Method for cleaning concrete delivery trucks

• US 5,507,875 A
• Filed: 07/29/1994
• Issued: 04/16/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jeff Hailey
• Original Assignee: Jeff Hailey
• Inventors: Hailey, Jeff
• Primary Examiner(s): Silbaugh, Jan H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GRAY, ROBIN SCOTT
• Application Number:
  US08/282,302
• Time in Patent Office: 627 Days
• Field of Search: 134/1, 134/8, 134/16, 134/22.1, 134/22.11, 134/23, 134/32, 134/33
• US Class Current: 134/1
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/145 Washing or cleaning mixers not provided for in other groups in this subclass; Inhibiting build-up of material on machine parts using other means
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 7/02 by distortion, beating, or vibration of the surface to be cleaned B08B7/0007 takes precedence

Abstract

Hardened concrete is removed from the drum of a concrete-transporting truck by applying strong vibrational force to the exterior of the drum. Apparatus for applying the vibration includes a vibration impact device suspended from the end of a laterally oriented holding arm. The opposite end of the holding arm is pivotably attached to a vertical post. A control arm, pivotably attached to the post has a hydraulic cylinder adapted to cause raising or lowering of the suspended impact device.

Claims

1. A process for removing hardened concrete from an interior wall surface of a truck-mounted concrete drum defined by said interior wall surface and an exterior wall surface and rotatable so as to cause said interior and exterior wail surfaces to pass through an upwardly directed top position, said process comprising applying to said exterior wall surface of said drum at said top position vibratory energy having a frequency of 2 blows per second to 20 blows per second, and a force between 10 pounds and 40 pounds, said vibratory energy being applied by a vibration-producing device pendently secured to an adjustable laterally directed holding arm in a manner permitting said device to contact said exterior wall surface at said top position.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein said drum is stationary during the application of said vibratory energy, and is rotated to different positions and stopped to permit application of said energy at several different sites on said external wall surface about a perimeter of said drum.

3. The process of claim 2 wherein said vibration-producing device has a resilient protective layer to prevent denting damage to said drum.