SSI - Surface Systems & Instruments, LLC - Slip Concrete and Asphalt Products

The Model CS 1000 Kneading Compactor is designed with adequate flexibility to meet various specialized requirements for the controlled compaction of soils or bituminous specimens in cylindrical or rectangular shapes. Reproducibility of compaction is accomplished by applying a kneading pressure to the specimen through a tamping foot by means of a controlled dynamic force. The energy required for compaction is developed from a self contained pressure compensated hydraulic system. The tamping foot may be raised or lowered through a maximum distance of 10 inches for the CS 1000 with individual adjustments of down stroke rate, up stroke rate, up stroke return distance, and dwell in the down position. To obtain the required pressure curve, the force at the tamper foot is controlled by a precision hydraulic pressure regulator and a special cushioning device. To compensate for any variation in the specimen height automatically, a specially design pressure sensitive device is used to determine the threshold point at which the tamping foot has encountered resistance from the sample specimen. The rotating table is activated by a hydraulic actuator, and electronically timed to the tamper foot. It is infinitely variable from 6 to 72 degree increments for each 360 degrees of table rotation. Table travel adjustment can be programmed by the operator. The automatic feeder assembly is an endless belt type, activated by a hydraulic actuator and electronically timed to the tamper foot. Feeder belt travel is infinitely variable from .2 to 1.5 inches per pulse. Travel adjustment is programmed by the operator. Standard capacity of the hopper is 1500 grams.

Solid state electronic control of the switching and timing functions assures accurate adjustment for any desired range of operating parameters. Unlike mechanical cam-operated arrangements, timing periods are set by programming the computer. Each mode is independent of all other adjustments.

Each time segment is activated sequentially upon completion of the preceding operation. Thus a given segment of time, such as dwell for example, may be lengthened or shortened at will without the necessity of re-adjustment of all other timing controls, This allows infinite flexibility and operating convenience.

The use of contacts and relays is avoided to provide the utmost in reliability. The hydraulic valves are operated directly by solid state control.

The Electronic portion of the unit utilizes a Touch Screen and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

The control system features programmable loading sequences to eliminate time consuming tedium of hand partitioning and loading of samples, permitting higher total volume of tests per day per man and greater repeatability of test results. The machine automatically performs each of the two loading phases to the California Test Method 301 and 304, which requires a prescribed loading sequence of the mold to insure uniformity. The loading phases of the test previously required the close attention of a skilled technician who hand divided the sample into equal portions and distributed the material in the mold. Now the operator's attention may be directed toward preparation of the next sample during the loading sequences since he is only required to initiate the start of the process and his attendance is not necessary thereafter until the Compactor has terminated the sequence.

*Touch Screen and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Control panel.*

A straightforward method has been provided to enable easy specimen loading. A rectangular hopper has been arranged on pivotal mount which permits the hopper to be swung completely away from the operating area for easy access to mold and counter top. The bottom surface of the entire length of the hopper consists of an endless conveyer belt. The belt is driven in controllable increments of longitudinal motion by means of a hydraulic actuator which receives command signals from the system electronics. Timing of the load pulses is determined by the operator. This setting can be pre-set to provide the desired quantity of loaded material per unit load pulse. The number of pulses is controlled by the internal system program; however, additional load pulses may be interposed by the operator at will by means of a manual button on the panel.

The loader conveyer belt feed may be stopped at any time during a load cycle without affecting the sequence of compaction functions. The count will continue but no additional material will be fed from the hopper during the interruption.

The conveyer is self cleaning and requires little attention from the operator before beginning subsequent tests. The Model CS 1000 Kneading Compactor combines the best features of hydraulic powered actuators and electronic control which makes possible a variety of precision controlled operations simply not possible with contemporary mechanical devices. It's infinite flexibility and capability for widely different pressure time curves, repetition rates, extended dwell times at peak pressure, and variety of pre-determined total of compaction counts gives the machine adaptability for compacting specimens having unusual properties.

Although primarily designed to semi automatically produce compacted test specimens in large volume for standardized highway materials tests, this machine is equally useful as a laboratory research tool for universities, colleges, private research facilities and others involved in soils, bituminous studies, and materials testing.

General Description