Abstract: A portable frame having ground engageable wheels and a scale has an elongated linkage consisting of two pivotally actuated pairs of beams with reinforced cross members. A pivoted, hydraulic first motor is engageable with a hopper adapted to receive the dry mix ingredients. When the hydraulic motor is actuated, extendable movement of the piston causes the hopper to be swung upwardly and the hopper is simultaneously tilted to a vertical position. At maximum extension of the hydraulic motor, a pivoted hydraulic second motor acting at one end through one of the linkages and through the hopper at the other, effects further tilting movement of the hopper, to a substantially vertical position. The ingredients are then discharged through a chute section of the hopper into a self-transit concrete mixer truck.

Abstract: A portable frame having ground engageable wheels and a scale has an elongated linkage consisting of two pivotally actuated pairs of beams with reinforced cross members. A pivoted, hydraulic first motor is engageable with a hopper adapted to receive the dry mix ingredients. When the hydraulic motor is actuated, extendable movement of the piston causes the hopper to be swung upwardly and the hopper is simultaneously tilted to a vertical position. At maximum extension of the hydraulic motor, a pivoted hydraulic second motor acting at one end through one of the linkages and through the hopper at the other, effects further tilting movement of the hopper, to a substantially vertical position. The ingredients are then discharged through a chute section of the hopper into a self-transit concrete mixer truck.

Abstract: A tag axle is mounted to the frame at the rear of a vehicle on an articulated linkage which extends downwardly and rearwardly. Springs bias the tag axle and its bearing-supported wheels in an upward direction. The tag axle is actuated downwardly by two air bags, one at each end of the tag axle. The tag axle provides vertical support at the rear of the vehicle through the air bag actuators. The tag axle is guided vertically by means of two upright arms, one at each side of the frame, and including anti-friction roller bearings and associated tracks which permit free vertical movement of the tag axle but prohibit lateral and torsional, and limit differentially vertical, movement of the wheels. A greater vertical movement of the tag axle is permitted because of the location and disposition of the tag axle and associated components, thereby preventing ground-bottoming or ploughing by any component at the rear portion of the vehicle. The total package is lighter and more compact to reduce weight and cost.

Abstract: The frame of a load-bearing vehicle has two beams extending one on each side of the frame and pivotally mounted to the frame. Between each beam and the frame is an air bladder, or other cushion. At the end of each beam is a linkage carrying a tag axle, wheel and tire. A power actuator rotates the linkage to bring the wheel and tire into ground engaging position at the end of the beam, and a second power actuator pivots the beams upwardly to raise the wheel-and-tire set; or pivots the beam downwardly to lower the wheel-and-tire set into ground engagement. Fluid motor actuators for the linkages and the beams respectively, are remotely operable so that the extra flotation wheels and tag axle can be brought into ground engagement when additional ground support is desired for the weight borne by the vehicle frame; or, the extra flotation wheels and tires can be raised to an elevated transport position, also by remote operation of the fluid motor actuators associated with the beam and linkage respectively.