Abstract: A method of event monitoring includes identifying a monitored event that produces a physical phenomenon that is observable and identifiable. The method includes identifying a particular input that is representative of the physical phenomenon and that suggests an occurrence of the monitored event. The method includes communicating, from the first computing device, to a second computing device that includes a sensor at least a portion of the particular input that is used for recognition of the monitored event in an environment of the second computing device by the sensor. The method includes receiving, at the first computing device from the second computing device, an event message that indicates the particular input is observed by the sensor. In response to reception of the event message, the method includes generating an alarm message that indicates the occurrence of the monitored event is observed in the environment of the second computing device.

Abstract: The application presents a system generally having a rotatable drum rotatably for receiving fresh concrete, the drum having inwardly protruding blades mounted inside the drum which, when the drum is rotated in an unloading direction, force fresh concrete inside the drum towards a discharge outlet of the drum, at least one discharge outlet sensor disposed at the discharge outlet of the drum and being configured to sense the presence of fresh concrete at the discharge outlet as the drum rotates in the unloading direction; and a controller communicatively coupled with the at least one discharge outlet sensor, the controller being configured for performing the steps of: receiving a signal from the at least one discharge outlet sensor indicative of the presence of the discharged fresh concrete at the discharge outlet as the drum rotates in the unloading direction; and determining at least one parameter based on the received signal.

Abstract: There is described a method for determining a volume of fresh concrete being discharged from a drum during a discharge, the drum being rotatable and having inwardly protruding blades mounted inside the drum which, when the drum is rotated in an unloading direction, force the fresh concrete towards a discharge outlet of the drum. The method generally has discharging a volume of the fresh concrete from the drum by rotating the drum in the unloading direction for a given number of discharge rotations; obtaining discharge flow rate variation data indicative of a discharge flow rate varying as function of discharge rotations; and determining a discharged volume value indicative of the volume of fresh concrete being discharged from the drum of the mixer truck during said discharge based on the given number of discharge rotations and on the discharge flow rate variation data.

Abstract: A method for tracking objects in a two-dimensional space includes first tracking devices that are activated to read tagged objects within the reading ranges of the first tracking devices. Second tracking devices are activated to read tagged objects within the reading ranges of the second tracking devices. The tagged objects read by each first tracking device are compared to the tagged objects read by each second tracking device, and based on the locations of the tagged objects read by the first and second tracking devices, the locations of the tagged objects are determined.

Abstract: A concrete truck or cement tanker truck alignment system with a loading station having a discharge chute, an electronic sensor that sees through dust or an environmental dust shield, and provides location information used to determine a hopper offset. The hopper offset is a measurement of the physical offset between a feed hopper on the truck and the discharge chute. The system may further include an alignment feedback unit that provides feedback based on the hopper offset. The alignment feedback unit may indicate the hopper offset is within an alignment tolerance. The sensor may use radar. The alignment feedback unit may provide auditory or graphical feedback. The graphical feedback may show a discharge icon representing the position of the discharge chute and a hopper icon representing the feed hopper where the location of the hopper icon is relative to the discharge chute based on the hopper offset.

Abstract: A concrete mixing system includes a vehicle, a rotatable mixing drum coupled to the vehicle, an incline and/or slump sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to effect a change of rotational speed of the rotatable mixing drum in response to a signal from at least one of the sensors indicating an increased likelihood of spillage of concrete from the rotatable mixing drum.

Abstract: A cementing system having an engine control module, a transmission control module, a computing device and a display. The engine control module communicatively coupled with a plurality of engine sensors. The transmission control module communicatively coupled with a plurality of transmission sensor. The computing device is communicatively coupled with the display and communicatively coupled, via at least one J1939 data link, with the engine control module and the transmission control module. The computing device is configured to receive data from at least one of an engine control module or a transmission control module, compare the received data to a list of stored codes and in response to the received data matching a stored code, causing the rendering of an alarm message associated with the matched code and/or a warning message associated with the matched code on the display.

Abstract: A drum coater for applying a surface layer on bulk-like materials includes a rotatably mounted drum for accommodating bulk-like materials, inlet and outlet openings, at least one spray nozzle for applying the surface material, a drying device for a drum interior, at least first and second radially-offset mixing tools in the drum, the first mixing tool protruding into the drum interior. The at least one second mixing tool has at least one mixing surface such that the first mixing tool is at least partially arranged on the drum inner surface and the at least one second mixing tool has at least one opening on the at least one mixing surface. A mixing tool to be used in a drum coater to gently blend and/or homogenize bulk-like materials has a first mixing surface angled relative to a second mixing surface, at least one mixing surface having at least one opening.

Abstract: A mobile support structure (MSS) includes a frame structure for receiving modular silos, a base moveable between transportation and support configurations, and connectors coupling with the silos. A mobile erecting assembly includes a chassis, a lift structure rotatable between transportation and mounting orientations while engaged with a silo, an engagement structure movable between first and second positions while engaged with the silo, and an actuator to move the engagement structure and silo between the first and second positions. The silo is connected to the mobile erector assembly in the transportation orientation, and the mobile erector assembly is then aligned relative to the MSS, such as by engaging an alignment member of the mobile erector assembly with a chassis alignment post of the MSS. The mobile erector assembly is then operated to move the silo to the mounting orientation, and the silo is then coupled to the MSS.

Abstract: Turning motion of gypsum slurry spouting onto a sheet of paper for a gypsum board liner is restricted for preventing maldistribution, deviation or irregular dispersion from occurring in the density distribution of the slurry on the sheet of paper. A mixing and stirring device for gypsum slurry has a circular casing forming a mixing area, a rotary disc positioned in the casing, and a tubular passage for feeding the slurry onto the sheet of paper for the gypsum board liner. A chute has a fluid passage portion with its cross section being non-axisymmetric with respect to a center axis of the tubular passage, or a fluid passage portion varying a position of the center axis of the tubular passage by a change or lateralization of the cross section of fluid passage.

Abstract: A concrete mixer truck comprises a vehicle provided with a heat engine and a concrete mixer having a rotating drum and an auxiliary device provided with a unit for generating electric energy that selectively feeds an electric motor connected to the rotating drum. The electric energy generating unit comprises at least an alternator selectively connectable to the heat engine and to a movement unit of the vehicle by means of a gearbox and a power take-off positioned between the clutch of the vehicle and the gearbox. The alternator is configured to convert mechanical energy into alternate electric energy and vice versa.

Abstract: Information relating to a change made to a concrete mixture in a concrete mixer truck is obtained. An expected value of a selected characteristic of the concrete mixture is determined based on the change. A representation of the expected value is displayed on a processing device located in a cab of the concrete mixer truck. In one embodiment, the mixture comprises a concrete mixture. The change may comprise an addition of water to the mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-hardening material for layerwise construction of three-dimensional components, whereby the material comprises at least one particulate material and a separately applied bonding agent for bonding the particulate material, and has a setting time which is at least several times as long as the application time of a particulate layer.

Abstract: A waterborne facility on a body of water includes a primary spoolable pipe and a pump. The end of the primary spoolable pipe may be guided from the waterborne facility to a location proximate to a selected site. The pump may be used to discharge a flowable material through the primary spoolable pipe. The waterborne facility may include a ready-mix concrete preparation system. However, the waterborne facility may deliver any flowable material to a selected site, which may be a land surface, underground, on a water surface, or underwater. Illustrative flowable materials include seawater, grout, cement, and sediment/mud.

Abstract: A bag, consisting of a single-layer or multi-layer bag wall, which is bonded to form a tube (1) and, at least at one end, has a bottom (4) which is suitable for filling with charge through a filler of a bag-filling machine, is folded and bonded and is realized with a valve opening (13), and said bag wall being designed to dissolve in a moist environment thereby releasing the charge, makes complete dissolving of the bag wall (2) possible even in the region of the bottom (4) which is provided with the valve opening (13), characterized in that the bonding of the bottom (4) is effected using a dextrin adhesive.

Abstract: A concrete mixing apparatus having a truck, an engine, a frame, and a drum rotatably associated with the truck automates the need for increasing the throttle on the primary power source to increase speed of the secondary system so that the speed of rotation of the drum may be increased to a desired level. The apparatus is equipped to set speed of rotation of the drum, count rotations of the drum and set time of rotation of the drum based on a signal sent from a sensor. The truck may include a push button operation for selecting “mix” or “maintain” or “pour” or some other function which selection automatically causes the apparatus to rotate the drum at a predetermined speed and/or for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention provides ‘thixotropy’ monitoring, by measuring the reversible, time-dependent reduction in viscosity occurring when concrete is subjected to mixing, and employs a mixing drum and conventional slump monitoring equipment as used on ready-mix trucks. In one embodiment, the drum is rotated until concrete is completely mixed; the speed is altered, such as by increasing it to a predetermined level; and the energy required to rotate the drum (ER) is monitored; the maximum (ER-MAX) and minimum (ER-MIN) values are recorded in computer memory; and these values are compared to pre-determined (target) values. Rheology factors (including viscosity, yield stress, and/or thixotropy) can be adjusted accordingly by adding liquid component(s) into the mix. This method, suitable for delivery of highly fluid concrete speed such as SCC, can involve transit and placement rheology targets during monitoring.

Abstract: A cabling system and accessory for attachment to the rubber boot surrounding the metal chute area of either a front or rear loader concrete truck for improving and enhancing the function and purpose of the rubber boot and chute area of a ready mix concrete truck, and for increasing the safety, health, and environmental aspects of cleaning thereof, wherein physical exertion and risk of injury to the truck operator is minimized, wherein the quantity of water utilized for cleaning is reduced, wherein the overall cleanliness of the truck is improved, and wherein the functional life span of the boot, chute, mechanical parts, and the truck itself is increased.

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 invention relates to methods and apparatus for a vibration-free placement of the concrete and for placement and enforced speed inertial compaction of the concrete under a high pressure. The method permits to optimize the values of the compaction factor of the concrete mix being placed without vibration. Whereupon, in the case of variation assigning and implementing (adjusting and optimizing) the integral indices of the mix, and/or the plume modes, and/or the space medium characteristics, increasing the concrete strength in early time of the concrete curing, increasing the width of the placed and compacted mix in one step of concreting, reducing the mix losses in the case of placing with compacting the concrete mix.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a warm mix asphalt comprising a hydrated lime slurry additive, methods of producing the same, methods of producing an asphalt pavement and methods of paving a surface.

Abstract: A slurry distributor includes a feed conduit and a distribution conduit in fluid communication therewith. The feed conduit includes an entry segment with a feed inlet and a feed entry outlet in fluid communication therewith and extending along a first feed flow axis. The feed conduit includes a shaped duct having a bulb portion in fluid communication with the feed entry outlet. The feed conduit includes a transition segment in fluid communication with the bulb portion and extending along a second feed flow axis in non-parallel relationship with the first feed flow axis. The bulb portion has an area of expansion with a cross-sectional flow area that is greater than a cross-sectional flow area of an adjacent area upstream from the area of expansion. The shaped duct has a convex interior surface in confronting relationship with the feed entry outlet of the entry segment.

Abstract: A transportable concrete mixing plant is provided and includes a frame, a mixing drum for mixing concrete, a conveying system having at least one rail for moving a pre-measured quantity of premix concrete to the mixing drum, and a supply hopper for directing the pre-measured premix concrete into the mixing drum. The rail forms a support track that is traversed by the supply hopper, which travels from a dispensing position near the mixing drum to a loading position spaced from the mixing drum. Optionally, a concrete pump dispenses flowable concrete received from the mixing drum and pumps it to a remote location, such as a work site.

Abstract: A process for reducing the set time a plaster slurry. The process comprises the steps of, providing a pre-determined amount of water, providing a pre-determined amount of the plaster, mixing the water and the plaster together at a first time to form a slurry, and, re-directing a portion of the slurry formed at the first time to combine with slurry formed at a second time.

Abstract: The present invention provides cement composition including 100 parts by weight of binder (B) including, 5-30 parts by weight of cement, 0-20 parts by weight of silica fume, 0-50 parts by weight of fly ash, and 42-75 parts by weight of blast furnace slag; water (W) equivalent to 80-185 kg/m3 of water content per unit volume of concrete; aggregate (A); and chemical admixture for concrete (AD).

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: A technique facilitates well servicing operations by utilizing a hopper system to introduce a dry additive into a mixing tank. The hopper system comprises a feeder and a hopper that delivers the dry additive into the feeder. The feeder, in turn, enables introduction of the dry additive into the cement mixing tank in a controlled manner. When the hopper system is used on a transportable cementing unit, the hopper system may be mounted on a cement mixing tank and also may incorporate a hopper that is both expandable to accommodate a greater amount of dry additive and contractible to facilitate transport.

Abstract: A vibratory grout consolidator for eliminating gaps and voids in grout by attaching to reinforcing bars extending within masonry block walls and encapsulated within the grout. The device includes a clamp including a bar sleeve having a first part attached to a first arm and a second part attached to a second arm. The bar sleeve has a pair of open ends that allow a reinforcing bar to extending fully through the bar sleeve. A vibration source is attached to the clamp so that when the bar sleeve is engaged with the reinforcing bar, vibration is transmitted to the reinforcing bar and encapsulating grout.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet starch preparation system for gypsum wallboard comprising a loss-in-weight starch feeder, a venturi mixer, a vacuum pick-up unit for supplying the dry starch from the feeder at an adjustable rate to the venturi mixer, a first water pump for supplying water at an adjustable rate to the venturi mixer to form a starch pre-dispersion of from about 2% to about 10% by weight starch and a second water pump for supplying gauging water to the starch pre-dispersion, the system equipped with appropriate system controls. The present system provides more efficient use of starch such that the amount of pregelatinized starch is at least about 10% less than a system in which the starch is not pre-dispersed in water prior to the board mixer. The system can be used to make gypsum-containing products including gypsum wallboard having increased board strength and reduced board weight.

Abstract: Typical barrel mixers (10), of the type which may be disassembled for transportation purposes, allow for the barrel (20) to be moved from a mixing position to a tipping position but do not allow for fixing the barrel at positions in between. The present invention provides an adjuster (200, 400) which allows the mixing position to be fixed at selected points between the mixing and tipping positions.

Abstract: A method and template are provided for modifying an asphalt dryer/mixer that includes an outer drum and an inner drum with a plurality of mixing paddles, the two drums forming an annular mixing chamber in which asphalt cement and aggregate materials are mixed. The template comprises a bracket marking portion that is adapted to locate one or more brackets on the inner drum and a paddle reference portion that is adapted to locate the bracket marking portion with respect to a mixing paddle. A mixing paddle to be referenced for locating a bracket is selected and the template is placed on the inner drum with the paddle reference portion referencing the selected mixing paddle. The template is used to mark the location of the bracket, the bracket is affixed to the outer surface of the inner drum at the bracket location marked; and an agitation strand is attached to the bracket.

Abstract: An anti-icing composition is provided, which comprises methyl cellulose from about 5 to about 15% (v/v); propylene glycol from about 9 to about 11% (v/v); vegetable glycerin from about 9 to about 11% (v/v); isopropyl alcohol (90%) from about 42 to about 49% (v/v), and water from about 10% to about 35% (v/v). Methods of preparing and using the anti-icing composition are also described.

Abstract: A high performance green concrete mixer and a high performance mixing method of green concrete are provided. The high performance green concrete mixer includes a pan mixer, plural drum mixers and a funnel. Each of the drum mixers is inclined relative to the pan mixer, while the funnel is connected between the pan mixer and the drum mixers.

Abstract: A cabling system and accessory for attachment to the rubber boot surrounding the metal chute area of either a front or rear loader concrete truck for improving and enhancing the function and purpose of the rubber boot and chute area of a ready mix concrete truck, and for increasing the safety, health, and environmental aspects of cleaning thereof, wherein physical exertion and risk of injury to the truck operator is minimized, wherein the quantity of water utilized for cleaning is reduced, wherein the overall cleanliness of the truck is improved, and wherein the functional life span of the boot, chute, mechanical parts, and the truck itself is increased.

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

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving the operational performance of a moving cement mixer vehicle with a rotatable mixing drum by automatically stopping the rotation of the mixing drum at select moments. The system may include a sensor adapted to deliver a signal indicative of an operational parameter, such as steering angle of the vehicle, and a processing unit adapted to receive the signal from the sensor and deliver a control signal based on the signal for stopping rotation of the mixing drum.

Abstract: Concrete manufacturing processes are provided that can include providing a plurality of substantially dry concrete raw materials to a mixing chamber, providing water to the mixing chamber, and mixing the water and raw materials to form a concrete raw material mixture. Concrete manufacturing processes can also include providing water, a silica source, a calcium source and an aluminum source to within a mixing chamber, with the calcium source being provided to within the chamber prior to the aluminum source. Concrete manufacturing processes can also include providing a combustion waste, a silica source, water and an aluminum source to form a concrete raw material mixture, processing the raw material mixture to form a concrete product. Concrete materials are provided that can include a combustion waste material, with the combustion waste material having at least 10% (wt./wt.) CaO.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system for mixing a liquid material and a solid material, said system comprising: i) a base unit (22?), for the liquid material and the solid material; ii) a liquid material supply (21); iii) a solid material supply (200); iv) a liquid/solid mixing output (23); and v) an injection unit (20) connected to the liquid material supply and to the solid material supply, said injection unit injecting said liquid material and said solid material in the base unit; vi) a separation and extraction unit (24) simultaneously separating surplus of gas coming from the mixing of the liquid material and the solid material and extracting from the base unit said surplus of gas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing concrete mass, the concrete mass being manufactured in a mixer, and the torque caused by the mixing of the concrete mass to the mixing elements used for mixing of the concrete mass and/or the power consumption of the drive of the mixer, being measured in said method. The torque caused to the mixing elements of the concrete mass and/or the power consumption of the drive is measured at least with two different mixing speeds, and based on the measurement results, the properties of the concrete mass are determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the viscosity of a fluidic cementitious mixture, the apparatus including a high voltage source, first and second spaced electrode members electrically connected to the high voltage source and (when energized) define an electrostatic field therebetween. The positioning of particulate cementitious material within the electrostatic field imparts like charges to the cementitious particles. By establishing such an electric field and positioning cementitious particles within the field, the particles may be charged prior to mixing into a hydrated cementitious slurry. Such charging decreases the viscosity and/or enhances the flowability of the hydrated cementitious slurry.

Abstract: A composition including particles of a carrier having on a surface thereof a compound according to structure (A) wherein either m is 1 and R is according to structure (B) in which n is an integer from 3 to 7, or m is 2 and R is according to structure C in which p is an integer from 1 to 10. Such compositions are useful for a variety of applications, for example the preparation of mortars and cements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling processes related to the amount of fluid in a container subjected to externally-excited motions. Fluid level sensor measurements in processing tanks on-board boats are confused by ocean waves and swells. A hydrodynamic model of a fluid in a tank can be constructed using non-linear dynamic model algorithms with inputs such as multi-axis accelerations, fluid viscosity, and apparent level measurements. The model can be used to filter-out boat motion disturbances to obtain a corrected level of the fluid in the tank. The corrected fluid level signal can be further processed using a dynamic model of the tank and associated input and output flow rates in a closed loop observer. The methods and systems are especially advantageous for offshore equipment such as cementing and fracturing ships.

Abstract: A stand holds a bag of dry mortar mix while a user pours measured quantities therefrom to prepare a mortar admix in a mixing container. The stand has a base with folding legs which elevates the bag to approximately the level of the top of the mixing container. A platform, or elevator, hingedly coupled to the front of the base holds the dry mortar bag while a user tilts the elevator and bag for pouring. A chute on the platform channels the dry mortar into the container as needed while the user stirs it with water to prepare the mortar admix. The elevator includes a handle opposite the hinge for manipulating the bag. A vertical spine atop the elevator near the handle slips under a flap on the end of the bag to hold it erect and in place while pouring. The device includes one or more latches which hold the elevator and legs in their folded positions adjacent the base for transportation and storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous construct which is used in providing cementitious mixtures supplemental and reinforcing strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a unitized fibrous construct which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous components, wherein the fibrous components can be cut to a predetermined and finite cut length upon formation and remain in a plural parallel form until such point the unitized fibrous substrate is incorporated and subjected to mechanical agitation during preparation of a cementitious blend or mixture.

Abstract: A flexible mixing mat comprising a geometrically-shaped planar substrate having four corner areas which have been removed and replaced with four expandable corners coupled to the four corner areas, respectively. Each expandable corner, a pleated flexible member, expands greater than that area having been removed. Further included are handles formed in or connected to each expandable corner. A method of using the flexible mixing mat to mix ingredients such as ingredients for creating cement is provided.

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

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

Abstract: A process and equipment for producing multi-color concrete products, including architectural concrete blocks, concrete bricks, modular concrete products that are suitable for use in landscaping applications, such as retaining wall blocks, concrete pavers, and concrete slabs. The invention includes a spray mechanism that sprays liquid pigment onto concrete discharged from a hopper. The concrete then proceeds to a blending mechanism which blends the pigment into the concrete to produce a multi-color concrete blend. The concrete blend is then used to produce multi-colored concrete products.

Abstract: A method for preparing a concrete article comprised of concrete having therein a reinforcing fiber, where at least about 50 percent of the reinforcing fibers are frayed only at an end or ends of the reinforcing fibers, may be made by mixing concrete, water and a reinforcing fiber for a sufficient time to fray the ends of at least 50 percent of the fibers and curing the mixture to form the concrete article.

Abstract: A change in the surface properties of apparatus for pharmaceutical preparation results from steam sterilisation. This change may be avoided by the use of apparatus with more hydrophilic post-sterilisation surfaces, e.g. those of gold.