Patent ID: 7967496

Claim:
A batch mixer comprising: a mixing drum supported for rotation about a respective longitudinal axis extending generally horizontally between an inlet end and an outlet end of the drum; the mixing drum including a hollow interior arranged for receiving material to be mixed therein; the inlet end of the drum including an inlet opening formed therein; the outlet end of the drum having a discharge opening formed therein; a drive arranged to rotate the mixing drum about the longitudinal axis to mix the material in the drum and to transfer the material in the drum towards the outlet end of the drum; a plurality of mixing members supported in the hollow interior for rotation with the drum about the longitudinal axis; the mixing members being arranged to mix the material in the hollow interior of the drum; a plurality of transfer members supported in the hollow interior for rotation with the drum about the longitudinal axis; the transfer members being arranged to transfer the material in the hollow interior towards the outlet end of the drum; a discharge chute supported adjacent the outlet end of the drum and arranged for discharging material from the hollow interior of the mixing drum through the discharge opening at the outlet end; an inlet chute supported adjacent the inlet end of the drum; the inlet chute comprising a first opening at a top end arranged to receive the material therein, a second opening at a bottom end, and walls defining a passage from the first opening to the second opening; the inlet chute being supported for pivotal movement relative to the drum about a generally upright inlet chute axis; the inlet chute being pivotal about the inlet chute axis between a charging position in which second opening is in communication with inlet opening of drum, and an access position in which inlet opening is substantially unobstructed by the inlet chute.