Abstract: A system for sensing the volume and/or viscosity of a slurry (e.g., like concrete) contained in a rotating container or drum, having a sensor and a signal processor. The sensor is configured to attach inside a rotating container or drum having a known geometry, sense angular positions of the sensor and also sense associated entry and exit points when the sensor enters and exits the slurry, including concrete, contained in the rotating container or drum, and provide signaling containing information about the angular positions and the associated entry and exit points. The signal processor receives the signaling, and determines corresponding signaling containing information about a volumetric amount, or a viscosity, or both, of the slurry in the rotating container or drum, based upon the signaling received.

Abstract: An agitating bar and an agitator including the same are provided. The agitating bar includes a barrier unit in addition to a rotating shaft, and an impeller unit. Therefore, the agitating bar can be useful in preventing the stream of a fluid which flows rapidly toward a fluid outlet port in a state in which the fluid is not mixed uniformly around the rotating shaft, thereby enhancing agitation efficiency and a degree of homogenization for the mixed fluid.

Abstract: A mixer drum apparatus to stir material to be stored includes a freely-rotatable drum having an opening end opened at one end to receive the material to be stored therein, a plurality of spirally-shaped blades provided inside the drum to have a phase difference, and an inlet seal provided at the opening end of the drum and connected partially to the blades. The inlet seal located between the blades forms an opening causing the material to be stored to pass through.

Abstract: A mixing fin assembly adapted to mix and guide materials in a rotatable mixing drum of a type used in a transit concrete mixing vehicle includes a spiral mixing fin designed to extend transversely into the drum constructed of a lightweight, moldable polymeric material which is flexible and resistant to abrasion, the mixing fin includes a plurality of conjoined sections that are fit together, preferably utilizing fin locking tabs and mating fin locking sockets. A preferred way of mounting the mixing fin into mixing drums uses a spiral fin mount rail track adapted to be fixed to the interior surface of the mixing drum. A locking tab locks the upper part of the rail track into the fin structure.

Abstract: A mixing fin assembly adapted to mix and guide materials in a rotatable mixing drum of a type used in a transit concrete mixing vehicle includes a spiral mixing fin designed to extend transversely into the drum constructed of a lightweight, moldable polymeric material which is flexible and resistant to abrasion, the mixing fin includes a plurality of conjoined sections that are fit together, preferably utilizing fin locking tabs and mating fin locking sockets. A preferred way of mounting the mixing fin into mixing drums uses a spiral fin mount rail track adapted to be fixed to the interior surface of the mixing drum. A locking tab locks the upper part of the rail track into the fin structure.

Abstract: A rotary concrete mixing drum (16) for a vehicle (10) having a drivetrain (18) for rotating the drum (16) includes a wall (33) having an opening (67) and a hatch cover assembly (37/200) removably closing the opening. The hatch assembly (200) may include a hatch cover (202) coupled to a panel (204) by bolts (212).

Abstract: A concrete mixing includes a barrel having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A blade extends from the interior surface for mixing concrete and a ring is positioned about the exterior surface of the barrel for rotation of the barrel. An expandable joint is provided under compression between the ring and the exterior surface of the barrel to accommodate different thermal coefficients of expansion between the barrel and the ring.

Abstract: A rotary concrete mixing drum (16) includes an interior surface (74) at least partially provided by a polymer (90) impregnated with a slip agent.

Abstract: A concrete mixing drum includes a wall having a first section (41) and a second section (43). The first section (41) extends in a spiral along an axial centerline (31) of the drum. The second section (43) extends in a spiral along the axial centerline (31) of the drum adjacent to the first section (41).

Abstract: A concrete mixing drum includes a wall having at least one projection (32a, 32b) integrally formed as part of a unitary body with the wall. The at least one projection extends from the inner surface of the wall and includes a tapered base region proximate the inner surface of the wall.

Abstract: A concrete batch plant is disclosed including a frame and a transit mixer drum having an open end and a closed end. The drum is configured to be utilized both with the concrete batch plant and on a transit mixer truck. The drum may be pivotally coupled to the frame of the concrete batch plant for movement between a first position in which the open end is positioned to receive cement from a cement supply and to receive aggregate from an aggregate supply and a second position in which the open end is positioned to discharge the mixed cement and aggregate. Further, the drum may be a polymeric drum including an interior surface formed by a plurality of complementary molded helical polymeric sections joined along a helical seam.

Abstract: A heavy duty rotary concrete mixing drum (16) for coupling to a vehicle (10) having a powered drivetrain (18) for rotating the drum comprises a wall and at least one projection (32). The wall (33) includes an inner surface (34) defining a volume and an outer surface (36). The at least one projection is coupled to the wall and extends from the inner surface of the wall. The projection includes a body and a support member (48) disposed within the body.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a vehicle mounted rotary concrete mixing drum of the type having an opening at one end for receiving and/or discharge of concrete therefrom and at the other end, means for engaging a drive assembly so as to rotate the drum for mixing or discharging concrete.

Abstract: A truck mounted concrete mixer includes a mixing drum (1) rotatable about longitudinal axis (2) having a drum head (3) and an open end (4) to receive batch materials to be mixed. A pair of generally helical mixing blades (5) are disposed within the drum (1) but instead of extending to the drum head (3) as occurs in standard concrete mixers, the mixing blades terminate short of the drum head (3) and a second blade (6) extends from each mixing blade (5) toward the drum head (3) at an angle of about 90° to the helical blade (5) and at a height greater than that of the adjoining mixing blade. This height difference defines a spillway formation (7) above the mixing blade (5).

Abstract: A rotary concrete mixing drum (16) includes an interior surface (74) at least partially provided by a polymer (90) impregnated with a slip agent.

Abstract: A concrete mixing drum includes a wall having a first section (41) and a second section (43). The first section (41) extends in a spiral along an axial centerline (31) of the drum. The second section (43) extends in a spiral along the axial centerline (31) of the drum adjacent to the first section (41).

Abstract: A heavy duty rotary concrete mixing drum capable of attachment to a vehicle. The drum comprises a first end which engages a vehicle powered drive assembly which rotates the drum for mixing of said concrete and a second end from which mixed concrete is discharged. The drum is manufactured from at least one layer of plastics material; wherein the drum includes a wall having integral internal formations which promote mixing and discharge of said concrete and an inner surface which promotes mixing of the concrete.

Abstract: A system for removing concrete from a helical flight extending along the interior surface of a concrete mixing drum that includes an expandable conduit configured to move between an unexpanded position and an expanded position to dislodge concrete accumulated thereon during rotation of the drum.

Abstract: An interior coating for use on the interior surface of a concrete mixing drum including a mixing fin employed therein. The interior coating preferably protects the interior surface of the drum from severe service including abrasion, wear and corrosion. The interior coating provides a generally smooth and essentially slippery surface to improve discharge of concrete mix as well as to provide complete cleanout of the residual mix remaining in the drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating and processing solid waste, often but not necessarily from municipalities (and so will be generically referred to herein as municipal solid waste or “MSW”), into useful products, and for reducing biohazards and putrid odors derived from MSW. The MSW is loaded into an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped rotating pressure vessel and is subjected to heat and pressure by the application of steam in specified amounts to break down the organic portion of the MSW into a cellulose feedstock, or a de-manufactured paper product, of uniform particle size and density. This product is then easily separable from other constituents of MSW, such as glass, aluminum and other metals, and plastics. The recyclables are recovered and sold in the market. The waste water from the process is reduced by processing through a water vamping apparatus.

Abstract: A rotatable drum mixer of the type suitable for mounting in a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete is disclosed that includes a single full-length main helical mixing fin upstanding from the interior of the mixer, an auxiliary agitating fin in a forward portion of the drum and a pair of outlet flights near a discharge section of the drum mixer.

Abstract: The present invention defines a transit mixer for the delivery of materials to a job site. The transit mixer has a charge hopper for receiving material therein and delivering the material to the mixing drum which forms a portion of the transit mixer. The charge hopper has an inlet that is stationary with respect to the vehicle chassis, and a tongue member that is pivotally coupled to the inlet portion. A powered cylinder is coupled between the inlet portion and the tongue portion for allowing the switching between a material charging state and a discharging state. The inlet portion and the tongue portion are in material communication with one another and upon actuation of the powered cylinder the distal end of the tongue position is moved relative to the inner surface of the mixing drum. Another aspect of the charge hopper is that in the charging mode the tongue extends beyond a pair of flights within the mixing drum.

Abstract: A concrete mixer including a mixing shell and a void located therein for receiving material to form concrete. The concrete mixing mechanism having a first blade mechanism spatially orientated to have a pitch capable of moving at least a portion of the material in a first predetermined direction and a second blade mechanism spatially orientated to have a pitch capable of moving at least a portion of the material in a second predetermined direction.

Abstract: A transporter-mixer for bulk-material/liquid mixtures has a cylindrical transport container mounted on a support frame with its longitudinal axis approximately horizontal and a controllable container-drive unit whose direction is reversible as a function of the angle of rotation. Fitted on the transport container periphery is a closable loading hatch which opens into the transport container. Mounted on the transport container's inside wall is a mixing screw and at a rear end of the container is an annular discharge channel with an inwards-facing discharge port. The mean height of the mixing screw is, at the most, 15% of the container diameter and a curved, enclosed guide channel of essentially constant cross-section connects the annular discharge channel and a central discharge port.

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 method for treating process material can include introducing process material into two different vessels, raising the temperature within one of the vessels through the introduction of steam to heat the material in the vessel, and reducing the temperature in the one vessel while also increasing the temperature in the other vessel by venting the interior of the one vessel to the interior of the other vessel.

Abstract: In a mixing drum (16) of a vehicle mixer is supported a coaxial pipe (24) which together with a closure element (36) and a feeding hopper (42) forms a constructional unit. The pipe (24) is supported by two bearings of the mixing drum (16) so as to be relatively rotatable and longitudinally displaceable. The closure element (36) serves for closing a tail opening (20) of the drum (16) and can be adjusted axially with the central pipe (24) by means of an adjusting device in order to open or close the tail opening (20) of the drum. The pipe (24) extends nearly over the entire length of the mixing drum and ensures the vibration-free bearing of the closure element so that between it and the drum mouth during driving, no relative shifts can occur which would damage the drum mouth sealing. The constructional unit can be pulled as a unit from the mixing drum so that maintenance work can readily be carried out.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum (18) and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes a spiral fin assembly (36) for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum (18) is rotated. The fin assembly (36) is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion, is many times lighter than steel, and tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin assembly (36) to an outer wall (38) of the mixing drum (18), novel structure of fin assembly (36), and novel structure for connection of adjacent fin sections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mixing device such as a concrete mixer is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical drum with an opening at one end. A lid is engageable with the drum to close the opening. At least one and preferably two baffles are provided within the drum and these are shaped so as to cause an end to end as well as tumbling movement of the contents of the drum when the drum is rolled along a ground surface.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum (18) and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes a spiral fin assembly (36) for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum (18) is rotated. The fin assembly (36) is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion, is many times lighter than steel, and tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin assembly (36) to an outer wall (38) of the mixing drum (18), novel structure of fin assembly (36), and novel structure for connection of adjacent fin sections are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining a continuous mixing extending throughout the transversal section of the reactor space in a liquid containing solids and gas, and for simultaneously separating gas or gas and solids from the liquid. The invention also relates to an apparatus whereby the mixing is maintained, and simultaneously at least one phase is removed from the liquid under agitation. In a particularly advantageous fashion the method and apparatus of the present invention are suited for the stirring of bioreactors, as well as to removing gas and solids from the said reactors.

Abstract: A mixer fin such as those fixedly mounted within rotatable drum mixers. More specifically, a mixer fin comprising of a substantially non-metallic, e.g., polymeric, mixer fin such as those used within rotatable drum mixers, for example to mix concrete. The mixer fin having a non-stretchable cord disposed within the fin so as to minimize fin deformation during the mixing process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing, transporting, disposing and distributing a load of cement slurry, especially for highway and similar construction work. This method is particularly adapted to be used to reconstruct old road beds, which already have a surface material thereon, but which surface has deteriorated to such an extent that a new road surface is required. This method and apparatus provide a greatly improved safety means to the construction industry, which heretofore has relied on the "dry cement powder" process, which generates a toxic dust cloud that is harmful to humans, animals and vegetation, to obtain the widely used "cement treated base" for construction or renovation of roads, streets and highways.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes fin structure for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum is rotated. The fin structure is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion and is many times lighter than steel. As a result, the weight of such a system is reduced in comparison to systems which were heretofore known. Preferably, the fin structure is fabricated from a polymer which tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin structure to an outer wall of the mixing drum is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting and mixing concrete or similar products, comprising a wheeled frame and a mixing drum mounted to the wheeled frame for rotation in a first direction for mixing concrete and in a second direction for discharging concrete from the drum. A unidirectional driving connection is provided between a wheel of the frame and the mixing drum for rotating the drum in the concrete mixing direction as a result of movement of the wheeled frame. An electric motor is also provided on the frame for rotating the drum in the concrete discharging direction.

Abstract: A reverse flow post-mixer attachment for direct-fixed asphaltic concrete mixers includes a modified discharge box for the downstream end of the drum and an enclosure for the downstream portion of the drum forming a passage along the exterior of the drum. If the smoke point of the liquid asphalt to be added to the material in the drum meets an established standard it is injected into the material upstream of the downstream end of the drum and discharged from the latter end in the normal manner. If the smoke point of the asphalt does not meet the standard, the material exiting the drum is diverted into the passage along the exterior of the drum and the asphalt added there out of the burner stream in the durm. The material and asphalt are then mixed and moved through the passage and finally discharged.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and apparatus for continuous mixing, transporting and placing of large quantities of concrete in which aggregate transported on a belt conveyor is mixed with metered quantities of cement and water adjacent a place of pouring. Alternatively, mixed concrete is transported to a place of pouring protected from the elements on a belt conveyor covered by a tunnel that confines cooled air.

Abstract: A reverse flow post-mixer attachment for direct-fixed asphaltic concrete mixers includes a modified discharge box for the downstream end of the drum and an enclosure for the downstream portion of the drum forming a passage along the exterior of the drum. If the smoke point of the liquid asphalt to be added to the material in the drum meets an established standard it is injected into the material upstream of the downstream end of the drum and discharged from the latter end in the normal manner. If the smoke point of the asphalt does not meet the standard, the material exiting the drum is diverted into the passage along the exterior of the drum and the asphalt added there out of the burner stream in the drum. The material and asphalt are then mixed and moved through the passage and finally discharged.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mobile concrete batch plant transportable by highway as a single unit. A cement storage hopper, a cement weigh hopper, and an aggregate weigh hopper are mounted on a standard trailer bed. The cement hopper is loaded to the desired weight from the storage bin, and the aggregate hopper is loaded as desired by a front end loader. A charging conveyor carries discharged cement and aggregate from the hoppers to a point above two oppositely facing mixing drums. The charge is dumped from the conveyor into a load hopper, and from there into a load diverter which directs it into a selected one of the two drums. Water and admixture are added and the mixing drum rotates, mixing the contents and producing concrete. The finished concrete is removed from the drum by reversing the rotation thereof, and is carried from the plant by a discharge conveyor. A second batch may be begun while the first is being mixed or discharged.

Abstract: In a mobile mixer, preferably having counterrotational emptying, for building materials, in particular concrete, in a mixing drum (1) which, on its inner wall (9), has one or more flat elevators (11, 12) following a helix and extending from the closed drum base (2) to the drum opening (3), which elevators (11, 12) are driven about the drum axis during rotation of the mixing drum and push the building material to the front of the closed base (2) during transport and during mixing, with one or more flat sections (26, 27) which are helically curved about the mixing drum axis (4) being fixed for driving during the mixing drum rotation (5) in the mixing drum space enclosed by the elevators acting as mixing spirals (11, 12), which flat sections (26, 27) are arranged counterrotationally to the mixing spirals (11, 12) in such a way that, during the transport and during the mixing of the buiding material (13), they produce a counterflow in the building material filling core surrounded by the mixing spirals (11, 12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a concrete mixer, particularly to a truck-mounted concrete mixer, comprising a drum and an actuatable additional mixer tool projecting into the drum from the bottom thereof substantially in the direction of the drum axis. A rotatably driven mixer tool of this type requires the employ of additional gearing, and a sealing assembly for the passage of its shaft through the drum bottom is very complicated and subjected to wear. In accordance with the invention, these disadvantages are avoided by the provision that the mixer tool is adapted to be moved in the axial direction. This permits a cylinder-piston unit to be employed as the drive source for the mixer tool. No gearing is required, and sealing as well as maintenance are simplified.

Abstract: A portable dry bulk material storage and mixing unit comprising a generally cylindrical drum mounted on a frame for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and having a conical discharge nozzle with a cylindrical discharge opening at one end thereof. The drum interior is fitted with three flights of helical material mixing and discharge fins having a helix angle of approximately 45.degree.. The drum discharge nozzle extends into a hopper disposed at the rear of a truck on which the frame is mounted. An adjustable valve closure member is operable to be disposed over the discharge opening and includes a handwheel for adjustably positioning the closure member to vary the discharge flow area.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for sludge and liquid waste comprising a wheeled vehicle having a frame, a drum type mixer mounted for rotation on said frame, motive power means including a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor for rotating said drum type mixer mounted on said frame operable in response to output from said hydraulic pump, waste feed means mounted on said frame, a hydraulic motor for said waste feed means on said frame operable in response to the output of said pump for feeding waste into the input end of said mixer, storage means on said frame for storing a supply of processing agent for said waste, processing agent feed supply means on said frame a hydraulic motor for said processing agent feed means on said frame operable in response to output of said pump for feeding processing agents from said storage means to said mixer, delivery means mounted on said frame for delivering output from said drum type mixer for conveyance to a remote location, valve control means for supplying output of said pump to sai

Abstract: A concrete mixer having a drum, which contains mixing elements, and at least one vibrator for imparting vibrational energy to the material which is to be mixed. The vibrator is drivable by means of the water used to make up the concrete. The water may be discharged in a pulsating manner from a vibrating body which is caused to vibrate by this pulsation, or it may rotatably drive an eccentric mass in the vibrating body.

Abstract: A transit concrete mixer is provided having a displaceable charging hopper which may be moved between a charging position wherein a discharge conduit thereof projects into the interior of the mixer drum and a relatively displaced position where the discharge conduit is removed from the drum to facilitate discharge of concrete from the drum. The charging hopper is pivotally attached to a support structure which also carries the rear end portion of the mixer drum and is selectively movable in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis. The relative location of the horizontal axis for pivoting movement of the charging hopper is located with respect to the terminal end of the hopper's discharge conduit such that the hopper and its associated conduit may be swung from one position to the other without interference with the mixer drum and its interiorally mounted blade elements. A hydraulic actuating ram is provided to facilitate the swinging movement of the charging hopper.

Abstract: A transit concrete mixer includes a drum which is mounted for discharge either forwardly or reversely of the vehicle and has two sets of flights for two-stage concrete loading and discharging. One set of flights is particularly useful for carrying the aggregate from the base of the drum upwardly along the major axis of the drum and a second set of flights is adapted for receiving the aggregate and transporting it through the remaining length of the drum to the discharge opening of the drum. Thus, for relatively stiff, low slump aggregates which are useful in paving and for formless type useage, the concrete mixer unit is fully adaptable for such low slump values. Conversely, the same set of flights is adapted for charging and discharging relatively high slump values which are utilized for form type applications.

Abstract: By a combination of a slump indicator calibrated for each of the several particular trucks in a system of concrete mixer transport trucks and a particularly readily locatable dynamically balanced emergency power unit, the contents of the drum or mixer of a disabled concrete mixer truck are mixed and/or tested and/or treated and/or discharged as needed.