Abstract: A food processing vat is provided with blade assemblies that extend from opposing sides of a rotating shaft. The blade assemblies may be curved or otherwise face different directions at different locations along their respective lengths. The vat may have a pair of rotating shafts and the rotation of the shafts may be timed so that the blade assemblies of the shafts simultaneously travel through a common swept volume. The blade assemblies may be positioned on the shafts so that they intermesh through each other while simultaneously moving through the common volume.

Abstract: A mixer nozzle assembly for mixing fluid introduced into a tank having a tank volume therein. The mixer nozzle assembly includes a stationary body and a rotatable body mounted on the stationary body for rotation about an axis in a predetermined direction. The fluid flows through the stationary body to the rotatable body and exits into the tank volume via one or more outlet apertures, thereby causing the rotatable body to rotate in the predetermined direction about the axis. The mixer nozzle assembly also includes a governor subassembly for controlling a speed of rotation of the rotatable body in the predetermined direction about the axis and a hydraulic circuit for governing a flow rate of hydraulic fluid directed to the governor subassembly, to adjust the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid for adjusting the speed of rotation of the rotatable body to the preselected speed.

Abstract: System and method for dispensing liquids into concrete mixer drums, particularly suitable for use on concrete mix trucks, involve use of liquid admixtures nozzle that is separate from water conduit and water nozzle, the admixtures nozzle being aimed and focused to spray through drum opening with dispersion pattern substantially within air/concrete interface defined by minimal volume concrete contained within the drum; and the water conduit or nozzle having a dispersion pattern preferably whereby wash water hits a portion of the inner drum wall and a portion of the air/concrete interface defined by a maximum amount of concrete contained within the drum. In preferred embodiments, a check valve assembly is used to connect separate admixture and water lines, so that both admixture and water nozzles can be used simultaneously during purging operation.

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: Mixing device for handling of a cement product, comprising a carryable mixing unit for mixing of powder and water, a feeder unit for feeding in powder to the mixing unit and a flexible tube packet connecting the mixing unit to the feeder unit, wherein the mixing unit comprises a receiver part for powder, dosing equipment for powder, dosing equipment for water, a mixer for mixing of powder and water and an outlet pump for feeding out the finished mixed cement product. An advantage of the invention is that the mixing unit can be carried by one person, which simplifies the handling of the mixing unit. A further advantage is that dosing and mixing of a cement product takes place automatically. The mixing of the cement product thus may take place continually.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value (“RTD”) which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (“VPRUD”) value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to industrial equipment for the hot recycling of asphalt mixes. The industrial equipment may comprise a portable bank of hoppers which may be used to meter RAP and unadulterated petrous materials and may be mounted on a supporting structure, along with gear motors which control the metering and send a signal to a flow indicator in a control panel where it may be recorded and controlled. A conveyor belt may be provided below the hopper bank in order to receive the material and transport same to a rotary cylinder comprising an industrial open- flame burner that may be used to transmit heat energy indirectly to the RAP and to the supply of unadulterated petrous material.

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: An apparatus for producing lightweight aggregate concrete utilizing fully saturated aggregate particles includes a vacuum vessel that discharges substantially directly into a concrete mixer that combines the aggregates with quantities of cement and water to create a batch of lightweight aggregate concrete. The vacuum vessel receives a supply of non-saturated lightweight aggregates from a bulk supply bin. A pump evacuates the air from the vessel until a desired vacuum level is attained, which evacuates air from the pores and interstitial spaces within the aggregate particles. The volume of water needed to fully saturate the aggregates within the vessel is fed into the vessel to create fully saturated aggregates that are subsequently discharged into the concrete mixer. The second volume of water needed to hydrate the cement is added to the vessel to flush out the vessel and be discharged into the concrete mixer to produce the batch of concrete.

Abstract: System and method for dispensing liquids into concrete mixer drums, particularly suitable for use on concrete mix trucks, involve use of liquid admixtures nozzle that is separate from water conduit and water nozzle, the admixtures nozzle being aimed and focused to spray through drum opening with dispersion pattern substantially within air/concrete interface defined by minimal volume concrete contained within the drum; and the water conduit or nozzle having a dispersion pattern preferably whereby wash water hits a portion of the inner drum wall and a portion of the air/concrete interface defined by a maximum amount of concrete contained within the drum. In preferred embodiments, a check valve assembly is used to connect separate admixture and water lines, so that both admixture and water nozzles can be used simultaneously during purging operation.

Abstract: A cement handling system may include an aggregate container, a first component container, a second component container, and a metered water supply. The first component container may house a first mortar component and may include a metered opening in communication with the aggregate container. The second component container may be isolated from the first component container and may house a second mortar component. The second component container may include a second metered opening in communication with the aggregate container. The metered water supply may be in communication with the aggregate container.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a homogenized slurry output comprises a container body defining an interior portion, a discharge for supplying the slurry from the container body to a downstream source and at least one inlet in fluid communication with a pressurized supply of slurry for introducing the slurry into the interior portion of the container body in a circulation pattern that creates a homogenized mixture of slurry in the interior portion of the body.

Abstract: An embodiment for a water control apparatus is disclosed that may be used with a concrete mixing assembly. The apparatus may include flowmeter unit and a normally closed valve unit. The normally closed valve unit may be in fluid communication with, and removably connected to, the flowmeter unit. A control unit may be provide that may monitor the flowmeter unit and electronically control the opening of the normally closed valve unit. A switch may be also provided for that may electrically communicate with the control unit to. The activation of the switch being operable to cause the normally closed valve to open and result in the flow of water into a concrete mixing drum that is in fluid communication with the normally closed valve.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining an estimated volumetric ratio of a material to total materials in a mixing vessel. In various embodiments, the methods may comprise: summing a commanded input flowrate of the material and a volumetric disturbance flowrate of the material being fed to the mixing vessel; estimating the output flowrate of the material exiting the mixing vessel; negatively feeding back the estimated output flowrate of the material to obtain an estimated volumetric rate of change of the material in the mixing vessel; and integrating the estimated volumetric rate of change of the material to compute the estimated volumetric ratio of the material to the total materials in the mixing vessel.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a volumetric ratio of a material to total materials in a mixing vessel are provided. In various embodiments, the methods may comprise: estimating the volumetric ratio of the material to the total materials in the mixing vessel and an output flowrate of the material from the mixing vessel using a volumetric ratio observer; dynamically recomputing the commanded input flowrate of the material based on outputs of the volumetric ratio observer using a flow regulator; and adjusting an input valve of the material based on the commanded input flowrate of the material using a flow modulator. The mixing vessel may include a first mixing vessel partially separated from a second mixing vessel. In this case, a height of the total materials in the second mixing vessel may be estimated using a height observer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing method for preparing silicon-based dental impression paste while using a planetary centrifugal mixer (1) comprising at least one mixing bowl placed in a bowl carrier (6). The method is characterized by a step in which a certain volume of non-reactive liquid is introduced into the bowl before a mixing step in order to assure a cooling of this paste during the mixing and to prevent the paste from sticking to the walls of the bowl. This liquid is, advantageously, water.

Abstract: Systems are provided for controlling a volumetric ratio of a material to total materials in a mixing vessel. In various embodiments, the systems may comprise: a volumetric ratio observer for estimating the volumetric ratio of the material to the total materials in the mixing vessel and an output flowrate of the material from the mixing vessel; a flow regulator coupled to the volumetric ratio observer for dynamically recomputing a commanded input flowrate of the material based on outputs of the volumetric ratio observer; and a flow modulator coupled to the flow regulator for adjusting an input valve of the material based on the commanded input flowrate of the material. In an embodiment, the mixing vessel comprises a first mixing vessel partially separated from a second mixing vessel. In this case, a height observer may be used to estimate a height of the total materials in the second mixing vessel.

Abstract: Systems are provided for determining an estimated volumetric ratio of a material to total materials in a mixing vessel. In various embodiments, the systems may comprise: a summation block for determining an estimated volumetric rate of change of the material in the mixing vessel; an integration element for determining an estimated volume of the material in the mixing vessel based on the estimated volumetric rate of change of the material in the mixing vessel; a first gain element for converting the estimated volume of the material in the mixing vessel to the estimated volumetric ratio of the material to the total materials; and a second gain element for converting the estimated volumetric ratio of the material to the total materials to an output flowrate of the material from the mixing vessel.

Abstract: A volumetric solid and liquid dispenser includes a drum sized for receiving and containing a predetermined volume of solid material from a solid material supply source. The supply source can be a hopper positioned above the drum. The drum is rotatably mounted to a support frame and can be rotated from a position in which it receives solid material from the supply source to a dispensing position in which it dispenses the solid material into a receptacle below. A liquid metering and dispensing container dispenses a predetermined volume of liquid into the receptacle for mixing with the solid material. The invention is particularly useful for dispensing predetermined volumes of sand and water into a cement mixer for mixing with mortar.

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 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 used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: A volumetric solid and liquid dispenser includes a drum sized for receiving and containing a predetermined volume of solid material from a solid material supply source. The supply source can be a hopper positioned above the drum. The drum is rotatably mounted to a support frame and can be rotated from a position in which it receives solid material from the supply source to a dispensing position in which it dispenses the solid material into a receptacle below. A liquid metering and dispensing container dispenses a predetermined volume of liquid into the receptacle for mixing with the solid material. The invention is particularly useful for dispensing predetermined volumes of sand and water into a cement mixer for mixing with mortar.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a mixture from two elements according to which the elements are introduced into a vessel and mixed in the vessel before being discharged from the vessel. The flow rate of one of the elements is controlled to maintain a constant level of the mixture in the vessel and the flow rate of the other element is controlled to maintain a predetermined ratio of the flow rate of the latter element and the discharge flow rate.

Abstract: Mixing machine for mixing cement components with water to provide a pumpable slurry, and a method for its use. The machine includes a mixing vessel having an inlet for water at an average flow rate and for dry cement components, and a water tank for supplying water at a high flow rate to the mixing vessel and having an internal diaphragm separating the tank into water and air compartments. The water tank includes an inlet for admitting water to the water compartment and a conduit communicating the water compartment with the mixing vessel and capable of accommodating the flow of water at an average flow rate substantially greater than the average flow rate of water into the water compartment. The conduit includes a water meter and valve to monitor and regulate, respectively, the quantity of water supplied to the mixing vessel.

Abstract: A soil refining machine having a crushing and mixing unit (A), an earth and sand material delivery unit (B) for supplying earth and sand material into the crushing and mixing unit and a soil refining material delivery unit (C) for supplying soil refining material into the crushing and mixing unit is provided with a control apparatus. The control apparatus includes: a sensing unit (31) for detecting a supply rate of the earth and sand material being supplied by the earth and sand material delivery unit; a first setting unit (47) for optionally establishing a supply rate of the soil refining material to be supplied by the soil material delivery unit; and a control unit (43) responsive to both the rate established by the first setting unit and the rate detected by the sensing unit for controlling an actual supply rate of the soil refining material being supplied by the soil refining material delivery unit.

Abstract: A binder system component metering apparatus for use in core sand mixing equipment comprising an elongate hollow vessel of substantially greater length than width and having upper and lower end portions, valves located in a lower end portion of the elongate vessel for introducing via hydrostatic pressure, liquid binder system components into the vessel so that as the vessel is filled the liquid presents an upper surface that rises vertically, and sensor located in the upper end portion of the elongate vessel to continuously sense the position of the liquid surface at infinite locations along the length of elongate vessel whereby the upper surface rises with minimum turbulence.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing and producing cement mixes, substantially concrete, using an endless conveyor belt movable at the base of separate containers which contain the inert materials and the cement, and a reservoir for the mixing water, to form proportioned mixes in a screw mixer, with unloading of the product simultaneously with mixing; the apparatus comprising a supporting framework, on which are supported, at least one hopper-like prism-shaped container for the inert materials with adjustable discharge openings, and, in a raised position with respect to the hopper for the inert materials, at least one hopper-shaped container with adjustable opening for the cement; an endless conveyor belt being interposed between the framework and the discharge openings of the hoppers for the inert materials and for the cement, which are aligned to each other along an inclined plane; the belt is arranged at an angle along the plane of arrangement of the discharge openings, so as to make contact with, and pass beyond, t

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: A binder system component metering apparatus for use in core sand mixing equipment comprising an elongate hollow vessel of substantially greater length than width and having upper and lower end portions, valves located in a lower end portion of the elongate vessel for introducing via hydrostatic pressure, liquid binder system components into the vessel so that as the vessel is filled the liquid presents an upper surface that rises vertically, and a sensor located in the upper end portion of the elongate vessel to continuously sense the position of the liquid surface at infinite locations along the length of elongate vessel whereby the upper surface rises with minimum turbulence.

Abstract: A concrete mixing system includes reservoirs of liquid additives, where the additives are combined with concrete mix to add desired properties thereto. These reservoirs of liquid additive are connected to a storage chamber and a controller which controls and sequences various pumps, valves and sensors to attain the desired quantity of liquid additive for introduction to the concrete mix. The sensors measure pressure in the storage chamber, which the controller correlates to the volume therein for later mixing with the concrete mix. In situations where a back pressure in the chamber is a concern, a sensing tube is employed within the chamber. A differential pressure transducer, which has one sensor within the sensing tube and one sensor within the chamber, accurately determines the pressure and thus the volume received within the storage chamber. A modified sensing tube can also be employed to increase the sensitivity and the accuracy of the pressure measurement within the sensing tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to simplify the measurement of lightweight concrete components and to recycle waste materials that result from lightweight concrete block manufacture. The method involves separating coarse and fine components of the waste. The apparatus uses several devices, separately or in combination, to separate the components, such as a sieve, auger, and blower. The coarse components are conveyed by auger, gravity or other means to be measured by weight in a first hopper. The fine components are conveyed by gravity, blower, auger or other means to be measured by volume in a second hopper. Fresh materials may be added to both hoppers. The materials from both hoppers are then mixed together in a primary mixing chamber and finally conveyed into molds for curing before use.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing lightweight concrete includes a main mixing unit which receives volumetrically measured dry aggregate material including polystyrene and wet material which includes cement measured by weight and water measured volumetrically. The wet and dry materials are mixed in the main mixing unit prior to the mixed material being poured into molds for curing.

Abstract: A method for the preparation, placement, and compacting of fibrous concrete material components laid onto an object which consists of forming on a conveyor a sandwich consisting of sequential layers of a mortar component, long fibers, coarse aggregate, directing the sandwich onto the surface of large-diameter rotor (113), converting the components of the sandwich into a controllable flow (F), directing a part of the components onto the object (O) and a part onto a second small-diameter rotor (115) having blades (115a) longer in the radial direction than blades (113a) of the rotor (113), and controlling the direction, speed, density distributions, and distribution of the flow components by adjusting the amount of short fibers added to the flow and by introducing into the flow a third rotor (116). The apparatus for the realization of the method contains a three-rotor-type dispenser with the third rotor (116) pivotal with around the center of rotation of the second rotor (115).

Abstract: A controlled method of, and apparatus for, continuously processing initially dry, particulate, cementitious material and fly ash solids and mixing them with a liquid to provide a liquid slurry of consistent proportions. The method and apparatus are concerned with a bin system for the fly ash solids and dry cementitious solids, opposed conveyor flight elements within the bin system leading to a metering valve system, a conveyor system for receiving the fly ash and cementitious material solids in metered proportions and then mixing them with a liquid to form a slurry, a conduit for pneumatically supplying solids entrained in an airstream to the bin system, a pressure controlled system for egressing air from the bin system and separating remaining solids from the air while maintaining the bin system under less than atmospheric pressure, and controls for monitoring the volume of material in the bin system.

Abstract: A process for continuously without pulsation mixing at least two pumpable materials to produce a homogeneous product which is constant throughout the operation. Contents of material suppliers are pumped to a dynamic mixer through a pulsate eliminator where the dynamic mixer is a low pressure mixer and exude leaving the dynamic mixer passes through a multi-way valve and storage container are filled.

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: In a device for metering at least two fluid reaction components into a mixing chamber, flexible displacement elements (1, 2; 47, 48, 49, 50) are provided in each container chamber (43, 44, 45, 46) which divide each container chamber (43, 44, 45, 46) into a component chamber (12, 13; 51, 52, 53, 54;) and a hydraulic chamber (16, 17; 55, 56, 57, 58), whereby the flexible displacement element (1, 2; 47, 48, 49, 50) for each component is acted on by a hydraulic flow which can be pre-specified and also regulated during the metering procedure in its magnitude and duration by a control-regulation device (3 or 4).

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus (10) for combining into a uniform mixture at least two liquid components includes a reciprocating left positive displacement pump (18) and a reciprocating right positive displacement pump (20) isolated from the left pump (18). The left pump includes a first metering cylinder (22) associated with a first liquid component and a second metering cylinder (24) associated with a second liquid component. The right pump (20) includes a first metering cylinder (26) associated with the first liquid component and a second metering cylinder (28) associated with the second liquid component. While the left pump (18) is measuring a predetermined volume of the first and second liquid components, the right pump (20) is pumping a predetermined volume of the first and second liquid components to a receptacle (14), and vice versa for when the right pump (20) is measuring in order to provide a continuous flow of the first and second liquid components to the receptacle (14).

Abstract: A system for adding a predetermined volume of particulate material to a reactor which includes an inclined track mounted on the reactor such that a lower end of the track terminates adjacent an opening in the reactor, and a slideable container mounted on the track for sliding movement from an upper end of the track to the lower end of the track, the container having an internal volume equal to the predetermined volume, and having a forward wall which can be opened to discharge the contents of the container. The container is filled with particulate material, such as sand, when the container is adjacent the upper end of the track. The container is thereafter moved downwardly along the track until the container is adjacent the opening in the reactor, the forward wall of the container is opened to allow particulate material to flow into the opening of the reactor and the container is thereafter tilted towards the reactor to discharge any remaining particulate material in the container into the reactor.

Abstract: Cement weighing and measuring apparatus includes a primary mixing chamber into which two different types of material are placed, and the materials are measured separately. The different materials are fed into the primary mixing chamber from two separate hoppers, a wet materials hopper and a dry materials hopper. The material in the wet materials hopper is measured by weight and the material in the dry materials hopper is measured by weight and volume. The wet and the dry materials are mixed together in the primary mixing chamber. In addition, other materials, such as foaming agents, bonding agents, etc., may be mixed in with the wet and dry materials in the primary mixing chamber. From the primary mixing chamber, the mixed materials flow outwardly and are conveyed ultimately into molds for curing before use.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for forming an encapsulation or encasement about a structural member that is particularly well suited for use in a marine environment is disclosed. A two component polymer system for protective and repair encapsulation is pumpable in two separate streams to the location of the structural member to be encapsulated. The two reactive components are combined in a static mixer immediately prior to being injected within the surrounding translucent jacket. By combining the reactive components immediately prior to use, premature set up is avoided and the resulting grout may be directed to flow upwardly in the jacket for enhancing final properties. By suitable coloring of the components, visual monitoring of the final mixing and distribution in the translucent form or jacket of the encapsulation material may be monitored. A field test for determining bond strength of the encapsulation polymer to the structural member is also disclosed.

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 process and apparatus for the preparation of mortar from an aggregate and a binder is disclosed which comprises the use of a silo provided with at least one partition so as to create in the silo two or more compartments for the separate storage of the aggregate and the binder, the compartments being provided with conveyor screws, the speeds of which can be adjusted to control the volumetric flow of the components to a mixing chamber. When the desired amounts have been dispensed, the remaining materials may be stored indefinitely for layer use. The silo compartment for the aggregate may be provided with a heating element to safeguard the mechanically operated slide valve against freezing. The conveyor screw in the outlet for the binder may be provided with a cam and a plunger rod with transverse projections to prevent arching in the compartment for the storage of the binder.

Abstract: A method for forming foam, useful in mixing with concrete at a batching plant, includes the steps:(a) supplying a synthetic resinous foaming agent, in liquid form,(b) combining the foaming agent with water, to form a liquid mix, and pressurizing the mix,(c) adding pressurized gas to the mix,(d) sub-dividing the mix into droplets, in a confined flowing stream,(e) reducing the stream confinement,(f) whereby the droplets expand as foam, typically consisting of individual, gas filled bubbles.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously blending a viscous liquid, such as hot asphalt, with particulate solids, such as ground rubber, includes a vertical cylindrical tank in which is disposed a smaller vertical vessel defining therein a blending chamber. Open lower side regions of the vessel feed the blended slurry to a holding chamber defined between the vessel and tank. A shaft rotatably mounted through the blending chamber has fixed thereto a blending disc and two hollow blending cones coaxially mounted on opposite sides of the disc to form two shear-type blending regions. Hydraulically driven pumps and motors feed the viscous liquid and solids to the blending chamber, rotate the blender shaft and withdraw slurry from the holding region for use. Hydraulic flow control valves enable selectively variable feeding, blending and slurry discharge rates. The relative feed rates of the liquid and solids are preferably continuously monitored to assure the desired liquid/solid blend ratio.

Abstract: The metering device of the present invention comprises a cylindrical housing having a circular top wall and a circular bottom wall. The top wall has an inlet opening therein and the bottom wall has an outlet opening therein. The outlet opening and the inlet opening each comprise only a portion of the area of the top and bottom walls, respectively.A metering wheel is rotatably mounted within the housing and includes a plurality of pockets circumferentially spaced around its rotational axis. The pockets include open upper and lower ends. A horizontal cover plate is attached to the housing above the metering wheel so as to close off the portion of the inlet opening which is located directly above the outlet opening. The material to be metered drops through the inlet opening and is carried by the rotating pockets of the metering wheel toward the outlet opening. When the material reaches the outlet opening it drops by gravity out of the metering device.

Abstract: A method for producing concrete in a multi-layer pan type mixer comprising upper and lower mixers having upper and lower mixing tanks driven by separate motors and a discharge gate communicating the upper mixing tank with the lower mixing tank, said method comprising supplying sand, cement and primary mixing water to the upper mixing tank and performing primary mixing therein to obtain a mortar, discharging the mortar into the lower mixing tank, simultaneously supplying gravel and secondary mixing water to the lower mixing tank to disperse the gravel into the mortar, and performing secondary mixing therein.

Abstract: The support device of the present invention comprises a stationary outer collar and a rotatable inner collar concentrically located within the outer collar. An outwardly extending flange is attached to the outer surface of the inner collar and an inwardly extending flange is attached to the inner surface of the outer collar. These two flanges are superimposed over one another and a plurality of ball bearings are interposed between them so as to permit the inner collar to rotate with respect to the outer collar. The mixer auger is attached to the inner collar and consequently the auger can be rotated about the rotational connection between the inner and outer collars.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing molten asphalt and granulated rubber including an asphalt input system and a rubber input system for delivering the molten asphalt and the granulated rubber in accordance with predetermined mixture proportions to a two-stage mixing system which mixes those materials to form a consistantly formululated thoroughly blended asphalt-rubber composition.

Abstract: A concrete mixing machine is disclosed which mixes small batches of concrete using any desired ratio of gravel, sand, cement, and water. The dry materials are mixed into concrete at the site where the concrete is to be poured. The apparatus includes hoppers for storing the dried mix material, a water tank, a metering slide for measuring desired amounts of cement, sand, and gravel to the desired proportions; a mixing, feeding, and dispensing system; and a hydraulic system for driving the mixing apparatus. The hydraulic drive system is utilized to overcome the binding which occurs when residual concrete begins to set.