Abstract: A forming system includes a frame and two forming walls. The two forming walls are positioned at a distance from each other to define a first vertical wall course. One forming wall is supported by the frame such that the one forming wall can be translated toward or away from the respective other forming wall. The frame can be raised to raise the two forming walls to be positioned to pour a second vertical course on top of the first vertical course. The translation of the one forming wall allows for the pouring of the first vertical course with horizontally extending rebar that extends through the one forming wall outside of the first vertical wall course, to tie in to a subsequently poured floor slab. The translation permits the vertical raising of the one forming wall, without striking the extending rebar, to pour the second vertical course on the first vertical course. A worker's platform is provided that is supported by the frame and vertically movable by raising the frame.

Abstract: To provide a lighter weight and more robust component for use on a concrete mixer truck, a collector is formed of a non-metallic material which has more desirable characteristics. The collector is further strengthened by providing internal reinforcing structures and reinforced mounting structures so the collector can be effectively coupled to the concrete mixer truck. Additionally, the non-metallic material has desirable characteristics, such as low surface friction levels, high strength to weight ratios, and desirable puncture resistance. All of these characteristics combine to provide a lighter weight, more effective collector.

Abstract: A pivoting load chute includes one or more sections that define a conveying surface that is configured for rotation relative to a support stand about a substantially horizontal axis between a lowered position and a raised position. The pivoting load chute further includes at least one linkage assembly having (i) a first linkage arm, with a first end of the first linkage arm operably connected to the support stand, (ii) an actuator that is operably connected to and extends between the support stand and the first linkage arm, and (iii) a second linkage arm, with a first end of the second linkage arm operably connected to the one or more sections that define the conveying surface, and with a second end of the second linkage arm operably connected to a second end of the first linkage arm.

Abstract: A chute assembly for directing cement from a cement truck is disclosed. The chute comprises an elongate chute of generally u-shaped cross section fabricated from UHMWPe and comprising an upper end and a lower end, a plurality of reinforcing rods arranged along a length of and encased within the UHMWPe, one end of each of the rods adjacent the upper end and another end of each of the rods adjacent the lower end, a pair of u-shaped collars, an upper one of the collars adjacent the upper end and a lower one of the collars adjacent the lower end, and a fastener for securing each of the collars to their respective rod ends. A method of fabrication is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chute assembly for directing cement from a cement truck is disclosed. The chute comprises an elongate chute of generally u-shaped cross section fabricated from UHMWPe and comprising an upper end and a lower end, a plurality of reinforcing rods arranged along a length of and encased within the UHMWPe, one end of each of the rods adjacent the upper end and another end of each of the rods adjacent the lower end, a pair of u-shaped collars, an upper one of the collars adjacent the upper end and a lower one of the collars adjacent the lower end, and a fastener for securing each of the collars to their respective rod ends. A method of fabrication is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for hitching a trailer to a motor vehicle is disclosed wherein the motor vehicle has a chassis supported by axles suspended from the motor vehicle chassis, the trailer has a chassis supported by one or more axles suspended from the trailer chassis, and the trailer hitch is adapted to hitch the trailer chassis to the motor vehicle chassis for movement therewith and also cause the trailer chassis to help support the motor vehicle chassis to a variable degree via the trailer hitch and in a manner determined by the spring action provided by the trailer axle suspension system(s). And wherein the trailer hitch is also adapted to allow the hitched trailer chassis to turn with respect to the motor vehicle chassis and prevent such turning and to stow a hitched trailer chassis on the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for a lorry-based concrete mixer comprising a vessel adapted to be positioned beneath a concrete mixer discharge chute portion when the discharge chute is in a stowed position, the vessel being adapted, in use, to receive and retain debris exiting the discharge chute portion while the lorry-based concrete mixer is in motion, the vessel being further adapted to receive wash down water.

Abstract: A slurry distributor for use in a continuous manufacturing process includes an inlet opening and a shaped duct adapted to receive a flow of slurry provided at the inlet opening. The shaped duct has a parabolic guide surface adapted to redirect the flow of slurry. An outlet opening in fluid communication with the shaped duct is adapted to discharge the flow of slurry from the slurry distributor.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating removal of debris from the roof of a construction location or other raised work site. The apparatus comprises a chute comprising multiple sections that may telescope to extend in length, where the chute is configured for implementation with a mobile platform.

Abstract: A cement pouring device may include an elongate vessel supported by a frame. The frame may enable the vessel to cooperate with and be transported by a vehicle such as a skid steer. Due to the elongate shape of the device, it may be particularly suitable for depositing a cement charge at a distal pour site that would be difficult to access otherwise, or may only have been accessible manually with a conventional wheel barrow and shovel. This may be particularly advantageous in smaller pour jobs where equipment such as cement pumps are impractical or economically infeasible.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a slurry can include a trough configured to be removably attached to a discharge chute of a ready-mix truck and receive a slurry discharged therefrom where the trough has a front including a flange configured to extend under the discharge chute. The apparatus can include an enclosed basin connected to a lower end of the trough proximate to a midpoint of the enclosed basin and an aperture defined within the enclosed basin and configured to enable the slurry to flow from the trough into the enclosed basin. The enclosed basin can include at least one covered access port where the at least one covered access port is configured to be opened and configured to be closed. The apparatus can include a plurality of drainage nozzles disposed along a bottom of the enclosed basin and configured to distribute the slurry to a plurality of locations.

Abstract: A concrete dispensing chute extension device for facilitating the pouring of concrete attaches to an end portion of a concrete truck chute and comprises a funnel-shaped lower opening having a cylindrical flexible chute extending directly downward. Concrete is poured down the chute and into the device, the device is directed straight downward into a concrete form. Utilization of the device reduces the impact of the concrete against the sides of the form and the incidents of the form capsizing.

Abstract: A method, a system and an apparatus for removing cement residue located within a concrete discharge chute and controlling the collection of debris and wash water, in a concrete mixing truck. The concrete discharge chute comprises a main chute and an end chute connected to the main chute via a hinged connection. In addition, a barrier plate having a rubber seal is connected to the end chute. When concrete discharge is completed, the barrier plate automatically prevents the discharge of debris by closing off the discharge chute when the end chute is raised into an upright and secured position. The barrier plate also has an optimally placed opening to control material flow along the main chute. The opening is fitted with a valve which may be connected to a drain hose to collect wash water into a collection tank securely positioned on the concrete truck.

Abstract: The hinge assembly of the present invention is a novel configuration that utilizes multiple arcuate shaped clevis elements. The configuration produces a compact, stable, and efficient means for transmitting an actuation force to retract or deploy one or more sections of a folding chute assembly utilized on transit concrete mixing vehicles.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locking a discharge chute of a mixing vehicle are disclosed. The locking apparatus can be mounted to existing discharge chutes and frame arrangements and may utilize existing pneumatic systems of the mixing vehicle. The locking apparatus generally include a base having a first arm and a second arm pivotally secured to the base. An airbag may be positioned between the first arm and the second arm to bias a clamping region of the locking apparatus in a locked or a released state depending on the configuration of the locking apparatus.

Abstract: A chute extension for a typical concrete mixing truck, the extension has a chute attachment spring clip on the attachment end and a funneled outlet on the delivery end. The invention further comprises an angle where the delivery end meets the end of the trough, for more laminar flow of concrete. The included concrete rake has a telescoping handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for rollably supporting a cement-pouring chute having a support structure cooperatively engageable with a cement-pouring chute for supporting the chute and directing the pouring of cement therefrom. The support structure is angularly adjustable to allow for the angular adjustment of the cement-pouring chute. At least one roller assembly is connected to the support structure to provide a rollable adjustment to the support structure. The roller assembly may provide a pneumatic tire mounted on a caster and a bearing.

Abstract: A concrete chute apparatus for preventing the accidental discharge of cement residue from the chute of a cement truck while the truck is moving is disclosed. To attain this, an abutment plate obstructs the opening of a cement truck caused by the folding of an articulated chute. In an embodiment, an abutment plate is rigidly affixed to an over-chute section of the articulated chute such that the plate obscures the concrete path when the over-chute section is rotated to the up position.

Abstract: A two-piece charge hopper assembly for a concrete transit mixing vehicle of the rear-discharge type is disclosed in which a lower, movable portion including the hopper discharge lip is enabled to swing out of the way of discharging concrete while the upper body of the charge hopper remains in a fixed position which is accomplished by the use of a simple pivot mechanism.

Abstract: The spacing device mounted to a two-section chute system prevents inadvertent contact between the two chute sections. The spacing device includes a mounting flange and a blocking member positionable between first and second pivotally attached chute sections of a concrete mixing truck. The first chute section comprises an annular flange that is configured to contact an arcuate edge of the second chute section. The mounting flange is connected to a second end of the first chute section and the blocking member is attached to the mounting flange. The blocking member comprises a contact surface that is configured to engage a portion of the arcuate edge of the second chute section when the spacing device is in a blocking position. In the blocking position, the spacing device holds the first and second chute sections in a partially open position to prevent unintended contact between the chute sections.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for receiving a multiplicity of like circular articles, such as discs, rings, and lids, for example, presented in a known or random horizontal orientation, and for collecting them for subsequent conventional processing into a horizontal counted stack in which each of the circular articles of the stack has the same on-edge or vertical orientation.

Abstract: A safety and assist mechanism for a flip chute hingedly connectable to a main chute for movement about a transverse hinge axis between a stored position over the main chute and a working position as an extension to the main chute. The mechanism has a lever rigidly securable to the flip chute to rotate with the flip chute about the hinge axis. A spring is connectable to the lever and to the main chute to generate a moment about the hinge axis contra to a moment generated by the weight of the flip chute.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for receiving a multiplicity of like circular articles, such as discs, rings, and lids, for example, presented in a known or random horizontal orientation, and for collecting them for subsequent conventional processing into a horizontal counted stack in which each of the circular articles of the stack has the same on-edge or vertical orientation.

Abstract: A hopper assembly for a ready mixed concrete truck having a material off loading position and a material on loading position. The hopper assembly includes a main chute portion and a movable portion movable between an open position for off loading and a closed position for on loading. The movable portion directs material directly into an opening of a mixing drum providing for the rapid on loading from an overhead delivery apparatus when in the closed position. When the movable portion is in the open position or off loading position a passage area between the hopper assembly and the mixing drum is increased thereby eliminating a restricted area to provide for the effective dispensing of high viscosity material such as low slump concrete.

Abstract: A concrete chute system is provided including a concrete mixing vehicle with a chute mounted thereto. An open end of an auxiliary chute is detachably coupled to the chute of the concrete mixing vehicle to fluidly for receiving mixed concrete therefrom. The auxiliary chute also includes a central portion defined by a lower portion of a cylinder defining an open top and a pair of linear upper peripheral edges, a closed semicircular lower face. The auxiliary chute also has an aperture formed in the central portion adjacent to the lower face and a cylindrical flange coupled to the central portion about the aperture and extending downwardly therefrom. One end of a flexible tube is coupled to the flange for allowing mixed concrete to flow through the aperture and out the tube for dispensing.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated concrete transfer chute having a plurality of telescoping generally U-shaped chute sections which are arranged to telescope together onto a first chute section pivotally connected to a concrete truck, the inner end of the first chute being aligned to receive the concrete discharged from the concrete truck, the first chute section having a planar bearing surface on each of the top sides and inside of the first chute, each of the two parallel planar bearing surfaces extending from the outer end of the first chute at least to the point at which concrete enters the first chute section, and each of the plurality of telescoping chute sections having a plurality of roller bearings aligned in a row along the inside of each of the top sides of each of the telescoping chute sections, each of the rows of roller bearings being covered on their top side by a planar bearing surface.

Abstract: This chute comprises a first section and a second section having its inner end portion pivotally connected to the outer end portion of the first section in a manner that allows the second section to be pivoted from a folded position into a position of alignment with the first section. A releasable interference device blocks the second chute section from entering into its position of alignment when the second section is pivoted from its folded position into an intermediate position near its position of alignment. This interference device comprises a blocking member pivotally mounted on the inner end portion of the second chute section and comprising an impact head that is normally positioned in a blocking position between the inner end portion of the second chute section and the outer end portion of the first chute section when the second chute section enters its intermediate position. A spring biases the impact head into its blocking position.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering freshly mixed concrete includes an open-ended concrete conveyor chute having an inner guide surface and an outer surface defining a generally U-shape along a main axis and with a receiving terminus at one end and a discharge terminus at the opposite end. An arcuate belly band is sleeved over and fixed to the outer surface of the chute adjacent its discharge terminus and has a forwardly-projecting ear on each end of the belly band extending forwardly of and upwardly above the respective upper planes of the chute and belly band. There is a rearwardly-facing notch in each ear. A U-shaped frame defines a pair of oppositely-disposed rearwardly-projecting arms. Each arm is disposed outboard of a respective ear of the belly band and with an inwardly-facing lateral-extending lug at the distal end of each arm and with a cross arm extending between and connected to the arms and being receivable in the notches of the ears.

Abstract: A safety valve which prevents the discharge chute from rapidly falling due to a sudden loss of hydraulic fluid pressure. The valve is located between the chute lift cylinder port and hydraulic system hose. The valve is actuated when the flow leaving the chute lift cylinder exceeds a predetermined flow. The valve immediately stops the hydraulic fluid from leaving the chute lift cylinder maintaining the position of the discharge chute.

Abstract: A cement mixer truck that has an extendable chute assembly that permits extending one, two or more chute sections for discharge of concrete at a location remote from the mixer. The chute section is easily telescopic, can be locked in either the retracted or extended positions, and can be swiveled about a vertical axis. Further, for storage, the chutes will fold up automatically when at a proper position to engage an actuator to cause the chutes to fold. The truck shown is a front discharge mixer truck that can be adjusted in vertical height at a job site to permit a greater slope to the chutes and is available with a restricted height truck.

Abstract: An improved discharge chute assembly for use with a concrete mixing truck includes improved chute components which are fabricated from a fiberglass reinforced polyurethane structural frame possessing necessary flexural and impact properties and a polyurethane liner possessing necessary wear resistance and hardness. The polymeric materials tends to remain smooth during wear and permit chutes according to the invention to be manufactured much lighter than those heretofore known.

Abstract: A safety valve which prevents the discharge chute from rapidly falling due to a sudden loss of hydraulic fluid pressure. The valve is located between the chute lift cylinder port and hydraulic system hose. The valve is actuated when the flow leaving the chute lift cylinder exceeds a predetermined flow. The valve immediately stops the hydraulic fluid from leaving the chute lift cylinder maintaining the position of the discharge chute.

Abstract: A device for the separation and alignment of objects of the packages, parcels or similar kind, including a conveyor for the parcels brought in bulk to the inlet and for discharging the same parcels separated and aligned at the outlet, which includes at least one truncated cone opened at its ends, driven continuously in rotation about its axis which is inclined with respect to the horizontal and which includes in its inner surface a set of helical wings, axially offset with respect to one another and extending when taken together over at least one complete turn of the truncated cone, the parcels introduced at the upper end of smaller diameter at the inlet of the truncated cone being discharged at its lower end of larger diameter at its outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering product into a feed tube including a tip over drum which has a tray supported between two side walls. The tray has a convex hump near the axis of rotation for dividing product fed by a gravitational feed into two portions.

Abstract: An auger swivel for a concrete mixer includes a channel mounted to a bowl. A center member is pivotally connected to a pivot point near the channel and near an outer surface of the bowl. The center member includes a pair of first wings that extend from the pivot point, opposite each other and away form the bowl. Two slides are received in the channel and are positioned away from each other by a ring. Two second wings are provided. One of the second wings is pivotally connected to one of the first wings at one of its ends and pivotally connected to one of the slides at its other end. The other second wing is similarly connected to the other first wing and the other slide. An actuator rotates the center member about the pivot point and causes the slides to rotate around the outer surface of the bowl and about a longitudinal axis passing through the bowl.

Abstract: A telescoping extension chute has a first semicircular section with an inlet end for pivotal connection to a main chute on a mixer truck and a pair of tubular tracks attached along upper longitudinal edges. An intermediate section with a semicircular cross-section of larger radius telescopes over the first section and has a pair of tubular tracks attached along upper longitudinal edges which extend through slots formed in the bottom walls of the first section tracks. A third section with a semicircular cross-section of still larger radius telescopes over the intermediate section and has a pair of bars attached along upper longitudinal edges which extend through slots formed in the bottom walls of the intermediate section tracks. Rollers attached to the tracks cooperate to provide relative telescoping movement and a locking mechanism prevents relative movement in any extended position.

Abstract: The chute attachment is attached to a chute on cement truck at a receiving end so that cement might flow through the receiving end to an outlet end having a reduced size compared to the receiving end and into the desired place. A closure assembly is provided to close the chute attachment to thereby cut off the flow of cement, and minimize or avoid any spillage. The chute attachment has a frame which includes a circular assembly having large, middle and small circular members. The members are secured together at a common tangential point and a cover is secured to the frame.

Abstract: The specification discloses linkage assemblies (16, 59) for effecting selective pivotal movement of hinged structures. The invention is particularly adapted for use with sectional chute assemblies of concrete mixers, either for moving adjacent chute sections between extended and retracted positions, or for swinging the entire chute assembly.

Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly is presented for use in conjunction with a rotary drum filtration apparatus, the conveyor belt passing longitudinally through the drum. The conveyor belt assembly comprises two movable frame sections and an associated conveyor belt. A first movable frame section is slidably mounted, preferably by rollers on rails, on the supporting framework whereby the conveyor belt may be moved between an operative position inside the drum and a retracted position outside the drum. The second movable frame section is pivotably mounted and is capable of pivoting upwardly into a raised position thereby providing a space for the first frame section to be slidably positioned thereunder. Preferably, a ramp means attached to the slidable frame section urges the second pivotable frame section upwardly to the raised position.

Abstract: The specification discloses linkage assemblies (16, 59) for effecting selective pivotal movement of hinged structures. The invention is particularly adapted for use with sectional chute assemblies of concrete mixers, either for moving adjacent chute sections between extended and retracted positions, or for swinging the entire chute assembly.

Abstract: A mixing and delivery system for concrete or the like wherein the delivery range of a mixing auger trough is extended by two (2) delivery chutes which can be selectively deployed. The chutes are stored secured to and beneath the trough in end-to-end relation and are deployed by sliding the chutes lengthwise to extend beyond the trough. The chutes are pivotably engaged so that, in the deployed position, the distal trough may be pivoted out of deployment if it is not needed.

Abstract: A brake primarily for use with a cement dispensing system such as those attached to the rear of a cement truck. A dispensing chute receives material from the tube connecting with the drum and is mounted to swing through an arc for carrying the cement away from the truck. The brake comprises an annular flange mounted concentric with the dispensing tube and a cooperating brake having shoes for gripping the flange. By fixing the flange to either the tube or the chute and the brake to the other member, actuation of the brake will stop and hold the chute in a selected radial position. The brake functions better than prior art devices because the flange in being positioned around the tube, provides a substantial lever arm for allowing the brake to stop and hold the chute.

Abstract: An inclination maintaining system for a discharge chute of a ready-mix concrete truck or the like including a body on which the chute is pivotally mounted for movement about an axis extending horizontally and transversely of the chute, the system having sensors mounted on the chute for sensing inclination thereof relative to the horizontal about the axis, an extensible and contractible member interconnecting the body and the chute in attitude controlling relation to the chute, and control elements responsive to the sensors for extending and contracting the member so as to maintain the chute at the inclination.

Abstract: A brake mechanism that enables controlled angular positioning of a concrete chute about a vertical axis on a concrete mixing vehicle. The brake includes an arcuate horizontal rim mounted to the chute on one side of a ring bearing. The rim pivots with the chute. A brake actuator adjacent the rim is selectively operable to clamp the rim and thereby fix the angular position of the chute relative to the ring bearing axis. Complementary surfaces on the rim and brake actuator interlock to assure positive clamping action.

Abstract: Novel discharge sections for a gravity flow concrete conveyor chute comprising left and/or right diagonal angle sections and left and right elbow end sections for more efficiently discharging concrete from a ready mix truck. These discharge sections are made of steel or other suitable material and provide for releasable attachment to the distal end of a compatible chute usually U-shaped conventionally utilized in directing concrete from a ready mix truck to a specific location.

Abstract: A leveling discharge system for ready-mix concrete trucks having a first member mounted on a truck for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first axis disposed longitudinally of the truck, a second member mounted on the first member for pivotal movement about a substantially erect second axis disposed in a plane common to the first axis, and a discharge chute mounted on the second member for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal third axis normal to said plane and disposed transversely of the truck.

Abstract: A conveying chute for freshly mixed concrete is made from a metal frame having a replaceable polyurethane liner. The liner is formed flat about a porous metal reinforcement and is held in a curved trough defining shape by the frame.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the direction of flow of concrete from the discharge opening of a concrete mixing drum, preferably mounted on a vehicle having a chassis with a cab at the front end wherein the discharge opening of the mixing drum is adjacent the cab. The apparatus includes a rigid support frame with a collecting hopper rigidly mounted on the frame adjacent the discharge opening of the mixing drum for receiving concrete flowing through the discharge opening of the mixing drum. An outlet is provided in the hopper for the discharge of concrete therethrough. A bearing is mounted around the outlet. A driven gear is rotatably carried by the bearing for movement in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially upright axis. An elongated discharge chute is pivotally carried by the driven gear for movement with the driven gear for movement about a horizontal axis and is positioned for receiving concrete flowing through the outlet of the hopper.

Abstract: A lightweight and reinforced tubular concrete distributing structure having an integral hopper at one end as well as flexible means for supporting the same on a delivery chute to receive the discharge of the latter. The bottom wall of the hopper merges smoothly with the interior of the tubular structure and the plane of the top edges of the hopper is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the tubular structure.

Abstract: Tablet coating and polishing apparatus comprising a conventional rotatable pan with a gravity discharge unloader chute connected for rotation therewith. The unloader chute has an inlet associated with the interior of the pan and an outlet exterior of the pan with a substantially truncated conical surface extending therebetween and having a progressively increasing width toward said outlet for gravity unloading of tablets from the pan.