Abstract: A concrete mixer truck includes a chassis, a plurality of tractive assemblies coupled to the chassis, a mixing drum rotatably coupled to the chassis, the mixing drum defining an internal volume configured to contain material and an aperture through which the material can enter and exit the internal volume, an energy storage device positioned at a rear end of the chassis and configured to provide electrical energy, and an electromagnetic device electrically coupled to the energy storage device, where the electromagnetic device is configured to receive the electrical energy from the energy storage device and provide mechanical energy to drive at least one of the plurality of tractive assemblies to propel the concrete mixer truck.

Abstract: A delivery chute for use on a concrete mixer truck has automated systems to allow for repositioning and reconfiguration without requiring an operator to manipulate components. The chute is configured to have multiple segments that can be folded/nested with one another for transport and can be positioned in an extended configuration thereby forming a continuous delivery surface for purposes of delivering concrete to a desired location. Powered mechanisms are used to reposition these segments, thus eliminating the need for operators to handle chute segments at all. A control system is provided to coordinate operation of components so proper sequences are followed during folding, unfolding, raising, lowering and swinging operations. An operator can control each of these operations using a remote control, having single buttons to carry out specific operations.

Abstract: A concrete mixing transport truck chute washout system with (a) a container unit with an upper region located above and fluidly communicating with a lower region, the upper region having a container unit sealing and seating feature, the upper region having a container unit open mouth, (b) a drainage valve positioned on the lower region of the container portion, and (c) a tray unit that detachably fits in the upper region of the container unit in the container unit open mouth, wherein the tray unit has a bottom with at least one opening formed therein and a tray unit sealing and seating feature, which tray unit sealing and seating feature engages with the container unit sealing and seating feature when the tray unit is placed in the upper region of the container unit.

Abstract: A mover apparatus having a pinion rigidly attached to a pivot mount connected to a cement chute of a cement mixer and engaged by rack of a mover assembly biased by a guide, which mover assembly, being selectively operated, moves the rack longitudinally between a retracted position and an extended position to impart rotational movement to the pivot mount for swinging the cement chute in an arc relative to the cement mixer for orienting the cement chute to a selected location for discharge of cement. A method of installing a mover apparatus as an aftermarket or OEM structure is disclosed.

Abstract: A system has a telescopic conveyor 20 and at least one guiding element 40. The at least one guiding element 40 may be fixed at a location by means of securing components 43. The telescopic conveyor 20 can be moved in or counter to the conveying direction of the telescopic conveyor 20 from a parking position into an operating position, with the telescopic conveyor 20 being guided by the at least one guiding element 40, in order to allow operation of the telescopic conveyor 20. The telescopic conveyor 20 can be moved in or counter to the conveying direction of the telescopic conveyor 20, with the telescopic conveyor 20 being guided by the at least one guiding element 40, from an operating position into a parking position in order to clear a space which is occupied by the telescopic conveyor 20 in the operating position.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a slurry can include a trough configured to be removably attached to a discharge chute of a ready-mix truck and receive a slurry discharged therefrom where the trough has a front including a flange configured to extend under the discharge chute. The apparatus can include an enclosed basin connected to a lower end of the trough proximate to a midpoint of the enclosed basin and an aperture defined within the enclosed basin and configured to enable the slurry to flow from the trough into the enclosed basin. The enclosed basin can include at least one covered access port where the at least one covered access port is configured to be opened and configured to be closed. The apparatus can include a plurality of drainage nozzles disposed along a bottom of the enclosed basin and configured to distribute the slurry to a plurality of locations.

Abstract: A cabling system and accessory for attachment to the rubber boot surrounding the metal chute area of either a front or rear loader concrete truck for improving and enhancing the function and purpose of the rubber boot and chute area of a ready mix concrete truck, and for increasing the safety, health, and environmental aspects of cleaning thereof, wherein physical exertion and risk of injury to the truck operator is minimized, wherein the quantity of water utilized for cleaning is reduced, wherein the overall cleanliness of the truck is improved, and wherein the functional life span of the boot, chute, mechanical parts, and the truck itself is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for a lorry-based concrete mixer (12) is described. The apparatus (10) comprises a vessel (14) adapted to be positioned beneath a concrete mixer discharge chute portion (22) when the discharge chute (20) is in a stowed position. In use, the vessel (14) is adapted to receive and retain debris exiting the discharge chute portion (22). In at least one embodiment, the vessel (14) is adapted to receive and retain debris and fluid exiting the discharge chute portion (22).

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.

Abstract: A method, a system and an apparatus for removing cement residue located within a concrete discharge chute and controlling the collection of debris and wash water, in a concrete mixing truck. The concrete discharge chute comprises a main chute and an end chute connected to the main chute via a hinged connection. In addition, a barrier plate having a rubber seal is connected to the end chute. When concrete discharge is completed, the barrier plate automatically prevents the discharge of debris by closing off the discharge chute when the end chute is raised into an upright and secured position. The barrier plate also has an optimally placed opening to control material flow along the main chute. The opening is fitted with a valve which may be connected to a drain hose to collect wash water into a collection tank securely positioned on the concrete truck.

Abstract: A method, a system and an apparatus for removing cement residue located within a concrete discharge chute and controlling the collection of debris and wash water, in a concrete mixing truck. The concrete discharge chute comprises a main chute and an end chute connected to the main chute via a hinged connection. In addition, a barrier plate having a rubber seal is connected to the end chute. When concrete discharge is completed, the barrier plate automatically prevents the discharge of debris by closing off the discharge chute when the end chute is raised into an upright and secured position. The barrier plate also has an optimally placed opening to control material flow along the main chute. The opening is fitted with a valve which may be connected to a drain hose to collect wash water into a collection tank securely positioned on the concrete truck.

Abstract: A multi-section chute of a type suitable for directing mixed concrete compositions from a discharge end of a transit concrete mixer truck to a desired receiving location. The chute includes a plurality of elongate chute sections, each having a wall with a low friction concave inter-surface configuration and a convex outer configuration wherein each chute section includes a pair of longitudinal channel shapes along and integral to longitudinal edges of the wall and a central longitudinal rib, the channel shapes and the rib re-enforcing the chute section against longitudinal bending, and a fastening assembly for removably joining the plurality of chute sections together in a consecutive longitudinal arrangement and wherein the plurality of elongate chute sections further comprise cooperating nesting configurations that enable formation of a compact stable interconnecting nesting storage arrangement.

Abstract: A concrete funnel and placement system comprising a funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute having a retainer element coupled to a funnel element. The funnel element includes a downwardly sloping base forming an aperture for concrete to flow through. The aperture may be any shape or size, and one or more interchangeable discharge plates may be included in order to selectively change the shape and/or size of the aperture. Further, the aperture of the funnel element may be selectively opened or closed. Bearings, sprockets, rollers or other rotatable mechanisms may be included to allow the funnel element to rotate 360° with respect to the retainer element. The retainer element may include a gasket forming a seal with the funnel element to prevent concrete from impeding rotation.

Abstract: A multi-section chute of a type suitable for directing mixed concrete compositions from a discharge end of a transit concrete mixer truck to a desired receiving location. The chute includes a plurality of elongate chute sections, each having a wall with a low friction concave inter-surface configuration and a convex outer configuration wherein each chute section includes a pair of longitudinal channel shapes along and integral to longitudinal edges of the wall and a central longitudinal rib, the channel shapes and the rib re-enforcing the chute section against longitudinal bending, and a fastening assembly for removably joining the plurality of chute sections together in a consecutive longitudinal arrangement and wherein the plurality of elongate chute sections further comprise cooperating nesting configurations that enable formation of a compact stable interconnecting nesting storage arrangement.

Abstract: The present application is directed at a cement slurry collection chute basin that incorporates a leak proof means, no matter what the size or condition of the end of the concrete flop chute. By using a forward angled entry trough with a square large basin area having the attachment hooks in a forward position, the weight is put in the rear and the forward edge of the device is held forward of the end flange and tight against the lower surface of the concrete chute. A screen separates the aggregate from the cement slurry, which flows out a drain orifice in the bottom. An alternate embodiment is constructed from “half-pipe” housing. This alternate embodiment cement slurry collection chute basin will be much more efficient and economical to manufacture because of the “half-pipe” construction and the ease with which it could he welded and fabricated into form.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locking a discharge chute of a mixing vehicle are disclosed. The locking apparatus can be mounted to existing discharge chutes and frame arrangements and may utilize existing pneumatic systems of the mixing vehicle. The locking apparatus generally include a base having a first arm and a second arm pivotally secured to the base. An airbag may be positioned between the first arm and the second arm to bias a clamping region of the locking apparatus in a locked or a released state depending on the configuration of the locking apparatus.

Abstract: A chute extension for a typical concrete mixing truck, the extension has a chute attachment spring clip on the attachment end and a funneled outlet on the delivery end. The invention further comprises an angle where the delivery end meets the end of the trough, for more laminar flow of concrete. The included concrete rake has a telescoping handle.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator assembly comprises a pair of hydraulic actuators having cylinders, pistons, and piston rods that are ganged together for extension of their respective piston rods in longitudinally opposite directions wherein at least one of the actuators comprises an anti-rotation mechanism that prevents rotation of the actuator assembly about its longitudinal axis. The anti-rotation mechanism comprises an axial anti-rotation rod rigidly attached to a cylinder having a non-circular cross-section slidably complementary to a non-circular aperture in a hollow piston rod. The piston rod can travel longitudinally along the anti-rotation rod, but is prevented from rotating by the non-circular cross-section.

Abstract: An apparatus for rollably supporting a cement-pouring chute having a support structure cooperatively engageable with a cement-pouring chute for supporting the chute and directing the pouring of cement therefrom. The support structure is angularly adjustable to allow for the angular adjustment of the cement-pouring chute. At least one roller assembly is connected to the support structure to provide a rollable adjustment to the support structure. The roller assembly may provide a pneumatic tire mounted on a caster and a bearing.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator assembly comprises a pair of hydraulic actuators having cylinders, pistons, and piston rods that are ganged together for extension of their respective piston rods in longitudinally opposite directions wherein at least one of the actuators comprises an anti-rotation mechanism that prevents rotation of the actuator assembly about its longitudinal axis. The anti-rotation mechanism comprises an axial anti-rotation rod rigidly attached to a cylinder having a non-circular cross-section slidably complementary to a non-circular aperture in a hollow piston rod. The piston rod can travel longitudinally along the anti-rotation rod, but is prevented from rotating by the non-circular cross-section.

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.

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.

Abstract: A concrete chute system is provided including a concrete mixing vehicle with a chute mounted thereto. An open end of an auxiliary chute is detachably coupled to the chute of the concrete mixing vehicle to fluidly for receiving mixed concrete therefrom. The auxiliary chute also includes a central portion defined by a lower portion of a cylinder defining an open top and a pair of linear upper peripheral edges, a closed semicircular lower face. The auxiliary chute also has an aperture formed in the central portion adjacent to the lower face and a cylindrical flange coupled to the central portion about the aperture and extending downwardly therefrom. One end of a flexible tube is coupled to the flange for allowing mixed concrete to flow through the aperture and out the tube for dispensing.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated concrete transfer chute having a plurality of telescoping generally U-shaped chute sections which are arranged to telescope together onto a first chute section pivotally connected to a concrete truck, the inner end of the first chute being aligned to receive the concrete discharged from the concrete truck, the first chute section having a planar bearing surface on each of the top sides and inside of the first chute, each of the two parallel planar bearing surfaces extending from the outer end of the first chute at least to the point at which concrete enters the first chute section, and each of the plurality of telescoping chute sections having a plurality of roller bearings aligned in a row along the inside of each of the top sides of each of the telescoping chute sections, each of the rows of roller bearings being covered on their top side by a planar bearing surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile apparatus for mixing and dispensing mixtures from an ingredients container including a hopper with a channel-shaped floor portion containing a screw auger. A cover over the screw auger may be raised so that a gap between the cover and the hopper walls allows metered amounts of ingredients to be conveyed by the screw auger to a separate mixer and a dispenser. The mixer and dispenser can be in the form of a tapering ribbon-blade mixer located in a frusto conical hollow body pivotally, slidably and extendably mounted at the rear of a transport vehicle. The mixer and dispenser can be pivotally mounted to a bracket mounted on rails to move slidably across the width of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanical device for automatically positioning a closure plate for sealing the opening created by the folding of adjacent segments of an articulated chute to thereby prevent undesired discharge or leakage from the chute is provided. The device, which is particularly useful on cement trucks, includes a closure plate rotatably connected to one segment of the chute and disposed to articulate upon an adjacent segment of the chute so that the closure plate seals the opening when the chute is in a folded configuration and, when the segments are unfolded to deliver a charge, rotates to a position clear of the discharge path. The device also includes means for sealably biasing the closure plate toward the opening when the segments are folded and for biasing the closure plate away from the discharge path when the segments are in an unfolded position.

Abstract: An improved concrete mixing plant is mounted on several mobile chassis to provide portability. The plant includes a horizontally oriented, internally urethane coated mixing drum having spiral and lift flights such that the rate of discharging concrete material is controllable without altering the direction or rate of rotation. The drum and chute are self-erecting from a low-profile, transport configuration to an elevated, mixing configuration. A water dispensing system wherein the water is automatically measured volumetrically or, alternatively, gravimetrically provides automatic cleaning of internal surfaces of the mixing drum as an integral part of the batching process. Feeder belt and weigh-bridge arrangements are interposed between bins containing denser ingredients and a collecting conveyor to provide a first surge capability. A hopper and load cell arrangement is interposed between a compartmented silo and a surge conveyor to provide a further surge capability.

Abstract: A rigid cover attached to the chute of a cement truck can prevent the accidental discharge of cement residue from the chute of the cement truck while the truck is moving. The use of a rigid cover prevents the bending of the cover under the weight of the cement residue. The rigid cover can be attached to an over-chute portion of the chute such that when the over-chute rests upon the main chute, the rigid cover can be positioned to prevent the accidental discharge of cement from the chute or can be flopped on top of the over-chute. The rigid cover is designed to hold back a substantial amount of cement residue.

Abstract: A telescopible discharge chute apparatus for a mobile concrete production machine is movable into a transport position located within the lateral confines of the concrete truck. The telescopible discharge chute apparatus utilizes individual chute sections that are substantially equal to the lateral width of the concrete truck such that the maximum effective length of the fully extended discharge chute is approximately twenty feet. One embodiment of the invention positions the generally vertical pivot axis for the discharge chute apparatus at a lateral side of the concrete truck to enable the transport width of the discharge chute apparatus to utilize the entire width of the concrete truck, while a cross conveyor is operable to transport the concrete mixture from a central, front discharge concrete drum to the discharge chute hopper.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering freshly mixed concrete includes an open-ended concrete conveyor chute having an inner guide surface and an outer surface defining a generally U-shape along a main axis and with a receiving terminus at one end and a discharge terminus at the opposite end. An arcuate belly band is sleeved over and fixed to the outer surface of the chute adjacent its discharge terminus and has a forwardly-projecting ear on each end of the belly band extending forwardly of and upwardly above the respective upper planes of the chute and belly band. There is a rearwardly-facing notch in each ear. A U-shaped frame defines a pair of oppositely-disposed rearwardly-projecting arms. Each arm is disposed outboard of a respective ear of the belly band and with an inwardly-facing lateral-extending lug at the distal end of each arm and with a cross arm extending between and connected to the arms and being receivable in the notches of the ears.

Abstract: A mixing auger apparatus for an on-site mobile concrete mixer is disclosed wherein the mixing auger apparatus is capable of effective operation while oriented at an angle of inclination greater than 22.degree. to the horizontal. The mixing auger apparatus is provided with a flexible housing that extends around the entire circumference of a half flight auger. The flexible housing is suspended from a frame such that the housing is flexible completely around the mixing auger. Adjustment devices allow the positional movement of the flexible housing relative to the mixing auger to modify the clearance between therebetween. The flexible housing is separable to permit movement thereof into an inoperable position to facilitate a cleanout of the mixing auger apparatus.

Abstract: A horizontal drum concrete batch mixer comprising a cylindrical mixer drum which may be rotated in a mixing direction or a discharge direction. The interior of the drum has mixing blades provided thereon for mixing the concrete when the drum is rotated in its mixing direction. The interior of the drum is also provided with transfer blades which transfer the mixed concrete from the inlet end of the drum to the discharge end of the drum when the drum is rotated in its discharge direction. A discharge chute is movably positioned in the discharge opening formed in the discharge of the drum and is movable from a discharge position to a mixing position. A plurality of spaced-apart discharge blades are secured to the interior of the drum adjacent the discharge end thereof for delivering the mixed material into the discharge chute when the discharge chute is in its discharge position and the drum is rotated in its discharge direction.

Abstract: A horizontal drum concrete batch mixer comprising a cylindrical mixer drum which may be rotated in a mixing direction or a discharge direction. The interior of the drum has mixing blades provided thereon for mixing the concrete when the drum is rotated in its mixing direction. The interior of the drum is also provided with transfer blades which transfer the mixed concrete from the inlet end of the drum to the discharge end of the drum when the drum is rotated in its discharge direction. A discharge chute is movably positioned in the discharge opening formed in the discharge of the drum and is movable from a discharge position to a mixing position. A plurality of spaced-apart discharge blades are secured to the interior of the drum adjacent the discharge end thereof for delivering the mixed material into the discharge chute when the discharge chute is in its discharge position and the drum is rotated in its discharge direction.

Abstract: A cover for preventing the unwanted discharge of concrete mixer chute residues from the chute, has a water impermeable cap with side panels which are gathered at the one end with an elastic band for retaining he cap in place, and which has a strong elastic retention means for holding the entire cap in place on the chute against the force of dislodging concrete particles.

Abstract: A cement mixer truck that has an extendable chute assembly that permits extending one, two or more chute sections for discharge of concrete at a location remote from the mixer. The chute section is easily telescopic, can be locked in either the retracted or extended positions, and can be swiveled about a vertical axis. Further, for storage, the chutes will fold up automatically when at a proper position to engage an actuator to cause the chutes to fold. The truck shown is a front discharge mixer truck that can be adjusted in vertical height at a job site to permit a greater slope to the chutes and is available with a restricted height truck.

Abstract: A concrete mixing vehicle having a retractable tag axle assembly and a distribution chute is disclosed. To ensure that the tag axle assembly does not come into contact with the distribution chute as the tag axle assembly as it moves between a first ground engaging position and a second elevated position, a limit switch is provided in the control circuit for the tag axle assembly. The limit switch only permits movement of the tag axle assembly when the distribution chute is outside of the tag axle assembly's path of travel as it moves between said first and second positions.

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: The chute attachment is attached to a chute on cement truck at a receiving end so that cement might flow through the receiving end to an outlet end having a reduced size compared to the receiving end and into the desired place. A closure assembly is provided to close the chute attachment to thereby cut off the flow of cement, and minimize or avoid any spillage. The chute attachment has a frame which includes a circular assembly having large, middle and small circular members. The members are secured together at a common tangential point and a cover is secured to the frame.

Abstract: A portable auxiliary discharge chute assembly for use with a mobile concrete mixer to deliver premixed concrete to an area normally beyond the delivery area of the mobile concrete mixer comprising an inner and outer chute section operatively affixed to a frame, a roller structure attached to the mid-portion of the frame to operatively position the portable auxiliary discharge chute assembly relative to the mobile concrete mixer to receive premixed concrete therefrom and an inner and outer support attached to the frame to support the portable auxiliary discharge chute assembly when operatively positioned relative to the mobile concrete mixer such that the portable auxiliary discharge chute assembly receives premixed concrete from the mobile concrete mixer for delivery to an area remote from the mobile concrete mixer.

Abstract: A mobile concrete mixing apparatus comprising an aggregate storage bin and cement storage bin mounted on a mobile carrier in spaced relation, a water supply tank mounted on the carrier and in operable communication with a water discharge pipe disposed in the proximity of the cement storage bin, a conveyor apparatus movable beneath and between the aggregate storage bin and cement storage bin for moving materials therefrom for discharge into a mixing auger assembly, the aggregate storage bin containing premixed sand and rock materials for achieving a homogeneous moisture and temperature therebetween, the sand-rock mixture, cement mixture and water being mixed together prior to admission thereof into the mixing auger assembly, the auger assembly comprising a plurality of material moving stages and a plurality of mixing stages interposed therebetween to assure a homogeneous mixture for delivery from the mixing auger assembly, all of the operation of the concrete mixing apparatus being initiated by a single lever

Abstract: A mixing and delivery system for concrete or the like wherein the delivery range of a mixing auger trough is extended by two (2) delivery chutes which can be selectively deployed. The chutes are stored secured to and beneath the trough in end-to-end relation and are deployed by sliding the chutes lengthwise to extend beyond the trough. The chutes are pivotably engaged so that, in the deployed position, the distal trough may be pivoted out of deployment if it is not needed.

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.

Abstract: A brake primarily for use with a cement dispensing system such as those attached to the rear of a cement truck. A dispensing chute receives material from the tube connecting with the drum and is mounted to swing through an arc for carrying the cement away from the truck. The brake comprises an annular flange mounted concentric with the dispensing tube and a cooperating brake having shoes for gripping the flange. By fixing the flange to either the tube or the chute and the brake to the other member, actuation of the brake will stop and hold the chute in a selected radial position. The brake functions better than prior art devices because the flange in being positioned around the tube, provides a substantial lever arm for allowing the brake to stop and hold the chute.

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.

Abstract: A brake mechanism that enables controlled angular positioning of a concrete chute about a vertical axis on a concrete mixing vehicle. The brake includes an arcuate horizontal rim mounted to the chute on one side of a ring bearing. The rim pivots with the chute. A brake actuator adjacent the rim is selectively operable to clamp the rim and thereby fix the angular position of the chute relative to the ring bearing axis. Complementary surfaces on the rim and brake actuator interlock to assure positive clamping action.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying materials having first and second support members movable longitudinally with respect to each other, a third support member positioned between the first and second support members and movable along a line extending therebetween, first and second rigid conduit sections having one end supported respectively by the first and second support members and a third rigid conduit section having its ends swivelly connected to the other ends of the first and second conduit sections and supported by the third support member, whereby as the first and second support members move longitudinally with respect to each other, the first, second and third conduit sections expand and retract accordingly.

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.

Abstract: A conveying chute for freshly mixed concrete is made from a metal frame having a replaceable polyurethane liner. The liner is formed flat about a porous metal reinforcement and is held in a curved trough defining shape by the frame.

Abstract: A rigid cover attached to the chute of a cement truck can prevent the accidental discharge of cement residue from the chute of the cement truck while the truck is moving. The use of a rigid cover prevents the bending of the cover under the weight of the cement residue. The rigid cover can be attached to an over-chute portion of the chute such that when the over-chute rests upon the main chute, the rigid cover can be positioned to prevent the accidental discharge of cement from the chute or can be flopped on top of the over-chute. The rigid cover is designed to hold back a substantial amount of cement residue.