US4889675A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for cutting unhardened concrete with a soft concrete saw
Assignee: Husqvarna Construction Products North America Inc
•
Filing: 1988-04-22
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Granted: 1989-12-26
•
Expires: 2008-04-22
Abstract
Abstract In order to cut soft concrete before it has completely hardened, or about 12 to 18 hours after finishing, a rotating cutting blade and its drive motor are mounted on a wheeled support platform. The blade extends through a slot in the platform, and also through a skid plate depending from the platform, in order to cut the concrete below the skid plate. The slot and the skid plate are sized to support the concrete as it is being cut and to inhibit cracking and chipping of the concrete during cutting. The slot preferably has as little space as possible between the sides of the slot and the adjacent sides of the cutting blade. An extendable handle allows the device to be used beyond the physical reach of the operator.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward Chiuminatta
- 👤 Alan R. Chiuminatta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:19
CPC Classifications
B; B27; B27B; B27B9/00; B24; B24B; B24B19/00; B24B19/02; B24B23/00; B24B23/02; B24B27/00; B24B27/06; B24B27/08; B28; B28B; B28B11/00; B28B11/08; B28B11/0863; B28D; B28D1/00; B28D1/02; B28D1/04; B28D1/045; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T83/00; Y10T83/02; Y10T83/0304
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring when the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 to 1/2 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/16 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring when the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 to 1/2 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/16 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring when the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 to 1/2 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 3/32 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring when the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 to 1/2 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 3/32 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring when the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 to 1/2 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/8 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring when the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 to 1/2 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/8 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 1/32 of an inch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 1/32 of an inch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 1/32 of an inch.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 0.03 to 1/32 of an inch.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 0.03 to 1.32 of an inch.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 0.3 to 1/32 of an inch.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 0.03 to 0.125 of an inch.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 0.3 to 0.125 of an inch.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes a indentation of about 0.03 to 0.125 of an inch.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 1/8 of an inch.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 1/8 of an inch.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 1/8 of an inch.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness below 1200 psi.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness below 1200 psi.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein the cutting step occurs when the concrete has a hardness below 1200 psi.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of pivoting the cutting blade away from the exterior surface of the concrete when the cutting blade contacts an obstruction in the concrete, so that the cutting blade does not apply sufficient force to the obstruction to crack the concrete immediately adjacent the obstruction.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of pivoting the cutting blade away from the exterior surface of the concrete when the cutting blade contacts an obstruction in the concrete, so that the cutting blade does not apply sufficient force to the obstruction to crack the concrete immediately adjacent the obstruction.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as defined in claim 3, further comprising the step of pivoting the cutting blade away from the exterior surface of the concrete when the cutting blade contacts an obstruction in the concrete, so that the cutting blade does not apply sufficient force to the obstruction to crack the concrete immediately adjacent the obstruction.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
185 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a bull float stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/8 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
185 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a bull float stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/8 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
185 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a bull float stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 3/32 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
185 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a bull float stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 3/32 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a bull float stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/16 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a bull float stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/16 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a fresno stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/8 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a fresno stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/8 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a fresno stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 3/32 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a fresno stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 3/32 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a fresno stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/16 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to at least a fresno stage; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the bull float finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/16 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to a power trowel stage; cutting a groove in the surface before the concrete hardens substantially further, the cutting step using a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the power trowel finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/16 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along at least a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to said surface as said groove is cut and to produce an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to a power trowel stage; cutting a groove in the surface before the concrete hardens substantially further, the cutting step using a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the power trowel finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/16 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along at least a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to said surface as said groove is cut and to produce an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to a power trowel stage; cutting a groove in the surface before the concrete hardens substantially further, the cutting step using a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the power trowel finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 3/32 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along at least a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to said surface as said groove is cut and to produce an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to a power trowel stage; cutting a groove in the surface before the concrete hardens substantially further, the cutting step using a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the power trowel finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 3/32 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along at least a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to said surface as said groove is cut and to produce an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to a power trowel stage; cutting a groove in the surface before the concrete hardens substantially further, the cutting step using a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the power trowel finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/8 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along at least a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to said surface as said groove is cut and to produce an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete to a power trowel stage; cutting a groove in the surface before the concrete hardens substantially further, the cutting step using a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring after the power trowel finishing, but before the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would cause an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1/32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade within 1/8 of an inch of the sides of the cutting blade, along at least a portion of the cutting blade sufficient to prevent damage to said surface as said groove is cut and to produce an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as defined in claim 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 comprising the further step of remotely disengaging the cutting means from the concrete.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as defined in claim 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 wherein the cutting step occurs before the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 1/8 of an inch.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as defined in claim 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, wherein the cutting step occurs before the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 2.3 inch.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as defined in claim 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, wherein the cutting step occurs before the concrete has a hardness such that the steel rod causes an indentation of about 1/2 of an inch.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method as defined in claim 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, further comprising the step of pivoting the cutting blade away from the exterior surface of the concrete when the cutting blade contacts an obstruction in the concrete, so that the cutting blade does not apply sufficient force to the obstruction to crack the concrete immediately adjacent the obstruction.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as defined in claim 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, further comprising the step of rollably supporting the cutting blade on the concrete surface.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring when the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would case an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1.32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade sufficiently close to, and along a sufficient portion of, the cutting blade, to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut and to produce an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of cutting grooves in concrete, comprising the steps of: finishing an exterior surface of the concrete; cutting a groove in the surface with a rotating blade having an up-cut rotation and having a cutting edge and sides, the cutting occurring before the concrete has hardened sufficiently to allow cutting by a conventional abrasive concrete saw, while still producing an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove, the cutting step occurring when the concrete has a hardness such that a 1.125 inch diameter steel rod with a flat end, and weighing about 5.75 pounds, would case an indentation in the surface of the concrete of about 1.32 of an inch when the rod is dropped from a height of about 24 inches above the surface of the concrete; and supporting the surface immediately adjacent the sides of the cutting blade sufficiently close to, and along a sufficient portion of, the cutting blade, to prevent damage to the surface as the groove is cut and to produce an acceptable surface finish adjacent the cut groove.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as defined in claim 37, comprising the further step of remotely disengaging the cutting means from the concrete.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as defined in claim 38, further comprising the step of pivoting the cutting blade away from the exterior surface of the concrete when the cutting blade contacts an obstruction in the concrete, so that the cutting blade does not apply sufficient force to the obstruction to crack the concrete immediately adjacent the obstruction.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as defined in claim 37, 38, or 39, further comprising the step of rollably supporting the cutting blade on the concrete surface.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-12-25 | 1993-06-26 | 1993-12-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-12-25 | 1997-06-26 | 1997-12-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-12-25 | 2001-06-26 | 2001-12-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |