Spill Prevention System for Mixing Trucks
AssigneeBlack Rock Tech
InventorJoshua Jameson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A monitoring system apparatus for mixer trucks is disclosed that detects mixer drum rotation to increase the situational awareness of a human operator by notifying them when the mixer drum begins rotating in discharge rotation to prevent spill incidents.
Claims13
An apparatus for monitoring rotation of a mixer drum that can alert an operator when the mixer drum is rotating in discharge rotation, the apparatus comprising:
- A means for detecting rotation of the mixer drum in the discharge rotational direction of within about 5 seconds or within about 180 degrees of rotation of the drum, after the drum begins to rotate in the said direction;
- A means for producing at least one of an audible signal or a visual signal sufficiently perceivable by the operator, whereby the operator can be notified that discharge rotation.
A system for alerting a driver of a mixer truck with a mixing drum when the mixing drum is rotating in discharge rotation, the system comprising:
- A first device, mechanically coupled to the mixer drum, with a means for monitoring the mixer drum's rotational movement and a means for wirelessly broadcasting a signal containing data correlating to the mixer drum's rotational status;
- A second device, remotely located from the first device, with a means to receive data wirelessly transmitted from the first device, and with a means of producing at least one of an audible or visual signal to capably notify the driver of discharge rotation of the mixer drum quickly enough after the start of said rotation, whereby the drive can take action to prevent an accidental spill.
A method for alerting an operator of a mixing drum when discharge rotation has started, the method comprising:
- Providing a means for monitoring a mixer drum's change in rotational direction;
- Determining if said change in rotational direction corresponds to the start of discharge rotation of the mixer drum;
- Producing at least one of an audible signal or a visual signal sufficiently perceivable by a human operator, within approximately 5 seconds or within approximately 180 degrees after the mixer drum begins rotating in discharge rotation, whereby the human operator can take action to stop drum rotation to prevent an accidental spill.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.