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US 4,378,162 AGranted
Process for making asphalt concrete
OwnerPaul E. Bracegirdleinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A process for making asphalt concrete comprises mixing starting materials including aggregate and binder material and optionally, other additives, to a final temperature of about 60.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. in an indirectly heated mixing chamber which is sealed. The moisture content of the asphalt concrete mixture is controlled as a function of the moisture content of the starting materials. Apparatus for performing the process in a continuous or batch operation is also set forth.
Claims10
A process for making asphalt concrete comprising:
- (a) selectively sealing a mixture of starting materials comprising aggregate and binder, such that said mixture does not communicate with the atmosphere,
- (b) mixing and indirectly heating said mixture while so sealed, and
- (c) controlling the moisture content of said mixture to a predetermined amount by either removing moisture from said mixture in the form of water vapor when said moisture content is greater than said predetermined amount until said moisture content equals said predetermined amount, or adding water into said mixture when said moisture content is less than said predetermined amount until said moisture content equals said predetermined amount.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.