Abstract: An improved volumetric concrete mixing system and method of the present invention utilizes load cells for measuring weight loss from the aggregate and cement bins. Load cells may also be used for measuring weight loss from the water tank. The load cells provide input data corresponding to the weight loss of each container to a controller which automatically adjusts the delivery of ingredients to a mixing boot so as to achieve a desired concrete mix ratio.

Abstract: An improved volumetric concrete mixing system and method of the present invention utilizes load cells for measuring weight loss from the aggregate and cement bins. Load cells may also be used for measuring weight loss from the water tank. The load cells provide input data corresponding to the weight loss of each container to a controller which automatically adjusts the delivery of ingredients to a mixing boot so as to achieve a desired concrete mix ratio.

Abstract: A pigmentation dispenser utilizes a hopper having two rotors therein, a first rotor above a second rotor. The second rotor moves the pigmentation material through an outlet opening and deposits it on a conveyor containing a concrete mix. The concrete mix and pigmentation material are then moved to a mixer which mixes them together. A cleanout is also in communication with the hopper and the second rotor can be reversed to move the pigmentation toward the cleanout.

Abstract: An improved volumetric cement mixer has bins, containers, and troughs formed from UHMW material reinforced with expanded metal. A metal skeletal frame supports the UHMW walls of the sand and gravel bins, while mininizing the weight of the mixer. The UHMW troughs for the boot mixer and discharge chute improve product flow and mixing, and simplifies cleaning of the troughs.

Abstract: An auger mixer for mixing a concrete mix includes an elongated mixer housing having a mixing chamber for mixing the concrete mix therein. A mixing auger is rotatably mounted within the mixing chamber. A bearing assembly mounts one end of the auger shaft to the mixer housing. A seal assembly comprising a stationary seal remains stationary relative to the mixer housing and a rotating seal rotates with the auger. The stationary seal and the rotating seal contact one another to create a seal preventing the concrete mix from exiting the mixing chamber and moving toward the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A grain dryer is provided with a housing, and a hot air source connected to the housing so as to dry grain in the housing. A rehydration source is connected to the housing to add moisture, in the form of steam or hot water, to grain which is over-dried. A conveyor moves the grain through the housing during the drying and rehydration processes.

Abstract: A pigmentation dispenser utilizes a hopper having two rotors therein. One rotor moves the pigmentation material through an outlet opening and deposits it on a conveyor containing a concrete mix. The concrete mix and pigmentation material are then moved to a mixer which mixes them together.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for introducing fibrous material into a continuous flow of concrete. Fibrous material is pushed through an aperture located in the bottom of a container. As the fiber falls from the aperture, it is agitated and spread evenly onto the mixture of concrete. The resulting distribution of fiber within the concrete mixture increases the strength of the concrete while preventing undo grouping of the fibers.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention comprise an elongated auger housing having a rotatable auger therein. Augers are provided for delivering sludge and an additive such as cement kiln dust to the intake end of the mixer housing. An auger within the mixer housing conveys the material to the discharge end of the housing, and at the same time mixes the materials together.

Abstract: The portable continuous mixing device of the present invention comprises a first upper frame adapted to drop the dry concrete ingerdients into the upper end of a hopper. The ingredients drop out of the lower end of the hopper onto a second conveyor which deposits the dry ingredients into the input end of a continuous auger mixer. Water and admix are also added to the input end of the auger mixer and the mixer mixes all of these ingredients and discharges them from a discharge end.

Abstract: The fiber cutting device of the present invention comprises a die block having a feed opening extending therethrough for receiving a multi-strand fiber. The die block has a flat cutting surface at one end of the feed opening. A fiber feeder is adapted to feed the fiber through the feed opening toward the cutting surface. A rotatable cutting blade is mounted to rotate about an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the feed opening, and the blade has a cutting edge adapted to pass in sliding frictional engagement with the cutting surface of the die block once during each revolution of the cutting blade so as to cooperate with the cutting surface to cut the fiber exiting from the feed opening. Adjustable controls are provided for adjusting the speed at which the feeder feeds the fiber through the feed opening, and additional adjustable controls are provided for adjusting the rotational speed of the cutting blade.

Abstract: The metering device of the present invention comprises a cylindrical housing having a circular top wall and a circular bottom wall. The top wall has an inlet opening therein and the bottom wall has an outlet opening therein. The outlet opening and the inlet opening each comprise only a portion of the area of the top and bottom walls, respectively.A metering wheel is rotatably mounted within the housing and includes a plurality of pockets circumferentially spaced around its rotational axis. The pockets include open upper and lower ends. A horizontal cover plate is attached to the housing above the metering wheel so as to close off the portion of the inlet opening which is located directly above the outlet opening. The material to be metered drops through the inlet opening and is carried by the rotating pockets of the metering wheel toward the outlet opening. When the material reaches the outlet opening it drops by gravity out of the metering device.

Abstract: The support device of the present invention comprises a stationary outer collar and a rotatable inner collar concentrically located within the outer collar. An outwardly extending flange is attached to the outer surface of the inner collar and an inwardly extending flange is attached to the inner surface of the outer collar. These two flanges are superimposed over one another and a plurality of ball bearings are interposed between them so as to permit the inner collar to rotate with respect to the outer collar. The mixer auger is attached to the inner collar and consequently the auger can be rotated about the rotational connection between the inner and outer collars.