Patents by Inventor Eric P. Koehler
Eric P. Koehler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10647026Abstract: A system and process for detecting dynamic segregation in concrete rotated within a mixer drum, such as mounted on a delivery truck. A system processor is programmed to monitor an instantaneous and averaged rheology parameter and to deploy protocols for detecting segregation. A first protocol comprises monitoring the averaged slump during and immediately after a jump in drum speed of at least plus or minus four rotations per minute and detecting when a change in the averaged slump value meets or exceeds a threshold; and a second protocol comprises monitoring the instantaneous slump when the mixer drum is rotating at a constant speed for at least three successive rotations and detecting when the instantaneous slump value meets or exceeds a threshold limit. Once segregation is detected, one or more operations can be initiated, such as initiating an alarm or adjusting the mix.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Inventors: Richard K. Jordan, Mark F. Roberts, Yan Glina, Nathan A. Tregger, Lawrence R. Roberts, Eric P. Koehler
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Patent number: 10363684Abstract: Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value (“RTD”) which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (“VPRUD”) value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: VERIFI LLCInventors: Mark F. Roberts, Richard K. Jordan, Roy J. Cooley, Eric P. Koehler, Meriem Bahira
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Publication number: 20190105802Abstract: A system and process for detecting dynamic segregation in concrete rotated within a mixer drum, such as mounted on a delivery truck. A system processor is programmed to monitor an instantaneous and averaged rheology parameter (e.g., instantaneous and averaged slump values) and to deploy one or more protocols for detecting the occurrence of segregation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventors: Richard K. Jordan, Mark F. Roberts, Yan Glina, Nathan A. Tregger, Lawrence R. Roberts, Eric P. Koehler
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Patent number: 10183418Abstract: A system and process for detecting dynamic segregation in concrete rotated within a mixer drum, such as mounted on a delivery truck. A system processor is programmed to monitor an instantaneous and averaged rheology parameter and to deploy protocols for detecting segregation. A first protocol comprises monitoring the averaged slump during and immediately after a jump in drum speed of at least plus or minus four rotations per minute and detecting when a change in the averaged slump value meets or exceeds a threshold; and a second protocol comprises monitoring the instantaneous slump when the mixer drum is rotating at a constant speed for at least three successive rotations and detecting when the instantaneous slump value meets or exceeds a threshold limit. Once segregation is detected, one or more operations can be initiated, such as initiating an alarm or adjusting the mix.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: VERIFI LLCInventors: Richard K. Jordan, Mark F. Roberts, Yan Glina, Nathan A. Tregger, Lawrence R. Roberts, Eric P. Koehler
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Patent number: 9952246Abstract: A gyroscopic rotational monitoring system may be utilized for monitoring one or more properties of rotatable container or vessel, and/or one or more properties of a displaceable material contained in the rotatable vessels. An exemplary aspect relates to the use of a gyroscope and periodicity sensor (e.g., accelerometer) to determine rotational speed of a concrete mixing drum, so that the slump or other property of the concrete can be monitored or adjusted such as by dosing with water, chemical admixtures, or mixture thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Verifi LLCInventors: Richard K. Jordan, Yan Glina, Mark F. Roberts, Eric P. Koehler
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Patent number: 9789628Abstract: The present invention provides a fast response method and system wherein one or more comb-type polycarboxylate ether (PCE) polymers, having a cumulative absorptivity coefficient in the range of 40%-75%, are employed as fluidizing admixtures dosed into concrete by and in automated slump monitoring and control systems which iteratively monitors and adjusts the slump of the concrete mix.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: GCP Applied Technologies Inc.Inventors: Byong-Wa Chun, Kati Hazrati, Eric P. Koehler, Romain Faivre
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Publication number: 20170217047Abstract: System and method of the invention involves use of a sensor-containing body which is mounted and/or rotatably disposed along the longitudinal rotational axis of a concrete mixer drum at the close end, the sensor-containing body being connected to a conduit for introducing water, chemical admixture, gas, and/or cleansing fluid through the closed end of the drum into the mixer drum. Numerous heretofore unrealized combinations of advantages and benefits are provided within the concrete industry by the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2015Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Craig K. Leon, Kati Hazrati, Nathan A. Tregger, Eric P. Koehler, Tuan Hoang, Mark F. Roberts
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Publication number: 20170087743Abstract: Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value (“RTD”) which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (“VPRUD”) value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Mark F. Roberts, Richard K. Jordan, Roy J. Cooley, Eric P. Koehler, Meriem Bahira
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Publication number: 20170028586Abstract: A system and process for detecting dynamic segregation in concrete rotated within a mixer drum, such as mounted on a delivery truck. A system processor is programmed to monitor an instantaneous and averaged rheology parameter (e.g., instantaneous and averaged slump values) and to deploy one or more protocols for detecting the occurrence of segregation. A first protocol comprises monitoring the averaged slump or other rheology value of concrete during and immediately after a jump in drum speed of at least plus or minus four rotations per minute and detecting when a change in the averaged slump value meets or exceeds a threshold limit pre-selected by the user or the system processor; and an optional second protocol comprises monitoring the instantaneous slump or other rheology value of the concrete when the mixer drum is rotating at a constant speed for at least three successive rotations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Applicant: VERIFI LLCInventors: Richard K. Jordan, Mark F. Roberts, Yan Glina, Nathan A. Tregger, Lawrence R. Roberts, Eric P. Koehler
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Patent number: 9550312Abstract: Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value (“RTD”) which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (“VPRUD”) value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: VERIFI LLCInventors: Mark F. Roberts, Richard K. Jordan, Roy J. Cooley, Eric P. Koehler, Meriem Bahira
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Patent number: 9466203Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for detecting “sneak” additions of water or other fluid into the mixing drum of a concrete delivery vehicle having an automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring system. Sneak fluid additions are detected based on continuous rheology monitoring, even where valves and flow meters on the delivery vehicle are not used for the fluid addition. The invention is effective for monitoring additions by truck drivers who might add water from an undocumented water source (e.g., hose) along the delivery route or at the site, to hasten pouring, placement, and finishing at the time of delivery. Once sneak fluid addition is detected, the methods and system provide for reporting in the form of alerts, alarms, or other indications that sneak fluid addition has occurred, including monitor graphs or printouts confirming existence and/or extent of sneak fluid added into the vehicle mixing drum.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: GCP Applied Technologies Inc.Inventors: Richard K. Jordan, Mark F. Roberts, Eric P. Koehler
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Publication number: 20160250775Abstract: The present invention provides a fast response method and system wherein one or more comb-type polycarboxylate ether (PCE) polymers, having a cumulative adsorptivity coefficient in the range of 40%-75%, are employed as fluidizing admixtures dosed into concrete by and in automated slump monitoring and control systems which iteratively monitors and adjusts the slump of the concrete mix.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventors: Byong-Wa CHUN, Kati HAZRATI, Eric P. KOEHLER, Romain FAIVRE
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Publication number: 20150142362Abstract: A gyroscopic rotational monitoring system may be utilized for monitoring one or more properties of rotatable container or vessel, and/or one or more properties of a displaceable material contained in the rotatable vessels. An exemplary aspect relates to the use of a gyroscope and periodicity sensor (e.g., accelerometer) to determine rotational speed of a concrete mixing drum, so that the slump or other property of the concrete can be monitored or adjusted such as by dosing with water, chemical admixtures, or mixture thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Richard K. Jordan, Yan Glina, Mark F. Roberts, Eric P. Koehler
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Patent number: 8911138Abstract: System and method for dispensing liquids into concrete mixer drums, particularly suitable for use on concrete mix trucks, involve use of liquid admixtures nozzle that is separate from water conduit and water nozzle, the admixtures nozzle being aimed and focused to spray through drum opening with dispersion pattern substantially within air/concrete interface defined by minimal volume concrete contained within the drum; and the water conduit or nozzle having a dispersion pattern preferably whereby wash water hits a portion of the inner drum wall and a portion of the air/concrete interface defined by a maximum amount of concrete contained within the drum. In preferred embodiments, a check valve assembly is used to connect separate admixture and water lines, so that both admixture and water nozzles can be used simultaneously during purging operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Verifi LLCInventors: Robert E. Cook, James Klauke, Eric P. Koehler, Reynold Ramnarine, Mark F. Roberts
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Publication number: 20140104972Abstract: Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value (“RTD”) which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (“VPRUD”) value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: VERIFI LLCInventors: Mark F. Roberts, Richard K. Jordan, Roy J. Cooley, Eric P. Koehler, Meriem Bahira
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Publication number: 20140104066Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for detecting “sneak” additions of water or other fluid into the mixing drum of a concrete delivery vehicle having an automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring system. Sneak fluid additions are detected based on continuous rheology monitoring, even where valves and flow meters on the delivery vehicle are not used for the fluid addition. The invention is effective for monitoring additions by truck drivers who might add water from an undocumented water source (e.g., hose) along the delivery route or at the site, to hasten pouring, placement, and finishing at the time of delivery. Once sneak fluid addition is detected, the methods and system provide for reporting in the form of alerts, alarms, or other indications that sneak fluid addition has occurred, including monitor graphs or printouts confirming existence and/or extent of sneak fluid added into the vehicle mixing drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: VERIFI LLCInventors: Richard K. Jordan, Mark F. Roberts, Eric P. Koehler
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Publication number: 20120250446Abstract: System and method for dispensing liquids into concrete mixer drums, particularly suitable for use on concrete mix trucks, involve use of liquid admixtures nozzle that is separate from water conduit and water nozzle, the admixtures nozzle being aimed and focused to spray through drum opening with dispersion pattern substantially within air/concrete interface defined by minimal volume concrete contained within the drum; and the water conduit or nozzle having a dispersion pattern preferably whereby wash water hits a portion of the inner drum wall and a portion of the air/concrete interface defined by a maximum amount of concrete contained within the drum. In preferred embodiments, a check valve assembly is used to connect separate admixture and water lines, so that both admixture and water nozzles can be used simultaneously during purging operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Robert E. Cook, James Klauke, Eric P. Koehler, Reynold Ramnarine, Mark F. Roberts