibrator means to vibratingly drive the vibrator means, comprising: a power source disposed on a portion of the transverse frame; reel means rotatingly supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, the reel means being rotatable in one direction and in one other direction; and cable means connected to the power source and to the vibrator means, the power source providing operating power to the vibrator means via the cable means, a portion of the cable means being reeled about a portion of the reel means, a predetermined length of the cable means being released from the reel means in one rotating position of the reel means and a predetermined length of the cable means being retrieved about the reel means in the other rotating position of the reel means; and means to move the finisher assembly in a first transverse direction and in a second transverse direction generally transversely over the surface to be finished, having a portion connected to the means to rotate the reel means to maintain a predetermined length of the cable means between the reel means and the finisher assembly in the driven position of the finisher assembly in the first transverse direction and in the second transverse direction.

Claim 25

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire transverse width thereof; first auger means, having a left-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; second auger means, having a right-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; a bearing support connected to the finisher assembly and to the first auger means bearingly supporting the first auger means, the bearing connection between the bearing support and the first auger means interposed within the auger flight of the first auger means; and a bearing support connected to the finisher assembly and to a portion of the second auger means bearingly supporting the second auger means, the bearing connection between the bearing support and the second auger means interposed within the auger flight of the second auger means and offset with respect to the bearing connection between the bearing suPport and the first auger means, the outer periphery formed by the second auger means disposed in close proximity with the outer periphery formed by the auger flight of the second auger means.

Claim 26

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire transverse width thereof; first auger means, having a left-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; second auger means, having a right-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; a bearing support connected to the finisher assembly and to the first auger means bearingly supporting the first auger means, the bearing connection between the bearing support and the first auger means interposed within the auger flight of the first auger means; and a bearing support connected to the finisher assembly and to a portion of the second auger means bearingly supporting the second auger means, the bearing connection between the bearing support and the second auger means interposed within the auger flight of the second auger means and offset with respect to the bearing connection between the bearing suPport and the first auger means, the outer periphery formed by the second auger means disposed in close proximity with the outer periphery formed by the auger flight of the second auger means.

Claim 27

The finishing apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first and the second auger means are each disposed generally between the first and the second surface finishers, the first auger means extending generally parallel to the second auger means.

Claim 28

The finishing apparatus of claim 19 wherein a portion of the auger flight of each of the first and the second auger means extends a distance generally between the first and the second surface finishers, and another portion of the auger flight of each of the first and the second auger means extends a distance generally beyond one end of the first and the second surface finishers.

Claim 29

The finishing apparatus of claim 20 defined further to include: means moving the first and the second surface finishers to finishing engaging positions; means rotating the first auger means in one position thereof; means rotating the second auger means in one position thereof; means rotating the first and the second surface finishers in one position thereof; and remote controller means, having a portion connected to the means rotating the first auger means for selectively positioning the means to rotate the first auger means, one portion connected to the means rotating the second auger means for selectively positioning the means to rotate the second auger means, one portion connected to the means rotating the first and the second surface finishers for selectively positioning the means to rotate the first and the second surface finishers, and one portion connected to the means moving the first and the second surface finishers to finishing engaging positions for selectively positioning the first and the second surface finishers in finishing engaging positions, the remote controller means providing an operator control controllable from a position wherein the operator observes the finishing of the surface via the finishing apparatus.

Claim 30

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire transverse width thereof; first auger means, having a left-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported by a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; second auger means, having a right-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; a pair of vibrators, each vibrator supported from a portion of the finisher assembly disposed within a portion of the surface material Vibratingly engaging the surface material, one of the vibrators having a portion disposed generally below the first auger means and the other vibrator having a portion disposed generally below the second auger means; a pair of rods, each rod having one end pivotally connected to the finisher assembly and the opposite end connected to one of the vibrator means, each rod pivotable in one pivot direction moving the vibrator connected thereto in a direction generally into vibrating engagement with the surface material and pivotable in one other direction moving the vibrator connected thereto in a direction generally from vibrating engagement with the surface material; and a pair of chains, one end of each chain connected to the finisher assembly and the opposite end of the chain connected to one of the rods limiting the pivotal movement of the rods in a pivot direction moving the vibrators into vibrating engagement with the surface material.

Claim 31

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire transverse width thereof; first auger means, having a left-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported by a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; second auger means, having a right-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; a pair of vibrators, each vibrator supported from a portion of the finisher assembly disposed within a portion of the surface material Vibratingly engaging the surface material, one of the vibrators having a portion disposed generally below the first auger means and the other vibrator having a portion disposed generally below the second auger means; a pair of rods, each rod having one end pivotally connected to the finisher assembly and the opposite end connected to one of the vibrator means, each rod pivotable in one pivot direction moving the vibrator connected thereto in a direction generally into vibrating engagement with the surface material and pivotable in one other direction moving the vibrator connected thereto in a direction generally from vibrating engagement with the surface material; and a pair of chains, one end of each chain connected to the finisher assembly and the opposite end of the chain connected to one of the rods limiting the pivotal movement of the rods in a pivot direction moving the vibrators into vibrating engagement with the surface material.

Claim 32

The finishing apparatus of claim 22 defined further to include: pair of spring means, each spring means interposed between one of the vibrators and the rod connected thereto, providing limited movement of each rod and vibrator connected thereto generally in the one pivot direction and in the one other pivot direction.

Claim 33

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire transverse width thereof; a pointer rod having one end connected to the finisher assembly and extending a distance therefrom terminating with a pointer end; and a scale, having indicia marks, connected to the transverse frame assembly and supported in close proximity to the pointer end of the pointer rod, the position of the pointer end of the pointer rod relative to the scale indicating the position of the first and the second surface finishers relative to the transverse frame assembly.

Claim 34

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly movably supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly, having a portion thereof pivotable to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position, comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the first surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the first pivot position of the finisher assembly; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported on a portion of the finisher assembly, the second surface finisher being positioned on the finisher assembly to finishingly engage the surface to be finished in the second pivot position of the finisher assembly; and means to rotatingly drive the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher; means to pivot the finisher assembly to the first pivot position and to the second pivot position, the first surface finisher and the second surface finisher cooperating to finishingly engage the surface to be finished across substantially the entire transverse width thereof; a pointer rod having one end connected to the finisher assembly and extending a distance therefrom terminating with a pointer end; and a scale, having indicia marks, connected to the transverse frame assembly and supported in close proximity to the pointer end of the pointer rod, the position of the pointer end of the pointer rod relative to the scale indicating the position of the first and the second surface finishers relative to the transverse frame assembly.

Claim 35

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly movable in transverse direction across the surface to be finished generally between the opposite ends of the transverse frame assembly; surface finisher means rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly finishingly engaging the surface to be finished; first auger means, having a left-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; second auger means, Having a right-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; a bearing support connected to the finisher assembly and to a portion of the first auger means bearingly supporting the first auger means, the bearing connection between the bearing support and the first auger means interposed within the auger flight of the first auger means; and a bearing support connected to the finisher assembly and to a portion of the second auger means bearingly supporting the second auger means, the bearing connection between the bearing support and the second auger means interposed within the auger flight of the second auger means and offset with respect to the bearing connection between the bearing support and the first auger means, the outer periphery formed by the second auger means disposed in close proximity with the outer periphery formed by the auger flight of the second auger means.

Claim 36

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly movable in transverse direction across the surface to be finished generally between the opposite ends of the transverse frame assembly; surface finisher means rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly finishingly engaging the surface to be finished; first auger means, having a left-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; second auger means, Having a right-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished; a bearing support connected to the finisher assembly and to a portion of the first auger means bearingly supporting the first auger means, the bearing connection between the bearing support and the first auger means interposed within the auger flight of the first auger means; and a bearing support connected to the finisher assembly and to a portion of the second auger means bearingly supporting the second auger means, the bearing connection between the bearing support and the second auger means interposed within the auger flight of the second auger means and offset with respect to the bearing connection between the bearing support and the first auger means, the outer periphery formed by the second auger means disposed in close proximity with the outer periphery formed by the auger flight of the second auger means.

Claim 37

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly movable in transverse directions across the surface to be finished generally between the opposite ends of the transverse frame assembly; surface finisher means rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly finishingly engaging the surface to be finished, the surface finisher means comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly finishingly engaging the surface to be finished in one position; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly finishingly engaging the surface to be finished in one other position; and means moving the first and the second surface finishers to finishing engaging positions; first auger means, having a left-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished, the first auger means disposed generally between the first and the second surface finishers; and second auger means, having a right-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished, the second auger means being disposed generally between the first and the second surface finishers and the second auger means extending generally parallel to the first auger means.

Claim 38

A finishing apparatus for finishing concrete surfaces or the like, comprising: a transverse frame assembly, having opposite ends; support means connected to a portion of the transverse frame assembly to support the transverse frame assembly generally above the surface to be finished; a finisher assembly supported on a portion of the transverse frame assembly movable in transverse directions across the surface to be finished generally between the opposite ends of the transverse frame assembly; surface finisher means rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly finishingly engaging the surface to be finished, the surface finisher means comprising: a first surface finisher rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly finishingly engaging the surface to be finished in one position; a second surface finisher rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly finishingly engaging the surface to be finished in one other position; and means moving the first and the second surface finishers to finishing engaging positions; first auger means, having a left-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished, the first auger means disposed generally between the first and the second surface finishers; and second auger means, having a right-hand auger flight, rotatingly supported via a portion of the finisher assembly, a portion of the auger flight engaging the surface to be finished, the second auger means being disposed generally between the first and the second surface finishers and the second auger means extending generally parallel to the first auger means.

Claim 39

The finishing apparatus of claim 26 wherein a portion of the auger flight of each of the first and the second auger means extends a distance generally between the first and the second surface finishers, and another portion of the auger flight of each of the first and the second auger means extends a distance generally beyond one end of the first and the second surface finishers.