Abstract: An unloader for a shipping container includes a supporter having a frame structure and a pallet base supported by the frame structure and configured to receive the pallet and support the shipping container in an elevated position. A gate moving mechanism is supported by the pallet base and configured to engage the moveable gate assembly when the full shipping container is positioned onto the pallet base. A material director has a first end located beneath the pallet base subjacent of the gate moving mechanism. The material director extends downwardly from the pallet base and terminates at a second end opposite the first end. Bulk material is dispensed from the shipping container into the first end and is discharged from the second end of the material director. Shipping containers may be positioned onto and removed from the pallet base without disassembly of the unloader.

Abstract: Methods of managing aggregate inventory. The methods include utilizing a dynamic protocol for an oilfield operation with aggregate from chambers of a multi-silo system wherein each chamber accommodates a single aggregate type throughout operations. However, the chambers also have a dynamic classification as either active, idle or reserved depending on the stage of operations. Once more, even though each silo may accommodate multiple chambers, unique techniques may be utilized to obtain real-time inventory information for each chamber via weight measurement of entire silos.

Abstract: A system provides building materials including a packaging, a lifting device and a mixing and conveying device. The packaging can be positioned by the lifting device via the mixing and conveying device in such a way that a total height of the system is less than 230 cm.

Abstract: A dilution system for a hydraulic fracturing fluid includes a dilution manifold, a hydration unit configured to provide a source of liquid, a diluent line connecting the hydration unit to the dilution manifold, a diluent flow control valve on the diluent line, a hydration tank configured to hydrate a mixed additive, a gravity-driven viscous fluid line connecting an exit of the hydration tank to the dilution manifold, a viscous fluid flow meter on the viscous fluid line, and a viscous fluid control valve on the viscous fluid line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems. The treatment fluid can comprise a water-based fracturing fluid or a waterless liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fracturing fluid.

Abstract: A transportable concrete mixing plant is provided and includes a frame, a mixing drum for mixing concrete, a conveying system having at least one rail for moving a pre-measured quantity of premix concrete to the mixing drum, and a supply hopper for directing the pre-measured premix concrete into the mixing drum. The rail forms a support track that is traversed by the supply hopper, which travels from a dispensing position near the mixing drum to a loading position spaced from the mixing drum. Optionally, a concrete pump dispenses flowable concrete received from the mixing drum and pumps it to a remote location, such as a work site.

Abstract: A platform for supporting and moving a bulk seed container or the like including a horizontally disposed worker support platform frame having at least one worker support platform positioned thereon. The platform frame has a supporting structure for supporting a bulk seed container thereon. The platform frame may have a discharge chute thereon.

Abstract: An order relating to a formulation-based product is received, wherein fulfilling the order requires production of the formulation-based product at a first location, transport of the formulation-based product in a vehicle to a second location different from the first location, and performance of an activity with respect to the formulation-based product at the second location. First information relating to a first change made to the formulation-based product at the first location is received, from the first location, prior to transport of the formulation-based product. Second information relating to a second change made to the formulation-based product during transport of the formulation-based product is received during transport of the formulation-based product. Third information relating to the activity performed with respect to the formulation-based product at the second location is received from the second location.

Abstract: A machine for continuous casting of pre-mortared masonry panels includes a rotatable continuous mold for continuously forming pre-mortared masonry panels and an application system for applying polymeric material to the continuous mold as the continuous mold rotates. The machine also includes a brick setter system for setting bricks onto the polymeric material as the continuous mold rotates. The machine further includes a cutting device for cutting the bricks and polymeric material into panels to form the pre-mortared masonry panels.

Abstract: Typical barrel mixers (10), of the type which may be disassembled for transportation purposes, allow for the barrel (20) to be moved from a mixing position to a tipping position but do not allow for fixing the barrel at positions in between. The present invention provides an adjuster (200, 400) which allows the mixing position to be fixed at selected points between the mixing and tipping positions.

Abstract: A concrete batch plant is disclosed including a frame and a transit mixer drum having an open end and a closed end. The drum is configured to be utilized both with the concrete batch plant and on a transit mixer truck. The drum may be pivotally coupled to the frame of the concrete batch plant for movement between a first position in which the open end is positioned to receive cement from a cement supply and to receive aggregate from an aggregate supply and a second position in which the open end is positioned to discharge the mixed cement and aggregate. Further, the drum may be a polymeric drum including an interior surface formed by a plurality of complementary molded helical polymeric sections joined along a helical seam.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.

Abstract: A continuous feed mixer for cement or other mixtures includes a mixing tube which is inclined downward from a feed end to a mixing end. Cement solids are deposited at the feed end. Water is introduced at various locations along the length of the mixing tube to provide a proper proportion of solids and water. The mixing tube is rotated to provide the desired mixing process. A scraper is positioned within the mixing tube to remove material from an inner wall of the mixing tube during the mixing process.

Abstract: A material mixing chamber inserted into the bucket of an existing loader or backhoe, which provides the power source for the up and down motion creating gravity flow in the chamber. In said chamber a plurality of unique diffusers are affixed in a symmetrical staggered pattern on the chamber floor in a manner to deflect and blend the materials as they move by gravity. When said materials are thoroughly mixed, the bucket is tilted forward and the materials, moving by gravity, are guided by the funnel shaped section through an opening regulated by a sliding discharge door for precise placement.

Abstract: A method for delivering a pre-weighed package comprising sand, aggregate and dry cement to a mixing site comprises the steps of preparing a first mixture comprising fine aggregate and coarse aggregate at an offsite plant. The first mixture is placed into a first storage compartment of a hopper and the load of dry cement is placed into a second storage compartment of the hopper. The hopper is transported to the mixing site, where the first mixture and the cement are discharged from the hopper and mixed to form a concrete slurry. The hopper comprises the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, where there is a water tight divider separating the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment. The storage compartments have respective inlets and outlets for receiving and discharging the respective components.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for mixing fluent material. A hopper is pivotably mounted to a frame on a pivot axis that is substantially spaced from the axis of rotation of a mixing paddle. Because the pivot axis is substantially spaced from the axis of rotation, the mixer can be loaded by the operator at a low charge height and subsequently dumped at a higher dump height. Horizontally adjustable arms in combination with vertically adjustable legs provide for adjustability in length, width and height of the apparatus for stability when the hopper is fully dumped.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and transporting concrete waste comprises a container, a cart for supporting and moving the container and a lifting component attached to the frame of a cement truck for lifting the cart and container off the ground for transport. The apparatus may be stored on a cement truck so that the apparatus prevents disposal of cement and concrete waste in an unlawful or unsightly manner and allows the cement and concrete waste to be returned to a cement and concrete production facility and recycled. The cart includes a component for tilting the container about its midsection by an elongated lever or handle. The cart also includes a component for limiting the forward tilting of the container and for locking the container in an upright position. A wheel locking mechanism for at least one wheel of the cart is provided. The mechanism is manually engaged or disengaged.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and transporting concrete waste includes a container, a cart for supporting and moving the container and a mechanism attached to the frame of a cement truck for lifting the cart and container off the ground for transport. The apparatus may be stored on a cement truck so that the apparatus prevents disposal of cement and concrete waste in an unlawful or unsightly manner and allows the cement and concrete waste to be returned to a cement and concrete production facility and recycled. The cart includes a mechanism for tilting the container about its midsection using an elongated lever or handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportable concrete mixing plant (10) which comprises a plurality or releasably interconnected mixing plant components. Said mixing plant components are contained in a plurality of containers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13), during transport. At least part of said containers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13), preferably all of said containers, are standard ship containers or can be assembled to standard ship containers. Said standard ship containers meet the international standards for uniform transport. In the operational state of the mixing plant (10), said containers represent the support structure for mixing plant components and/or containers for concrete starting materials.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for mixing fluent material. A hopper is pivotably mounted to a frame on a pivot axis that is substantially spaced from the axis of rotation of a mixing paddle. Because the pivot axis is substantially spaced from the axis of rotation, the mixer can be loaded by the operator at a low charge height and subsequently dumped at a higher dump height. Horizontally adjustable arms in combination with vertically adjustable legs provide for adjustability in length, width and height of the apparatus for stability when the hopper is fully dumped.

Abstract: A ready mix batch hauler system for efficiently transporting concrete mixing materials to a job site. A batch hauler truck is provided having a storage tank pivotally attached to the frame of the batch hauler truck. The storage tank has a first reservoir for holding particulate material and a second reservoir for holding cement. The user positions the batch hauler truck such that the rear discharge of the storage tank is positioned near the front discharge of a front end discharge truck mixer and elevates the storage tank. A first auger draws the cement into the second reservoir through an opening and a second auger draws the mixture of the cement and particulate material through the rear discharge. An alignment structure is preferably utilized for aligning the batch hauler truck with the front end discharge truck mixer.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing and dispensing macadam material that includes a generally horizontal mixer chamber having a feed hopper above one end and a discharge chute depending downwardly from the other end. An elongate mixer rotor is included that has a plurality of vanes inclined to the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft is driven to urge aggregate from the end of the mixer chamber under the feed hopper to the end over the discharge chute, while agitating the aggregate to be mixed with binder applied from above. The discharge end of the mixer chamber can be raised and lowered in order to retard and accelerate the rate of movement of the agitated aggregate along the mixer chamber.

Abstract: A portable mixing/delivery apparatus mixes dry pre-blended materials, such as homogeneous cementitious combinations of dry sand, cement, Lime, color pigments, etc., packaged in large bulk bags for use at a remote construction site. The bulk bag is lifted by a removable rack having plural lift eyes and the combination is positioned over a height adjustable frame. The granular material is then discharged into a continuous mixer having a dynamic input mixing stage, an output dry-to-wet mixing stage, and a transition stage therebetween. The entire assembly (bulk bag, frame and continuous mixer) is portable and can be lifted such as by a forklift to the height of a masonry scaffold for dispensing the mixed, wet granular material directly to the point of use. The apparatus allows the continuous mixer and its discharge tube to rotate to facilitate dispensing of the material directly to the point of use.

Abstract: A filter vent system and method for separating entrained airborne particulate matter from the conveying fluid is disclosed, particularly as it relates to filling a storage vessel. The filter system employs a simplified, yet more efficient filter cleaning arrangement, in which the entire clean air plenum on the downstream side of a filter array of one or more filter units is periodically pulsed with a large burst or pulse of relatively high pressure air from a single source which rapidly raises the plenum pressure to, in turn, produce a temporary pulsed flow reversal in the filter units which blasts through the filter pores to displace particulate matter collected on the upstream side of all of the filter units alike thereby cleaning or re-generating the filter surfaces.

Abstract: A first mixer trailer forms the plant frame foundation around a twelve-yard compulsory mixer. The compulsory mixer is mounted for elevation relative to plant frame foundation by hydraulic lifting columns. In system erection, a cement silo trailer is first mounted to the top of the compulsory mixer when the compulsory mixer is at ground level. Thereafter, both the mounted silo and the compulsory mixer are raised and pinned in place by the hydraulic lifting columns so that gravitational discharge of mixed concrete can occur directly from the compulsory mixer to an underlying transporting apparatus, usually a truck.

Abstract: A first mixer trailer forms the plant frame foundation around a twelve-yard compulsory mixer. The compulsory mixer is mounted for elevation relative to plant frame foundation by hydraulic lifting columns. In system erection, a cement silo trailer is first mounted to the top of the compulsory mixer when the compulsory mixer is at ground level. Thereafter, both the mounted silo and the compulsory mixer are raised and pinned in place by the hydraulic lifting columns so that gravitational discharge of mixed concrete can occur directly from the compulsory mixer to an underlying transporting apparatus, usually a truck.

Abstract: A mixer for particulate materials, such as soil, dirt, sand, concrete, lime, fertilizers, aggregate, and water, hitched to a skid steer motor vehicle has a bucket for accommodating the particulate materials. A pair of augers having opposite spiral flights located within the bucket are driven by a hydraulic fluid operated motor to mix the particulate materials. The operator of the vehicle controls the hydraulic motor to reverse the rotational direction of the augers to control the mixing of the particulate materials. A door mounted on the side wall of the bucket is movable with a hydraulic cylinder to an open position to allow the particulate materials to be discharged from the bucket.

Abstract: A portable concrete plant capable of producing up to 240 to 300 cubic yards or more of concrete per hour is disclosed in which two hauling trailers, a mixer trailer and an aggregate trailer, both serve as the transport vehicles and as foundation for the completely erected plant. The aggregate trailer includes three bins used respectively for sand, fine aggregate and course aggregate. Weigh belts convey weighed and humidity measured amounts of sand and aggregate from discrete open top bins to a batch aggregate loading belt for batch loading of a compulsory mixer on the mixer trailer. The side of the aggregate trailer is provided with a bulkhead for an earthen or gravel ramp with large width bins enabling a single loader to supply the high volume of sand and aggregate required. The mixer trailer supports a twin shaft compulsory mixer on a foundation pad which is top loading for concrete constituents and bottom emptying to an elevating and concrete discharge point to awaiting trucks.

Abstract: A counter-flow asphalt plant with a separately controlled and operated dryer 50 and mixer 52 in which virgin aggregate, recycle material and liquid asphalt are mixed to produce an asphaltic composition. The dryer 50 is rotated by a variable dryer drive 58 about a central longitudinal dryer axis disposed at a dryer angle of declination. Within the dryer 50, aggregates are dried and heated by heat radiation and a hot gas stream generated at a burner head 112 of a combustion assembly 106 positioned inside the downstream end of the dryer 50. The downstream end of the dryer 50 is inserted within the first end of the mixer 52 for delivery of the heated aggregate. The mixer 52 is carried on a tiltable frame 54 and is rotated by a variable mixer drive 88 about a central longitudinal mixer axis disposed at a mixer angle of declination.

Abstract: A portable overhead bin comprising a plurality of adjacent frame members pivotally connected such that the frame members form a horizontal transport frame when in the lowered transport position, and further form an elevated overhead frame when the frame members are moved to a raised operating position. A bin is supported by the frame members. A hitch is attached at the front end of the transport frame for attachment to a towing vehicle and wheels are adapted to support the transport frame for movement by the towing vehicle. A transport vehicle may be positioned between two of the frame members and under the bin to receive the contents thereof through a bottom discharge. A force, either external to the invention or included therein, is applied to at least one frame member to raise the bin into the overhead operating position. A conveyor may be provided to convey material into the raised bin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile concrete mixing system which substantially comprises: a feeding unit (2); a mixing unit (3); a conveyor belt; and a support structure (5) that embodies a first framework (18) supporting the conveyor belt (4), and a second framework (19) supporting the mixing unit (3). According to the present invention, the first (18) and second (19) frameworks are connected to each other by means of a hinge (22) which allows for the rotation of the first framework (18) about a substantially horizontal axis (X) in relation to the second framework (19). In this manner, a movement of the mixing unit (3) between a transporting position (23) and an operative position (24) is determined. Such a rotation about the axis (X) is obtained by keeping the mixing unit (3) in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A cement mixer pivotably mounted on a linkage of an arm assembly of a heavy-duty machine, for example, an excavator or a shovel. The cement mixer includes a barrel, an agitator assembly rotatably mounted on the barrel and used to agitate materials to be mixed in the barrel, a mounting beam connecting the barrel to the linkage, a funnel mounted on the mounting beam and positioned above the barrel and used to receive the materials to be mixed and a weight measuring device provided on the mounting beam and used to measure the weight of the materials received in the funnel.

Abstract: An improved portable, large volume cement mixer that includes a self-supporting inclined plane secured atop a wheeled main frame that provides basic structural support without the need for ancillary lifting equipment. The inclined plane is constructed in upper and lower hinged truss beams, upwardly hinged for operation and downwardly hinged for transport. A trolley carrying a cement mixer drum is then movable along the length of the inclined plane during operation, whereupon large batches of cement may be mixed and dispensed into waiting local carriers or trucks.

Abstract: A batcher plant for producing ready-mixed concrete is miniaturized by disposing, side by side on a trestle, a cement-paste making unit with cement measuring means and a stationary cement-paste mixer and an aggregate processing unit with fine and coarse aggregate receptacles. Cement paste prepared by the cement-paste making unit is admitted from the cement-paste mixer into a mixing drum of a truck mixer independently of admission of mixed fine and coarse aggregates quantitatively measured by the aggregate receptacles, so that the loading of concrete materials in the truck mixer can be effectively carried out without loss of efficiency caused by waiting time.

Abstract: A large volume cement mixer that is readily mobile and can be set up for use with a concrete batch plant at a given location. The cement mixer is carried on an elongated frame having wheels on one end and a gooseneck connection on the front end for towing purposes. A longitudinally movable carriage is carried on top of the elongated frame and the carriage is adapted to carry a large cement mixer mounted thereon. In operation, the elongate frame is braced in approximately 45.degree. angle attitude as the carriage supports the cement mixer in generally horizontal, rotatable fixture. Hydraulic devices are provided for rotating the cement mixer during the mixing mode of operation and, after completion, the carriage structure is hydraulically controlled to move upward along the elongate frame to a dump position whereupon the cement mixer is rotated forward and the mixed concrete is allowed to fall to a discharge position.

Abstract: A surge bin for continuously collecting material such as conditioned ash from a nearby, non-contiguous ash conditioning pug mill and loading a haulage vehicle. The conditioned ash surge bin comprises a collection bin having walls and a door assembly forming the floor for collecting the conditioned ash. A support frame supports the collection bin above the height of the haulage vehicle so that the door assembly can unload the material into the haulage vehicle. The door assembly has two plates slidably mounted on the collection bin for movement between open and closed positions In order to transport the ash conditioning surge bin between different locations, the support frame of the conditioning ash surge bin houses a plurality of hydraulic jacks which can raise and lower the conditioned ash surge bin so that the haulage vehicle, supporting a conditioned ash surge bin carrier frame, can transport the conditioned ash surge bin to a new loading site.

Abstract: A transportable concrete batching plant is disclosed which combines improvements in the discharge section of the aggregate storage bin and aggregate batching hopper together with an unique suspension system which allows for weighing of both aggregate batching hopper and the cement batching vessel by a plurality of load cells and which also allows tension to be removed from the load cells if desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing asphaltic mix for roadway use is disclosed, and which comprises a primary plant which is designed to be located remote from the point of use, and a separate satellite plant which is designed to be located relatively close to the point of use. The primary plant heats and dries the stone aggregate, segregates the aggregate by size, and mixes the aggregate with a small amount of liquid asphalt so as to suppress the dust. The resulting pre-mixed product of the primary plant is then transported by truck to the satellite plant, where it is stored and then mixed with a further quantity of liquid asphalt to render the mix suitable for roadway use. The primary plant performs the functions which require substantial equipment and space, and which have the more significant environmental impact, whereas the satellite plant may be relatively small and inexpensive, and its operation makes no significant environmental impact.

Abstract: Shotcrete gun consisting of a concrete container and a spraying device, such as a worm screw, and a nozzle for pressurized air. The whole shotcrete gun assembly is mounted on a traversing mechanism allowing the shotcrete gun to be shifted in the horizontal, vertical and depthwise directions beside the element to be shotcreted.

Abstract: An improved silo and delivery system for efficiently handling dry mortar-blend compositions at construction sites is disclosed. Mortar-blend compositions are premixed to desired specifications and packaged at remote mixing stations into large bag containers that are transported to the construction site. A silo designed for uniquely servicing batch mixers is provided at the construction site for storing the premixed composition. The bag contents are emptied into the silo and are sealed therein against exposure to environmental elements. The silo contents are discharged by means of simple gravity flow on a batch-need basis into a batch mixer operatively underlying the silo.

Abstract: A concreting train consists of a plurality of wagons supporting a mixer, a multiple conveyor arrangement and separate containers for cement and aggregate. A container for cement has at least one integrated conveyor worm. All container wagons are provided with inclined conveyor belts which extend below the containers and overlap one another. On separate pathes aggregate and cement are supplied into a housing of the mixer wagon. The housing is supported on a weighing frame in order to additively weigh the mixing components. The housing contains a mixing shaft operatively connected with a drive motor. The housing is mounted for reciprocating movement along an inclined angled track in order to lift the housing on a higher level for discharging the concrete into a hopper of a concrete pump.

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 mixing apparatus for dry or wet ingredients is disclosed, which comprises an upwardly inclined trackway, and a mixing container mounted for rolling movement along the trackway. The trackway includes a scale at the lower end which permits the container and its contents to be weighed, and so that predetermined amounts of a number of ingredients may be loaded into the container. A power system is provided for pulling the container upwardly along the trackway, and such that the container is subjected to a rotary motion for mixing the ingredients, and a simultaneous linear transport to an elevated position. The container includes unique internal mixing vanes which facilitate mixing of the ingredients during rotation of the container, and which also permit substantially all of the mixed ingredients to be freely discharged by gravity at the elevated discharge location.

Abstract: A method for producing colloidal mixtures, especially water-cement mixtures with or without further solid additions, comprising the steps of feeding the material for forming the colloidal mixture into a container, stirring the material fed into the container by a blade stirrer driven by a motor at a circumferential speed at the outer diameter of the blade stirrer of at least 500 and preferably 1,500 meters per minute, continuously measuring the variations in the energy take-up of the motor, and stopping stirring of the material when the continuously observed energy take-up indicates a sudden transition from a fluctuating to a substantially steady course; and an apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A surge bin for concrete mix comprises an open-topped body having side walls with rear portions that converge towards a gated rear discharge outlet and having a bottom wall curved concentrically to an agitator axis that extends fore-and-aft in the body. A horizontal frame underlies the body. Front and rear lifting actuators connected between the frame and the body move the body between a charging position in which the bottom wall is near the frame and a discharging position in which the body is above and to the rear of its charging position. The side walls are of such height that conventional dump trucks can discharge over them with the body in charging position. An agitator in the body rotates concentrically to said axis, in one direction to move material out of the outlet, in the opposite direction for remixing.

Abstract: A land vehicle for use as a blender for the mixing of dry, particulate, and liquid materials comprising a chassis having an articulated frame thereon, the articulated frame including a first translatable portion and a second translatable, rotatable portion rotatably secured to the first translatable portion whereby movement of the articulated frame with respect to the chassis between a first retracted position and a second extended position causes translational movement of the first translatable portion of the articulate frame and translational and rotational movement of the second translatable, rotatable portion of the articulated frame.

Abstract: An upright concrete mixing chamber having an inlet formed in the top thereof and an outlet formed in the bottom thereof is supported in a lowered position upon a horizontal working surface so as to provide operator access to the inlet when the operator is standing upon the working surface. A plurality of elongate members are pivotably connected at one end to a base member in engagement with the working surface, and at the other end are pivotably connected to the mixing chamber so as to define a parallelogram that is generally horizontal to the working surface when the mixing chamber is in the lowered position.