Abstract: A method and system for determining the free cement content of concrete plant waste water held in a pit or tank P in which the temperature of the water in the pit or tank and the temperature of water in a reference pit or tank R.sub.1, is measured by thermocouples (T.sub.1, T.sub.2), the difference in temperature .DELTA.T determined and used to calculate an estimate of the free cement in the waste water whereby the reduced amount of cement to be used in a concrete batching process (without compromising the strength of the concrete product) can be determined.

Abstract: A mobile system and process for manufacturing and delivering concrete admixture finished products comprises: providing in separate transport tanks mounted on a vehicular frame at least two raw admixture materials (components); and blending together said at least two concrete admixture raw materials to provide a finished admixture product, whereby a finished admixture product is provided at a customer site, such as at a customer's mixing plant. Preferred processes and systems of the invention employ pump means for feeding admixture raw materials from the transport tanks to a blender, metering means for measuring the amount or rate of raw materials fed into the blender, and quality control units for monitoring physical characteristics of the finished product being delivered.

Abstract: Salvaged foundry sand is reclaimed by introducing salvaged sand into a vacuum kneading tank, adding water and binder to the salvaged sand and kneading the salvaged sand under vacuum. A target strength value of the reclaimed sand is set and the amount of water and binder to be added to the salvaged sand on the basis of the temperature of the salvaged sand before kneading in the vacuum kneading tank so that reclaimed sand of the target strength value is obtained.

Abstract: An automatic cementing system and method are disclosed for precisely controlling the density of a slurry during a continuously mixed cement application. The system includes an input water line and a dry cement hopper for supplying water and cement, respectively, to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes two chambers, Chamber A and Chamber B, for thoroughly mixing the water and cement together to form a cement slurry. Chamber B includes a level sensor for measuring the change in slurry level. The input line includes a pump for supplying the water to the mixing chamber, and a flow meter for measuring the rate at which the water is supplied. Similarly, the hopper includes a slide-gate valve for regulating the rate at which the dry cement is supplied to the mixing chamber. A discharge line with a discharge pump and a discharge flow meter receives and discharges cement slurry. A recirculation line is included for density control during initialization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing concrete in a concrete delivery mixing truck is provided which can yield a mix with an approximate required slump. This is achieved by monitoring the torque loading on hydraulic drive which rotates a mixing barrel and noting an anticipated minimum torque loading which, in turn, approximates to a required slump value. Liquid component is added to a mix until this minimum torque loading is noted. A CPU (17) is used to process information derived from a hydraulic pressure sensor (15) connected in the hydraulic drive motor used to rotate the mixing barrel. A volume/mass input sensor (21) can be used for meaning the amount of particulate ingredients, and a water volume sensor (25) can be used to measure the volume of liquid component added to the mix. When a known maximum volume of liquid component is added a computer can operate to prevent further liquid being added, unless it is purposely overridden.

Abstract: A concrete stabilization system which includes a number of subsystems to provide a complete reuse and reclaiming of all concrete which remains unused at the end of the production day, and also reclaims all constituents of washout concrete from a number of concrete mixer trucks following the washing out process. A tower is provided for vertical and tilting motion of a material handling bucket, and a stationary mixer for stabilizing concrete and constituent material for reuse with fresh concrete batches at the start of the next production day or up to four days later. The fully automated system includes a start sequence initiated by the operator of the truck, and the process is then fully automated by a process controller which may be monitored off-site.

Abstract: An improved concrete mixing plant is mounted on several mobile chassis to provide portability. The plant includes a horizontally oriented, internally urethane coated mixing drum having spiral and lift flights such that the rate of discharging concrete material is controllable without altering the direction or rate of rotation. The drum and chute are self-erecting from a low-profile, transport configuration to an elevated, mixing configuration. A water dispensing system wherein the water is automatically measured volumetrically or, alternatively, gravimetrically provides automatic cleaning of internal surfaces of the mixing drum as an integral part of the batching process. Feeder belt and weigh-bridge arrangements are interposed between bins containing denser ingredients and a collecting conveyor to provide a first surge capability. A hopper and load cell arrangement is interposed between a compartmented silo and a surge conveyor to provide a further surge capability.

Abstract: An automatic cementing system and method are disclosed for precisely controlling the density of a slurry during a continuously mixed cement application. The system includes an input water line and a dry cement hopper for supplying water and dry cement, respectively, to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes two chambers, Chamber A and Chamber B, for thoroughly mixing the water and cement together to form a cement slurry. Chamber B includes a level sensor for measuring the change in slurry level. The input line includes a pump for supplying the water to the mixing chamber, and a flow meter for measuring the rate at which the water is supplied. Similarly, the hopper includes a rotary valve for regulating the rate at which the dry cement is supplied to the mixing chamber and a speed sensor for measuring the speed of the rotary valve. A discharge line with a discharge pump and a discharge flow meter receives and discharges cement slurry.

Abstract: An automatic cementing system and method are disclosed for precisely controlling the density of a slurry during a continuously mixed cement application. The system includes an input water line and a dry cement hopper for supplying water and dry cement, respectively, to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes two chambers, Chamber A and Chamber B, for thoroughly mixing the water and cement together to form a cement slurry. Chamber B includes a level sensor for measuring the change in slurry level. The input line includes a pump for supplying the water to the mixing chamber, and a flow meter for measuring the rate at which the water is supplied. Similarly, the hopper includes a rotary valve for regulating the rate at which the dry cement is supplied to the mixing chamber and a speed sensor for measuring the speed of the rotary valve. A discharge line with a discharge pump and a discharge flow meter receives and discharges cement slurry.

Abstract: An automated density and chemical controller automatically controls the density and chemical proportions of a slurry that is injected into a well during a well fracturing operation. The automated density controller receives from the operator the parameters of the fracturing operation and automatically controls the addition of a proppant to water to produce a slurry with a desired density. The automated density controller measures the incoming flow of water into a blender tub and regulates the delivery of proppant in the blender tub to produce a slurry of the desired density. The performance characteristics of the mechanism used to deliver the proppant are programmed into the controller to enable the controller to regulate the quantity of proppant delivered by controlling the operational speed of the delivery mechanism. The automated chemical controller regulates the addition of chemicals based on the incoming flow rate.

Abstract: A process using an improved apparatus for mixing and cooling molding sand.

Abstract: An automated density and chemical controller automatically controls the density and chemical proportions of a slurry that is injected into a well during a well fracturing operation to produce a slurry with a desired density. The automated controller automatically controls the addition of a proppant to water based on the parameters of the fracturing operation, the incoming flow of water into a blender tub, the incoming flow rate of chemicals, and the performance characteristics of the mechanism used to deliver the proppant. The automated density controller also measures the flow of the slurry discharged from the blender tub and calculates the actual density of the slurry. After comparing the calculated actual density with the desired density, the automated density controller calculates a correction factor and recalibrates the performance characteristics of the proppant delivery mechanism. The automated density controller also includes a densiometer for measuring the actual density of the slurry.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous coating of charge transport solutions onto a substrate to form an electrophotographic imaging member, including a pump to a flow of a first highly doped charge transport solution and a pump to a flow of a second undoped or lowly doped charge transport solution at predetermined rates to a common junction at which the flows intermix into a common flow upon contacting each other; piping connecting the pumping means to the common junction; and mixing device associated with the junction for continuously mixing the common flow during its movement through the mixing device, the mixing device having a short spiral flow path of less than about 200 cm for the solutions sufficient to substantially complete mix the common flow during its movement through the mixing means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: A movable asphalt mixing plant which is towed behind a milling machine. The mixing plant includes an input conveyor which receives the crushed aggregate from the milling machine. The aggregate is then introduced into a pug mill carried by the mobile plant. A heated storage tank and appropriate pumps and conduits for asphaltic cement located on the mobile plant allow the asphaltic cement to be mixed with the aggregate in the pug mill. The amount of asphaltic cement added to the aggregate may be controlled by a microprocessor which receives input regarding the production rate and input weight of aggregate. Asphaltic paving material produced by the pug mill is dispensed from the rear of the plant. A heating system employing hot circulating oil is also provided to ensure that the pumps and conduits for the asphaltic cement flow freely. A steering mechanism is provided for the plant to ensure centering for proper reception of aggregate and dispensing of paving material.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprises two or more tubs in which mixtures can be mixed to obtain averaging of a particular property, such as density. Two recirculation lines are used. One recirculates between an initial mixing tub and a mixing inlet, and the other recirculates from the additional, secondary averaging tub(s) and the mixing inlet. Computer control responds to densities of fluids recirculated through both of the recirculation lines. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is also responsive to pressure of one of the inlet substances. In response to these measured inputs and other data entered through a data entry terminal, the computer generates control signals for controlling the inputs of both of two inlet substances. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and a corresponding method utilize displacement tanks both as averaging tubs and as conventional displacement tanks.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprises two or more tubs in which mixtures can be mixed to obtain averaging of a particular property, such as density. Two recirculation lines are used. One recirculates between an initial mixing tub and a mixing inlet, and the other recirculates from the additional, secondary averaging tub(s) and the mixing inlet. Computer control responds to densities of fluids recirculated through both of the recirculation lines. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is also responsive to pressure of one of the inlet substances. In response to these measured inputs and other data entered through a data entry terminal, the computer generates control signals for controlling the inputs of both of two inlet substances. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and a corresponding method utilize displacement tanks both as averaging tubs and as conventional displacement tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the production of foamed material in which the material and foam are delivered to a mixer (12) in predetermined relative proportions. The apparatus comprises a mixer (23) for mixing a foam solution and air together, and a foam generator (26) for conditioning the air and foam solution mixture and delivering the resultant foam to the mixer. The foam generator (26) comprises a plurality of foam generating chambers connected in parallel, valves (28) being provided to control the flow of air and foam solution mixture through each of the generator chambers. The volume flow rate at which foam is delivered to the mixer (12) is monitored, and the valves are controlled to direct the air and foam solution mixture through one or more of the generator chambers in dependence upon the volume flow rate such that the flow velocity of the air and foam solution mixture within the chamber or chambers is within predetermined limits.

Abstract: An automatic mixture control apparatus includes a micro-computer-based data acquisition and control device which responds in real time to flowmeter and densimeter signals to control water inlet and bulk cement valves so that a cement slurry is produced at the desired rate and density. The data acquisition and control device is programmed to provide means for computing desired positions for the valves and for computing corrections for the positions. A related automatic mixture control method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing concrete mortar. In order to regulate the moisture content of the concrete mortar a sand sample is taken of the sand used. This sand sample is dried. The amount of water added to a concrete charge is regulated subject to the weight difference of the sand sample prior to and after drying.

Abstract: A blender vehicle apparatus includes a vehicle having a vehicle frame. An internal combustion engine driven hydraulic power package is mounted on the vehicle frame. A plurality of liquid additive storage tanks are mounted on the frame adjacent the power package. An operator's work platform, including a control station, is mounted on the vehicle frame adjacent the storage tanks on a side thereof opposite the power package. A hydraulically powered blender assembly is also included, and a hydraulically powered lifting apparatus is mounted on the vehicle frame for moving the blender assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. The raised position of the blender assembly is located above the vehicle frame and adjacent the work platform on a side thereof opposite the storage tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing dry particulate material and liquid is shown. The dry material is initially mixed in a mixing module. The pre-mixed slurry then passes to a two stage mixing tank system featuring a smaller, primary tank and a larger capacity, secondary tank. The premixed slurry passes into the primary tank for additional mixing, then flows over a weir into the secondary tank. A portion of the slurry in the secondary tank is recirculated to the mixing module while the density of the slurry in the primary is monitored. The overall slurry density is controlled by adjusting the dry material entering the mixing module based upon the density reading taken from the primary tank.

Abstract: For use in preparing cement to cement a well, a cement metering system is set forth. The preferred and illustrated embodiment incorporates flow meters measuring water delivered to a cement jet mixer for cement and water into a slurry. A downstream density meter is included. A second water line dilutes the slurry to adjust the density downwardly to the desired slurry density controlled by the control system. The control system includes a data formatting circuit connected to the various transducers which converts the data so that the density required for the slurry is obtained. As desired, the data can be totalled by integrating over a period of time and shown on the data display. Volume flow rate of the controlled density slurry and bulk volume of dry cement may be determined.

Abstract: In the batchwise production of asphalt concrete only such aggregate is utilized, as comprises a coarse-grained portion, a fine-grained portion and a filler portion. The coarse-grained portion and the bituminous binder used are mixed in a mixer, and the filler portion is added to the mixer in such a way that it is has been taken up by and suspended in the binder film deposited on the coarse-grained portion before the free particles on the fine-grained portion are added. In such a way the thickness of the binder film and the capability thereof to take up the particles of the fine-grained portion are increased so that also said particles are coated with and suspended in the binder.

Abstract: An automatic slurry concentration control system including a mixing tank filled with a charge of slurry of solids containing water, a clear water tank for supplying clear water, a suction tube of a slurry supply pump located in an opening in a lower portion of the mixing tank, and a movable tube for adjusting the opening of the mixing tank, wherein the concentration of slurry in the suction tube can be controlled by adjusting the movable tube, is provided with a clear water control device. The clear water control device is mounted in the clear water tank for controlling the amount of clear water supplied from the clear water tank in accordance with the amount of slurry delivered from the mixing tank.

Abstract: In a one hundred percent slurry reclamation installation, the design mix of the concrete is adjusted by measuring the specific gravity of a slurry to be substituted, selecting the percentage of slurry to be substituted for the fresh concrete mix design ingredients, computing the amount of water, sand and active cement in the slurry from the relative amounts of active and passive solids in the slurry and the slurry specific gravity, and reducing the design values of water, cement and sand by the computed amounts when admixing the slurry to the reduced quantities of fresh ingredients.

Abstract: The viscosity and amount of limestone in a limestone asphalt mixture (filled coating mixture) is determined sensing the density of the mixture which will indicate the percent of limestone in the mixture and also sensing the temperature of the mixture, and adjusting the ratio of limestone to asphalt to maximize this ratio relative to a pre-set ratio and adjusting the pre-set ratio in accordance with the temperature of the mixture when the temperature is below a pre-determined limit.

Abstract: A slurry mixing and pumping system adapted to automatically control both slurry viscosity and product output volume. Water and raw gypsum delivered to a mixing vat are thoroughly blended by a hydraulically powered agitator blade within the vat. Hydraulic pressure variations experienced by the agitator motor are translated into pneumatic viscosity control signals by a process controller. An air actuated water valve driven by the controller varies water input into the vat to effectuate vicosity correction. Means responsive to vat head level controls output volume.

Abstract: A slurry mixing and pumping system adapted to automatically control both slurry viscosity and product output volume. Water and raw gypsum delivered to a mixing vat are thoroughly blended by a hydraulically powered agitator blade within the vat. Hydraulic pressure variations experienced by the agitator motor are translated into pneumatic viscosity control signals by a process controller. An air actuated water valve driven by the controller varies water input into the vat to effectuate viscosity correction. Means responsive to vat head level controls output volume.

Abstract: Control apparatus and a method for making battery paste by mixing selected quantities of lead oxide, sulfuric acid and water to form a reaction mixture are disclosed. During the reaction portion of the process, the viscosity of the mixture initially descends on a time-viscosity curve, which then changes in slope to reach a point of minimum viscosity. The temperatures of the reaction mixture form a time-temperature curve having a temperature peak therein. The temperature and the viscosity of the reaction mixture are determined respectively by temperature sensing devices and by viscosity sensing devices.

Abstract: A characteristic feature of the invention lies in that a container for each liquid component, incorporated in a sand machine, is provided with an actuator intended for effecting forcible opening of the container spring-loaded valve, a device for controlling this actuator, and an eccentric mounted on the shaft of a drive for actuating feeders and acting on the control device; each proportioner for a fluid component is provided with spring-loaded diaphragms, of which one is adapted to control a feeder for loose components and the other, to close the feeder outlet. The connection between the feeders is effected by an intermediary member connected with the spring-loaded diaphragm and brought in contact with a cam mounted on the shaft of the drive for feeders and set at an angle of 2 to 15 deg. relative to the eccentric.

Abstract: A process for making asphalt concrete comprises mixing starting materials including aggregate and binder material and optionally, other additives, to a final temperature of about 60.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. in an indirectly heated mixing chamber which is sealed. The moisture content of the asphalt concrete mixture is controlled as a function of the moisture content of the starting materials. Apparatus for performing the process in a continuous or batch operation is also set forth.

Abstract: A slurry reclamation system for use with a concrete ready-mix plant which enables 100% reclamation of the constituents of concrete mix returned to the plant site by vehicles.Returned concrete mix is dumped into an inlet hopper having a screw classifier for removing aggregate and coarse sand, and a weired channel enabling gravity flow of the water, cement fines and sand fines constituents into a slurry vessel. The slurry in the vessel naturally separates into clarified water and concentrated slurry, and agitators are provided for periodically stirring up the slurry to maintain the cement fines active. The slurry vessel is sized in such a manner as to guarantee complete consumption of slurry returned during a day's production by the end of the following production day, the volumetric capacity of the vessel being related to the total average volume of water used to produce fresh concrete during a representative production day.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring water content of flowable mixtures such as casting sand, concrete, or chemical mixtures. The mixture is agitated in a mixing tray (10), then a moisture sensing measuring probe (7) is inserted into the mix for taking a measurement. The probe is then withdrawn from the mix and cleaned, as by brushing, stripping, blasting with air, or spraying with liquid. A temperature sensor (8 ) may also be inserted into the mix with the measuring probe. The probe is mounted in a lifting unit (5) which normally holds the probe in a cooling and cleaning casing (6) out of the mix. The unit can also locate the probe at different selected levels within the mix.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of mortar has a wheel-mounted frame for an elongated vessel which receives metered quantities of solid and liquid constituents from discrete feeding units. The vessel has an outlet and contains a rotary homogenizing and evacuating device which mixes the solid and liquid constituents to form mortar and advances the mortar toward and through the outlet. Mortar issuing from the outlet of the vessel can be discharged into a separate container which is mounted in or on the frame and is connected with one or more evacuating pumps, into wheelbarrows or into the container of a conventional mortar mixing machine. The feeding unit for solid constituent may receive material by gravity flow or under the action of a rotary screw in a receptacle which is mounted in the frame at a level above the vessel and receives solid constituent from a pneumatic conveyor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mixing foundry mold catalyst and carrier gas when the catalyst is in the liquid phase and the carrier is in the gaseous phase at standard conditions of temperature and pressure. The catalyst liquid is heated to vaporize it and the resulting catalyst gas is then mixed with the carrier gas under control of an automatic gas flow regulator which maintains the mass ratio between the catalyst gas and the carrier gas at the desired level in the gaseous mixture notwithstanding variations in the flow rate of either or both gases. The gaseous mixture is then blown through foundry molds and cores to cure the resin binder therein.

Abstract: In a mortar compounding apparatus wherein water, cement, aggregate and sand are admitted into a mixing tank at a predetermined ratio and admixed to form mortar, there is provided a control apparatus including detection blades rotated by a constant torque motor via a spring in the mixing tank or a detection tank connected thereto. The load imposed on the detection blades by the mortar is detected by a potentiometer for controlling the amount of water or solid constituents admitted into the mixing tank.

Abstract: A system for preparing asphalt mix of a selected composition is disclosed wherein the correct proportions of various grades of aggregate to be mixed with liquid asphalt are maintained by repeatedly measuring the weight of aggregate contribution from each of a plurality of feed bins containing different grades of aggregate, comparing the proportion of the total aggregate from all of the feed bins contributed by each individual feed bin to a preselected desired proportion for the particular grade of aggregate contained in that feed bin, and responsive to said comparison, adjusting the rate of feeding of aggregate from that feed bin to correct the actual proportion of the total agregate from that feed bin to the preselected desired proportion. The comparison and adjustment steps are repeated at a selected interval and the proportions of aggregate from each bin are determined based on the average output of each bin over the same interval.

Abstract: A meter measures the quality of steam flowing in a conduit. The steam comprises a liquid and a vapor. The meter includes a mixer in the conduit for mixing the steam in the conduit to produce a mixture which has a density representative of the liquid and the vapor. A density sensor, or desitometer, senses the density of the mixture. The densitomer produces an improved output due to the mixing. A pressure sensor senses pressure in the steam line. A calculating means, such as a microprocessor system, calculates the steam quality as a function of the sensed density and pressure.