Sneak water detection for concrete delivery vehicles
US9466203B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2013 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2011/0046
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides a method and system for detecting “sneak” additions of water or other fluid into the mixing drum of a concrete delivery vehicle having an automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring system. Sneak fluid additions are detected based on continuous rheology monitoring, even where valves and flow meters on the delivery vehicle are not used for the fluid addition. The invention is effective for monitoring additions by truck drivers who might add water from an undocumented water source (e.g., hose) along the delivery route or at the site, to hasten pouring, placement, and finishing at the time of delivery. Once sneak fluid addition is detected, the methods and system provide for reporting in the form of alerts, alarms, or other indications that sneak fluid addition has occurred, including monitor graphs or printouts confirming existence and/or extent of sneak fluid added into the vehicle mixing drum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.