A control system is provided for automatically moving a machine along a desired path. The machine uses a “learn and follow” system in which the machine is first operated in a manual mode along a desired path. The control system learns the desired path and then operates the machine in a robotic mode to follow the desired path without operator control. If the machine moves away from the desired path when in the robotic mode, the location of the machine is corrected using GPS location signals.

Robotic Vehicle Controller

A wheeled screeding device includes a wheeled support having a frame portion supported by at least one wheel, with the at least one wheel defining an axis of rotation. A screed head is mounted to the frame portion and is balanced such that the screed head is at least partially supportable on an uncured concrete surface. The screed head is adapted to impart a force onto the uncured concrete surface. An adjustment device may be operable to adjust a balance of the wheeled support about the axis of rotation to adjust the force imparted by the screed head. The screed head may be pivotable about an axis generally normal to the axis of rotation of the wheel and relative to the at least one wheel to adjust an angle of the screed head relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

Apparatus for screeding uncured concrete surfaces

A control system for controlling motion of a pallet truck vehicle includes three modes of operation for controlling coasting of the vehicle. In a first, constant pressure mode, the vehicle coasts for as long as an activation button is depressed. In a second, time controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined period of time. In the third, distance controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined distance. Each of these functions can be activated from a remote location using a remote activation device.

Control system for a pallet truck

A wheeled strike-off apparatus (10) is movable over a surface of uncured concrete or subgrade materials and is operable to establish a desired grade of the uncured concrete surface or subgrade surface. The apparatus includes a wheeled support (12) and a plow assembly (14). The wheeled support may have a front frame portion (212a) and a pair of front wheels (224) rotatably mounted at the front frame portion, and may have a rear frame portion (212b) and a pair of rear wheels (226) rotatably mounted at the rear frame portion. The plow assembly may be adjustably mounted to the front frame portion and may be vertically adjustable relative to the frame portion via an actuator (230). The plow assembly includes at least one plow member (218) for engaging and establishing the desired grade.

Powered strike-off plow

A soft landing control system (10) for a screeding device (12) is operable to automatically lower a vibrating member (24) of a screed head assembly (14) into engagement with a concrete surface at a time and place where the vibrating member is not positioned over an overlap area of already screeded concrete. The vibrating member is automatically lowered onto newly placed concrete at or near the junction or cold-joint between the already screeded concrete and the area of newly placed concrete, so as to avoid depressions in the already placed concrete. Optionally, the soft landing control system may include a timing device and may lower the vibrating member after a period of time following an activating event. Optionally, the control system may detect when the vibrating device is positioned at or near the newly placed concrete and may lower the vibrating member in response to such detection.

Apparatus and method for improving the control of a concrete screed head assembly

A lightweight screeding apparatus for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a concrete surface working member, such as vibrating beam or member, and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating beam. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating beam and/or the grade setting device. The wheels of the wheeled support may be powered or driven to assist an operator in moving the screeding apparatus over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device is vertically adjustable to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The grade setting device may be adjusted by means of a laser plane responsive control system.

Lightweight apparatus for screeding and vibrating uncured concrete surfaces

A wheeled screeding apparatus includes a vibrating member adjustably mounted at an end of a frame portion of a wheeled support, with the vibrating member at least partially supporting the end of the frame portion. The vibrating member is generally vertically adjustable relative to the frame portion to adjust a level of the vibrating member relative to the wheeled support. A level control is operable to automatically adjust the vibrating member relative to the frame portion in response to an output of a level sensor, with the level control automatically adjusting the vibrating member relative to the frame portion to substantially maintain the frame portion at a desired orientation relative to horizontal as the screeding device is moved over and through the uncured concrete in a screeding direction.

Apparatus for screeding uncured concrete

A device and method for measuring an initial camber of a beam includes a support member positionable at a beam of a structure. The support member includes a laser receiver for receiving a laser reference plane at a first location when the support member is positioned at an end of the beam and at a second location when the support member is positioned at a central region of the beam. The initial camber of the beam is then derived by determining a difference between the first and second locations on the laser receiver. A loose shoring system provides an adjustable length support section and a positive stop for limiting deflection of the beam at a desired amount generally equal to the measured initial camber of the beam. The stop is adjustable to set a gap approximately equal to the expected deflection or initial camber of the beam as desired.

Russ E. Stein

Papers

Apparatus for screeding uncured concrete surfaces

Lightweight apparatus for screeding and vibrating uncured concrete surfaces

Powered strike-off plow

Apparatus for screeding uncured concrete

Apparatus and method for improving quality of elevated concrete floors