Description :

TITLE OF INVENTION :

"A highly compact concrete Production & Transportation Equipment with a novel Weighing, Conveying, Mixing & Discharge (WCMD) Device".

[001] TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for production of concrete. In particular, the present invention relates to combined activities of production & transportation of concrete for construction purpose.

[002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION & THE PROBLEM :

[002.01] Concrete is used worldwide for various construction purposes. Concrete is produced by mixing different type of gravels or crushed aggregates, fine aggregates like natural or crushed sand with cement and water in various proportions to have various grades of concrete. In other words concrete is a homogeneous mixture of different types of aggregates, sand, cement & water. Presently there are various types of equipment available separately for production and transportation of concrete from the place of production to the place of construction, some are discussed as under:

[002.02] Presently, concrete is produced by batching the ingredients on weight basis and after mixing the ingredients in a central mixing plant installed at a particular location, these central plants are called stationary Ready-mix plants. Stationary plants require a high capacity dedicated power source for the batching & mixing operation. The mixed ingredients (wet concrete) are transported to the construction site in rotating transit mixer drums mounted on commercial transport vehicles. The transit mixer drums keep the concrete alive during transport. [002.03] Concrete is also produced by mobile plants, which are trailer mounted and require a tractor truck to tow them from one place to another. However such are unable to transport the raw materials required for making concrete (dry ingredients) along with the plant from one location to another as a regular mean of transportation. They also require an high capacity source of power for operation of the plant as the required horsepower for operation of the plant is very high. This needs a dedicated external power source at each & every location and needs to be plugged before starting the operation. The trailer mounted plants are thus very bulky and of very big size and have larger turning radius because of the trailer/ trolley arrangement and are used only to carry the plant (and not the raw materials) from one location to another.

[002.04] Some vehicles are mounted with volumetric mixers which can carry the raw materials and produce concrete at site by proportioning the raw materials on the basis of volume. However due to volumetric proportioning of limited ingredients and improper mixing, the volumetric type of mixers have very limited applications. Also volumetric mixers work on principle of continuous flow and do not guarantee a 100% homogeneous mix and hence are used only for small and less important jobs. For high load constructions like RCC structures, dams, bridges, housing and commercial construction, ready-mixed concrete produced by batching the ingredients on positive weight basis is extensively used.

[002.05] Some mobile plants carry out weighing of ingredients in PAN type mixer itself by hanging or mounting the mixers on loadcells. The biggest disadvantage of this is that while batching, the separate raw materials are brought to the mixer by separate conveyors. Which results in more no. of moving components and adds to the weight & volume of the equipment making it more difficult to handle and maintain. Moreover the size & weight limits the ability of the equipment to transport the required amount of raw materials within the permissible limits specified by Road Transport Authorities. Another disadvantage is that this type of equipment require very high connected loads ( power supply) because of more no. of moving parts. Which increases the capital & running cost. Again after mixing, the pan mixer requires another belt conveyor to lift the concrete as the discharge height is very low. This again adds to the no. of moving parts.

[002.06] As said earlier, the construction industry across the world utilizes the concrete, the ingredients of which are batched on a positive weight based batching system in a stationery / central /mobile mixing plant. The concrete is produced by a forceful and homogeneous mixing of the various ingredients in various types of existing proven mixers like reversible drum, single/ twin shaft, planetary or Pan type mixers.

[002.07] The conventional system of batching and mixing of the various ingredients of the concrete requires investment in dump trucks for transporting stones from stone quarry to a place near the site of construction. Again, a huge investment is required for installation of stationary central mixing plants for mixing all the ingredients of concrete. Transit mixer trucks are used to transport the produced concrete to job sites. The transit mixer truck do not produce concrete but it is a mean only to keep the concrete alive during transit. Further, the vehicle and the mixer are operated by two separate engines which increase the use of fuel to run the engines and hence leading to an increase in the cost of the concrete.

[002.08] All conventional concrete production & transportation equipment available^ per above, the activities of production and transportation of concrete are carried out separately. Especially no equipment is available which is highly compact & mobile and can carry the all the raw materials and produce concrete by actually weighing & then mixing all the ingredients. Several attempts have been made to manufacture a mobile concrete production plant mounted on a truck or trailer, however no body could provide a highly compact, self content concrete production and transportation assembly mounted on a single rigid truck which can transport the raw materials also as well as produce concrete essentially on weight basis with its own power source by actually weighing all the ingredients, in a proper weighing system. Some attempts are discussed hereunder:

[002.09] Accordingly, United Kingdom patent number GB 2032290 discloses a mobile mixer and ready-mixed mortar delivery system mounted on a mobile truck. The mobile mixer and ready-mixed mortar delivery system enables the ingredients of the mortar to be supplied in correct proportions at a central mixing plant where from they are delivered to a construction site in usable condition with no further mixing required by on-site operatives. United Kingdom patent number GB 2032290 includes a mixing chamber in which a rotatable mixing screw causes mixing of the ingredients of the mortar. The mixing screw is driven by a hydraulic motor powered by a power-take-off of the vehicle engine. United Kingdom patent number GB 2032290 also includes a high level water tank mounted at a front of the truck to supply water to the mixing chamber via a valved conduit. Some serious shortcomings are discussed hereunder:

[002.09] One biggest disadvantage of the present invention is that the mobile mixer and ready-mixed mortar delivery system of United Kingdom patent number GB 2032290 does not carry out the actual weighing and batching of the raw materials on positive weight basis and the raw materials are batched earlier by a separate central mixing plant. Further another disadvantage of United Kingdom patent number GB 2032290 is that it needs a high power diesel engine to power the mixing screw as the capacity of the mixer goes up. Further another disadvantage of United Kingdom patent number GB 2032290 is that it mixes the previously batched material with water using a mixing screw, which has to be driven in forward & reverse direction for mixing and discharging respectively. However the discharge function is not complete unless the mixing screw axis & the bottom of the chamber is inclined towards the discharge tube. This may result in running down of the cement slurry while mixing in forward direction and result in improper mixing. However if the screw axis and bottom of the mixing chamber are made perfectly horizontal, the screw even in reverse direction needs assistance from the tipping action to discharge the mixed material. In other words, it needs to be mounted on a special tipper vehicle, where the tipping action of which assists the discharge. Further, the required quantity of the ingredients is batched at central plant before leaving for the site, hence does not allow the production of different grades of mortar for different purposes. This also means that this invention only does mixing of pre-batched materials.

[002.10] United States Patent 5730523 discloses a portable concrete plant adapted to be transported on a single transporting vehicle to a construction site with the help of a tractor via a transmission which supplies power to an electric generator and a hydraulic pump mounted on the vehicle. The electric generator and the hydraulic pump are adapted to rotate a rotating drum for mixing concrete. The transporting vehicle further includes containers for storing of various ingredients required for production of concrete. A concrete pump is provided for dispensing the concrete from the rotating drum. A computer is used to control the various containers and scales so as to vary the proportions of the various ingredients in order to produce concrete of varying strength. Some shortcomings are discussed hereunder.

[002.11] One big disadvantage of the United States Patent number 5730523 is that due to its size & weight, it has to be installed on a trailer bed and is driven by a tractor truck. Therefore the equipment cannot be used as a regular transport mean for carrying raw materials with it in narrow lanes and crowded city traffic. Another disadvantage of the United States Patent number 5730523 is that it needs a hydraulic as well as an electrical drive in order to operate the mixing drum & concrete pump and Conveyors respectively. The hydraulic drive is taken from the PTO of the Tractor truck's transmission for operating the mixing drum and concrete pump. However since this power is not sufficient to operate the conveyors, it needs another separate generator mounted on the trailer. Which not only increases the weight of the machine, but also increases the capital & running maintenance cost. Again, United States Patent number 5730523 is a very bulky equipment having no. of moving parts with a larger tuming radius because of the length of the vehicle and it is difficult to maneuver in city traffic. Also due to the weight, size & more moving parts of the equipment, the fuel consumption is more. Again, one more disadvantage of the equipment is the mixing in a rotating drum, which increases the cycle time considerably because of higher no. of rotations required to achieve a homogeneous mix. Also the drum mix requires more mixing time because mixing is based on gravity rather than a force full mixing in a pan or any other type of mixer. This reduces the output of the equipment considerably.

[002.12] United States Patent Number 4577805 discloses an agricultural mixing and grinding machine which includes a frame with a driven shaft adapted to be driven by a PTO shaft connectable to a tractor. A plurality of bins is provided to contain different feed material to be ground and/or mixed and a grinding unit mounted adjacent to one end of the bins. The materials in the bins are discharged into a confluence with the help of metering augers extending longitudinally beneath the bins. The metering augers are operated by means of D.C. electric motors which derive power from an A.C. generator driven by the PTO shaft. One disadvantage of United States Patent Number 4577805 is that weighing of the materials is not based on positive weight basis principle and depends upon fietering system. Another big disadvantage of United States Patent Number 4577805 is that it cannot be employed for the purpose of manufacturing construction quality concrete as it is specifically designed for agricultural use.

[002.13] United States Patent Number 6286987 discloses a cement mixing truck that utilizes a system and a method for controlling speed of an engine of the cement mixing truck. The internal combustion engine of the cement mixing truck is used to provide power to a concrete mixing drum mounted on the cement mixing truck. The cement mixing truck includes a power take off (PTO) assembly that includes an output shaft connected to a drum motor controller for providing power to a drive motor in order to rotate the concrete mixing drum at variable speeds. One disadvantage of US Granted Patent 6286987 does not include separate compartments for carrying different aggregates and water required for preparing a concrete mixture and the required weight of the aggregates are mixed in the central batching & mixing plant in required proportion and carried to the site. Thus the equipment is designed only for transporting the previously batched material to the site and not for production of concrete by batching on weight basis. Further, another disadvantage of United States Patent Number 6286987 weighing of the aggregates is not carried out based on the principle of positive weight gain. Furthermore, United States Patent Number 6286987 the concrete mixing drum is driven by the hydraulic & mechanical energy provided to the drum motor from the PTO and hence does not include the use of electrical energy. Overall United States Patent Number 6286987 is basically related to controlling the engine RPM driving a cement mixer and is not related to production of concrete.

[002.14] United States Patent Application Number 20070257392 discloses an apparatus for manufacturing concrete mounted on a vehicle for transporting the apparatus to a construction site and manufacturing concrete on-site. The apparatus of United States Patent Application Number 20070257392 includes a plurality of separate containers adapted to store components required for preparing concrete and a tank for storing water, a weighing means for determining weight of at least one of the components, a mixer for mixing the components together and dispatching mixed concrete, and a delivery means for dispensing components from their respective containers and conveying components to the mixer. The rate of delivery of components by the delivery means is dependent on the weight of the at least one component determined by the weighing means and the particular supply of mixed concrete required from the mixer. Some serious disadvantages of this invention are discussed hereunder. [002.15] One biggest disadvantage of the United States Patent Application Number 20070257392 is that the equipment does not actually weigh the raw materials but depends upon the rate of delivery which again depends upon the known weight of at least one ingredient. Another disadvantage of the United States Patent Application Number 20070257392 is that it is completely dependent upon the processor for the accuracy of the proportion of ingredients and cannot be operated in manual mode in case of processor failure. Another very big disadvantage of the United States Patent Application Number 20070257392 is that it cannot operate on a surface having even 5 % inclination because of the delivery rate system. In such a case the machine has to be operated on volumetric basis which is not a desirable method of producing widely acceptable concrete. One more disadvantage of the United States Patent Application Number 20070257392 is that the processor is connected to the weighing as well as delivery means. It continuously adjusts the required proportion of the ingredients by controlling the rate of delivery or in other words the opening of the gate. This is a combination of loss in weight based batching with a volumetric batching_system & both are not well accepted in the industry.. Furthermore disadvantage of the United States Patent Application Number 20070257392 is that it carries out the mixing of ingredient in an mixing auger in a continuous flow. The mixing auger is always open at the discharge end and cannot mix the materials as efficiently as a batch type mixer, which is provided with a closed discharge gate during mixing. One more big disadvantage of United States Patent Application Number 20070257392 is that due to the negative (loss in weight ) weighing_system, the raw materials cannot be fed continuously while the plant is producing concrete. In this case the processor cannot decide the rate of delivery unless and until the feeding is over.

[002.16] United States Patent Application Number US2002001255 discloses a portable concrete plant powered by an internal combustion engine is attached to a truck for producing ready mix concrete proximate to a location where the ready mix concrete is used. The portable concrete plant includes storage regions for storing components used in the ready mix concrete. The storage regions of the portable concrete plant include weight cells monitored by a computer control system to ensure accurate delivery of the components. The portable concrete plant further includes conveying systems for conveying the components from the storage regions to a slurry mixer and from the slurry mixer to a system discharge port. The internal combustion engine further preferably includes a high output AC alternator operably connected thereto to power the operations of electrically powered components on the portable concrete plant. Some serious shortcomings are discussed hereunder:

[002.17] One disadvantage of United States Patent Application Number US2002001255 is that it separately carry out all the activities like weighing on loss of weight, conveying of various materials trough various different conveyors and mixing in a separate mixer . This calls for high power separately installed an internal combustion engine for driving the various parts thereby increasing the no. of moving parts and running and maintenance cost. Further, United States Patent Application Number US2002001255 uses the principle of negative weight for weighing the various components of ready mixed concrete. One more disadvantage of United States Patent Application Number US2002001255 is that because of size & weight it again uses a trailer frame which is pulled or towed by a' tractor truck. This seriously limits the utility of the equipment as a concrete transportation vehicle in congested city traffic. Secondly the bulky size and high weight makes it difficult to maneuver in narrow lanes and city areas. One more disadvantage of the United States Patent Application Number US2002001255 is that the cost of production per cubic meter is very high due to the high connected load and separate diesel engine. One more big disadvantage of United States Patent Application Number US2002001255 is that due to the negative (loss in weight ) weighing system, the raw materials cannot be fed continuously while the plant is producing concrete. [002.18] TECHINCAL PROBLEM : Thus to summarize, the existing means of production as discussed above were having serious drawbacks like very high no. of moving parts, bulky & high weight designs, negative / dynamic or processor controlled weighing, trailer & tractor truck arrangements, high connected loads and unable to transport raw material in congested city areas because of shape, size and technology. Thus any of the above could not provide a highly compact, single machine mounted on a single rigid truck, which could transport all the raw materials with its own power source and produce concrete by actually weighing each and every material & then mixing in a closed forceful compulsory mixer. In other words there is no single machine available which can alone work as a stationary plant as well as a transit mixer (for weight based concrete) , eliminating the need of using different equipment for different activities & bringing down the cost of concrete by 25 to 30 %.

[002.19] Thus, there was felt a need for a highly compact ( having very less moving parts), self powered (self sufficient) with lower emissions and much lower connected load, widely acceptable due to actual weighing of each and every ingredient in an electronic weighing system & highly cost effective equipment for batching, mixing & transportation (of the raw materials)of concrete.

[003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[003. 01] An object of the present invention is to provide a highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment which combines the activities of transportation and production of concrete by actually weighing each solid ingredient & mixing at the site.

[003.02] One very important object is to reduce the weight , size and no. of moving parts of the equipment by using a "novel W.C.M.D. device" which alone carries out all the activities of weighing, conveying, Mixing and discharging. [003.03] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which is easy to operate and easy to maintain. By having very less no. of moving parts.

[003.04] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a produce fresh concrete in situ batched accurately by weight & not by volume.

[003.05] Further an object of the present invention is to reduce the cost of production of concrete by minimizing various stages of re-handling of raw materials.

[003.06] An additional object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which is highly compact & can be mounted on a single rigid truck chassis.

[003.07] Another object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which can supply concrete on weight basis at any distance regardless of distance and even at remote areas.

[003.08] An added object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which is simple in construction and offer a higher advantage even in capital cost.

[003.09] Further an object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which is versatile in operation and can be used in different ways by different users to produce concrete.

[003.10] Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce the power required to produce concrete by combining the activities of weighing, conveying , mixing and discharging.

[003.11] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile equipment for transportation and production of concrete, which is easy to maneuver in congested city traffic and narrow lanes. [003.12] Further another object of the present invention is to provide a concrete producing and transporting equipment which operates on the principle of positive weight gain.

[003.13] An additional very important object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which is powered by the engine of the vehicle on which is mounted. An additional objective is to reduce the required horsepower so a much smaller slave engine can be used effectively if the drive is not taken from the PTO.

[003.14] An added object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which absolutely eliminates the use of external source of power.

[003.15] Still an object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which reduces the use of man power.

[003.16] One more object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which actually carry out the proper and accurate weighing of each solid ingredient in a proper electronic weighing system.

[003.17] One additional object of the invention is to provide an equipment where in all four aggregates ( two coarse & two fine) can be fed in respective compartments by a front end loader without a belt conveyor or manual feeding. At the same time is very compact in size & light in weight so as to enable itself to carry more raw material.

[003.18] Another object of the present invention is to provide an equipment which can carry same OR MORE quantity of concrete like an equivalent capacity transit mixer mounted on equivalent capacity single rigid commercial truck & produces concrete like a stationary plant after reaching site.

[003.19] Another object of the invention is to provide an equipment which can alternatively mounted on a very small trolley and can be transported even in congested city traffic. 04. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment mounted on the chassis of a single rigid truck for holding plurality of concrete constituents (raw materials) in separate compartments and subsequent mixing of the concrete constituents, said equipment comprising: a. Storage space having a plurality of silos provided with a conduits means having controllable gates at the operative lower end of each of said silos, each of said silos adapted to store at least one discrete solid constituent, each of said gates adapted to be driven by a first drive mechanism D1; The cement silo is provided with small rotary gate valve for slow and controllable discharge of cement. The cement motor is driven by drive D2

b. a "novel W.C.M.D. device" which alone carries out all the activities of weighing, conveying , mixing and discharging is located operatively below said storage space, said device adapted to be suspended from a plurality of load cells and adapted to receive said solid constituents from each of said silos, said device is provided with a gate valve adapted to open after a predetermined weight of said solid constituents is accomplished alone; with water and a predetermined mixing time is achieved, said gate valve adapted to receive drive from the first drive mechanism D1; The gate valve is provided at the extreme end of the said novel mixing device. c. A conveyer belt OR alternatively a conveying screw for mixed concrete located operatively below said "novel W.C.M.D. device", adapted to receive fresh concrete from said novel mixing device, said conveyer belt or screw operated by means of a Third drive mechanism D3; This mechanism is further eliminated by the use of specially designed inclined WCMD device as shown in the second embodiment. d. at least one tank for storing liquid constituents, each of said tanks being provided with a piping system and a pump driven by a Fifth drive mechanism D5, said pump adapted to deliver measured quantity of said liquid constituents to the said novel mixing device ; e. The said "novel W.C.M.D. device" adapted to receive and mix said solid constituents through said gate valves at the bottom of the silos and said liquid constituents through said piping system, said "novel concrete mixing device" adapted to receive drive from a Fourth drive mechanism D4; f. a control system adapted to control said drive mechanisms in automatic as well as manual mode ; g. an alternator adapted to convert mechanical drive into electrical energy to operate said drive mechanisms; and h. a power take-off shaft connected to the engine transmission of said vehicle to drive said alternator.

Typically, each of the silos are provided with a cover.

Typically, the gates are pneumatically operated.

In another embodiment, the gates of all aggregate silos can be replaced with small discharge belt conveyors.

In another embodiment a dedicated slave engine connected to the said alternator mounted on same chassis can be used to drive the entire equipment if PTO drive is not available. In one more embodiment a dedicated slave engine connected to a hydraulic system can be used to operate entire machine hydraulically with the same said "novel W.C.M.D. device". Typically, the solid constituents are typically stones or gravels, fine particles, cement and fly ash, said stones Or gravels are of various size, said fine particle includes stone dust or river sand.

Typically, the silos containing cement is typically provided with at least one rotary discharge valve adapted to deliver the cement to the said novel mixing device. In one embodiment the cement silo can be provided with a small screw instead of a rotary gate valve.

Typically, the said "novel W.C.M.D. device" is adapted to weigh the solid constituents by positive weight gain. Typically, the gate valve of said "novel W.C.M.D. device" is pneumatically operated.

Typically, the gate valve is adapted to be operated by the first drive mechanism D1.

Typically, the said "novel W.C.M.D. device" is provided with at least one discharge gate Typically, the said "novel W.C.M.D. device" is enclosed within a framework & suspended on electronic load cells.

Typically, the equipment is provided with a protective cover on all sides. Typically, the equipment is open on all sides.

Typically the said "novel WCMD device" is used either in horizontal condition Or in an inclined (but entire WCMD is balanced load cells) position in order to eliminate the discharge belt or the discharge auger.

[004.01 ] BASIC CONSTRUCTION & WORKING OFTHESAID "NOVEL WEIGHING ,

CONVEYING , MIXING & DISCHARGING DEVICE" :

The said " novel WCMD device" is constructed by using at least one single shaf having either simple Archimedean spirals or modern screw spirals for combining all the four activities of weighing, conveying, mixing & discharging in one simple device. The said device as stated above is typically used either in horizontal condition ( to get more storage of raw materials above) OR in an inclined position ( to eliminate the discharge belt or discharge screw).

CONSTRUCTION : The said "novel W.C.M.D. device" typically consists off three sections divided by virtue of the operations achieved in that particular section. The three sections are :

A: Receiving & weighing Section

B: Conveying section

C: mixing ,surge & Discharge section.

The said "novel W.C.M.D. device" (03) is kept in horizontal condition (Or inclined as shown in the second preferred embodiment) enclosed in a steel framework (12) and suspended on electronic loadcells (18). A single shaft (21)having either simple Archimedean spiral blades or alternatively modern screw spirals (22) runs throughout the length of the said novel mixing device. The bottom of the mixing device is made semi-circular and can be provided with replaceable liner plates. A uniform gap is maintained between the bottom wall & the helicoids to ensure that the aggregates are pushed forward by screw action. In the "Mixing .Surge & Discharge section" (23), the helicoids spirals (22) are converted into continuous ribbon which allows through mixing of ingredients. In one embodiment, the spirals (22) are not converted into ribbon and kept as it is. The single screw shaft (21)is powered by a Gearbox & motor (14) specifically operating at a low RPM (so as to enable accurate weighing even in dynamic condition)generating high torque. On the other end after the "mixing, surge & discharge section", another drive is taken from the said single shaft (21),which drives another shaft (06) which runs parallel to & above the said single shaft (21). The parallel shaft (06) is provided with a no. of mixing blades. The drive is typically taken through an arrangement of chain & sprockets. The two shafts mix the raw materials thoroughly within a very short time when the discharge gate at the bottom of the mixing, surge & discharge section is perfectly closed by a slide gate (17).

In one more embodiment, the parallel shaft (06) is provided screw spirals instead of mixing blades. The spiral blades are provided in exactly opposite in direction to the spirals (22). The spirals (22) shall push the materials towards the discharge gate and the surging material shall be pushed by the spirals of parallel shaft (06) towards the opposite direction relieving the said single shaft (21) of additional load when the material is surging in the surge hopper. Alternatively a separate geared motor is employed to drive the parallel shaft in case of bigger batch sizes.

WORKING OF THE SAID "NOVEL W.C.M.D. DEVICE":

The said "Novel W.C.M.D. Device" is used in two different modes for the weighing activity namely static weighing mode OR dynamic weighing mode. In static weighing mode, all the raw materials are first weighed cumulatively while the single screw shaft is static and not rotating. The dynamic weighing is explained as under: Kindly refer to the drawing given below . The said "novel W.C.M.D. device"(03) is suspended on electronic loadcells (18). The drive gearbox & motor (14) are counterbalanced by the weight of the "Mixing.surge & discharge section" (23). The loadcells (18) are mounted on the upper frame of the "receiving & weighing section" (20). A controllable discharge gate (17) typically operated by a pneumatic cylinder is provided at the bottom of the "mixing.surge & discharge section"(23) as shown in the figure. The said single shaft (21) starts rotating along with the parallel mixing shaft (06-provided only in the mixing, surge & discharge section) as soon as the motor starts. The "receiving & weighing section" (20) is placed exactly below the discharge gates provided for aggregates & cement silos (15 & 16 respectively). The extreme two silos are provided with sand & stone dust ( comparatively fine materials); cement gate (16) is provided at centre and the coarse aggregates are provided on the other side. As soon as the operator presses the CYCLE START button after selecting a preset recipe, one of the fine materials is discharged into the "receiving & weighing section" (20) of the said novel W.C.M.D device (03). A digital weight indicator shows the exact value with the help of electronic load cells (18). As soon as the preset value is reached, the gate closes and cement valve starts discharging. The weight indicator shows the exact cumulative weight. After cement valve is closed, the water pump starts delivering water into the receiving & weighing section (20). A water pipeline runs throughout near the upper frame of the weighing and receiving hopper and is provided with nozzles & holes through which the water is delivered. After receiving exact weight of water, the water pump stops. During this time due to the slow rotation of the said single shaft (21) and the helicoids (22), a cement, sand slurry is formed which can pass through the uniform gap provided between the spirals (22) and bottom wall. The slurry is further added with the second fine material. After the preset weight of the second fine material ( stone dust) is reached, both the coarse aggregates are discharged into the Receiving section (20), one after another. During this time the aggregates are passed thorough the cement -dust -sand slurry and are pushed forward to the other end. However since the discharge gate (17) is now closed, the material starts rising in the "mixing, surge and discharge section" (23). This material is again pushed back & mixed by the parallel shaft (06) with mixing blades or anti-directional spirals provided in the "mixing .Surge & Discharge section" (23). Thus a complete homogeneous mix is obtained. The walls of all sections are kept vertical with very little inclination to avoid any bridging and sticking of materials. The discharge gate (17)is opened typically by a pneumatic cylinder and the concrete is discharged. The sequence of material entry can be changed In the system however the said sequence is found to have minimal load and resulting in highly homogeneous mixing.

"NOVEL W.C.M.D. DEVICE" :

"NOVEL W.C.M.D. DEVICE"

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the accompanying drawing and their description stated below, which is merely illustrative of a preferred embodiment of the invention and does not limit in any way the nature and scope of the invention. 005 : DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates said "novel W.C.M.D. device" of the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device"in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2a illustrates The top view of said "novel W.C.M.D. device" of the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a storage space of the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a conveyer belt of the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" in accordance with present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates water tank of the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" in accordance with present invention;

Figure 6 illustrates the vehicle for mounting the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device"

Figure 7 illustrates the framework for enclosing & suspending the said " Novel W.C.M.D. device" of the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device"

Figure 8 illustrates the assembly of the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" without the vehicle. The water tank is not shown for the purpose of clarity.

Figure 9 illustrates top view of the assembly of "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" without the vehicle.

Figure 10 illustrates backside view of the assembly of "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" without the vehicle.

Figure 11 illustrates a flow diagram of the operation of the drive mechanism of "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates the Highly compact Concrete Production & Transportation Equipment with inclined version of WCMD (without Truck) in order to eliminate the discharge belt or discharge screw.

Figure 13 illustrates the inclined version of WCMD device in isolation.

Figure 13 also illustrates the WCMD embodiment in which the parallel shaft (06) is provided with helicoids spiral blades in opposite direction of the main screw spirals (22).

005.01 : DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

Referring to the accompanied drawings, a "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" in accordance with this invention is generally indicated by the reference numeral (01) and is particularly shown in figure 1 of the drawing.

"Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C. .D. device" (01) comprises a storage space (02), a "Novel W.C.M.D. Device (03), a conveyer belt (04), and a control system (not shown in the figure). "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" (01) is adapted to be operated at the site of construction.

The storage space (02), shown in figure 3, comprises a plurality of silos (14a), (14b), (14c), (14d) & (14e) separated from each other by means of a plurality of partition walls. Each of the silos (14a), (14b), (14c), (14d), and (14e) at the operative upper end is covered with the help of a lid which is not shown in the drawing. Each of the silos (14a), (14b), (14c), (14d), and (14e) are covered by separated lids. Alternatively, the storage space (02) is provided with a common lid. The "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" (01) of the present invention is adapted to store a plurality of discrete solid constituents in each of the silos (14a), (14b), (14c), (14d) & (14e) . The solid constituents comprise stones or gravels of 20 mm size and 10 mm size, fine particles, cement and fly ash (additional. Not shown in the picture). The fine particles comprise river sand or crushed sand. The stones of 20 mm size, the stones of 10 mm size, the fine particles, the cement are separately stored in the silos (14a), (14b), (14c), (14d) & (14e) The storage capacity of the storage space (02) is such that the total quantity of the concrete constituents that can be stored is sufficient to produce at least 5 /6 cubic meter of concrete of any grade. The operative lower end of each of the silos (14a), (14b), (14c), (14d), containing stones of 20 mm size, stones of 10 mm size, fine particles and river sand are each provided with a conduit means having a pneumatically operated gate (item no. 15 shown in Figure 02.) in order to allow the solid constituents to flow from the respective silos onto the said " Novel W.C.M.D. device"(03). Alternatively these gates can be replaced by small belt conveyors driven by separate motors (not shown in the picture.) The cement is separately contained in silo (14e) and is provided with a rotary valve ( item no. 16 shown in Figure 02). for leading the cement into the "Novel W.C.M.D. Device" (03) . A drive mechanism (D1), illustrated in figure 11, is adapted to operate the gates (not shown in figure) and the rotary valve(16) of the silo (14e) is driven by drive D2. The drive mechanism (D1) comprises a first electrical motor driving the air compressor so as to control the opening and closing of the gates (15) of the silos (14a), (14b), (14c), (14d). and the gate valve (Item no. 17 shown in Figure 02) of the "Novel W.C.M.D. Device"(03) . The rotary valve (16) of silo (14e) containing cement is driven by motor D2.

"Novel W.C.M.D. Device" (03) shown in figure 2 & Figure 2a, and described with reference to the drawing earlier, is suspended on plurality of load cells (Item No. 18 shown in Figure No.02) and carry out weighing of each and every ingredient including water on cumulative basis on the principle of positive weight gain. The application of the principle of positive weight gain results in the use of load cells of smaller size as compared to the load cells applicable in case of use of the principle of loss in weight. The load cells (18) provided are such that they are shock proof and are provided with locking arrangements in order to protect the load cells (18) during transit. In the conveying section (19 shown in Figure 02) , typically after the "Receiving and weighing section"(20 shown in figure 02), the single shaft (21 shown in Figure 02) with spirals (22 shown in Figure 02) is completely enclosed in a tube section, where it conveys all the raw materials received in the "receiving & weighing section" (20) to the " Mixing, Surge and Discharge section" (23 shown in figure 02) . On the extreme end of the "Mixing, surge & Discharge section" (23), the device is provided with a pneumatically operated slide gate valve (17) adapted to open for discharging of fresh concrete. The said slide gate valve (17) of the "Novel W.C.M.D. Device" (03) is operated by the drive mechanism (D1) which is also used for operating the gates of the silos (14a), (14b), (14c), (14d). The solid constituents are discharged in the "Receiving & weighing Section" (20)of the said "Novel W.C.M.D. Device" (03).

The conveyer belt (or alternatively a discharge screw) (04), shown in figure 4, is located operatively below the slide gate (17)of the "Novel W.C.M.D. Device" (03). The conveyer belt (04) is a endless continuous belt joint at both ends so as to form a ring. The conveyer belt (04) is supported with the help of a plurality of rollers(shown in figure 4) located at predetermined positions. The conveyer belt (04) angled so as to ensure smooth discharge of fresh concrete. Alternatively a screw conveyor can be used to discharge the fresh concrete to avoid segregation. The conveyor belt (04) is typically of 3/4 ply rubber and typically has a width of 400 to 800 mm. The conveyer belt (04) is operated with a conveyer drive mechanism (D3), shown in figure 11.

The water tank (05 shown in Figure 5 but not shown in assembly for clarity) is provided with a suitable capacity keeping in view the required output. The "Novel W.C.M.D. Device" (03) is provided with a cover ( not shown in the Figure) , on the "mixing, surge and Discharge section"(23). The cover can be removed for the purposes of cleaning, maintenance and inspection of mixing process. "Novel W.C.M.D. Device" (03) is provided with an additional mixer element (06 shown in Figure 02) ( a shaft having mixing blades or anti-directional spiral blades running parallel to the single shaft with spirals(22).) only in the "mixing, surge and discharge section" (23). Which enables in highly homogeneous mixing so as to form concrete of the required grade. The "Novel W.C.M.D. Device"(03) typically has a variable out-put capacity. "Novel W.C.M.D. Device" (03) is operated with the help of a drive mechanism (D4), shown in figure 11, comprising a geared motor.

A control system (7- not shown in figure) is adapted to control the operation of the drive mechanisms The control system (7-not shown in figure) in combination with a PLC OR Microprocessor system further enables in setting the quantity for the solid and the liquid constituents of each batch depending on the grade of concrete required for various purposes. The control system has two modes of operation, namely, automatic mode of operation and a manual mode of operation. In the automatic mode of operation, the control system can automatically control the number of batches required, the operation of the drive mechanisms (D1), (D2), (D3), (D4), (D5), and sets the quantities for the solid and the liquid constituents. The manual mode of operation is activated in the case of incorrect operation of the PLC or microprocessor in the automatic mode. The control system is typically a programmable logic controller (PLC) Or Microprocessor based and is adapted to store data of each batch. The control system can communicate with a printer so as to print the stored the data if necessary. The control system includes a control panel having a digital weighing indicator, an emergency switch, a cycle start button and a trip indicator. The quantity of the solid and the liquid constituents required for various grades of concretes are stored in the control system. On selecting the grade of the concrete required for a particular purpose, the " Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a "novel W.C.M.D. Device" (01) produces the required grade of concrete.

" Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a "novel W.C.M.D. Device" (01) is mounted on the chassis of a vehicle (8 shown in Figure No. 06). The power required for the operation of the "Highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with a novel W.C.M.D. device" (01) is obtained with the help of an alternator (9 shown in no. 06), which is connected to a power take-off (10 Shown in figure No. 11) shaft of the engine-transmission (Item no.11 shown in Figure No. 11) of vehicle (08) by means of connectors such as belts, knuckle joint and the like. The driver's cabin of the vehicle (08) is provided with an actuator (item no. 13 not shown in figure) for removably co-operating the power take-off (10) shaft of the vehicle (08) with the alternator (09). The actuator (not shown in figure) used is typically an air operated clutch type system. The alternator (09) is connected to the motors of all the drive mechanisms (D1), (D2), (D3) ,(D4), (D5).

The storage space (02) is mounted on the upper frame of the framework (item No 12 shown in Figure 7) enclosing the "Novel W.C.M.D. Device"(03).

One more preferred & commercially more viable embodiment is shown in the Fig. No. 12. In this embodiment, the said novel WCMD device is used in an inclined position so that the discharge height required is automatically available by the said inclination and the discharge belt or discharge screw is successfully eliminated. The inclined WCMD device is however enclosed in a fabricated structure which is carefully balanced by adjusting counterweight to nullify the effect of the inclination so as to enable accurate weighing of the ingredients either in Static Or Dynamic modes of weighing. The advantage of this embodiment is that it eliminates the discharge belt or auger used in the first embodiment and lowers cost associated with it. It also reduces the total connected load of the equipment and absolves the user of the maintenance cost associated with the discharge belt or the discharge screw. Figure no 13 shows the inclined WCMD in isolation.

Figure no. 14, shows the WCMD device is further provided with an arrangement to relieve additional load on the said screw shaft (21) when the material is surging high in the " mixing, surge & discharge section" (23). This arrangement is done by providing spiral blades on the parallel shaft (06). These spirals on the shaft (06) rotate in opposite direction when compared to the shaft (21) and relieve the shaft 21 of any additional load by pushing back the high surging material and avoids dead-lock in the WCMD device. In one more embodiment, the parallel shaft (06) is driven by a separate drive instead off the sprocket & chain arrangement with the screw shaft (21). 006: TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The present invention brings a huge advantage to the industry by using a "novel WCMD device". Because of the said device, the said invention uniquely meet following achievements compared to the conventional methods & means described in the prior art:

1] It is highly compact since the novel W.C.M.D. device carries out various activities.

2] It has very less moving parts & very simple design which results in less running & maintenance cost.

3] Since the said "novel W.C.M.D. device" alone carries out the multiple activities of weighing, conveying, mixing, and discharging, it eliminates a no. of separate conveyors, separate weighing scales, separate mixers and discharge mechanisms. This results in a unique user-friendly product which also offers a huge benefit in the capital cost.

4] Since the said invention carries raw materials and produces concrete on weight basis, it eliminates a no. of bulky and high cost equipment & brings down the cost of concrete by 25 to 30 %.

The highly compact concrete batching, mixing & transportation equipment with novel WCMD device, of the present invention is powered by the engine of the vehicle carrying the equipment. As the constituents of the concrete are loaded and mixed on the vehicle, the constituents are not required to be delivered to the site of construction separately and hence reduces the cost of the concrete and hence the cost of construction. The present invention requires one operator for operating the compact concrete batching and mixing assembly and hence helps in reduction in the cost of manpower involved in the production of concrete. The cost involved in the usage of retarders is eliminated as fresh concrete can be produced at the site of construction.

The biggest advantage of the above invention is that it combines the activities of production & transportation of concrete and hence eliminates a no. of bulky equipment like stationary concrete batching & mixing plants, diesel generator sets, transit mixers and dumpers thereby saving huge amount of money & reducing emissions. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.