US2533191A

US2533191A - Water distributing device for mixers

Info

Publication number: US2533191A
Application number: US692949A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jaeger Gebhard
Original assignee: Jaeger Machine Co
Current assignee: Jaeger Machine Co
Priority date: 1946-08-26
Filing date: 1946-08-26
Publication date: 1950-12-05
Anticipated expiration: 1967-12-05

Description

Dec. 5, 1950 JAEGER 2,533,191

WATER DISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR MIXERS Filed Aug. 26, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 ID l 17 [2 H 5 F952 23 1 INVENTOR. Gzbhcrd Joeger BY m, fw

A TTOR/VEYS Dec. 5, 1950 G. JAEGER WATER DISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR MIXERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 26. 1946 INVENTOR. Gebhard Jaeger:

A TTOR/VE Y5 Dec. 5, 1950 3, JAEGER 2,533,191

WATER DISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR MIXERS Filed Aug. 26, 1946 SSheets-Sheet 5 IN VEN TOR.

Gzbhard Jazger M M7 f M ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 5, 1950 WATER DISTRIBUTING DEVICE FOR. MIXERS Gebhard J aeger, Columbus, Ohio, assignor to The J aeger Machine Company, Columbus, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio Application August 26, 1946, Serial No. 692,949

6 Claims.

My invention relates to a water distributing device for mixers. It has to do, more particularly, with a water distributing device or bell adapted to be mounted within the mixing drum of a concrete mixer, for example, the drum of a truck mixer.

This application is a continuation in part of my copending application, Serial No. 623,562, filed October 20, 1945, now abandoned.

In mixing concrete, the mixing period cannot start until the water has been introduced into the batch. In high discharge truck mixers, where water bells must be placed at the lower end of the drum, if the water therefrom is to reach the large mass of material, water dis tribution has been seriously hampered and delayed by back pressure from the material and clogging of the bells with grout. The back pressure from the material has been overcome to a, considerable extent by the use of high pressure pumps to deliver the water to the bells. However, up to the time of the development of my water bell there has been a need in the art for a water bell which will cooperatewith the pump in such a manner as to deliver a powerful, penetrating jet into the batch materials. This bell should provide a positive, fast, and uniform distribution of the water through the mass of materials, insuring better mixed concrete even on the shortest hauls. need in the art for a water bell which would not become clogged or rendered inoperative by grout or other material working back into it after the mixing operation is started, andespecially during the periods when water is not being forced through the bell. Furthermore, the bell must be of such a nature that it will resist the abrasive action of the batch materials and, consequently, will not have to be repaired or replaced after a short period of use.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a water distributing device which is particularly applicable to concrete mixers and which will cooperate with the water supplying system of the mixer to provide a positive, 'fast, and uniform distribution of the water throughout the mass of materials in the mixer.

A further object of my invention is to provide a water distributing device for concrete mixers which is particularly applicable for use with a water supplying system of the pressure type and will cooperate therewith to deliver a powerful and penetrating jet into the batch materials,

throughout the batch materials even though the Also, there has been a water distributing device is completely embedded in the batch materials.

Another .object of my invention is to provide a water distributing device which will not open until a, predetermined pressure is applied thereto, which is of such a structure that there will be no tendency for batch materials to enter thereinto during the periods when water is forced therefrom and which will readily and i efficiently close and seal itself when the supply of water thereto is interrupted.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a water distributing device which is of such a structure that the sealing means thereof will effectively resist the abrasive action of the batch materials, but, if necessary after extended use, can be quickly and easily removed and replaced with the removal and replacement of a minimum number of parts.

According to my invention, I provide a water bell which is particularly useful in truck mixers of the high discharge type where the rotatable mixing drum is in inclined position. The drum is provided with an axially disposed water-supplying pipe connected to a pressure pump and my water bell is adapted to be carried by this pipe. My water bell may be mounted on the lower end of the pipe, in that part of the drum where the materials tend to collect, and will function efiiciently even though it is completely embedded in the batch materials before and during mixing. However, a second bell may be carried on the upper end of the pipe, if desired, and wll function properly even though it is subjected to large quantities of the batch material which are thrown over it by the mixing blades in the drum during the mixing operation.

My water bell preferably comprises a hollow body portion of circular cross-section formed of suitable metal. The body portion is provided with means for attaching or mounting the bell upon the water supply pipe of the mixer in axial alignment therewith. The circular side wall of the body portion is provided at a point spaced from the end thereof with a plurality of radially directed circumferentially spacedholes. I provide a flexible sleeve-like valve member which encircles and embraces the body portion. This sleeve-like valve member is preferably formed from some suitable elastic material, such as natural or synthetic rubber or the like. The sleeve-like valve is clamped by a removable lamping means which engages the sleeve around its periphery. However, this clamping me n 1 S ch that at least one end of the sleeve is free to bulge or flex away from the outer surface of the body portion, when water under sufflcient pressure is supplied to the bell, so that water forced from said openings in the body portion will pass between the Sleeve-like valve and the body portion and will be forced from the discharge end of the valve.

In accordance with my invention, the outer surface of the hollow body portion of the bell is outwardly flared at that end which will be adjacent the discharge end of the sleeve-like valve. The flaring of the end of the body portion in this manner serves two purposes. In the first place, since the flared end will be of larger diameter than the sleeve-like valve, the valve must be stretched to position it on such flared end. Thus, the elastic material of the valve will be under tension and will tightly hug the flared end of the body portion which will be remote from the point where the valve is held against the body portion by the clamping means. Consequently, as long as water under suiflcient pressure is not supplied to the bell, the free end of the sleeve will tightly embrace the flared end or the 'body portion and there will be no danger of batch materials entering into the bell between the sleeve and body portion. When water under sufiicient pressure is supplied to the valve and causes bulging or spreading of the discharge end of the valve, the flared end of the body portion serves to direct the water away from the axis of the bell and pipe in the form of a frustoconical jet. This jet of water will be under considerable pressure and will be directed in such a manner that it will penetrate the batch materials and will be diffused therein quickly and uniformly. This is true even when the water bell is completely embedded in the batch material. If it is necessary to replace the flexible valve sleeve after extended use, it is merely necessary to remove the clamping means and replace the sleeve with a new one.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description and appended claims when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views and wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, of a mixer drum showing two of my water bells mounted therein.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional View through a preferred form of my water bell.

Fi ure 3 is a similar view, but showing a modified form of my water bell.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, but showing a water bell wherein water is discharged from both ends.

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along 55 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3, but showing a different arrangement of clamping means and the associated flexible sleeve-like valve.

Figure 7 is a View similar to Figure 3, but showing the flexible sleeve-like valve surrounded by a protecting metal casing.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view through one end portion or" the flexible sleeve.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing a water bell similar to Figure 2, but having not only a threaded inlet but also a threaded outlet so that it can be connected at its other end to a water pipe.

- to the sleeve and to the flared end 5.

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9, but being partly in section and partly in elevation, showing a ball that has both a threaded inlet and outlet, but the bell being similar to that shown in Figure 3.

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 showing a bell that has both a threaded inlet and outlet, but the bell being similar to that shown in Figure 4.

Before explaining in detail the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is to be understood also that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

With reference to Figure l, I have illustrated one example of an installation of my water distributing bell. The mixing drum l is the type commonly used on truck mixers of the high dis. charge type. This drum is driven for rotation about its axis in a suitable manner and a pump 2 for supplying the water under pressure is associated therewith. The axis or the drum is inclined and, consequently, the greater proportion of the batch materials will collect in the forward part of the drum. Therefore, it is necessary to have one of my water bells 3a disposed at the forward end of the drum. This water bell will normally be covered by the batch materials in the drum. A second similar water bell 3 may be provided adjacent'the rear or upper end of the drum. This bell will be subjected to large amounts of material thrown over it by the mixing blades. It'is to be understood that only one or any desired number of my water bells may be disposed within the drum. The water bell, in each instance, is disposed on an axially positioned pipe extending within the drum l. The pump 9 may be suitably connected to this pipe.

In the preferred form of my invention, shown in Figure 2, the water bell comprises a hollow body portion i which is of circular cross-section and is generally bell-shaped. The body t is provided with an outwardly flared end 5. Within this flared end 5 a threaded sleeve 6 is secured. This sleeve is adapted to receive the threaded end of the water supply pipe. Consequently, it serves as a means for mounting the bell on the pipe. The sleeve 55 is centered within the flared end 5 of the body 5 by means of a ring l which is welded A further weld 8 is provided between the inner end of the valve assembly associated with the inner end of the sleeve 6. This check valve assembly includes an annular seat e which is disposed within the inner end of threaded sleeve 8 and is welded in position. A disc valve is is provided for cooporation with the seat 9. The disc It is of compressible material and is mounted on valve stem 5 by means of a large metal disc 32 and a small metal disc [3, between which the disc it is disposed. .A nut l5, threaded on the outer end of stem ii, retains the discs in position. The stem ii slides within a sleeve 55. This sleeve is supported at the axis of the body 4 by means of a metal cap member l3 which is mounted on the end or" the body opposite to the end that supports the sleeve 6. The inner end of sleeve 15 carries a. washer ll which .flts around the stem ll snugly. The stem is provided with a compression spring I 8 in surrounding relationship thereto which engages the disc I2 and the washer IT. The cap I6 is retained in position by means of studs |9 which project through openings formed therein. These studs IS are welded or otherwise secured to the interior of the body 4. Nuts 20 are threaded on the end of the studs and engage the outer surface of the cap I6.

Normally the one-way check valve is maintained closed by the spring |8. However, when water under suflicient pressure passes through the water supplying pipe and engages the valve, it forces the valve open against the pressure of the spring l8.

Directly beyond the flared end 5 of the body 4 and the inner end of sleeve 6, the body 4 is provided with a plurality of discharge openings 2|. These openings are disposed at circumierentially spaced points around the body 4 and are directed radially outwardly. When water forces the valve disc I ofl the seat 9, it will pass from the interior of the body 4 outwardly through the openings 2 I.

On the outer surface of the body 4, I mount a sleeve-like flexible valve 22 which closely embraces the outer surface of the body. This sleeve 22 is of the same length as the body 4 and its internal diameter corresponds substantially to the outside diameter of the main partof the body 5. As shown in Figure 8, the member 22 is formed from a straight section'of suitable elastic tubing. For example, the member 22 may be made of natural or synthetic rubber. The member 22 is slipped over the smaller end of the body 4 and along the body until its end slides over the flared end 5. It will be understood that in order to position the member 22 on the flared end 5, it must be stretched. Consequently, it will very firmly embrace the outer surface of the flared end of the body. Furthermore, this tight gripping action is at a location outwardly beyond the openings 2|. Thus, there will be no danger ofbatch material entering between the flared end 5 of the body 4 and the cooperating end of the sleeve 22 which is in firm embracing relationship thereto. To prevent axial displacement of the sleeve 22 from the body 4, the cap |6 is provided with a peripheral inwardly extending flange 23 which snugly fits around the adjacent end of the flexible member 22 and compresses it inwardly, causing it to tightly embrace the adjacent end of the sleeve 22. Thus, there is no danger of batch material entering between this end of the body 4 and the cooperating end of the sleeve 22.

When water under sufficient pressure is supplied to my water bell, it unseats the disc .iil, fills the body 4, and is forced outwardly through openings 2|. Water forced from openings 2| will expand or bulge the free or discharge end of the sleeve 22 outwardly. This will permit the water to be forced between the sleeve 22 and body to reverse its course, and travel beyond the flared end 5. This end 5 will direct the water outwardly away from the axis of he water bell and will bring about a better distribution of the water in the batch material. The water will issue from the water bell in the form. of an annular jet and will travel in a frusto-conical path. As soon as the supply of water under pressure to the bell is interrupted, the end of the sleeve 22 will again contract and tightly grip theflared end 5 of the body 4.

Thus, it will be understood that the sleeve-like member 22 performs the function of an elastic substantially tubular valve, which is capable of flexing or outward expanding movement under the action of water under pressure passing through the ports or openings 2|, to permit the discharge of an annular water stream or jet between the flared portion 5 of the body 4 and the adjacent unsupported end portion of the sleeve or valve 22. Moreover, it will be understood that this valve member 22, due to its elasticity, will tend to seal the ports or openings 2| at all times when the supply of water under pressure is interrupted, thus preventing the entry of granular material from the mixer drum into the hollow body portion 4 of this device, This sealing action is enhanced by the flared end 5 which places the material of the end of the sleeve 22 under tension.

While the form of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, includes the disc check valve assembly, it ,will be understood that the device will function with or without said check valve assembly,

The spring returned or seated check valve has the advantage of providing means to positively prevent portions of the granular material within the mixer drum from entering the water supply pipe and water system, including the pressure pump, in the event that the elastic sleeve-like valve member 22 should break or be damaged otherwise during use without the operator being aware of it.

In Figure 3, I have illustrated a water bell which is similar to that shown in Figure 2. How-. ever, in this instance, the sleeve (is for attaching the bell to the water pipe is formed as an integral boss on the body 4a. The disc check valve includes a disc Ifla which seats on an annular seat 9a that is threaded into the inner end of the boss 5a. The stem Ila of the valve is carried by a sleeve lea supported by membersa. A spring 811 normally maintains the valve closed.

The flared end 5a of the body ea. is more gradually flared, in this instance. The body 4a is provided with three sets of openings Zia arranged at axially spaced intervals. The end of the body is closed by an integral end wall and the cap |6a is attached to this end wall by means of a bolt I911. The elastic sleeve 22a is exactly the same as before. The flange 23a of the cap Ifia is internally flared sothat it can be easily passed over the adjacent end of the sleeve 22a. This water bell will function practically identically with that shown in Figure 2.

In Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings there is shown a further modified form of water distributing bell embodying my invention. In this form, substantially annular jets or streams of.

water are emitted or discharged in opposite directions from opposite ends of the water distributing bell. As shown, the water distributing device of Figures 4 and 5 comprises a hollow body portion, shown as a whole at 41), having an end or outer wall 62) provided with an internally thread ed water intake opening, the threads surrounding the opening providing means for attaching the device to the water supply pipe The outer end of the body 4b is preferably flared outwardly at 5b. The opposite end of the body 41) is preferably closed by a removable head or end wall |6b which is secured in place upon the body by bolts or the like lfib. The outer peripheral surface of the head i611 is outwardly flared at 59b to correspond to the flared portion 5b of the hollow body. The side wall of the body 4?) is provided with a plurality of ports or openings 2|b. If desired, and as shown, the removable head it?) may be provided with an inwardly projecting valve stem guide lib :to receive the valve stem Nb of a disc-like valve 101). The valve 10b is provided for the purpose of closin and sealing the water intake opening fib wihen the water distributing device is not in use, the valve 1101) being urged normally toward its seat by a valve spring 18b.

The device, as shown, is provided with a sleeve or valve member 221) which is formed from a straight length of elastic tubing, like valve 22, and slipped over the body portion 4b and removable head 16b to surround and tightly grip or hug the side wall of the hollow body 4b, including flared ,end $517, and :the outwardly flared peripheral portion 50b of the head. The sleeve thus covers and seals the discharge ports ,or openings 21b. The sleeve or valve member 22b is preferably removably secured or clamped to the hollow body portion 41) by means of a suitable wire clamp or the like 231) which grips the sleeve 22?) intermediate its length and leaves the ends free. It will be noted that a row of openings 21b is at each side of clamp 23b.

The operation of the device of Figures 4 and 5 is substantially the same as those of the preceding forms, except that in this form of the invention, separate streams or jets of Water of generally annular form are emitted or discharged in opposite directions at opposite ends of the device. As water under pressure enters through the intake boss 61), the valve Hlb is unseated and the body 41) is completely filled with water under pressure, which escapes through the ports or openings ZIb and causes the elastic sleeve or valve member 2227 to flex or bulge outwardly in opposite directions on opposite sides of the clamping device 23b. This provides a gradually increasing space between the flared portions '51) and 59b and the adjacent surfaces of the sleeve valve member 22b, allowing the discharge of two separate and oppositely directed substantially annular streams or jets of water under pressure which are directed in frusto-conical paths. As

in the preceding forms of the invention, the

sleeve valve member 22b prevents particles of the mix from entering the interior of the body db. If, however, damage should occur to the valve 221), which damage was unknown to the operator, and some material did enter through the ports or openings 2!?) it would .be prevented from entering the water system and pressureproducing pump by virtue of the provision of the spring-seated disc check valve Ill-b, thus efiect v lv p v nt ny p s le damage to said system and pump.

In Figure 6 of the drawings, Iillustrate a form of my invention which is very much like that shown in Figure 3. for clamping the flexible sleeve 220 to the body do is different. In this instance, the end of the member 220 is provided with an inwardly extending flange 3225c which overlaps the closed end of the body 4c. The clamping cap 1 6c is in the form of fiat disc which is attached to the closed end or the body by means of the bolt 19c. Thus, the flange 2292 is gripped between disc 1-50 and the closed end of the body 40. A single series of circu m-ferentially spaced openings 2 to is provided in this form. The member 1220 will preferably be molded from rubber and will have a uniform diameter throughout its length, the flange 2200 being formed on the one end thereof. in -.this :iorm also, the membe 2% will h ve o b However, the arrangement 8 stretched :to fit over the flared end 50 of the b dy do. I

Referring now to Figure 7 of the drawings, there is shown in this figure a somewhat modified form of water distributing bell embodying my invention. In this form, the hollow body portion, shown as a whole at id, is substantially the same as the body pcrtion 4a shown in Figure 3 but, it will be noted, that the disc check valve assembly has been omitted and the ports Zld are arranged slightly differently. The elastic sleeve or valve member 22d also corresponds to that of Figure B. The means for clamping or securing the sleeve member or elastic valve 22d to the hollow body portion 4d comprises, preferably, a wire clampor member 23d which, as shown, is provided adjacent the closed end wall of the body to hold the corresponding portion of the valve 22d tightly against the side wall of said body. It will be understood that the sleeve member or valve 22d has a snug fit with the side wall of the body id and that it encircles and firmly grips or hugs said said walls, especially at flared end 5d, to seal the water escape ports or openings 21d.

It may be desirable, in some instances, and because of the use of certain materials from which the valve 22d is formed and also where the device is installed in a mixer for mixing particles of large size which might damage the sleeve valve, to provide a protecting casing or housing over said valve. One such casing or housing is shown as a whole at 25 and comprises an end wall '26, outwardly flared side walls 2! which, as shown at 28 are normally spaced from the sleeve or valve member 22d and which terminate at their outer ends in an internal annular groove or recess 29. As shown, the housing or casing 25 encloses the valve 22d and is secured to the hollow body portion Ad by a bolt 0r cap screw l9d.

It is, of course, desirable, where the casing or housing 25 is employed, to prevent the entry into said casing of granular material from the mixer drum, which material might tend to cause deterioration oi the elastic valve member 22d. Therefore, an annulus or ring 38 of some suitable elastic and compressible material, such as sponge rubber, is preferably mounted in the groove or channel 29 and thus interposed between the open end of the casing 25 and the adjacent end portion of the elastic valve 22d. By virtue of the space .28 and the fact that the casing 25 is flared outwardly toward its open end, water under pressure which enters the device through the hollow boss 6d and escapes through the outlet ports .or

openings Zld, tends to flex or bulge the elastic valve 2211, as shown by the broken lines in Figure '7. Such water under pressure will be discharged or emitted in the form of an annular stream or jet over the flared portion of the body 401 from the space provided by the outward movement or expansion of the valve 22d, in substantially the same manner as in the preceding forms.

Any of the bells so far described may be used alone in the drum i. If used alone, the bell will be disposed in the position of the bell 3a, shown in Figure 1, that is, adjacent the closed lower and forward end of the drum. The. water enters through the front of the drum, into the bell and then its path is reversed so that the :water is directed towards the closed front of the drum where the batch material tends to collect. I

If two or more of the bells are used, as shown in Figure 1, it will be necessary-to provide ;a bell th has ot a th e ded inle and threaded cutlet for mounting in the position indicated by reference character 3a on the water pipe which is axially disposed in drum I. similar to those shown in Figures 9, and 11. The other bell, indicated by numeral 3 in Figure 1, will be like any of those shown in Figures 2 to '7 and will reverse the flow of water and direct it towards the closed front end of the mixer. If like Figures 4 and 5, it will also direct water upwardly.

Figure 9 shows a water bell which is exactly like that shown in Figure 2 with the exception that it is provided with an axially disposed outlet 606. This outlet is threaded so that this bell can be mounted on'the forward end of the water pipe section (Figure 1) leading from the forward bell position 3a to the rearward bell position 3. The threaded outlet tile is formed integral with the cap IBe. To permit the water to flow into the threaded outlet 613e, the cap I66 is provided with outlet openings Sic. Thus, part of the water which enters this bell will open the flexible sleeve valve 22c and will be'directed towards the closed end of the mixer drum I. Some of the water will pass through the bell, out through openings file and then through outlet 606. This water will pass through the axially disposed water pipe section to the second bell. This second bell, as previously indicated, will be like one of those shown in Figures 2 to 7.

In Figure 10, I have shown another bell with threaded inlet and outlet. This bell is otherwise similar to that shown in Figure 3. Thus, the cap 16f carries an integral threaded outlet 66 The cap is provided with outlet openings Elf which align with similar openings in the end wall of the body 4]. Thus, the water can pass through the bell and out through the outlet 60 Figure 11 shows a threaded outlet on a bell which discharges in both directions and is similar to that shown in Figure 4. Thus, cap IBg is provided with an integral threaded outlet tidy and with communicating outlet openings Sig. Water will enter this bell, which will be in the first position to of Figure 1, and will open flexible sleeve valve 22 so that the water will be directed upwardly and downwardly in the mixer drum I. Some of the water will flow through the outlet to the second bell in the position 3. If desired, the second bell may be like that of Figure 4 so as to direct the bell both upwardly and downwardly in the drum.

Any combination of the bells described may be employed or the bells of Figures 2 to '7 may be used singly. A bell like that of Figure '7 may also be provided with a threaded outlet like Figure 10. When an arrangement like that shown in Figure 1 is employed in the drum, it is preferred that the upper or second bell, in the position 3, be of the type shown in Figures 4 and 5,

so that Water will be forced from both ends thereof. Thus, flow of a part of the water will be reversed and directed downwardly into the lower and forward part of the mixer drum l and part will be directed upwardly and rearwardly into the upper end of the drum. This arrangement will more eifectively distribute the water throughout the drum.

It will be apparent from the above description that I have provided a water distributing device or bell for concrete mixers or the like which has a number of advantages over prior art structures. My water bell will cooperate with the pressure-operated water supplying system of a mixer to provide a positive, fast, and uniform dis- Thls bell will be,

tribution of the water throughout the mass of materials in the mixer drum. Even though the water bell is embedded in the batch materials or has large quantities of batch materials thrown thereon during the mixin operation, a powerful penetrating jet will be delivered by the bell and will be diffused throughout such batch materials. Due to the provision of the flared end on the body of the bell, this jet will be spread from the axis of the bell in the form of a frustum of a cone and will, therefore, be more widely distributed in the materials. The sleeve-like valve is of such a nature that it will not open until sufficient water pressure is supplied to the bell. Thus, there will be no tendency for batch material to enter into the bell when the supply of water to the valve is interrupted. This sealing action is enhanced by the flared end of the body of the bell since this will cause the free end of the valve sleeve to be under tension and to tightly embrace the body of the bell. The sleeve valve is of such a nature that it will effectively resist the abrasive action of the batch materials but, if necessary after extended use, can be quickly and easily removed and replaced with the removal and replacement of a minimum number of parts.

Various other advantages will be apparent from the preceding description, the drawings and the following claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A liquid distributing device for mixers or the like comprising a hollow body of circular cross-section, means for connecting the body to a source of supply of liquid under pressure, said means comprising an inlet fitting disposed within one end of said hollow body, said body having outlets in its side wall at a location spaced from the inlet end of said body, said body having an enlarged outwardly diverging portion extending from said outlets to the inlet end of said body to provide a continuous smooth surface between said outlets and said end, a flexible elastic sleeve of a diameter to snugly fit around said body portion over which it is disposed and extending over said diverging portion around which it is stretched so that it will tightly grip said portion, said sleeve extending over the outlets and to the said end of said body so as to normally cover said outlets and the diverging portion of the body, said sleeve being adapted to flex under pressure of liquid escaping through said outlets to emit an annular outwardly diverging liquid spray under pressure at said end of said body, a removable plate carried by said body for covering the end of said body opposite said inlet fitting, said plate having a peripheral flange adapted to extend over the adjacent end of said body and to clamp the adjacent end of said sleeve, and check valve mechanism carried by said plate and extending into association with said inlet fitting for closing said fitting as long as liquid under pressure is not supplied to said device.

2. A liquid distributing device for mixers or the like comprising a hollow body of circular cross-section, means for connecting the body to a source of supply of liquid under pressure, said means comprising an inlet fitting disposed within one end of said hollow body, said body having outlets in its side wall at a location spaced from the inlet end of said body, said body having an enlarged outwardly diverging portion extending from said outlets to the inlet end of said body to provide a continuous smooth surface between said outlets and said end, a flexible elastic sleeve or a diameter to snugly fit around said body over which it is disposed and extending over said diverging portion around which it is stretched so that it will tightly grip said portion, said sleeve extending over the outlets and to the said end of said body so as to normally cover said outlets and the diverging portion: of the body said sleeve being adapted to flex under pressure of liquid escaping through said outlets to emit an annular outwardly diverging liquid spray under pressure at said end of said body, and a removable plate carried by said body for covering the end of said body opposite said inlet fitting,v said plate having a peripheral flange adapted to extend over the adjacent end of said body and to clamp the adjacent end of said sleeve.

3. A liquid distributing device for mixers or the like comprising a hollow body or circular cross-section means for connecting the body to a source of supply of liquid under pressure, said body having outlets in i-ts side wall spaced from one end. of said body, said body having an enlarged outwardly diverging portion extending from said outlets to said end of said body to provide acontinuous smooth surface between said outlets and said end, a flexible elastic sleeve of a diameter to snugly fit around said body over which it is disposed and extending over said diverging portion around which it is stretched so that it will tightly grip said portion, said sleeve extending over the outlets and to the said end of saidbody so as to normally cover said outlets and the diverging portion of the body, said sleeve being adapted to flex under pressure of liquid escaping through said outlets to emit an annular outwardly diverging liquid spray under pressure at said end of said body.

4. A liquid distributing device for mixers or the like comprising a hollow body,. means for connecting the body to a source of supply of liquid under pressure, said body having outlets in its side wall spaced from an end of said body, said body having an enlarged outwardly diverging portion extending from said outlets to said end of said body to provide a continuous smooth surface betweensaid outlets and said end, a flexible elastic hollow member snugly fitting around said body on which it is disposed and extending over said diverging portion around which it is stretched so that it will tightly grip said portion, said member extending over the outlets and to the said end of said body so as to normally cover said outlets and the diverging portion of the body, said member being adapted to flex 12 under pressure of liquid escaping through: said outlets to emit an outwardly diverging liquid spray under pressure at sai'd endofi'said: body.

5. A liquid distributing member according to claim 4- wherein said hollow elastic member is of rubber and normally has an inside dimension corresponding substantially to the" outside dimension ofsaid body and less than that ofsaid outwardly diverging portion.

6. A water distributing device for concrete mixers or thelike adapted tobe subjected to the materiaL being mixed in the mixer comprising a hollow body. means for connecting the body to a source of supply of water under pressure, said body having. outlets in its side wall spaced from an end of said body and having a smooth continuous surface between: said outlets and said end, and a flexible elastic hollow member snugly fitting around' said body on which it is disposed and extending over theoutlets: to the said end of said body so asto normally cover said outlets, said member being adapted to flex under pressure of water escaping through said outlets to emit a water spray under'pressu-re at said end of said body, said-flexible member being formed of rubber and serving an exposed cover for said body so that it will resist the abrasive action of the concrete material when it contacts therewith and substantially completely enclosing said body to completely protect it from said abrasive concrete materials N 7 REFERENCES The following. references are ofr'eeord in the file or this patent":

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