Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling concrete batch mixing cycles and for training an operator to minimize the mixing cycles, includes receiving real time mixer motor power measurements; detecting an initial peak value among the real time mixer motor power measurements; determining, by a processor, an initial amount of water to add to a concrete batch; waiting a first time period to determine a first supplemental amount of water to add to a concrete batch; and, then, periodically determining additional supplemental amounts of water to add to a concrete batch; until, the real time mixer motor power measurements meet a pre-determined target mixer motor power value, responsive to which, one or more outputs are activated, such as a user interface indicator that the batch is ready, or an optional electronic signal to a batch control system to dump the batch, or both.

Abstract: Readings produced by an improved slump meter will be the consistent across a wide range of redi-mix units, regardless of the size of the load, make, model, age or condition of the redi-mix unit, therefore any mix consistency can be easily duplicated or created, by producing a common number for each mixer when running and empty, applying a conversion factor to raw hydraulic or electric motor work measurement data, and averaging and to stabilize the output reading on a refreshing period.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling concrete batch mixing cycles and for training an operator to minimize the mixing cycles, includes receiving real time mixer motor power measurements; detecting an initial peak value among the real time mixer motor power measurements; determining, by a processor, an initial amount of water to add to a concrete batch; waiting a first time period to determine a first supplemental amount of water to add to a concrete batch; and, then, periodically determining additional supplemental amounts of water to add to a concrete batch; until, the real time mixer motor power measurements meet a pre-determined target mixer motor power value, responsive to which, one or more outputs are activated, such as a user interface indicator that the batch is ready, or an optional electronic signal to a batch control system to dump the batch, or both.

Abstract: Readings produced by an improved slump meter will be the consistent across a wide range of redi-mix units, regardless of the size of the load, make, model, age or condition of the redi-mix unit, therefore any mix consistency can be easily duplicated or created, by producing a common number for each mixer when running and empty, applying a conversion factor to raw hydraulic or electric motor work measurement data, and averaging and to stabilize the output reading on a refreshing period.