Exo-Lift
AssigneeWorks R&D, Inc.
InventorWilliam Bruce Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The current invention includes a system and method for removing and replacing rigid slabs in pavement sections of highways, bridge decks, airport runways, and various other similar structures. The method may utilize a lifting frame which acts to remove damaged slabs in a single operation also is used to reinstall a replacement slab or panel while acting as external reinforcement and also serving to align and secure the replacement panel in the void left by the removed section while under bedding material is installed and cured under the new panel.
Claims44
A method for use in moving a concrete slab, the method comprising:
- installing a plurality of anchors through an upper surface into an interior of a concrete slab;
- installing a frame adjacent the upper surface of the concrete slab;
- attaching the frame to the anchors via a plurality of attachment devices;
- and
- moving the frame and the concrete slab as a unit.
A method for use in repairing a broken concrete slab, the method comprising:
- providing a frame having adjustable frame members;
- positioning the frame adjacent the broken concrete slab such that a portion of at least one of the frame members is positioned adjacent an upper surface of each of the plurality of sections of broken concrete slab;
- securing the frame members to each section of the broken concrete slab to thereby support the broken concrete slab for lifting;
- and
- lifting the broken concrete slab and the frame substantially simultaneously as a unit.
A method for use in positioning a replacement concrete slab into a void adjacent an existing concrete slab, the method comprising:
- providing a replacement concrete slab having an upper surface;
- providing a frame including one or more extensions;
- positioning the frame adjacent the upper surface of the replacement concrete slab such that the extensions of the frame extend outwardly beyond a perimeter of the replacement concrete slab;
- securing the frame to the replacement concrete slab to thereby support the replacement concrete slab for lifting;
- lifting the replacement concrete slab and the frame substantially simultaneously as a unit;
- positioning the replacement concrete slab into a void adjacent an existing concrete slab;
- and
- aligning and supporting the replacement concrete slab by placing one or more extensions of the frame on the existing concrete slab.
A system for installing an unbroken slab next to an adjacent slab, each of the unbroken slab and adjacent slab having a respective upper surface, the system comprising:
- a plurality of anchors configured to be embedded at least partially within an interior of the unbroken slab;
- a frame configured to be positioned adjacent the upper surface of the unbroken slab such that a portion of the frame is positioned adjacent each of the anchors;
- and
- a plurality of attachment devices, each attachment device configured to securely connect one of the anchors to a corresponding portion of the frame, to thereby secure the frame to the unbroken slab;
- an extension configured to extend from the frame to outside a perimeter of the unbroken slab and rest on the adjacent slab, to thereby align the upper surface of the unbroken slab with the upper surface of the adjacent slab.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.