Volumetric concrete mixing system, equipment, and method
First Claim
1. A hopper for a cement-based mixture comprising:
- a chute extending along a longitudinal axis, the chute comprising an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, wherein the inlet end is positioned above the outlet end such that the chute is oriented substantially vertically, and wherein the outlet end comprises a ball-valve for controlling discharge of the cement-based mixture from the chute;
a bracket configured to couple the chute to a discharge chute of an auger mixer;
a rotatable shaft disposed within the chute along the longitudinal axis;
an auger coupled to the rotatable shaft; and
at least one paddle coupled to the rotatable shaft.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mobile volumetric concrete mixing system includes a suction system that vacuums up trench spoils while a trench is being cut. These trench spoils are then screened on-site for particle size to be reused and mixed with water, cement, and/or other admixtures at an auger mixer to form a backfill mixture. This backfill mixture may then be loaded into a hopper that continuously agitates the mixture so that the mixture does not harden before pouring. The agitating hopper is coupled to a discharge chute of the auger mixer and includes one or more augers disposed at various orientations that the backfill mixture is channeled through. From the agitating hopper, the backfill mixture is channeled to an applicator that moves along the trench and that enables the mixture to be quickly poured into the trench with little clean-up required.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A hopper for a cement-based mixture comprising:
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a chute extending along a longitudinal axis, the chute comprising an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, wherein the inlet end is positioned above the outlet end such that the chute is oriented substantially vertically, and wherein the outlet end comprises a ball-valve for controlling discharge of the cement-based mixture from the chute; a bracket configured to couple the chute to a discharge chute of an auger mixer; a rotatable shaft disposed within the chute along the longitudinal axis; an auger coupled to the rotatable shaft; and at least one paddle coupled to the rotatable shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A hopper for a cement-based mixture comprising:
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an inlet chute extending along a longitudinal axis; a bracket configured to couple the inlet chute to a discharge chute of an auger mixer; an auger chute coupled in flow communication with the inlet chute, wherein the auger chute comprises an outlet end comprising a cut-off valve for controlling discharge of the cement-based mixture from the auger chute; a rotatable shaft disposed within the auger chute along a rotation axis, wherein the rotation axis is different than the longitudinal axis; and an auger coupled to the rotatable shaft. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A hopper comprising:
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an inlet chute extending along a longitudinal axis; a bracket configured to couple the inlet chute to a discharge chute of an auger mixer of a mobile mixing system; a first auger chute coupled in flow communication with the inlet chute and disposed at least partially below the inlet chute, wherein the first auger chute includes a first rotatable shaft having an auger, and wherein the first rotatable shaft defines a rotation axis that is different than the longitudinal axis; a second auger chute coupled in flow communication with the first auger chute, wherein the second auger chute comprises an outlet end comprising a cut-off valve for controlling discharge from the second auger chute; and a discharge hose extending from the second auger chute. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification