Abstract: A method for the determination of the properties of mouldable materials, such as the granular and pulverous masses of fresh concrete, and stiff liquids, particularly for the determination of the plastic and reologic properties thereof. A sample of a known weight is taken from the mass; the sample is subjected to a moulding effect; and a compression (S) and the number of working revolutions required therefor are determined. In order that the behavior of the material to be measured can be controlled accurately during the measuring process and that the obtained measuring results are accurate and reliable, the sample is compressed in two axially opposite directions with a constant force (P); the sample is moulded under a constant compression between two parallel inclined planes which change the rotationally change the direction of inclination thereof; the volume (V and V.sub.

Abstract: A fluid substance is transferred in a shuttle (1) by means of a pressure difference in a tube, between a filling station and an emptying station, the end of the shuttle having an opening (8) covered by a closing member (9) which can be opened resiliently (11) towards the inside of the shuttle (1). The device for filling and/or emptying the shuttle has members for holding the shuttle (1) in place while it is being filled or emptied, and members for opening the closing member (9) and for filling and emptying the shuttle (1), the mutual position of the members for holding the shuttle (1) and the member for opening the closing member (9) at the filling and the emptying station being such or capable of being made such that the end of the opening member pushes through the opening (8) of the shuttle (1) into the shuttle to a distance beyond the closing member (9).