Abstract: Material flow modifiers as disclosed herein overcome drawbacks associated with known adverse flow conditions (e.g., surface erosion, head losses, particulate drop-out, and the like) that arise from flow of certain types of materials (e.g., fluids, slurries, particulates, flowable aggregate, and the like) through a material flow conduit. Such material flow modifiers provide for flow of flowable material within a flow passage of a material flow conduit (e.g., a portion of a pipeline, tubing or the like) to have a rotational flow profile. Advantageously, the rotational flow profile centralizes flow toward the central portion of the flow passage, thereby reducing magnitude of laminar flow to overcome the aforementioned adverse flow conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for aseptic material transfer from a storage container to a bioreactor. More precisely the invention relates to a method and system for aseptically transferring dry material, such as microcarriers for cell cultivation, to a bioreactor, comprising transferring microcarriers from a first container housing said microcarriers to a bioreactor for cell cultivation via r transfer tubing connecting the first container to the bioreactor, wherein the transfer is accomplished with pressurized air or gas supplied to the container.

Abstract: A bulk material shipping container unloader having an expandable supporter, a pallet receiver supported by the extendable supporter, a material director supported by the pallet receiver, and a bulk material container gate mover supported by the pallet receiver.

Abstract: A mixing and dispensing apparatus, including a first container (for containing a first substance), a second container (for containing a second substance), and a tube system (that combines the first and second substances into one combined substance and mixes and dispenses the combined substance). Notably, a fluid-impermeable enclosure encloses the first container, the second container, and the tube system. Therefore, instead of performing the time-consuming process of formulating alcohol (used to decontaminate surfaces in clean room environments) to desired levels and filter-sterilizing it in the clean room environment, the claimed apparatus can be pre-filled off-site, sterilized, shipped to the destination, remain sterilized during shipment, and be used to combine (and mix and dispense) the substances on site.

Abstract: A modularized system for processing, storing and/or disposing of a hazardous waste material is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the modularized system includes a container configured to sealingly contain hazardous waste material; a first cell, the first cell comprising a first area for manipulating the container; and a second cell, the second cell comprising a second area for manipulating the container. The second cell is isolated from the first cell. The first cell is held at a first pressure and the second cell held at a second pressure, the first pressure being less than the second pressure. An interlock couples the first cell to the second cell. The first cell, second cell and interlock are configured to allow the container to be transferred from the first cell to the second cell while maintaining at least one seal between the first cell and the second cell.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a manifold assembly includes a skid, a low pressure manifold connected to the skid, and a high pressure manifold connected to the skid. In another aspect, the high pressure manifold has a modular configuration so that the high pressure manifold is disconnectable in whole or in part from the skid, and reconnectable in whole or in part to the skid. In yet another aspect, the high pressure manifold includes high pressure modules, all of which are in fluid communication with each other and each of which is adapted to be in fluid communication with at least one pump. In still yet another aspect, the low pressure manifold includes one or more flow lines, the high pressure manifold includes fittings, and the manifold assembly includes vibration isolators to dampen dynamic loading, the vibration isolators being disposed between the fittings and the one or more flow lines.

Abstract: To provide a cement production apparatus which can pre-heat uniformly material supplied to cyclones above a duct, improve heat-exchanging efficiency, and perform an operation with low pressure loss and small energy consuption.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for efficiently producing concrete using dynamic feedback are disclosed. A concrete plant can use a control system to manage concrete production based on the dynamic feedback. The dynamic feedback can control mixing of concrete ingredients so as to yield uniform particle distribution for the concrete ingredients. The dynamic feedback can also avoid overflow situations as well as yield improved loading of the resulting concrete into a concrete transport vehicle (e.g., concrete truck).

Abstract: A control system for a concrete plant adds intelligent capabilities in the concrete plant that may enhance safety, localize control of the concrete plant, and assist with troubleshooting. The control system may also enhance accuracy for determining an amount of mixed concrete dispensed, or amounts of concrete ingredients to dispense, and may eliminate the need for equipment used to verify the amount of mixed concrete or concrete ingredients dispensed.

Abstract: A continuous system for making shingles from recyclable material is provided comprising a milling device to receive recyclable material and process the recyclable material into particulate and a transfer device to receive and transfer the particulate from the milling device. An apparatus receives the particulate from the transfer device and weighs the particulate. A continuous processor receives the particulate and reacts and/or mixes the particulate with at least one admixture to form a homogenous mixture. A filler mixer receives the homogenous mixture and incorporates the homogenous mixture with shingle material to form core product and a control panel controls input of the homogenous mixture into the filler mixer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the production of a mixture of components, especially a mixture with premix dead volumes. The method and the device according to the invention ensure multivariable regulation feedback by a dynamic observer providing an estimate in real time of the properties of the components of the mixture, said estimate being sufficient to guarantee the effectiveness of the feedback loop. Thus, the desired properties of the mixture are guaranteed despite large uncertainties in the properties of the components on the one hand, and partial knowledge of the mixing process on the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and adjusting both air content and rheology (e.g., slump, slump flow) properties of a hydratable concrete mix contained within a concrete mixer. The system simultaneously tracks dosage of both rheology-modifying admixture (e.g., polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant) and air control agent or “ACA” (e.g., air entraining agent) by reference to at least four nominal dose response (“NDR”) curves or profiles, which at least four NDR profiles are based on the respective behaviors of each of the ACA and rheology-modifying agent on air content and rheology.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a warm mix asphalt assembly and methods of operating the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to warm mix asphalt assembly having requisite ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions. In one embodiment of the present invention, a warm mix asphalt assembly comprises a warm mix asphalt skid, having a water input pipe, a water output pipe and a control apparatus; a burner assembly for drying aggregate, the burner assembly comprising a water line for receiving water from the warm mix asphalt skid; and an asphalt expander and drum assembly having a water line for receiving water from the warm mix asphalt skid.

Abstract: A tubular admixture piece for receiving in a mixing device for controlled metering in of an adjuvant into a pumpable mixture has at least one sealing element for producing an at least partially fluid-tight connection between the admixture piece and the mixing device wherein the at least one sealing element is designed as an axial seal with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular admixture piece. A housing element of a mixing device has at least a sealing support for axial sealing of the admixture piece, and is also configured to exert a force that acts on the admixture piece in the axial direction and/or longitudinal direction of the through-flow opening, such that the axial seal of an admixture piece received at least partially in the through-flow opening can be pressed against the sealing support by the force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus for the metered addition of an additive to a pumpable mixture, in particular a pumpable hydraulically setting mixture, in particular a liquid shotcrete composition, wherein the mixing apparatus includes a delivery line for delivering the mixture through the mixing apparatus, and a metering device communicating with the deliver line for introducing the additive into the mixture is provided, wherein the mixing apparatus is including in that the metering device has a device for dispersing the additive in a carrier method such that the additive can be introduced into the mixture in a state in which the additive is finely distributed in the carrier medium.

Abstract: A system for monitoring plant equipment is provided. Another aspect provides an automated analysis system wherein software instructions operably compare sensor data to predefined valves and determine mechanical problems in multiple machines. In another aspect, a cement manufacturing system includes sensors for sensing movement conditions of cement making machines. A further aspect provides a central computer connected to vibration sensors associated with cement making machines, where software instructions perform real-time comparisons and machine performance determinations, based at least in part on sensed signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the production of a mixture of components, especially a mixture with premix dead volumes. The method and the device according to the invention ensure multivariable regulation feedback by a dynamic observer providing an estimate in real time of the properties of the components of the mixture, said estimate being sufficient to guarantee the effectiveness of the feedback loop. Thus, the desired properties of the mixture are guaranteed despite large uncertainties in the properties of the components on the one hand, and partial knowledge of the mixing process on the other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus to produce solid particulate material from solid particulate components. The components are metered and mixed according to a desired recipe. After having been mixed the material is metered and packaged in a suitable form, e.g. in bags. The apparatus (10) comprises a stationary casing (32) provided with a rotating mixing tool (40), a discharge valve (50) mounted on the bottom of said mixer (30) and a metering and packaging unit (70). The method is particularly suitable to manufacture solid particulate material by mixing low-value components available in any site and high-value components, such as materials for use in the building and construction field.

Abstract: This invention encompasses rubber modified asphalt cement compositions, as well as systems, apparatuses, methods for preparing, as well as methods for using rubber-modified asphalt cement compositions.

Abstract: A package for reinforcing fibers to be used in production of fiber concrete or similar materials. The package has a continuous, elongated design with a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular or polygonal cross section. The fibers are longitudinally or transversally or randomly oriented and are filled into the package, wherein the fibers are uniformly arranged so that each length unit of the package has a defined amount of fibers. The continuous package is arranged into a transport box to be delivered to a concrete plant. The continuous package is fed to a conveyer belt, an aggregate belt, a skip, a weigh hopper, a truckmixer, or a premixer, wherein the package is opened and the fibers are dosed into the concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus for on-site manufacturing of lightweight concrete used for insulation in roof decks and roof systems of building structures. The apparatus is supported on a transportable trailer frame and includes a mixer, a concrete pump, and one or more tanks for holding a mixture of water and chemical products, such as foaming agents. The chemical agents/water solution is mixed with pressurized air according to a desired foam density and volume and is pumped through a foam cylinder ejector. The air/solution mixture exiting the ejector is directed into a carburetor which generates a foam product by mechanical impact of the air/solution mixture with beads contained in the carburetor. Concrete and the foam product are combined in the mixer, in accordance with a predetermined mixture ratio, and released into the concrete pump for forced discharge from the apparatus and application to a roof structure.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the in-feed and discharge rates of materials flowing into and out of a mixing process where one priority is to achieve a target mixture flow rate from the mixing process and another priority can be to achieve a target value for a mixture property. Actuators can be operated to control material in-feed rates, the mixture composition, and discharge rate, and can maintain a hold-up of the mixture in the mixing process. A total flow rate controller provides a control signal to a controller acting on the discharge rate and a controller acting on the in-feed rates. The mixture discharge flow rate can be automatically reduced from its desired target when the commanded rate of at least one of the materials exceeds its available supply rate as inferred from an inability to maintain the targeted value for the mixture property.

Abstract: To provide a cement manufacturing apparatus and the like capable of increasing quantity of fly ash used in the apparatus while controlling unburned carbon content in cement within a permissible range. The cement manufacturing apparatus and the like comprises a removal means for removing unburned carbon from gypsum, and a grinding means for grinding gypsum from which unburned carbon is removed by the removal means together with clinker to generate cement. With the apparatus, total unburned carbon content in cement can be reduced, and the quantity of fly ash used in the apparatus can be increased by the reduced amount of unburned carbon. The removal means can remove unburned carbon contained in gypsum as well as unburned carbon contained in fly ash, and the grinding means may grind the fly ash from which unburned carbon is removed together with the gypsum, from which unburned carbon is removed, and clinker.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the in-feed and discharge rates of materials flowing into and out of a mixing process where one priority is to achieve a target mixture flow rate from the mixing process and another priority can be to achieve a target value for a mixture property. Actuators can be operated to control material in-feed rates, the mixture composition, and discharge rate, and can maintain a hold-up of the mixture in the mixing process. A total flow rate controller provides a control signal to a controller acting on the discharge rate and a controller acting on the in-feed rates. The mixture discharge flow rate can be automatically reduced from its desired target when the commanded rate of at least one of the materials exceeds its available supply rate as inferred from an inability to maintain the targeted value for the mixture property.

Abstract: An apparatus for highly controlled color composition and distribution within the face mix of semi-dry concrete mix paving stones is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable cement mixing system uses ingredients such as cement, water and sand in predetermined quantities. A digital controller coordinates all of the operating elements of the apparatus for the entire mixing process and stores mixing programs relative to the mixing process for a variety of cements which includes the various ingredient quantities. Separate storage containers each coupled to a conveyors from the container extend to a mixer to transfer that quantity to the mixer for each cement ingredient. The conveyors are operated in sequence by the controller to load the mixer with a predetermined quantity of each of the required ingredients prior to mixing. The mixer and its contents are weighed before and during the transfer of each ingredient to precisely determine and transfer the required amount of each ingredient. After the mixer is loaded with all of the ingredients, the mixer is operated for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A facility for manufacturing concrete and a method of operation thereof which allow for the benefits of alkali metal activated fly ash hydraulic cement to be realized, which allow the disadvantages associated therewith to be avoided, which allows widespread implementation of alkali metal activated fly ash hydraulic cement as a low-cost and environmentally-friendly substitute for Portland cement, in whole or in part, in traditional applications, and which enables new applications taking advantage of the superior characteristics of alkali metal activated fly ash cement.

Abstract: A continuous feed mixer for cement or other mixtures includes a mixing tube which is inclined downward from a feed end to a mixing end. Cement solids are deposited at the feed end. Water is introduced at various locations along the length of the mixing tube to provide a proper proportion of solids and water. The mixing tube is rotated to provide the desired mixing process. A scraper is positioned within the mixing tube to remove material from an inner wall of the mixing tube during the mixing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device for bulk material, comprising a mixer, a feed for bulk material and a feed for liquid into the mixer, and means for withdrawing mixing material from the mixer and to preferably transport it further via pipelines, i.e. in particular with a pump.

Abstract: An aggregate storing and classifying mechanism for production of asphalt in plants, comprising a body (2) having plurality of circular sections (6) arranged in a manner of substantially surrounding the body (2) for storing aggregate material comprising different gradation levels plurality of foot means (1) holding said body (2); corridor means (7) and channel means (15) arranged tree branch-like manner in the body (2) for distributing and storing the aggregate in the body (2) as homogenously; plurality of discharge mouths (4) and discharge covers (8) for discharging the aggregate material from the body (2) and feeding the aggregate material to conveyors placed under the body (2) through plurality of discharging axis.

Abstract: A machine for combining powder material with cohesive site-won spoil has an input hopper which provides a preliminary breaking up step. Some lime is added from a lime feeder as the material is transported to a pan mixer. During transport a rotavator acts on the cohesive material so that finely divided material enters the mixing means. Further powder ingredients can be added to the components in the pan mixer by means of a powder ingredient supply system.

Abstract: A computer controlled pumping and measuring system is used to dispense chemicals into a concrete mix. The redundant use of positive displacement pumps and flow meters ensure that any problems with the chemical dispensing are immediately caught. The computerized control system may be operable to control exact batch configurations of concrete and aggregate in conjunction with the chemical dispensing, as well as provide precise mixture control and recording of the various components.

Abstract: A method for dosing reinforcing fibers in a mixing silo during the manufacture of fiber concrete. The reinforcing fibers as supplied in a chain packing of sacks. The sacks may be made of material which can be disintegrated in mortar or concrete. The chain packing including sacks filled with reinforcing fibers for carrying out the method may be made of material which can be disintegrated in mortar or concrete.

Abstract: An asphalt production plant includes an asphalt binder storage tank, a mixer for mixing asphalt binder and aggregate materials, an asphalt binder pumping system for conveying asphalt binder to the mixer and an asphalt binder metering system for controlling the rate of flow of asphalt binder to the mixer. The asphalt production plant also includes a cold feed proportioning system having a plurality of cold feed bins for holding aggregate materials, with each such bin having a discharge opening through which aggregate materials may be discharged, a cold feed conveyor system that extends from beneath the discharge openings for the plurality of bins for conveying aggregate materials to the mixer and an apparatus and system for adjusting the relative proportions of aggregate materials from each of the cold feed bins that are conveyed to the mixer.

Abstract: A process and equipment for producing multi-color concrete products, including architectural concrete blocks, concrete bricks, modular concrete products that are suitable for use in landscaping applications, such as retaining wall blocks, concrete pavers, and concrete slabs. The invention includes a hopper that is divided into separate sections, with each section intended to contain a differently colored concrete. Each hopper section includes a controllable discharge opening that permits precise control of the amount of each concrete color that is discharged from the hopper. The colored concrete is then transported to and dumped into a hopper of a concrete product production machine, where the concrete is blended into a multi-color concrete blend for use in producing the concrete products.

Abstract: Site-won spoil from an excavation which is a predominantly non-granular cohesive material can be converted into a material suitable for immediate use as a backfill material by a process of mechanically mixing the spoil with between 0 and 30% by weight or volume of added granular material and between 1 and 10% by weight or volume of a powder material comprising 1-5% lime or with the additon of 1-5% cement and/or 1-5% pulverised fly ash. The process works well with clay soils and the range of suitable spoil can be extended by adding cement to the powder material. The proportions in the mixture are chosen in dependence on the clay and moisture content of the spoil. A machine which can be set to mix the ingredients and water in the correct proportions on site is also described.

Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a sample of the aggregate, adding liquid to the sample, subjecting the sample to a light source signal, monitoring a light reflected signal reflected from the sample and controlling addition of liquid to the sample as a function of the light reflected signal. The apparatus comprises a support for supporting a sample of the aggregate, a liquid source for adding liquid to the sample, a light source which subjects the sample to a light source signal, a light sensor which senses a reflected light signal reflected from the sample and a processor/controller which controls addition of liquid from the liquid source as a function of the reflected light signal. The light source is preferably an infrared source and the light sensor is preferably an infrared detector.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the slurry includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are provided to a control system which provides control signals to automatically control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: The present invention to provides for a novel asphalt mixing plant which is portable, that is, capable of being transported from one site to another. The portable asphalt mixing plant has a control system that adjusts the rate at which crumb rubber is added to oil so as to maintain a constant oil/rubber ratio in a mixer. The blending control process has a CPU to control the rate at which asphalt is pumped into a mixer and the rate at which crumb rubber is fed to the same mixer so as to maintain a constant asphalt rubber ratio in the produced asphalt.

Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a sample of the aggregate, adding liquid to the sample, subjecting the sample to a light source signal, monitoring a light reflected signal reflected from the sample and controlling addition of liquid to the sample as a function of the light reflected signal. The apparatus comprises a support for supporting a sample of the aggregate, a liquid source for adding liquid to the sample, a light source which subjects the sample to a light source signal, a light sensor which senses a reflected light signal reflected from the sample and a processor/controller which controls addition of liquid from the liquid source as a function of the reflected light signal. The light source is preferably an infrared source and the light sensor is preferably an infrared detector.

Abstract: A system for developing a concrete mix design that allows a user to input a set of initial design parameters (such as required average compressive strength) for the design, and to specify various design criteria (such as the cementitious materials, aggregates, and admixtures to be used in the design) using a series of input screens. The system then displays several key initial design parameters and design criteria within a design criteria and parameters summary that is displayed on a single “worksheet screen.” One or more of these criteria and/or parameters is displayed in user-modifiable format. Upon pressing a “calculate” button, the system displays an initial set of design specifications that meet the specified design parameters and criteria. The user may then modify any of the user-modifiable design parameters and criteria. In response such modifications, the system immediately generates an updated set of specifications that satisfies the revised criteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for providing at construction sites paste-like building materials, especially mortar, being delivered in a fixedly pre-determined basic consistency. A conveying and mixing pump with an additional water supply opening is provided below the storage container for the paste-like building material. By means of the water supply opening, additional water is mixed with the mortar in order to produce the desired mortar consistency. For this purpose, a mixing portion having hedgehog-type mixing elements is provided.

Abstract: A cable drum has a rotating winder fitted in a mounting and a frequency converter fitted on the winder. At least one socket outlet of the winder is electrically coupled to the frequency converter and is supplied with an electrical spatial frequency. The integration of the cable drum and frequency converter makes it easier to transport the equipment by reducing weight and the number of pieces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing concrete with a fiber additive and other ingredients including the steps of mechanically manipulating a shipping container (36) having a gross amount of fiber additive (50) substantially greater than the an amount susceptible to unaided manual handling with a mechanical manipulator to dump the gross amount of fiber additive (50) from the shipping container (36) into an additive hopper (46) moving at least some of the fiber additive (50) dumped in the additive hopper (46) to an additive hopper-bin (20) by means of a mechanically powered fiber conveyor (48) and conveying a preselected amount of the fiber additive (50) from the additive hopper-bin (20) to a mixer (14) for mixing with the other ingredients of the concrete being made.

Abstract: A system and method for providing raw mix proportioning control in a cement plant. A raw mix proportioning controller determines the correct mix and composition of raw materials to be transported to a mixer. The raw mix proportioning controller uses an inverse controller to determine the proper mix and composition of raw materials. The inverse controller takes targeted set points and the chemical composition of the raw material as inputs and generates the proportions of the raw material to be provided as an output for the next time step. The output is generated by using a geometric interpretation of the control process and a non-linear constrained optimization.

Abstract: A system and method for providing raw mix proportioning control in a cement plant with a gradient-based predictive controller. A raw mix proportioning controller determines the correct mix and composition of raw materials to be transported to a mixer. The raw mix proportioning controller uses a gradient-based predictive controller to determine the proper mix and composition of raw materials. The gradient-based predictive controller takes targeted set points and the chemical composition of the raw material as inputs and generates the proportions of the raw material to be provided as an output for the next time step. The output is generated by using a non-linear constrained optimization.

Abstract: A system and method for providing raw mix proportioning control in a cement plant with a fuzzy logic supervisory controller. A raw mix proportioning controller determines the correct mix and composition of raw materials to be transported to a mixer. The raw mix proportioning controller uses the fuzzy logic supervisory controller to determine the proper mix and composition of raw materials. The fuzzy logic supervisory controller takes targeted set points and the chemical composition of the raw material as inputs and generates the proportions of the raw material to be provided as an output for the next time step.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of mineral particles and recombining the mineral particles in an alterable, controlled fashion to create a plurality of products each having a predetermined, desired particle size distribution.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for intimately combining a waste material with a stabilizer material comprises a first reservoir for receiving, containing, and discharging a waste material. The first reservoir has an inlet for receiving the waste material, an interior for containing the waste material, and an outlet for discharging waste material. The present invention also comprises a means for controllably discharging the first reservoir. The present invention also comprises a second reservoir for receiving, containing, and discharging a stabilizer material. The second reservoir also has an inlet for receiving the stabilizer material, an interior for containing the stabilizer material, and an outlet for discharging the stabilizer material. The present invention further comprises a means for controllably discharging the second reservoir.

Abstract: A mixing device (1) having at least two concentric tubular elements (2, 3) including an outer tubular element (2) and an inner tubular element (3) inside the outer tubular element, the outer tubular element and the inner tubular element each supplying a liquid (5) or solid products to be mixed together, and a helical member (4) disposed for rotational movement inside the outer tubular element for entrainment of the liquid (5) or solid products, the helical member surrounding the inner tubular element, the outer tubular element including at least one inlet orifice (6a) for introducing the liquid (5) or solid products into the outer tubular element to be entrained by the helical member, and an outlet orifice (7) for delivering a mixture (9) of the liquid and solid products (5, 8) outside the outer tubular element, the inner tubular element (3) having an open end terminating inside the outer tubular element (2) downstream of the inlet orifice (6a) and upstream of the outlet orifice (7), wherein the mixture (9) i