Method for adjusting a concrete mix or mix design, system, method and method for performing or improving processor-driven adjustment for a concrete mix design

Abstract

ADJUSTING CONCRETE MIXTURES AND MIXTURE DESIGNS USING DIAGNOSTIC DELTA DATA CURVE. The present invention allows for improved control over strength in concrete mixtures and mixture designs, while minimizing excessive cement use and promoting sustainability within the industry. Novel methods and systems are disclosed that utilize a diagnostic delta data curve (DDD), or, in other words, data that exhibit a curvilinear relationship when plotted on a visual graph, as obtained by considering differences (e.g., subtractive differences or ratios) such as between (i) target slump and target (or maximum) water content, and (ii) slump and water content values ​​as determined using an automated slump monitoring system that measures slump and water content in the concrete mixture during delivery.This DDD curve can then be compared with the monitored delta slump and delta water content for subsequent deliveries or other uses, so that adjustments can be made to the concrete mix or mix design in a way that encourages avoiding overdosing or over-prescription of cement.

Description

1 / 72 “METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A CONCRETE MIX OR MIX DESIGN, SYSTEM, METHOD AND METHOD FOR EFFECTING OR IMPROVING THE PROCESSOR-DRIVEN ADJUSTMENT FOR A CONCRETE MIX DESIGN” Field of Invention

[001] This invention relates to the manufacture and processing of concrete; and, more particularly, to the use of a diagnostic delta data curve which involves consideration of monitored and tracked slump and water content values, and which facilitates obtaining concrete strength and sustainability in its production. Fundamentals of the Invention

[002] There have been decades of conflict between concrete producers who design and manufacture concrete and contractors who place the concrete at job sites.

[003] Contractors want fluid concrete to make it easier to place on the job site. Contractors like water added to increase the workability or “slump” of the concrete. High slump means contractors can complete their work and finish faster. One gallon of water added for every cubic meter of concrete can generally increase the slump by one inch. Unfortunately, adding water decreases the strength of the concrete in its hardened state.

[004] Concrete producers anticipate the trend of adding water on the job site, using more cement in the concrete mix charge, or increasing the cement ratio in the mix design, in order to ensure that the intended strengths are met. The present inventors are concerned that, as cement manufacturing requires the burning of fuel and takes Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 10 / 176 2 / 72 due to carbon dioxide generation, excessive use of cement in a concrete mix or mix design will adversely affect the environment.

[005] Consequently, the present inventors propose to solve this problem by allowing the monitoring and adjustment of concrete mixes and mix designs, avoiding dependence on the excessive use of cement. It is believed that the innovative and inventive methods and systems disclosed below increase sustainability in the production and delivery of concrete, as well as increase control over concrete strength and over the management of concrete mix designs. Summary of the Invention

[006] In addressing the problem of over-design / overuse of cement described above, the present invention provides a novel method and system for adjusting a concrete mix or mix design and facilitates control over the strength of the concrete when in the hardened state and the water content of concrete mixes when in the plastic state. It is believed that the present invention avoids excessive reliance on cement, or at least the type of cement overdosing that seems so prevalent to date, and thus encourages sustainable practices in the concrete industry.

[007] Exemplary methods and systems of the present invention involve concrete that is delivered from a concrete plant to a construction site using a rotary mixing drum, preferably one that is mounted on a concrete delivery truck and, more preferably, one used in combination with an automated system to monitor the slump of the concrete mix charge as well as the total water content including dosed water and water added during delivery in a truck mixer drum. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 11 / 176 3 / 72

[008] As used in this document, the term “delivery” covers the following periods: beginning with the introduction into a mixing drum of ingredients for dosing and mixing to provide a uniform charge of concrete mix (e.g., cement, aggregates, batch water and any optional additives), the transit period from the concrete plant to the construction site, and up to the moment the concrete charge is discharged from a mixing drum, such as the drum of a concrete delivery truck.

[009] The concept of “diagnostic delta data curve”, as used in the present invention, may refer to differences between the target slump value and the target (or maximum) water content value, compared to the actual slump or total water content during delivery, as monitored / calculated by a slump monitoring device for a given concrete mix or mix design. The difference may be based on a subtractive value, such as subtracting the monitored value during an actual delivery (e.g., monitored slump) from a target value (target slump), or alternatively the differences may be based on a ratio, e.g., monitored slump value divided by the target slump value.

[010] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the comparison between target values ​​and actual (monitored) values ​​should preferably be made by comparing similar events during delivery or at a similar age (time since batch). For example, if a target slump value or a target water content value for the concrete mix or mix design is intended to characterize the rheological state of the concrete load, such as in a single discharge event or in any number of multiple discharge events on site, this should be compared with the slump and water content of the concrete load, monitored by means of a Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 12 / 176 4 / 72 abatement monitoring system installed in the delivery truck, during the same unloading event or unloading events during delivery.

[011] In exemplary embodiments, target slump and target (or maximum) water content values ​​may be provided by the concrete producer, as in batching tickets, and entered into the processor of an automated slump monitoring system (e.g., electronic version of batching ticket). These target (or maximum) values ​​may be compared to the slump and water content values ​​monitored by the slump monitoring system. An exemplary diagnostic delta data curve may be constructed by obtaining data based on, for example, one or more differences between the target slump and the monitored slump for the delivered concrete load (e.g., as the subtractive differences between the target slump minus the currently monitored slump) or a ratio of the values ​​(e.g., monitored slump divided by the target slump).The calculated differences, in terms of subtractive values ​​or ratios, are referred to as “Slump Δ”. Similarly, the DDD curve data would involve differences between the target or maximum water content and the actual total water content measured by the slump monitoring system. One can therefore consider differences in terms of subtractive differences, such as the target or maximum amount of water content printed on a batching ticket or provided by the concrete producer for the batch in question, minus the actual amounts of water dispensed into the mixing drum during batching and delivery up to the time of discharge; or, as mentioned above, the difference can be the ratio of the total water in the batched concrete added to the water added to the concrete during delivery and up to the discharge event(s) at the construction site, the sum then divided by the target or maximum water content value provided by the producer. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 13 / 176 5 / 72 of concrete (for example, on the mix design ticket). This calculated difference, in terms of subtractive values ​​or proportions, is referred to as “H2O Δ”).

[012] If Slump Δ is plotted as a function of A-H20, then a profile or curve relationship (non-linear) can be derived by means of linear regression analysis (e.g., using a least squares approach) at similar times during delivery. For example, a data curve based on delta values ​​calculated based on subtractive differences between target and monitored values ​​(e.g., target slump and water content values ​​minus slump and water content values ​​and determined using an automated slump monitoring system on the delivery truck during concrete delivery) can be illustrated as intersecting (0, 0) as shown in Figures 1 and 2 (and where differences are calculated in terms of ratio, e.g., monitored values ​​divided by target values, the intersection would be (1, 1)).Since this data curve can be used by a slump monitoring system to monitor and adjust a concrete mix (such as the load contained in the mixer drum) or mix design (causing the slump monitoring system to transmit information directly or indirectly through the cloud to the batch plant system processor of the concrete producer), the present inventors refer to the shape of the data curve profile as a “diagnostic delta data” (DDD) curve.

[013] Further details on how a DDD curve and the curve data can be obtained will be explained in more detail here. It will also be explained that, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the slump and water content for current or recent cargo deliveries can be compared with the stored DDD curve information and, based on the comparison, the concrete mix (for the Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 14 / 176 6 / 72 current delivery) or the mix design (for making concrete mixes for future delivery) can be adjusted.

[014] While an exemplary diagnostic delta data curve (DDD) can theoretically be established using only two different data points (each involving different pairs of slump Δ, H2O Δ data points), the present inventors believe that more accurate results, in terms of adjustments to the mix or mix design, can be achieved by including data collected using automated slump monitoring systems that collect slump and water content data from multiple completed deliveries of concrete loads.

[015] In other words, a more accurate and complete picture, in terms of a DDD curve based on the slump Δ, H2O Δ data point, will be obtained, and more preferably, if the slump Δ, H2O Δ data points are obtained from a large plurality of completed concrete deliveries involving a particular mix design, where concrete loads are monitored for slump and water content during delivery using slump monitoring systems that collect the slump and water content data.

[016] In the most preferred exemplary embodiments, diagnostic delta data (DDD) involves slump Δ, H2O Δ data from at least one delivery where Slump Δ and H2O Δ (calculated based on the differences between target and monitored values) are zero (0, 0) when considering subtractive differences and (1, 1) when considering ratios. A delivery may have multiple slump Δ and H2O Δ data points associated with it (e.g., at the outgoing plant, at the arrival location, and at the discharge, illustrated for example in Figure 5 at 106, 110, and 112). If any of them is (0, 0), this qualifies the entire delivery (all its data points) to be used to make the diagnostic delta data curve for the specific concrete mix design. In Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, p. 15 / 176 7 / 72 other exemplary modalities, the use of curve data that contains more than one delivery in which at least one data point (Slump Δ, H2O Δ) during the delivery is (0, 0) increases the accuracy of making adjustments to the concrete mix or mix design.

[017] An exemplary method of the present invention for adjusting a concrete mix charge or mix design comprises: (A) Proportion at least one batch of concrete mix using a concrete mix design, in a concrete mixing drum, and calculate for at least one batch of concrete mix a slump delta (Slump Δ) value and a water content delta (H2O Δ) value where: i. Slump value Δ is calculated based on differences or ratios between a target slump value for at least one batch of concrete mix and the slump value obtained for at least one concrete mix during delivery from a concrete plant to a construction site; and ii. H2O value Δ is calculated based on differences or ratios between a maximum target water content for at least one batch of concrete mix and the water content value as determined for the concrete mix during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site; (B) Compare the slump Δ and H2O Δ obtained with a diagnostic delta data curve defined by at least two data points, wherein each of the at least two data points is based on at least one concrete load delivery in which both slump and water content targets are met (e.g., + / - 1.5 inches in the case of slump Δ or +1- 1.5 gallons per cubic yard of concrete in the case of H2O Δ when considering subtractive differences), and wherein at least one other data point relates to at least one concrete load delivery in which at least one or both slump and water contents are not met. Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 16 / 176 8 / 72 met (for example, where at least one of slump Δ and H2O Δ is less than or greater than zero where delta values ​​are calculated using differences or where at least one of slump Δ and H2O Δ is less than or greater than one where delta values ​​are calculated using ratios); and (C) adjust, or provide an indication of adjustment for, at least one of the following properties chosen from: slump, water content, cement content, chemical plasticizer content, aggregate content, or a combination thereof, in at least one concrete mix charge or a concrete mix design from which at least one concrete mix charge was proportioned, and deliver at least one concrete mix charge to a construction site after the adjustment is made to the mix charge or proportion at least one concrete mix charge using the adjusted concrete mix design after the adjustment is made.

[018] Again, the present inventors claim that although the delta values ​​for abatement (Abatement Δ) and water content (H2O Δ) can be calculated based on differences using subtraction (e.g., target abatement minus monitored abatement; maximum or target water content minus dosed water and added water content), the delta values ​​can also be calculated using ratios of monitored values ​​compared to target values ​​(e.g., monitored abatement value divided by target abatement value; monitored water content divided by target or maximum water content).The discussion of examples in this descriptive report will, for the most part, describe and illustrate the delta values ​​calculated based on subtraction; for when the slump and water content of a delivered concrete mix made from a mix design are on target, then Slump Δ and H2O Δ are zero, and this data pair can be plotted as a common point (0, 0) representing the intersection of a vertical axis (representing slump in). Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 17 / 176 9 / 72 inches) and a horizontal axis (representing gallons per cubic yard of concrete), from which a curve profile can be generated to include data pairs where one or both Slump Δ and H2O Δ are not equal to zero (not 0.0). Therefore, using subtraction to calculate delta values ​​will facilitate illustrative graphical examples here.

[019] In several exemplary methods, the adjustment may involve changes in the amounts of cement, water, plasticizer or proportions of two or more of these components in the concrete mix design (e.g., in the recipe at the concrete plant for dosing the components of the concrete mix), in a concrete mix charge (e.g., in increasing amounts of water or plasticizer in the concrete mixing drum during delivery in a concrete mixer truck).If the slump is below the target and provision is made on the job site to add cement to the concrete mix during delivery (e.g., including unloading or unloading concrete from the mixer drum on site), then additional quantities of cement may be added on site; but a more preferred mode is to “provide an indication of adjustment for” the slump, meaning that the slump monitoring system is programmed to provide an indication (e.g., to the project manager on site, e.g., as shown in Figure 5 on 114, 116) that the concrete must settle in the mixer drum (See Figure 5, delivery truck on 110) for a time so that hydration can occur and slump levels can increase to the target slump before the concrete is discharged from the mixer drum (e.g., Figure 5, delivery truck on 112).

[020] An exemplary system of the present invention comprises at least one concrete monitoring system with at least one computer processing unit (CPU) communicating with sensors to measure slump and water additions in concrete mix loads delivered (in one or more trucks) Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 18 / 176 10 / 72 deliveries traveling from the concrete plant to construction sites), the CPU is configured to execute the exemplary method described above to adjust a concrete mix or mix design. See, for example, Figure 5 at 104, 106, 110, 112, which may represent one truck or a plurality of different trucks at various stages of concrete delivery).

[021] The illustrative method and system of the invention allow for reporting, as well as visual illustration, of an illustrative diagnostic delta data curve (“DDD”), comprising slump Δ and H2O Δ data points obtained from an automated slump monitoring system; and may enable the concrete manufacturer and other participants in the concrete supply chain to encourage cooperative and sustainable behavior in the delivery and placement of concrete.

[022] Another exemplary method or system of the invention comprises: collecting slump Δ and H2O Δ data pairs from a plurality of delivered concrete loads using a slump monitoring device on at least one concrete delivery truck, deriving a “diagnostic delta data” (DDD) curve (i.e., a visual profile) based on a curvilinear relationship of normalized and / or averaged slump Δ and H2O Δ data pairs wherein, in at least one of the pairs, the target slump and target water content have been achieved (e.g., wherein slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero (+ / - 1.5 inches in the case of slump Δ; + / - 1.5 gallons per cubic yard of concrete in the case of H2O Δ; preferably 1.0, more preferably 0.50, most preferably 0.25 in each case));and display, on a monitor or screen, the DDD curve that intersects two perpendicular axes (for example, that intersect at (0, 0) and display further, in spaced relation to the DDD curve, at least one slump data point Δ, H2O Δ (and more preferably a plurality of such data points) obtained from a subsequent concrete mix delivery; Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, p. 19 / 176 11 / 72 where at least one or both of the abatement values ​​Δ and H2O Δ are less than or greater than zero.

[023] An example of a DDD curve is illustrated in the quadrant plot of Figure 2, and other exemplary embodiments include displaying slump and water content histograms above and to the left of the quadrant plot. Several exemplary systems and methods involve the use of at least one slump monitoring system to compile the slump Δ, H2O Δ data points for a given concrete mix, and processors programmed to generate quadrant plots based on the DDD curve and to display slump Δ, H2O Δ data points for concrete deliveries where one or both of the slump or water targets are not met (e.g., slump Δ or H2O Δ is not zero), and these can be represented relative to the DDD curve on a monitor or video screen.

[024] Thus, exemplary embodiments of the invention may use the DDD curve to adjust concrete mixes or mix designs based on slump Δ, H2O Δ data that diverge from the behavior of the DDD curve, display slump Δ, H2O Δ data that diverge from the behavior of the DDD curve so that adjustments to the concrete mix or mix design can be considered; and, in fact, allows the user of the method or system to choose whether to use one or both features. The novel and unique derivation of the diagnostic delta data (DDD) curve therefore allows a major improvement in processor-enabled methods and systems for monitoring and / or adjusting concrete mixes and mix designs.

[025] Other advantages and features of the invention will be described in more detail below. Brief Description of the Drawings Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 20 / 176 12 / 72

[026] An appreciation of the benefits and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by considering the following written description of exemplary embodiments together with the drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a graphical illustration of example delta abatement values ​​(“Abatement Δ” plotted along a vertical axis) and example delta water content values ​​(“H2O Δ” plotted along a horizontal axis) as calculated by the abatement monitoring system(s) based on data obtained from concrete deliveries, from which a “diagnostic delta data” (DDD) curve can be derived and shown to intersect (0, 0) where abatement Δ = H2O Δ = zero; and wherein the number of occurrences of H2O Δ values ​​and abatement Δ values ​​are shown using, respectively, top and side histogram bar graphs; Figure 2 is a graph illustrating the DDD curve and histogram from Figure 1, but this time illustrating examples where one or both of the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​(where paired values ​​are shown as a point on the graph) are not zero; and the directional arrows indicate exemplary directions by which the concrete mix or mix design can be adjusted closer to the target slump and water values; Figure 3 is a graph summarizing exemplary protocols for adjusting a concrete mix or mix design based on slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​obtained by the slump monitoring system during delivery and comparing data with stored slump Δ and H2O Δ data points illustrated by the DDD curve shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a DDD curve established when target values ​​are reached at least once (e.g., abatement Δ = H2O Δ = zero); and the Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, p. 21 / 176 Figure 13 / 72 shows the curve crossing both axes at (0, 0) to establish a “quadrant” to facilitate visualization of various adjustment protocols; and Figure 5 is a planar diagram to illustrate various systems and methods of the invention for collecting, tracking, monitoring and / or representing pairs of abatement Δ and H2O Δ data (illustrated as points) and example adjustment protocols of the invention. Detailed Description of Illustrative Modalities

[027] Several terms used in this document should have the following definitions.

[028] “Cement” refers to Portland cement which is produced by pulverizing clinker, a molten mass comprising hydraulic calcium silicates and one or more forms of calcium sulfate (e.g., gypsum) as an intermilled additive, in powder form. Portland cement is frequently used with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), for example, fly ash, blast furnace slag, limestone or natural pozzolans, or mixtures thereof, when used as a binder material to make concrete.

[029] “Concrete” and “concrete mix” refer to a mixture of cement and aggregates (e.g., sand and crushed gravel or stones), water, and optional chemical additives, which may include a chemical plasticizer that is also called a water reducer (because they allow a certain workability or slump to be retained while replacing a portion of water needed to achieve the same level of workability or slump), setting accelerators, setting retarders, air-entraining agents, air-removing agents, fibers, etc.).

[030] “Concrete mix design” and “mix design” and the like refer to the ingredients and proportions of ingredients used to make a particular concrete with one or more desired properties, whether in a plastic state, a hardened state, or both. At a minimum, the present inventors contemplate Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 22 / 176 14 / 72 that a concrete mix design would include quantity of cement, quantity of water and quantity of aggregate and, optionally, quantity(ies) of chemical admixture, for example, plasticizer or optional plasticizers, air removing agents or other chemical admixtures. The concrete mix design may be stored in various locations, such as in a memory file where a concrete producer's mix designs are collected (and this is sometimes called a mix design "catalog") at the concrete plant, office or in the cloud, or other storage locations of the concrete producer.

[031] A concrete mix is ​​often designed based on several factors, such as cement type, aggregate type, water-cement ratio (w / c), chemical mix, air characteristics, and other factors or ingredients. Mix designs are designated by a “mix code” or sequence of symbols that is an identifier for the specific proportions of the ingredients. A set of identical ingredient proportions may have different mix codes. Furthermore, a mix code within a given producer’s collection of mix codes may refer to different ingredient proportions. This case arises when the same basic mix design is used in different concrete plants owned or controlled by a single concrete producer.Since each individual concrete plant may source materials from different locations (e.g., aggregates from different local quarries), the proportions of ingredients may vary slightly. The proportions of the mix design components (e.g., cement, aggregate, water, optional admixtures) can be expressed as quantities of material per volume of concrete (e.g., 611 pounds of cement per cubic yard of concrete). Proportions can also be expressed as fractions or percentages (e.g., 3 ounces of a superplasticizer admixture per 100 pounds of concrete). Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 23 / 176 15 / 72 cement). The components of concrete are often described in terms of types: such as cement, supplementary cementitious materials, aggregates (fine, coarse, or both), water, and admixtures. The components can be individually characterized in terms of type or source. If there is more than one source of a given material for a producer, for example, the mix design may indicate the specific type (e.g., ASTM Type I cement versus ASTM Type III cement, or ASTM C33 #57 stone versus ASTM C33 #7 stone), or source (e.g., coarse aggregate that is extracted from a riverbed versus coarse aggregate that is crushed from a quarry). Additional information may be included in the mix design, along with the ingredient ratios, such as target performance values.These performance values ​​can be a design strength (e.g., strength at 28 days), a target slump or slump range, a target air content or air range, a durability target or range (e.g., shrinkage, creep, etc.), etc.

[032] A concrete mix design may have an “assigned strength,” which is a number corresponding to a compressive strength value (usually in units of pounds per square inch or PSI) at a given age (e.g., 28 days after mixing the components, including water, to initiate hydration) as obtained from empirical tests of cylinder samples made according to standards such as ACI 211.1-91 and ACI 318-14. However, while ACI 211.1-91 designates a design strength (i.e., strength to meet structural requirements), a required average strength value is designated by ACI 31914 which takes into account both the design strength and the variability in which the concrete mix design is produced (e.g., average and standard deviation of the last 30 concrete mixes).This value may include an exaggerated design strength to ensure that the design strength is met within a given timeframe. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 24 / 176 16 / 72 is a statistically acceptable basis. In general, the greater the variability, the more the design overkill is needed to ensure that the strength is met. The assigned strength value or number can be chosen to be the design strength or the required average strength. Alternatively, the concrete producer can assign a strength number based on water / cement ratio, cement content, packing fraction, or other factors.

[033] “Hydrate” and “hydratable” refer to cementitious materials, such as concrete, that undergo or may undergo hardening by chemical interaction with water. Often, water is mixed with cement and aggregates in mixing drums at the concrete producer’s batching plant. The amount of water mixed into a batch of concrete mix is ​​usually sufficient to create a plastic, workable concrete batch, in which hydration is initiated so that the batch of concrete mix can be delivered and dumped at the job site from a mixing drum mounted on a delivery truck.

[034] “Slump” as used in this document generally refers to the workability property of concrete, as can be determined, for example, using a conventional vertical slump measurement of concrete that is demolded from a standard truncated cone (see, for example, ASTM C143-15a), but “slump” may also include “slump flow” which refers to the measurement of the horizontal spread of concrete as released from a cone (see, for example, ASTM C1611-14). Therefore, the term “slump” can be used to refer to one or both rheological properties, but is not limited to slump measurement or slump flow, and may include rheological values ​​such as “yield stress”, “viscosity”, “thixotropy”, etc. Therefore, the term “slump” is used as a convenient way to refer to the rheology of concrete in its plastic state. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 25 / 176 17 / 72

[035] “Slump monitoring system(s)” or “automated slump monitoring system(s),” as used in this document, refers to the use of one or more sensors in communication with a computer processing unit (CPU) that is programmed or configured to calculate a value, or to provide an indication, corresponding to a slump value (or other rheological property) of a plastic concrete mix. Such systems have been taught in the literature to monitor the slump of concrete in rotary mixing drums using various types of electronic and / or electromechanical sensor devices. For example, the energy associated with the rotation of concrete in a mixing drum can be monitored using force or voltage probes and correlated with the slump level of the concrete. See, for example, U.S. Patents 8,858,061 and 9,199,391. Hydraulic pressure sensors can be used to correlate with concrete slump.See, for example, U.S. Patent 5,713,663 to Zandberg (Boral). The present inventors prefer that hydraulic pressure sensors, force or strain gauges, and the like be used in combination with sensors that measure the rotational speed of the mixing drum. See, for example, U.S. Patent 8,727,604 to Compton et al.; Publ. Pat. U.S. No. 2015 / 0142362 to Jordan et al.; U.S. Patent 9,199,391 to Beaupre et al. and Publ. Pat. U.S. No. 2015 / 0355160 to Berman, etc.).

[036] Slaughter monitoring systems are commercially available from GCP Applied Technologies Inc. of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, under the VERIFI® brand. The VERIFI® product group through GCP has published numerous slaughter monitoring patents. See, for example, US Patents 8,020,431; 8,118,473; 8,311,678; 8,491,717; 8,727,604; 8,746,954; 8,764,273; 8,818,561; 8,989,905; 9,466,803; 9,550,312; 9,956,246; 10,183,418; and others. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, p. 26 / 176 18 / 72

[037] The slump monitoring systems contemplated for use in the present invention may include measuring various forms of energy required to rotate, or otherwise the force or energy associated with rotation, concrete within a mixing drum. The mixing drum may be located in a batch plant and, more preferably, the mixing drum is mounted on a concrete delivery truck. Although hydraulic pressure sensing technology, such as that used in VERIFI® monitoring systems, is preferred, it is contemplated that the use of force probes (e.g., strain or deformation gauges) may also be used to monitor rheology, such as slump. These force probes are based on strain and / or tension measuring probes mounted inside the mixing drum. See, for example, US Patents No. 8,848,061 and 9,625,891 by Berman (owned by GCP Applied Technologies), US Patent No. 9,199,391 by Denis Beaupre et al.(Command Alkon Inc.), or Publ. US No. 2009 / 0171595 and WO 2007 / 060272 by Benegas. It is also contemplated that the electrical energy used to rotate the mixer drums can also be used to monitor the slump of the concrete (See, for example, https: / / www.electrive.conn / 2020 / 03 / 29 / liebherr-presents-electric-concrete-mixer-truck.) Thus, the present inventors believe that it is possible to monitor energy or force data associated with concrete mixing and that such monitored data can be correlated with slump and water content information related to concrete loads.

[038] The present inventors prefer to employ hydraulic pressure sensors compared to force sensors that measure the properties of concrete only when submerged in the concrete. Hydraulic pressure detection can be performed throughout the drum rotation, see, for example, US Patent 8,960,990, and the data can be conveniently monitored at various drum speeds. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 27 / 176 19 / 72 See, for example, US Patents 8,118,473 and 8,020,431. An accelerometer can be mounted on the drum for use in measuring the drum speed, see, for example, US Patent 8,727,604; as well as on the truck frame to measure the angle of inclination of the delivery vehicle to compensate for road effects on slump measurement, see, for example, US Patent 8,746,954. In addition to hydraulic pressure and drum speed sensors, a temperature sensor can be employed in the mixing drum to refine slump calculations, for example, US Patent 8,989,905. The use of hydraulic pressure sensors, such as those installed on loading and unloading doors, is preferred by the present inventors because it facilitates the monitoring of very high slump concrete, see, for example, US Patent 8,818,561 (slump flow monitoring). The previous patents are owned by GCP Applied Technologies Inc.or its affiliate VERIFI LLC, both of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

[039] “Water content” as used herein refers to the amount of water, percentage by volume, of a concrete mix or mix design, unless otherwise indicated. In various exemplary embodiments, this may also be expressed in terms of water-to-cement ratio (w / c); and if this is the case, then it will be understood that this ratio will be based on the weight of water to the dry weight of cement (Portland cement). The water content of a concrete mix load or mix design will be based on the initial amount of dosed water used or prescribed to make a given batch of mix loaded into the mixing drum of a delivery truck, for example. This amount of water is usually printed on the dosing ticket issued by the concrete producer for the specific load and reflects the original amount of water that is part of the concrete mix design. In exemplary embodiments, this amount of water may be designated as “water content”. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 28 / 176 20 / 72 maximum allowable water content”, “maximum water content”, “maximum allowable amount of water” or “maximum amount of water” and this amount or value of water may be supplied by other means by the concrete producer for the given concrete mix or mix design, and this will be taken and used as an example of “target water content” for the purposes of the present invention.

[040] Added water, i.e., quantities of water that are introduced into the concrete truckload during delivery after the initial dosing (e.g., during transit or shortly before unloading the concrete at the job site) can be measured using a flow meter and / or valve in communication with the computer processor of the slump monitoring system in the delivery truck. The total water content is then calculated by a slump monitoring system by adding the initial dosed water quantity to the quantities of water that are added during delivery (e.g., as triggered by the operation of the slump monitoring system), including up to the time the concrete mix is ​​unloaded at the job site.This calculated total water content is subtracted from the target water content value, such as the maximum water content value indicated by the concrete producer on a batching slip (and this maximum value can also be transferred electronically by the batch system computer to the slump monitoring system on board the delivery truck).

[041] In other embodiments of example, the present inventors foresee that an optional “sneak water” detection program may be deployed in or as part of a slump monitoring system. In US Patent 9,466,203 (owned by GCP) entitled “Sneak Water Detection for Concrete Delivery Vehicles”, Jordan et al. disclosed that a slump monitoring system may be used Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 29 / 176 21 / 72 to determine the quantities of added water introduced into the concrete mix load during delivery, even if the water was not introduced through valves or a flow meter on board the delivery truck. This is an example of a detection system or process that can optionally be used to detect quantities of water added during delivery.

[042] In other exemplary embodiments, the present inventors provide that an optional “grey water” detection process or system can be used to determine the precise water content in batch concrete mix loads in the mixing drum. By “grey water,” the inventors refer to the amount of water contained in the mixing drum before components are placed in the drum to create a batch concrete mix, such as the wash water remaining from the previous load. In International Publication No. WO 2019 / 032820 A1 (property of GCP Applied Technologies Inc.), Mark Roberts et al. disclosed a method and system for measuring and monitoring the grey water content in a rotary concrete mixer truck using a sensor coupled to the interior of the concrete mixing drum.By measuring the greywater content before a batching process occurs, the batched water (and the cement content and the type and content of the mix) can be modified to maintain the expected performance of the batched load in terms of strength and rheology, or more simply, some or all of the greywater can be discharged from the concrete mixer drum before batching.

[043] “Dosage ticket” as used herein refers to a document issued by the concrete producer to accompany the batch of concrete mix loaded into the mixing drum of a delivery truck. This document, which may also be issued electronically, typically includes the mix design identification number as well as the relative quantities of constituents per cubic yard. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 30 / 176 22 / 72 of concrete (e.g., 564 pounds of cement per cubic yard of concrete), as well as actual batch weights of other components. Dosing is not a completely precise process and some deviation occurs, although within a certain tolerance (e.g., 1% by mass). A dosing ticket may also include the amount of water dosed, as well as an amount of water retained from the load: this is usually called “cut water” (as in cut water). The intention is for the driver (or more preferably, a VERIFI® slump monitoring system) to add water to achieve the desired slump without exceeding the maximum water content, which is usually indicated on the dosing ticket. A dosing ticket may also include the job site address, cost of concrete, special instructions (e.g., placement precautions), time and date of manufacture.It often includes properties necessary for discharge: such as target discharge rate, target air pressure, maximum temperature, maximum drum revolutions, maximum time, or others.

[044] For the purposes of the present invention, the slump monitoring system processor, which is used in the truck or to receive signals from various sensors in the truck or mixing drum, is preferably used to receive slump target information (e.g., information from the electronic batch ticket or specifications from the batch system computer of the concrete producer or a dispatch center), as well as data from the on-board slump monitoring sensor(s) (e.g., hydraulic pressure sensor or force sensor as discussed above) and also to receive water content information, such as the maximum water content allowed to be added to the concrete, as well as data from integrated sensors (e.g., measuring sensors, valves) to record the amounts of water added. This is so that the slump delta (Slump Δ) and water content delta (H2O Δ) values ​​can be calculated based on data. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, p. 31 / 176 23 / 72 accumulated from one or more, and preferably a plurality, deliveries of concrete mix loads made and delivered to a construction site in accordance with a concrete mix design.

[045] “Diagnostic delta data curve” (DDD curve) or “delta curve data” refers to a relationship, as explained in the summary section above, comprising pairs of delta abatement (Abatement Δ) and delta water content (H2O Δ). An exemplary DDD curve can be plotted visually as illustrated in the graph examples in Figures 1 and 2 and discussed below.

[046] In Figure 1, exemplary delta slump values ​​(Slump Δ) are plotted along the vertical axis, while exemplary delta water content values ​​(H2O Δ) are plotted along the horizontal axis. Slump Δ and H2O Δ are calculated by considering one or more differences or ratios between target values ​​(or maximum assigned values) and the values ​​monitored during concrete delivery. As noted, the present inventors collected these data using the commercially available Verifi® monitoring system from GCP Applied Technologies Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.For example, slump Δ can be based on the arithmetic difference between a target slump value and the slump value as measured (at a similar age) during delivery by the monitoring system; and H2O Δ can be based on the arithmetic difference between the target water content value (e.g., maximum water content value assigned by the concrete producer on the batching ticket) and the water content, including batch mixing water and water added during delivery, as determined by the slump monitoring system on the mixer truck. As another example, delta values ​​can be calculated as a ratio. Slump Δ can be calculated using the ratio of slump value as measured during delivery by the monitoring system divided. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 32 / 176 24 / 72 by the target slump value; and H2O Δ can be based on the ratio of the maximum water content value assigned by the concrete producer on the batching ticket) divided by the summed values ​​of batch mixing water and water added during delivery, as determined by the slump monitoring system on the mixer truck. Whether subtractive differences or differences in terms of ratios (or any other difference) are considered, delta values ​​are taken at similar ages. Figure 1 includes a color scale to indicate the age (minutes after initial batching) at which data can be obtained for determining delta values.

[047] To facilitate the discussion, the present inventors may, from time to time, refer to the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​calculated based on the “differences” between the stored target values ​​(e.g., in the cloud, as previously derived by slump monitoring systems on concrete delivery trucks) and actual monitored values ​​during a subsequent delivery (e.g., as calculated during delivery by slump monitoring systems); and this comprises subtractive differences between the values, as well as ratios of actual monitored values ​​divided by the target (or maximum) values.

[048] After a minimum of two concrete deliveries, more preferably after 10 deliveries, and most preferably after 50 deliveries, it may be discovered that one or more of these deliveries involve concrete loads delivered on target (for example, where slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero for a given concrete load). This situation will facilitate the discernment, derivation, and / or visualization of a curvilinear relationship between the points defined by the pairs of slump Δ and H2O Δ obtained preferably from at least two, and more preferably from a plurality, of concrete loads delivered using the same mix design. This relationship is Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 33 / 176 25 / 72 illustrated by the single exemplary curved line that crosses both axes (0, 0) in Figures 1 and 2 (which consider subtractive differences).

[049] Although the use of a large plurality of concrete deliveries is not necessary for the practice of the invention, it lends greater accuracy to the visual illustrations shown in Figures 1 and 2. The example curve data illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 were obtained from data collected by slump monitoring systems using multiple delivery trucks and taken from 11,870 separate completed deliveries. The target slump (at discharge) was set at 4 inches, and the large number of deliveries was chosen for clarity of illustration. While it is possible that different work designs may involve different slump targets, a common delivery slump target is four (4) inches for many construction applications.

[050] The histograms shown at the top and right of Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the number of occurrences for a given slump value (e.g., 3” to 3.5” or 6” to 6.5”) or for given water values ​​(e.g., 2 to 2.5 gallons per cubic yard (gpy) of concrete or 4-4.5 gpy). Based on the means and standard deviations of the H2O Δ and slump Δ data, a Gaussian distribution can be plotted on the histograms to represent a normal distribution using the equation: 1 1(χ-μ\2f(x) = —j=e 2\ σ / σν2π, where f(x) is the probability, x is the value (of the H2O Δ or slump Δ value), μ is the mean (of the H2O Δ or slump Δ data), σ is the standard deviation (of the H2O Δ or slump Δ data), e is the exponential function and π is the ratio between the circumference and the diameter of a circle.

[051] The curvilinear relationship DDD can be derived using analytical linear regression methods, such as least squares methods on H2O Δ and slump Δ data. Examples of linear regression methods to obtain a profile or Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 34 / 176 26 / 72 healing data will be discussed in more detail in the Examples at the end of this section. There are many different regression and correlation techniques, such as least squares, supervised and unsupervised machine learning, and others (see, for example, Shalev-Shwartz, S. and Ben-David, S., Understanding Machine Learning: From Theory to Algorithms, Cambridge University Press, 2014), that can be used to derive a DDD curve, according to the user's preference.

[052] In the case of the upper histogram in Figures 1 and 2, certain H2O Δ values ​​were well above the bell-shaped distribution curve. The present inventors assume that these high values, which can be seen as corresponding to the clustered data points appearing on the left side of the graph (lower range of H2O Δ below zero), illustrate the practice of “trimming” (withholding) amounts of water at the time of dosing the concrete mix. For example, someone at the mixing plant might cut off a portion of the dosed water, e.g., 2 gallons per cubic yard (gpy) of concrete during the initial dosing (as an estimate of the amount of water added during delivery and / or at the job site). However, the slump monitoring system used to monitor the concrete in the mixer drum does not inject water in gallon increments, but in more precise portions (e.g., 2.435 gpy).Therefore, the greater dispersion of H2O Δ values, appearing especially at earlier ages and where H2O Δ is less than zero, would suggest that some standard deviation considerations along with normalization of the standard curve could be used in obtaining a diagnostic delta data curve (DDD) for a given blending design.

[053] The present inventors believe that the DDD curve established by paired values ​​(abatement Δ, H2O Δ) can be used to monitor, as well as Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 35 / 176 27 / 72 adjust concrete mixes and mix designs. The curve provides a useful way to discuss the relationship of curvilinear data shown at the intersection (0, 0) in Figures 1 and 2.

[054] The graphs in Figures 1 and 2 illustrate quadrants (designated as Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4) as defined by the intersection axes. These quadrants are useful for facilitating discussions about various adjustments to concrete mixes and mix designs, depending on the relationship of paired values ​​(slump Δ, H2O Δ), and their relationship to the intersection of the DDD curve (0, 0) as shown in Figures 1 and 2. An exemplary method or system of the invention comprises: collecting pairs of slump Δ and H2O Δ data from a plurality of delivered concrete loads using a slump monitoring device on at least one concrete delivery truck, deriving a DDD based on a curvilinear relationship of average and / or normalized slump Δ, H2O Δ data pairs where, in at least one of the pairs, the target slump and target water content have been achieved (e.g., where Slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero (+ / - 1.5 inches in the case of slump Δ;+ / - 1.5 gallons per cubic yard of concrete in the case of H2O Δ; preferably 1.0, more preferably 0.50, most preferably 0.25 in each case); and display, on a monitor or screen, the DDD curve that intersects two perpendicular axes (e.g., intersecting at 0, 0) and display further, in spaced relation to the DDD curve, at least one data point of slump Δ, H2O Δ (preferably a plurality of such data points) obtained from a subsequent concrete mix delivery, wherein at least one or both of the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are less than or greater than zero. Exemplary systems of the invention (as illustrated in Figure 5, for example) may include at least one automated slump monitoring system in a concrete delivery truck (e.g., 104) to obtain slump and water content readings for delivered concrete mix loads (see, for example, 112); Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, p. 36 / 176 28 / 72 made from a mixing project. Although the processor of one or more slump monitoring systems (e.g., 104) may be sufficient to practice the invention, it is preferable to use a plurality of concrete deliveries, such as multiple trucks and / or truck deliveries (as represented by 104, 106, 110, 112), to allow the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​to be collected at a central location, such as in the cloud or at a central monitoring center (108) so that the illustration of the DDD curve and (slump Δ, H2O Δ) data pairs from subsequent deliveries can be displayed (see, for example, Figure 2), such as by a handheld display device (114) at the construction site (116), by a display device (100) at the concrete plant (102);and / or even on a video screen of a slump monitoring system or handheld or other device available to a truck driver or drivers (104 / 106 / 110 / 112) as illustrated in Figure 5, which uses dashed lines to suggest the respective areas of the concrete mixing plant (102) and delivery location (116).;

[055] As shown in Figure 2, the example DDD curve of Figure 1 can be used to adjust a concrete mix or mix design depending on slump Δ and H2O Δ as can be obtained, for example, from a concrete mix during a current delivery or from recently delivered concrete loads. In other words, depending on where a point (representing a slump Δ, H2O Δ pair) falls on the graph within quadrants Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4, and also whether the point falls above or below the DDD curve within Q1 or Q4, it is possible to adjust the mix or mix design using an exemplary protocol according to the present invention.

[056] Figure 3 is a table summarizing the Δ, H2O Δ abatement data pairs represented by various points in Figure 2. The discussion of exemplary adjustment protocols is facilitated by reference to quadrants 01, Q2, Q3, and Q4. The protocols Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 37 / 176 29 / 72 involves, for example, adjusting the quantities or proportions of cement, water, and / or plasticizer (e.g., chemical cement disperser admixture) in a concrete mix or mix design. (In some protocols, where cement cannot be added, a protocol may simply involve waiting for the concrete to hydrate over time).

[057] Example Protocols: In the following paragraphs, example protocols are presented, depending on the quadrant containing the data point (abatement Δ, H2O Δ) of interest. Although DDD curves are derived based on individual loads (as shown in Figure 1), the data point of interest is preferably an average or median of a collection of related data points (as shown in Figure 2). For example, a collection of data points might incorporate all pairs of abatement Δ, H2O Δ data obtained at a given event during delivery.This can include events such as: “initial slump,” which is the first slump value calculated by a slump monitoring system after batching (which requires the concrete to be homogeneously mixed); “leaving the plant,” which is when the mixer truck leaves the concrete production plant; “arrival at the construction site,” which is when the mixer truck arrives at the construction site where the concrete will be unloaded; or “discharge,” which is when the concrete is unloaded (which can occur several times during delivery). For any of these events, the data pairs of average slump Δ and average H2O Δ (i.e., average slump Δ and average H2O Δ) can be analyzed based on the quadrant location and its relationship to the illustrated DDD curve.In another example, a data point collection might incorporate all data pairs (slump Δ, H2O Δ) obtained at a given event (e.g., arrival at the construction site, at one or more discharge events) for a given time period. For example, all the... Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 38 / 176 30 / 72 high events in the last two weeks can be calculated and analyzed based on quadrant location and relationship to the DDD curve. For the discussion that follows, the “points” shown in Figure 2 may represent unique deliveries or related average deliveries.

[058] Example of Protocol Q1. For example, if a data pair (slump Δ, H2O Δ) is displayed (see, for example, point designated as 24 in Figure 2) located in the quadrant graph “above” the DDD curve in 01 (see, for example, upper right of the graph in Figure 2), then an exemplary protocol of the invention may involve decreasing the amount of water, amount of plasticizer (e.g., cement dispersant chemical mixture), as well as amount of cement in the concrete mix design (e.g., in the concrete mixing plant system computer) to reduce the slump Δ and H2O Δ, and thus move the “point” (24) closer to the target values ​​of slump and water (e.g., closer to the situation where slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero).Where the values ​​of the slump data pair Δ, H2O Δ, as illustrated as point (26 in Figure 2) are shown located on the graph “below” the curve in 01 (Figure 2), an exemplary protocol of the invention may involve decreasing the water and cement while increasing the amounts of plasticizer. These exemplary protocols can be used to adjust portions of these components within the concrete mix design itself (as it may reside in the concrete batching plant system processor and memory locations), and can be used by an onboard slump monitoring system processor (the truck) for adjusting the current load of the concrete mix being dosed into a mixing drum (of a mixer truck or mixer truck in the concrete mixing plant (e.g., Figure 5 in 104)). These adjustments are summarized in the first two lines of the graph in Figure 3. Once the delivery truck... Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 39 / 176 31 / 72 of concrete is in transit or already at the job site (e.g., Figure 5 in 106, 110, 112), it is generally too late to add cement unless there is provision for adding cement powder to the mixer drum during transit or on site before the concrete is discharged from the mixer drum.

[059] An alternative example of protocol Q1 would be for the slump monitoring system to initiate a visual and / or audible alarm to indicate that the discharge of the concrete mix charge should be delayed so that the cement can have more time to hydrate and allow the concrete charge to assume the target slump. Another alternative example of protocol 01 would be for the slump monitoring system to disable the fluid distribution module (or some action, such as overriding the ability to open a valve or activate a mixing pump) in order to not allow any additional quantities of water or plasticizer to be introduced into the concrete charge, provided that the slump and water targets are exceeded.

[060] Example Protocol: Q2. If the slump Δ and H2O Δ data pair shown as point (#20) is “below” the DDD curve (Figure 2), an exemplary protocol involves decreasing water and cement while decreasing plasticizer. This adjustment can be made in the concrete mix design or during the proportioning of an actual load and is summarized in Figure 3, bottom row.

[061] Example Protocol: Q3. If the slump Δ, H2O Δ data pair shown as point (#30) is “below” the DDD curve (Figure 2), an exemplary protocol might involve increasing water, plasticizer, and cement so that the delta values ​​are moved toward the target delta values. But if the slump Δ, H2O Δ pair shown by point (#28) were above the DDD curve (Figure 2), an exemplary protocol could involve increasing water and cement, while Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 40 / 176 32 / 72 reduced the plasticizer. Both adjustments, more suitable for mixture design adjustments, are summarized in the fifth and fourth lines of the graph in Figure 3.

[062] Example Protocol: Q4. If the slump Δ, H2O Δ data pair is shown as point (#22) above the DDD curve (see Figure 2), an example protocol involves increasing water and cement while decreasing plasticizer, so that slump Δ and H2O Δ are both adjusted to the point where slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero.

[063] In each of these example protocols, changes in mix designs can be tracked and compared to past performance. Over time, the concrete producer can report to its customers or a government agency on carbon dioxide savings (in terms of cement reduction). For example, a net reduction of just 5 pounds of cement per delivery can add up to more than a quarter of a million tons of carbon dioxide saved for a customer delivering 50,000 deliveries in a year.

[064] As discussed above, exemplary methods and systems of the invention comprise generating a DDD curve and visualizing it on a four-quadrant graph (defined by perpendicular axes where a first axis represents the slump Δ and a second axis represents H2O Δ), wherein the DDD curve intercepts at (0, 0); and wherein one or more pairs of slump Δ, H2O Δ data, obtained from one or more deliveries of concrete mix loads made from the mix design, wherein at least one or both pairs of slump Δ, H2O Δ data are not equal to zero.

[065] In other exemplary methods and systems of the invention, the concrete mix or mix design may be adjusted, optionally in combination with the Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 41 / 176 33 / 72 display of the DDD curve on a monitor in relation to one or more deliveries of concrete where at least one or more of H2O Δ and slump Δ are not equal to zero.

[066] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the DDD curve shown crossing at (0, 0) and thus defining four quadrants (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) that visually facilitate the discussion of exemplary monitoring and / or adjustment functions that are programmed into the processor of a batch mixer system, slump monitoring system, or other processor that can control the quantities of components in a concrete mix or the concrete mix design. By considering the data-derived relationships based on particular quantities of water, plasticizer, or cement known to achieve desired slump levels or water content, the present inventors believe that those skilled in the art would be able to program the necessary adjustment steps to achieve a desired or target slump or water content.Thus, the four-quadrant illustration is used to describe exemplary monitoring and adjustment functions, as described in the flowchart in Figure 4. In 200, at least one value of H2O Δ and slump Δ is obtained, and more preferably, a plurality of values, collected at a common event during a concrete mix delivery (e.g., at the concrete discharge from the mixer drum) for a given mix design. Preferably, the plurality of values ​​is related, for example, as obtained during the same production week or from the same concrete plant.In 202, if there is a plurality of data points, one can, for example, obtain the average value of H2O Δ and average abatement Δ to generate data pairs (abatement Δ, H2O Δ) that can be plotted on a graph to achieve a diagnostic delta data curve (DDD), thus defining four quadrants at the intersection of perpendicular axes (0, 0) as represented in Figures 1 and 2; and, in this context of DDD curve and quadrant,. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 42 / 176 34 / 72 other abatement Δ, H2O Δ data pairs can be displayed and discussed (illustrated as points in Figure 2, discussed above). Thus, as illustrated in 204 in Figure 4, it is determined whether the abatement Δ, H2O Δ data pair (illustrated as a “point” on the quadrant graph) resides in Quadrant 1 (H2O Δ > 0, abatement Δ > 0); or, as illustrated in 206, whether the abatement Δ, H2O Δ data pair resides in Quadrant 2 (H2O Δ > 0, abatement Δ < 0); or, as illustrated in 208, whether the abatement Δ, H2O Δ pair resides in Quadrant 3 (H2O Δ < 0, abatement Δ < 0); Or, if neither of the above, if the abatement Δ, H2O Δ data pair is in Quadrant 4 (H2O Δ < 0, abatement Δ > 0). Then, as designated in 210 in Figure 4, it is determined whether the abatement Δ, H2O Δ data pair is in Quadrant 1, and whether the abatement Δ, H2O Δ data pair is above the DDD curve.As designated in 212, if the slump Δ, H2O Δ pair is in Quadrant 3, then it is determined whether the slump Δ, H2O Δ pair is above the DDD curve. As designated in 214, if the slump Δ, H2O Δ data pair is in Quadrant 1 and is above the DDD curve, the water content decreases to reach the state where H2O Δ = 0, the plasticizer decreases to the state where slump Δ = zero, and the amount of cement is decreased to reach the same water-to-cement ratio as the original p / c. In other words, before the water and cement adjustments, the original p / c might be 0.5 (e.g., 300 pounds of water divided by 600 pounds of cement). As the water decreases (for example, 280 pounds of water), the ratio will decrease (for example, to 0.47). Therefore, the cement can be adjusted downwards until 0.5 p / c is reached again (for example, 560 pounds of cement).As designated in 216, if the abatement data pair Δ, H2O Δ is in Quadrant 1 and below the DDD curve, or if the abatement data pair Δ, H2O Δ is in Quadrant 2, water is decreased to achieve the state where H2O Δ = 0, the amount of plasticizer is increased to achieve the abatement. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 43 / 176 35 / 72 Δ = 0; and the amount of cement is decreased to achieve the same water-to-cement ratio (w / c) as the original w / c. As designated in 218, if the slump Δ, H2O Δ data pair is in Quadrant 3 and above the DDD curve, the amount of water is increased to reach the state where H2O Δ = 0, the plasticizer is increased to the state where the slump Δ = 0, and the cement is increased to achieve the same water-to-cement ratio (w / c) as the original w / c. As designated in 220, if the slump Δ, H2O Δ data pair is in Quadrant 3 and below the DDD curve, or if the slump Δ, H2O Δ data pair is in Quadrant 4, the water will decrease to the state where H2O Δ = 0, the plasticizer is increased to the state where slump Δ = 0, and the cement is decreased to achieve the same water-cement ratio (w / c) as the original w / c.

[067] Figure 5 illustrates exemplary systems for monitoring and / or adjusting cement mix loads or mix designs according to the present invention, generating a DDD curve derived from slump Δ, H2O Δ data pairs obtained from concrete load deliveries made from a mix design, wherein the concrete is delivered by at least one concrete delivery truck with an automated slump monitoring system (as designated in 104, 106, 110 and 112). Delivery begins at a concrete batching plant (designated in 102 within the dotted line to the left of Figure 5). Once the concrete is batched and mixed, an initial slump can be determined by the slump monitoring system, representing a specific event that can be analyzed according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.After dosing, the truck will leave the site, as represented by 106 when leaving the concrete plant, and enter the construction property (designated by 110 within the dotted line to the right of Figure 5) until the event where the concrete is discharged (116) at the construction site. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 44 / 176 36 / 72 In preferred embodiments, a plurality of deliveries and / or delivery trucks (104, 106, 110, 112) are employed with slump monitoring systems to capture slump data and water content data, so that the slump Δ, H2O Δ data pairs can be calculated by a central computer processor or processors (as designated by the cloud icon (10)). The DDD curve can be generated, for example, by preferably processing within the cloud, or alternatively using a processor at the concrete plant or processor of the slump monitoring system.Graphical illustrations of the DDD curve, quadrants (Q1 - Q4) and slump data pair Δ, H2O Δ (illustrated as points) can be displayed on a screen monitor, such as on a project manager's smartphone device on site (114), on the screen of an automated slump monitoring system on board trucks (104, 106, 110, 112) and / or on the screen of the concrete batching plant's processing system at the concrete producer (100).

[068] An example of the method and features of the system of the present invention, with several exemplary aspects, are now described.

[069] In a first exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a method for adjusting a concrete mix charge or mix design (A) dosing at least one concrete mix charge using a concrete mix design, in a concrete mixing drum, and calculating for at least one concrete mix charge a slump delta (slump Δ) value and a water content delta (-H2O) value wherein: i. Slump value Δ is calculated as a difference (e.g., subtractive difference or ratio) between a target slump value (e.g., as presented on a mix design ticket) for at least one concrete mix and the slump value obtained for at least one concrete mix. Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 45 / 176 37 / 72 during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site (e.g., during batching at the plant, leaving the concrete plant, arriving at the construction site, during one or more discharge events at the construction site); and ii. The H2O Δ value is calculated as a difference (e.g., subtractive difference or ratio) between a maximum target water content (e.g., as indicated on a batching ticket, received from the concrete producer or its batch processor, received from the dispatch center) for at least one batch of concrete mix and the water content value as determined for the concrete mix during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site; (B) Compare the slump Δ and H2O Δ obtained with a diagnostic delta data curve defined by at least two data points, where each of the at least two data points is based on at least one concrete load delivery in which both slump and water content targets are met (e.g., where slump Δ and H2O Δ are equal to zero where delta values ​​are calculated using differences or where slump Δ and H2O Δ are one where delta values ​​are calculated using ratios) (e.g., + / - 1.5 inches in the case of slump Δ or + / - 1.5 gallons per cubic yard of concrete in the case of H2O Δ in the case of subtractive differences), and where at least one other data point relates to at least one concrete load delivery in which at least one or both slump and water contents are not met (e.g.,wherein at least one of slump Δ and H2O Δ is less than or greater than zero where delta values ​​are calculated using differences or where at least one of slump Δ and H2O Δ is less than or greater than one where delta values ​​are calculated using ratios); and (C) fit, or provide an indication of fit for, at least one of the following properties chosen from: slump, water content, cement content, content, Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 46 / 176 38 / 72 of chemical plasticizer, aggregate content, or a combination thereof, in at least one batch of concrete mix or a concrete mix design from which at least one batch of concrete mix was dosed, and deliver at least one batch of concrete mix to a construction site after the adjustment is made to the batching charge or dose at least one batch of concrete mix using the adjusted concrete mix design after the adjustment is made.

[070] Several exemplary aspects of this first example of modality may include additional features and conditions.

[071] In a first aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, in step C, the step of adjusting or providing an adjustment indication for one of the properties of a concrete mix charge contained in a mixer drum, may include, for example, the event that slump Δ and H2O Δ are calculated based on differences between target values ​​and monitored values, and both slump Δ and H2O Δ are determined to be greater than zero, causing the slump monitoring system to initiate an alarm, signal or instructions to a project manager or truck driver, warning that a certain time must pass before unloading the concrete from the truck, so that the slump of the concrete can decrease to the target value.

[072] In a second aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, a sensor used to calculate the slump of the concrete mix charge is a hydraulic pressure sensor or force sensor effective for measuring the energy associated with rotation or required to rotate the mixing drum containing the concrete mix charge (e.g., commercially available sensors from Verifi LLC, IBB Rheologie, and others). In preferred exemplary embodiments, the use of a hydraulic pressure sensor in combination with a rotational speed sensor is preferred. Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, p. 47 / 176 39 / 72 of the drum. However, in other exemplary embodiments, electronic sensors may be used to monitor the electrical energy required by or associated with motors that rotate the mixer drums, as well as to monitor the rate of rotation. Electrically powered mixer drums have been disclosed by Liebherr (see, for example, https: / / www.electrive.conn / 2020 / 03 / 29 / liebherr-presents-electric-concrete-mixer-truck).

[073] In a third aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, a sensor used to determine the water content comprises a flow meter, valve or combination thereof in the delivery truck and these communicate with a processor that calculates the amount of water added to the concrete mix load transported in the truck during concrete delivery. For example, the processor of an automated slump monitoring system may be programmed to record the amount of water initially dosed into the concrete load at the plant and also to record the amount of water introduced into the concrete load transported during delivery, as detected by the on-board flow meter and / or as detected by the slump monitoring system.

[074] In a fourth aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, the phrase “providing an indication of adjustment for”, as set out in subpart “C”, comprises sending a message (as by the system processor) to a mobile communication device on the construction site, to the truck driver delivering the particular concrete load, or both, that the discharge of the concrete load should be delayed to allow the slump to decrease to reach the target slump value; this would occur in the situation where the slump Δ and H2O Δ calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values, were both greater than zero (therefore, in quadrant 1). Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 48 / 176 40 / 72

[075] In a fifth aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, it is optional to use a “stealth water” detection program to monitor water additions to the concrete mix charge in the mixing drum. This “stealth water” detection program can also calculate the amount of water coming from the concrete delivery truck (e.g., not pumped or measured into the drum through the valve or flow meters on the truck). An example of an optional “stealth water” detection process and system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,466,203 by Jordan et al. (property of GCP Applied Technologies of Cambridge, MA).

[076] In a sixth aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, an optional “grey water” detection program for measuring wash water in the mixing drum can be used in order to increase the accuracy of measuring the water content in a batch concrete load. See, for example, WO 2019 / 032820 A1.

[077] In a seventh aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, the method optionally includes a process or method for measuring the amount of moisture contained in the aggregates used to make concrete in the mixing drum. The amount of aggregate moisture can be measured and optionally included in the calculated water content for a concrete mix charge in the mixing drum. For example, in US Publication No. 2020 / 0018741, a method is disclosed for calibrating aggregate moisture sensors used in hoppers or conveyor belts in concrete mixing plants by monitoring, using an automated slump monitoring system, the slump of the concrete paste mix that is of the aggregates.

[078] In an eighth aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, the method includes recording when and what changes occurred in the mixture or mixture design. This can be done by the processor of a slump monitoring system in a truck that receives mixture design information from Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 49 / 176 41 / 72 a concrete producer's batching system processor, and this information can be transmitted to one or more cloud processors for use by other slump monitoring systems that are communicating with the cloud. This allows a concrete producer, slump monitoring system manager, or construction site manager to maintain a history of changes that can help identify trends or anomalies in the data. For example, changes in water demand may occur with seasonal temperature variations (e.g., from summer to winter). Tracking both ambient temperature over time and when major changes in water demand occurred can help prepare the producer to make similar changes in the future. This data can also be useful if a problem arises with the strength or durability of the concrete and allow for review of whether the concrete was handled properly.

[079] In a second exemplary embodiment, which may be based on the first exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a method wherein, in step (A), a plurality of concrete mix loads are dosed and delivered and, in step (B), the diagnostic delta data curve is defined by a plurality of data points from the plurality of concrete mix load deliveries (from the concrete plant to the discharge event at the construction site), wherein at least one of the data points is based on both slump and water content targets being met (e.g., defined by a pair of slump Δ and H2O Δ values, each of which is calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and values ​​monitored during delivery, and wherein at least one slump and water content reaches target values, e.g., slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero; or are calibrated to equal zero).This example is based on using the differences between the target and monitored values ​​within a margin of error, for example, +1- 1.5 inches (in this case). Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 50 / 176 42 / 72 of slump Δ) and gallons per cubic yard (in the case of H2O Δ), preferably + / - 1.0, more preferably + / - 0.50, and most preferably + / - 0.25). When considering the differences between target values ​​and monitored values ​​in terms of ratios (e.g., monitored values ​​divided by target values), the margin of error can be represented as fractions or percentages, which will depend on the target value (e.g., a 25% margin of error for an 8-inch slump is 2 inches, but a margin of error of only 1 inch for a 4-inch slump).

[080] In a first aspect of the second exemplary embodiment, which may be based on the first exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic delta data curve is preferably formulated using a regression method (e.g., linear regression, nonlinear regression, machine learning) using slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​of the concrete mix deliveries where at least one pair of slump Δ and H2O Δ during the concrete mix delivery intersect (0, 0) in the case of subtractive differences and (1, 1) in the case of ratios. In other aspects, at least one pair of slump Δ and H2O Δ during the concrete mix delivery is within 1.5 inches in the case of slump Δ or 1.5 gallons per cubic yard in the case of H2O Δ, preferably 1.0, more preferably 0.50 and most preferably 0.25 in the case of subtractive differences.In cases where the difference is determined using proportions, the fraction or percentage margin of error will depend on the divisor (the target value) and may differ substantially from case to case.

[081] In a second aspect of the second exemplary modality, the plurality of data points preferably comprises at least ten concrete load deliveries made from the same mix design and, more preferably, at least twenty concrete load deliveries made from the same mix design. Designing a larger number of actual deliveries will allow Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 51 / 176 43 / 72 a more accurate set of curve data. In additional aspects, the plurality of data points preferably comprises concrete load deliveries that are similar to the mix design.

[082] In a third aspect of the second exemplary modality, the more recently collected data are weighted more than the less recently collected data during the application of the regression method (i.e., more recent data contribute more to the final regression than less recent data, thus having more impact on the final regression).

[083] In a fourth aspect of the second exemplary embodiment, the plurality of data points extracted from a series of deliveries of the concrete mix load is stored in the cloud or another remote memory location and is accessed by an automated slump monitoring processor system that monitors the concrete mix load.

[084] In a third exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to second exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a method in which, in the adjustment step (C), the adjustment is initiated by a concrete slump monitoring system based on the concrete delivery truck or by a concrete batching system at the concrete plant, wherein a system processor accesses a collection of protocols to adjust the concrete mix or mix design based on one or both slump Δ and H2O Δ calculated based on the differences between target and monitored values, is or are greater or less than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of ratios) and initiates at least one adjustment to the concrete mix or mix design or otherwise initiates an indication (e.g., a visual or audible alarm to the concrete producer, or to a dispatch center, or to the system supervisor) Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, p. 52 / 176 44 / 72 slump monitoring, etc.) in the sense that the concrete mix or concrete mix design requires that at least one adjustment be made.

[085] The term “protocol” is used in a general sense to refer to rules, procedures and / or data, or a combination thereof, as used in a device or transferred between devices or locations. For example, a “collection of protocols” may refer to different instructions for the incubation system processor (e.g., at the concrete plant of the concrete producer) or slump monitoring processor (e.g., based on the delivery truck) depending on slump Δ or H2O Δ.For example, if for a given delivery, slump Δ and H2O Δ (calculated based on subtractive differences between target and monitored values) were greater than zero, meaning the concrete was more fluid or workable (much greater slump) than desired or targeted, and an excess of water was added to the current delivery; then it would not be desirable (or sensible) to employ a protocol for that particular delivery that involved introducing additional water or even chemical plasticizer that would make the concrete even more fluid. An appropriate example protocol would be for the system processor to initiate other actions, such as triggering an indication, like a visual or audible alarm, or a message to a handheld device, such as a truck driver's monitor or an on-site project manager, to delay the concrete pouring.

[086] As another aspect of the third exemplary modality above, it can be considered that, if, for a given blending project, the majority of abatement Δ and H2O Δ of several deliveries were each greater than zero (for example, the average value for abatement Δ and the average value for H2O Δ were greater than zero in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of ratios), an appropriate exemplary protocol would be for the system processor to initiate other actions, as an indication that the Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 53 / 176 45 / 72 slump was too high, for example, alarm, warning sent to a smartphone device, such as to the manager on the construction site (see, for example, Figure 5 in 116, 114) or reduction of the water content of the mix design which would decrease the slump (see, for example, Figure 5 in 100, 102). If the water is reduced, the slump will also decrease. After the water is reduced, the resulting slump will be above the target, below the target, or right on target. If the resulting slump is below the target, an appropriate amount of plasticizer can be added to the mix design to bring the slump to the target (for example, at the concrete batching plant). If the resulting slump is above the target, an appropriate amount of plasticizer can be removed from the mix design to reduce the slump to the target.If most of the slump Δ and H2O Δ data points are above the DDD curve, the resulting slump is likely to be above target after reducing the water content in the mix design. Conversely, if most of the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are below the DDD curve, the resulting slump is likely to be below target after reducing the water content in the mix design. Thus, the DDD curve is a useful visual indicator. Where water decreases, the total strength of the resulting concrete may increase; and in such a situation, the amount of cement can be reduced to save costs as well as to lessen the carbon footprint of cement manufacturing on the environment.

[087] In another aspect of the third exemplary modality, if the concrete being delivered has a plurality (majority) of slump Δ and H2O Δ not equal to zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions), the concrete producer (e.g., concrete plant) may alter the respective targets so that the adjusted values ​​of slump Δ and H2O Δ are zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions). In this case, the concrete producer will likely change Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 54 / 176 46 / 72 the price of the mix design. If the concrete producer was consistently making concrete with a target slump of 5 inches, but was +3 inches above the target and using 30 gallons of water (so the water content was 2 gallons below the maximum), and the contractor favors such a product (while not actually achieving what was theoretically mandated through concrete mix properties), instead of adjusting the proportions of the batch product components, the producer could alter the mix design targets. This means that now the target values ​​are 5+3=8” (slump in inches) and 30-2=28 (water content in gallons), and the resulting new slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are set to zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions).

[088] In a fourth exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to third exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a method whereby a concrete mix is ​​detected to have both slump Δ and H2O Δ greater than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions) wherein these delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values, and a processor (e.g., the processor of a slump monitoring system on a delivery truck) initiates an indication that adjustment needs to be made to the mix design so that the discharge of the concrete contained in the mixing drum of a concrete delivery truck is delayed to allow the load slump to decrease over time (see, for example, Figure 5 in 110).

[089] In a first aspect based on the fourth exemplary modality, if it is discovered that a plurality of abatement Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are greater than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions), one of the system processors (e.g., abatement monitoring system in Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 55 / 176 47 / 72 delivery truck) can be programmed or configured to initiate an indication, for example, an alarm, a suggestion on the screen of a mobile device, such as at the concrete plant (see, for example, Figure 5 in 100, 102); or the portable screen of the construction site manager (see, for example, Figure 5 in 110, 114) to reduce the water content, additive content, cement content, or some combination thereof in a concrete mix charge or in the mix design.

[090] In a second aspect based on the fourth exemplary modality, other protocols can be initiated based on the reference of slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​as monitored in concrete mix loads and compared with the DDD curve information: such as (1) using the DDD to determine the amount of water to decrease; (2) decreasing water and mix if the plurality of slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​is greater than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions); (3) decreasing water and increasing the mix if the plurality of slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​is less than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions); (4) taking the mean or median or mode of the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​and determining if the mean, median, mode or combination thereof is greater than zero (in the case of subtractive differences;one in the case of proportions) and, in addition, to determine whether these values ​​are above or below DDD, or a combination thereof.

[091] In a fifth exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a method whereby, when a concrete mix is ​​detected to have both slump Δ and H2O Δ less than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions), where these delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values, a processor initiates an adjustment in a Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, p. 56 / 176 48 / 72 concrete mix or mix design for the purpose of adding more water or plasticizer to a concrete mix or including it in a concrete mix design (e.g., so that the next batch of concrete made is closer to the target values); or a processor initiates an indication or adjustment that more water or chemical plasticizer should be added in future concrete mix loads or in the concrete mix design. For example, the processor of a slump monitoring system on board a concrete delivery truck or in the cloud can be programmed to send the indication or adjustment information to the processor of the concrete plant's computer system.(See, for example, Figure 5, truck scrap monitoring systems in 166 / 110 / 112 communicating with the cloud system (108) or processor(s) which system processor(s) communicate(s) with the designated concrete plant system processor(s) in (100, 102).

[092] In a first aspect based on the fifth exemplary embodiment, the processor of a slump monitoring system determines slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​for a delivered or being delivered load of concrete; and, before or at the time the concrete delivery truck returns to the concrete plant, the processor communicates with an operator or processor at the concrete plant, such as providing a visual or audible alert or instructions on adding more water, plasticizer, or both, so that these can be adjusted and managed in the next load or loads of concrete to be grouped onto a delivery truck. (See, for example, Figure 5, and the previous discussion on the relationship between truck-based monitoring system processor(s) and batch system processor(s) and possible communication to monitor the screen on-site, as connected via cloud processors). Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 57 / 176 49 / 72

[093] In a second aspect based on the fifth exemplary modality, where a plurality of slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are less than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions) for the concrete mix design, a processor (of the batch or truck-based slump monitoring system) initiates an indication to increase the water content, plasticizer content, cement content or a combination thereof in the concrete mix or mix design.

[094] In a third aspect based on the fifth exemplary modality, other protocols can be initiated based on the reference of slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​as monitored for concrete mix loads and compared with the DDD curve information: (1) using the DDD Curve to determine the amount of water to increase; (2) increase water and plasticizer if the plurality of slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are less than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions); (3) increase water and decrease plasticizer if the plurality of slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​is less than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions); (4) take the mean or median or mode of the values ​​of abatement Δ and H2O Δ and determine if the mean, median, mode or combination thereof is less than zero (in the case of subtractive differences;one in the case of proportions) and, in addition, to determine whether these values ​​are above or below DDD, or a combination thereof.

[095] In a sixth exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to fifth exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a method whereby, when a concrete mix is ​​detected as having slump Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of proportions) and H2O Δ < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of proportions), where these values Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 58 / 176 50 / 72 delta is calculated based on the differences between target values ​​and monitored values, a processor initiates an indication that the pouring of a concrete mix load into a mixing drum of the delivery truck should be delayed to allow the load slump to decrease over time; or, alternatively, initiates an indication that an adjustment should be made to the concrete mix design, or otherwise initiates an adjustment, the adjustment being chosen from altering the water content or amount of chemical plasticizer or their relative proportions (and, optionally, altering the amounts or proportions of cement content, aggregate content or a combination thereof).

[096] In a first aspect of the sixth exemplary embodiment, where a plurality of slump values ​​Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios) and H2O values ​​Δ < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios) for the mix design, a processor initiates an indication to increase the water content, decrease the plasticizer content, increase the cement content, or a combination thereof. (See, for example, Figure 5, and the previous discussion on the relationship between truck-based monitoring system processor(s) and batch system processor(s) and possible communication to monitor the screen on-site, as connected via cloud processors).

[097] In a second aspect of the sixth exemplary modality, other protocols can be initiated based on the reference values ​​of slump Δ and H2O Δ as monitored in concrete mix loads and compared with the information from the DDD curve: (1) using the DDD to determine the amount of water to add; (2) taking the mean or median or mode of the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​and determining whether the mean, median, mode or combination thereof are Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 59 / 176 51 / 72 less than zero or greater than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions), or a combination thereof.

[098] In a seventh exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a method whereby, when a concrete mix is ​​detected to have slump Δ < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of proportions) and H2O Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of proportions), wherein these delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between target values ​​and monitored values, a processor initiates an indication that an adjustment to the concrete mix or mix design should be made, or otherwise makes an adjustment to the concrete mix or mix design, the adjustment comprising the addition of plasticizer, addition of aggregate, addition of cement or a combination thereof.

[099] In a first aspect of the seventh exemplary embodiment, where a plurality of slump values ​​Δ < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios) and H2O values ​​Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios) for the same (or similar) mix design, a processor initiates an indication to decrease the water content, increase the plasticizer content, decrease the cement content, or to obtain a combination thereof. (See, for example, Figure 5, and the previous discussion on the relationship between truck-based monitoring system processor(s) and batch system processor(s) and possible communication to monitor the screen on-site, as connected via cloud processors).

[0100] In a second aspect based on the seventh exemplary modality, the processor initiates a protocol to adjust a concrete mix or mix design, based on the reference values ​​of slump Δ and H2O Δ, as Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 60 / 176 52 / 72 monitored in concrete mix loads and compared with DDD curve information: (1) using the DDD to determine the amount of water to reduce; (2) taking the mean or median or mode of the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​and determining whether the mean, median, mode or combination thereof is less than or greater than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions), or a combination thereof.

[0101] In an eighth exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to seventh exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a method whereby at least three protocols are (stored in memory accessible to the processor of a concrete mixing plant or monitoring system or in the cloud) available for access by a processor of a slump or dosage monitoring system, the protocols comprising at least one adjustment or indication that an adjustment needs to be made to a mix or mix design, with respect to where (A) both slump Δ and H2O Δ are > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios); (B) both slump Δ and H2O Δ are < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios); and (C) abatement Δ < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of proportions) and H2O Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences;1 in the case of ratios), or abatement Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios) and H2O Δ < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios); where these delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between target values ​​and monitored values; and where the processor accesses and executes at least one of said protocols depending on whether one or both abatement Δ and H2O Δ are greater than or equal to zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of ratios). Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 61 / 176 53 / 72

[0102] In a ninth exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to eighth exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a method in which the slump Δ and H2O Δ are calculated for a current delivery concrete mix load, wherein these delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between target values ​​and monitored values, and based on a comparison with the DDD curve for the mix design, a processor sends a warning or indication to a concrete plant operator or batching system processor that the concrete mix design requires adjustment, the adjustment comprising at least one change in the content of water, plasticizer, cement, aggregates or a combination thereof, or in the relative proportions of any of the foregoing components, wherein subsequent concrete loads of the mix design are determined to have an adjustment of slump Δ, H2O Δ,or both towards the state where Δ or H2O Δ or both values ​​are closer to zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions).

[0103] This exemplary embodiment refers to making or recommending “incremental” adjustments to the concrete mix charge or mix design. The present inventors believe that there may be production situations where large changes should be avoided, such as changes in water content that may result from sudden rainfall or traffic delays on extremely hot days. Consequently, the necessary change in the underlying concrete mix design may not be as necessary as an automated slump monitoring device system empirically (at present) interprets it to be. As more data is acquired after many monitored deliveries, the present inventors believe that adjustments to the concrete mix or mix designs will become more accurate. Thus, for example, a monitoring system processor (or cloud processors) Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 62 / 176 54 / 72 with which it may be in communication) can communicate with a processor in the concrete producer's batching system to automatically make changes based on predefined "increments" for concrete constituents (e.g., 10 pcy (pounds per cubic yard of concrete) of cement, 0.5 gpy (gallons per cubic yard of concrete) of water, 0.2 oz / cwt (fluid ounces per 100 pounds of cement) of additive) and send an indication that a change has been made automatically.

[0104] In a tenth exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to ninth exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a method in which a diagnostic delta data curve is visually illustrated on a screen device, crossing two perpendicular axes that define four quadrants, wherein a first quadrant corresponds to abatement Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios) and H2O Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios); a second quadrant corresponds to abatement Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios) and H2O Δ < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios); a third quadrant corresponds to abatement Δ < 0 and H2O Δ < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of ratios); and a fourth quadrant corresponds to a reduction Δ < 0 (in the case of subtractive differences;1 in the case of proportions) and H2O Δ > 0 (in the case of subtractive differences; 1 in the case of proportions); and where these delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between target values ​​and monitored values.

[0105] In a first aspect of this tenth exemplary embodiment, an example of a screen device includes a cell phone screen, laptop screen or other electronic device.

[0106] In an eleventh exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to tenth exemplary embodiments, the present Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 63 / 176 55 / 72 invention provides a method in which the diagnostic delta data curve is illustrated as intersecting both the vertical axis and the horizontal axis at a common point. As shown in Figure 2, the diagnostic delta data curve is shown intersecting at a common point (0, 0) where the difference is calculated as a subtractive difference. For cases where ratios are used, the common point would be (1, 1).

[0107] In a twelfth exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to eleventh exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a method wherein an automated slump monitoring system detects that the slump Δ exceeds 5 inches, and H2O Δ exceeds 5 gallons per yard of concrete (more preferably 3 inches or gpy, and most preferably 1 inch or gpy), wherein these delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between target values ​​and monitored values, and the slump monitoring system sends an indication to a concrete plant operator to adjust the concrete mix design and illustrates the monitored values ​​of slump Δ and H2O Δ as a data point on the diagnostic delta data curve illustrated as intersecting both the vertical axis and the horizontal axis at a common point,and the data point is shown as plotted as not coinciding with the diagnostic delta data curve.

[0108] In a first aspect of this twelfth exemplary embodiment, the monitoring system can also communicate with another processor (for example, the batch system processor) to automatically make a change (to the concrete mix or mix design).

[0109] In a thirteenth exemplary modality, which may be based on any of the first to twelfth exemplary modalities, the Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, p. 64 / 176 56 / 72 The present invention provides a method whereby at least one data point is illustrated in relation to the diagnostic delta data curve on a monitor screen, wherein the method further comprises providing an interactive data retrieval function whereby a user touches the monitor screen at one of the four quadrant locations defined by the intersection of the vertical and horizontal axes, thereby activating data retrieval which comprises concrete mix data information from a concrete producer on the monitor screen.

[0110] In a first aspect of the thirteenth exemplary modality, data retrieval includes data relating to the available inventory of the concrete producer, chosen from the type or quantity of cement, type or quantity of plasticizer, type or quantity of aggregate, or combinations thereof. For example, the user can decide how a mix can be adjusted based on the available stock. This provides real-time adjustment capabilities for experienced concrete producers. This ability to recall available stock can also allow a project manager to visualize different adjustment possibilities for a concrete producer. This visualization of the four quadrants and the diagnostic delta data curve can be provided to various stakeholders simultaneously, from the concrete producer to the project manager, etc., to allow for fine-tuning of the concrete mix or mix design.

[0111] In a fourteenth exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the first to thirteenth exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a system comprising: at least one slump monitoring system for monitoring slump and water content and additions in a concrete mix charge contained in rotating mixing drums on concrete delivery trucks, the system having sensors for monitoring Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 65 / 176 57 / 72 slump and water additions introduced into the concrete load, the sensors communicating with a slump monitoring system processor, characterized in that the processor is configured or programmed to execute the method according to any one through fourteen of claims. See, for example, Figure 5, and the previous discussion of the relationship between truck-based monitoring system processor(s) and batch system processor(s) and possible communication to monitor the on-site screen, as connected via cloud processors.

[0112] In a fifteenth exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method for effecting or improving the processor-driven adjustment for a concrete mix design or concrete mix design, comprising: (A) collect slump and water content data, using at least one slump monitoring system, from a plurality of concrete mix load deliveries made from a concrete mix design; (B) Calculate a slump delta value (slump Δ) and a water content delta value (H2O Δ) for the plurality of deliveries, wherein: slump Δ value is calculated as a difference (e.g., subtractive difference or ratio) between a target slump value (e.g., as presented on a batching ticket) for at least one batch of concrete mix and the slump value obtained for at least one batch of concrete mix during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site (e.g., during transit from the concrete plant to the construction site, during unloading / pouring); and H2O Δ value is calculated based on a difference (e.g., subtractive difference or ratio) between a maximum or target water content (e.g., as indicated on a batching ticket, received from the concrete producer or its batch processor, received from the dispatch center) to Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 66 / 176 58 / 72 at least one batch of concrete mix and the water content value as determined for the concrete mix during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site; (C) establish a diagnostic delta data curve defined by at least two data points selected from data obtained from the plurality of concrete deliveries, at least one data point of which contains slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero (+ / - 1.5 inches in the case of slump Δ, + / -1.5 gallons per cubic yard of concrete in the case of H2O Δ), preferably 1.0, more preferably 0.50, most preferably 0.25 in each case) (in the case of subtractive differences; slump Δ = H2O Δ = one in the case of proportions), and wherein at least one other data point relates to at least one concrete load delivery in which at least one of slump Δ and H2O Δ (and more preferably both) are less than or greater than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of proportions); and where delta values ​​are calculated based on differences between target values ​​and monitored values;(D) adjust a concrete mix or mix design based on a comparison of slump Δ and H2O Δ of a concrete mix load delivery with the diagnostic curve delta data, the adjustment being made in terms of cement, plasticizer, or amount or proportion of cement with the concrete mix or mix design; and (E) make or adjust a concrete mix or mix design subsequent to the adjustment in step (C), and subsequently make a new concrete mix that reflects the adjustment made to the concrete mix or mix design.

[0113] In a sixteenth exemplary embodiment, which may be based on the fifteenth exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method that Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 67 / 176 59 / 72 further comprises displaying on the visual display screen the calculated diagnostic delta data curve of abatement Δ and H2O Δ obtained from at least 10 deliveries (more preferably at least 50 deliveries, and most preferably at least 100 deliveries), the curve illustrated as having a point where abatement Δ and H2O Δ are both equal to zero (in the case of subtractive differences; one in the case of ratios), which intersect the horizontal axis and vertical axis at (0, 0) (in the case of subtractive differences; (1, 1) in the case of ratios), wherein the horizontal axis indicates H2O Δ and the vertical axis indicates abatement Δ.

[0114] In a seventeenth exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising: collecting slump Δ and H2O Δ data pairs from a plurality of delivered concrete loads using a slump monitoring device on at least one concrete delivery truck, deriving a “diagnostic delta data” (DDD) curve (i.e., a visual profile) based on a curvilinear relationship of normalized and / or averaged slump Δ and H2O Δ data pairs wherein, in at least one of the pairs, the target slump and target water content have been achieved (e.g., where slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero (+ / - 1.5 inches in the case of slump Δ; + / - 1.5 gallons per cubic yard of concrete in the case of H2O Δ; preferably 1.0, more preferably 0.50, most preferably 0.25 in each case) in the case of subtractive differences; abatement Δ = H2O Δ = one in the case of proportions);and display, on a monitor or screen, the DDD curve that intersects two perpendicular axes (for example, at or near (0, 0) in the case of subtractive differences and (1, 1) in the case of ratios) and display further, in spaced relation to the DDD curve, at least one pair of slump Δ, H2O Δ data (and preferably a plurality of such data pairs), which in other exemplary embodiments may be obtained from another or subsequent concrete mix delivery, wherein; Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 68 / 176 60 / 72 minus one or both of the abatement Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are less than or greater than zero (in the case of subtractive differences; abatement Δ = H2O Δ = one in the case of proportions). (In this example, the delta values ​​for abatement and water are calculated based on differences between target and monitored values).

[0115] In another exemplary embodiment, which may be based on any of the preceding embodiments, the invention provides a method or system wherein slump data and water content data from at least one delivery of concrete, wherein slump and water content targets have been met (for example, wherein at least one pair of slump Δ, H2O Δ data are both equal to zero where subtractive differences are used and therefore plottable on (0, 0) or are both equal to one where ratios are used and therefore plottable on (1, 1); and wherein a quadrant is generated and illustrated on a monitor screen; and wherein (A) a DDD curve is displayed as intersecting perpendicular lines representing the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​(as exemplified in Figures 1 and 2);(B) Information about adjustments of cement, plasticizer, water, or a combination thereof is displayed within a given quadrant (for example, information of the type found in columns and rows of the graph in Figure 3); or (C) where the monitor screen can be toggled or switched to combine the information from (A) and (B).

[0116] In still other exemplary embodiments, the inventors believe that determining a particular pair of slump Δ, H2O Δ (point) data within a specific quadrant section (as established once a DDD curve is obtained), without necessarily determining the location of the point relative to the DDD curve itself, can be useful for making coarse adjustments to the concrete mix or mix design. An exemplary method of the present invention for adjusting a concrete mix charge or mix design comprises: (A) incubating by Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 69 / 176 61 / 72 less a batch of concrete mix using a concrete mix design, in a concrete mixing drum, and calculate for at least one batch of concrete mix a slump delta (slump Δ) value and a water content delta (H2O Δ) value wherein: (i) slump Δ value is calculated as the difference between a target slump value (e.g., as presented on a batching ticket) for at least one batch of concrete mix and the slump value obtained for at least one batch of concrete mix during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site (e.g., during transit from the concrete plant to the construction site, during unloading / pouring);(ii) the H2O Δ value is calculated as the difference between a maximum target water content (e.g., as indicated on a batching ticket received from the concrete producer or its batch processor, received from the dispatch center) for at least one batch of concrete mix and the water content value as determined for the concrete mix during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site; (B) compare the slump Δ and H2O Δ obtained with two perpendicular axes comprising a horizontal axis representing slump Δ equal to zero and a vertical axis representing H2O Δ equal to zero;(C) adjust, or provide an indication of adjustment for, based on the location of the obtained delta values ​​relative to the axes, at least one of the following properties chosen from: slump, water content, cement content, chemical plasticizer content, aggregate content, or a combination thereof, in at least one concrete mix charge or a concrete mix design from which at least one concrete mix charge was proportioned and delivering at least one concrete mix charge to a construction site after the adjustment is made to the mix charge or proportion of at least one concrete mix charge using the adjusted concrete mix design after the adjustment is made. Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, pp. 70 / 176 62 / 72

[0117] Although the invention is described in this document using a limited number of embodiments, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. There are modifications and variations of the embodiments described. More specifically, the following examples are given as a specific illustration of the embodiments of the claimed invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details presented in the examples. All parts and percentages in the examples, as well as in the remainder of the specification, are in percent weight unless otherwise specified.

[0118] Furthermore, any range of numbers cited in the descriptive report or claims, such as that representing a particular set of properties, units of measurement, conditions, physical states, or percentages, is intended to literally incorporate herein, expressly by reference or otherwise, any number falling within such range, including any subset of numbers within any such range. For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, RL, and an upper limit, RU, is disclosed, any number R falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers R within the range are specifically disclosed: R = RL + k*(RU - RL), where k is a variable ranging from 1% to 100% with an increment of 1%, for example, k is 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%. ... 50%, 51%, 52% ... 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.Furthermore, any numerical range represented by any two values ​​of R, as calculated above, is also specifically disclosed. Example 1

[0119] In an exemplary method of the invention, an automated abatement monitoring system (for example, the Verifi® Monitoring System from GCP Applied Technologies Inc. of Cambridge, MA) is used to acquire various Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 71 / 176 63 / 72 slump data and water content data over a period of 3 to 12 months. The data are collected and examined as discussed below. The slump delta value (slump Δ) and water content delta value (H2O Δ) are calculated based on differences between target (or maximum) values ​​minus the monitored values ​​of the concrete during delivery, for ease of explanation and illustration.

[0120] The data included consideration of the following properties and delivery states of the concrete mix charge: a strength indication expressed as a delta water content value (H2O Δ) which is calculated as a target water content (or a maximum water content indicated by the concrete producer on the batching ticket) less the dosed water and the amounts of water added relative to the same events or points during delivery (then H2O Δ in gallons per cubic yard, gpy); a rheology or slump indication expressed as a delta slump value (Slump Δ) which is calculated as a target slump less the slump value at the same events or points during delivery (slump Δ in inches, in); as well as the age of the concrete (expressed in minutes after the initial batch mixing).

[0121] The graph in Figure 1 shows H2O Δ (horizontal axis) plotted against slump Δ (vertical axis) and illustrated as points. Each point is colored to indicate the age of the concrete, and a colored bar is provided below the main graph in Figure 1 to indicate the age in terms of time since the initial mixing of the components to form the concrete.

[0122] Parallel to the horizontal axis is a histogram of abatement Δ, while parallel to the x-axis is a histogram of H2O Δ. Overlaid are “x” markers representing delivery data where at least one abatement target and water content was achieved (H2O Δ = abatement Δ = zero). In other words, if Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 72 / 176 64 / 72 during concrete delivery, if there are four data points (pairs of H2O Δ, slump Δ), and one of them hits the target (H2O Δ = slump Δ = zero), all four data points would be represented as “x” markers. Deviation of the other three data points from (0, 0) indicates water efficiency. Using these points plotted at (0, 0) on the graph helped visualize a basic nonlinear regression whereby an exponential curve can be visualized between the data points. This nonlinear relationship is termed the “diagnostic delta data” (DDD) curve, which is useful for adjusting the concrete mix or mix design, or otherwise illustrating to a concrete producer, project manager, or other manager the state of the concrete mix.

[0123] The constellations of data points are resolved on the DDD curve, illustrated as shown in Figure 2, in which four quadrants are defined by the vertical axis (abatement Δ) and horizontal axis (-H2O), Δ and can be derived, for example, by calculating the average of the points to obtain a curvilinear shape that intercepts (0, 0) which represents the data point where H2O Δ = abatement Δ = zero.

[0124] For example, if one or more batches of concrete mix are monitored for slump and water content and shown to have data points for slump Δ and H2O Δ appearing in Quadrant 2 (See Figures 1 and 2), this means that the concrete slump is below target, while the water content is above target. Thus, an appropriate protocol would include instructions for the slump monitor or batch system processor (or for the slump monitoring system processor to send indications to the concrete producer or the concrete batching plant system processor) to not allow further quantities of water or added water into the concrete mix; but instead, the system processor is instructed to prescribe or effect added or additional quantities of chemical plasticizer (e.g., a high-range water reducer) to increase the Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, page 73 / 176 65 / 72 concrete slump towards or toward the target slump value. Alternatively, or in combination with the example action above, the slump monitoring system processor can send indications to the concrete plant (concrete producer) that the concrete mix design should be changed to decrease the amount of water dosed or target water content, downwards to avoid exceeding the target water content. With the decrease in water content, the strength is likely to increase, so the cement content can also be adjusted downwards in the mix design. Example 2

[0125] As another example, if one or more batches of concrete mix are monitored for slump and water content and data points for slump Δ and H2O Δ are shown appearing in Quadrant 4 (See Figures 1 and 2): this means that the concrete slump is above target, while the water content is below target. In this case, no adjustment is recommended for the current delivery, as the result is that the strength value of the delivered concrete would exceed the target. For subsequent deliveries, however, the amount of chemical plasticizer in the concrete mix design can be decreased and replaced with water to meet the slump and water targets. Example 3

[0126] The present inventors observe that for concrete mix loads that are monitored for slump and water content, wherein the slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are plotted and one or more data points are found in quadrants 1 and 3 (see Figures 1 and 2), the appropriate action to be taken for a given concrete delivery load, or the mix design that will be used to make subsequent concrete loads to be delivered, may depend on whether, Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 74 / 176 66 / 72 for a given H2O Δ data point currently monitored, the abatement value Δ is above or below the DDD curve.

[0127] The appreciation of the DDD curve (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) can be improved by reference to the exemplary protocol adjustments summarized in Figures 3 (for specific situations). These exemplary adjustment protocols include increasing or decreasing water, chemical plasticizer, and / or cement.

[0128] Thus, for example, in concrete mixtures where slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are calculated and, when plotted against the DDD curve and located in Quadrant 1, both slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​will be understood as being above their respective target slump and water content levels. For points above the DDD curve (see, for example, 24 in Figure 2), a reduction in water and mixture would be recommended, while for points below the DDD curve (see, for example, 26 in Figure 2), a reduction in water and an increase in the amount of plasticizer would be a suitable exemplary adjustment protocol.

[0129] Furthermore, to reduce water content for both, cement can be removed from subsequent mixtures. Thus, the concrete mix design can be adjusted to reduce the amount of cement and therefore avoid the amount of carbon dioxide associated with cement manufacturing.

[0130] For points that fall within Quadrant 3, the monitored slump and water content are below target values; and thus, for those points above the DDD curve (see, for example, 28 in Figure 2), a water increase is sufficient. However, for points below the DDD curve (see, for example, 30 in Figure 2), a water increase alone would result in exceeding the water limit and therefore a plasticizer is required. Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, pp. 75-176 67 / 72

[0131] It is noted here that, although the present inventors use the phrases “points above the DDD curve” and “points below the DDD curve”, due to the variability of factors (e.g., raw materials, cement, nature of aggregates, etc.) in concrete production processes, there may be a margin of error (e.g., + / - 0.5 inch of slump, + / - 0.5 gallon of water) such that the location of a point above or below the line does not necessarily trigger an adjustment. It may be more appropriate to speak of the location of the point representing a slump value Δ, of H2O Δ as being “above” or “below” a “band”, rather than a line. However, the phraseology “above / below the line” has been employed for ease of discussion in this descriptive report. Therefore, this example illustrates the use of the DDD curve in decision-making for current and subsequent deliveries. Example 4

[0132] Linear regression analysis for deriving the DDD curve. For a given concrete mix design, an exemplary selection of concrete load deliveries (as selected from a database of stored deliveries in which slump and water content have been recorded) can be made based on a group of deliveries with one or more deliveries in which the slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero (e.g., illustrated at (0, 0) in Figures 1 to 2); or, if not (0, 0), then within an acceptable tolerance, such as slump + / - 0.5 inch and water content + / - 0.5 gallon per cubic yard (gpy) of concrete.This subset can be further refined using additional criteria, for example, same time periods (e.g., same week), same initial slump values ​​(e.g., 4” slump), same plants where the concrete was produced and batched into trucks, same contractors who place the concrete on the job site, same age of the concrete (e.g., 100 to 150 rotations after batching or 30 to 45 minutes). Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, pp. 76-176 68 / 72 after dosing, etc. It is preferable to at least refine the dataset by excluding any deliveries where a chemical plasticizer was added and affected the slump.

[0133] The values ​​of the refined delta water content can be taken as the independent variable, x; and the refined delta abatement values ​​can be considered as the dependent variable, y. Other data processing techniques, such as outlier detection and removal, can be performed to remove erroneous data. With the x and y data, different regression techniques can be applied, such as linear regression. In Figures 1 and 2, a regression analysis was performed to fit the data to an equation of the form: y = a*exp(-b*x) + c, where a, b, c are fitting parameters and exp is the exponential function. Methods such as the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm can be used to determine the fitting parameters a, b, c. In this case, a = -3.82, b = 0.278 and c = 3.99.

[0134] Equations of different forms can be used, such as y = a*x + b (simple linear function), as well as other forms, including other polynomials, powers, logarithms, etc. Points 20 to 30 shown in Figure 2, for example, may represent single deliveries or averages of multiple deliveries of concrete made from a mix design. In Quadrant 1, 24 represents a delivery or average of multiple deliveries that is 4.5 gpy high and 4.6” wide. In one scenario, the producer may want to reduce the water by 4.5 gpy.

[0135] The resulting change in slump can be determined, for example, using the DDD curve. Using the equation y = a*exp(-b*x) + c, and taking x as 4.5, then y = -3.82*exp(-0.278*x) + 3.99 and therefore y = 2.9, which implies that a drop in slump of 2.9 inches would result from a change of 4.5 gpy. An estimate of the new position for 24 is (0, 1.7). It is estimated that the slump will remain above the target, so the amount of plasticizer can be reduced in the mixture or in the Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, pp. 77 / 176 69 / 72 mix design. This can be calculated using, for example, a nominal dosage curve (see, for example, US Patent 8,311,678 or 9,789,629). Alternatively, the effect of the plasticizer on slump can be estimated using a rule of thumb (e.g., 1 fluid ounce of plasticizer per cubic yard of concrete increases the slump by one inch). Thus, the plasticizer can be reduced by 1.7 opy (ounces per cubic yard) to achieve (0, 0).

[0136] Furthermore, it is likely that with the reduction of water and the subsequent water / cement ratio (w / c), the strength of the resulting concrete will increase. In this case, it may be beneficial to remove cement using a known relationship between w / c, cement, and strength. These relationships can be developed in the laboratory or, preferably, based on actual field data. First, the increase in strength can be determined by knowing the decrease in p / cm. Then, the reduction in cement can be calculated based on the increase in strength. Alternatively, the cement can be adjusted to maintain the original w / c ratio.

[0137] In Quadrant 1 of Figure 2, the point designated at 26 represents a delivery or average of multiple deliveries that is 7.7 gpy high and 1.0” wide. In one scenario, the producer may want to reduce the water by 7.7 gpy. The resulting change in slump can be determined, for example, using the DDD curve. Plugging 7.7 as x into y = -3.82*exp(-0.278*x) + 3.99 results in 3.5. Thus, it is estimated that the slump of 3.5” changes with the addition of 7.7 gpy of water. An estimate of the new position for 24 is shown in Figure 2 as (0, -2.5). It is estimated that the slump is now below the target. Thus, the amount of plasticizer in the concrete can be increased. This can be calculated using, for example, a nominal dose curve (see, for example, US Patent 8,311,678 or 9,789,629) or the rule of thumb for chemical plasticizer addition (e.g., 1” increase in slump per 1” increase in slump). Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, pp. 78 / 176 70 / 72 concrete). In the latter case, the amount of plasticizer can be increased by 2.5 opy (ounces per cubic yard) to achieve (0, 0). The concrete strength will likely increase and the cement can be adjusted to maintain the original strength.

[0138] In Quadrant 1 of Figure 2, the point designated at 20 represents a delivery or average of several deliveries that is 4.3 gpy high and 1.7” low. In an example situation, the concrete producer may want to reduce the water by 4.3 gpy. The resulting change in slump can be determined, for example, using the DDD curve. Inserting 4.3 as x in the equation, y = -3.82*exp(-0.278*x) + 3.99, results in 2.8. Thus, an estimated 2.8” drop in slump can be expected with a water reduction of 4.3 gpy. Thus, an estimate of the new position for the point designated at 24 in Figure 2 is (0, -4.5). It is now estimated that the slump is still below the target. Thus, the amount of plasticizer can be increased. This can be calculated using, for example, a nominal dose curve (see, for example, US Patent 8,311,678 or 9,789,629); or, alternatively, using the rule of thumb whereby the dose of plasticizer for 1 opy of concrete achieves a 1” increase in slump.In the last case, the amount of plasticizer can be increased by 4.5 opy (ounces per cubic yard), to achieve (0, 0) Again, the strength tends to increase and the cement can be adjusted as mentioned before to maintain the original strength.

[0139] In Quadrant 1 of Figure 2, the point designated at 30 represents a delivery or average of several deliveries that is 0.7 gpy low and 4.8” low. In one scenario, the producer may want to increase water by 0.7 gpy. The resulting change in abatement can be determined, for example, using the DDD curve. Inserting -0.7 as x in the equation, y = -3.82*exp(-0.278 x) + 3.99, results in -0.66. Consequently, an estimated increase of 0.66” in abatement can be expected with a water increase of 0.7 gpy. Thus, an estimate of the new position for 24 as designated in Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, pp. 79 / 176 71 / 72 Figure 2 would be (0, -4, 1). The slump is now estimated to remain below the target; thus, the amount of plasticizer can be increased. This can be calculated using, for example, a nominal dosage curve (see the patents cited above); or using the rule of thumb for the specific plasticizer (e.g., 1 copy provides a 1” increase in slump). In the latter case, the plasticizer dosage can be increased by 4.1 opy (ounces per cubic yard) to achieve (0, 0). In this case, the strength may decrease with increasing w / c ratio. The cement can be adjusted as mentioned previously to maintain the original strength.

[0140] In Quadrant 3 of Figure 2, the point designated at 28 represents a delivery or average of several deliveries that is 6.0 gpy low in terms of water and 1.4” low in terms of abatement. In one scenario, the producer may want to increase water by 6.0 gpy. The resulting change in abatement can be determined, for example, using the DDD curve. Inserting -6.0 as x in the equation, y = -3.82*exp(-0.278*x) + 3.99, results in 16.3. Thus, an estimated increase of 16.3” in abatement can be expected with a 6.0 gpa increase in water. Thus, an estimate of the new position for the point designated at 24 in Figure 2 would be (0, 14.9). The abatement is now estimated to be above the target. Therefore, the amount of plasticizer can be decreased. The abatement values ​​cannot actually exceed 12” and therefore this abatement prediction is not valid. One can simply choose to replace 14.9 with 12 or simply continue calculating the mixture reduction.This can be calculated using, for example, a nominal dose curve; or alternatively a rule of thumb can be used for the plasticizer (e.g., 1” increase in saturation per 1 opy). In the latter case, the mixture can be decreased by 14.9 opy (ounces per cubic yard) to achieve (0, 0). Again, the strength is likely to decrease and can be adjusted as mentioned earlier. Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, page 80 / 176 72 / 72

[0141] In Quadrant 3 of Figure 2, the point designated at 22 represents a delivery or average of multiple deliveries that is 2.5 gallons per yard (gpy) low in water content and 1.3” high in slump value. As an example, the concrete producer may want to increase the water by 2.5 gpy. The resulting change in slump can be determined, for example, using the DDD curve. Inserting the number -2.5 as x in the equation, y = - 3.82*exp(-0.278 x) + 3.99, one therefore obtains -3.7. Thus, one can expect an estimated increase of 3.7” in slump with the increase in water by 2.5 gpy. Thus, an estimate of the new position for the point designated at 24 in Figure 2 would be (0, 5). The slump is now estimated to be above the target. Therefore, the amount of admixture can be decreased.This can be calculated using, for example, a nominal dosage curve; or, alternatively, a rule of thumb can be used for the plasticizer (e.g., 1” increase in slump per 1 ounce per yard or opy of concrete). In the latter case, the mix can be decreased by 5 opy (ounces per cubic yard) to achieve (0, 0). Again, the strength is likely to decrease and can be adjusted as mentioned earlier.

[0142] In all these cases, an “incremental” approach is preferred. A check can be made after each increment, reducing the risk of incorrect calculation. Where the amount of plasticizer must be reduced, it may not be possible to reduce it. However, a person skilled in the art will understand from these teachings that other changes to the mix design can be made, monitored, and implemented to decrease the slump: for example, adjusting the sand / gravel ratio or the aggregate / cement ratio.

[0143] The foregoing example and embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Petition 870260034213, dated April 13, 2026, p. 81 / 176

Claims

1 / 9 CLAIMS 1. Method for adjusting a concrete mix or mix design, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: (A) dosing at least one batch of concrete mix using a concrete mix design, in a concrete mixing drum, and calculating for at least one batch of concrete mix a slump delta value (Slump Δ) and a water content delta value (H2O Δ) wherein: i. Slump value Δ is calculated based on differences between a target slump value for at least one batch of concrete mix and the slump value obtained for at least one concrete mix during delivery thereof from a concrete plant to a construction site;and ii. The H2O Δ value is calculated based on differences between a maximum target water content for at least one concrete mix load and the water content value as determined for the concrete mix during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site; (B) compare the slump Δ and H2O Δ obtained with a diagnostic delta data curve defined by at least two data points, wherein each of the at least two data points is based on at least one concrete load delivery in which both the target slump and water content are met and wherein at least one other data point relates to at least one concrete load delivery in which at least one or both of the slump and water contents are not met;and (C) adjust or provide an indication of adjustment for at least one of the following properties chosen from: slump, water content, cement content, chemical plasticizer content, aggregate content, or a combination thereof, in accordance with Petition 870260034213, dated 13 / 04 / 2026, page 82 / 176 2 / 9, at least one concrete mix charge or a concrete mix design from which at least one concrete mix charge was proportioned, and deliver at least one concrete mix charge to a construction site after the adjustment is made to the mix charge or proportion at least one concrete mix charge using the adjusted concrete mix design after the adjustment is made.

2. Method according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that in step (A), a plurality of concrete mix loads is dosed and delivered and, in step (B), the diagnostic delta data curve is defined by a plurality of data points from the plurality of concrete mix load deliveries wherein at least one of the data points is based on slump and water content targets being met.

3. Method according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that in the adjustment step (C), the adjustment is initiated by a concrete slump monitoring system based on the concrete delivery truck or by a concrete batching system at the concrete plant, wherein a system processor accesses a collection of protocols to adjust the concrete mix or mix design based on whether one or both of the slump and water content targets are met and initiates at least one adjustment to the concrete mix or mix design or otherwise initiates an indication to the effect that the concrete mix or the concrete mix design requires at least one adjustment to be made.

4. Method, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that when a concrete mix is ​​detected as having both slump Δ and H2O Δ greater than zero, where these delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values, a processor initiates an indication that this adjustment needs to be made to the mix design so that the discharge of the concrete contained in the mixer drum of a concrete delivery truck is delayed to allow the slump of the load to decrease over time.

5. Method, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that when a concrete mix is ​​detected as having both slump Δ and H2O Δ less than zero, where these delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values, a processor initiates an adjustment to a concrete mix or mix design in the sense that more water or plasticizer is added to a concrete mix or included in a concrete mix design; or a processor initiates an indication or adjustment that more water or chemical plasticizer should be added in future concrete mix batches or in the concrete mix design.

6. Method according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that when a concrete mix is ​​detected as having both slump Δ > 0 and H2O Δ < 0, the delta values ​​being calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values, a processor initiates an indication that the pouring of a load of concrete mix into a mixing drum of the delivery truck should be delayed to allow the slump of the load to decrease over time; or, alternatively, initiates an indication that an adjustment should be made to the design of the concrete mix, or initiates an adjustment, the adjustment being chosen from altering the water content or amount of plasticizer or relative proportions thereof.

7. Method according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that when a concrete mix is ​​detected as having both slump Δ < 0 and H2O Δ > 0, the delta values ​​being calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values, a processor initiates an indication that an adjustment to the concrete mix or mix design should be made, or otherwise makes an adjustment to the concrete mix or mix design, the adjustment comprising the addition of chemical plasticizer, addition of aggregate, addition of cement or a combination thereof.

8. A method according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that at least three protocols are stored in memory and available for access by a processor of a dosing or abatement monitoring system, the protocols comprising at least one adjustment or indication that an adjustment needs to be made to a mixture or mixture design, with respect to where (A) both abatement Δ and H2O Δ are > 0; (B) both abatement Δ and H2O Δ are < 0; and (C) abatement Δ < 0 and H2O Δ > 0, or abatement Δ > 0 and H2O Δ < 0, wherein the delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values; and the processor accesses and executes at least one of said protocols depending on whether one or both abatement Δ and H2O Δ are greater than or equal to 0.

9. Method according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the slump Δ and H2O Δ are calculated for a current delivery concrete mix load based on the differences between target values ​​and monitored values ​​and based on a comparison with the DDD curve for the mix design, a processor sends a warning or indication to a concrete plant operator or batching system processor that the concrete mix design requires adjustment, the adjustment comprising at least one change in the content of water, plasticizer, cement, aggregates or a combination thereof, or in the relative proportions of any of the foregoing components, wherein subsequent batched concrete loads of the mix design are determined to have an adjustment of slump Δ, H2O Δ, or both to the state in which slump Δ or H2O Δ or both values ​​are closer to zero. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, p. 85 / 176 5 / 9 10. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the diagnostic delta data curve, derived from delta values ​​calculated based on the differences between target values ​​and monitored values, is visually illustrated on a screen device as perpendicular axes that intersect defining four quadrants, wherein a first quadrant corresponds to abatement Δ > 0 and H2O Δ > 0; a second quadrant corresponds to abatement Δ > 0 and H2O Δ < 0; a third quadrant corresponds to abatement Δ < 0 and H2O Δ < 0; and a fourth quadrant corresponds to abatement Δ < 0 and H2O Δ > 0.

11. Method, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the diagnostic delta data curve, derived from delta values ​​calculated based on the differences between target values ​​and monitored values, is illustrated as crossing the vertical axis and the horizontal axis at a common point.

12. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that where an automated slump monitoring system detects that slump Δ exceeds 5 inches, and H2O Δ exceeds 5 gallons per yard of concrete, then the slump monitoring system sends an indication to a concrete plant operator to adjust the concrete mix design and illustrates the monitored values ​​of slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​as a data point on the diagnostic delta data curve illustrated as the intersection of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis at a common point, and the data point is shown as plotted as non-coincident with the diagnostic delta data curve.

13. Method, according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that the slump monitoring system sends an indication to a central concrete operator to adjust the concrete mix design and illustrates the monitored slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​as a data point on the diagnostic delta data curve illustrated as intersecting both the vertical and horizontal axes at a common point and the data point is shown as plotted as non-coincident with the diagnostic delta data curve when slump Δ exceeds 1 inch and H2O Δ exceeds 1 gallon per yard of concrete.

14. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that at least one data point is illustrated in relation to the diagnostic delta data curve on a monitor screen, wherein the method further comprises providing an interactive data retrieval function in which a user touches the monitor screen at one of four quadrant locations defined by the intersection of the vertical and horizontal axes, thereby activating data retrieval which comprises concrete mix data information from a concrete producer on the monitor screen.

15. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the rebate value Δ is calculated based on the subtractive differences or rates between a target rebate value as defined in a dosing ticket.

16. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the H2O Δ value is calculated based on subtractive differences or ratios between the maximum target water content as defined in a dosage slip.

17. System comprising: at least one slump monitoring system for monitoring slump and water content and additions in a concrete mix charge contained in rotary mixing drums on concrete delivery trucks, the system having sensors to monitor slump and water additions introduced into the concrete charge, the sensors communicating with a slump monitoring system processor, CHARACTERIZED in that the processor is configured or programmed to execute the method as defined in claim 1.

18. Method for effecting or improving processor-driven adjustment for a concrete mix design or concrete mix design, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: (A) collecting slump and water content data, using at least one slump monitoring system, from a plurality of concrete mix load deliveries made from a concrete mix design; (B) calculating a slump delta value (slump Δ) and a water content delta value (H2O Δ) for the plurality of deliveries, wherein: slump Δ value is calculated based on differences between a target slump value for at least one concrete mix load and the slump value obtained for at least one concrete mix during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site;The H2O Δ value is calculated based on the difference between a maximum target water content for at least one batch of concrete mix and the water content value as determined for the concrete mix during delivery from the concrete plant to a construction site;(C) establish a diagnostic delta data curve derived from at least two data points selected from data obtained from the plurality of concrete deliveries, at least one data point of which contains the slump Δ = H2O Δ = zero (+ / - 1.5 inches in the case of slump Δ, + / - 1.5 gallons per cubic yard of concrete in the case of H2O Δ)), wherein the delta values ​​are calculated based on differences between target values ​​and monitored values, and wherein the at least one other data point relates to at least one concrete load delivery in which at least one of slump Δ and H2O Δ (and more preferably both) are less than or greater than zero;(D) adjust a concrete mix or mix design based on the comparison of slump Δ and H2O Δ of a concrete mix load delivery with the diagnostic delta data curve, the adjustment being made in terms of cement, plasticizer, or amount of cement or ratio with the concrete mix or mix design; and (E) make or adjust a concrete mix or mix design subsequent to the adjustment in step (C) and subsequently make an additional concrete mix that reflects the adjustment made to the concrete mix or mix design.

19. Method, according to claim 18, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises displaying on the visual display screen the diagnostic delta data curve calculated from abatement Δ and H2O Δ obtained from at least 10 deliveries, the delta values ​​being calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values, the curve illustrated as having a point at which abatement Δ and H2O Δ are equal to zero (and cross the horizontal axis and the vertical axis at (0, 0) wherein the horizontal axis indicates delta values ​​of water content and the vertical axis indicates delta values ​​of abatement).

20. Method, according to claim 18, CHARACTERIZED in that the abatement value Δ is calculated based on subtractive differences or ratios between a target abatement value as defined in a dosing ticket.

21. Method according to claim 18, CHARACTERIZED in that the H2O Δ value is calculated based on subtractive differences or ratios between a maximum target water content as defined in a dosage slip. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, p. 89 / 176 9 / 9 22. Method, according to claim 18, CHARACTERIZED in that said method contains at least one data point which contains slump Δ = H2O Δ = + / - 1 inch in the case of slump Δ and + / - 1 gallon per cubic yard of concrete in the case of H2O Δ.

23. Method, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: collecting slump Δ and H2O Δ data pairs from a plurality of delivered concrete loads using a slump monitoring device on at least one concrete delivery truck, deriving a “diagnostic delta data” (DDD) curve based on a curvilinear relationship of average and / or normalized slump Δ and H2O Δ data pairs in which, in at least one of the pairs, the target slump and target water content were achieved;and display, on a monitor or screen, the DDD curve and at least one other pair of slump Δ, H2O Δ data wherein at least one or both slump Δ and H2O Δ values ​​are less than or greater than zero, wherein the delta values ​​are calculated based on the differences between the target values ​​and the monitored values, and wherein the slump Δ value is calculated based on the differences between a target slump value for at least one concrete mix load and the slump value obtained for at least one concrete mix during delivery thereof from a concrete plant to a construction site; and the H2O Δ value is calculated based on the differences between a maximum target water content for at least one concrete mix load and the water content value as determined for the concrete mix during delivery thereof from the concrete plant to a construction site. Petition 870260034213, dated 04 / 13 / 2026, pp. 90 / 176;

Images