Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
Apparatus for heating and mixing asphalt-aggregate composition comprising (a) an elongated rotatable drum having an input end and an opposite output end, (b) means for supplying hot gases of combustion at said input end and for directing said hot gases substantially along the length of said drum between said input and said output ends whereby said composition is gradually heated therebetween, (c) first means for supplying aggregate particles into said drum at a hot zone whereby said aggregate is directly exposed to said hot gases, (d) second means for introducing asphaltic concrete particles comprising a mixture of asphalt and aggregate to said drum in a cooler zone whereby said asphaltic concrete is directly exposed to said hot gases in said cooler zone, and (e) means for recovering heated and mixed composition at said output end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
Apparatus for heating and mixing asphalt-aggregate composition comprising (a) an elongated rotatable drum having an input end and an opposite output end, (b) means for supplying hot gases of combustion at said input end and for directing said hot gases substantially along the length of said drum between said input and said output ends whereby said composition is gradually heated therebetween, (c) first means for supplying aggregate particles into said drum at a hot zone whereby said aggregate is directly exposed to said hot gases, (d) second means for introducing asphaltic concrete particles comprising a mixture of asphalt and aggregate to said drum in a cooler zone whereby said asphaltic concrete is directly exposed to said hot gases in said cooler zone, and (e) means for recovering heated and mixed composition at said output end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus of claim 1 including means for introducing liquid asphalt in said cooler zone of said drum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means includes a radial port on said drum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means comprises a plurality of input ports extending around the drum exterior and communicating with the drum interior.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
Apparatus of claim 4 including a plurality of scoops each secured to the drum exterior and overlying one of said ports, and a trough extending around a portion of said drum exterior for receiving said asphaltic concrete particles, and whereby said scoops pass along said trough for picking up said particles and introducing them into said drum through said ports.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
172 words
A heating and mixing apparatus for producing asphalt-aggregate composition comprising: (a) an elongated rotatable mixing drum and means for rotating said drum; (b) means for supplying hot gases of combustion at an input end of said drum and for directing said hot gases substantially along the length of said drum to an opposite output end; (c) means for introducing first particles into said drum at said input end in a hot zone whereby said first particles are directly exposed to said hot gases and are gradually heated as they pass toward said output drum end; (d) means for introducing second particles into said drum in a cooler zone spaced from said input end whereby said particles are directly exposed to said hot gases in said cooler zone and are gradually heated as they pass toward said output drum end; (e) means for mixing said first and second particles as they pass toward said drum output end; and (f) means for recovering heated and mixed composition at said output end of said drum.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
172 words
A heating and mixing apparatus for producing asphalt-aggregate composition comprising: (a) an elongated rotatable mixing drum and means for rotating said drum; (b) means for supplying hot gases of combustion at an input end of said drum and for directing said hot gases substantially along the length of said drum to an opposite output end; (c) means for introducing first particles into said drum at said input end in a hot zone whereby said first particles are directly exposed to said hot gases and are gradually heated as they pass toward said output drum end; (d) means for introducing second particles into said drum in a cooler zone spaced from said input end whereby said particles are directly exposed to said hot gases in said cooler zone and are gradually heated as they pass toward said output drum end; (e) means for mixing said first and second particles as they pass toward said drum output end; and (f) means for recovering heated and mixed composition at said output end of said drum.