US 2026/0108922 A1 · SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EFFICIENT REMOVAL OF RESIDUAL CONCRETE FROM READY MIXED CONCRETE DRUMS

Abstract

An advanced concrete drum cleaning system that includes a dynamically controlled oscillating nozzle, a boom zeroing function, a breakaway mounting plate, and a hydraulic assembly for enhanced safety. The system features a motor-driven nozzle having a stroke length that can be dynamically adjusted in real-time using feedback from an encoder. A controller with a user interface allows operators to precisely control and monitor the nozzle's position. Additionally, the system includes a boom zeroing function, enabling the operator to set and maintain a reference position for the boom within the concrete drum. The hydraulic assembly, consisting of lifting and lowering components, allows the nozzle housing to quickly disengage from obstructions to prevent damage. Moreover, the breakaway mounting plate provides a means for limiting damage when the nozzle housing is unable to disengage from obstructions.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system for removing residual concrete from an interior of a rotatably mounted ready mixed concrete truck drum, comprising:

an elongated boom, wherein the boom is configured to be inserted into the drum;
a nozzle housing in operable communication with the boom, wherein the nozzle housing includes a high-pressure nozzle;
a controller in operable communication with the motor, the controller configured to dynamically and independently alter a clockwise limit point and a counterclockwise limit point of a stroke length of the nozzle through independent adjustments of a forward stop actuator and a rear stop actuator;
a source of high-pressure water fluidically coupled to the nozzle;
whereby the nozzle directs high-pressure water into residual concrete contained within the drum to clean the interior of the drum.

2 more elements

A system for removing residual concrete from an interior of a rotatably mounted ready mixed concrete truck drum, comprising:

an elongated boom;
a nozzle housing operably connected to the boom, wherein the nozzle housing includes a high-pressure nozzle configured to rotate about a stroke length;
a controller in operable communication with the boom, the controller configured to allow an operator to set a position of the boom as a reference position by activating a boom zeroing actuator on the controller;
a boom translation sensor in communication with the controller, the boom translation sensor configured to track a change in position of the boom relative to the reference position and convey the change in position of the boom to the operator;
a source of high-pressure water fluidically coupled to the nozzle;
whereby the nozzle directs high-pressure water into residual concrete contained within the drum to clean the interior of the drum.

3 more elements

A system for removing residual concrete from an interior of a rotatably mounted ready mixed concrete truck drum, comprising:

an elongated boom;
a nozzle housing operably connected the boom, wherein the nozzle housing includes a high-pressure nozzle rotatably mounted within the nozzle housing;
a hydraulic system configured to pivot the nozzle housing relative to a longitudinal axis of the boom, the hydraulic system including a lifting hydraulic assembly, a lowering hydraulic assembly, and a power down hydraulic assembly;
wherein the power down hydraulic assembly is configured to direct hydraulic fluid at greater pressure in comparison to the lowering hydraulic assembly to more rapidly drop the nozzle housing;
a controller in operable communication with the hydraulic system;
a source of high-pressure water fluidically coupled to the nozzle;
whereby the nozzle directs high-pressure water into residual concrete contained within the drum to clean the interior of the drum.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for efficient removal of residual concrete from ready mixed concrete drums

Life of this patent

System and method for efficient removal of residual concrete from ready mixed concrete drums

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20