U.S. patent application number 11/044658 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for concrete-chute strike-off device.
Invention is credited to Quenzi, Philip J., Wiitanen, Jason M..
Application Number | 20050163565 11/044658 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34798257 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050163565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Quenzi, Philip J. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2005 |
Concrete-chute strike-off device
Abstract
A concrete chute strike-off machine or device includes a frame
portion adapted to mount to a discharge end of a chute of a
concrete delivery truck, a strike-off member adjustably mounted to
the frame portion, a sensing device for sensing at least one of a
position and orientation of the strike-off member, and a control
operable to automatically adjust the strike-off member relative to
the frame portion in response to a signal from the sensing device.
The device is thus operable to strike-off uncured concrete as the
uncured concrete is delivered to a subgrade surface by a chute of a
concrete delivery truck. The control is operable to adjust the
strike-off member relative to the frame portion while the
strike-off member strikes off the uncured concrete at the subgrade
surface.
Inventors: |
Quenzi, Philip J.; (Atlantic
Mine, MI) ; Wiitanen, Jason M.; (Painesdale,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VAN DYKE, GARDNER, LINN AND BURKHART, LLP
2851 CHARLEVOIX DRIVE, S.E.
P.O. BOX 888695
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49588-8695
US
|
Family ID: |
34798257 |
Appl. No.: |
11/044658 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60539775 |
Jan 27, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/84.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 19/185 20130101;
B60P 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/084.1 |
International
Class: |
E01C 023/07 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A concrete chute strike-off device operable to strike-off
uncured concrete as the uncured concrete is delivered to a subgrade
surface by a chute of a concrete delivery truck, said concrete
chute strike-off device comprising: a frame portion adapted to
mount to a discharge end of a chute of a concrete delivery truck; a
strike-off member adjustably mounted to said frame portion; a
sensing device for sensing at least one of an elevation, position
and orientation of said strike-off member; and a control operable
to automatically adjust said strike-off member relative to said
frame portion in response to a signal from said sensing device,
said control being operable to adjust said strike-off member
relative to said frame portion while said strike-off member strikes
off the uncured concrete at the subgrade surface.
2. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 1, wherein said
strike-off member is adjustable about a pair of generally
orthogonal pivot axes relative to said frame.
3. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 2, wherein said
sensing device comprises a level sensing device adapted to
determine a degree of tilt of said strike-off member about said
pair of generally orthogonal pivot axes.
4. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 3, wherein said
control is operable to adjust the orientation or tilt of said
strike-off member about said pair of pivot axes in response to a
signal from said level sensing device.
5. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 2, wherein said
pair of generally orthogonal pivot axes are within a generally
horizontal plane.
6. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 5, wherein a first
pivot axis of said pair of pivot axes comprises a longitudinal axis
such that said strike-off member is pivotable side-to-side about
said first axis, and wherein a second pivot axis of said pair of
pivot axes comprises a lateral axis such that said strike-off
member is pivotable forward and backward about said second
axis.
7. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 6, wherein said
strike-off member is pivotable about said first and second axes via
respective first and second actuators.
8. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 2, wherein said
strike-off member is vertically adjustable relative to said
frame.
9. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 1, wherein said
strike-off member is vertically adjustable relative to said
frame.
10. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 9, wherein said
sensing device comprises a laser receiver positioned on a support
member extending upward from said strike-off member, said laser
receiver sensing a laser reference plane generated by a laser
transmitter, said control being operable to vertically adjust said
strike-off member in response to a signal from said laser
receiver.
11. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 1, wherein said
strike-off member is formed to define a receiving area in front of
said strike-off member, the uncured concrete being placed at said
receiving area such that movement of said strike-off member over
the subgrade surface strikes off the placed uncured concrete in
said receiving area.
12. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 11, wherein said
strike-off member comprises one of a V-shaped member, a U-shaped
member and an arcuately curved member.
13. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 1, wherein said
strike-off member is pivotally mounted to said frame portion and
pivotable about a generally vertical pivot axis.
14. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 13, wherein said
strike-off member is pivotable about said generally vertical pivot
axis within a specified range of pivotal movement, said pivotable
movement being limited by a pivot limiting device.
15. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 1 including a
vibratable member positioned at said strike-off member and operable
to vibrate and smooth and compact the concrete surface that is
struck off by said strike-off member.
16. A method for striking off uncured concrete as it is discharged
onto a targeted subgrade surface by a chute of a concrete delivery
truck, said method comprising: providing a concrete strike-off
device having a frame portion and a strike-off member adjustably
mounted to said frame portion; attaching said frame portion to an
end of a chute of a concrete delivery truck, said chute providing a
channel for uncured concrete to flow from said concrete delivery
truck to the targeted surface; discharging uncured concrete onto
the subgrade surface via said chute; striking off the uncured
concrete with said strike-off member as the uncured concrete is
discharged to the targeted subgrade surface by said chute; and
adjusting said strike-off member to a desired grade while striking
off the uncured concrete.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein adjusting said strike-off
member comprises vertically adjusting said strike-off member
relative to said frame.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein vertically adjusting said
strike-off member comprises vertically adjusting said strike-off
member in response to a signal from a laser receiver positioned on
a support member extending upward from said strike-off member.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein adjusting said strike-off
member comprises pivoting said strike-off member about first and
second pivot axes relative to said frame portion, said first and
second pivot axes being generally orthogonal relative to one
another.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein pivoting or tilting said
strike-off member comprises pivoting or tilting said strike-off
member in response to a signal from a level sensing device, said
level sensing device being adapted to determine a degree of tilt of
said strike-off member about said first and second pivot axes.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said first pivot axis comprises
a longitudinal axis such that said strike-off member is pivotable
side-to-side about said first pivot axis, said second pivot axis
comprising a lateral axis such that said strike-off member is
pivotable forward and backward about said second pivot axis.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein said strike-off member is
formed to define a receiving area in front of said strike-off
member, wherein discharging uncured concrete comprises discharging
uncured concrete at said receiving area, and wherein striking off
the uncured concrete comprises striking off the uncured concrete
via movement of said strike-off member over the subgrade
surface.
23. The method of claim 16, wherein adjusting said strike-off
member comprises pivoting said strike-off member relative to said
frame portion about a generally vertical pivot axis.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein pivoting said strike-off member
comprises pivoting said strike-off member within a specified range
of pivotal movement and limiting pivotal movement of said
strike-off member.
25. The method of claim 16, wherein providing a concrete strike-off
device comprises providing a concrete strike-off device having a
vibratable member positioned at said strike-off member, said method
including vibrating said vibratable member to vibrate and smooth
and compact the concrete surface that is struck off by said
strike-off member.
26. A concrete chute strike-off device operable to strike-off
uncured concrete as the uncured concrete is delivered by a chute of
a concrete delivery truck, said concrete chute strike-off device
comprising: a frame portion adapted to mount to a discharge end of
a chute of a concrete delivery truck; a strike-off member
adjustably mounted to said frame portion, said strike-off member
being vertically adjustable relative to said frame portion, said
strike-off member being pivotally adjustable about at least one
generally horizontal pivot axis; at least one sensing device for
sensing a degree of tilt of said strike-off member about said at
least one pivot axis; and a control operable to automatically
adjust said strike-off member relative to said frame portion about
said at least one pivot axis in response to at least one signal
from said at least one sensing device, said control being operable
to adjust said strike-off member relative to said frame portion
while said strike-off member strikes off the uncured concrete at
the subgrade surface.
27. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 26, wherein said
at least one pivot axis comprises first and second pivot axes and
said at least one sensing device comprises first and second sensing
devices.
28. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 27, wherein said
first and second pivot axes are generally orthogonal relative to
one another.
29. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 28, wherein said
first pivot axis comprises a longitudinal axis such that said
strike-off member is pivotable side-to-side about said first pivot
axis, and wherein said second pivot axis comprises a lateral axis
such that said strike-off member is pivotable forward and backward
about said second pivot axis.
30. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 26 including a
laser receiver positioned on a support member extending upward from
said strike-off member, said laser receiver sensing a laser
reference plane generated by a laser system, said control being
operable to vertically adjust said strike-off member in response to
a signal from said laser receiver.
31. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 26, wherein said
strike-off member is formed to define a receiving area in front of
said strike-off member, the uncured concrete being placed at said
receiving area such that movement of said strike-off member
relative to the subgrade surface strikes off the placed uncured
concrete in said receiving area.
32. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 31, wherein said
strike-off member comprises one of a V-shaped member, a U-shaped
member and an arcuately curved member.
33. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 26, wherein said
strike-off member is pivotally mounted to said frame portion and
pivotable about a generally vertical pivot axis relative to said
frame portion.
34. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 33, wherein said
strike-off member comprises a substantially straight member.
35. The concrete chute strike-off device of claim 26 including a
vibratable member positioned at said strike-off member and operable
to vibrate and smooth and compact the concrete surface that is
struck off by said strike-off member.
36. A concrete delivery and spreading assembly, said concrete
delivery and spreading assembly being attachable to a concrete
delivery truck, said concrete delivery and spreading assembly
comprising: a chute section configured to attach to a discharge of
the concrete delivery truck, said chute section comprising a
conduit along which uncured concrete flows as the concrete is
discharged from the delivery truck; a concrete strike-off device
attached at an end of said chute section for striking off uncured
concrete discharged from said chute section, said concrete
strike-off device comprising: a frame portion attached to said end
of said chute section; and a strike-off member adjustably mounted
to said frame portion; and a control operable to automatically
adjust said strike-off member relative to said frame portion to
strike-off the placed concrete at a desired grade, said control
being operable to adjust said strike-off member relative to said
frame portion while said strike-off member strikes off the uncured
concrete at the subgrade surface.
37. The concrete delivery and spreading assembly of claim 36,
wherein said control is operable to vertically adjust said
strike-off member relative to said frame portion in response to an
elevation sensing device.
38. The concrete delivery and spreading assembly of claim 36,
wherein said strike-off member is pivotally adjustable about first
and second pivot axes relative to said frame portion, said first
and second axes being generally orthogonal.
39. The concrete delivery and spreading assembly of claim 38
including a level sensing device adapted to determine a degree of
tilt of said strike-off member about said first and second pivot
axes, said control being operable to adjust the orientation of said
strike-off member about said first and second pivot axes in
response to a signal from said level sensing device.
40. The concrete delivery and spreading assembly of claim 36,
wherein said strike-off member is formed to define a receiving area
in front of said strike-off member, the uncured concrete being
placed at said receiving area such that movement of said strike-off
member relative to the subgrade surface strikes off the placed
uncured concrete in said receiving area.
41. The concrete delivery and spreading assembly of claim 36,
wherein said strike-off member is pivotally mounted to said frame
portion and pivotable about a generally vertical pivot axis.
42. The concrete delivery and spreading assembly of claim 41,
wherein said strike-off member is pivotable about said generally
vertical pivot axis within a specified range of pivotal movement,
said pivotable movement being limited by a pivot limiting
device.
43. The concrete delivery and spreading assembly of claim 42,
wherein said strike-off member is pivotally adjustable about a
generally horizontal pivot axis relative to said frame portion.
44. The concrete delivery and spreading assembly of claim 36
including a vibratable member positioned at said strike-off member
and operable to vibrate and smooth and compact the concrete surface
that is struck off by said strike-off member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims benefit on U.S. provisional
application, Ser. No. 60/539,775, filed Jan. 27, 2004, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to chutes for
concrete delivery trucks and, more particularly, to chutes for
concrete delivery trucks that discharge uncured concrete onto a
subgrade upon which a concrete slab will be formed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One of the most common practices for the placement of
concrete during the construction of slab-on-grade concrete surfaces
and floors is to discharge concrete directly from concrete delivery
trucks via a chute onto a subgrade upon which the slab will be
formed. Discharging the concrete from modem trucks is typically at
least partially automated when state-of-the-art trucks are used. In
cases where the truck has a front discharge chute, the truck driver
is often required to perform the task of controlling the concrete
chute from the driver's seat. However, considerable manual labor is
required to spread the concrete to a reasonably uniform depth for
subsequent strike-off and/or screeding of the placed and spread
concrete. Automated machines, such as the Laser Screed.TM.
laser-guided screeding machine manufactured by Somero Enterprises
of Houghton, Mich., USA, reduce the manual labor of screeding
concrete substantially over large areas. However, in many instances
where a screeding machine cannot be used or where the screeding
machine is not readily suited for the particular application, the
concrete often is spread out or struck-off in a somewhat uniform
fashion by manual effort, which is often very labor intensive and
costly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a chute and laser-guided
strike-off and/or screeding device or machine that is operable to
strike-off and at least partially finish the uncured concrete
placed at a site as it is discharged from the concrete truck
delivery chute. In an effort to reduce the labor and cost
associated with manual spreading out and striking off of the
uncured placed concrete, the device of the present invention, which
may be described as a "concrete-chute striking-off and/or screeding
machine or device", may be implemented. The device may be used to
strike-off and more evenly finish the concrete substantially
immediately as the uncured concrete is directly discharged from the
ready-mix concrete truck delivery chute. The expected benefits of
the concrete-chute striking off and/or screeding machine of the
present invention include that little or no additional manual labor
or equipment may be required in order to place, strike-off, rake,
or otherwise spread out and screed the uncured concrete to a
desired grade elevation at the job site. The present invention thus
may be especially useful where current methods and machines are not
practical or are unable to be used for a variety of reasons.
[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a concrete
chute strike-off device includes a frame portion adapted to mount
to a discharge end of a chute of a concrete delivery truck, a
strike-off member adjustably mounted to the frame portion, a
sensing device for sensing an elevation, position and/or
orientation of the strike-off member, and a control operable to
automatically adjust the strike-off member relative to the frame
portion in response to a signal from the sensing device. The
strike-off device is thus operable to strike-off uncured concrete
as the uncured concrete is delivered to a subgrade surface by a
chute of a concrete delivery truck. The control is operable to
adjust the strike-off member relative to the frame portion while
the strike-off member strikes off the uncured concrete at the
subgrade surface.
[0006] The strike-off member may be pivotally mounted to the frame
portion, and the sensing device may comprise a level sensing
device. The strike-off member may be pivotable or tiltable about
first and second generally orthogonal and generally horizontal
pivot axes. The level sensing device may determine a degree of tilt
of the strike-off member about the first and second pivot axes. The
control may adjust the orientation or tilt of the strike-off member
about the first and second pivot axes in response to a signal from
the level sensing device.
[0007] The strike-off member may be vertically adjustable relative
to the frame portion, and the sensing device may comprise a laser
receiver for receiving or sensing a laser reference plane of a
laser system. The control may vertically adjust the strike-off
member relative to the frame portion in response to a signal from
the laser receiver.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method for striking off uncured concrete as it is discharged onto a
targeted subgrade surface by a chute of a concrete delivery truck
includes providing a concrete strike-off device having a frame
portion and a strike-off member adjustably mounted to the frame
portion. The frame portion is attached to an end of a chute of a
concrete delivery truck. The concrete delivery truck discharges
uncured concrete to the subgrade via the chute. The chute provides
a channel or conduit for uncured concrete to flow from the concrete
delivery truck to the targeted subgrade. The uncured concrete is
struck-off as it is discharged to the targeted subgrade by the
chute. The strike-off member is adjusted to a desired grade while
striking off the uncured concrete.
[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a strike-off
device or machine for striking off uncured concrete as it is
discharged from a chute of a concrete delivery truck. The
strike-off device is operable to strike-off the uncured concrete at
a desired grade to limit or reduce the manual labor that otherwise
may be required to set or establish the desired grade of the
concrete slab as the uncured concrete is discharged onto the
targeted subgrade or surface. The strike-off device may be
vertically adjusted in response to a laser leveling system to
provide the desired grade of the concrete slab. The strike-off
device may also or otherwise be tilted forward/rearward about a
laterally extending axis and/or side-to-side about a longitudinally
extending axis, in order to adjust the orientation or tilt of the
strike-off member or device while the strike-off device is striking
off the uncured concrete. The present invention thus provides an
automatically adjustable strike-off device for striking off and
spreading out uncured concrete as it is discharged onto the
targeted area or surface by a discharge chute of a concrete
delivery truck.
[0010] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features
of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the
following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a concrete chute striking
off device in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a hydraulic schematic of a hydraulic system useful
with the concrete chute striking off device of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for
use with the concrete chute striking off device of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the concrete chute striking
off device of FIG. 1, shown attached to a concrete delivery
truck;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another concrete chute
striking off device in accordance with the present invention;
and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another concrete chute
striking off device in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative
embodiments depicted therein, a concrete chute screeding or
strike-off device or apparatus or machine 10 is operable to
strike-off and/or screed freshly placed and uncured concrete at an
end of a discharge chute 12 (FIGS. 1 and 4). The apparatus 10
consists of a strike-off plow or member 14 (such as a "V-shaped"
strike-off plow or member) attached to a discharge end 16 of the
concrete ready-mix truck delivery chute 12. The elevation or height
of the V-shaped plow 14 at or above a subgrade is controlled by a
control or controller or control system 18 (FIG. 3). The plow 14
thus may be adjusted to and/or maintained at a desired height and
may strike off concrete that is discharged from a concrete delivery
truck 20 (FIG. 4) at the plow 14 via the delivery chute 12, in
order to at least partially or roughly establish the desired grade
of the concrete, as discussed below. Optionally, the tilt or angle
of the plow may also or otherwise be controlled or adjusted, as
also discussed below.
[0018] The control means or system 18 may control the elevation of
the V-shaped plow, such as in response to a laser control system or
the like. For example, such a laser control system may utilize
essentially similar laser-based machine control technology as that
described by commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,633, which
issued Apr. 7, 1987, and which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. Such machine control technology is included within
laser-guided screeding machines currently manufactured by Somero
Enterprises. Such screeding machines typically are implemented to
control the elevation of a screed head that is supported by a
telescopic boom assembly. The telescopic boom of such machines may
be retracted toward the stationary base of the machine while the
screed head may be engaged with uncured concrete that has been
previously placed over a subgrade.
[0019] The concrete chute strike-off device of the present
invention is constructed and operates as discussed below. The
V-shaped plow 14 on the concrete chute strike-off device 10 is
attached to the lower end of a generally vertical mast member 22
that can slide or move vertically inside a mast support tube 24.
The support tube 24 is mounted to a frame 32 and extends generally
vertically upwardly therefrom. An actuator 26, such as an electric
linear actuator or a hydraulic cylinder (as shown in FIG. 1) or
other actuating device, adjusts or controls the relative position
of the vertical mast member relative to the mast support tube.
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, a laser receiver 28 is
attached to the upper end of the mast member 22. The laser receiver
28 senses the position of a laser plane generated by an on-site
laser transmitter (not shown) located at or near or adjacent to the
area of operation of the device. The laser receiver generates an
electrical output signal, which is directed to the input of a
controller or control box 18 located on the screeding apparatus.
The controller or control box 18 is operable to adjust the position
or extension/retraction of the vertical mast 22 and thus the plow
14 relative to the support tube 24 and the frame 32 in response to
the signal from the laser receiver. For example, the controller may
operate a hydraulic valve or solenoid valve 27 (FIG. 2), which then
controls the position or extension/retraction of the hydraulic
cylinder or actuator 26 attached to the vertical mast member 22 and
mast support tube 24 (optionally, and alternately, the controller
may directly control the position of an electric linear actuator or
other actuating device used in place of the hydraulic cylinder,
without affecting the scope of the present invention).
[0021] During operation, the controller correctively controls or
adjusts the elevation position of the vertical mast member, laser
receiver, and V-shaped plow relative to the subgrade surface, such
that the laser plane generated by the laser transmitter of the
laser system remains substantially centered within the "on-grade"
portion of the laser receiver's sensing element. Thus, the
controller maintains the V-shaped plow at a substantially fixed or
constant relative height or distance from the generated laser plane
at the site. For example, if the plow, and hence the laser
receiver, were to fall below or rise above the desired grade, the
controller would receive either a corresponding "low" or "high"
signal from the laser receiver. The controller would then output a
signal to move or adjust the hydraulic cylinder or electric
actuator to accordingly raise or lower the receiver. Therefore, the
height or elevation of the V-shaped plow is substantially
accurately maintained at the desired "on-grade" elevation position
while it engages the uncured concrete during its operation. As used
herein, the term "grade" is meant to describe the desired level or
height of the concrete on the subgrade or support surface after the
concrete has been placed and struck off.
[0022] Optionally, and in addition to the elevation control
described above, the cutting edge of the V-shaped plow may be
controlled so that it remains in a generally horizontal plane
during its operation. This may be accomplished by means of pivotal
mounting of the plow mast support tube 24 to the frame portion via
a dual axis trunnion or central frame portion 30 that is pivotally
mounted to an outermost trunnion frame portion 31 of frame 32,
which may be mounted to or attached to or at the discharge end of
the chute 12. The plow 14, support tube 24 and central frame
portion 30 thus may be pivoted about a pair of generally orthogonal
pivot axes 34a, 34b with respect to the outer frame portion 31. Two
pivot axes 34a, 34b are thus provided, with each pivot axis being
generally perpendicular with respect to the other and oriented in a
generally horizontal plane. The first and outer most trunnion axis
34a may be referred to as a "fore aft trunnion axis", while the
second and innermost trunnion axis 34b may be referred to as a
"side-tilt trunnion axis". Two independent linear actuators or
hydraulic cylinders 36, 38 may control the relative vertical
position or rotation of the central assembly (comprising the
central frame portion 30, vertical mast members 22, 24, laser
receiver 28, and V-shaped plow 14) about both trunnion axes 34a,
34b, respectively, and relative to the outer frame portion 31 of
frame 32.
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller or control box
18 receives an output signal from a level sensor 40 fixedly-mounted
to the mast support tube 24. The level sensor in a particular
embodiment of the present invention is of a dual-axis swinging
pendulum type, but may comprise other types of level sensors,
without affecting the scope of the present invention. Damping
fluids or oils of various viscosities may be included within the
level sensor to reduce or damp-out the effects of vibrations or
jarring movements within the apparatus in an effort to improve the
control response characteristics of the device. Other methods of
level sensing technology or multiple sensors may optionally be used
to measure the degree of levelness of the mast support tube,
without affecting the scope of the present invention.
[0024] Low friction pivot bearings for the trunnion pivot axes and
the fixed ends of the actuators may be housed within the trunnion
frame. The trunnion frame subassembly 32 may in turn be fixed to a
mounting bracket 42 adapted to be rigidly or otherwise securely
attached at the discharge end 16 of the outermost end section of a
series of concrete delivery truck chute sections 12a. Since the
entire apparatus is attached at the discharge end 16 of the
concrete chute 12, it will move up and down or change angular
position relative to the ground based on any movement of the
concrete truck 20 and chute 12. However, the response
characteristics of the control system are preferably selected such
that the hydraulic cylinders or actuators will strive to keep the
bottom edge of the V-shaped plow at the desired correct elevation
(such as in response to the laser receiver 28) for working the
concrete. In addition, the V-shaped plow may be maintained in a
generally horizontal plane (such as in response to the level
sensors or controls 40) regardless of how the truck or chutes are
moved over the support surface.
[0025] A general hydraulic schematic suitable for use with the
chute strike-off device 10 is shown in FIG. 2, where hydraulic
power is made available from a hydraulic pump 44 and motor 46, such
as a six horsepower unit (prime mover) or the like, mounted to the
concrete truck. Alternately, the concrete truck may directly supply
hydraulic and electrical power from its onboard systems through
hydraulic and electrical quick-disconnect fittings and connectors
or the like, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
The screed elevation hydraulic control valve 27, the fore-aft tilt
hydraulic control valve 48, and the side-tilt hydraulic control
valve 50 are controlled by signals generated by the controller. The
laser receiver and level sensors provide input signals to the
controller. In effect, the control controls the screed elevation
control valve 27 and screed elevation cylinder 26 (or electric
actuator) to adjust the elevation of the V-shaped plow in response
to a signal from the laser receiver 28, while the control controls
the fore-aft control valve 48 and cylinder or actuator 36 and the
side-tilt control valve 50 and cylinder or actuator 38 to adjust
the orientation of the V-shaped plow in response to the respective
level sensors 40.
[0026] Apparatus Operation:
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, an anticipated mode of operation is
for the concrete ready-mix truck driver-operator to swing the
delivery chute sections 12a from side to side using the known or
standard on-board control functions of the truck. Preferably, and
as shown in FIG. 4, the chute 12 is a front discharge chute and is
attached to and extends from a forward or front portion of the
truck 20 so that the driver/operator may readily view and control
the chute from within the cab of the truck. However, the chute may
be a rear discharge chute or other type of chute without affecting
the scope of the present invention. The chute or chute sections
provide a conduit (such as a channel or trough or tube or the like)
for the uncured concrete to flow through and/or along from the
truck to the subgrade surface at the discharge end of the
chute.
[0028] While discharging concrete down the chute or chute sections
onto the subgrade, the discharging concrete will fall within the
receiving area 14a or "V" of the bi-directional or V-shaped plow 14
and be struck-off to the desired grade by the lateral motion or
side-to-side or arcuate motion of the bottom edge of the V-shaped
plow. As the concrete is discharged at the plow, the chute (and
strike-off device and plow) is pivoted or moved or swung in a
side-to-side arcuate motion to place or distribute the concrete
over the subgrade while the plow strikes-off the placed or
distributed concrete. The elevation and tilt of the V-shaped plow
is adjusted and substantially maintained in two axes throughout the
lateral swing movement, thus substantially striking off and
leveling the uncured concrete engaged by the V-shaped plow. Upon
completion of a swing in one direction, the operator may reverse
the truck, backing up slightly, and may proceed to repeat the swing
and concrete screeding or leveling operation in the opposite
direction. This process may be repeated until the entire load of
uncured concrete has been discharged and placed at the targeted
area. Since the control system is able to keep the bottom edge of
the plow on-grade and within a generally horizontal plane, the
uncured concrete will be accordingly struck off and substantially
leveled. The generated laser plane at the site is directly
correlated to the desired "on-grade" finished concrete elevation at
the site.
[0029] Optionally, an alternate method of operation could allow the
driver/operator of the concrete delivery truck and/or controls to
continually but very slowly back-up the truck while continuously
swinging the chute sections and screeding apparatus from side to
side while discharging concrete onto the subgrade. Other methods of
placing and striking off the concrete with the chutes and chute
strike-off device may be implemented without affecting the scope of
the present invention.
[0030] After the concrete truck and strike-off device or apparatus
have discharged and struck off and substantially leveled the load
of concrete, the concrete-chute strike-off apparatus may be set
down on the ground, such as off to one side of the poured concrete.
The strike-off device or unit may then be detached from the truck
at the outermost end of the concrete chute. Alternately, the outer
most concrete chute section or sections may remain attached to the
strike-off device, without affecting the scope of the present
invention. Any hydraulic lines and electrical control cables may
then be disconnected, such as by use of quick-disconnect
attachments or the like between the truck and the strike-off
device. The concrete truck may then be driven away to secure
another load of concrete as may be needed and/or a second truck may
arrive on site with a full load as needed. The second truck may be
equipped the same as the first and preferably may have the same
quick disconnect hydraulic and electrical control cables as the
first. The concrete chute strike-off device or apparatus may thus
be attached to the chute of the second truck and moved into
position, and the placing and striking-off process may be
continued. Multiple trucks may be equipped in this way to continue
strike-off and/or screeding operations indefinitely or at different
sites as desired.
[0031] Optionally, when the concrete striking off and leveling
operations are fully completed for the day, the concrete-chute
screeding apparatus may be pressure washed, detached from the last
truck, partially disassembled, and stored on-board the truck for
transport away from the site. The entire apparatus is preferably
light enough in weight such that when partially disassembled for
transport, the components can be lifted, carried, and stored away
by one or two workers until needed again.
[0032] Optionally, and additionally, and with reference to FIG. 5,
a vibrating member 52 may be added adjacent to and trailing the
direction of movement of the V-shaped plow 14 at a strike-off
device 10'. The vibrating member 52 may be vibratable to compact
and smooth and screed the placed and struck off and leveled
concrete as the chutes and strike-off device are moved over the
subgrade surface. The vibrating member 52 may comprise any type of
vibratable device or member, such as the types described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,655,633; 4,930,935; 6,129,481; 6,152,647; 6,183,160;
6,588,976; 6,623,208 and 6,227,761, and/or U.S. patent
applications, Ser. No. 10/266,305, filed Oct. 8, 2002 (Attorney
Docket SOM01 P-318C); Ser. No. 10/728,620, filed Dec. 5, 2003
(Attorney Docket SOM01 P-318D); and Ser. No. 10/902,528, filed Jul.
29, 2004 (Attorney Docket SOM01 P-326), which are all hereby
incorporated herein by reference. The vibrating member may be
generally V-shaped or straight or any other desired or suitable
shape to provide the desired finishing characteristics at the rear
of the V-shaped or curved plow, without affecting the scope of the
present invention. The use of a vibratable or vibrating member may
allow the device to finish the concrete surface to an increased
degree of surface quality. The vibrating member may be attached to
a rear surface of the strike-off member or plow or may be attached
to the adjustable frame portion 30 and may be adjustable relative
to the frame portion and chutes and subgrade surface with the plow
or strike-off member. The strike-off device 10' may otherwise be
substantially similar to the strike-off device 10 discussed above,
such that a detailed discussion of the strike-off devices will not
be repeated herein. The similar components are referenced in FIG. 4
with the same reference numbers used in connection with the
strike-off device 10.
[0033] Although shown and described as a generally V-shaped plow,
the plow of the strike-off and/or screeding device may be replaced
by a curved plow or a crescent-shaped plow or a circular or
ring-shaped plow or any other shaped plow or strike-off beam or
other suitable strike-off member or the like, without affecting the
scope of the present invention. The plow or strike-off member thus
may be formed to define the receiving portion or area for receiving
the uncured concrete at the subgrade surface and generally in front
of the plow or strike-off member such that movement of the plow or
strike-off member over and along the concrete at the subgrade
surface strikes off the placed uncured concrete and generally
established the desired grade of the uncured concrete. Likewise,
the vibrating member (if applicable) may comprise any suitable
shape, such as a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of
the plow or strike-off member, or any other shape as desired, and
optionally may comprise two vibrating members oriented at an angle
relative to one another.
[0034] Optionally, the strike-off member or plow and/or vibrating
device (if applicable) may comprise other shapes as desired,
depending on the particular application of the strike-off device or
apparatus. For example, and with reference to FIG. 6, a concrete
chute screeding or strike-off device or apparatus or machine 110 is
operable to strike-off and/or screed freshly placed and uncured
concrete at a discharge end 116 of a discharge chute 112. The
apparatus 110 consists of a strike-off plow or member 114 pivotally
attached to a frame portion 132, which is attached to a bracket 142
at the discharge end 116 of the concrete ready-mix truck delivery
chute 112. The elevation or height of the strike-off member 114 at
or above a subgrade is controlled by a control or controller or
control system, such as in a similar manner as described above. The
strike-off member 114 is attached to the lower end of the generally
vertical mast member 122 (which may slide or move vertically inside
a mast support tube 124 via an actuator 126, which may vertically
adjust the mast member in response to a signal from a laser
receiver 128, as described above).
[0035] As shown in FIG. 6, support tube 124 may be mounted to the
bracket 142 via a single axis trunnion frame 132, such that the
tube 124 (and thus the strike-off member 114) is pivotable about a
pivot axis 134a. The controller or control system may receive an
output signal from a level sensor 140 fixedly-mounted to the mast
support tube 124, and may adjust the support tube 124 about the
pivot axis 134a in response to the output signal and via an
actuator 136, such as in a similar manner as described above.
[0036] The lower end of the support tube 124 is attached to an
elongated mounting bar or member 135, which is oriented generally
normally or orthogonal to the pivot axis 134a. The strike-off
member 114 may comprise a single "non-V-shaped" member or a
substantially straight member or beam or the like that is
adjustably or movably mounted to the elongated mounting member 135.
In the illustrated embodiment, the strike-off member 114 is
supported at a forward end 114a by a generally vertical pivot pin
137 extending generally downwardly from a forward end 135a of
mounting member 135, such that the strike-off member 114 may pivot
or swing side to side about the generally vertical pivot pin 137. A
rearward end 114b of the strike-off member 114 may be attached to
or supported by a pivot limiting device or "slide-bar" 139 or the
like. The slide bar 139 (which may comprise a generally rigid bar
or member that extends generally laterally and generally normal or
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the strike-off member) is
slidably or adjustably or movably connected to or engaged with a
rearward end 135b of the elongated mounting member 135, such as
slidably received within a receiving portion 135c at rearward end
135b of mounting member 135.
[0037] The slide bar 139 allows the strike-off member or plow to
swing horizontally to either side of the support or mounting member
135, and limits pivotal movement of the strike-off member at the
outer ends of the desired pivotal range of motion of the strike-off
member. For example, the slide bar 139 may include end plates 139a
that contact the receiving portion 135c to limit further pivotal
movement of the strike-off member in that direction. The strike-off
member 114 thus may pivot in one direction as the strike-off
apparatus 110 is moved in one direction over the placed concrete,
and then may pivot in the other direction toward the other side
when the strike-off apparatus is moved in the other direction over
the placed concrete. Such a mounting arrangement and pivot limiting
means of the strike-off member allows the strike-off member to "get
behind" or follow the concrete being placed by the chute 112 when
the strike-off apparatus is moving in a left or right generally
lateral (or arcuate) direction. The generally straight strike-off
member or plow is then able to strike-off the concrete in either
the left or right directions. The range of pivotal movement of the
strike-off member or plow may be set (and may be dictated by the
length of the slide bar) to provide the desired angle of the plow
relative to the direction of travel of the strike-off device.
[0038] A further advantage of the substantially straight strike-off
member and mounting arrangement is that the control system for the
strike-off apparatus 110 may be simplified because only one axis of
rotation is needed due to the "single edged" strike-off member or
plow. Optionally, the strike-off apparatus 110 may also or
otherwise include a vibratable member or beam (not shown in FIG. 6)
attached or mounted to the mounting member 135.
[0039] Optionally, the strike-off and/or screeding apparatus of the
present invention may be at least partially supported at the
concrete surface, and therefore further controllably stabilized
relative to the desired grade. For example, the screeding apparatus
may be at least partially supported by a trailing contact face of a
plow or the face of a vibrating member that is at least partially
supported by the uncured concrete surface, without affecting the
scope of the present invention. For example, the strike-off and/or
screeding device or apparatus may utilize aspects of the screeding
devices described in U.S. patent applications, Ser. No. 10/266,305,
filed Oct. 8, 2002 (Attorney Docket SOM01 P-318C); Ser. No.
10/728,620, filed Dec. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket SOM01 P-318D); and
Ser. No. 10/902,528, filed Jul. 29, 2004 (Attorney Docket SOM01
P-326), which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0040] Therefore, the present invention provides a concrete
strike-off and/or screeding device that is attached at the end of a
delivery chute of a concrete delivery truck and that is operable to
strike-off and/or level and/or screed the uncured concrete placed
on the subgrade by the chute of the truck. The chute strike-off
and/or screeding device of the present invention thus may
strike-off and/or level the uncured concrete as it is placed at the
targeted area, such that manual labor is not required to initially
strike-off excess concrete to the desired grade. The device may
include a vibrating member or screeding element to further process
or work or finish the struck-off concrete at the subgrade.
[0041] Changes and modifications to the specifically described
embodiments may be carried out without departing from the
principles of the present invention, which is intended to be
limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted
according to the principles of patent law.
* * * * *