Movable Charge Hopper Or Chute Patents (Class 366/41)
  • Patent number: 11440219
    Abstract: A mixing drum assembly includes a frame, a mixing drum rotatably coupled to the frame, and a charge hopper coupled to the frame and positioned to direct material into the mixing drum. The charge hopper includes a hopper frame and a liner extending along an inner surface of the hopper frame and at least partially defining a passage extending between an inlet and an outlet. The hopper frame includes a first material and the liner includes a second material different from the first material. The liner is removably coupled to the hopper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: Clint Glunz
  • Patent number: 10549673
    Abstract: A method for paving wherein the paving operator or a person in the vicinity of the paver remotely controls the flow of paving material from a dump truck into the hopper of the paver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: James Patrick Godwin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9162370
    Abstract: A concrete mixing-and-transport truck is provided, which comprises a stirring cylinder with a rotary sealed feeding/discharging opening. A annularity sealed cavity is formed between the outer wall of a rotary inner cylinder (15), the inner wall of a fixed outer cylinder (6-2), the back end face of a rotary flange support base (6-1) and the front end face of a sealing end cover (7). At least one sealing belt (13) is set in the annularity rotary sealed cavity. The back end face of the last end sealing belt (13) is contacted tightly with the front end face of the sealing end cover (7). The stirring cylinder and the feeding/discharging opening are connected rotationally by reliable rotary sealing so as to make the stirring cylinder keep rotating when feeding, and reduce the center of gravity of the carrier vehicle. The truck improves driving safety, eliminates concrete de-mixing problem and improves the quality of concrete and architecture quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Yantai Shenglida Engineering Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fuchun Sheng
  • Publication number: 20140269145
    Abstract: A concrete mixer includes a chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, and a mixing drum rotatably coupled to the chassis and defining an opening. The concrete mixer also includes a charge hopper assembly positioned at the opening of the mixing drum. The charge hopper assembly includes a latch, an actuator coupled to the latch and positioned to move the latch between a first position and a second position, and a sensor positioned on the latch and configured to indicate the orientation of the latch and the charge hopper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: OSHKOSH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dale J. Fasana, Richard R. Kotloski
  • Publication number: 20130265843
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Reinhard Matye
  • Patent number: 8172005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cement silo structure for a mining machine comprising a mixer, a cement silo for cement and a feed apparatus for feeding cement to the mixer. The cement silo is a separate unit that may be transferred by means of transfer means between a use position on top of the mining machine and a filling position that differs from the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventor: Martti Kansola
  • Patent number: 8083394
    Abstract: A system for recovering concrete wash product includes a support frame mounted pivotally to a chassis of a transit concrete mixing vehicle, and a container mounted to the frame for arcuate movement with the frame, between a collecting position with the container disposed below a discharge chute of the vehicle, and a dispensing position with the container disposed adjacent an opening of a mixing drum of the vehicle. The container initially is placed in the collecting position to receive concrete wash product from the discharge chute by gravity as the chute is cleaned with water. After cleaning, the frame is pivoted to raise the container to the dispensing position, and a valve is opened to allow the concrete wash product to flow from the container into the mixing drum by gravity. In vehicles equipped with booster axle systems, the booster axle frame supports and positions the container, and also supports and positions the booster wheel/axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: AVR, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Fischer, Jeffery R. Miller, Patrick N. Jay
  • Patent number: 7967496
    Abstract: A batch mixer comprises a mixing drum rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending between an inlet opening and a discharge opening at opposing ends of the drum. Mixing members and transfer members supported in the drum mix the material when rotated in a first direction and transfer the material to the discharge opening when rotated in an opposing direction. An inlet chute for charging the drum and a discharge chute for emptying the drum communicate with the inlet opening and the discharge opening respectively. The inlet chute pivots relative to the drum about a vertical axis from a charging position in communication with the inlet opening to an access position in which the inlet opening is unobstructed by the inlet chute. The inlet end wall locating the inlet opening therein is removable for greater access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Mark E. Wallgren
  • Patent number: 7784994
    Abstract: Mixing apparatus includes a batch mixing vessel with an inlet to receive constituent material, an agitation assembly for mixing the constituents and an outlet to convey batches of the mixed is provided. The apparatus includes a pressurizing device for pressurizing the vessel to assist in evacuation of the mix, and a conduit through which the mix is conveyed. A single pneumatic source is used both to pressurize the mixing vessel and to drive a jet pump including the batch loader. During the mixing cycle, the compressor used to discharge the finished mix is generally idle. This compressor can be used during these periods to drive a jet pump to load the mixing vessel. Therefore, manual loading is avoided and can be achieved such that the mixing cycle time is not interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Carroll Autoload Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Walby Wakefield, John Joseph Carroll
  • Publication number: 20100118640
    Abstract: A transportable concrete mixing plant is provided and includes a frame, a mixing drum for mixing concrete, a rail positioned above the mixing drum, and a carriage assembly mounted to the rail for positioning containers of dry premix concrete so that the premix may be dispensed from the containers into the drum. The concrete pump dispenses liquid concrete from the mixing drum and pumps it to a remote location, such as a work site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: DCL, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhard Matye, Antero Tarvudd
  • Patent number: 7645064
    Abstract: A mixing and delivery machine for flowable materials having on-site and towable mobility for mixing, hydrating, and delivering an admixture such as cementious mix, concrete, binder, graveled sand, mold sand and various other mixtures via an extended auger and elevatable hopper is used to facilitate both loading and releasing the hopper contents into the feed end of the auger. The auger is driven by a primemover and a wheel set on the machine facilitates the raising and lowering of the delivery end of the mixing auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Onemanconcrete LLC
    Inventors: Alvaro A. Cestti, Tommy Lee Foster
  • Patent number: 7572048
    Abstract: An apparatus for highly controlled color composition and distribution within the face mix of semi-dry concrete mix paving stones is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignees: Calstone, Rekers GmbH Maschinen-und Anlagenbau
    Inventors: Matthew K. Morey, James Grossi, Robert van Baarsel, Arjan Kemp, Bernhard Veerkamp
  • Publication number: 20090135665
    Abstract: The present disclosure allows concrete to be produced on the work site, as and when required, and to limit the space occupied by the production plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Contamin, Henri Contamin
  • Publication number: 20090073798
    Abstract: A batch mixer comprises a mixing drum rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending between an inlet opening and a discharge opening at opposing ends of the drum. Mixing members and transfer members supported in the drum mix the material when rotated in a first direction and transfer the material to the discharge opening when rotated in an opposing direction. An inlet chute for charging the drum and a discharge chute for emptying the drum communicate with the inlet opening and the discharge opening respectively. The inlet chute pivots relative to the drum about a vertical axis from a charging position in communication with the inlet opening to an access position in which the inlet opening is unobstructed by the inlet chute. The inlet end wall locating the inlet opening therein is removable for greater access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Mark E. Wallgren
  • Patent number: 6957908
    Abstract: An environmental shield for reducing or eliminating leakage of materials from transit vehicles, including truck-mounted concrete mixers, is provided. The environmental shield preferably engages at least a portion of an opening on a mixer drum such that the leakage that generally occurs in such situations as travel along hilly or bumpy terrain, surging, etc. may be prevented or minimized. The environmental shield preferably includes a discharge cover and a combination steel/rubber abrasion resistant sealing member and may be preferably coupled to a charging hopper of the transit vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: William J. O'Connell, Michael B. Calhoun, Jack Harowitz
  • Patent number: 6880965
    Abstract: A mixing drum gate for a concrete transport vehicle is described. The gate includes a pivotally mounted plate that abuts the lower portion of the rim of the drum mouth and is biased against it so as to maintain the abutment during rotation, shifting and flexing of the drum. The gate may include a pneumatically controlled opening mechanism that pivots the plate between an open, closed and intermediate positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Robert W. Sheffield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6811292
    Abstract: A two-piece charge hopper assembly for a concrete transit mixing vehicle of the rear-discharge type is disclosed in which a lower, movable portion including the hopper discharge lip is enabled to swing out of the way of discharging concrete while the upper body of the charge hopper remains in a fixed position which is accomplished by the use of a simple pivot mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Christenson
  • Patent number: 6808303
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Gene Fisher
  • Publication number: 20040184346
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Gene Fisher
  • Publication number: 20040151057
    Abstract: A two-piece charge hopper assembly for a concrete transit mixing vehicle of the rear-discharge type is disclosed in which a lower, movable portion including the hopper discharge lip is enabled to swing out of the way of discharging concrete while the upper body of the charge hopper remains in a fixed position which is accomplished by the use of a simple pivot mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Christenson
  • Patent number: 6666573
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Grassi
  • Patent number: 6527428
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Guntert & Zimmerman Const. Div., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Guntert, Jr., William R. Cape, Christopher Cape, Roberto Salgarollo, Lowell B. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6461098
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting and transporting cement and concrete waste. The apparatus comprises a container, a cart for supporting and moving the container, and lifting means 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 and method can be used at any job site where the cement truck is present. Use of the disclosed method and 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Kevan P. Elefsrud
  • Publication number: 20020110045
    Abstract: A three-yard concrete bucket with integral ladder is provided which comprises a series of steps attached by welding to the exterior perimeter of the bucket. When attached, a worker can easily inspect the inside of the bucket, clean the bucket, or enter the interior of the bucket. No external ladders or devices are needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: James L. House, David James House
  • Publication number: 20020034120
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald M. Guntert, William R. Cape, Christopher Cape, Roberto Salgarollo, Lowell B. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6350051
    Abstract: A hopper assembly for a ready mixed concrete truck having a material off loading position and a material on loading position. The hopper assembly includes a main chute portion and a movable portion movable between an open position for off loading and a closed position for on loading. The movable portion directs material directly into an opening of a mixing drum providing for the rapid on loading from an overhead delivery apparatus when in the closed position. When the movable portion is in the open position or off loading position a passage area between the hopper assembly and the mixing drum is increased thereby eliminating a restricted area to provide for the effective dispensing of high viscosity material such as low slump concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Builders' Redi-Mix, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Cain
  • Patent number: 6293689
    Abstract: A four trailer portable concrete batching and mixing plant has production volumes of up to 600 cubic yards of concrete per hour of paving concrete meeting exacting modem paving standards. A first mixer trailer with a mounted water tank forms the plant frame foundation at a twelve-yard compulsory mixer. A second silo trailer having 900 barrel capacity has cantilever support from a steered towing wheel set at the bottom of the silo. The silo trailer is backed at the steered towing wheel set to the side of the compulsory mixer trailer and pinned at its cantilevered connection for pivotal erection. Once pinned to the side of the compulsory mixer trailer, a silo trailer contained jacking system self erects the silo utilizing the compulsory mixer and trailer as a foundation. With the silo erected, a third aggregate trailer occupies the footprint vacated by the erected silo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Guntert & Zimmerman Const. Div., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Guntert, Jr., William R. Cape, Christopher Cape, Roberto Salgarollo, Lowell B. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6267494
    Abstract: A warning system is disclosed for use on a concrete mixer to indicate that a charge hopper 28 is in a raised position. Such concrete mixers include an air supply, a mixing drum having an access port, a frame supporting the mixing drum, and a charge hopper 28 that is pivotally supported adjacent the access port. The charge hopper 28 is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. The warning system includes an indicator device 70 operatively associated with the concrete mixer and configured for activation to indicate when the charge hopper is in the raised position. A valve 44 is operatively associated with the frame and in fluid communication with the air supply 14 and the indicator device 70. The valve 44 includes an actuator moveable between a first position to deactivate the indicator device and a second position to activate the indicator device. A contact structure 50 is operatively associated with the charge hopper to actuate the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Leon A. Burch
  • Patent number: 6179463
    Abstract: A cover for the inlet hopper for a cement mixing truck that is constructed of a sheet material body that is to be draped over the access opening of the inlet hopper and fixed in position by a pair of stretchable cords which are used as attachments to connect to the cement mixing truck structure. The body also includes an elongated rod which causes the upper surface of the body to assume a domed configuration when in use. The peripheral edge of the body includes an elastic cord which is to bind against the exterior surface of the inlet hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Kerri N. Daniels-Romero
  • Patent number: 6039468
    Abstract: A washout bucket which receives waste water and concrete material washed from equipment used to deliver concrete material from the mixing drum of a cement mixer truck to a desired location on a job site, is used in cooperation with a tag axle assembly pivotally mounted on a rear end of the truck to recover the concrete material washed from the equipment. The washout bucket can be connected to the tag axle assembly. The tag axle assembly is then raised to an upright position and in the process the front of the washout bucket contacts the mixing drum and tips over, emptying the waste material into the mixing drum. As a result, waste concrete material can be properly disposed of or salvaged for reuse rather than indiscriminately washed onto the ground at the job site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis Kowalcyzk
  • Patent number: 5884998
    Abstract: The present invention defines a transit mixer for the delivery of materials to a job site. The transit mixer has a charge hopper for receiving material therein and delivering the material to the mixing drum which forms a portion of the transit mixer. The charge hopper has an inlet that is stationary with respect to the vehicle chassis, and a tongue member that is pivotally coupled to the inlet portion. A powered cylinder is coupled between the inlet portion and the tongue portion for allowing the switching between a material charging state and a discharging state. The inlet portion and the tongue portion are in material communication with one another and upon actuation of the powered cylinder the distal end of the tongue position is moved relative to the inner surface of the mixing drum. Another aspect of the charge hopper is that in the charging mode the tongue extends beyond a pair of flights within the mixing drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Maxim Trucks
    Inventor: Fred J. Silbernagel
  • Patent number: 5785421
    Abstract: A batching module for a mobile batching plant includes an open three dimensional frame with first and second end cells defined therein and a third intermediate cell defined between the end cells. A plurality of interchangeable batching apparatus are provided for removable installation within the cells. A reversible conveyor is mounted within the frame and extends between the ends thereof to convey materials deposited thereon from the batching apparatus to either the first or second end of the frame. Length extensible support legs are mounted to the batching apparatus frame to permit selective height adjustment of the frame above the ground. The legs are telescopically mounted within vertical hollow support posts of the frame for selective retraction completely within the frame posts. Either mobile mixers or stationary mixers may be positioned under the first and second cells to receive product from the batchers and conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Robert C. Milek
  • Patent number: 5741065
    Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for cleaning a mixing truck by removing and recycling any non-delivered material. In one exemplary system, the invention is preferably attached to a mixing truck having at least one delivery chute and a loading hopper. A rail is configured to be attached to the mixing truck so that the bottom end is near a ground surface and the top end is near the loading hopper. The system further comprises a canister that is movable between the delivery chute and the rail. A lifting mechanism is movably attached to the rail and includes a securing device so that the lifting mechanism may secure and transport the canister along the rail. In this manner, material remaining in the delivery chute may be washed into the canister when positioned below the chute. The canister may then be moved near the rail and secured to the lifting mechanism which in turn transports the canister to the loading hopper where the contents may be emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Foyster G. Bell, William A. Strand
  • Patent number: 5695280
    Abstract: A concrete stabilization system which includes a number of subsystems to provide a complete reuse and reclaiming of all concrete which remains unused at the end of the production day, and also reclaims all constituents of washout concrete from a number of concrete mixer trucks following the washing out process. A tower is provided for vertical and tilting motion of a material handling bucket, and a stationary mixer for stabilizing concrete and constituent material for reuse with fresh concrete batches at the start of the next production day or up to four days later. The fully automated system includes a start sequence initiated by the operator of the truck, and the process is then fully automated by a process controller which may be monitored off-site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Ozinga Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell J. Baker, James M. Clarke, Martin Ozinga, III, Richard D. DeBoer
  • Patent number: 5556196
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Yeong-sen Lin
  • Patent number: 4993839
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Donald Brock
  • Patent number: 4966463
    Abstract: A cellular concrete paste mixer unit is provided consisting of a first mixer and an increased number of second mixers. The mixer unit is able to simultaneously produce cement paste and cellular concrete paste. A method of making cellular concrete paste using the claimed mixer unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Nisset Plan, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikio Hihara, Nobuhisa Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4956821
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: Terrance P. Fenelon
  • Patent number: 4755059
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Luther V. Elkin
  • Patent number: 4428677
    Abstract: The mixer unit of a concrete transport vehicle has a loading hopper constructed in two sections which are connected together at a hinge joint. The one section is attached firmly to the frame of the mixer unit, and this section is located opposite to the opening at the elevated end of the mixer drum. The other section moves about the hinge axis from an extended position to a storage position. When in the extended position, the movable section forms an upward continuation of the fixed section, and the hopper has extended height to facilitate loading concrete mix into the drum. When in the storage position, the movable section is positioned to the rear of the fixed section and is carried entirely below the upper margin of the fixed section. This reduces the height of the mixer unit, enabling the transport vehicle to maneuver in areas where the overhead clearance is relatively low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: Concrete Transport Mixer Co.
    Inventor: Paul W. Schreiter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4390282
    Abstract: Containers for providing predetermined quantities of cement and aggregate to be transported to a site for on site mixing of concrete. The containers have two compartments which are self closing due to the weight of the contents, one compartment containing cement and the other aggregate. When placed on a ring-like support the compartments release their contents. The hopper of the concrete mixer provides support to permit the opening of the container mouths and has a water spray curtain to prevent the fine cement powder to be taken away by the wind, with the water spray providing the correct amount of water for the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Inventor: Willem J. H. Bake
  • Patent number: 4339204
    Abstract: Apparatus for metering and feeding aggregate materials for the production of concrete is constructed so as to be transportable as a unit. To this end, the frame of the apparatus is in two parts which are pivotally connected with one another, the one, fixed, part accommodating metering apparatus, and the other, movable, part accommodating an elevated storage and mixing apparatus. The movable part pivots down into a transporting condition and up into its operating condition. The two frame parts together provide an inclined path for a charge box by which metered quantities of aggregate are transferred from the metering apparatus to the mixing apparatus. Various damping devices are provided for preventing undue vibrations at the start and end of the movement of the charge box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Inventor: Johann Placzek
  • Patent number: 4318621
    Abstract: A transit concrete mixer is provided having a displaceable charging hopper which may be moved between a charging position wherein a discharge conduit thereof projects into the interior of the mixer drum and a relatively displaced position where the discharge conduit is removed from the drum to facilitate discharge of concrete from the drum. The charging hopper is pivotally attached to a support structure which also carries the rear end portion of the mixer drum and is selectively movable in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis. The relative location of the horizontal axis for pivoting movement of the charging hopper is located with respect to the terminal end of the hopper's discharge conduit such that the hopper and its associated conduit may be swung from one position to the other without interference with the mixer drum and its interiorally mounted blade elements. A hydraulic actuating ram is provided to facilitate the swinging movement of the charging hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: Jaeger Machine Company
    Inventors: William A. Lawrence, John A. O'Dea
  • Patent number: 4302110
    Abstract: A concrete mixing apparatus with a stationary mixing container and an upper circular cover plate arranged to rotate in relation to said container. The apparatus is provided with a machinery for rotating said cover plate and with a discharge channel for one or several materials. The discharge channel is arranged above the cover plate in substantially coaxial relation thereto. The apparatus further comprises a filling channel, the lower end of which is fastened onto said cover plate and the upper end of which is arranged in substantially coaxial relation to said discharge channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: Flowcon Oy
    Inventor: Ossi Niemi
  • Patent number: 4268175
    Abstract: Tractor mounted mixing apparatus is disclosed including a mounting frame attachable to a three-point tractor hitch, a mixing drum rotatably mounted to the frame and having mechanism for rotatably driving the drum, and a scoop pivotally connected to the support frame and power operated to move a scoop bucket from a lowered position for scooping material off the ground and a raised position adjacent an opening in the mixing drum for loading the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Inventors: Robert N. Norlie, Bruce D. Norlie
  • Patent number: 4211492
    Abstract: Dough to be portioned is filled into a hopper, which leads to a chamber from which the dough is forced by means of a plunger into pocket openings arranged on the circumference of a rotating drum. Two rotary members are arranged in the hopper, each of which carries arms serving for preportioning the dough. Within the hopper and above the rotary members are arranged two sets of feed rollers for the dough. These feed rollers serve as intake rollers for the dough to be preportioned. The direction of rotational movement of the rollers of each set of feet rollers is the same as the direction of rotation of the cooperating rotary member. Rotation of the rotary members is controlled by a sensing means responsive to the quantity of dough in the chamber and also the rotation of the feed rollers may be controlled by these sensing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Dipl. Ing. Helmut Konig
    Inventors: Helmut Konig, Karl Schnider
  • Patent number: 4189237
    Abstract: A method of mixing concrete and containers for providing predetermined quantities of cement and aggregate to be transported to a site for on site mixing of concrete. The containers have two compartments which are self closing due to the weight of the contents, one compartment containing cement and the other aggregate. When placed on a ring-like support the compartments move relatively to release their contents. The hopper of the concrete mixer has a ring-like support to open the containers and has a water spray curtain to prevent the fine cement powder to be taken away by the wind, with the water spray providing the correct amount of water for the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Inventor: Willem J. H. Bake