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 transit concrete mixer includes a drum which is mounted for discharge either forwardly or reversely of the vehicle and has two sets of flights for two-stage concrete loading and discharging. One set of flights is particularly useful for carrying the aggregate from the base of the drum upwardly along the major axis of the drum and a second set of flights is adapted for receiving the aggregate and transporting it through the remaining length of the drum to the discharge opening of the drum. Thus, for relatively stiff, low slump aggregates which are useful in paving and for formless type useage, the concrete mixer unit is fully adaptable for such low slump values. Conversely, the same set of flights is adapted for charging and discharging relatively high slump values which are utilized for form type applications.