Abstract: A combination continuous/batch asphalt plant includes mechanisms and controls which permit it to be hot-stopped when operating in the continuous mode.

Abstract: A mobile paving system (10) is provided that produces paving material while the mobile system (10) proceeds over a surface. The mobile paving system (10) includes an aggregate hopper (12) operable to hold aggregate for use in producing paving material and a mixer (24) operable to mix aggregate with remaining ingredients to produce paving material. A moisture sensor (47) is associated with the aggregate. The moisture sensor (47) is operable to measure moisture in the aggregate and to provide an output representing an amount of moisture measured. A processor (34) is operable to receive an input representing the amount of moisture measured. The processor (34) is further operable to determine a dry weight of aggregate by converting from to dry weight volume used to produce paving material using bulking effect data for the aggregate corresponding to the amount of moisture measured.

Abstract: When obtaining a mixture such as a mortar or a concrete by adding powder such as cement, water and other liquid to granular materials such as sand, granular slug, artificial fine aggregate, and the like, useful data can be obtained from an underwater highest density packed material which is pressure-packed under an underwater condition where the charging surface of the granular material and the liquid surface are substantially in conformity with each other. In other words, the underwater unit volume weight of the granular material under this state can be obtained, and a fluidizable fine granular quantity and an underwater loosening rate are obtained from this weight. A developed area on a flow table of the mixture and other data are obtained and when these data are employed suitably, the regulation condition of the mixture is forecast and planned with a small error to attain proper utilization.

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 method of incorporating used automobile tire scrap into asphalt uses a step of saturating rubber particles with an aromatic oil. The rubber particle containing oil does not absorb additional oils from the asphalt binder materials and the integrity of the asphalt mix is not compromised.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for producing and delivering a rapidly setting composition and method of delivering a rapid setting cementitious grout. The rapidly setting composition comprises a first interactive component and a second interactive component. The first component comprises a retarded cementitious grout and the second is a gelling agent therefor, the rate of addition of the gelling agent being selected so as to control the rate of set of the deliverable composition. The particular apparatus includes means for supplying the gelling agent through an auxiliary pipeline to the main supply pipeline and means for monitoring the flow rate of the first component through the main supply line, means for monitoring the flow rate of the gelling agent through the auxiliary supply line, and means for adjusting the flow rate of the gelling agent to reduce difference between the monitored value and a reference value.

Abstract: A method for maintaining in a computer memory laboratory test records for a plurality of projects, particularly adapted to projects for cementing oil or gas wells, are disclosed. Records of data identifying the plurality of projects and records of test data for the plurality of projects are entered within the computer memory. Data from selected records are compiled in a predetermined report format. More particularly disclosed is a method of designing a cement job for an oil or gas well. This includes receiving into a computer, programmed with records of data in predetermined categories for a plurality of previous cement jobs, a field of search for a selected predetermined category of data pertinent to a cement job being designed. Automatic searching within the computer finds records which contain data within the field of search. These are displayed. Design data are selected in response to the displayed records and the design data are stored in the computer in a record for the cement job being designed.

Abstract: A mixing method uses, and a colloidal grout mixing apparatus comprises, an upright cylindrical vessel in which a mixer is located. The mixer comprises a shaft extending substantially co-axially with the longitudinal axis of the vessel, and a paddle assembly mounted on the shaft. The paddle assembly produces a vortex in liquid in the vessel, and also provides a high shear region near the base of the vessel. A non-shear pump is connected to the base to discharge grout from the vessel. The grout may be discharged to a drum containing radioactive waste and mounted on a vibratory platform.

Abstract: A system which includes method and apparatus for the delivery of cementitious materials to a construction site using a transportable machine, a truck with an extensible crane, a containment frame, and transport cement silos that are carried by the truck and used to replenish cement. The machine has a frame with extensible legs and includes a cement storage and conveyor means having an agitator to assure the delivery of cement of uniform consistency to a batch mixer that has arms to rotate mix in a rotational loop. A water storage and conveyor means utilizes a constant head of water, a solenoid operated valve and a manually operated adjustment means to assure the delivery of water at a uniform flow rate to the batch mixer means. Sand of uniform density and consistency is delivered by a belt conveyor having a compression plate to compress the sand to a uniform density.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of bone cement for subsequent introduction into the cavity of a bone serving to receive a prosthesis. The components serving for the production of the bone cement are introduced into a cartridge and mixed together during a mixing phase and subsequently undergo a further resting phase. The mixing phase and the resting phase are under automatic program control.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for mixing water from a pressurized source and an additive or admixture for a cementitious composition in a mixing chamber comprising introducing, in the form of a jet, water under a first pressure, which is above atmospheric pressure, and introducing the additive under a second pressure between atmospheric pressure and the first pressure, the amount of the additive that is introduced to the mixing chamber being controlled by means regulated by the pressure of water.

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: Method for manufacturing concrete by mixing concrete materials including a cement, aggregate, admixture and at least one of water and ice. The aggregate is moved prior the mixing and a low-temperature liquid is sprayed on the aggregate for cooling while the aggregate is being moved.

Abstract: A paving system (10) is described which comprises an aggregate hopper (12), a mineral filler hopper (14), water tank (16), an emulsion tank (18) and an additive tank (20). Aggregate, mineral filler, water, emulsion and additive are conveyed from their respective storage devices into a mixer (24) where they are mixed into paving material. A processor (34) is used in conjunction with a load cell (28), an auger tachometer (50) and flow meters (58), (62) and (66) to continuously monitor the relative amounts of aggregate mineral filler, water, emulsion and additives in the paving material mixture manufactured by system (10). A ground speed sensor (74) senses the speed of a vehicle (76) so that the processor (34) may also figure an application rate of paving material. Manual controls (46) may be used by an operator to alter the amounts of aggregate, mineral filler, water, emulsion or additive in the paving material mixture.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided to distribute specified, premixed quantities of dry mortar mix and cement to a construction site. Bulk bags and a hopper apparatus are transported to the construction site and utilized with a forklift and a mixer device. The hopper apparatus is adjustably assembled and is constructed and arranged to be hand operable to efficiently meter homogeneous predetermined quantities of the mixture out of a discharge chute. The premixed contents in the bulk bags are dumped into the hopper apparatus and discharged in metered quantities into the mixer device. A water dispensing structure is provided to discharge a predetermined volume into the mixer device to form mortar or concrete for use.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus for discharging, on a batch basis, cement and water as a slurry or in the form of separate discharges of slurry and cement, where the materials so discharged contain a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of cement, is disclosed. A major quantity of water and all or a major quantity of the cement is mixed in a slurry mixer to produce a primary slurry. A major portion of the primary slurry is then discharged, and the remaining slurry mixed with the remaining quantity of water for discharge as a second slurry. A minor portion of the cement can optionally be added to a dry chamber for discharge therefrom. The slurry mixer and dry chamber, which are substantially closed systems, can be vented together, and then vented to atmosphere, so that air in the slurry mixer which is displaced during water and cement charging flows through the dry chamber.

Abstract: An improved silo and delivery system for efficiently handling dry mortar-blend compositions at construction sites is disclosed. Mortar-blend compositions are premixed to desired specifications and packaged at remote mixing stations into large bag containers that are transported to the construction site. A silo designed for uniquely servicing batch mixers is provided at the construction site for storing the premixed composition. The bag contents are emptied into the silo and are sealed therein against exposure to environmental elements. The silo contents are discharged by means of simple gravity flow on a batch-need basis into a batch mixer operatively underlying the silo.

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: 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 wherein the extraction of a quantity of sand, with a granular size and distribution ratio, are subjected to a moisturing or dewatering treatment until a moisture content of a maximum of 15% m/m is attained; supplying and/or storing in bulk of an aggregate, such as fly-ash, with a smaller granular size than that of the sand fraction; and feeding and mixing the sand fraction and aggregate by means of a through-flow process, the mixture being poured or delivered so that a base material for mortar will have an optimal grain size distribution ratio and homogeneous composition.

Abstract: A fine aggregate is stored in a high storage silo and its surface water content is so controlled that its variation may be kept within .+-.1% by weight. The fine aggregate, cement and primary water containing an air entraining agent are mixed in an upper mixer (primary mixing) to prepare mortar. The mortar, a coarse aggregate and secondary water containing a water reducing agent are mixed in a lower mixer (secondary mixing) to produce mixed concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the moisture content of sand as it is transported from storage to a mold making apparatus. A conveyor is used to transport a substantially uniform layer of sand at a known rate. The electrical resistance across the sand layer is measured using a series of electrically conductive members that extend into the sand. A thermocouple or other contact device is used to obtain an average temperature of the sand layer. The electrical resistance and average temperature measurements are used in a signal processor to calculate a starting moisture content for the sand. The signal processing unit also calculates an amount of water that should be added to the sand to achieve a computed moisture content value. The signal processing unit further controls the means for adding the water to the sand so that the computed moisture content value is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a concrete which comprises the steps of mixing 20 to 100% of the total weight of cement used with water in an amount of 20 to 50% of this cement weight in order to prepare a stiff-consistency cement paste, afterward mixing the thus prepared cement paste with a coarse aggregate, further mixing 80 to 0% of the total amount of the cement and sand therewith in the order of the cement and the sand or at one time, and then mixing therewith the remaining water necessary to harden the total cement; or the present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a concrete which comprises the steps of mixing 20 to 100% of the total weight of cement used with water in an amount of 20 to 50% of this cement weight and a coarse aggregate, so that a stiff-consistency cement paste is caused to adhere to the coarse aggregate, afterward mixing 80 to 0% of the total weight of cement and sand therewith in the order of the cement and the sand or at one time, and

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: A novel apparatus and process for producing cement slurry on a batch basis is disclosed. During the charging of a slurry batcher with water and cement, the cement dust so produced is captured and added back to the slurry being batched in order to minimize health and environmental hazards created by the cement dust. This is achieved by passing or venting entrapped air and dust in the batcher through air vent and cement dust collection means which in one embodiment comprises a water reservoir through which the air and dust passes. Dust is captured by the reservoir water and the reservoir water then discharged into the batcher so as to become part of the slurry batch with known and pre-determined amounts of water and cement in the slurry.

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: A method of preparing foundry sand by measuring moisture and compressibility includes the steps of determining a set of desired characteristics for compressibility and for moisture in accordance with a particular clay content, measuring the actual compressibility in a first stage early in the processing of the foundry sand, adding moisture in accordance with the difference between the moisture for the measured compressibility and the moisture for the desired compressibility to bring the foundry sand to a predetermined value in accordance with the assumed set of characteristics, making a second measurement of the compressibility in a second stage as a countercheck near the conclusion of the processing, measuring the difference between the actual compressibility at the second stage and the desired compressibility, and employing such difference as a correcting value to adjust the calibration of the first measuring stage.

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: In such batchwise production of a paving mix of mineral particles and bituminous binder, in which a coarse-grained portion of the mineral aggregate batch is first introduced in measured quantity into a container and then discharged through a discharge opening in the container, controlled by a discharge door into an asphalt mixer where the coarse-grained portion of the mineral aggregate batch is mixed with a batch of binder, whereupon the remaining, fine-grained portion of the mineral aggregate batch is introduced in measured quantity into the container and then discharged through the discharge opening into the mixer the time needed to discharge the fine-grained portion of the mineral material batch is controlled.

Abstract: In the preparation of a cement paste about 30 to 76% of the total water is added to the cement to form a funicular state, capillary state or slurry state, and the resulting mixture is kneaded so as to reduce the coagulated lumps of cement. Then the remaining quantity of water is added and the composition or mixture is kneaded again. Sand and/or gravel may be incorporated after the firstly kneaded mixture. The resulting cement paste, mortar or green concrete exhibits a small percentage of bleeding water and products prepared therefrom have a high compression strength.

Abstract: A mobile concrete mixing apparatus comprising an aggregate storage bin and cement storage bin mounted on a mobile carrier in spaced relation, a water supply tank mounted on the carrier and in operable communication with a water discharge pipe disposed in the proximity of the cement storage bin, a conveyor apparatus movable beneath and between the aggregate storage bin and cement storage bin for moving materials therefrom for discharge into a mixing auger assembly, the aggregate storage bin containing premixed sand and rock materials for achieving a homogeneous moisture and temperature therebetween, the sand-rock mixture, cement mixture and water being mixed together prior to admission thereof into the mixing auger assembly, the auger assembly comprising a plurality of material moving stages and a plurality of mixing stages interposed therebetween to assure a homogeneous mixture for delivery from the mixing auger assembly, all of the operation of the concrete mixing apparatus being initiated by a single lever

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: 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: An apparatus for weighing and mixing asphalt and a stabilizer by weight, the apparatus including a weigh bucket and a weigh hopper, the asphalt and stabilizer being fed to the bucket and hopper simultaneously and discharged to an intermediate mixer when the predetermined weight ratio has been fed to the bucket and hopper, the asphalt stabilizer composition being mixed for a predetermined period of time and fed to a surge mixer, the cycle being repeated whenever the surge mixer is not filled.

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 mobile concreting apparatus and method which may be used, in particular, for on-site construction of swimming pools. It includes a vehicle supporting a plurality of containers, each adapted to contain one of the ingredients of concrete. Each container is provided with its own ingredient feeder which feeds the ingredients to a mixing device mounted on the vehicle to create a concrete slurry. The slurry is transferred from the mixing device to the surface to be coated by a structure including a slurry pump, a hose and a nozzle. Each ingredient feeder can be individually varied in the rate at which it feeds its ingredient so that the relative composition of the slurry, and the flow rate of the slurry, can be rapidly and selectively varied on the job site to meet the particular requirements for each job. In addition, feed rate settings which provide a desirable composition and overall feed rate can be noted and reproduced on subsequent occasions when the same composition and feed rate are desired.

Abstract: The invention deals with continuous process mixing of pulverized solids and liquids. It offers a mixing process comprising:continuously introducing a liquid into a mixing container;continuously introducing a solid powder into said container at such a rate that specified proportions of solid and liquid in the mixture are maintained;rotating the products in the container in such a way as to establish a vortex;regulating the solid and liquid supply rate in such a way that a given level of filling of container is constantly maintained;continuously emptying the products mixture so that level of filling is maintained.It offers as well a mechanism to implement the process including a mixing container having an intermediate bottom and a runoff opening, a turbine mounted above the intermediate bottom, and mechanism for supplying a liquid and a solid.

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: Apparatus for measuring out material from a cold feed bin for use with a drum mix plant. The apparatus comprises a plurality of cold feed bins supported on a plurality of legs above a frame. Each leg of the bins rests upon a load cell which thereby measure the weight of the bin and material contained therein. Control circuitry connected to the load cells regulates belt feeders disposed below each bin which adjust the rate at which material is dispensed from each bin in response to the weight measured by the load cells to maintain a desired rate of weight reduction. A belt conveyor disposed below the belt feeders transports the dispensed material to the input of a mixing plant.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring out liquid asphalt gravimetrically. The apparatus comprises a plurality of tanks for containing liquid asphalt, each tank being suspended from a load cell, a series of pipes, valves and a pump for selectively filling the tanks with asphalt and a series of pipes, a valve and a variable rate pump for selectively removing the liquid asphalt from the tanks. The load cells are connected to a control circuit which converts the signals from the load cells into the corresponding weight of the tanks and the liquid asphalt contained therein. The control circuit is also connected to the variable rate pump to control the rate at which liquid asphalt is removed from the tank in response to the load cells.

Abstract: A method of mixing concrete and containers for providing predetermined quantities of cement and aggregate to be transported to a site for on site mixing of concrete. The containers have two compartments which are self closing due to the weight of the contents, one compartment containing cement and the other aggregate. When placed on a ring-like support the compartments move relatively to release their contents. The hopper of the concrete mixer has a ring-like support to open the containers and has a water spray curtain to prevent the fine cement powder to be taken away by the wind, with the water spray providing the correct amount of water for the concrete.

Abstract: In a process for recycling asphalt and aggregate containing composition, the improvement comprises separating the composition into a plurality of portions having different particle sizes, ranging from coarse to fine, introducing the particle portions into different mixing and heating drums, one of the drums being for the coarse particle portion, and one or more additional drums for smaller particle portions, and heating the particles in the respective drums with hot gases of combustion at temperatures below that which will burn the asphalt particles in each of the respective drums.

Abstract: The weight of aggregate for preparing concrete and mortar is measured while the aggregate is immersed in water contained in a container. The water in the container is discharged and the water in the interstice in the aggregate is also removed. Thereafter the weight of the aggregate is measured again. These measured values of the aggregate are used to determine the quantity of water to be added to the aggregate when it is used to prepare concrete or mortar.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for preparing precut steel fibers initially packed in bundles or occurring as closely packed lumps for mixing with concrete as a sprayed mass, the method comprising the steps of tumbling the bundles or lumps of fibers, dropping quantities of the fibers onto an inclined plane, subjecting the fibers to an air stream to cause said fibers to become parallel to each other, and mixing the fibers with a mass of concrete in the air stream.

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 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.