Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled feeding of concrete strengthening and adhesion material, such as plastic fibers, to a concrete mix. The apparatus includes a set of reciprocating spikes that contract the fibers with a comb-like action that separates the individual fibers and moves them forward to a rotating agitator having a central rotating shaft with spokes extending outwardly to provide a further separation of fibers and a forward movement of the fibers toward a rotating impeller which moves the fibers forward and downward to a duct which exits to a concrete mixing apparatus. The separation of the fibers prior to entry into the concrete mix serves to inhibit or prevent subsequent aggregation or balling of the fibers in the mix.

Abstract: A material blender mixer is mounted to a chassis of a vehicle. The mixer includes a first material holder bin mounted to the vehicle chassis, a second material holder bin mounted to the chassis positioned reawardly of the first material bin, a device for dispensing the second material from the second material holder bin, a cross auger attached to the chassis and disposed beneath the dispensing device and a mixing auger in fluid communication with the cross auger. A conveyor extends through the first material holder bin and has a dispensing end in fluid communication with the cross auger. A device for agitating the first material in the first material holder bin is provided and includes a vertical agitator and a horizontal agitator, wherein fingers are disposed in both of the agitators adapted to agitate material held in the first material holder bin. Further, a method for preparing a settable material is disclosed, including use of a moist class F fly ash and a dry class C fly ash.

Abstract: A cement mixer includes receptacles for the aggregate, cement, water and additive which are mixed together to form a concrete mixture. A conveyor extends from an aggregate bin to a cross auger beneath a cement bin. A plurality of mixing augers extends along the side of the cement mixer from the cross auger to the rear of the cement mixer. The mixing augers each include a helical auger fin preferably having a plurality of notches spaced along an outer edge of the auger fin. The auger boot may include a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the auger boot and the auger fin.

Abstract: An auger swivel for a concrete mixer includes a channel mounted to a bowl. A center member is pivotally connected to a pivot point near the channel and near an outer surface of the bowl. The center member includes a pair of first wings that extend from the pivot point, opposite each other and away form the bowl. Two slides are received in the channel and are positioned away from each other by a ring. Two second wings are provided. One of the second wings is pivotally connected to one of the first wings at one of its ends and pivotally connected to one of the slides at its other end. The other second wing is similarly connected to the other first wing and the other slide. An actuator rotates the center member about the pivot point and causes the slides to rotate around the outer surface of the bowl and about a longitudinal axis passing through the bowl.

Abstract: A cement mixing and distribution apparatus is disclosed and includes a metering wheel assembly and an adjustable bearing assembly for an auger shaft in a trough. The metering wheel includes a hollow, cylindrical drum rotatably mounted to a drum shaft, a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially extending vanes mounted on the exterior surface of the drum and a plurality of hammer assemblies located within the drum and disposed along the length of the metering wheel. The hammer assemblies each include an inwardly directed impact plate and pusher plate angularly spaced apart and mounted on the inner surface of the drum, and a hammer rotatably mounted on the drum shaft and positioned between the impact plate and the pusher plate. Impact of the hammer against the impact plate vibrates the metering wheel.